Today, I start yet another round of IV antibiotics. I counted the number of times I've had IVs the other day, but I kept losing track. If I were to make a rough estimate, I'd say I've had 25 or so courses of IV antibiotics over my life. Needless to say, I'm used to the routine: get poked/taped up so my port stays accessed and sterile, run two different IVs every eight hours, flush the port with saline and heparin appropriately, get blood drawn twice a week, get port reaccessed once a week, run the course of antibiotics for three weeks, go to the doctor at the end to check PFTs (pulmonary function test), don't get the access site wet, shower strategically, take zofran (anti-nausea medicine) as often as possible, take naps frequently. When you've had heavy-duty IVs as often as I have, you know all the tricks. Let's be real, I'm pretty sure I know more than most nurses! But that's beside the point. IVs are a part of my cystic fibrosis journey. It's not a part that I enjoy, obviously, but it's necessary to keeping me healthy and strong. Simply put, my lungs need help to do their job, and IVs keep me going.
I'm also scheduled for sinus surgery next Friday. I'm definitely not looking forward to the surgery. I'm used to anesthesia, but that is still probably by least favorite part of surgery. I don't like the feeling of losing control when the anesthesia gets into my body. To be honest, I tend to fight the sleepy feeling as long as possible until I just give up, close my eyes, and "go to sleep". I don't like waking up from anesthesia, either. I wake up disoriented, unsure of what happened during surgery or what the next step is in my recovery. And I despise not thinking clearly, which happens when I'm waking up from surgery. I could continue about all the reasons I don't like surgery, but instead, I'll say I'm extremely thankful for doctors who know what they're doing and who want to do what's best for me. I'm thankful for technology that allows for surgery to be performed relatively safely. I'm thankful that the surgery even exists so that I can keep fighting back against the damage CF does to my body.
It's time to fight infection with all my strength and help from medical technology. CF ain't got nothin' on me! If you think about it, please be praying for my recovery process over the next few weeks. I am SO appreciative of all of your prayers, love, and words of encouragement.
God is good!
Praying for you sweet girl! I am constantly encouraged by your brave words and your faith in God. He is constant and good and fills you up with courage and strength. --Callie :)
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