Hospitalized.

On November 14, I went to urgent care because some mild chronic pelvic pain had become worse and I began having symptoms that were unpleasant.

For the next three weeks, I went through different stages of feeling like crap, a couple days with fevers, and not being able to exercise because of the pain that was increasing.

Friday night, I spiked a high-ish fever and my pain had increased signficantly.  Instead of another inconclusive ultrasound like the day before, a CT scan was necessary and revealed a 10-cm abscess where my right ovary should be and a dermoid cyst covering the left ovary.  I joked on Facebook that both of my ovaries must hate me, though deep down, I knew what questions had just been discussed with the GYN on call.  Possible removal of the uterus and both ovaries.  I’d be going through menopause at 33, not good for someone with family history of early heart disease.

Thankfully, they have been able to save both ovaries, though the dermoid cyst is still in there.  There is a chance that my appendix burst and that is what the abscess on surrounding my right ovary was.  I will have follow-up CT scan in a few weeks to make sure appendix tissue is gone and to check up on the right ovary.

The surgery was not able to be done laparascopically, so I have an incision from just above my pubic bone to just under my belly button.   This recovery will take awhile – it’s been humbling to rely on other people to wash me and help me to the bathroom.

No diabetes issues, mainly because I’m not eating much.  All readings have been 120 mg/dl or lower.  (I was actually 60 mg/dl at the time surgery began on Saturday – I think they used a little dextrose to bring that up.)   Once I do eat, it might change and I may need a temporary dosage of insulin.  I don’t know when I’ll go home.  Originally, that would be tomorrow, but since I’m not keeping food down and not too mobile, I think that may be delayed a day or two.

Blog entries may be few and far between for the next few days.  To all who have already brought me well wishes – thank you so much.

(Edited 12/11/09:  it turns out that perhaps the right ovary was part of the abscess after all, according to my operative report.  We won’t know until the follow-up CT scan what has become of the appendix or the right ovary, if I even choose to do the scan.)

Posted on December 7, 2009, in Health. Bookmark the permalink. 14 Comments.

  1. Oh Rachel – really sorry to hear this, although glad the surgery was not as radical as first suggested.

    Sending you hugs for a speedy recovery.

    Reply
  2. I’ve sent up a prayer for your quick recovery. Glad there is no trouble with the diabetes on top of everything else. Hang in there.

    Reply
  3. Many hugs and good wishes for a quick recovery!

    Reply
  4. I am so sorry to hear this – I wish you good health asap! I was just in the hospital and I know it’s not fun at all. I hope those nurses are keeping up with things and making sure you are comfortable!

    Reply
  5. Rachel:
    Hugs, love, and positive thoughts and vibes being sent your way! When this is all over, you and I are going out for drinks!

    Reply
  6. Glad you figured out the problem, wish you weren’t in the hospital but happy to hear it’s being taken care of. Hang tough. ((((hugs))))

    Reply
  7. the poor diabetic

    Here is to wishing you a speedy recovery and that the D did not cause any complications. I know you will be back to the D life in no time.

    Reply
  8. Minnesota Nice

    TEN centimeters? That’s a monster!
    And yes, an abdominal incision of that size will take awhile to heal – many layers ofo muscle to cut through and stitch back up. Well, I guess it’s time for people to wait on you. I hope you have a little bell by the couch that you can ring when you need something.
    Don’t try to do too much too fast. Get all the rest you need in order for your body to heal.

    Reply
  9. laurie edwards

    Sorry to hear you are going through all of this! Hospitalizations and surgeries can take so much out of you. I hope you are getting lots of rest, and have as smooth a recovery as possible!!

    Reply
  10. Wow, I had no idea this was all going on. I’m sorry to hear of it and I hope you recover quickly. *hugs* to you.

    Reply
  11. Rachel, I am so sorry to hear you’re going through this. Thinking of you and sending many good thoughts your way!

    (((Hugs)))

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  12. yikes! Thinking of you and sending lots of love in your direction, accompanied with a generous side of sticky P’ito kisses.

    Reply
  13. Scott K. Johnson

    I’m hoping and praying for a quick and uneventful recovery. Please keep us posted as you are able.

    Reply
  14. ((( Rachel ))) Feel better soon, my friend. Let the cats wait on your for a while. :)

    Reply

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