Topic: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Hello to one and all. Some of you may have a vague memory of me, as I used to be a fairly active participant on this site. Then the Nightmare of 2022 descended upon my unsuspecting self.

The synopsis: I had surgery on January 19. Everything went well. Everything benign. Go back to the doc on February 2 and have staples removed. All is well. On February 3, around 10 P.M., the Nightmare began. If you don’t know what “wound dehiscence” is, Google it. It ain’t pretty. I got an ambulance ride out of the deal (Such fun! Said no one, ever.) The ER folks cleaned up the blood, gave me some good shit for pain, and stitched my lower abdomen up with a nice mattress stitch. Go back home, load up on antibiotics, and go back to the doc on Feb. 15 to have stitches removed. Everything looks good. On February 16, around 7 P.M. the “wound dehiscence” fairy comes to call once more. Stepping over the blood on the floor, trying not to cry because of the pain, and yelling the seven words you can’t say on T.V., I call the doc. He tells me to pack the two gaping holes in my belly with gauze and come to his office the next day.

The remainder of February, all of March, and all of April are a blur of wound packing, dressing changes three times a day, home health nurses in and out, twice weekly trips to the local wound center, medical vacuums attached to my gut 24/7, and repeated rounds of antibiotics. The Nightmare was in full swing.

But it finally ended on Friday, May 6. The wound specialist doctor declared my abdomen “healed.” I no longer have to see him or the surgeon who did the original surgery. I am finally off all restrictions and can shower like a human.

All of this to say “I’m back!” Hopefully, I can get back to my former level of active participation on the site. I really look forward to reviewing your work. As for my humble offerings, I’m going to pull what I have posted of “The Emperor’s Son” and give it a major overhaul. I’ll be reposting it as I get it reworked so it will have points to offer to any who are inclined to give it a look-see.

Bobbie

Quote Post 1

2 Reply by Dirk B. (edited by Dirk B. 2022-05-09 01:24:19)

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Welcome back, Bobbie. I guess that puts my three-week-old hip injury in perspective. Like not even on the same of plane of existence. I'm glad you're better. It's a good thing Connor was praying for you. :-)

Quote Post 2

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Hello, Bobbie.

I am glad you're returning.

I had to deal with a vacuum pump when I lost a toe due to a blister getting all infecticated. I remember what an ass pain it was, and all the home nurse visits. The wound care specialists were all worried the hole in the front of my foot wasn't filling right and decided to up the ante. Then from one visit to the next, the wound basically healed all on its own. One week blech, the next Yay! So I feel your pain.

I had another blister on my opposite foot's big toe that refused to heal all properly, too. After messing with it for nearly a year, using fancy gauze and medicated wraps and crap, I decided to just leave it uncovered, let it scab over, and let it heal on its own. "Oh, no, you can't do that!" they said. Pssh. The reason they didn't want me to do that was because it worked. They were surprised I stopped going in, but when I showed them my toe, all scabbed up nice and neat, they seemed truly mind-boggled. I suspect they don't know as much as they purport to know.

Anyway, didn't mean to make this about me. Just expressing my solidarity with them healing struggles. Welcome back!

Quote Post 3

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

That sounds horrific! I'm so sorry Bobbie, but I'm very glad you're feeling better and back to the site.

Quote Post 4

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Welp, I had hoped your absence wasn't health-related, but here we are. Good to have you back and finally healthy. Look forward to reading your work.
Lauren

Quote Post 5

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

I don't like pain. It hurts. I'm very glad it's over. Welcome back.

Quote Post 6

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Glad you made it through. Hopefully I will never get a more personal definition of "wound dehiscence"; sounds like the Nightmare on Hell Street. Take care. Vern

Quote Post 7

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Glad you’re back, Bobbie!
I’m  a retired general surgeon familiar with abdominal wound dehiscence. Feel free to message me concerning what happened to you and what to watch for in the future.

Jack

Quote Post 8

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Welcome back, Bobbie!

Quote Post 9

10 Reply by Sideman (edited by Sideman 2022-05-10 23:46:15)

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Welcome back, Bobbie ...

I've been absent from the site for the past 3 months, also due to medical issues, But, mine were far less significant than yours. Goods to hear you are on the mend and doing so much better. wodhing you a full return to everyday life and your writing. Take cae ...

Alan

Quote Post 10

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Thank you, everyone!

I am so glad to be back. Now if I can just get past this budding writer's block...

Bobbie

Quote Post 11

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Good to see you back, Bobbie.

Quote Post 12

Re: The Nightmare is Finally Over

Good grief and then some!  Glad you're back and healed.  What a disaster.  I hope this is the last of the whatever you had and things are looking up for you now.

MJ

Quote Post 13