Unfortunately, I am experiencing several after-effects to my IV infusion treatments. That bacterial infection is called "pseudomonas aeruginosa." It is the third most resistent bacteria preceded only by #1, MRSA, and #2, Burkholderia cepacia. P. Aeruginosa is #3.
After much research that I didn't have time for due to the emergency nature of getting immediate treatment for the UTI, I know a lot more about P. Aeruginosa now than I did when I was being treated. This bacteria can attack any part of the body and become chronic. If not treated immediately and adequately, it can lead very quickly to sepsis no matter where it is active. It is called an "opportunistic bacteria" because it attacks wherever it sees the greatest weakness.
If one is young and healthy, it can be cured most of the time. However someone like me, at age 80, and with autoimmune diseases and other health issues, it can start to attack other body systems well after the first incident has been "cured" (which can also return).
I now have three other symptoms plus the ones as yet untreated, and have to see the infectious disease doctor on Friday. I will admit I have a great fear of this new type of infection that I've never had before. I also have appointments with a urogynecologist who treats issues that the initial urogynecologist doesn't treat for fluid in the uterus and an ovarian cyst, and a urologist who treats kidney issues for the stone and fluid in my kidneys. To my knowledge I still have the stone in my left kidney that was seen on the CT scan. All of these docs are to be seen by the end of the month.
I can only hope that these doctors will keep each other informed. I'm trying to keep notes and a folder for each doctor. One good thing is they are all in the same hospital system, so they can all pull up my chart at any time (but I hate to say, most of them don't. They tend to want to ask me questions face to face, and I don't remember everything because it's so complicated).
So one has to see specialists, then secondary specialists for issues the initial specialists don't treat. Obviously, they each treat a very narrow spectrum of issues. So right now I have five doctors (not including my gastro doc) that I have to see before I have any idea what the heck is going on with me.
I guess what I'm saying is whatever is going on has not yet been fully addressed.
One good thing . . . I have been successful in titrating my 8 mg. of prednisone a day down to 7 mg. I'm in almost a week and so far, no change in pain levels which, by the way, are the least of my worries. But it is a success nonetheless and I'm grateful for it!!
Formerly Ford1224
We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. Elie Wiesel 1986
Blogs & Forums
