There's No Place Like HOME!

On my way home.....YAY!!!

Well, after a successful trial of the new antibiotic on Wednesday morning and the continued tolerance of the following dose today.....I am HOME!  After 9 days in the hospital, there certainly is no place like home!!!  Of course, I will desperately miss all the IV pump beeping at 2am and the frequent nurse and vital checks throughout the night, but I think I can learn to live without them. ;)  Ezra is overjoyed to be back with his favorite toys and much loved freedom.  He really is such a trooper staying day and night in the hospital with me and I know I am incredibly blessed to have him!  He had to do his most important job (alerting) the other day...They had stopped my antibiotic (that requires premedication) for my Hohn procedure and then the nurse started it back afterwards (3 1/2 - 4 hours later) without a pretreat.  Well, Mr. Ezra knew my body was not having it and insisted the nurse do something.  I asked for my rescue meds because of what Ezra was telling us and the nurse was totally fine with it, but she kept hinting that maybe he was wanting on my bed or something.  I knew differently because of the tone of voice Ezra was using...it was definitely not his begging voice.  She was stunned when, right after she pushed the rescue meds, Ezra just settled right down for a nap on the couch.  Ezra never ceases to amaze me with his God given talent, and I am forever grateful to have him!

My AMAZING looking Hohn!

Anyway, I'm to continue my new antibiotic once a day until the 12th, get blood cultures drawn on the 21st to make sure the bacteria hasn't returned after being off the antibiotics, and see the Infectious Disease doctor on the 28th just to make sure everything is looking good and isn't showing signs of infection.  If all is successful, I should be done with this ordeal!  I ask that you pray that this antibiotic kills the bacteria completely and this infection doesn't return.  If it returns it could mean some pretty major consequences with my line situation.  I know the Lord knows best, but I REALLY don't need more line issues!  I'm running on VERY few (not so recommended placements) to no vein options.  On an exciting note, my new Hohn line is looking excellent!  Definitely the best a line that is in me has EVER looked! :)

Thank the Lord that I got to come home safely on IV antibiotics, didn't have to continue antibiotics for 4-6 weeks since the clot is gone, and didn't end up having the antibiotic resistant bacteria (MRSA)!!  Thank YOU for your prayers and support through this whole ordeal...it means a lot to me!

Taking Life One Thankful Moment (at HOME!) at a Time...
                                                                                        Allison

Hello friends!

     My cultures have come back clear so far and I received my new Hohn line yesterday morning.  I woke up from anesthesia in quite a bit of pain, but overall the procedure went well.  I still have 2 IVs until they are for certain that my Hohn is successful.  Before I was taken down for the procedure, I saw the ID doctor and she was quite certain that I would either go home yesterday or today, continuing my IV antibiotic for 2 weeks from the day they removed my infected line.  I was thrilled with the thought of breaking out of here..... however, that isn't taking place.

My new Hohn line.

Smiles after my Hohn procedure.

My excuse for not many updates...
it's all Ezra's fault! ;)

They are trying a new IV antibiotic today (Wednesday) because they are having a rough time regulating my current antibiotic.  My body only tolerates it at a low rate, causing each infusion to take much longer, and I need 3 infusions per day.  The new one will only need to be taken once a day and isn't so sensitive with having to monitor the levels in my body.  They plan to start me on a tiny dose to make sure I can tolerate it and, if I have a reaction, I won't have a ton of the new antibiotic to clear out of my system.  Hoping I do good with it, not only because it'll be easier, but its always nice to have more than one antibiotic option!  Anyway, sounds like I have an extended stay voucher at the Medical Inn & Suites. ;)  Hopefully only a couple more days until my "vacation" ends!  Somehow I never expected to be one that got a blood infection.... I guess its just one of those things you know could happen, but never expect it to happen to you.  I am definitely ready to be home already, but I know the Lord has a reason for me being here, and I just have to trust Him.  He knows much more than I do!

Sweet clingy Ezra after being separated from
Mommy for 3 1/2 hours for the Hohn procedure.

Psalm 142:7

"Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise thy name: the righteous shall compass me about; for thou shalt deal bountifully with me."