Discharge today

Hey all! I'm awaiting discharge here. Pharmacy is coming and then the nurse will let me go. My status is as follows:

1. Infectious disease has identified the bacteria that was infecting my bones. It came from the swab done at home. They were mostly dead by the time we got here and could not be detected on the swabs done at surgery. This bacteria is best treated by Cipro, which is more effective taken orally, and so the pick line is out. They put it in because they believed they'd be sending me home on IV antibiotics and so it made sense to make things "easier" while I was here, too.

2. I have a new brace that is more awkward looking, but is more comfortable than the other one because it just cradles my back. There is just no way to hurt myself in this thing.

3. My wound is not leaking and looks "beautiful" according to Dr. Mexicano, the infectious disease guy.

4. I feel pretty good. I'm taking less pain med than at the last discharge, my upper fixtures have mostly fused, and I don't have the other fresh trauma and swelling to deal with.

5. My job keeps pumping pooled hours into my benefit package and so I'm still collecting my paycheck and they are telling me not to worry. Wow.

So, better informed and more confident, we return to Iowa. Next big day is August 4, when my wires come out. I'm going to go eat some hummus.