Birthday blessings and Merry Christmas
- Dec 24, 2025
- 2 min read
Last month I was blessed to have another birthday. Just a few months ago, it seemed that I may not have another birthday. Sepsis caused an inoperable infection on my aortic graft, which led to a pseudoaneurysm. It was extremely painful, and life threatening and I was told it would be fatal. However, Rush had a new head of vascular surgery that had done two surgeries in the past where he inserted coils into the aneurysm to embolize it. He was willing to try this technique on me - and we went ahead with the endovascular surgery. Less than 24 hour later I was discharged from the hospital after having my pseudoaneurysm embolized. But I have a chronic infection on my aortic graft for the rest of my life. I had 10 weeks of at home IV antibiotics via a PICC line and have now transitioned to and IV infusion antibiotic every ten days at an infusion center. We will continue on this path as long as my body tolerates the antibiotics. Is that weeks, months, years? - I am hoping for years :)
I have worked hard to rehab my hip and regain my strength and stamina. I just started virtual cardia rehab- and hope to increase my stamina and physical fitness. Progress is slow and steady. I am driving again and able to walk short distances. I am grateful for Maverick my powered wheelchair - he accompanies me on longer journeys out and about. My family and friends have been patient and supportive. I continue to adjust to the "new normal". I am grateful for every day that I have and continue to hope for many more!
And, just like that - it is Christmas! I have thoroughly enjoyed the preparations for Christmas - cutting down a tree, decorating the house, making my own wreath, making my own porch pot, sending Christmas postcards, making treats for the neighbors, shopping, wrapping, Illumination at the Morton Arboretum, etc. Tonight, we will attend the 11pm service at our church and then come home and open our gifts. We will sleep in on Christmas morning and then head to my parent's house for prime rib.
Thank you for your part in my journey - your care, support and encouragement are appreciated. And - a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from our family to yours!
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