Debbi Bifulco Update

[Catflower]

Debbi:

I started having drainage from my incision about 19 days post op.  It was gross, kind of yellowish and had an odor.  (Hate to be too gross here, but it might help).  It turned out to be an infection and they had to go in and remove the metal mesh, clean it out and sew me back together.  Actually, before I got admitted to the hospital the incision actually opened up and you could see the metal mesh.  After discharge I had to be on very heavy duty IV antibiotics at home for six weeks.

I don't mean to frighten you, but don't mess with this.  It could be serious. 

Best of luck
Linda in WV

[MaryBKAriz]

Hi Debbi,

I am just sending a note to you to tell you I am cheering you on. I am sorry you are having some issues but I feel confident with your spirit you will be okay. You are such an upbeat person, it seems only realistic you would have some days that are down. Hang in there!

Hugs,

Mary

[Debbi]

Thanks, Linda.  This is very useful.  And, I appreciate you being specific about the discharge.  If it is not better tomorrow morning, I will be going back to the hospital - Dr. Roland is concerned that there may be an infection, even though I am not running a fever and don't have some of the other symptoms.  And, as much as I dread possibly going back to the hospital, I agree that this is nothing to mess around with.  You and Kay have both gone through bad experiences with infection and (no offense) I don't want to follow in your footsteps!  

It was a stroke of brilliance that my mom suggested taking a close up picture of it this morning - the doc seemed to find that very useful.  It grossed me out, but what the heck.

Meanwhile, as a little bit of humor - Willie, my beloved husband is about the most squeemish guy on earth (can't even watch Gray's Anatomy without geting grossed out!)  And, if you could have seen him these last few days carefully cleaning my wound, describing it it detail to the doctor ... well, no wonder he is the love of my life.  Of course, as he reminds me, I am now in debt forevery!!!  

Thanks again for the words of wisdom, Linda.  

I'll post back later with updates... hopefully good ones...

Debbi - with a yucky head...

[wendysig]

Darn Debbi !!!

Sorry to hear you're  stilll leaking.  I will continue to keep all my fingers crossed for your.  Digging in the dirt and taking a nice long naps sounds good to me too.  Don't get too discouraged.  The power of positive thinking can work wonders.

Hoping your leaky incision turns itself off today.

Wendy

[leapyrtwins]

Debbi -

I think the picture was a great idea.  Kind of saved you one trip to the doctor's.

Hopefully you won't have to go be stitched back up, but if you do, it shouldn't be nearly as bad as the surgery. 

Keep your chin up 

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Debbi:

I'm so sorry the darn incision continues to leak but at least it isn't CSF and can probably be repaired fairly easily, even if you have to re-enter the hospital for a few days, probably as much for observation as anything else.  You sure don't want an infection.

I'm sure you'll find much to be positive about today, Debbi.  After all, you've had a successful surgery and seem to be recovering fairly quickly, even allowing for this one annoying complication, which will be soon be resolved.  Of course, you'll likely have to slow down a bit, but time passes quickly and you'll be back on track soon, I'm sure.  Hang in there. 

BTW:  Your husband sounds like a great guy.  I'm glad you appreciate him. 

Jim

[Debbi]

Thanks, all, for the kind words.  I took some time to count my blessings today (thanks to Zeek for that idea!) and am feeling better.  Even if it turns out to be an infection, I am confident that it will clear up.  Meantime, I am taking it very easy and having my "team" (Mom, dad, and Willie) change my dressing, take pictures, etc.  Sent the mid-day pics to the surgeon and he was encouraged to see that it seemed a wee bit less red. 

I guess every road worth traveling has an occasional bump, right?

And, BTW, have I mentioned recently how very, very glad I am to have found this forum - and all of you - so early in my journey?  You are all so amazing and every time I read posts, I come away feeling hopeful, encouraged, and inspired. 

Debbi - taking it easy in NJ...

[lori67]

Debbi -

It's just too bad these "AN bumps" have to be on our heads!  Ouch!

Glad you're taking it easy.  Tell Willie to keep up the good work with the Windex and the sterile dressings - sounds like he's doing a great job!

Lori

[Kaybo]

Debbi~
We're glad you found us too - you are just a ray of sunshine!!  You still have a great attitude, even with the bumps!!
 
K

[jerseygirl]

Debbie,

I am so sorry to hear about leaking! As annoying as it might be, I am sure it is a temporary thing and you will heal. On the positive note, I got my crystal ball out today and all I see iare chopsticks, sushi and lots of wine in your future! Hang in there, it will get better!

                                   
                Eve

[leapyrtwins]

I guess every road worth traveling has an occasional bump, right?

Absolutely 

Jan

[wendysig]

Hi Debbi -

Sounds like you have a great support group there at home too   You are such a resilient person I'm sure this bump in the road won't set you back too much.  In the meantime, relax and let your family pamper and spoil you.  Long leisurely naps sound good too, especially if one of your furry friends are keeping you company.  I know my cat, Oscar always makes me feel better when I'm feeling down.  Before you know it, you'll be back to gardening and driving again!!

Wishing you all the best!

Wendy

[cmp]

Wow, Debbi, so sorry to hear this sequel to your surgery is stubbornly dragging on! I hope it will get wrapped up, without an infection (or a speedily resolved one) soon... Please get lots and lots of rest--sounds like a good time in your life to lie very very low and let the healing thoughts being sent your way take effect...

The wonderful silver lining to all this (besides that it wasn't a CSF leak) is that you continue to have improvement in your facial function (SO excited to read further back in this thread that your eye has almost closed! So many post-surgical problems are on the way to being dodged right there!)

And, of course, that you are (re)discovering just how deep your bond with your usually squeamish husband is... (I totally identify with this--my husband can't watch the weekly gross-out scene on "House" without covering his eyes or even LISTEN to a graphic description of a medical procedure/problem, but I have confidence that like yours he'll have my back without passing out if anything comes up in June!)

Looking forward to hearing good news from you soon...

[ppearl214]

Ok, Debbi.... enough! We want you well, dang it!  I know you do too!  Hang in there and know I'm cheering you on! If I have to put my CK mask back on to try to bring you a healing giggle, well, dang it! I'll do it!  Whatever it takes to make you well!

xo
Phyl

[Debbi]

Okay, I just did another quick post elsewhere - I am headed back to the hospital today.  Will have Willie update this thread later.  Ugh - I hate having a setback at this point.