Up my nose with a rubber hose!

[February]

...and assorted other surgical instruments, apparently...

Well, friends, I am 21 days into what should be a 42 day course of daily IV antibiotic infusions. They are kicking my tail around the block.

Turns out that the dentistry from hell (four large upper teeth lost to bad root canals, hopefully this is where it stops...) mutated into osteomyelitis and chronic sinusitis due to the multiple sinus breaches from the extractions (teeth were rooted there- and now there's a facial bone fragment that's migrated and is blocking my maxillary sinus on the left side) so they have to go in after it. My biggest concern is that the infection has been so near to my eyes all this time.

The IV infusions have held the line while the CT and surgical consults were done but I won't really start getting better until after the surgery. Monday is a marathon of infusion, lab work, pre-op clinic and anesthesiology consult (you guys all know too well how that goes)

At least they are mercifully giving me general this time. No more being awake for surgeries for me after the 5 eye surgeries and all those maxillofacial surgeries this year, nope. I'm not brave anymore. They didn't even suggest it apparently this is always done under general.

Please keep a good thought for me Thursday, if it's not too much trouble? Hopefully this will be the point where I finally start getting better.

There were points during this where I was so sick, I couldn't stand, eat, drink water without choking, or even hold my head up. At several points I looked at March and said "This thing, whatever it is, is eating my face." it turns out, internally, it was. I have never been so sick, so long in my life. They think Staph is to blame for it all.

I am so lucky I got the doctor I did when I did who took it seriously, at last. I'd gone to the ER at one point as I think I'd told you and the maxillofacial surgeon on call vetoed the ER doctor's orders and sent me home without the CT after she'd already started me on IV antibiotics. I went back to the pills, which were not working.

If that guy hadn't done that, we'd have been on the right track almost six weeks sooner...be warned, and hopefully you'll never need that info but if you have pain in your face and sinuses after tooth extraction, (especially if there are any fistulas) do NOT let it go no matter what the dentists (and I had three different specialists bouncing me back and forth) tell you. Time is not your friend here, and it does not heal all wounds. I did everything they told me to, and I just got sicker. I'm hoping soon I'll finally start getting better.

Wish me luck...

xoxo
bru

[hobie16]

Jeez Bru...

It sounds like you've finally got the right people taking care of you. Good luck and we all look forward to your first message after Thursday.

[drcorey]

...and assorted other surgical instruments, apparently...

Well, friends, I am 21 days into what should be a 42 day course of daily IV antibiotic infusions. They are kicking my tail around the block.

Turns out that the dentistry from hell (four large upper teeth lost to bad root canals, hopefully this is where it stops...) mutated into osteomyelitis and chronic sinusitis due to the multiple sinus breaches from the extractions (teeth were rooted there- and now there's a facial bone fragment that's migrated and is blocking my maxillary sinus on the left side) so they have to go in after it. My biggest concern is that the infection has been so near to my eyes all this time.

The IV infusions have held the line while the CT and surgical consults were done but I won't really start getting better until after the surgery. Monday is a marathon of infusion, lab work, pre-op clinic and anesthesiology consult (you guys all know too well how that goes)

At least they are mercifully giving me general this time. No more being awake for surgeries for me after the 5 eye surgeries and all those maxillofacial surgeries this year, nope. I'm not brave anymore. They didn't even suggest it apparently this is always done under general.

Please keep a good thought for me Thursday, if it's not too much trouble? Hopefully this will be the point where I finally start getting better.

There were points during this where I was so sick, I couldn't stand, eat, drink water without choking, or even hold my head up. At several points I looked at March and said "This thing, whatever it is, is eating my face." it turns out, internally, it was. I have never been so sick, so long in my life. They think Staph is to blame for it all.

I am so lucky I got the doctor I did when I did who took it seriously, at last. I'd gone to the ER at one point as I think I'd told you and the maxillofacial surgeon on call vetoed the ER doctor's orders and sent me home without the CT after she'd already started me on IV antibiotics. I went back to the pills, which were not working.

If that guy hadn't done that, we'd have been on the right track almost six weeks sooner...be warned, and hopefully you'll never need that info but if you have pain in your face and sinuses after tooth extraction, (especially if there are any fistulas) do NOT let it go no matter what the dentists (and I had three different specialists bouncing me back and forth) tell you. Time is not your friend here, and it does not heal all wounds. I did everything they told me to, and I just got sicker. I'm hoping soon I'll finally start getting better.

Wish me luck...

xoxo
bru

Wait untill they put you up on the rack to change your oil....

[DisneyMom]

Bru,you know what I'm hoping for-a quick recovery! All that sounds very intense Guess you will always have to demand MDs go the extra mile,you have to be VERY Procative,leave nothing to chance!

[Zazu]

Bru,you know what I'm hoping for-a quick recovery! All that sounds very intense Guess you will always have to demand MDs go the extra mile,you have to be VERY Procative,leave nothing to chance!

A physician friend suggests that the best approach is to find a retired or out-of-work nurse, and pay them (if needed) to go with you. They tend to have very good BS detectors, and if they say you need a new MD or another consult, you probably need one. He also suggests asking your surgeon about who he recommends for anesthesia; don't just take whomever the hospital has in rotation.

Bru, you know we're all pulling for you. Chat soon!

[GaTechGal]

Bru, darling, you have all my prayers and pixies flying your way. Sinuses are just awful places for stuff to hide. I'm SO glad that you've gotten the right team together to get this all taken care of. And I did love the rubber hose reference. Gave me a chuckle and takes me back.

[techie-13]

Sending pixie dust and hugs your way! Hope to hear some good news soon.

[DragonFox98]

Bru, good thoughts are being sent your way. I can't wait to hear from you later this week.

[Monorail_Red]

Wishing all the best...

[February]

Thanks so much for the well wishes and advice everybody. Had all my pre-op stuff done today, tomorrow I'll find out what time to report on Thursday.

Zazu, I wish I'd seen your advice sooner but I will definitely keep it in mind for future. Fortunately after all I've been through in my own history and with my Dad my BS detector is pretty good by this point- hopefully good enough to see me through this. Have had more than one opinion of the CT scan (three different docs actually) and they all agree that this surgery the only option at this point. At least it's all endoscopic these days.

The surgeon I'm seeing is very experienced and he has all the information on my eye surgeries and said they will show extra special care working near them and protect them. Also promised me that anesthesiology will look after my vocal chords (the worst part of this for me is thinking about being tubed. At least I won't be awake for it. . .)

I'm actually more nervous at the moment about the weather headed this way-near hurricane force winds tomorrow and possibly Wednesday too storms and they say maybe even tornadoes. I'm hoping the power stays on and everybody stays safe.

I'm just ready to get this show on the road. . .

GaTech I swear I didn't forget about your file of the painting. Forgive me, I will get it to you eventually!!!

Red...welcome back!

hugs
bru