The antibiotics worked like a charm. The cellulitis mass, once the source of unbelievable stabbing pain at even the slightest touch, is virtually gone and pain-free. Kudos to the fine folks at Mercy for making it happen. No matter how good the care was, though, staying in a hospital may be the most surreal alternate reality I’ve ever encountered. They let me out earlier today, which was great timing on the doctor’s part — I was ready to walk with or without permission . . .