Rita Bangert Wound Vac Recovery

In April, I felt a small abdominal lump the size of a blueberry. At that time I saw my physician who told me to monitor it.  Fast forward to October, the lump had grown big enough that it bothered me while working and disrupted sleep.  I had a scan which revealed a large irregular mass.  

I saw a surgeon in early November for removal on the 18th. The same day surgery went well, and recovery began. He removed a 10 x 7 cm mass along with some skin and underlying tissue, while placing mesh over the defect. Thankfully, it was a non cancerous mass.  

Initially I was home with paid leave for two weeks, with post op appointment scheduled for 11/30.  Recovery was going well until 11/25, when I developed a high fever, shortness of breath and a high heart rate.  

I was admitted into the hospital for sepsis and ultimately my entire abdomen swelled and the incision reopened, required packing.  I  returned to surgery to remove the mesh and manage the surgical infection.  Ultimately the placement of a wound vac was decided on to manage the large opening in my stomach that resulted.  

I was discharged home on 12/2  with home nursing three days a week and now as the year comes to an end, I am unsure of when I will return to work.  My last day of work at the hospital was 11/15.  I have exhausted the six weeks of paid leave I’ve earned as a NICU nurse and am asking for help with basic expenses and medical costs as I continue to recover with the wound vac. 

Thank you so much for taking time to read about my story.  With so much gratitude, Rita