Author Topic: IN ER last night. (Read 5838 times)

mandyh92 · « **on:** July 28, 2012, 02:38:11 pm »

I knew this day would come and have been dreading it for awhile. I noticed yesterday while cleaning alot of puss in my clitoral

area and became very scared. The swelling of the entire area has not gone down much if any since i got home and it seems

like the pain steadily increases each day. So i went to ER last night(i have no insurance so i hope the bill doesnt give me a

heart attack and send me back) to have it checked out. I have massive infection and was put immediatly on two different

IV antibiotics. The ER doc of course had "Never seen anyone like me" and took along time to do anything as he was

calling other dr's to consult. He did an amazing job and sat by my bedside from 11pm - 4am and virtually never left

i found out he got off work at 12am and just stayed on for me. He says it is "Deep Tissue infection" i will google that soon to

get the whole jist of it but what i do know is odds are good i could loose all feeling down their :-(

I have a prescrition for ZOVIRAX,CLEOCIN,Hydrocodone,Flagyl. I will be researching these shortly to find out what they do

i know one is a powerful antibiotic that will probably be $$$$$$$ but i will find out soon. Thanks all for you support i just

thought i would drop by and give an update.

MadelineB · « **Reply #1 on:** July 28, 2012, 03:02:48 pm »

That is scary stuff-- glad you got yourself in and are being treated. Nothing comes before that!

When it comes to your health, don't worry about the bills now. Do talk to the hospital later when you are better and ask for them to write off your debt. Many hospitals will do that, but only if you ask! And in worse case scenarios, bankruptcy is always an option for later - it is there for situations you can't control, and life threatening illnesses are at the top of the list. Put those worries off until you are well. Just get well. And keep getting the care you need.

Let's see-

Flagyl is an excellent medication for deep tissue infections, especially in the pelvic area. ok to take with or without food. Don't know if you drink, but make sure you avoid alcohol until you are healed.

Zovirax is topical acyclovir. They are probably being cautious, since an infection can make you immune compromised and allow herpes or cold sores to go out of control.

Cleocyn is clindamycin. Often used for vaginal infections. Slows or stops the growth of bacteria.

Be sure to take all of your medications as prescribed until they are done; this is especially important with antibiotics. If you aren't seeing improvement soon, you will want to get back into the ER for more IV or additional prescriptions.

Oh, and hydrocodone is for the pain. It can make some people constipated, so a stool softener (ex: dulcolax) can be very helpful as a preventative.

You'll want to get in to your primary care doctor as soon as you can, but keep using the hospital if that's the only way you can get care. In the US, hospitals are required to provide care to all regardless of their inability to pay.

Feel free to PM me when you are well if you need advice about ER bills etc. I can share my experiences.

Ms. OBrien CVT · « **Reply #2 on:** July 28, 2012, 03:32:55 pm »

Stay on the meds. Flagyl is an excellent medication.

You may want to use a stiz bath. Keeps tissues hydrated and helps to keep the infections down.

Devlyn Marie · « **Reply #3 on:** July 28, 2012, 05:07:33 pm »

I hope you're feeling better! I'll echo the advice on taking the full course of meds, very important with antibiotics especially. Hugs, Devlyn

Rosa · « **Reply #4 on:** July 28, 2012, 05:42:57 pm »

I've been away for a while and therefore a bit out of date . . . when did you have your surgery? I'm assuming it was recent, or is there no connection?

Wishing you the very best. Get plenty of vitamin C and rest.

Sarah7 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 28, 2012, 06:32:40 pm »

I'm really sorry, infections suck.

Please make extra sure to keep your dilation stuff super clean with antibacterial soap and whatnot. Same with the sitz bath if you are using that. And anything else that might touch the surgical site - underwear, hands... Otherwise you can just keep reinfecting yourself.

mandyh92 · « **Reply #6 on:** July 28, 2012, 07:26:36 pm »

Flagyl is $19.74

Hydrocodone is $22.80

CLEOCIN is $107

ZOVIRAX is $66.99

I can maybe today come up with $100 and rest when pawn shops open on monday. for now

should i just get the CLECIN or should i get the ZOVIRAX and Flagyl i can take Advil for pain so

the hydrocodone is not really needed.

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE ADVISE. I guess it is in my nature to worry.

MadelineB · « **Reply #7 on:** July 28, 2012, 08:11:57 pm »

I'm not qualified to give advice, does not replace instructions from your doctor, etc etc!

However, I think if you call and reach a nurse in the ER, they will tell you the antibiotics come first: #1 Flagyl, start immediately, right away. #2: Cleomycin as soon as you can. If it turns out you just can't afford the Cleomycin, ask the doctor for a substitute that costs less but will also be effective.

Are there any free clinics or pharmacy assistance programs where you live? The hospital too may be able to help if you talk to their social worker. And ask the pharmacist about any assistance programs they are aware of.

EDIT ---
The pharmacist may also be able to suggest a less expensive substitute for your Cleomycin. They are experts on drugs, their actions, and their costs. Then you can ask the nurse to call in the prescription for you.

Also, if you have a Walmart in your area, their pharmacy prices are often exceptional.

EDIT ---
Indiana Drug Card (free state program for reduced prescription costs)

Ms. OBrien CVT · « **Reply #8 on:** July 28, 2012, 08:21:58 pm »

I am glad you have the scripts. Now we need to get them to you. Try the warm stiz bath, too.

I hope you heal up quickly, Mandy.

mandyh92 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2012, 08:40:29 pm »

Quote from: Ms. OBrien on July 28, 2012, 08:21:58 pm

I am glad you have the scripts. Now we need to get them to you. Try the warm stiz bath, too.

I hope you heal up quickly, Mandy.

i hate to sound so stupid but are you refering to just filling up the bottom of the tub with warm water and no soaps and just soaking area? I have been doing that daily should i do more often?

Ms. OBrien CVT · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2012, 08:49:00 pm »

For your edification. How to take a Sitz Bath

mandyh92 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2012, 11:17:39 pm »

<-----------------Smacks Forehead

Ms. OBrien CVT · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2012, 11:21:42 pm »

Cindy. · « **Reply #13 on:** July 29, 2012, 02:42:40 am »

Hi Mandy,

Just saw this. I hope you are OK. Was he a cute dr BTW

Cindy

Devlyn Marie · « **Reply #14 on:** July 29, 2012, 08:15:38 am »

Cindy has a one track mind! Are you feeling better today, Mandy? Hugs, Devlyn

justmeinoz · « **Reply #15 on:** July 29, 2012, 08:27:19 am »

Hope things are starting to look up. Flagyl, apart from leaving a nasty metallic taste in your mouth will make you "park a tiger on the rug" if you drink alcohol, so make sure you stay on the water wagon for the duration. It's used by alcoholics who want to try aversion therapy apparently.

Hugs, Karen.

mandyh92 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 31, 2012, 05:24:43 am »

Update.

My first to visit to ER was friday.

On saturday night i igot my prescriptions filled all of them for $76 at nations pharmacy. I took 2 doses one at 3pm other at 9pm.

i took my ffirst sitz bath at 10pm on saturday when the sitz bath was completed i aattempted to lilghtly pat myself dry with a towel

at which time a section the size of a quarter of sking came off. the pain was crippingilling so i went back tto er immediatly

the local er same one i was at night before was still very hessitant about working with me. basically they gave me iv antibiotics and

pain med. after 18hours they transfered me to barnes jewish in ST Louis which is where i am now. They had some allbeit minimal experiece

with post op woman so tommorow the urologist dr strope with put me under general anestia and remove thje infected tissue. he also wanted

my permission to look around and maybe redue a few sutures. this is a teaching hospital so having a crowd around always uuervers me

but you gotta do what you gotta do. If any one lives in st louis area and wants to drop by i am in room 17476 well that is all for now will update

as i can after surgery..

ps tjaml god for easy to guess passwords i am using the med computer in my room to get out shhhhhhhh dont tell no one :-)

MadelineB · « **Reply #17 on:** July 31, 2012, 05:50:38 am »

Hi Mandy,
I'm sorry you are having such a tough time, but I am very relieved that you were able to get yourself in to the hospital and have been transferred to a better facility. I wish St Louis wasn't so far from Portland! Be strong and get better. I hope your urologist and your whole care team provide you with the best care, you deserve it. Please update when you can, but get some rest!
Hugs,
Maddie

P.S. someone close to me had a urological procedure at a teaching hospital here years ago, and was a little shy when the room filled up with students and interns while she was in the stirrups. Best way to approach it is with pride, knowing that you are part of the education of doctors who may one day help any one of us better because you were there.

Cindy. · « **Reply #18 on:** July 31, 2012, 06:21:44 am »

Go for it Mandy, it certainly sounds as if you are in good care at long last.

Geex that butcher did a job. Sorry.

Don't worry about the students, I can assure you they are more nervous than you. And remeber, you can ask them questions

they are trainees after all and have to learn bedside manner.

"I'd like your opinions as to whether I should have come to hospital or not. I was nervous about how I would be respected. What are your thoughts ?

Stick it to em.

luna nyan · « **Reply #19 on:** July 31, 2012, 07:24:19 am »

Quote from: Cindy James on July 31, 2012, 06:21:44 am

Go for it Mandy, it certainly sounds as if you are in good care at long last.

Geex that butcher did a job. Sorry.

Don't worry about the students, I can assure you they are more nervous than you. And remeber, you can ask them questions they are trainees after all and have to learn bedside manner.

"I'd like your opinions as to whether I should have come to hospital or not. I was nervous about how I would be respected. What are your thoughts ?

Stick it to em.

^ This. Watch them dance and squirm as the chances are they haven't learnt to be quick on their feet when they're bedside yet.
It sounds like you're getting treatment that will help. Cleaning out the infected stuff + IV antibiotics are pretty much par for the course. Hope you feel better soon!

News:

Author Topic: IN ER last night. (Read 5838 times)