Rantings Of An Idiot

June 30, 2022 - I just watched a video on Facebook where members of a news panel discussed Greta Thunberg's speech at the recent G7 (political/economic) gathering. I am definitely NOT a fan of her, so I decided to post a comment on the video post. Basically, I think that what I wrote is well written, so, here is what I wrote and posted as a comment:

Greta was irrelevant, and she still is. She's just another one of those leftist idiots who believe "climate change" is a threat to humanity. There is another word for "climate change." It's called "weather." Greta simply makes a lie annoying. It's not her fault. She has been brainwashed, and she just spews exaggerations and misinformation. She just needs to get a job as a barista at Starbucks and fade away. Yeah, several years ago, her rants were cute and were tolerated as grandparents would tolerate their granddaughter's violin recital. Now that she's 19 years old, her figurative violin playing just sounds like a screeching cat.

Another Dressing Change

June 30, 2022

This morning, my wound-care specialist (terrific guy) changed the bandage on my left foot in regard to lingering diabetic ulcers, as he does every weekday, while I lie in my bed here at my physical rehabilitation facility. More importantly, he changed the dressing on my chest that covers wounds from three recent surgeries, as he does every weekday. (See below for details.) He said my wounds are healing well and quickly, and if it were up to him to decide, he would just leave the dressing off. My surgeon, of course, wants my dressing to be changed every day.

Also, in the center right of this photo, you can see the dual ports of my PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line. (See below for details.)

Why I Am In Physical Rehab

Prior to arriving at my rehab facility on June 3, 2022, I was in the hospital since May 13, 2022, enduring and recovering from two (more) surgeries last month.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries in/on my chest in May 2022. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he partially closed my chest by first clipping off the tips of my ribs and then by reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body.

My surgeon used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest initiated by my open-heart surgery in March 2022 and made worse by my two subsequent surgeries in May 2022, leaving me with seven deep holes in my chest to heal. My sutures (and wound vacuum) were removed on June 20, 2022.

I am in the midst of receiving daily intravenous antibiotic infusions for six weeks for a staph infection within my chest, a blood infection, and lingering osteomyelitis (a bone infection) within my left foot. My last infusion will thankfully be tomorrow (July 1, 2022). I receive the antibiotic through my PICC line, which is about 53 centimeters long (about 21 inches long). It runs from the upper part of my left arm through my veins close to my heart.

(In recent years, I have endured many of these six-week-long regimens for many cases of cellulitis in both of my legs individually and for the lingering osteomyelitis in my left foot.)

Summary

While my pain continues to be constant but now less severe, I continue to heal quite well. However, regaining my strength has been exceptionally difficult. Actually, my occupational therapist told me this morning that I have the strength. I just need to get beyond the negative effects of going from a supine (lying) position to a sitting position or a standing position, and also the negative effects of walking using a walker with my physical therapist. Those effects are: pain in my chest, lightheadedness, nausea, and profuse sweating.

Another Medical Adventure

 June 28, 2022

Another Medical Adventure

I learned something yesterday that I think I already knew: Never pedal a stationary bicycle for 10 minutes when you have a Foley catheter installed. LOL ... I did that as part of my physical-rehabilitation regimen yesterday, and it certainly was a mistake.

Yesterday afternoon, shortly after physical rehab, I went to the emergency room of Boca Raton Regional Hospital via stretcher in an ambulance because I had severe pain in my downtown area. I was given a prescription for pills that reduce bladder spasms, but that's not exactly where the pain was. It gets better.

While at the hospital, I had CT scans of my abdomen and pelvic area. Everything is good down there, but the doctor told me that I have gall stones. Terrific (sarcasm). Anyway, I took one of the pills and just remained in a bed in an examining room in severe pain for many hours, often screaming with pain. I also learned that the staff at hospitals and rehab facilities tend to ignore a screaming (and crying) man. I finally received intravenous pain medication through my PICC line that I have been using for a six-week-long, daily regimen of antibiotic for various infections. (See below for details.)

I arrived back at my rehab facility at 4:05 a.m. because the hospital couldn't get an ambulance for transport to come sooner. Back at the rehab facility, I was able to get some of my usual pills (pain pill, pain pill/neuropathy reducer, and muscle relaxer) at 5:15 a.m. after about an hour of screaming with pain due to neuropathy in my feet and possible developing edema in my legs.

After all of that, this morning, I feel fairly well.

VIDEO: Below is a 10-second video of my rather-quick, return ambulance ride with two cool, portly dudes.

Why I Am In Rehab

Prior to arriving at my rehab facility on June 3, 2022, I was in the hospital since May 13, 2022, enduring and recovering from two (more) surgeries last month.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries in and on my chest in May 2022. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he partially closed my chest by first clipping off the tips of my ribs and then by reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body.

My surgeon used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest initiated by my open-heart surgery in March 2022 and made worse by my two subsequent surgeries in May 2022, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal. My sutures (and wound vacuum) were removed on June 20, 2022.

I am in the midst of receiving daily intravenous antibiotic infusions for six weeks for a staph infection within my chest, a blood infection, and osteomyelitis (a bone infection) within my left foot. My last infusion will be on July 1, 2022. (In recent years, I have endured many of these six-week-long regimens for many cases of cellulitis in both of my legs individually and for the lingering osteomyelitis in my left foot.)

While my pain has been constant, I continue to heal quite well. However regaining my strength has been next to impossible.

Severe Pain Down Under

June 27, 2022 - I will just say that I am here at the emergency room of Boca Raton Regional Hospital due to severe pain to the point of screaming and crying in regard to a Foley catheter.

Chest Dressing Change

June 27, 2022

This morning, I was transported from my health care/rehabilitation facility to a nearby wound-care facility on a stretcher via ambulance to tend to the 8-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest initially from open-heart surgery in March, and two chest surgeries in May. I went by stretcher today (and also to my appointment seven days ago) because I still do not have enough strength to go in a wheelchair.

While there, a wound-care nurse and a nurse associated with my plastic reconstructive surgeon tended to me. The wound-care nurse removed the dressing from my chest and took two photos of my wounds using my phone. I think she took a photo for her records. Then, the nurse associated with my surgeon cleaned my wounds with soap and water, and then took a photo to show my surgeon; she also told me that my wounds are healing well and that at my next appointment in two weeks, my surgeon could discharge me from his care. The wound-care nurse then replaced the dressing on my chest and took a photo of my chest with the new dressing. (See below.) The two EMTs who brought me to the wound-care facility loaded me back into the ambulance and brought me back to my room at my rehabilitation facility.

My discharge from my rehabilitation facility is governed by my progress with both physical therapy and occupational therapy. I only have enough strength to walk about 65 feet with a walker before I need to sit down or lie down due to weakness, lightheadedness, and profuse sweating. I need to do better than that to be able to go home.

(NOTE: I had physical therapy this afternoon. I walked 100 feet with a walker, and I pedaled a stationary bicycle while sitting in a wheelchair for 10 minutes. The machine was motorized to pedal for me. In case I wanted to take a break while pedaling, it would continue to move my legs for me. I didn't take a break.)

Also, my six-week-long regimen of daily intravenous antibiotic for a staph infection within my chest, a blood infection, and lingering osteomyelitis (a bone infection) within my left foot ends on July 1, 2022, so I do not expect to be discharged from the facility until after that date.

My next appointment is in two weeks: 8:45 a.m., July 11, 2022.

Why I Am In Rehab

Prior to arriving at my rehab facility on June 3, 2022, I was in the hospital since May 13, 2022, enduring and recovering from two (more) surgeries last month.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries in and on my chest in May 2022. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he partially closed my chest by first clipping off the tips of my ribs and then by reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body.

My surgeon used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest initiated by my open-heart surgery in March 2022 and made worse by my two subsequent surgeries in May 2022, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal. My sutures (and wound vacuum) were removed on June 20, 2022.

While my pain has been constant, I continue to heal quite well. However regaining my strength has been next to impossible.

(NOTE: I am at the emergency room of Boca Raton Regional Hospital due to severe pain to the point of screaming and crying in regard to a Foley catheter.)

Negative Diagnosis

 

New Nasal Cannula, Hose

June 26, 2022 - This evening, a nurse gave me a new nasal cannula attached to a new hose so that I can continue to inhale supplemental oxygen from an electric oxygen concentrator. My cannula and hose are changed fairly often.

Many Evening Pills

June 26, 2022 - my (seven) evening pills

A Tale of 1 + 2 Cannoli

A Personal Cannoli Story

June 26, 2022 - When my wife and my mother visited me here at my physical rehabilitation facility this late morning into early afternoon, they brought me a cannolo to cheer me up, which it did. I will ration it using intermittent bites. I thank them both for visiting with me.

After they went home, when I adjusted my bed with the remote control, the box holding the cannolo fell to the floor behind my bed and beyond my reach. A woman who works here retrieved the box for me. The cannolo was unharmed.

Shortly after that, I sent a text message to my wife, telling her about the falling cannolo. She and my mom felt bad, so my wife purchased two more cannoli and left them at the front desk. A woman who works here delivered them to my room. I thank them so much. It was quite a nice surprise.

 Why I Am In Rehab

Prior to arriving at my rehab facility on June 3, 2022, I was in the hospital since May 13, 2022, enduring and recovering from two (more) surgeries last month.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries in and on my chest in May 2022. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he partially closed my chest by first clipping off the tips of my ribs and then by reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body.

My surgeon used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest initiated by my open-heart surgery in March 2022 and made worse by my two subsequent surgeries in May 2022, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal. My sutures (and wound vacuum) were removed on June 20, 2022.

While my pain has been constant, I continue to heal quite well. However regaining my strength has been next to impossible.

Photo:

1. my cannolo and me

2. the cannolo box on the floor

3. two more cannoli

Happy About Roe Overturn

June 25, 2022 - Selfie: Since arriving at my physical rehabilitation facility on June 3, 2022, today was the first day I was offered a newspaper. I am not a fan of The New York Times due to its heavily liberal/politically leftist bias, but that is all she had to offer. Anyway, I accepted the newspaper, mainly because I am extremely happy that the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade yesterday, and because I wanted to see the large bold headline printed onto the front page. After all, it really is good news, as well as an important historical event.

Prior to arriving at my rehab facility, I was in Boca Raton Regional Hospital since May 13, 2022, arriving at the hospital's emergency room on that day with severe chest pain, and enduring and recovering from two surgeries later that month. I continue to recover here at the rehab facility.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries in and on my chest in May 2022. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he partially closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. My surgeon used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision initiated by my open-heart surgery in March and made worse by my two subsequent surgeries, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal. My sutures were removed on June 20, 2022.

"Fun" In The Early Afternoon

June 24, 2022 - I certainly had a "fun" early part of this afternoon.

1. from bed, sat in wheelchair for an hour as part of occupational therapy 

2. ate lunch sitting in wheelchair

3. walked about 65 feet in hallway with walker as part of physical therapy

4. pooped

5. threw up lunch into gray basin

6. dressing change on chest (see photo below); bandage change on left foot

7. back in bed, feeling better after some pain, lightheadedness, and sweating

Background Information: I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries on my chest last month. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. He used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision initiated by my open-heart surgery in March, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal.

What's Doin' At Rehab?

June 22, 2022

I certainly have been relatively busy here at the physical rehabilitation facility. Two of my many activities are shown as numbers 1 and 2 in this composite photo I made this afternoon. (See below.) I guess it's not all that much to do. It's just that there are just so many little and quick activities throughout the day that resting really isn't possible, and my weakness makes doing some of these simple activities more difficult.

1. bandage changes (chest and left foot), daily; photo from today

2. intravenous antibiotic, plus PICC-line flushes with saline solution, daily; photo from today

3. dressing changes for PICC line, not too often

4. many pills every morning, afternoon, and early evening (pain reliever, muscle relaxer, anti-anxiety, aspirin, iron, probiotic, sometimes stool softener, sometimes cholesterol reducer; once, twice, or thrice per day, depending on the type of pill)

5. steroidal nasal spray, twice per day

6. steroidal powder inhaled through mouth, once per day

7. insulin injections, almost every day

8. blood-sugar level monitoring, once every morning

9. blood pressure monitoring, many times per day

10. blood-oxygen level monitoring, many times per day

11. body-temperature monitoring, often

12. blood extraction for testing, every couple or few days

13. adjusting nasal cannula for oxygen (by myself), often

14. adjusting my body (by myself) in bed, often

15. physical rehabilitation, lower-body exercises in bed or sitting and walking, every day

16. occupational therapy, upper-body exercises in bed, every day

17. interrogations by various medical and administrative personnel, often

(I think that's everything.)

Visit From My Wife

June 22, 2022 - My wonderful wife visited with me this morning, brought me snacks, and took this photo of myself.

NOTE: She brought me cookies, granola bars, candy, and electrolyte water beverage mix.

Gone: Wound Vac, 7 Sutures

June 20, 2022: TERRIFIC NEWS !!!

* no more wound vacuum
* no more sutures (seven removed)

This morning, I was transported from a health care & rehabilitation facility to a nearby wound-care facility on a stretcher via ambulance to tend to the 8-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest from open-heart surgery in March, and two chest surgeries in May. (See below for details.)

I no longer require the wound vacuum that was sucking discharge and infected blood from within my chest. Also, all seven sutures in my chest were removed. I still basically have seven holes in my chest, but they are healing quite well. My six-week-long regimen of daily intravenous antibiotic for a staph infection within my chest, a blood infection, and lingering osteomyelitis (a bone infection) within my left foot ends on July 1, 2022.

This morning, my plastic reconstructive surgeon's associate removed the wound-vacuum dressing from within and on my chest, and then removed the seven sutures in my chest. I experienced severe pain while she was doing all of that, but now my pain is less severe.

The associate took photos of my chest to show to my surgeon. The nurse also took photos for her records. I requested that the nurse take photos using my camera, before and after bandaging. Below is a photo of my newly bandaged chest.

My next appointment is in one week: 8:45 a.m., June 27, 2022. I hope that I will have enough strength to go in a wheelchair instead of a stretcher.

DETAILS: I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries on my chest last month. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. He used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision initiated by my open-heart surgery in March, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal.

F1

June 19, 2022

I am watching the Canadian Grand Prix on TV. Formula 1 racing is the only sport that I actively follow.

Father's Day: Dad

June 19, 2022

Happy Father's Day to my dad (August 30, 1934 - February 14, 1997). I still sorely and immensely miss him. This is a photo of my dad and me in December 1974 at the house of my great-aunt Rose in East Orange, New Jersey. I was 13 years old. My dad died on his mother's birthday -- she passed away on May 22, 1977 -- and the day after the birthday of his sister, with whom I spoke on the telephone several months ago for her 86th birthday.

Dad was cremated. Half of his ashes were interred at Breslau Cemetery in Lindenhurst, Long Island, New York. The other half of his ashes were scattered into the North Atlantic Ocean from a U.S. Navy ship. Dad served 22 years in the Navy and retired at the rank of Commander. He was a few months short of Captain. He served on a ship in the 1950s, transporting DPs (displaced persons or, as he called them, delayed pilgrims) after World War II from Bremerhaven, Germany, to New York City.

My father had a twin brother named Wilbur who died in 1935 at the age of 9 months due to spinal meningitis.

Father's Day: Bob

June 19, 2022

Happy Father's Day to my father-in-law Bob (R.I.P.). He was not only down to earth but also larger than life. Here I am with Bob and my mother-in-law Lorna (R.I.P.) at our wedding reception on February 4, 2006. Bob, you are sorely missed and forever in our thoughts and our hearts.

Father's Day Cookie

 June 19, 2022

Regaining My Strength

June 17, 2022 - In regard to regaining my strength, I am really starting at rock bottom. What I mean is: I break a sweat and get lightheaded just standing up from my bed. I have been able to sit up for a maximum of 40 minutes but with great difficulty.

This morning, I endured more occupational therapy, specifically upper-body exercises while lying in my bed using two-pound dumbbells and a two-pound stick held in my hands. I have been using one-pound weights before today.

This afternoon, I endured more physical therapy, specifically sitting in a wheelchair and walking short distances in the hallway using a walker.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries on my chest last month. For my surgery on May 19, 2022, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates from within my chest due to an infection. For my surgery on May 25, 2022, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. He used seven spaced-out sutures to close the eight-inch-long, vertical incision from my open-heart surgery in March, leaving me with seven holes in my chest to heal.

Medications

June 17, 2022

Morning Pills

1. diuretic

2. muscle relaxer

3. pain reliever

4. iron

5. probiotic

6. aspirin

... plus, steroidal nasal spray this morning, which I also take in the evening, as well as a steroidal/bronchodilator powder that I inhale into my lungs. In the evening, the pills that I take are: pain reliever, muscle relaxer, and anti-anxiety. I was taking a pill to lower my cholesterol, but it's too big for me to swallow. I also stopped taking a different pain medication and acetaminophen because of adverse reactions. I also refused a pain-relieving  patch to be placed on my chest. I tried it once in the hospital, but it proved to be ineffective.

... plus I receive a daily bag of intravenous antibiotic as part of a six-week regimen.

UPDATE (12:45 p.m., today): I was told I will receive in a few minutes two more pills: another muscle relaxer and another iron. Also, I am now receiving my daily intravenous antibiotic.

UPDATE (1:10 p.m.): Now, a nurse told me that I can receive pain-reliever pills every four hours, so I am now going to receive a pill in a few minutes. I have only been receiving this pill in the morning and early evening.

Evening Pills

June 16, 2022

Evening Pills
1. pain reliever (narcotic)
2. muscle relaxer
3. anti-anxiety

Another Medical Update

Thursday, June 16, 2022

Thank you for your prayers, support, and well-wishes in regard to my recent medical "adventures."

This morning, a wound-care specialist/registered nurse changed the wound vacuum dressing (black strip) within and on my chest while I was lying in my bed here at the physical rehabilitation facility. The white patch covers a wound from a recently removed chest drain. (See photo below.)

More than my usual pain ensued.

The dressing is now being changed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday instead of every three days as in recent weeks. He missed yesterday, but he will be back to change the dressing tomorrow. He also changed the bandage on my left foot, which is changed every day, either by him or by a nurse here at the facility. I have a lingering diabetic ulcer/surgical wound in the ball of my left foot.

I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries on my chest last month. For the first surgery last month, my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed metal sternal plates within my chest due to an infection. For the second surgery, he cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest, and he closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. At that time, he installed a drain in my chest and affixed seven sutures to hold my chest together in certain areas. The drain was removed a short while ago.

My seven wounds are the result of an eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest (from my open-heart surgery) which is being held together with those seven spaced-out sutures. So, I basically have seven holes in my chest that are healing quite well.

I certainly have been busy early today. Before 1 p.m., I swallowed my morning medication as pills (narcotic pain reliever, diuretic, muscle relaxer, aspirin); sniffed steroidal nasal spray to prevent polyps from returning following my sinus surgery several years ago; inhaled steroidal/bronchodilator powder into my lungs via my mouth; engaged in both occupational therapy and physical therapy (exercises while lying, sitting, and standing); and received my daily intravenous infusion of antibiotic as part of a six-week-long regimen for a staph infection within my chest, a blood infection, and lingering osteomyelitis (a bone infection) within my left foot. Last year, I had three surgeries on my left foot: two to remove bone fragments within my foot and one to remove a benign tumor growing within a diabetic ulcer. I also had surgery on my left foot several years ago to remove part of a decayed bone.

(As long as I am explaining my recent medical condition: Last year, I experienced kidney failure followed by six weeks of daily dialysis (four straight hours each day) and a thoracentesis procedure that drained 22 ounces of fluid surrounding my right lung through a catheter inserted in my back and into my chest cavity.)

FOR THE FUTURE: My physical therapist (a nice, but tough woman named Krishna) told me today that we are going to the gym tomorrow so that I can ride the stationary bicycle. (We are both Hindus.) I was also told that during my upcoming appointment at the wound-care facility on Monday, June 20, 2022, where I will arrive on a stretcher, I may be taken off of the wound vacuum and switched to regular bandages. It seems like I no longer require the wound vacuum because it now extracts very little discharge and infected blood compared to recent weeks.

HOW THE WOUND VACUUM WORKS: Pieces of foam are stuffed into the wounds within my chest. I have seven sutures within my chest which leave seven open wounds. A long piece of thin foam padding covers my wounds. Medical tape placed on and around the foam forms a vacuum seal. One end of a hose is then snapped onto the foam on my chest with the other end attached to an electric-powered wound vacuum. The vacuum continuously sucks out discharge and infected blood from within my chest. It also helps to heal my many wounds faster by pulling and holding the skin around my wounds closer together.

DISCLAIMER: I am a journalist by trade, so I tend to include in my Facebook posts specific information and overexplanation. I am not looking for sympathy. I just like to write, and I just want to tell my friends and my family members what is going on in my life, the focus of which right now are my medical issues.

I Walked !!!

June 15, 2022 - I WALKED !!!

I am continuing to slowly regain my strength here at the physical rehabilitation facility. This early afternoon, I continued working with my occupational therapist. She guided me through various upper-body exercises using a short, one-pound pole that I held in my hands while lying in bed. Soon after, I continued with my physical therapy. Two therapists helped me to stand and ultimately to walk. Yes, I was actually able to walk a short distance down the hallway and back, to and from my room, using a metal walker for support.

Walking certainly was a challenge, considering I was wearing special padded shoes (due to the diabetic ulcers in both of my feet), plus I had a hose in my nose connected to an oxygen tank; a hose taped onto my chest for my wound vacuum; and a catheter down below with the hose taped to my left thigh. One therapist was there to grab me in case I fell. The other therapist pushed a wheelchair behind me that held the oxygen tank, the wound vacuum, and the catheter bag.

My blood pressure was low when I started (111/40), but was substantially higher when I finished (157/88). My blood pressure has since settled at 129/78.

PHOTO: Here is my "infamous" wound vacuum that constantly sucks out discharge and infected blood from the seven open wounds within my chest to keep them dry and also pulls the individual wounds closer together, both of which promote faster healing. I am expecting to have the wound vacuum dressing on my chest changed today, as I do every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

(I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022, and two plastic reconstructive surgeries on my chest last month.)

CLARIFICATION: My seven wounds are the result of an eight-inch-long, vertical incision in my chest closed with seven sutures.

UPDATE (June 16, 2022): The dressing on my chest was not changed yesterday. It will probably be changed tomorrow. WRONG. It was changed today.

Success At Rehab

June 14, 2022: SUCCESS

I was slightly successful here at the physical rehabilitation facility this early afternoon. I sat at the edge of my bed for more than 30 minutes while eating lunch. It doesn't sound like much, but it is more than I have been able to do.

A therapist was there to help me. It was difficult because of the pain, the cold sweats, and the lightheadedness. I need to force myself to sit for extended periods of time to readjust my body to a sitting position from just a lying position, so says my therapist.

My therapist told me that tomorrow she will help me to walk. That will be quite a challenge for me, considering I don't even have the strength to stand by myself. I require some kind of support from either a therapist or one of those metal walkers.

Since I arrived at the facility, I have been working with various physical therapists and occupational therapists. So far, I have been minimally exercising while lying in bed in an effort to regain my strength.

I was transported to the rehab facility on June 3, 2022, by ambulance from the hospital, where I was since May 13, 2022, due to two chest surgeries. I had quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022. My two surgeries last month were to basically reconstruct my chest due to an infection within my chest.

I do not know when I will return home, but it cannot come soon enough. My six-week-long regimen of daily intravenous antibiotic infusions ends on July 1, 2022, so I will be here for at least that long. However, my release from the facility will probably be governed by the status of my chest wounds and, I suppose, by my ability to physically do the basics of life by myself, such as sitting, standing, and walking.

Thanks again for your prayers and support.

PHOTO: Selfie with my heart-shaped therapeutic pillow, June 14, 2022 ... Whenever I cough, sneeze, sit up, stand, or roll onto my side in bed, I clutch this pillow tightly to my chest for support and to reduce pain. Due to my chest wounds and lack of a sternum (breastbone), I am not permitted to use my arms to elevate or adjust my body unless I hold my arms close to my body.

Wound Vacuum: Chest

June 13, 2022 - This afternoon, a wound-care specialist/registered nurse changed the wound vacuum dressing within and on my chest while I was lying in my bed here at the physical rehabilitation facility. (See photo below.) The dressing is now changed every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday instead of every three days as in recent weeks. That translates into more pain for me. He also changed the bandage on my left foot, which is changed every day, either by him or by a nurse here at the facility.

Thank you for your prayers and support.

(I decided not to restate my medical issues in this post because not much has changed except for a little slow healing. For more information, please check my recent posts.)

New PICC Line Dressing

June 13, 2022 - This morning, I received a change of the dressing on my dual-port PICC line, which is about 53 centimeters long (about 21 inches long). It runs from the upper part of my left arm through my veins close to my heart. I am in the midst of receiving daily intravenous antibiotic infusions for six weeks for a staph infection within my chest, a blood infection, and osteomyelitis (a bone infection) within my left foot. My last infusion will be on July 1, 2022. (In recent years, I have endured many of these six-week regimens for many cases of cellulitis in both of my legs individually and for the lingering osteomyelitis in my left foot.)

4 Tubes In Me

At the time of this [Facebook] post, I have four tubes in me:

1. wound vacuum (chest), continuous
2. oxygen (nose), continuous
3. Foley catheter (down below), continuous
4. intravenous antibiotic (left arm), about 30 minutes, once per day

Water In Urine Cup

A nurse just brought me water in a urine-sample cup. I sincerely hope it wasn't already used. LOL ... In my condition, I have to find humor wherever I can. (I needed the water to take some of my many pills.)

I am here at a physical rehabilitation facility following two recent surgeries in May 2022 due to complications from my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery in March.

UPDATE: A woman in a heart surgery group on Facebook mentioned that the nurse may be monitoring my water intake. I am not sure because I receive cups of water whenever I ask for them.

Another Vacuum Change

June 10, 2022 - This afternoon, the wound vacuum dressing was changed from within and on my chest in my room here at the physical rehabilitation facility. (See photo below.) It needs to be changed every three days. I have a tentative appointment with my plastic reconstructive surgeon on June 13, 2022, so I am expecting the dressing to be changed at his office on that date.

HOW THE WOUND VACUUM WORKS: Pieces of foam are stuffed into the wounds within my chest. I have seven sutures within my chest which leave seven open wounds. A long piece of thin foam padding covers my wounds. Medical tape placed on and around the foam forms a vacuum seal. One end of a hose is then snapped onto the foam on my chest with the other end attached to an electric-powered wound vacuum. The vacuum continuously sucks out discharge and infected blood from within my chest. It also helps to heal my many wounds faster by pulling and holding the skin around my wounds closer together.

Recent Medical Events (2022):

MARCH 9: I had Quadruple Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

MAY 13: I entered the hospital emergency room with severe pain within my chest and within my central back; also, I was admitted to the hospital on the same day.

MAY 19: I had surgery to have metal sternal plates removed from within my chest; and to have a wound vacuum installed to suck out a severe staph infection from within my chest from my recent open-heart surgery.

MAY 25: My plastic reconstructive surgeon removed the wound vacuum from within my chest; cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest; and closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. At that time, he installed a drain in my chest; affixed seven sutures to hold my chest together in certain areas; and replaced the wound vacuum.

MAY 29: An associate of my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed the drain within my chest and replaced the wound vacuum dressing within and on my chest.

JUNE 1: Another associate of my plastic reconstructive surgeon replaced the wound vacuum dressing within and on my chest.

JUNE 3: I was transported by ambulance from the hospital to a physical rehabilitation facility, where I am currently residing.

My six-week regimen of daily intravenous antibiotic infusions ends on June 30, 2022, so I will remain here at least until then. I am still dealing with a staph infection within my chest; a blood infection; and lingering osteomyelitis (bone infection) within my left foot. My podiatrist has been monitoring both of my feet with visits to the hospital and now (today) with visits here at the facility.

Also, I will continue to have the wound vacuum dressing within and on my chest changed every three days, which is a rather painful experience. While I am still experiencing constant pain in my chest, even with pain medications, the pain is slightly less than in recent months.

While here, I am engaging in both occupational therapy and physical therapy while lying and sitting in bed. If and when I regain some of my strength, I will be able to stand and hopefully walk.

My release from the facility will ultimately be governed by how healed the wounds in my chest are and, I suppose, my overall strength/weakness.

UPDATE, June 11, 2022:

My last day of intravenous antibiotic is apparently July 1, 2022, because I missed a day in transition.

Wound Vacuum Change

June 8, 2022 - This early afternoon, the wound vacuum dressing was changed from within and on my chest in my room here at the physical rehabilitation facility. (See photo below.) It needs to be changed every three days. My previous change was on June 1, 2022. My next change will be on June 10, 2022. I have an appointment with my surgeon on June 13, 2022, so the dressing will again be changed on that date at his office.

WOUND VACUUM: Pieces of foam are stuffed into the wounds within my chest. I have seven sutures within my chest which leave seven open wounds. A long piece of thin foam padding covers my wounds. Tape placed on and around the foam forms a vacuum seal. One end of a hose is then snapped onto the foam with the other end attached to an electric-powered wound vacuum. The vacuum continuously sucks out discharge and infected blood from within my chest. It also helps to heal my many wounds faster by pulling and holding the skin around my wounds closer together.

Recent Medical Events (2022):

MARCH 9: I had Quadruple Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.

MAY 13: I entered the hospital emergency room with severe pain within my chest and within my central back; also, I was admitted to the hospital on the same day.

MAY 19: I had surgery to have metal sternal plates removed from within my chest; and to have a wound vacuum installed to suck out a severe staph infection from within my chest from my recent open-heart surgery.

MAY 25: My plastic reconstructive surgeon removed the wound vacuum from within my chest; cleaned out the remaining infection from within my chest; and mostly closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. At that time, he installed a drain and replaced the wound vacuum.

MAY 29: An associate of my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed the drain within my chest and replaced the wound vacuum within my chest.

JUNE 1: Another associate of my plastic reconstructive surgeon replaced the wound vacuum within my chest.

JUNE 3: I was transported by ambulance from the hospital to a physical rehabilitation facility, where I am currently residing. My six-week regimen of daily intravenous antibiotic infusions ends on June 30, 2022, so I will remain here at least until then. My release will ultimately be governed by how healed my chest it.

Conversation At Rehab

June 7, 2022

Conversation at the Physical Rehabilitation Facility

Nurse: Are you ready for change?
Me: Huh?
Nurse: Are you ready for change? Diaper change?
Me: I don't wear a diaper. I use the bathroom.
Nurse: Oh. OK.

Medical Update

June 7, 2022 - I have an appointment at my surgeon's office on June 13, 2022. I am expecting to have the wound vacuum dressing on my chest changed here at the physical rehabilitation facility. I don't exactly know of my physical rehabilitation schedule. While I tested negative for covid before I left the hospital on June 3, 2022, I am currently within a 14-day quarantine here at the rehabilitation facility. My six weeks of daily intravenous antibiotic ends on June 30, 2022, so I will remain here at least until then.

Hospital To Rehab Center

June 5, 2022 - During the late afternoon on June 3, 2022, I was transported by ambulance from Boca Raton Regional Hospital, where I had been since May 13, 2022, to my new temporary home: Heartland Health Care & Rehabilitation Center Of Boca Raton. I have been fighting a staph infection within my chest following my quadruple coronary artery bypass surgery on March 9, 2022. I endured two major surgeries in May at the hospital. (See below.)

I was told that I would be here at this facility for two months, but I think (and hope) that I will return home sooner. My time here will be determined by how fast the many wounds in my chest have healed and also by the remaining days of my six-week daily regimen of intravenous antibiotic which started on May 16, 2022 and will end on June 30, 2022.

I am receiving an antibiotic intravenously every day for the staph infection within my chest; for a blood infection; and for the lingering osteomyelitis (bone infection) within my left foot.

While here at the facility, the wound vacuum on my chest will continue to run continuously; and the dressing that is within and on my chest that holds the wound vacuum in place will continue to be changed every three days, but at my heart surgeon's office.

The lingering diabetic ulcer/surgical wound in my left foot will often be rebandaged, but it is basically healed. My podiatrist will continue to tend to the lingering and "healed" diabetic ulcers in both of my feet, while I am here.

WOUND VACUUM: Pieces of foam are stuffed into my wounds. Then, a long piece of thin foam padding to be attached to a hose covers my wounds. Tape placed around the foam forms a vacuum seal. The electric-powered wound vacuum is then connected to the hose to continuously suck out discharge and infected blood from within my chest. It also helps to heal wounds faster.

PHOTO: It's me in my bed at Heartland Health Care & Rehabilitation Center Of Boca Raton, June 5, 2022. My wife took this photo of myself.

Recent Medical Events (2022):

MARCH 9: I had Quadruple Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery.
MAY 13: I entered the hospital emergency room with severe pain within my chest and within my central back; also, I was admitted to the hospital on the same day.
MAY 19: I had surgery to have metal sternal plates removed from my chest; and to have a wound vacuum installed to suck out a severe staph infection within my chest from my recent open-heart surgery.
MAY 25: My plastic reconstructive surgeon removed the wound vacuum within my chest; cleaned out the remaining infection within my chest; and mostly closed my chest by clipping off the tips of my ribs and reattaching my chest muscle flaps to my body. At that time, he installed a drain and a wound vacuum.
MAY 29: A plastic surgeon associated with my plastic reconstructive surgeon removed the drain within my chest and replaced the wound vacuum within my chest.
JUNE 1: Another plastic surgeon associated with my plastic reconstructive surgeon replaced the wound vacuum within my chest.

UPCOMING: Tomorrow (June 6, 2022): I will be transported to my plastic reconstructive surgeon's office to change the wound vacuum dressing that is within and on my chest. I am also scheduled to start physical/cardiac rehabilitation, which is basically walking and light exercises.

UPDATE: June 6, 2022

While I did engage in relatively easy physical rehabilitation in my bed today, I did NOT go to my surgeon's office to change the wound vacuum dressing on my chest. That is hopefully scheduled for tomorrow.

UPDATE, June 11, 2022:

My last day of intravenous antibiotic is apparently July 1, 2022, because I missed a day in transition.