Cellulitis, short version.

So, the story, not too long. 

I've not been taking care of myself, using as an excuse the pressure of a startup.  Pennsic as very uncomfortable; the first day I slipped and put my hips out and never really recovered, but I was not fit going there.  My weight is very high (400) and sitting all day at work has allowed my feet to bloom with edema.  Eating company provided junk food at work has pushed my blood sugar up--not to diabetic levels, but high over a long period.

Celluitis is an infection in the fat under the skin--something's gotten past the dermal defense, so you get a little pocket.  The trouble is, with high blood sugar and low fluid movement, it was bacterial paradise and went from "I feel poorly" to high fever, weakness, etc. in about 48 hours--mostly in the last 12.   I ended up in the hospital; they gave me Vancomyecin IV, which killed the strep causing the infection, but I've been on bed rest.   

For a fairly simple infection, the prevalance of "superbugs"  (gram positive bacteria which are penicillin resistant) and sedentary lifestyles mean that this is a common emergency room problem.  Treatment there is simple: broad spectrum antibiotics and a saline push to get the patient back, culture the bug and hit it with a specific, all good.  With PICC lines (peripheral catheters, vein inserted) and the new pressure bottles, you don't need to be in the hospital for a week--go home, work on the edema, and keep your foot up. 

Long term, since I'm prone to this particular problem (this is my 3rd, and they're always memorable.)  (One 6th to 7th grade, one in college that cleared quickly, this one) (Note that this injury has no direct connection to the seroma misdiagnosed after the motorcycle training accident that lead to that surgery 4 years ago) the solution is simple: fight the edema, get the blood sugar down.  The prescription?  Exercise a minimum of 1 hour per day, get the diet in line. 

So far I've lost about 15 pounds eating better, and water weight.  PICC came out this morning, so I have 48 hours of let it heal, then start rehabilitation.  

That's the nutshell. The great help of the Green Knight and Puppetmaster; the storm of fear and shame that comes over one in the ER, the wierd medical paperwork that had me shipped from Chico to Roseville in the back of an ambulance, the great relationship I have with my new Kaiser doctor, the loss of interest in even walking into the building at the startup, the gathering of help which has been amazing, the caring and compassion manifested--those are other stories. As is the plan moving forward.