A Bad Day in the Office : One step... - British Heart Fou...

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A Bad Day in the Office

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star
39 Replies

One step forward... Two steps back...

Just before I was going to go to physio yesterday morning one of the sisters came to change the dressing. Disaster! The left hand side of the wound has become infected. Before I knew it I was surrounded by people including the doctor, two sisters and the head of physio. Anyway it was cleaned and redressed with an antibacterial dressing, I was then put on a drip with intravenous antibiotics and walking physio suspended... Cue - Mega p*ss*d off... ☹️☹️☹️

By the afternoon the doctor said I could do some limited physio. So I did some strengthening of the hip muscles, standing on one and only leg for five minutes, and cycling 4.5km in 12 minutes. 😁

Today is another day...

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MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJH
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39 Replies
080311 profile image
080311

Oh dear Michael so sorry to read your post hope today is a better day. The healing process must be really ticking you off! But your positivity will surely help.

Wishing you a good day

Pauline

Fluffybee profile image
Fluffybee

I’m do so sorry to hear you’ve got an infection on top of the other set backs, you’ve been so positive which I’m sure has got you through all your tough times.

If it was possible I’d give you a healing hug, sending a virtual one instead, stay positive 🤗

Maisie2014 profile image
Maisie2014

You’re going through exactly the same sequence of events as my friend. It’s a nightmare for you right now but you’ll get through it. Stay strong 💪

Sanpedro2019 profile image
Sanpedro2019

This is tough when you are trying to be positive. I have great respect for you and hope things improve .You are in my prayers daily .

Mirador19 profile image
Mirador19

So sorry to hear this Michael and once again can totally understand that you are Mega p*ss*d off. Keep that wonderful sense of humour going and your positivity at the top of your list.

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day

All of the above especially what San Pedro said.

Do they have any idea how you've got an infection at the incision site?

Thanksnhs profile image
Thanksnhs

Hi sorry to hear that, you are so positive I am sure you will get over this hurdle, hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon and you will be back walking again, take care char

SpiritoftheFloyd profile image
SpiritoftheFloyd

HI Michael. Sorry to hear about this setback, as you say One step forward... Two steps back... Hoping you have a better day today

ellj profile image
ellj

So sorry to hear this but sadly all too familiar.

Be good and only do a sensible amount of exercise as your body needs plenty of rest to fight the infection.

One day at a time.

Ellie

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

My cannula was resited to the other hand on Wednesday night after a leak developed. It was so uncomfortable I could not really use my hand so physio was suspended for the day. The doctor moved it to the lower arm and it is much more comfortable.

The doctor is removing the dressing later so hopefully it will be healing rather than oozing! Also should be able to resume physio and I want to hit 6km in 15 minutes on the bike!

Have a good day everyone! 😃

Michael JH, I have always made a beeline for anything you post. You give so much to the people of the forum. And now you are proving to be an inspiration with your courage. Your candid postings are excellent. Like all other folk have written, I too wish you well in your recuperation. Thank you for everything you do for us, kind regards John

Yasyass profile image
Yasyass

As usual you accept everything in a calm way and show us that we should be strong no matter what hope all the best and that the infection gets better take care

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

The doctor examined the wound today and was happy so the wound was redressed with an antibacterial dressing. The IV antibiotics will remain over the weekend but I am now on short 20 minute bursts connected to a drip.

So after lunch it was the gym. After strengthening exercises I did 10 stand-ups from the wheelchair. This tired my leg slightly so I only managed to up my one legged stand from 5 to 6 minutes. Then on to the exercise bike where I upped my record to 5.7 km in 15 minutes. My aim is 6km in 15 minutes.

The consultant will examine me on Monday and make a decision on walking physio. If it's a no then I doubt I can make my first Limb Fitting appointment. If it's a yes I think a lot of padding will be called for. Wish me luck...

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to MichaelJH

I have also put on another 2kg making 4.2kg while in rehab! 😃

080311 profile image
080311 in reply to MichaelJH

Michael I wish you all the luck in the world for Monday and the consultants decision, the gym seems to have been really good and great news about the weight gain.

Having the intravenous antibiotics over the weekend should hopefully knock it on the head.

Will have my fingers and toes crossed for Monday have a good weekend.

Best wishes Pauline

Sniy profile image
Sniy

Just saw your post, hope you are recovering and the infection is under control. Get well soon. X

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

I saw the consultant this afternoon. He was happy with the wound was healing well. However, I will continue on IV antibiotics till Wednesday and off walking physio but with daily review. He's fairly confident I will make Limb Fitting appointment next week. Also pleased I was hitting the bike after weeks in bed. Wish me luck for Limb Fitting appointment going ahead... 🍀

Gladwyn profile image
Gladwyn in reply to MichaelJH

I wish you all the luck in the world Michael. You are an amazing guy, a true inspiration. 🍀💐

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to MichaelJH

Returned to walking physio today. Had two limited sessions morning and afternoon (little and often) plus some strengthening exercise for hip muscles. Also stood on one leg for ten minutes although the last two required real focus. Hope it is cooler when I go to Limb Fitting next week - all things being equal!

080311 profile image
080311 in reply to MichaelJH

So pleased to read you got back to the gym, you really are amazing, fingers crossed for next week and limb fitting.

Pauline

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to MichaelJH

Gladwyn and Pauline are spot-on, Michael, you are an inspiration, truly amazing. I'm throwing all the four-leaf clovers I can find your way for making that limb fitting next week!

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017 in reply to MichaelJH

Wishing you all the luck in the World Michael🍀

6km in 15mins is so impressive hope you get there and more in time. Your positivity is infectious 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to HHH2017

Sadly a senior physio has deemed cycling inappropriate for amputees so I will focus on next week's Limb Fitting appointment.

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017 in reply to MichaelJH

May I swear?! Oh bugger! But From reading your posts I just know you will find another way to continue with your fitness. A FAST cold shower could be a start in the circumstances 🤦🏽‍♀️ Be kind to yourself too, you are giving so much to all of us ❤️

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Well it feels like a holiday as everybody lounging around as no hot water - plumber working on it! Being me I volunteered to have a cold wash so I can get on with the day, physio, etc. Looking back at the cold showers after rugby, cross country, etc. I am surprised I didn't leave school with at least half a green beret! 🤣🤣🤣

HHH2017 profile image
HHH2017 in reply to MichaelJH

😂😂😂

080311 profile image
080311

Now that last couple of sentences made me laugh, remember playing hockey on muddy pitch oh the terrible showers! Hope you get the hot water on soon and you can get going know how you must be itching to get back to working out😉

Pauline

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to 080311

Other patients are getting a splash of hot from a kettle now as getting hot water back on is no quick fix. I actually found the cold refreshing as it is quite close in the ward.

080311 profile image
080311

The problem being in hospital for a lengthy stay, lack of air, when I was in they took me for my dental check before op with a nurse in a taxi to a health centre, loved the fresh air on my face after being inside for so long. Asked if I could just stand outside for a few minutes, wouldn’t have believed how wonderful it felt.

Hope you get your physio this morning.

Pauline

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to 080311

In rehab I am allowed one designated visitor for the duration so my sister comes once a week. We always take my wheelchair outside but I have to be masked and stay within the grounds - so no dash to the Costa! Your visitor has to wear a suitable mask in the correct manner and pass a temperature test. 😷

080311 profile image
080311 in reply to MichaelJH

Glad your allowed at least one visitor, even having to wear a mask being able to be outside must make a change, Shame about not being able to get a Costa coffee 😉

stillaboveground profile image
stillaboveground

I you are having it tough at the moment Michael but you still seem to be in good spirits. Have you bust one of them bands yet. Take care & keep safe.

Ruth

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

Woe, woe and thrice woe! Today they changed the dressing and the left side had some blood after only two gentle walks with the temporary leg. It's been cleaned and redressed with the instruction of no temporary leg physio until after next week's appointment. The physio will now focus on strengthening the muscles in both legs. To that end it has been agreed that I can resume the bike. Boy am I going to go for the 6km in 15 minutes!

I also had my last IV antibiotic today but they are leaving the cannula in till a doctor reviews things tomorrow. It means limited use of the exercise band as if I put real force into it the forearm becomes painful!

Sunnie2day profile image
Sunnie2day in reply to MichaelJH

Huzzah, back on your bike! (Sorry, could not resist)

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star in reply to Sunnie2day

Norman Tebbit would be happy! 🤣🤣😃

080311 profile image
080311

You sounded like Frankie Howard in Up Pompeii!! thrice woe, I am so sorry to read your still having problems with the wound, maybe resting over the weekend will help the healing process, go after the record on the bike 6 km in 15 minutes,

Take good care

Pauline

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

So the cannula was just taken out. It appears that the decision was taken late afternoon but they couldn't find the "round tuit"!

MichaelJH profile image
MichaelJHHeart Star

And a short time later, or so it felt, it was time for BP, HR, O2 level, temperature and BG. Being awake I hopped into my chair so I could answer in the affirmitive to the daily query "Have you had.......?" 🤣🤣🤣

And then the HCA brought me a cuppa... 🍵 😄 Not all do!

080311 profile image
080311

Just had a lovely coffee myself that was very welcome, hope you have a very positive day reading your post always makes me smile even ones with not so good news you always put a positive spin on them hope you get a hot shower this morning 😂

Pauline

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