Still on the other side

Well it is Sunday nite and I am still in the hospital. I’ve been here since I had to return Wednesday nite with more intense headaches that wee positional, intermittent and not really controlled with Advil.

The docs still think I have viral meningitis

• CSF readings (6.27.2007/7.6.2007):
• RBC's = 4 / 4 – Red Blood Cells are normal and consistent
• WBC's = 534 / 265 – means with a strong immune system, less WBCs (White Blood Cells) are found, which should mean less WBCs are needed so I am successfully fighting the infection
• PMN = 2% / 0%
• Mononuclear = 98% / 100% - type of WBCs that are fighting the infection
• Protein = 154 / 169 (15-45 normal) – they’re not sure about this
• Glucose = 33 / 18 (40 - 50 normal) – troubling that glucose is lower, not sure what to make of this
• PH = ?? / 8.0

No organisms, CSF was clear (both samples)

I am actually feeling better this evening, the last few hours have been pretty good. I hadn’t been on any pain meds for about 5 hours, was just fight through it, and I just went on Toradol which seems to be a better solution than the narcotics as it dosn’t seem to cause that whacked out feeling.
Late Saturday nite I noticed my right calf was a bit sore, I mentioned it to one of the nurses and they ordered a ultrasound earlier this morning. Well it came back that I had a clot.. jeez. The clot is not ‘official’ as the report hasn’t come back yet however the technician noted the clot and they have me on heparin. I've never been on thinners and of course never had a clot. To be honest I really didn't (don't) think I have one because it really didn't bother me that much. Part of me wishes I never mentioned it ;-)

I’m still not sure when I’ll be out, the Infections Disease doc that visited me yesterday and today indicated we should get the results of Friday’s Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap), and the many blood tests, Monday. I’ll know much more then.
Thanks for the thoughts and prayers, keep them coming!