Laura is home from Wesley Chapel Hospital where she was admitted on Feb. 16.  Last summer a small abrasion appeared on Laura's back.  Brian brought it to the attention of the visiting nurse who provided treatment and kept up with it for a couple of months.  Despite that treatment it was getting worse, and a wound care specialist was brought in.  Long story short - 5 months later the wound was WAY worse, and a mobile X-Ray brought in determined that the infection (MRSA and staph) had progressed to the bone.  Brian 'fired' the wound specialist and had Laura admitted to Wesley Chapel.

So, to underscore how nothing is simple with spinal cord injuries, the hospital determined that Laura had a kidney stone!  She couldn't feel it, so no telling how long she had suffered with that.  BUT, even though she can't feel some things her body knows when it's under assault, and Laura had been feeling tired and generally 'crappy' for awhile.

During her stay for some reason the hospital neglected to provide Laura's full  smorgasboard of meds for several days and she went into Gabapentin withdrawal!  Gabapentin is commonly prescribed to spinal cord patients to deal with neuropathic pain and Laura has been on it almost from the beginning. She had a miserable few days until the mistake was discovered. 

Once the kidney stone was dealt with, attention turned to the wound - IV antibiotics began and a 'wound vac' was applied.  By Feb. 24 Laura reported she was feeling 'so much better!'  

She is back home with two new accessories:  a wound vac affixed to her skin until she is healed, and an IV pole to continue the antibiotic drip.  Brian has also added a new skill to his medical repitoire - changing and monitoring the IV bag.  On the upside, Laura is feeling perky and has regained an interest in eating - she had been losing weight and is now of similar proportions to a Barbie doll.  Last time I spoke with her Marjie had brought over some soup and Laura could not wait to dig in!  Pray for Brian - he has a lot to deal with.