For the past week (7-8 to 7-15) I was hospitalized with a mini-strok and some facial paralysise. The big scare wasn't the stroke but how my veins were difficult to penetrate for medications. On last Tuesday, they put in a Midline (smaller than a PICC) in my right upper arm to get an IV started. However, with all of the blood thinners, my blood was so thin that it washed out the Midline and I had uncontrolled bleeding for 4 days before they could get it to stop. Finally, they were able to get an IV line in my left upper arm. I lost over a quart of blood during this time so I am weak. The hospital used a tight compression tape bandage to get the bleeding stopped but it came at a cost. When it was removed, it burned my skin to the point that I now have 2nd degree burns on my right upper arm. My left arm is black, blue and purple from all of the attempts to start an IV and from drawing blood. This was one of the most painful hospitalizations that I have ever had. In spite of all of this, I had the most wonderful nurses and PCA's that anyone could ever want. I am so thankful for my blessings. I will heal and it will take some time. Looking forward to doing a little mending today with my machines.
Marty