Osteomyelitis is infection of the bone. Usually caused by a bacterial infection, quite hard to initially diagnose and usually found in the long bones of the body.

Although it affects children and adults, it is usually the result of another infection that gets into the blood stream.

I have added a link to a far more knowledgeable and reliable source on the link section but want to just share some questions to ask and things to be aware of for anyone who is diagnosed with osteomyelitis.

Ask for your CRP levels. These are the C-reactive proteins that measure the level infection in your body. Usually under 5 in a healthy adult, they can be increased by other conditions but you will generally see these levels coming down once you have been given the correct antibiotics to counter the infection.

Make sure that you get your blood levels taken on a regular basis and that these are going down. Your bloods should be taken at least once a week and monitored to ensure that the antibiotics you are taking have taken and are continuing to take effect.

Make sure you take a detailed list of all the medication you are taking and read and take note of the side effects that the antibiotics have. You may have to take them without food or avoid dairy products for a while. This is all very important as you want the antibiotics to work and for you to recover as quickly as possible.

Be aware that some antibiotics actually make you feel worse than you did before becoming ill. If you take care of yourself and increase any vitamins and minerals you may need this should help you recover once you have completed your course of antibiotics. But make sure that they will not interfere with your medication.

Make a diary of your food intake as this might be altered due to the effect of the infection and antibiotics. Be aware of what you are able to eat and make sure that you do as your body is telling you. There are some people who have documented that they become gluten intolerent during infection and have chaged their diet accordingly. This is very personal but be aware of your body and try different food groups that can help you get through this period without as much pain and to help with any stomach and bowel problems that you may have to deal with during the long period of taking medication. Please consult your doctors if you are concerned at all about any problems such as diarrhea as they may have to change your antibiotics to combat colitis and they can also do a full blood count and suggest any supplements that you may be lacking due to the medication.

If you have an open wound make sure that you are cleaning it in the correct manner. Ask for help by somebody in the infection control department if you are unsure as someone who is not specialised or used to dealing with Osteomyelitis may not give you the correct advice.

Ask questions and do not be afraid. I know that there isn’t that much help for you as there would be with more infamous illnesses but this can be beaten. There are loads of us that have lived with, conquered and quashed this disease. Some time and time again and some forever.

Be positive. Be determined. Be honest with yourself and rest when you need to rest and be well when you can be well.