General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsI'm back after four months of hospitals and rehab
For all concerned, I finally came home yesterday after months of battling everything. It seems every time I began treatment, something more dire would pop up that deserved immediate attention.
First was the chest pains and A-Fib in late February. I knew it wasn't my heart even though I was beating 180 per min. I went to my lung dr who sent me across the street to the hospital for a scan. He feared blood clots but it turned out to be a cancer tumor blocking my left bronchial tube. That collapsed my lung and warranted a couple weeks in ICU. I wasn't too worried because it was only one lung and I've been through worse. They did a cardio start where they stop my heart and start it back up to get a reset rhythm. (Like restarting a modem)
Upon discharge I began chemo and radiation for a couple weeks when my heart went A-Fib again. This time I walked into the emergency room. By the time I got to the building I was exhausted and completely out of breath. They took one look at me and plopped me into a wheelchair to take me back to a unit. After 8 hours of people coming in wearing paper suits to get my blood and vitals and a covid test they took me to what they described as "a private room". When we got there the orderly said I had to walk in myself because he couldn't go in. After several minutes and noticing an exhaust negative pressure filter running, I saw people through the window wearing hair dryers on their heads with a hose that ran to their belt. Everyone was in PPE. I realized then that i was in quarantine. They told me I had to stay 3 or 4 days until results came back. I've never been so depressed in my life. Meanwhile, no doctor would see me except by video. After pleading with a wonderful head nurse, they realized their error and rushed the test to get me out the next morning to CCU.
It was there that my kidneys failed. Both of them at once. I was placed in a medical coma about then, but it's had to put everything in order now. After a week of being comatose where I had horrible hallucinations, they slowly brought me out. Very slowly. Like waiting 6 hours with a ventilator shoved down my throat when I knew I could breath. It was then I realized the hospital employed robots of the CP3O variety except they were green. Small mobile units scurried about scrubbing the floors and delivering meds. I later asked a nurse about it and got a laugh. Still hallucinating. After that is a blur for the next 2 weeks as I was shuffled from one ICU to another as they fought to keep me alive. (never sign a DNR).
Upon some recovery and still not leaving a gurney or bed all that time my muscles had turned to jello, so now it was time to learn to walk again. I spent 2 weeks in that hospital care unit where they did little rehab but gave dialysis nearly every day. From there I went to a great rest home in my home town just a few blocks from my house. this place was so nice, my first choice was whether I wanted the filet mignon or the pecan chicken for dinner. The place is beautiful and I got one on one therapy for 2 weeks until yesterday. When one therapist was done with me another came in to double team me.
I'm still in bad shape, but summer is fleeting. It's so good to be home, even with dialysis 3 times a week. Fortunately, I was already on oxygen and walking with a dapper cane and wearing a cowboy hat so being bald and unstable isn't too noticeable. Hopefully, I can get well enough soon to get back to fighting lung cancer again. I'll kick it's ass.
A HERETIC I AM
(24,382 posts)A HERETIC I AM
(24,382 posts)YAY!
The Magistrate
(95,268 posts)Great to have some good news nowadays.
iamateacher
(1,090 posts)Stay string!
mcar
(42,474 posts)You seem like a real badass to get through it all.
Welcome back!
Under The Radar
(3,407 posts)If you do t mind my intruding, what type of health coverage do you have?
JohnnyRingo
(18,696 posts)Medicare and some supplemental. It won't cover nearly all of it, but what do I care? They can send bills for the rest of my life and I'll toss just enough crumbs to foil their legal teams.
Someday when I'm on my deathbed I'll be hitting Amazon for family gifts. Sorry Mastercard.
Under The Radar
(3,407 posts)...to clean up the books on health care and take care of that entire tab for you. Just make sure you get your absentee vote sent in.
SCRUBDASHRUB
(7,252 posts)and speedy recovery.
Alliepoo
(2,238 posts)Welcome back!! Such wonderful news!!!
canetoad
(17,218 posts)This made me laugh:
I wasn't too worried because it was only one lung and I've been through worse.
I hereby nominate you for membership of the Glass Half Full Club. We have a logo and meetings and everything. Too bad the meetings are in Australia.
Live long and prosper.
malaise
(269,328 posts)Samplegirl kept us up to date - so glad you're on the mend
blm
(113,136 posts)Glad youre still in the world.
panader0
(25,816 posts)She kept us informed. Glad you are home and better. Continue to heal.
JohnnyRingo
(18,696 posts)My bestie. There's almost nothing I wouldn't do for her. The day doesn't pass that I don't talk to her.
samplegirl
(11,530 posts)you give us all courage we never knew we had.
Im greatful of every time we see or speak to one another!
I love you!
marlakay
(11,540 posts)Welcome back to life!
Skittles
(153,311 posts)WELCOME BACK!
livetohike
(22,172 posts)well enough to be home!
Horse with no Name
(33,959 posts)Ive sent good thoughts your way a few times.
Take care and I hope you feel better and stronger soon.
Celerity
(43,772 posts)dmr
(28,364 posts)Boy, you were in a major battle, and you still have to face lung cancer. Give it hell!
You know, there's no place like home. I'm happy that's where you are right now: home!
Hekate
(91,042 posts)So glad you are on the mend !
skylucy
(3,749 posts)Dem2theMax
(9,661 posts)Welcome home!
I don't know how you got through what you just told us, but I think you must be superhuman!
I'm so glad you are home. It must feel wonderful to be there.
jls4561
(1,270 posts)samplegirl
(11,530 posts)he belongs!
AnotherMother4Peace
(4,260 posts)oasis
(49,490 posts)Zoonart
(11,916 posts)renate
(13,776 posts)Im so sorry you had to go through so much, and so glad that youre better now!
tblue37
(65,552 posts)Demovictory9
(32,498 posts)Aristus
(66,530 posts)marked50
(1,373 posts)nocoincidences
(2,237 posts)Really glad you made it home with most of your parts, and its great to have you back here on the Funny Farm/DU. We need giant killers like you.
onecaliberal
(33,013 posts)FM123
(10,054 posts)bdamomma
(63,974 posts)you are a survivor, you have gone through a lot and came out with a strong conviction. Stay well and recover.
Glad to have you back.
ChazII
(6,207 posts)good to have you back.
SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)So glad to hear you are back! You have fought hard & overcome a tremendously traumatic event!
Crunchy Frog
(26,719 posts)It sounds like you've really been through the wringer. I hope you'll have smoother sailing now.
Very glad to have you back.
EllieBC
(3,052 posts)Youre a fighter. Im pretty certain youll be kicking the ass of all these health issues. Ill keep you in my prayers for a full and speedy recovery.
Docreed2003
(16,905 posts)gademocrat7
(10,688 posts)Take care and keep fighting.
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)I am glad to hear that you are on the mend!
In case you didn't know, samplegirl has been your biggest champion here and has kept us informed all along. She has been such a great friend both to you and to us.
I would like to call her out here for her devotion and kindness. I hope she doesn't mind.
Stay well, Johnny Ringo!
Cha
(298,086 posts)wonderful friend you have in samplegirl
I'm so sorry you have to go through all these life threatening challenges. Wishing you the very best healing Vibrations!
littlemissmartypants
(22,870 posts)Welcome back! Stay strong!
((JR))
❤lmsp
spanone
(135,950 posts)Shout out to samplegirl for keeping you in our thoughts....?️
diva77
(7,684 posts)We're so glad you're back!!!
dawg day
(7,947 posts)I imagine you swaggering in with that cane singing: "What did I miss?"
blogslut
(38,023 posts)lunatica
(53,410 posts)dixiegrrrrl
(60,010 posts)So glad to hear your own "voice" here at last! Everyone has been pulling for ya......
2naSalit
(86,968 posts)Glad you are home, now the getting better part should speed up!
pazzyanne
(6,560 posts)We need you here, JohnnyRingo.
GoldenMezzoDiva
(79 posts)Hope you get better and better, moving more
and more towards your vibrant self!
NurseJackie
(42,862 posts)katmondoo
(6,457 posts)alfredo
(60,082 posts)kimbutgar
(21,285 posts)Dan
(3,589 posts)Thoughts and Prayers for you.
Ive enjoyed your posts over the years and look forward to hearing more from you in the future.
Take care of yourself, because, we care!
colorado_ufo
(5,744 posts)Remember that you have THOUSANDS of fans pulling for you and praying for you. Lots of great new treatments out now for lung cancer.
Attitude is everything, and my friend, you have it by the bushel!
yonder
(9,687 posts)You sound very clear headed and positive. Hats off to your friend and our liaison, sample girl too.
Ninga
(8,282 posts)Congrats on your comeback!
ailsagirl
(22,911 posts)FailureToCommunicate
(14,034 posts)KPN
(15,679 posts)ancianita
(36,238 posts)Unbelievable, what you've been through. You're one in a million.
I've heard of heart and fight, but you are one badass human!
Congratulations for your great life spirit!
Karadeniz
(22,607 posts)Good to hear from you! Being happy is healthy..limit your exposure to the news and find funny movies or books.
proud patriot
(100,717 posts)kentuck
(111,111 posts)UpInArms
(51,295 posts)MontanaMama
(23,368 posts)You have quite a friend in samplegirl. Ive been rooting for you both. Welcome back. Keep fighting!
liberalla
(9,279 posts)herding cats
(19,569 posts)You've been in my thoughts constantly, even if I've not been able to be here as much lately.
Please, be well! Many of us care deeply and worry about you.
sprinkleeninow
(20,271 posts)samplegirl
(11,530 posts)him in prayers.
sprinkleeninow
(20,271 posts)Stinky The Clown
(67,849 posts)ismnotwasm
(42,028 posts)Trueblue Texan
(2,453 posts)Congratulations for surviving so much and coming out swingin!
SergeStorms
(19,205 posts)We're all happy as hell to have you back. Kick cancer's ass, buddy, and get well soon.
peacebuzzard
(5,184 posts)This really lifted my mood. Been following your saga, and glad the worst is done.
You are a fighter!
CaptainTruth
(6,619 posts)OMG ... I must admit that it's going to take me a bit to wrap my head around everything you said ...
I'm just so damn glad that you're able to stand up & fight the next round of battles in your life.
Bless you.
Heartstrings
(7,349 posts)Stay safe and continue to feel better.
Demsrule86
(68,825 posts)Talitha
(6,649 posts)Iggo
(47,599 posts)sheshe2
(84,072 posts)You are a fighter.
Welcome home.
sheshe2
(84,072 posts)You are a fighter.
Welcome home.
joanbarnes
(1,724 posts)MustLoveBeagles
(11,687 posts)Kali
(55,032 posts)helluva story, glad you are back!
notinkansas
(1,096 posts)to keep on keeping on. Touche. And we amplify that strength and send it right back to you.
GregD
(2,263 posts)Dude, I don't post much any more, but I read and follow the discussions.
I've followed your journey and I am so glad to see you posting again.
Hang in there, heal, and stay strong. Sending good vibes to you distant friend.
democrank
(11,115 posts)Youre amazing. Keep on keeping on, JR. Sending a hug~
cabot
(724 posts)TygrBright
(20,780 posts)GeoWilliam750
(2,523 posts)seta1950
(933 posts)So glad youre better
murielm99
(30,787 posts)nolabear
(42,006 posts)Youre incredible! Glad to see you and proud to know you. Kick ass!
LiberalLoner
(9,762 posts)I wish you a full recovery! I am so sorry for what you went through.
Moostache
(9,897 posts)Solly Mack
(90,803 posts)Been hoping and waiting for that news.
yuiyoshida
(41,872 posts)which was much better than my one month stay back in November...for the entire month, plus Rehab.. Rehab I learned to walk again...
not that I couldn't but I was pretty weak by that time. I needed Rehab, so it seems., and it needed me.
fierywoman
(7,708 posts)mnhtnbb
(31,418 posts)So glad to hear you are home where you belong.
We've all been hoping to see you return.
On to the next round!
N_E_1 for Tennis
(9,804 posts)DFW
(54,514 posts)[expletive deleted].
I dont want to get specific so as not to jinx anything. Keep on beating those odds.
Jersey Devil
(9,881 posts)x
Maeve
(42,312 posts)Hortensis
(58,785 posts)nonfiction or inspiration for a thriller?
How wonderful that you're home, and now back here also.
sinkingfeeling
(51,498 posts)Vinca
(50,334 posts)ms liberty
(8,629 posts)handmade34
(22,759 posts)AllaN01Bear
(18,830 posts)have had a-fib, tacycardia, aflutter and congestive heart failure
5 years ago had a abaltion that failed half a year out .on this med which failed that med that failed on oral diltalziam and multaq (drone a drone ) among others . a fib not fun. drone a drone seems to spread the events out. good luck healing at home .
JustinBulletin
(75 posts)My hubby was in unexpected heart reconstruction surgery (90% die), ICU and rehab for 5 weeks. I can't imagine going through it for months on end. All I had to do was watch. You are amazing! Keep fighting! We are with you.
xxqqqzme
(14,887 posts)I'm happy to hear you are on the mend. Welcome back. Just in time to kick king con out of the people's White house.
leighbythesea2
(1,200 posts)What a road, you are obviously tough. Sending healing vibes.
Bettie
(16,151 posts)here!
Faux pas
(14,714 posts)healing vibes and glad you're still here with us!
radical noodle
(8,019 posts)Think of the fun we're gonna have here when Biden beats the tar out of trump in November!
Chicagogrl1
(422 posts)So glad your home
Frustratedlady
(16,254 posts)What a story! Congrats for all you've gone through and still able to tell the tale.
Good luck for your future battles. It sounds like your cancer and kidney problems have a champion to beat. Onward and upward!
Metatron
(1,258 posts)pandr32
(11,644 posts)ProfessorGAC
(65,427 posts)Hope you're back to as close to normal as possible, very soon!
Take care, JR!
PatrickforO
(14,605 posts)Best wishes to you and your family, and glad you're finally home.
Ligyron
(7,645 posts)However, your rest home experience mirrors that of others I've spoken with. IDK how old you are or what type of insurance you carry or if maybe Medicare paid for (some of) that nice rest home or not but glad that part of your horrible experience was decent at least.
Like my balding, cowboy hat wearing BIL said to me once, "These things are a lot cheaper than a wig".
bucolic_frolic
(43,511 posts)Never a doubt.
calimary
(81,608 posts)WUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNderful news!
What an ordeal. What a struggle! So glad you survived to tell the tale!
underpants
(183,043 posts)sueh
(1,829 posts)malthaussen
(17,241 posts)You one tough sumbitch.
-- Mal
hamsterjill
(15,224 posts)Glad you are back among the DU!
sellitman
(11,611 posts)You are an inspiration.
Hoping for better days.
greblach
(257 posts)Happy for you... Keep up the resistance, stay strong...
SleeplessinSoCal
(9,192 posts)CousinIT
(9,276 posts)I hope you continue to improve and then KICK. LUNG. CANCER'S. ASS.
So happy to see you here. Hope you can stick around. We need you!
babylonsister
(171,111 posts)trial you've been through!