Talked with Nicks Doctor for some time today. They were going to do a another surgery, they have decided to cancel for now. They will eventually need to to have one last surgery to close the wound. Dr said he is encouraged by Nicks progress thus far.

Didn't get to see Nick today. Looking like 1-2 more surgical procedures to clean up some tissue and hopefully stitch the incision back together. I don't really have any further details to report today. Best to all.

Hey all, no real change. Still keeping hopeful! Sugar was at 132 (pretty high still but way lower than 482). No test results back as to what exactly happened or what this bacteria is. Crazy, crazy... thanks again everyone.

Saw Nick this afternoon. Sugar and temp are normal! Dr seems to think stay will be less than anticipated. Nicks spunky. He seems to be feeling better. Thanks everyone for thoughts and prayers!

So, here's the game.... Name that Monica! And what's Nick doing?

Went to see Nick tonight. Sugar levels are decreasing (high but decreasing). They are trying not to rush the sugar down too fast. Temp is a little high but not bad. We are still waiting for some test results to fully understand what happened. Nick was acting corny (like normal). All and all things are going well.

Nick and Clara on 02/23/13.

Just talked to Nick. He's a little groggy but in good spirits. His blood sugar and temperature are back to normal. They are awaiting more test results and depending upon the results he may be moved out of ICU.

Hello all,
I visited Nick this afternoon. He was in good spirits. He's had the breathing tube removed and is resting in ICU. I would rather not list the hospital information being that he cannot have cards, flowers or anything else delivered at this time. He can only have limited visitors during the early stages. All said I was optimistic following my visit today. Sugar is high still - 240'ish and temp is about 100 (both still high but so much better than yesterday). I will keep everyone posted when he is up for visitors. Thanks again for such an overwhelming response, I truly have not been able to keep up.
Best,
Sal
PS. That's a smile, I just stink at taking pictures (AND the Nurse about threw me out).

My Brother Nick Monica went to the hospital for what he thought was a Black Widow bite. It turned out to be cellulitis, in a bad way; Flesh Eating Bacteria is involved. His particular condition is almost exclusive to diabetics (in the past Nick has been diagnosed borderline diabetic and is blood sugar level was 482 yesterday with a temperature of 103.9).

The cellulitis spread throughout his hip area, lower to upper abdomen and surrounding area. After a couple of hours of treatment (to reduce pain, lower temp and blood sugar) he was rushed in for emergency surgery.

They removed a football sized abscess from the front of his left hip and attempted to remove all of the bacteria from the surrounding area. I spoke to the Surgeon; he said the "surgery went better than expected". That said, Nick is in ICU and will likely have 2 more procedures and is--by no means-- "out of the woods".
He cannot see visitors at this time. He has a long road to recovery ahead and has an anticipated hospital stay of at least 1 month.

I tried to give as many details as I can recall. I will be sure to keep everyone posted. WE NEED YOUR PRAYERS! Nick is very strong, we all know that but some help from the Man upstairs never hurts.

I am going to create a text distribution list, if you would like your name on it please message me your C number.

Read About Cellulitis