Deepika's Diary
Day 38 - 44
4 - 10 JUNE 2000
Next week
Previous week
Last weekend I spent fighting the CMV virus. I had to get an anti-viral medication intravenously twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. That would have required two trips to the hospital. Fortunately Chirag has learnt a lot during my stays in the hospital and was able to administer the evening dose at home. The fevers still persisted all weekend.
By Monday I was not doing any better. My red blood cell count had dropped so I received two pints of blood plus the anti-viral medication and hydration so that took up the whole day.
On Tuesday I developed a cough and diarrhea. This become a concern and I was seen my a doctor specializing in Infectious Diseases. Blood cultures were drawn and chest x-rays were taken. The anti-viral medication was stopped and another one started. This medication unfortunately is given intravenously, three times a day. I was given the dissapointing news. "YOU HAVE TO BE ADMITTED!"
I was back in hospital on Wednesday morning. An anti-biotic was started as a precaution and so was the new anti-viral medication. I also received my weekly dose of Immune Globulin.
On Thursday my platelet count was below required minimum and I received a transfusion. The fever, cough, and diarrhea still continued and to add to all this I started throwing up once again. My white blood cell count is low but stable.
On Friday the results from my blood cultures established that I had an intestinal bacteria called Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff). Hence the reason for the diarrhea. I was put into isolation. This means that I am not allowed to leave my room. The family is allowed to visit but must wear protective gowns and surgical gloves upon entering my room. This is to prevent the bacteria from spreading to other patients with low immune systems.
The battle of the bugs is on. I will update my diary on Wednesday 14 June 2000 with regards to my progress.
It's a BUGS LIFE!!!