Peritonitis

[Charlie B53]

Guess where I am, again.   Well, that 'again' pretty much gives it away.   I was called by my PCP and told that a lab came back positive AFTER I had been released Saturday afternoon.  That I was to take my happy buttom to the VA Hospital and check in at the ER.  They were expecting me.

End result, I have another hose attached to my arm and I am upstairs in bed, waiting for the labs we drew last night.

Seems the sample of my PD fluid last Friday at the other hospital has come back positive for bacteria.  Peritonitis?  Possibly, but very unlikely, the fluid was perfectly clear, with a normal slightly yellowish tint.   I have had, and still do not have any other signs of infection.  White count normal, temp normal, no pain or tenderness other than my normal aches, pains and irratability with them trying to convince me that I am sick.   NOT!

So we are having a little disagreement.   I believe DEAD bacteria are still being sloughed off from the inner ear and somehow showing in my drain fluid.   Dr claims that not possible.   So I am trying to insis the lab grow a LIVE culture as I am sure they cannot.

[Vt Big Rig]

Crap, crap , and double crap.

I hope it clears up soon for you.

[kickingandscreaming]

Oh, that's awful news, Charlie.  I sure hope they're wrong and just being over-cautious. 

I'm new to PD (1/19/16) so I don't know much, but when I recently had an exit site infection they put the fear of god in me about what a bout of peritonitis involves (abx, possible removal of catheter, etc. Hemo).  It would be a shame to spoil your perfect record over 3 years, not to mention all the rest.  But it concerns me that they found bacteria as, I believe, the peritoneal sac is supposed to be a sterile environment, and noro  and entero virus are viruses and not bacteria.  So here's hoping it's a fluke.  Get well soon.

[cassandra]

Of course you are not sick darling, but the drip in your arm will hopefully sort out whatever it is you are not having.
Keep your butt happy, you'll be out of there before you know it.

Love, luck and strength,


         

[Charlie B53]

The Jury has delivered a verdict.  Infected.   What?    I can't be, I am NOT sick!

The whole cast, and crew, of Dr's came around late this morning trying to convince me that I AM infected.   They are telling me the previous hospital labs which came back AFTER I had been discharged, showed that I had about 20 odd staff bacterial cells per unit measure.   And the repeat sample from last night clearly showed 40 cels per unit measure.  Thus, I am clearly in the infantcy of infection, that they would print everything for me to take to my Dialysis Clinic for treatment.

Due to Medicare changes that went into effect Jan 1st, the Dialysis clinic treating is responsible for ALL renal related care, treatment, AND medication.  The VA Hospitlis only to document everything and I take that to D Clinic and review my prior training, get issued the adequate drugs, etc., and go home and start loading my exchange fluid bags for the next ten days.

Huh!

An hour later the Renal Fellows come by, and tell me different.  Cast and Crew have somehow reverse lab results.  The prior was 40, the current is only 20.  Renal suspects contamination of the samples, even though we were very careful during collections.

I am NOT infected.  I show NO signs of infection.  No fever, no pains, other than my normal broken joints, torn muscles and ligiments.

Renal does NOT consider a low count to be an infection unless a count nears and/or exceeds 100 cells per unit volume.

Renal say I will be discharged to go home with no treatment other than my 'normal' at home Dialysis routine.

So I am waiting for that 'Get out of Jail Card' to get done and in my hot little hands.



 it has started to ease only got get a call from
I am NOT sick



When to my appt with ENT.  Nice Lady Dr.  Looked into both my ears and told me there is no evidence of any long term 'raging' infection.   You have got to be kidding!  This has been KILLING me for over 6 weeks now.   Thankfully She went on to explain the pain pattern I described perfectly fit those of an acutely inflamed mandibular joint, my jaw muscle.  Whic is located immediately next to my ear.
?
Who knew?   Not I.  I would swear it was all the ear as they happened at the same time.  Or at least it sure seemed so.

Treatment is anti-inflammatories, which renal patients are not allowed, oral, and/or injected steroids.   Soo it looks like it was right, I am NOT infected.  Or at least not enough to pose any threat to myself, or be contagious.   So once they circle their wagons, and otherwise get the stuff all in on bag.  I will be  discharged and head dome.

I feel soo much better now than I have felt in seems like way to long of a time.

Take Care,

Charlie B 53

[PrimeTimer]

Sorry you're going thru all that, Charlie. Sounds like what BobN would describe as a "Duster Duck" (read his latest). The fact that you are alert and up to arguing with these numb skulls is actually a good sign. Get home, get some rest and get your PD going again. And oh, one more thing....glad you're still with us! Take care!

[Charlie B53]

I am doubly glad it is not peritonitis as that Davita Nurse really scared me when she told me only TWO STRIKES, two infections and I would end up on Hemo!

While I don't actually believe it, at least I don't WANT to believe it.  But I can't help but wonder if she meant the membrane may be damaged so badly by only two serious infections that it may soon lose the ability to transport, THEN Hemo would be necessary.

Either way, I do NOT like that idea, so you can be assured that I will be even MORE careful than I have been these past, almost three years.  Will be near the end of May, close enough.

I don't cut too many corners, or take unnecessary chances.

But I DID wear a mask this morning!  Which is uncommon for me.  Maybe not any longer.

[BobN]

Charlie, so sorry about the run around by those keystone kops.

Hang in there bro.

[hatedialysis2]

Best wishes fo a speedy recovery CB53!

[Charlie B53]

Thanks all!

I'm HOME!!!!!   And soo much better.  Still a bit tired but that's normal for me.   I was really surprised at my energy level most of today.  I haven't felt that good in a very long time.   I'm hoping to wake up tomorrow at least that way again.  Even half would still be a major improvement.

Things were so good today I told one of the staff that I actually feel like putting the fuel tanks and battery back on my Harley.   And I haven't felt like that in years.

Take Care Everyone,

Charlie B53