It happened suddenly. Last year on April 29, I was admitted to the emergency room at Exeter Hospital in Exeter, New Hampshire—a mere 12-minute ride from our home. No sooner was I greeted by masked workers and my temp taken at the front door, Bob was asked to wait in the car while I was whisked into an exam room where five nurse specialists began working on me. They took my vitals, an EKG; reviewed my medical history; traced the red infection with a purple marker to keep track of any further spread; asked me about my meds and supplements; took blood tests and inserted an IV line; took a chest x-ray; and then wheeled me in my gurney for an ultrasound to rule out blood clots.
The Emergency Room doctor then told me I would need to spend the night. I called Bob to let him know. (Little did we know that that one overnight visit would turn into five.)
The next morning, the infection spread beyond the purple marks made on my arm in the Emergency Room the night before. I was put on two antibiotic drips—one in the morning, and one at night. I was given meds for pain, nausea and headaches. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob was not allowed in the hospital. Other visitors were also prohibited from seeing me. Later, I realized that this was a good thing as I was able to rest for longer periods of time.
Back to the beginning of my story, which began at dinnertime. I told Bob I was having burning pain at the top of my right arm. This is the arm with Lymphedema that I have been nursing for 5 years after more than 30 lymph nodes were surgically removed (after a breast cancer recurrence) during the bilateral removal of my reconstructed breasts. For more information explaining Lymphedema infections, feel free to read the following:
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/lymphedema/infection
Unable to remove my lightweight new balance jacket, I asked Bob for assistance. It was tough pulling it off. In addition to the pain, my arm was very swollen and appeared differently from any previous swelling that required compression wrappings by a Lymphedema therapist.
Little did I know that this burning and swollen arm would turn into yet another first-time experience for Bob and me.
The redness felt like fire hot coals were being poured on my skin. Then came immediate dry heaves and chills. We were both surprised at how quickly these symptoms spread. Bob then took my temperature, which showed I was running a fever.
What did we do then? Bob called my GP’s office during after hours. The answering service contacted the RN on duty for my GP who returned the call while I was in bed freezing. She spoke with Bob. He passed the phone to me to explain my situation. By the time I mentioned chills she said, “I’ve heard enough. You need to go to Emergency now.”
As Bob ran around like I was about to have a baby, he said, “I’ve got to walk Rocky first.” That’s when I snapped saying “No. You’re taking me to the hospital. Just let Peter (our neighbor) know what’s going on. We can drop Rocky off as we leave.” Peter met us at the car door, took Rocky out of the car, and off we went to Exeter Hospital with our masks.
By the time we reached the hospital, the infection had spread into my right forearm. While the medical team was working on me, I was concerned that I would get the Coronavirus despite my wearing a mask and all the medical workers wearing masks and glove.
They took great care in asking me questions that eliminated me from having to have COVID-19 testing. I did NOT have shortness of breath, chest pains or a difficult time breathing. They assured me that the COVID patients were being treated in a separate area from other patients.
I was told that I had cellulites—a lymphatic bacterial infection. The lab was trying to identify the specific bacteria via blood cultures. Identifying the specific bacteria would be beneficial to my antibiotic infusion treatments.
On Saturday, May 2, with a midline IV catheter inserted into my upper left arm, I was released to go home where I would continue to receive antibiotic infusions.
Visiting nurses have come to our home (all of us with masks) to take my vitals, rewrap my right arm and teach Bob how to give me antibiotic infusions in my midline catheter for 10 days. Depending on the blood tests, we’ll be told when the midline will be removed. Hopefully, it will be next Tuesday.
Between the infection, the antibiotics, and the meds, it’s understandable that I am very fatigued. All this time I’m keeping my wrapped right arm and gloved hand elevated on a foam wedge, day and night. This means I’m down to my left hand—my writing hand as I peck out this message. I am also using the voice activation feature for some of my iPhone text messages and emails, etc. Adapting my daily living skills to one hand includes hand washing using a gentle light handled brush.
Taking a clue from the hospital, I suggested to Bob, that he give me small 1/2 size bottles of water, apple juice, cranberry juice, and small containers of saltines, graham crackers, jello, pudding, bananas, applesauce, and peaches. I can open them easily once Bob has unscrewed the seal.
All in all, Bob and I were fortunate to know when to call the doctor. Had we ignored my sudden symptoms by withstanding the chills and pain throughout the night, the bacterial infection would have spread to more of my body causing the infection to be more life threatening.
Bob and I are in a good place to receive immediate medical attention. And our new home is a perfect place for me to recoup. We are grateful to our “medical village” that consists of a cooperative and organized team of friendly medical specialists and nurses who are just a phone call away.
We continue to count our blessings for the people in our life. Stay safe!