Scheduled

I don't have much to blog about, but I've been receiving inquiries about my status, so I'll share what I know in the continuing saga.
Yesterday, Thursday I went to Vanderbilt and seen Dr Koons,the neurologist that works with me while I'm at Vandy, and the neurosurgeon Dr Konrad.
Let me back up a week. Last Tuesday I wake up with a rash that was pretty much all over my back and legs. I didn't have much doubt that it was finally a reaction to the antibiotics. I talked to Infectious Disease at Vanderbilt and told them what was going on and I've taken my last round of antibiotics. I had an appointment with them in two days anyway. My body had all it could take of the strong medicine. I felt rung out! Friday came and I got rid of that Picc line and had blood drawn for more lab work. Now, moving to this week again. Dr Konrad told me that all my labs looked good, but one test that shows inflammation was just a little high. He couldn't believe that any infection could survive the 40 days of pounding antibiotics. I picked up a dry heaving cough that's been going around, and we figured the test reacted to that. To be certain in two weeks I'll redo that test and send it to Dr Konrad. He's keeping me on his schedule anticipating all will be normal. I'd got a mixed message on the risks of infection happening again would be higher on subsequent surgeries. He assured me the risks were no greater. I showed him two sunken spots on my scull, and he said when the leads are reinserted, he fills the holes. I guess it's like repairing drywall or a fender on a car.
Lastly, he cleared me to do whatever I feel up to, noting that I'm probably still feeling the antibiotics.
I agreed! More to come.

Fighting Infection

I've had some folks contact me inquiring if I'm alright and wondering if the DBS blog will continue. First, thanks for being concerned enough about me to inquire, and second, the blog will continue. Just haven't had much to report. My status currently is healing!  I'm  taking 2 antibiotics every 12 hrs. One by oral, and one by Picc line. I plan my day around that. It takes 1.5 hrs to do a cycle, so if you do it at 11 am, you have to do the next one at 11 pm, and finish at 1230 am. The possible side effects from drugs are a couple pages long. Lab work shows my kidneys are still taking the beating I'm giving them for now, don't see them holding out a lot longer. I'm going to the gym and doing some machines and just a little spinning on the bike 🚴. Trying not to sweat because of the fear of some bad bacteria forming around the Picc line and forcing me to stop the therapy. I'm ready to get rid of it, I use 10 foot of Saran Wrap for waterproofing just to take a shower. People have asked me if I'll have the procedure again? As I run my hand over my scared head I sometimes wonder if it will be worth it, but for now I'm on the schedule for the end of March, so I've got about 1.5 months to get stronger before the repeat. It's 1230 am and my infusion is done for tonight. Tomorrow I get the Picc line dressing changed and lab work done. It will be an exciting day,maybe not, but I'll still be grateful for it. Write more later!