My last report for the day (everyone sighs a sigh of relief, LOL).

The infectious disease specialist showed up. They are keeping her until Monday. Because, he wants her to have 2 vancomycin treatments a day but wants her to be observed while she is getting the treatments. Plus, the kidneys have to be monitored closely.

Here's what happened to me when I had vancomycin. They gave me vancomycin before a colonoscopy years and years ago because they thought they detected a heart murmur. And things like dentals, colonoscopies and such, can cause release of nasty bacteria into your system and if it lodges in your heart or whatever, it’s not good. So vanco is powerful.

However when they gave it to me, within a few moments, the top of my head started burning. The burning continued down my head, neck and to my chest. I turned beet red, serious. Mom and dad could actually see it happening. It burned, I got dizzy, and my heart started palpitating. So...they determined I was allergic to it and I’ve never had it since. :| However, you can also have what they call "Redman Syndrome" when vancomycin is injected or administered too fast.

So I’m thinking it’s a good idea she’s monitored at first. They don’t need to find this out once she’s home.

Won’t know until Monday the outcome of this 3-day trial and then the doctor will decide if she gets 1 or 2 treatments/day or any at all, if she can’t tolerate.

Her cast comes off tomorrow.

Roving reporter has to sign off until tomorrow...No puter at home.

(((Doody & Doody's mom)))

Sending lots of positive healing thoughts for your mom Doody. I hope her heart behaves itself, and all is well when the cast comes off.

The first 2 treatments went really well. No reactions to the vanco. The doc is now putting her on another antibiotic (oral) that my folks could not remember the name of. Whatever is it, he told mom not to worry when her urine and tears turn orange.

The social services at the hospital are working closely with the infectious disease doc, the surgen, and the general practitioner to see what plan mom will need to go with. Again, the disease doc won't know make a decision until Monday whether he wants to go with 1 or 2x/day with the vanco. I guess that's going to make a difference in where/how she gets the treatment...what medicare will pay for, etc.

Also, they removed the splint on her arm and wrapped it up so she is pleased with that.

No heart problems since the other day so we'll see how that continues to go.

That's good news Doody..... thanks for letting us know.

I do remember that Vancomycin is very expensive here in Oz (about $20 per ampoule), so I daresay it's the same where you live. The antibiotic that turns urine orange/brown is called Rifadin (Rifampin).

Yes, that's the med Anne! The nurse happened to be there when I called a bit ago so I asked dad to ask her what the new med is. That's the one!

I just want my mom back! This all has taken it's toll on her and I think the fall took place the April 17? Oi vey. Not even 2 months ago and her poor arm with 3 surgeries! At least the pelvis fractured is healing well and she isn't in as much pain with that.

(((hugs to you dear Doody and to your Mum and Dad)))

Thinking of her and you.

Poor Mom, It sure has been a long road for her. I am keeping you all in my thoughts.

Dottie

Lord love a duck, she's home!

She will go to the hospital 1x/day for the antibiotic treatment for 4 weeks, not 6.

The doctor explained that she is being treated for...

osteomyelitis, and
Coag-negative (staph?)

Her medicines are Rocephin, Daptomycin, and Rifamplin. But those are just the antibiotics. They have her on so many other meds right now, I can't keep track. She was really low on magnesium so she was getting IV treatments for that and now pills.

((Doody)) So sorry I missed these posts. Awwwww your poor Mom! How is your Dad holding up? Do they have help to get her to the hospital every day for her treatments? It is a shame she can't have a visiting nurse come to the house, but I do know there are treatments that can't be done this way. Lynn had a bad blood infection and I had to bring him in twice a day for 2 weeks and once a day for another 6 weeks. But, it was better than staying in the hospital.

I am so relieved to hear she hasn't had any more complications with her heart! whew. Scary stuff and I imagine you are a wreck. I know it's hard to do, but do take care of you too Lord love a duck, never heard that expression, but I like it! Big hugs and prayers for all of you

(((Sweetpea))), lol, so many people have never heard the expression 'lord love a duck'. But it's out there! LOL And very appropo since I DO love a certain duck.

As far as home treatments go, if they went that route they would have to pay for everything! Medicare won't touch it. My mom has been the driver for years cause my dad can't see for diddly, BUT he has been doing the driving. So they are to go every day to the hospital at I think 1:30 p.m., Mon-Sun. Originally they were talking about 2x/day treatment but the doc added another IV med and they will do both of those only 1x/day.

Dad's okay but you can see the exhaustion and worry. And this is the man who has had 15 angioplasties and a pacemaker implanted so...and not to mention he's 88.

I only wish that I had all of the energy they have at my current age!

I'm just glad she's home and pray that the staph infection goes away and that her arm heals further. It's in a fragile state right now but they couldn't leave the hardware in her arm cause it kept coming apart. When the plate went through her flesh this last time well, he said they can't have it in there anymore.

The doc is afraid the lower bone will crack again and says there's nothing they can do for it at this point, so just a hopin and prayin nothing goes wrong there.

Thanks so much for caring in the middle of all of your turmoil dear sweetie.

And of course everyone else. You all are a Godsend and that's for sure!