Darn it!

I am back in the hospital. Darn it! I have a blood infection. The doctor has ordered IV antibiotics for the next ten days but I may not need to be in the hospital that long. As with every step of this journey, I will take each day as it comes and be grateful for all the gifts that have come my way.

Yesterday's gifts were in the form of brightly colored smocks as the nursing staff responded quickly and professionally to get me assessed. The doctor's response was equal to the task as he ordered the medications that helped my body respond to the infection

Of course, the time I spent with a rising temperature and chills was not pleasant. My temperature reached 105 degrees. Finally, the antibiotics and other medications kicked in and my fever decreased. I was shaking so much at one point I began to wonder if the hospital staff had intentionally lowered the room temperature and packed me in ice just to see if my teeth would come loose.

Julie spent the night and was a source of support and comfort to me. Or maybe she was planning to pick up the teeth as they fell out. Either way, not exactly a fun sleep-over. Julie is another gift for which I am thankful.

The fever came down; I received the needed platelets; and, my teeth are still in place.

Today, I am feeling fine, a bit wobbly, but OK.  I plan to just lay back and let the medications wash over me cleansing the bacteria from my blood.  Maybe I will have a cookie, too.

Grace and peace,
Tim.