Doctors, Hospital Admissions, and "Oh No, Not Again!"-- 2009-2012

Although weak, nauseous, and still in a lot of pain, I had defeated -diff.  Now I could start rebuilding my health with vitamins, exercise, and seeing my doctor for advice.  It felt wonderful to have hope that I could eventually get back to really living, not just existing in bed or on my couch. Then my first hurdle to my way back presented itself.  For several years my gynecologist had been keeping tabs on a cyst on my right ovary. It was small and was diagnosed as non-cancerous; however, it had to be watched carefully, especially since my mother had died of ovarian cancer.  I periodically had scans to make sure that there had been no significant growth, and now that I had beaten c-diff, I managed to get to the diagnostic center to get an up-to-date scan. The news was shocking! The cyst was growing at a fast rate and had to be surgically removed immediately. Though I wasn't in good shape for surgery and was concerned about the need for antibiotics, I had no choice. My right ovary and the cyst were both  removed without any problems--other than I had a bad reaction to the anesthesia and caused the staff to be afraid they were losing me.  The cyst was non-malignant, and I didn't need antibiotics so I went home to recover and continue my journey toward better health. I wish I could say that the journey was easy, but the c-diff had caused me to be so rundown that it was an up and down battle. I tried to walk by holding onto the walls of rooms but I would soon tire. However,  I wouldn't give up as I had won the main battle and Jesus gave me added strength. My strength might fail but not His. I got strong enough to make it to church a couple of times where I received a warm welcome. I received physical therapy which helped on the days that I was well enough to keep my appointment. There were times I still suffered from dehydration and would have to go to the hospital.

I purchased a pedal cycle so that I could sit on the sofa in the family room, watch television, and exercise my legs. This seemed to help a lot until I did something dumb. I tripped over the cycle and fell into it, plunging a pedal into my right side and then continued falling into doggie stairs for our two older dogs that my husband had  made so they could climb onto the sofa. I broke one rib, bruised several others (had a nine inch round bruise) and a side that was throbbing.  I was on strong pain killers for several weeks which totally messed up my already messed up digestive system. Nearly everyone who has c-diff, continues to have a messed up stomach for months or years afterward--they also have IBS.  I was discouraged and depressed but God sent someone special to help me through the bad times that were ahead.  Our church had a new pastor--Harriet Hutton--and she visited me several times, reminding me of God's love and praying for me. I instantly felt connected to this woman of God and thanked my Lord and Savior for sending me this angel. 

A few months later I woke up extremely sick and running a high fever. I didn't even argue when my husband said we had to get to the hospital, because I knew something was really wrong.  As it turned out I had severe diverticulitis so was admitted for treatment.  After the tests were completed, a surgeon came into my room and repeated the diverticulitis diagnosis but also added that I had a tumor and c-diff. All I heard were the words c-diff...nothing else registered, and I felt like I had entered into a darkness that was trapping me forever.  The c-diff reoccurred because I had been given powerful antibiotics to fight the diverticulitis, something I had to have to save my life.  I was put in isolation and kept in the hospital for two weeks, being told I needed surgery to remove part of my colon and the tumor. To prepare for the surgery, a picc line was inserted into my arm. The picc line caused a blood clot for which I had to be on blood thinner for several months. The good news is that the diverticulitis healed without surgery and the tumor turned out to be a shadow on the film.  I want to mention that while I was in isolation, Pastor Harriet visited me, wearing a gown, mask, gloves and whatever else the hospital required for visitors.  It was lonely in this room, although my husband was by my side at all times, but for Pastor Harriet to visit me was something I would always remember. Anyway, it was back home where I would begin my second battle with c-diff.

Social Life with C-diff

Actually, I had a very limited social life while fighting c-diff. I mean how social can you be when you are bedfast or feeling very ill most of the time.  However, when it came to friends, I am amazed by the caring and thoughtfulness of those concerned about me. Well, let me address the negative first as I did lose a couple of friends--ones  who had been very close to me.  It is difficult to cultivate a friendship when one party is always sick and also probably because of my up and down emotions.

Now to the positive and a tribute to the wonderful people who have helped me to continue in this battle to regain my health. First, I thank my Lord and Savior for all the blessings He bestowed on me that radiated light through the darkness of c-diff.  My husband and I are closer than ever, inseparable and looking forward to the future.  My wonderful children, Lori and Eric, my son-in-law Silvio  and my grandchildren are cheerleaders in my corner.  Both Pastor Bert and Pastor Harriet helped me with my spiritual walk when my physical body didn't want to get out of bed.

There are so many friends who have been here for me during the last eight years, and I know will continue to support me with their prayers and good wishes.  One of my lifetime and best friends, Joetta Moore,  from Morgantown, WV drove to Baden with her husband Ed and brought me delicious and nourishing potato soup, unlike any I had ever eaten. It had everything in it but the kitchen sink. I wasn't that well then and Joetta  immediately went to my kitchen and found everything she needed to set the table. It was a wonderful time, regardless of the circumstances. Then I smile thinking about Theresa,  my next--door-neighbor,  who mailed me get well cards all the time just to cheer me up. I thank Ade, an attorney and writer from New York, who sent me apple juice on a regular basis, via the mail, because my doctor said it would be good for me. Bill Myers, who is in the Bible study that my husband taught, still calls to check on me as well as sending emails.  He is a close friend whom Jack and I both appreciate for his faithfulness.  Another neighbor, Edie, became my telephone prayer partner as we shared what was happening with us as far as our health problems.  She is in Heaven now, making it an even sweeter place for when I arrive. Jerri Ward who lives in Alabama is a very close friend who is a strong Christian and an encourager. We talk frequently on the telephone, and I always feel better after our conversations.  Another telephone buddy is Marie who lives in Arizona; she and I went to high school together.  Marie, a wonderful Christian, made me a beautiful afghan after asking me what my favorite colors are.  Mary Kay from Morgantown is a former co-worker and Christian friend who sends me goodies in the mail--including scripture verses--to make me feel better.  Then there is Don and Elaine whom I talk with fairly often; they too are from Morgantown and were in our wedding. They are so special to me and to Jack. And now, let me thank my precious cousin (in-law) Mary who lives in Florida. She and her group of prayer warriors have been so faithful to me during my years with c-diff. I am honored to be part of the prayer group. I ask God to bless Mary who is the most caring individual I ever met. There are so many praying for me including Thomas Kemp, a special friend and writer; Susan, Vince, Dan, Don, Steven, Michael, Shirley, Mary and Wayne my dear close friends, Richard, Mary Jane and endless others whom I love and appreciate.

For a time when I was ill, I tried to keep my book reviewing website going as it gave several people extra income.  When the time came that I could no longer do my part, Melissa Brown Levine, took over as co-host for several months and did more than her share of work. I am so appreciative of how she helped out until I eventually closed down the site.  If you need a writer or editor, look her up on google or Facebook.

I want to thank the members of Economy United Methodist church for their prayers and the many gifts that they brought to my home over the years. One member, Jeanette, cooked meals for us an entire week when Jack was ill. In this world of war and killings, the goodness of God is alive and well in His people! My husband and I look forward to the time when we can worship with our friends at the small but Christ-centered church. We are trusting God that this will be in the near future