I want to begin by thanking those who read my latest blog post, and particularly those who offered thoughts of concern and words of encouragement.
From my previous post, I want to focus on the matter of four different infections I picked up while I was a hospital patient. Roughly 1.7 million Americans get nosocomial (hospital-associated) infections annually, from all types of bacteria alone (not including viri or fungi). Those cause or contribute to 99,000 deaths. During my work in health-care ethics, I recall something about nosocomial infections being the third-leading cause of death, after heart disease and cancer. I am bothered by that number because I suspect it is too high; it may have been true of a localized study. Nonetheless, those infections pose serious problems for patients and health-care workers.
If those infections do not kill, they slow peoples' recoveries or make those recoveries incomplete. Hence the slowness of my recovery and the added pain.
I expect to get past this sooner rather than later, through with added frustration.
Blessing and Bear hugs to all!
Today's Weather Report
The overnight low will be 6C (about40F).
The high, later today, will be 18C (about 65F) under clear and sunny sky.
That's really scary, R-Bear. I work at a hospital, volunteering in the Chaplain's office. I often need to wear a gown and gloves and sometimes a mask (when visiting patients who have communicable diseases) and your words of warning will be on my mind going forward.
ReplyDeleteContinued healing, my friend.
xo
Amanda
Thank you, Amanda. I didn't mean to frighten you too much!
DeleteVolunteering with the Chaplain's office. What wonderful work you are doing!
Back when I was working in Medical Ethics, spreading infection in-hospital was something we kept in mind, especially if there might be some largr-scale emergency. I'm sure you can appreciate the challenge which might be involved in maintaining sterile surroundings during such a situation.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Hugs and love for continued healing, Bear!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Reffie. I trust that you and Evil Twin and the rest of your crew are doing well!
DeleteWhen I worked in a nursing home, we sometimes had to send patients out to the hospital. When they returned to use--if they returned--we could count on them having bedsores and often, MRSA. We often ran out of isolation rooms.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Wow! Talk abut a living nightmare. You certainly understand the concern I'm raising. Glad you survived.
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
So very scary. I try to stay out of hospitals for many reasons, but this is a big one. I do hope you will return to full health, as you say, sooner rather than later. :-)
ReplyDeleteI sure understand your concern, DJan. To have picked up one infection in hospital is a concern. But three? Drives me crazy as well as delaying my recovery.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you out of the den! This is so scary.
ReplyDeleteI'd like to make the situation better. Sadly, I can't. Trying to squeeze a little more out of every person eventually backfires.
DeleteLet's just hope that now you're home away from the dangerous hospital that all will be well.
ReplyDeleteIndeed, Susan, yes. Thank you.
DeleteWhen I worked in the hospital, (back in the Dark Ages) the problem of patients picking up new infections as inpatients was already a daunting one. It's horrible that things haven't improved nearly as much as they should have by now. The spread of anti-bacterial products by so many consumers has only made the situation worse.
ReplyDeleteHang in there, and get well soon.
Thanks, Susan, for sharing your story. I would be nice indeed if things were better. I wonder how staffing cuts to "save money"or "increase profits" fit into this picture.
DeleteI realize I'm very fortunate that the infections I picked up didn't kill me.
Blessings and Bear hugs.
We are all so fortunate that you have such fortitude to fight for improved health. I hate to think of how dangerous 3 different infections can be on your endurance and ability to recover! Praying for your speedy recovery and a peaceful hibernation season. Xo zoe
ReplyDeleteOh, Zoe! Thanks for the kind and supportive thoughts! They mean a lot in this "interesting" time. I'm making progress, but it is both slow and painful. Your note is very encouraging!
DeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Thinking of you. Zoe ❤
ReplyDeleteThinking of you, too, Zoe. I hope you are well!
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