The next day, Ian took me to the new California Academy of Sciences Aquarium that just opened in Golden Gate Park. It was impressive! Even though Zach wasn't with us, I could totally see why he loves this place. Since I just got out of the hospital and still on the weak side, we could only stay about an hour. I didn't get to see the famed rain forest (the line was too long), but I did see the white alligator, sting rays and many other fish and reptiles.
So, how did I end up back in the hospital? Starting Monday night (yes, the night I came home), I started running low-grade fevers. The fevers would start in the evening and be gone by morning ... until Saturday. Saturday, I got a fever earlier than usual and, by dinnertime, I was in the "call-the-clinic" zone. Though not alarmed, they wanted me to go to emergency and get checked out. It could be a relatively indolent virus that would resolve itself on its own ... or it could be a nasty bacterial infection. Best not to take chances, though.
To make a long story short, they decide to keep me overnight ... and then for the next day, to "be on the safe side." On Sunday night they find it: Enterococcus. Enterocococus is a type of Strep bacteria (no, nothing to do with a sore throat) that becomes a villain if it gets in your blood stream. The docs are guessing that I picked up mine during my last visit, during my surgery or through my IV.
I've been here for four days now and there is talk that I will go home tomorrow. But it's not without drama ... During my stay, I found out the hard way that I am allergic to two antibiotics, Cetepine & Zosyn. They both give me rashes and Cetepine makes me extremely nauseous (which is why I haven't written sooner).
Let's see if I really get out -- and stay out -- tomorrow!
cheers,
Katie
Comments (8)
Hi Katie,
Obama is our new president! I hope you got to celebrate somewhat in your sterile little room. Though not that sterile, it turns out. I am sorry that you are in there again. I miss you and yours a lot and was hoping maybe to see you this holiday weekend. If you get sent home and are up to it, please let us know and we'll drive up.
Jerod and I bought a new condo in Palo Alto. We will move in January and we're very excited to share it with you guys.
I took Luce to the Natural History Museum -- pretty cool, huh? Luce loved the fish, but feared the gorilla "scene".
All my love,
Adrienne
Posted by Adrienne Van Gorden | November 5, 2008 2:45 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 14:45
Hang in there. Hopefully, you'll be home by the time you get this - and - stay home for good.
Posted by jamie zarling | November 5, 2008 5:40 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 17:40
I was thinking of you last night, knowing you must be so thrilled (as I am!) about Obama's win. I was picturing you home celebrating with your family, so I am really sorry to hear you're stuck in the hospital again. I will say a prayer tonight that you can go home -- at last! -- tomorrow. Thinking of you, my dear. Lots of love, Mer
Posted by Anonymous | November 5, 2008 9:08 PM
Posted on November 5, 2008 21:08
We're real sorry about the hospital again. And the irony of all ironies, about how you may have picked up the strep from there. Sounds like you had some good time on the outside. Vinnie wants to know, did you get to see the penguins?!
Posted by Shona | November 6, 2008 10:09 AM
Posted on November 6, 2008 10:09
Gosh, I can't believe that. I think your career choice after all this is to become a nurse, since you certainly have enough compassion and patience to last a lifetime! ;) Katie, hopefully you're on the right antibiotics by now and will kick that strep out. xoxo Marie
Posted by Marie | November 6, 2008 6:03 PM
Posted on November 6, 2008 18:03
For the last three weeks I have been without a computer. Catching up with you took my breath away--what a time you have had! I will keep my eye peeled for word that you are home again and on the mend. Laparoscopy is sure a blessing. I remember when my mom had her gall bladder out back in 1964. The surgery was a Big Deal with a week in the hospital and 6 weeks of recuperating at home. While I am ooh, so sorry that your gall bladder had to exit, I am ooh, so grateful that removal is barely more than a blip on the radar screen these days.
In my absense from cyberspace I dyed wool for a quilt I am planning. I loved the adventure. Each time a took a piece out of my dyepot on the stove, it was like unwrapping a Christmas surprise of color. I hung the bright piece on a clothesline that came to look like a collection of Tibetan prayer flags. The process was great fun.
Lovingly, Eva
Posted by Eva | November 7, 2008 9:16 AM
Posted on November 7, 2008 09:16
Sorry to hear you've still been in and out of the Hospital... What a drag! I guess it's all part of the ultimate cage match battle royale going on in your body, and it is through these battles that the war is ultimately won. Try to keep your chin and spirits up... Here's another reminder that we're all out here pushing for you!
And as a reminder of what's possible... From one of the more cynical people you're likely to know... Let me say that after Tuesday, if even I can find renewed faith in our electorate, the future is WIDE OPEN!
Cheers,
A
Posted by Aaron | November 7, 2008 11:28 AM
Posted on November 7, 2008 11:28
Dear Katie,
It is my 3rd night at work and it is slow which is so-o-o unusal. It is kind of hard to stay awake with the quiet. I talked with you last Thurday and I hope that you are home by now and feeeling a little better. UGH, hospital, the pits!!!
I had a good time last weekend with my friend. We went to a retreat at a lake resort and it was really beautiful. the colors were spectacular and there were all sorts of deer. the talks were really inspiring and the food was good and cheap. My friend, Phyllis and I got along good together. we even did some antiquing. So it was a successful trip and really relaxing-lots of time to walk around or just rest or eat.
Well, it is going on 0500 and I need to get some things finished up. take care.
Love and hugs,
Mom
Posted by Mom | November 10, 2008 2:43 AM
Posted on November 10, 2008 02:43