West Nile Virus in the house

[Relic]

Hi fellow muggles. Life has temporarily called Maggie and me away from puzzling and contributing posts to this forum. Here's the story:

Almost 2 weeks ago we called 911 for assistance getting my wife, Melody, to the hospital. She was exhibiting neurological phenomena akin to a stroke - confusion, disorientation, muscle weakness, etc.The initial diagnosis was a bladder infection and possible stroke.

After a vast array of tests and scans, the doctors ruled out a stroke, thank God.

Because the neuro symptoms were far more severe than typical of a bad case of UTI, the doctors drew spinal fluid and tested it for a variety of infectious diseases.

Last Wednesday we were told Melody could be discharged to rehabilitationbecause she had fought off the bladder infection, and other symptoms had stabilized. So that's great news but what other condition has yet to be identified?

Later that day we received news of the final diagnosis: UTI and WEST NILE VIRUS.

At this time Melody is receiving intense physical and occupational therapy at Texas Rehab Hospital of Fort Worth, Room 203. No ETA yet on when she will be released to come home. Maybe days, a week or more. She is recovering and regaining strength quickly. She is able to walk short distances with a walker but fatigue sets in quickly. She ihas shown remarkable strength, positivity, perseverance, and determination throughout every step of this entire ordeal, which is aiding her recovery process. I am very proud of her and hope for her to return home to her patio and her dog very soon.

Please keep Melody in your prayers. I think she has a long road to accomplish full recovery. Based on what I'm reading she may continue to deal with fatigue and muscle weaness for weeks or months.

[whimsy]

Relic --
You and your wife are definitely in my thoughts.
Pulling for Melody, and wishing for good days back home for the two of you and Maggie.
whimsy/Claudia

[BarbaraK]

Hoping for a speedy recovery!

[Joe Ross]

Heal quickly and fully, please, Melody! Best wishes!

[MikeyG]

Sending you all peace, love, and healing! Here's to Melody's swift recovery.

[KayW]

Wishing Melody a speedy and full recovery!

[boharr]

Get real well soon, Melody. Our thoughts are with you.

[Wendy Walker]

Wow, what a lot to deal with! Holding you both in the light. Something similar (WNV) actually happened to a gym friend of mine two years ago. She has made a complete recovery and is working out as hard as ever!

[Relic]

UPDATE:

Word came down today, the rehab hospital will discharge Melody Wednesday morning. She is required get out-patient physical therapy 3 times per week to help regain strength. We have already made the arrangements and she starts out-patient the week of the 16th. She is one happy camper!!

Thanks for the thoughts and support. Much appreciated!

[Meg]

I’m keeping both of you in my heart and mind. Physical therapy can be fun!

[sharkicicles]

I’m glad things seem to be working out. The best thoughts to both of you from here.

[Relic]

FINAL UPDATE I HOPE
The day we brought Melody home from the hospital, I fell and fractured my left hip.

Rather than go through all the details, I'll leave it at this: I already had a hip replacement so the surgery was to reattach the artificial hip.

So I've had the necessary surgery, hospital care, and time in a Rehab Hospital.

Today the rehab hospital released me to go home.

I begin the next step in this recovery process; e.g., outpatient PT on Monday, Oct 7. I hope to rejoin the WSJ Friday Contest Puzzle discussion this weekend. I have missed all of you, Isaac, the ship's lounge, the discussion, and the beach these past 5 weeks.