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	<title>Novel Patient &#187; kidney infection</title>
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		<title>Hospital Update</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2010/05/05/hospital-update/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2010/05/05/hospital-update/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 06 May 2010 06:16:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chronic Illness]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novelpatient.com/?p=802</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I&#8217;m scared about tomorrow.  Tomorrow I have to get a feeding tube put in.  But let me back up.
My liver function has been declining.  But now my GI doctor thinks that my liver problems might be from the oral  antibiotic they had me on for my kidney infection, so I of course stopped that.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a title="Marielle Carving Francinaldo's Ear by interplast, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/interplast/55767480/"><img src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/55767480_caf676f361.jpg" alt="Marielle Carving Francinaldo's Ear" width="248" height="186" align="right" /></a>I&#8217;m scared about tomorrow.  Tomorrow I have to get a feeding tube put in.  But let me back up.</p>
<p>My liver function has been declining.  But now my GI doctor thinks that my liver problems might be from the oral  antibiotic they had me on for my kidney infection, so I of course stopped that.  (My kidney infection seems to finally be better at least.)  With  the liver my doctors want to wait 2 weeks to see if the levels  normalize  with me off the antibiotic.  If not then I&#8217;ll need a liver  biopsy to determine what is causing it be it Autoimmune Hepatitis or something else, and  we&#8217;ll go from there.</p>
<p>Over the last couple days, I&#8217;ve tried to eat clear liquids again and all I get is more pain and  nausea.  I tried for the last time today, and I still had the same horrible nasuea and pain.  So tomorrow I&#8217;m going to have a feeding tube put in.  We are going to keep me on tube feeding for a WHOLE MONTH!!!  Why?  To really give the pancreas a chance to rest and calm down.  That means no eating for a month!!!  Ugh.</p>
<p>In the past, we would have just upped my dose of Prednisone to calm down the Autoimmune Pancreatitis, but now the side effects of the Prednisone are causing me too much harm and my doctors are afraid of raising it even more.</p>
<p><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/case184_fig01.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-802];player=img;"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-804" title="NJ Tube" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/case184_fig01.jpg" alt="" width="250" height="309" align="right" /></a>So tomorrow I will get a Nasojejunal  Tube (or NJ Tube) placed.  It will go up my nose, down by throat, through my stomach, and into my small intestines.  It will allow me to get nutrition without aggravating my Autoimmune Pancreatitis.</p>
<p>So why am I so afraid?  Well for one thing you have to be under anesthesia for it.  Secondly, last time I had a feeding tube placed I woke up afterward into a nightmare.  I had somehow been exposed to latex which I have a life threatening allergy to.</p>
<p>I woke up feeling like I was drowning.  I couldn&#8217;t breathe and I thought I was going to die.  I kept coming in and out of consciousness, but each time I awoke there were more doctors and nurses around me.  They couldn&#8217;t stabilize me in the Recovery room and had to move me to the ICU and put me on a machine to help me breathe.  I spent the day and night in the ICU recovering from the incident.</p>
<p>Since I found out that I was getting another feeding tube I have been having flash backs to the incident.  I am very nervous something similar will happen again.  Luckily the hospital is a lot more latex free than it was when this happened a few years ago.  But even so, I am having a hard time staying calm about it.</p>
<p>But if all goes well with the feeding tube, and I am able to tolerate the tube feedings well, they might be able to send me home from the hospital on Saturday.  If not, then I  don&#8217;t know when I&#8217;m going to make it out of this place.</p>
<p>It&#8217;s already been 14 consecutive days and 20 total days that I&#8217;ve spent here in the hospital, but I&#8217;ve got to keep the faith!  I know I will make it out of here eventually.  In the meantime, my friends and family have been wonderfully supportive.  I owe them so much.  And when things are at their worst, I&#8217;ve been calling upon God to help me through.  He has been such a constant source of strength, comfort, and support.  I lived so long without God in my life, but now I don&#8217;t know how I&#8217;d get by without Him.</p>
<p>In the end, I just have to deal with things as they come.  Things are what they are, and I know that with my own inner strength and God&#8217;s help I can get through anything.  I could cry about it (and sometimes I do), but I&#8217;d rather laugh and make the best of things.  Because life is too short.</p>
<div id="attachment_806" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 435px"><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/96466606.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-802];player=img;"><img class="size-full wp-image-806" title="Healing Flower Garden" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/96466606.jpg" alt="" width="425" height="319" /></a><p class="wp-caption-text">My growing collection of flowers from friends and family.</p></div>
<p style="text-align: center;">
<p><strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
<ul class="recent-comments">
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
</ul>
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Post tags: <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/allergy/" rel="tag">allergy</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/antibiotic/" rel="tag">Antibiotic</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/autoimmune/" rel="tag">autoimmune</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/autoimmune-hepatitis/" rel="tag">autoimmune hepatitis</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/autoimmune-pancreatitis/" rel="tag">autoimmune pancreatitis</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/better/" rel="tag">Better</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/clear-liquids/" rel="tag">clear liquids</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/comfort/" rel="tag">comfort</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/conditions-and-diseases/" rel="tag">Conditions and Diseases</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/consciousness/" rel="tag">consciousness</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/couple-days/" rel="tag">couple days</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/digestive-disorders/" rel="tag">Digestive Disorders</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/doctor/" rel="tag">doctor</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/doctors/" rel="tag">Doctors</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/doctors-and-nurses/" rel="tag">doctors and nurses</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/er/" rel="tag">ER</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/faith/" rel="tag">Faith</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/family/" rel="tag">family</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/feeding-tube/" rel="tag">feeding tube</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/feeling/" rel="tag">feeling</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/flickr/" rel="tag">flickr</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/friends-and-family/" rel="tag">friends and family</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/general-anesthesia/" rel="tag">general anesthesia</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/god/" rel="tag">God</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/hard-time/" rel="tag">hard time</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/healing/" rel="tag">healing</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/health/" rel="tag">health</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/help/" rel="tag">help</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/hospital/" rel="tag">hospital</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/icu/" rel="tag">ICU</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/inner-strength/" rel="tag">inner strength</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/kidney/" rel="tag">Kidney</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/kidney-infection/" rel="tag">kidney infection</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/latex/" rel="tag">latex</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/life/" rel="tag">life</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/liver/" rel="tag">liver</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/liver-biopsy/" rel="tag">liver biopsy</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/liver-function/" rel="tag">liver function</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/liver-problems/" rel="tag">liver problems</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/machine/" rel="tag">machine</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/nasojejunal/" rel="tag">Nasojejunal</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/nasuea/" rel="tag">nasuea</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/nausea/" rel="tag">nausea</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/nightmare/" rel="tag">nightmare</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/novel/" rel="tag">novel</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/nurse/" rel="tag">nurse</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/nutrition/" rel="tag">nutrition</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/oral-antibiotic/" rel="tag">oral antibiotic</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/pain/" rel="tag">pain</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/pancreas/" rel="tag">pancreas</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/patient/" rel="tag">patient</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/place/" rel="tag">place</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/prednisone/" rel="tag">Prednisone</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/recovery/" rel="tag">Recovery</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/small-intestine/" rel="tag">Small intestine</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/small-intestines/" rel="tag">small intestines</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/time-today/" rel="tag">time today</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/title/" rel="tag">title</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/tomorrow-tomorrow/" rel="tag">tomorrow tomorrow</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/tube-feeding/" rel="tag">tube feeding</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/week/" rel="tag">week</a><br/>
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		<title>Patience in the Hospital</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/29/patience-in-the-hospital/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/29/patience-in-the-hospital/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 29 Apr 2010 22:19:59 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novelpatient.com/?p=790</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Though I am a Novel Patient, patience isn&#8217;t my strong suit.  But patience is what is required of me right now.
My kidney infection has triggered a flare of my Autoimmune Pancreatitis.  I&#8217;ve completely lost my appetite and am having severe upper abdominal pain that bores through to my back.  Luckily I am at the hospital [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><a title="(note to self) by tamelyn, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tamelyn/2215239575/"><img src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2215239575_477f58bd3c.jpg" alt="(note to self)" width="194" height="292" align="right" /></a>Though I am a Novel Patient, patience isn&#8217;t my strong suit.  But patience is what is required of me right now.</p>
<p>My kidney infection has triggered a flare of my Autoimmune Pancreatitis.  I&#8217;ve completely lost my appetite and am having severe upper abdominal pain that bores through to my back.  Luckily I am at the hospital with all my specialists including my Pancreatic specialist.  In terms of treatment, my doctors are really afraid to give me more Prednisone (a steroid) while I am still fighting this infection.  Plus they don&#8217;t want to undo my progress in tapering the Prednisone.  So the treatment is to keep me completely off anything by mouth &#8211; no food or even water &#8211; for several days until this hopefully calms itself down again.</p>
<p>So they are keeping me here through the weekend, and I get to practice being patient.</p>
<p>I am plain tired of it all though.  I am tired of being in the hospital so often that it becomes so commonplace to my family that they hardly bat an eye.  I am tired of having IVs and <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/peripherally_inserted_central_catheter" title="Peripherally inserted central catheter" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherally_inserted_central_catheter">PICC</a> lines hanging out of my arm and being covered with bruises from botched attempts at them.  I am tired of being woken up in the middle of the night to get my vitals checked.  I&#8217;m tired of all the medications and the side effects.  (A new fun one from the IV antibiotic is blurred vision.)  I&#8217;m tired of being bored and lonely and alone in the hospital.  I am tired of being so tired.</p>
<p>I wrote a poem just now:</p>
<blockquote>
<h1><span style="text-decoration: underline;">In The Hospital</span></h1>
<p>In the hospital<br />
Knowing only pain<br />
And loneliness<br />
Poked and prodded<br />
Woken in the night<br />
Woken in to a nightmare<br />
But this is no nightmare<br />
This is my life<br />
So I search<br />
For a beacon of hope<br />
For a way to get through<br />
And make this trial a tool<br />
To grow and evolve<br />
Past the loneliness<br />
And past the pain<br />
Poking and prodding<br />
My soul into change<br />
Though I dream<br />
And I hope<br />
For health<br />
I cannot wait<br />
So one day at a time<br />
In the hospital</p></blockquote>
<p>On the upside, I get to take a shower tomorrow.  A REAL shower!!!  I can&#8217;t explain how much I&#8217;m looking forward to that!</p>
<p>Also my church has been amazing!  They&#8217;ve been calling and texting and most importantly visiting me.  It&#8217;s been awesome to have such a source of support for the first time in my life!  Their visits have broken up the monotony and made it so much easier to be patient.</p>
<p>And patient I must be &#8211; a novelly patient patient.</p>
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<p><strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
<ul class="recent-comments">
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
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		<title>Ladylike: Feeling Feminine in the Hospital</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/25/ladylike-feeling-feminine-in-the-hospital/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/25/ladylike-feeling-feminine-in-the-hospital/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 25 Apr 2010 23:23:36 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[It's hard to feel ladylike when you are in the hospital.  Yes, I'm back in the hospital again.  The kidney infection returned Thursday with a vengeance, and, well, here I am.  And not feeling very ladylike at all.

I'm sweaty and running a fever.  I haven't washed my hair or shaved my legs in days.  But there are some things you can do to maintain your sense of femininity while in the hospital.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>It&#8217;s hard to feel ladylike when you are in the hospital.  Yes, I&#8217;m back in the hospital again.  The kidney infection returned Thursday with a vengeance, and, well, here I am.  And not feeling very ladylike at all.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m sweaty and running a fever.  I haven&#8217;t washed my hair or shaved my legs in days.  But there are some things you can do to maintain your sense of femininity while in the hospital.</p>
<ol>
<li>
<h1>Sponge Bath</h1>
<p>No, its not a the same as a shower, but having the nurse help you with a quick sponge bath can help you feel refreshed even if you aren&#8217;t feeling well.</li>
<li>
<h1><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/shampoocap.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-754];player=img;"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-755" title="Shampoo Cap" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/shampoocap.jpg" alt="" width="194" height="194" align="right" /></a>Shampoo Caps</h1>
<p>These <a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=68820&amp;catid=10351  " target="_blank">Shampoo Caps</a> allow you to wash you hair in the hospital without ever leaving your bed.  I&#8217;ve used them countless times during long hospitalizations to get my hair feeling and smelling clean again.</li>
<li>
<h1>Deodorize</h1>
<p>This may sound extremely basic, but using a little extra deodorant has helped me feel and smell a little more ladylike when I wasn&#8217;t up to a sponge bath in the hospital.</li>
<li>
<h1>Nail Polish</h1>
<p>I&#8217;m not really one to polish her nails at all, but having a friend or family member give you a manicure or pedicure while you lay in your hospital bed can give you a much needed sense of ladylike pampering when you aren&#8217;t feeling you best.</li>
<li>
<h1><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/rorygown_detail.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-754];player=img;"><img class="alignright" title="Rory Gown" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/rorygown_detail.jpg" alt="" width="166" height="166" align="right" /></a>Girly Attire</h1>
<p>One size fits all unisex hospital gowns don&#8217;t really make me feel like a lady, but if you are allowed you can bring your own more feminine pj&#8217;s from home.  You can also buy designer hospital gowns like <a href="http://www.dearjohnnies.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&amp;cPath=4&amp;products_id=30" target="_blank">Dear Johnnies</a> that specialize in better hospital gowns for women.</li>
</ol>
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<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
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		<title>Reporting from the Hospital</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/13/reporting-from-the-hospital/</link>
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		<pubDate>Tue, 13 Apr 2010 19:11:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[I hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst, and unfortunately the worst won out this time.
I'm back in the hospital again.
I woke up Thursday morning feeling pretty horrible.  Fever, chills, dizziness, and worsening kidney pain.  After three days of oral antibiotics, my kidney infection was getting worse not better.  I called my doctor who agreed it was time to head to the hospital.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><span style="color: #800080;">I hoped for the best, but prepared for the worst, and unfortunately the worst won out this time.</span></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #800080;">I&#8217;m back in the hospital again.</span></h1>
<p><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/86190532.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-708];player=img;"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-711" title="IV Number Six" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/86190532.jpg" alt="" width="219" height="292" align="right" /></a>I woke up Thursday morning feeling pretty horrible.  Fever, chills, dizziness, and worsening kidney pain.  After three days of oral antibiotics, my kidney infection was getting worse not better.  I called my doctor who agreed it was time to head to the hospital.</p>
<p>By the time I got the ER, fever, pain and dehydration had conspired to give me <a class="zem_slink freebase/en/tachycardia" title="Tachycardia" rel="wikipedia" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tachycardia">tachycardia</a> (racing heart rate).  I suppose one of the upsides of being really sick is being seen right away.  Despite the crowded waiting room, they found me a bed in the ER straight from triage.</p>
<p>They ran some tests.  Not surprisingly my white blood cell count was way up due to infection.  The ER doctor quickly explained that though they send home 95% of patients with kidney infections, there were multiple reasons he felt I needed to be admitted.  I&#8217;m immunosupressed from all the Prednsione I&#8217;m on, I have multiple chronic illnesses, the oral antibiotics at home didn&#8217;t work, and so on.</p>
<p>So I was admitted.</p>
<p>I received two different IV antibiotics over the next several days.  My veins weren&#8217;t happy about it and I went through 6 IVs in as many days.  But overall my stay has been uneventful.  Mostly I&#8217;ve been too tired to do anything but sleep.</p>
<p>I had several visitors who helped break up the monotony.  My mom and dad spent the most time here with me.  Sunday I was pleasantly surprised by a visit from two friends from church, Liz and Halee.  Then yesterday an old friend from high school Jenny paid me a visit followed by Christy and Brad from church.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve been waiting this morning to find out the results of my latest tests and was just told they are good to go.  I&#8217;ve been discharged!  Yay!</p>
<p>I will go home with oral antibiotics which I will stay on long term to hopefully prevent yet another one of these kidney infections I seem so prone to getting.  It&#8217;s getting old &#8211; ending up in the hospital every few months from these things.  I&#8217;m hoping that these long term antibiotics will do the trick and keep me out of the hospital.</p>
<p><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Photo-on-2010-04-13-at-11.58.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-708];player=img;"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-713" title="In the Hosptial" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/Photo-on-2010-04-13-at-11.58.jpg" alt="" width="424" height="318" /></a></p>
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<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
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		<title>Fear</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/07/fear/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2010/04/07/fear/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 08 Apr 2010 04:56:34 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Fear and OCD are a bad combination.  It's bad enough to have a fearful thought in your head, but with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder you just can't forget it.

I was woken by pain on Monday morning at 6am.  I felt like I was being stabbed in my left lower back and side.  An all too familiar pain.  The pain of a kidney infection.  AGAIN.  I've had far too many kidney infections the last few years.  Several of them have resulted in extended hospitalizations of a month or longer.  So to feel this familiar pain filled me with dread.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<h1><a title="Fear by poison73, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29011446@N08/2701457832/"><img src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2701457832_3406901628.jpg" alt="Fear" width="245" height="183" align="right" /></a><span style="color: #800080;">Fear.</span></h1>
<h1><span style="color: #800080;">Fear that I will end up back in the hospital.</span></h1>
<p>Fear and OCD are a bad combination.  It&#8217;s bad enough to have a fearful  thought in your head, but with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder you just  can&#8217;t forget it.</p>
<p>I was woken by pain on Monday morning at 6am.  I felt like I was being stabbed in my left lower back and side.  An all too familiar pain.  The pain of a kidney infection.  AGAIN.  I&#8217;ve had far too many kidney infections the last few years.  Several of them have resulted in extended hospitalizations of a month or longer.  So to feel this familiar pain filled me with dread.</p>
<p>That is how the fear started.</p>
<p>I called my doctor as soon as the office opened.  He opted to put me right on antibiotics over the phone.  The first day was truly miserable.  I was in so much pain and my breakthrough pain meds were barely taking the edge off.  Yesterday I seemed to be feeling a tiny bit better.  But today I spiked a fever.</p>
<p>Not good.</p>
<p>Now the fear was escalating.  This infection was not heading in the right direction.  Instead it was following the well worn path that leads to the hospital.</p>
<p>I called my doctor who had me go get a urinalysis done to see where the infection is at.  I&#8217;ll get the result tomorrow.  The culture won&#8217;t be back though for a few days.</p>
<p>Now I wait and try not to let the fear take over.  But my thoughts are wanting to spiral out of control.<br />
<a title="Hospital Corridor by BertBeckers, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/beckersbert/2063021227/"><img src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/2063021227_923b6c9fe4.jpg" alt="Hospital Corridor" width="277" height="408" align="left" /></a></p>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #800080;"><em>Kidney infection leads to hospital.</em></span></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #800080;"><em>Hospital leads to latex exposure.</em></span></p></blockquote>
<blockquote><p><span style="color: #800080;"><em>Latex exposure leads to anaphalaxsis.</em></span></p>
<p><span style="color: #800080;"><em>Anaphalaxsis leads to another stay in the ICU.</em></span></p></blockquote>
<p>Not fun.</p>
<p>Not fun at all.</p>
<p>Mental illness can sure make it more difficult to deal with a chronic illness.  But I&#8217;m trying to calm my thoughts.  Trying to channel my OCD into other happier obsessions.  But really I just want to cry because, though I try, sometimes I just can&#8217;t put a happy spin on life with a chronic illness.  Sometimes it&#8217;s not inspiring or uplifting.  Sometimes there&#8217;s no bigger picture.  Sometimes there&#8217;s no underlying lesson to be learned.  Sometimes it just sucks.</p>
<p>Sometimes I&#8217;m not a novel patient.  Sometimes I&#8217;m just a scared girl who doesn&#8217;t want to end up back in the hospital for the umpteenth time.</p>
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<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
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		<title>Visualizing Symptoms</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2009/11/15/visualizing-symptoms/</link>
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		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 08:26:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
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		<description><![CDATA[Appearances can be deceiving with a chronic illness.  Looking at a person you usually can&#8217;t even begin to see what they are going through.  Sometimes even your doctor can&#8217;t see what&#8217;s right in front of them.  Sometimes you have to spell it out for them.  Especially when you have a lot of symptoms and medical [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Appearances can be deceiving with a chronic illness.  Looking at a person you usually can&#8217;t even begin to see what they are going through.  Sometimes even your doctor can&#8217;t see what&#8217;s right in front of them.  Sometimes you have to spell it out for them.  Especially when you have a lot of symptoms and medical problems, I&#8217;ve found it extremely helpful to bring your doctor a printed list summarizing your medical history and list of symptoms broken down by category.</p>
<p>This serves another purpose as well.  When you have an unexpected and most unwelcome flare of autoimmune pancreatitis pain, you can distract yourself by making it into art while you wait for your pain meds to kick in!</p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Symptom-Cloud.png" rel="shadowbox[post-457];player=img;"><img class="size-full wp-image-458 aligncenter" title="Symptom Cloud" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Symptom-Cloud.png" alt="Symptom Cloud: Hospitalizations Surgeries Appendectomy Cholecystectomy Hospitalized Hospitalized Hospitalized Hospitalized pain pain pain pain autoimmmune  Sjogren’s Syndrome Dry eyes, mouth, skin Asthma Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Raynauds Low grade fever Extreme fatigue Extremely low tolerance for exercise  Erythomyalgia IGA deficiency History of anemia Severe allergies and anaphylaxis Heat and cold intolerance Hair loss Eyelid swelling Ankle swelling Hoarseness, coughing, and wheezing Sleep Apnea Gastrointestinal Pain when swallowing and esophagus spasms Delayed gastric emptying GERD Motility problems Bile backup Nausea Vomiting Autoimmune Pancreatitis Autoimmune Hepatitis Difficulty digesting food Severe stomach pain Feeding tube required at times of Pancreatitis flares Loss of appetite Muscular/Skeletal Osteopenia Costochondritis Soft tissue pain Swollen and painful joints requiring use of wheelchair Bulging disk in lower back Range of motion limited in arms and fingers Involuntary muscle spasms, movements, and cramps Muscle weakness Trouble walking, standing, sitting, dressing, personal hygiene Fibromyalgia   Neurological/Autonomic Migraines Dizziness Seizures Tremors Balance problems Involuntary Muscle movements Random episodes of high heart rate Difficulty urinating Difficulty Swallowing Motility problems Abnormally large pupils Episodes of excessive sweating Episodes of loss of muscular control of face, mouth, and tongue Episodes of uncontrollable eyelid fluttering with eyes rolling back into head Numbness on thigh with severe pain and burning underneath Typing one word while trying to type a different word Concentration and memory problems Abnormal EEG Psychological Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Attention Deficit Disorder Severe anxiety Severe depression Self harm Sleep disorder Nightmares Urinary Chronic urinary tract and kidney infections Bladder Stimulator Implant" width="400" height="206" /></a></p>
<p><em>Head over to <a href="http://www.wordle.net/" target="_blank">Wordle</a> to try it out for yourself (and feel free to link me in the comments).</em></p>
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<p><strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
<ul class="recent-comments">
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
</ul>
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		<title>A New Look</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/25/a-new-look/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/25/a-new-look/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 26 Aug 2009 05:41:01 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chronic Illness]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novelpatient.com/?p=283</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sometimes things come crashing down emotionally.  I didn&#8217;t realize what an emotional toll being so ill in the hospital with a double kidney infection had until yesterday.  I didn&#8217;t let myself feel it in the midst of the crisis.  I guess I was in survival mode.  Literally.
But yesterday gave me a chance to reflect on [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Sometimes things come crashing down emotionally.  I didn&#8217;t realize what an emotional toll being so ill in the hospital with a double kidney infection had until yesterday.  I didn&#8217;t let myself feel it in the midst of the crisis.  I guess I was in survival mode.  Literally.</p>
<p>But yesterday gave me a chance to reflect on it.  I was at my regular monthly appointment with my psychiatrist (who I absolutely adore), and he was asking me the normal questions about my physical health as it affects my mental health and everything just sort of hit me.  And I started to cry.  All the stress I had been burrying so I could make it through the hosptial stay and infection and 10 days of at home IV antibiotics came bubbling up to the surface.  I didn&#8217;t shed many tears because my illness, Sjogren&#8217;s Syndrome, damages my tear production&#8230; among other things.  And that made me cry harder.</p>
<p>And then finally dealing with my immediate past made me think about my immediate and not so immediate future.  And I cried because the future is so unknown and that is just plain scary.  This round of IV immunospupressants &#8211; Rituxan &#8211; doesn&#8217;t seem to have worked.  That is enough to make me cry in itself.  It is just so disappointing.  I am unsure what I should do next?  Should I risk suppressing my immune system further and more potentially dangerous infections like the one I&#8217;m just recovering from and get another round?  Will it even work?  Should I try something even stronger?  Or should I not take the risk and learn to accept my life as it is.  Is my new &#8220;normal&#8221; getting around in a wheelchair and being in pain and exhausted all the time with dibilitating and life threatening symptoms?  Is that how I&#8217;m going to be forever?  If this is how I am at 25, what will my life be like at 50?  Will I ever be independent again?  Will I need a caregiver forever?  And the scariest of all&#8230; how long is forever if I continue to be this sick?  Will I die from my autoimmune diseases and not with it?</p>
<p>But after crying this out of my system I realized I need a &#8220;new look&#8221; on many levels.  I can&#8217;t LIVE my life if I&#8217;m thinking this way all the time, so I don&#8217;t.  But I did need to get it out of my system once and a while.  The rest of the time I am thankful for what I still do have.  I am usually happy.  I have a wonderful caregiver in whom I&#8217;ve found a great friend as well.  I have the most wonderful and supportive community of online friends a girl could ask for.  I have a sister who does everything she&#8217;s able to support me.  A dog who loves give me cuddle therapy.  My writing, creativity, faith in myself, and most importantly HOPE!</p>
<p>I also got myself a &#8220;new look&#8221; in a more literal sense.  A new haircut and a new outfit.</p>
<p>
<a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/novelpatient/img_0744.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-283];player=img;" title=""  >
	<img class="ngg-singlepic ngg-left" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/88__320x240_img_0744.jpg" alt="New Outfit" title="New Outfit" />
</a>
 
<a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/novelpatient/img_0745.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-283];player=img;" title=""  >
	<img class="ngg-singlepic ngg-right" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/89__320x240_img_0745.jpg" alt="New Haircut" title="New Haircut" />
</a>
<strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
<ul class="recent-comments">
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
</ul>
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Post tags: <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/antibiotics/" rel="tag">antibiotics</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/autoimmune/" rel="tag">autoimmune</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/autoimmune-diseases/" rel="tag">autoimmune diseases</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/caregiver/" rel="tag">caregiver</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/dangerous-infections/" rel="tag">dangerous infections</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/emotional-toll/" rel="tag">emotional toll</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/faith/" rel="tag">Faith</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/health/" rel="tag">health</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/hospital/" rel="tag">hospital</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/illness/" rel="tag">illness</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/immune-system/" rel="tag">immune system</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/kidney-infection/" rel="tag">kidney infection</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/mental-health/" rel="tag">mental health</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/new-haircut/" rel="tag">new haircut</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/pain/" rel="tag">pain</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/risk/" rel="tag">risk</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/sjogren/" rel="tag">sjogren</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/stress/" rel="tag">stress</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/survival-mode/" rel="tag">survival mode</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/wheelchair/" rel="tag">wheelchair</a><br/>
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		<title>Keeping Busy in the Hospital</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/14/keeping-busy-in-the-hospital/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/14/keeping-busy-in-the-hospital/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 21:40:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chronic Illness]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[boredom]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novelpatient.com/?p=272</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[As I round out a total of TWO weeks spent in the hospital with this kidney infection nonsense, I thought I&#8217;d take a moment to share how I&#8217;ve kept myself from going insane with boredom.


My first line of defense is and will always be the computer/internet.  Chatting on IRC, AIM, gtalk, YIM, etc with my [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>As I round out a total of TWO weeks spent in the hospital with this kidney infection nonsense, I thought I&#8217;d take a moment to share how I&#8217;ve kept myself from going insane with boredom.</p>
<ol>
<li>
<h5>My first line of defense is and will always be the computer/internet.  Chatting on IRC, AIM, gtalk, YIM, etc with my friends is the best way to spend hours and hours AND not feel lonely at the same time!  The best part is my friends live all over the world, so usually at least one of them is always available if I need to vent or just want to chat.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>There is nothing like a good book.  Reading has always been a favorite past time of mine.  I&#8217;ve been immersed in the Dune series during this hospitalization.  Getting wrapped up in a good book lets me forget my own troubles for a while and be someone else and somewhere else.  When I finish Dune, I plan to read my first ebook on my iphone!</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>And now for some mindless entertainment&#8230; Computer games!  I love playing little free flash games especially of the point-and-click and escape variety found in vast quantities on sites like <a href="http://jayisgames.com/" target="_blank">Jay Is Games</a> and <a href="http://www.lazylaces.com/" target="_blank">LazyLaces</a>.  But I was feeling the need for something a little bit more hard core, so I installed Fable on my latptop and have been playing that when I&#8217;ve been bored.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>Visitors are the best!  When you are in the hospital nothing can replace human contact.  It quickly becomes very lonely in those isolating hosptial rooms.  My mom, dad, sister, and caregiver Melissa have been here most days to keep me company.  Their presense has been a huge comfort and I am very grateful!  Also the hospital has volunteers who sometimes come around and talk to you.  I spent a half hour with a very nice volunteer the other day.  It was really nice to have someone new to talk to.</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>Yesterday Melissa lugged a TON of my scrapbooking stuff to the hospital so I could partake in my VERY favorite activity!  It&#8217;s so nice to be creative!  I was exhausted by the time I finished just two pages (even with lots of breaks), but it was well worth it!
<a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/novelpatient/photo-8.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-272];player=img;" title=""  >
	<img class="ngg-singlepic ngg-center" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/85__320x240_photo-8.jpg" alt="photo-8" title="photo-8" />
</a>
</h5>
</li>
<li>
<h5>Finally when I&#8217;m totally out of ANYTHING else to do, I can always write a blog entry&#8230; or heaven forbid work on my novel <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_razz.gif' alt=':P' class='wp-smiley' />  !</h5>
</li>
</ol>
<p>In other news, I was hoping to go home today, but it doesn&#8217;t look like I&#8217;ll have the IV antibiotics I need to recieve at home setup in time to go home today.  My doctor thinks I&#8217;ll at least be going home by Monday though!  Yay!<strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
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<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
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		<title>Venting&#8230;</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/13/venting/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/13/venting/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 14 Aug 2009 04:33:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Awareness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Chronic Illness]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life Issues]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[arthritis]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[bad situation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brain]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[brain inflammation]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[caregiver]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[complication]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[health]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[kidney infection]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Venting]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novelpatient.com/?p=270</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I just need to vent.  Feeling a bit sorry for myself.  I&#8217;m just so frustrated and tired of how things are going!  I&#8217;ve been in the hospital a total of 2 weeks with this kidney infection now.  I&#8217;m only 25 years old but my health is just completely in the toilet.  I&#8217;m so ill I [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I just need to vent.  Feeling a bit sorry for myself.  I&#8217;m just so frustrated and tired of how things are going!  I&#8217;ve been in the hospital a total of 2 weeks with this kidney infection now.  I&#8217;m only 25 years old but my health is just completely in the toilet.  I&#8217;m so ill I need a full time caregiver and am in a wheelchair.  I can hardly get out of bed most days.  I feel like the example for every possible complication of Sjogren&#8217;s!  Between the AI pancreatitis and the AI hepatitis and the brain inflammation wreaking all sorts of havoc.  Then there&#8217;s the arthritis which has me in a wheelchair that I wonder if I&#8217;ll ever get out of.</p>
<p>I&#8217;d say I&#8217;m too young for this, but obviously I&#8217;m not.</p>
<p>I&#8217;ve lost most all my friends to being sick.  None of them wanted to deal with it.  They are busy leading their lives and don&#8217;t have time or the desire to see or talk to me.</p>
<p>I&#8217;m tired of being such a financial and time burden on my mom.  I feel so physically helpless and I miss my independence terribly.</p>
<p>Most of the time I put on a cheerful face and make the best and even find the positives of this bad situation, but right now I just am feeling really angry and frustrated and needed to let it out.  So thanks for listening.<strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
<ul class="recent-comments">
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
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Post tags: <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/arthritis/" rel="tag">arthritis</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/bad-situation/" rel="tag">bad situation</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/brain/" rel="tag">brain</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/brain-inflammation/" rel="tag">brain inflammation</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/caregiver/" rel="tag">caregiver</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/complication/" rel="tag">complication</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/health/" rel="tag">health</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/hepatitis/" rel="tag">hepatitis</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/hospital/" rel="tag">hospital</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/kidney-infection/" rel="tag">kidney infection</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/pancreatitis/" rel="tag">pancreatitis</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/sjogren/" rel="tag">sjogren</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/venting/" rel="tag">Venting</a>, <a href="http://novelpatient.com/tag/wheelchair/" rel="tag">wheelchair</a><br/>
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		<title>Hospital Perspective</title>
		<link>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/11/hosptial-perspective/</link>
		<comments>http://novelpatient.com/2009/08/11/hosptial-perspective/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Novel Patient</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Chronic Illness]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[antibiotics]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[latex]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[perspective]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://novelpatient.com/?p=265</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Just a quick update to let you know I&#8217;m alive.  I&#8217;m back in the hospital since Thursday.  My fever came back and my pain got worse, so I was readmitted.
We&#8217;ve been trying to figure out the right combination of antibiotics to kick this kidney infection I have.  It just is being really stubborn.
In the meantime, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Just a quick update to let you know I&#8217;m alive.  I&#8217;m back in the hospital since Thursday.  My fever came back and my pain got worse, so I was readmitted.</p>
<p>We&#8217;ve been trying to figure out the right combination of antibiotics to kick this kidney infection I have.  It just is being really stubborn.</p>
<p>In the meantime, I&#8217;ve been dealing with the normal hospital drama.  Allergies and latex intrusions.  Things not happening in a timely fashion or at all.  For instance, I&#8217;m fresh out of IV sites.  I&#8217;ve had 12 IVs so far.  And number 12 is hurting.  My doctor ordered a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripherally_inserted_central_catheter" target="_blank">PICC line</a> for me yesterday.  I still haven&#8217;t received it.  So now I might need to get IV number 13 just to keep getting my IV antibiotics.  IF they can find a place to put IV number 13.</p>

<a href="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/novelpatient/photo-5.jpg" rel="shadowbox[post-265];player=img;" title="I'm fresh out of spots to put an IV."  >
	<img class="ngg-singlepic" src="http://novelpatient.com/wp-content/gallery/cache/84__320x240_photo-5.jpg" alt="Bruised Arms" title="Bruised Arms" />
</a>

<p>But I&#8217;m hanging in there.  Trying to stay postive.  Because what else can I do?  Right now I&#8217;m looking forward to take out from my favorite restuarant for dinner.  When your in the hosptial its the small things like that that make a big difference.</p>
<p>I am thankful for internet access and my laptop.  They are keeping me sane.  I am thankful for my own pillow.  I am thankful I&#8217;m not even sicker than I am.  I am thankful that I like my doctors.  I am thankful for my mom and sister and dad and caregiver Melissa who have been visiting me so I don&#8217;t get too lonely.  And I am especially thankful to all my online friends who keep my company 24/7 and are always there when I need them!</p>
<p>Being in the hosptial sucks.  But it does put things into perspective.<strong>Recent Comments:</strong>
<ul class="recent-comments">
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6034" rel="bookmark" title="July 16, 2010 at 4:08 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Dana Marton</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Congratulations, you are one of my picks for the Versatile Blogger Award! Go to my blog post to see </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6031" rel="bookmark" title="July 14, 2010 at 3:48 am"><span class="rc-commenter">Diana Lee</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> I&#039;m grateful to hear you&#039;re doing so well. You truly look wonderful. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6028" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:59 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">cattie</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Aww, so happy for you, Lauren, and thanking God you&#039;re well. <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif' alt=':)' class='wp-smiley' />  I hope you have tons of fun, an</li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6027" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:37 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">Ariana</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Yay! So sad I won&#039;t be going to ARGfest <img src='http://novelpatient.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_sad.gif' alt=':(' class='wp-smiley' />  I love the picture with you standing! Your skirt is </li>
<li><a href="http://novelpatient.com/2010/07/11/progress/#comment-6026" rel="bookmark" title="July 12, 2010 at 9:35 pm"><span class="rc-commenter">David F.</span> commented on <span class="rc-title">Progress!</span></a> Beautiful to see your amazing progress! Congratulations! Have fun a ARGFest&#8230; Wish I could be there</li>
</ul>
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