I’d had a new defibrillator/pacemaker put in. Within about 2 weeks it became infected. I was taken by ambulance to Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown WV.
I was on IV antibiotics for 2 weeks before the device could be surgically removed. I had a temporary pacemaker implanted in my neck. It was another 1-2 weeks before they could safely implant a new defibrillator/pacemaker on the right side of my chest.
The infection had traveled down the leads into my heart. My entire body was working hard to fight the infection which had traveled everywhere. I was really sick.
At some point a pic line was placed. I was on IV antibiotics for over 3 months. After discharge I administered the IV antibiotics myself and cared for the wound in my chest and changed the packing for another 2 months. A home health nurse came once a week.
One of my children was able to visit me one time throughout my hospital stay. I never had any other visitors.
I refused to live in fear throughout this entire ordeal; not for even one moment. Each and every time a staff member (doctors, nurses, dietary, lab and xray personnel, environmental services, etc.) entered my room I thanked them for the work they do. I would say something to each one that I thought might brighten their day no matter how badly I felt. I shared my recovery with them.
These events occurred in the spring of 2019. I never felt the need or desire to share this experience on Social Media until now. I want to thank the Guru of Recovery, Dru Hicks, for inspiring me to share this with you now.
The Lion’s Roar 