On Wednesday, March 12th I will be returning to Madison to seek treatment for my recurring cellulitis infection (from this summer) as it seems to be progressing to a dangerous stage.
The decision has been made with a lot of consultation and all is well here in Rome regarding what has to happen. I will return to Rome in September and continue my course of study in the normal cycle.
I will be living at a local parish rectory with one of my best friends, for which I am very grateful. As of this moment I am doing well – the short-term prognosis is good but the long-term is quite negative. I will be pretty normal until I begin treatment and, at this time, I can’t quite know when that will be.
Last July was the first time this infection sprang up. It was (and always preceded) by about twenty-four hours of fever & chills and intense pain my lower joints as well as tremendous fatigue. Roughly at the end of this twenty-four hour period the infection appears – in the middle toe of my left foot. The infection re-occurred again in late September and again in late December.
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that occurs underneath the skin – there is none of the usual manifestations associated with infection, i.e. no pus or open wound. The infected area becomes bright red, swollen, hot and very painful to touch or pressure. Untreated, the infection will spread quickly and the immediate danger is if it should enter the blood-stream and cause blood-infection = sepsis.
Last week I was struck with the same symptoms only this time the redness and swelling were not after the fever & chills, but at the same time and the redness was not only in the middle toe of my left foot but also there was a red-line in the middle of my foot. This was a bad sign.
Since that day I have been in a great deal of contact with doctors and nurses both in Italy and in the U.S. There is general agreement on the following points:
- Recurring cellulitis in the same area of the body is extremely rare in someone who is not elderly, is not diabetic and has never had a surgery.
- The infection is obviously not weakening but spreading.
- There is a danger that the infection is/will become resistant to oral antibiotics
- There is a greater danger of osteomyelitis= bone infection, which can lead to a number of bad things.
- I should seek special treatment as soon as I can and especially before another flare-up of the infection.
Because of all of this I will return to the United States to seek extended treatment. In the U.S. I can obtain treatment in out-patient care, which I cannot do in Italy. Therefore, to return home is also a greater aid to my course of study.
When I get home the first object will be to see if there is bone-infection or not and go from there.
Your prayers are appreciated and know that I will pray for you.
Last Lights Off The Black West 
Father, so sorry to hear of this. It seems there is this crescendo of suffering right now among a small group of friends and I don’t know what to make of it. I offer your sufferings and this to God. Be assured of prayers. Safe journey, and perhaps we will see you soon.
Thoughts and prayers with you Fr. Eric.
~+~ Love and Prayers ~+~ Bobibeth
Dear Father Eric,
You KNOW that this entire Delaney family is praying for your return to good health. This Lent will be a perfect time to offer up our Masses, prayers and good works for you.
God bless you. We love you. Nan and Tom
Todd and I and the family are praying for you, Father Eric!
I miss you and I’m praying for you, Father!
Father, we’ll keep you in our prayers! Safe travels back to the US. Courage, my friend. Keep us updated.
Dear Fr. Eric,
I am sorry to learn of your illness. I hope you are over it soon, and you are able to stay on track with your studies. I am meeting some fellow parishioners from St. John’s for a rosary this evening. I will let them know your situation, so you can know that we will all be praying for you. Thank God you were diligent about this in the early stages.
Will keep you in my prayers,
Paul
So sad to hear about these trials. Be assured of our prayers and know our house is always open to you.
I am so sorry to hear of these trials. Be assured of our prayers and know that our home is always open to you.
– Andrea & Jack
I pray for you and many other priests daily, Father. You are young and basically in good health, so “the odds” and our Blessed Mother are certainly with you! I will pray for a hugely successful treatment outcome and entrust you to our Lady’s loving care. We all love you back here!
You are in my prayers, Father. Safe travels back to the U.S.
I will most definitely be praying for you Father! So sorry to hear about this! Wishing you safe travels and a thorough recovery!
Fr. Eric, our whole family is praying for your return to good health. God bless you, and thank you for the work you are doing!
Many prayers for you Father!
Sorry for the detour, Father Eric. Lots of silver linings in this one though…like your Mom’s home cooking. We’re praying for total healing.
Well dear father, you are certainly missed in the little house on humility street
Pace per siempre
Sp+
I have been praying for a complete healing of the cellulitis, Father. I also have blessed oil from the shrine of Saint Perigrine at Our Lady of Sorrows Basilica to send you via Ron/Nicole. How are you holding up?