Monday, January 9, 2012

I'm finally on the mend-in the hospital

Thank you so much for all your caring comments and e-mails.  You will never know how much they meant to me.

Right now I'm sitting in a Kaiser Hospital in San Diego. I called the Kaiser Nurse on Monday and she said to drive to the closest emergency room, so I went into Blythe.  I was there all night, from around 8:30 pm to 7:30 am Tuesday. I had a weird diagnosis that I won't go into, because it was wrong. I stopped at Quiet Times to pick up a package, dropped off my library books, dumped tanks and filed the water tank, and was driving out toward the 95 to go back to La Posa West when my phone range.  It was my doctor from San Diego. She said the radiologist at the Blythe ER had gone over my CT scans again this morning, and he had misdiagnosed the pictures, and my doctor wanted me to drive to the nearest Kaiser ER right now.

I told her I was in Arizona, the nearest Kaiser ER was in San Diego, but I'd rather be there, because that's were I'm from and my son is there with his family, and they can take care of Katie.  I never went back to my campsite, just left everything there and started driving.  I called my neighbor Hazel, who has been great, and she will take care of things for me.

It took five hours to get to San Diego and I was still feeling okay.  My doctor said if I started to get ANY stomach pain I was to drive to the side of the road, call 911 and have an ambulance drive me immediately to the closest ER.  That gave me more confidence - to have her permission to do that, and still try to get to San Diego.  There was some worry about an intestinal rupture.  We stopped once for gas and potty for Katie, and Arrived early evening in the ER check in, where we waited for hours to be seen.

Kaiser Zion ER is the only Kaiser ER in the entire San Diego area, so, although it's large, it's really busy and constantly moving people in and out.  From what I was told, they planed to build another hospital with an ER in South San Diego, but were not allowed to, unless the opened up the ER to the people in the area that don't have insurance, and let them use it.  Kaiser declined. You can imagine what would have happened - but I don't want to be political on my blog, so...

I was finally seen, they did another CT scan of my abdomen, and scheduled me for immediate surgery, where they took out a foot of my lower intestine, which was incorrectly shaped, or something weird. (While they were in there, the doctor told me later, they also removed my appendix.)  I'm just now feeling pretty "with it" so I need to get more info from my doctor.  Nothing else wrong, no cancer or anything like that.  So, surgery around 1:30 Thursday night (Friday morning) and it's now Monday at 8 a.m.  I'm still having a problem getting around, but MUCH better than before.

I think I'm going home tomorrow, and I'll be at my son's house in their guest room.  I'm thinking when I feel better I can live in his front driveway in The Palms - using the couch as a bed - until I'm back to normal and then find a place to stay around San Diego for a while. I know it can take up to a year to totally recuperate from major surgery and I want to take it easy.

So that's it.  It really was something, just not appendicitis, and now - thank goodness - it's been fixed.

Again, thank you for all your concerns, I'm definitely on the upswing now and will post again soon with another update.

From Me and My Dog, have a great Monday everyone!  :)

54 comments:

  1. OMG had no idea. So glad your on the mend. Get well soon. (((Hugs)))for you and Katie. Smart that you listened to the doc.

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  2. Sorry to hear you had to have surgery but we are glad they were able to take care of the problem and also make it back to San Diego to be close to your family, and not to have to worry about Katie's care. Hope your total recovery is quick so you can continue on soon with your travels. We wondered if you were ok when when we hadn't seen any activity on your blog for a few days. Glad to see you back.

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  3. You have just experienced one of my greatest fears...sick on the road. I am impressed by your tenacity and attitude. I hope you have a quick recovery and get back with it soon. I will be praying for you.

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  4. I am glad that they found, what the problem was, and fixed it. Very glad that the first doctor was one who could admit a mistake and then set about to rectify that. Trust me, not all do. I am unfortunate enough to know that they all do not.

    I've had a number of major surgeries and the first month, after, is the hardest. The reason they say a year- to fully recover- is when they remove organs, it leaves a 'gap' that the other organs will shift into. You want to strictly adhere to the lifting weight limit that your doctor sets.

    I am very glad that you were able to get the Palms over to San Diego, where you have family and can recover.

    I know what you mean about wanting to stay in her, in your son's drive way. She is your 'home', for you and Katie, and you will be nice and close for your son, and family, to check up on you.

    Take care and get well soon! I will keep you in my prayers.

    Sheila :)

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  5. Denise and Sandie kept us posted on what they knew. So glad you're doing better and in safe hands around family. Get well.

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  6. Wow what a shock when I read your blog. So glad that you're on the mend. Never imagined something so serious, thought maybe you ate something bad.
    Hope you feel better real soon, and take care of yourself. Lucky you're close to your son's place.

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  7. I've been late to read blogs past few days because of everything going on here so I'm shocked! I'm very happy to hear that you are on the mend. I know how scary it can be--I left my gall bladder in Rapid City, SD and I was fortunate to have my husband with me.

    Follow advice and don't do anything you're not supposed to, and get well fast. My thoughts among so many others' are with you as you recover. Glad it wasn't something that has lasting consequences.

    Katie will be so happy to see you!

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  8. OMG.!!! So sorry this had to happen to you, but appears everything turned out & u are on the mend. How awful to be feeling like that and away from your normal surroundings, per se. Hope all continues ok & u are dancing a jig in no time.

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  9. Holy cow! What an experience. Best wishes for your speedy recovery.

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  10. OMG popped in to check on you since your last post and wondered what was up...so glad you decided to check it out...god bless you driving all those hours...heres to a speed recovery for you and a heartful thanks that it wasn't worse than it was ....good luck...

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  11. I am so glad you caught that in time. If something happens again do get an ambulance to take you to the hospital.
    That way you get seen to much quicker. My daughter waited for about 8 hours in emergency after driving there herself because of severe stomach pain. While she waited her appendix broke it it got to be a major operation. Not good.
    It is great that you can stay at your son's place and later on in your own "home" but close. I wish you a speedy recovery.
    PS I really enjoy your Blog ☺

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  12. I hope that your recovery goes smoothly. Glad that you were able to get to San Diego, that took some courage, but I understand why you wanted to be there.

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  13. I rarely comment ob logs I read , I'm visually challenged but I just had to say how sorry I am that you have been through this, please get well soon, rest and let someone atke care of you.I have so enjoyed reading of your adventures and I told you once in a comment that I envy your brave hearteness to live a dream, I love to travel through your adventures with you.Even if I don't comment know that in Northern Canada I think of you, take care,

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  14. Wow Barbara! I'm so sorry this happened to you but glad that you got fixed. Thank goodness you got back to San Diego in time. Glad you and Katie are OK.

    XOXOOXOX,

    Kim

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  15. I've missed your posts for the last week or so and now the mystery is answered. I am so glad that everything was successful and that you are on your way to a full recovery. Take care and don't rush to get back on the road! Get well soon.

    Collier Carlton
    Holly Springs, MS

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  16. So glad you were able to get the help you needed. Heal well, and get back on the road.

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  17. Hey Barb, been checking your blog every day worried about you, but glad everything turned out ok. Scary stuff, I know, I got really sick in LA this summer with family thousands of miles away. I'm just up the road from you, so if you need anything give a hollar. Driveway's open if you need it with a fenced yard for Miss Katy. I was hoping to meet up with you in Q, that's not gonna happen, but it's ok, maybe down in SD when you're feeling better. Sharon ps..I've lost your email addy, so when you're up for visitors let me know.

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  18. So sorry to hear you have been ill.Took a lot of mokzy to drive when you were feeling so bad, cudo's to you. Hope you are permanently fixed, glad that you will be somewhere Katie can be w/you...They like to take care of their mom's..amazing what they can sense...I sometimes think Riggins was a nurse in a past life.
    Take care and do what the doctors tell you....Speedy recovery

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  19. Wow!! So glad to hear you are on the mend now. Take your time at your son's home til you get your strength back. No rush trying to get back on the road, just take the time to mend and heal.

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  20. Wow, Barbara, what a shocker to hear that you are in the hospital, although I'm glad that you are on the mend.
    Yes, after major surgery, it does take a long time to get back to normal. It's been2 yrs since mine. After 2 or 3 months I started to lose some of my hair. It's a lot thinner now but is finally coming back even though what I have grows really fast because I eat a lot of protein.
    As you probably know I am now retired and will be heading south at the end of the month. I guess I will miss you on my way through Q, but we will catch up later on down the road. Hope you are up and about soon. You are in my prayers.

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  21. Hi Barbara, glad you made it to San Diego and that you and Katie are in good hands. In the surgery I shared with you on a previous post I too had lower intestine removed (7 inches) - just didn't want to scare you. Hopefully it won't take you a year to heal but it sounds like you're in a good place if it does. There's grace in that. Love, hugZ and speedy recovery, Debra (and Nonni, and Bentley, and Miss Hope)

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  22. Getting ill on the road is one of my fears. I have no medical insurance and waiting till my 65th birthday for Medicare. It hasn't stopped me but it's always on my mind while on the road. Get well soon.

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  23. WOW, what a story. Glad to hear you are okay & pray your recovery is quick. God bless!

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  24. Glad you survived your night in the Blythe Hospital ER. We also had a bad experience there last January when Jim had gallstones. We've heard if you need an ER when you're in Quartzsite it's best to drive a bit farther to Parker.
    Hope you can get back on the road soon.

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  25. Wow! Things can change in an instant..we'll keep you in our prayers. I'm glad that some of your new found friends in Quartzite will keep your site safe (or the stuff on the site..
    Good thing you weren't too far from family.

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  26. I am so glad you were able to go back to San Diego where you have family. That part of solo RVing always worried me - what would happen to Lady if I suddenly got ill and had to call 911. Thank goodness you got the surgery you needed, and I hope your recovery will be speedier than you anticipate.

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  27. A foot of your colon? Geez Louise. Did it just suddenly become badly-shaped, or have you been malformed all your life? Was it, like, in the shape of a poodle or a duck(!)? Did they take it out starting at your ileocecal valve? BTW, if you get a polyp there, it's more likely to be serious than polyps in the rest of your colon, so there's your bright side.

    Glad you're on the mend. I'm not sure I like the cut of Kaiser's jib, but I don't want to get political on your blog, either.

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  28. I am so sorry. I had been behind on blog reading and just found out you had surgery.

    You are one tough woman! I'm so glad you are with family with someone to take care of both you and Katie.

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  29. Thanks so much for the update Barb. Glad you're feeling good enough to blog again. We'll definitely see you again next year.

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  30. Barbara I am so sorry to hear this, but glad you made it back to San Diego so your son can help you out. Sure hope you take care of yourself and recover fully so you can enjoy your life on the road. BIG HUGS to you and Katie. Please keep us informed on your progress as you are able.

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  31. Get well soon. I'll keep you in my prayers!

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  32. We've been worried about you since you started having those pains! Glad you were able to get to San Diego and get into the ER and finally get someone to look at it and do something for you. Happy to hear that you're doing fine, and there was nothing more found...surgery is bad enough! We'll be praying for you, Barbara. Tell Katie not to worry about you too much, and tell your son to give her a big smooch for us, o.k.?

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  33. Barb, I had no idea what all you were going through! Thank goodness you are with family now - and Katie is in a safe place too. I agree, one of my main concerns on the road with health issues would be for my pet!!
    I wish you a speedy recovery, prayers are being sent your way. I am so proud of you for all that you do.
    --Jool

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  34. I too have beeb worried about you.
    I was afraid when you were'nt posting it must have gotten serious. It must have been so nerve racking driving all alone not knowing how it was going to turn out. Hope you have a speedy recovery and are able to get back to your dream. I used to like parking in the drive way when we went with the MH.Got some privacy
    but also with your own things

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  35. Barbara--so happy to hear that you are okay. Funny to hear people say they are glad you could go home--I'm happy you were able to take your home and Katie with you to a hospital where you felt comfortable. It will be nice to have your own home to live in but still have family close by. Take the time you need to recover but don't let anyone talk you into giving up your dream. You handled your situation with common sense and intelligence. Here is to a speedy recovery.

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  36. Wow, Barbara, you sure are one tough cookie! Good to hear you are on the road to recovery. Sending warm thoughts and prayers your way - wishing you the very best! (((HUGS)))

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  37. WHEW ! So glad we got an update from you. I've been checking your Blog several times a day.

    If there's anything you need just let me know !! I am afterall only a few hours away.

    Rest and heal.

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  38. I was so happy to see your post this evening. I was very concerned. I am so happy you made that trip OK and that you didn't have to pull over.
    Take care and I wish you the best in mending so you can get back on the road.

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  39. So happy you were able to be "fixed". That was some adventure. Hopefully you will be back in the saddle (so to speak) soon. God Bless

    Mike and Dee White
    gonerving.blogspot.com

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  40. Thankful to hear that u r on the mend! Been praying for u because it isn't like u not to post....God bless u with quick recovery and complete healing. So glad ur with family. I admire ur courage and strength. Take care of u and Katie. Prayers r with u!

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  41. So sorry to read about your recent health issues, but thankful that you had a good outcome. Glad the surgery is behind you, that you got near family and that Katie has been looked after. I thought I might have to drive out and pick Katie up and keep you for awhile! Gotta take care of the doggies. Hope you have a speedy recovery!

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  42. What a shocker - that's pretty major surgery. Good for you in being able to make that long drive to San Diego.

    Hope you are feeling better and get out of the hospital real quick.

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  43. I'm so glad all is ok. I check your blog daily and am glad everything is under control. I so admire your spirit and calmness... be well!

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  44. Thank goodness you are on the mend! What a shock when I checked in on your blog to find out you were so sick. So glad you have your family near you and that you (and Katy) will be watched over and pampered.
    Take care and keep us informed.

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  45. Oh wow, those pains really did mean something serious! I'm glad you got to the hospital when you did & that you are on the mend now. Katie will be glad to have you back as well. Recouping in an RV is a nice way to go. Bathroom & kitchen are close. I slept on my sofa after my surgery for several weeks..now I'm still sleeping on it, but for different reasons. Mine isn't as comfortable as the bed, so I use an air mattress on it & that helps. I'm hoping for a fast healing period for you!

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  46. So glad that you are feeling better. I follow your blog and was wondering what happened when you did not post for a few days. Brave lady to drive 5 hours for care. Take care of yourself.

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  47. I'm a little late to the gathering, but want to wish you a speedy recovery.
    Can you imagine if we were all crowded around your bed? I don't think we'd all fit.
    Something to be said for "virtual well wishes".
    Take care.

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  48. I'm late as well. What an experience, you are a strong determined lady to take care of everything yourself. Hope you recover soon and are able to get back to RV'ing! Regards!

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  49. Just a reader from Central Texas, hope you'll be back soon. I miss reading your blog and your beautiful pictures. Best wishes to you and your sweet little doggie.
    Pat/Central Texas

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  50. Wow, glad the docs found out what's been ailing you. Take it easy and enjoy while you completely mend.

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  51. This is Jim. I have been following your adventures since before you sold the condo. I log on every day to read about your travels. I have a sister that lives next to Santee Lakes and visit there often. I am glad to hear that you are feeling better! Hope to read more about your adventures.

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  52. Glad to hear that you are doing so well. You will be on your way in no time. Just don't overdo. Take of yourself

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  53. Wow, glad the docs found out what's been ailing you. Take it easy and enjoy while you completely mend.

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