Another Setback

Well, it was back to the doctor's office yesterday. For the past week I've been running a little fever or having chills. Not all the time, but every other day or so. However, on Thursday both the chills and the fever increased in persistence to get my attention. I was running a fever of 39.1 Thursday night and I called the nurse at the clinic Friday morning. I was asked to come in, and was seen by the surgery resident.

He feels there is an infection somewhere, but aside from some heat on the left side of my chest, and the temperature, I'm not exhibiting any other signs. No redness, no seepage around the wound. He had thought he might need to aspirate the site, but he says there is no fluid there, it is just dense. He prescribed a 14-day round of antibiotics and sent me for a urinalysis and blood cultures.

Let me say again, the IWK is not my favorite place to go for blood work. I'd much rather go to the Dixon Center where they are used to working with hard veins. First there was a debate over whether the doctor wanted the samples taken from one site or two (let me tell you, they're lucky to get blood out of one site these days, the veins in my right arm are all hard, and I'm not allowed to be poked in my left arm ever again). Then the first vein they tried wasn't giving much blood and the girl sticking me called for help. I was long enough with them taking my blood that Rob was getting ready to come looking for me.

I have a follow-up appointment with my surgeon on Wednesday for the pathology report. Hopefully we'll all see an improvement based on the antibiotics. I have plans for next weekend which I'd rather not miss, especially because the event is paid for and at this point is non-refundable.

On an up note. I received two gifts this week. One is a super-soft lounge suit from Kathy W in the Colorado office. I'd be wearing it today, but it is too warm considering the heat I'm still generating. The second gift is the most beautiful scarf I've ever seen. It was hand-woven by Aunt Joyce and it reminds me of a peacock tail. It has the most vibrant, rich colours in it and I can't wait to wear it. It will make even the darkest days brighter.

The boys have moved their fishing weekend to the city (in case I get worse). They were supposed to fish their favorite bass lakes in the Valley, but Rob felt he couldn't be that far away from me in case I do need to be taken to hospital. Kelly may still come out this afternoon. I'm just waiting to see how I feel. I think I've slept about 18 of the last 24 hours.