March 4th - the turning point in recovery and outlook (one of the best days of my life, in a long while); two weeks of quiescence
On March 4th 2022, sits in stark contrast as an improvement when compared to all of this past year. Literally, yesterday was one of the best days of my life that I have had, in a very... very long time.
You might be asking what transpired, culminated or coalesced to inspire and change the prospects of my overall recovery outlook? It all started with an early AM phone call.
My previous infectious disease provider's medical assistant called to ask one simple question "Do you want your new infectious disease provider to take over your care?" My, emphatic reply was: "Yes!"
Now while my old ID's name appeared on my prescriptions, at least it was clear that I didn't want to work with her anymore and regardless that must be respected. I really don't care that my leg specialist isn't happy with that - I have had to endure hell and back so don't start on about how she's "one of the best ID out there... [or] She is part of my interdisciplinary team." With 3-4 weeks of hindsight on this matter, I'm resolute in saying if that's the case, then you have set the bar low. I transparently tell you in the office what is happening to me and instead of distancing yourself from blame in this situation, you are doubling-down on protecting your colleague?
At any rate, I got my PICC line removed on March 17th. I went to the Final Fantasy VII Orchestra World Tour with my good friend Scott, the following day. I would say starting with the week of the 24th onward things have been improving rapidly. Let's just hope that when it comes to next week's appointments: plastic surgeon, leg specialist (to aspirate the joint), and my routine follow-up with my oncologist that everything is good and in order... because the following week is going to be a dive back into literal hell for me for a while. On April 13th (tentatively), I will be going in for what will hopefully be my final surgery. This is where my fusion is reversed and I get a new endoprosthesis put back in. It is hard for me to imagine being in the hospital any less than 5 days, given the nature of the procedure and the skin graft. Additionally my leg will need to be stuck in lock-out using a brace for several weeks.
Anyways to summarize, this is the quiet before the storm... Here's to hoping for a bright recovery and avoiding further complications, such as amputation - although if I find out my leg is still infected after all of this will seriously consider moving forward with.
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