Another CT Scan – Abscess Observation

I left the hospital early on Tuesday, against their wishes… and immediately got in contact with my Doctor.

I spoke with the assistant on Tuesday evening and then again on Wednesday afternoon.  This morning (thursday) my doctor called to tell me I needed to come in so she could show me how to care for the catheter.  But since I already knew what do to and had been doing it all.. she had the assistant call and schedule another ct scan.

This time, they want to see how much the abscess has gone down.  For her to order the catheter to be removed, the abscess must close off.  This is to help prevent re-infection.  It’s also possible the catheter will need to be moved, if part of it hasn’t drained.

I’m actually glad she called and took a few minutes to explain things… I was reaching a point I was tempted to take the catheter out myself.  But understanding why it needs to stay in place for as long as it does, and knowing if it did not heal I’d have to do it all again.. well.. that’s enough for me to be patient about this.

And as mad as I was at the hospital, I am actually going back to them to have this follow up done.  I will be taking my own pain medication with me, for sure and won’t bother to ask for any if I am in pain.

So far, since having the catheter in place, I feel so much better.  I don’t have pain when I walk, sit, or when I’m bumped.  Of course, the catheter placement is uncomfortable and I have been taking percocet to relieve it.  But it’s a different type of pain.

If it’s not removed tomorrow.. we’ll make arrangments for next week.  I’m hoping for tomorrow, but not holding my breath.

Tagged as: abscess, catheter, CT Scan, pain management, Pain Tolerance, percocet