Today is off to a slow start. Marcia got up and made her own breakfast, but I am suggesting that it is too soon for her to do this, and she is back in bed, exhausted and cold and having some spasms.
I am dragging. Stuff is getting done, but I am tired already. Did I get out of shape for yardwork in one week??? My nursing duties are not that strenuous, but it must be said that I was not cut out for nursing. Marcia, the really good nurse, deserves much better. However, her karma has her stuck with me, and my karma seems to include a bit of nursing. Soon we will get all better, then do it all over again.
Dock cleaning and resealing man is here getting the dock done. Holly will be coming today. Stella will get a new box of shredded wheat. She had to make do with Cheerios this morning. Didn't seem to mind. Involved alot of chasing Cherrios for her though.
Time to Glof.
KG
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Marcia's Knee Replacement #1-We get spoiled
Cheryl and Hilda arrived shortly after our breakfast. Marcia got a massage from Cheryl and practically continuous foot massage from Hilda-so that she just dozed off.
I made a bee line for the back yard and fed the veggies. BTW, Pat, we need another bucket of Georgia red dirt.
Lunch was late and we were once again spoiled with an asian chicken and mushroom soup and nappa salad. I was soon back to the yard for more savage amusement. We are fixing lamb, rice, peas and roasted peppers, arugula salad and maduros. It smells heavenly.
Stella got quite a run with the Glof. Mother nature has not yet taken our little baby coon that continues to hang around and not behave right. I just don't take Stella around her.
I see from reading my email, that we are having Sec Sat. Marcia will not be cooking. I will plan to put up the mister tent and perhaps people can help me blow up the island float (we have a compressor) for the river. Kay
I made a bee line for the back yard and fed the veggies. BTW, Pat, we need another bucket of Georgia red dirt.
Lunch was late and we were once again spoiled with an asian chicken and mushroom soup and nappa salad. I was soon back to the yard for more savage amusement. We are fixing lamb, rice, peas and roasted peppers, arugula salad and maduros. It smells heavenly.
Stella got quite a run with the Glof. Mother nature has not yet taken our little baby coon that continues to hang around and not behave right. I just don't take Stella around her.
I see from reading my email, that we are having Sec Sat. Marcia will not be cooking. I will plan to put up the mister tent and perhaps people can help me blow up the island float (we have a compressor) for the river. Kay
Monday, April 28, 2008
Marcia's Knee Replacement #1-at home
We slept. We got up about 9:30am. How lovely!
We ate breakfast together, just the three of us-in the dining room.
The Home Health Nurse joined us. We like her. She agrees with Marcia that the bandages are only impeeding progress and making the skin around the insicion all red and irritated. She left dressings in case Marcia finds a need for them. She will be back on Friday. She is Evelyn.
Gary the PT came next. He was impressed with Marcia's ability to bend -1 to 60. Marcia says that her massages with Beckie and her exercises have made this little miracle-particularly the -1 part.
Gary will be the frequent flyer coming MWF for awhile, then 2X per week, then down to one.
So, we both had a busy morning. I was able to hop in the shower after Gary left, and then Holly came to stay with Marcia while I was the Ocala gopher. We now have handles for the toilet-hurrah!
I bought a watermelon today. I think it should be a morning snack. I bought it to promote exercise.
The cards and emails are coming in, and they are great. Thank you all.
Ms Martha made a little bouquet for the recovery room. We are some happy somebodies!
Tomorrow, Cheryl and Hilda will come to visit and allow me to get outside for tending the gardens. There is some grass poking up in the watermelon bed, and I think it is time to side dress some of the tomatoes. It tried to rain today, but had little success.
Holly will come back Wednesday. Stella likes the variety of company as well.
All is well!
KG
We ate breakfast together, just the three of us-in the dining room.
The Home Health Nurse joined us. We like her. She agrees with Marcia that the bandages are only impeeding progress and making the skin around the insicion all red and irritated. She left dressings in case Marcia finds a need for them. She will be back on Friday. She is Evelyn.
Gary the PT came next. He was impressed with Marcia's ability to bend -1 to 60. Marcia says that her massages with Beckie and her exercises have made this little miracle-particularly the -1 part.
Gary will be the frequent flyer coming MWF for awhile, then 2X per week, then down to one.
So, we both had a busy morning. I was able to hop in the shower after Gary left, and then Holly came to stay with Marcia while I was the Ocala gopher. We now have handles for the toilet-hurrah!
I bought a watermelon today. I think it should be a morning snack. I bought it to promote exercise.
The cards and emails are coming in, and they are great. Thank you all.
Ms Martha made a little bouquet for the recovery room. We are some happy somebodies!
Tomorrow, Cheryl and Hilda will come to visit and allow me to get outside for tending the gardens. There is some grass poking up in the watermelon bed, and I think it is time to side dress some of the tomatoes. It tried to rain today, but had little success.
Holly will come back Wednesday. Stella likes the variety of company as well.
All is well!
KG
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Marcia's Knee Replacement #1-day 5-Home Again, Home Again
At LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLaaaaaaaaaaaaaast, My Love is home at last.
We are in slow motion, but it is forward. The PA didn't leave this and that order, so, even after she called and I got there, we waited.
Getting in the car, getting out of the car, getting in the shower, and out, and into the computer chair (wheels) and eating a sandwich, and getting freezing cold and needing to get into bed, and the equipment is delivered and the leg motion machine is adjusted and covers are arranged. These all take time and coordination of person and equipment. I am working on my Shiva impersonation.
Stella was so happy, when it came her turn to greet Marcia. She made these little puppy tasting thing with her mouth-no teeth involved. She is now the guarder of the bed.
So, we are almost fully outfitted and equipped, but there is a list in development for my trip to Ocala tomorrow. Holly is planning to come visit, and Marcia will coordinate her visit with my time to go to Ocala. I keep thinking that by the next knee, we will have this drill down.
Almost time to start dinner, so Shiva needs to wind up! We are all happy to be home.
Oh, and BTW, the leg reddness was just irritation-white count within normal range.
KG
We are in slow motion, but it is forward. The PA didn't leave this and that order, so, even after she called and I got there, we waited.
Getting in the car, getting out of the car, getting in the shower, and out, and into the computer chair (wheels) and eating a sandwich, and getting freezing cold and needing to get into bed, and the equipment is delivered and the leg motion machine is adjusted and covers are arranged. These all take time and coordination of person and equipment. I am working on my Shiva impersonation.
Stella was so happy, when it came her turn to greet Marcia. She made these little puppy tasting thing with her mouth-no teeth involved. She is now the guarder of the bed.
So, we are almost fully outfitted and equipped, but there is a list in development for my trip to Ocala tomorrow. Holly is planning to come visit, and Marcia will coordinate her visit with my time to go to Ocala. I keep thinking that by the next knee, we will have this drill down.
Almost time to start dinner, so Shiva needs to wind up! We are all happy to be home.
Oh, and BTW, the leg reddness was just irritation-white count within normal range.
KG
Saturday, April 26, 2008
Marcia's Knee Replacement #1, Day 4-Disapointment
I was on my way to the hospital with the back seat all prepared, fresh sheets on the bed, and Stella entrapped in the kitchen. Marcia called to say that the Dr and PA had been there. They took the dressing off. This is the dressing that she has been telling everybody about, as it rubs against her incision when she is doing the leg movement machine. It was all red, so the Doc cannot in good conscience discharge her, and she has to do oral antibiotics. Another night, at least, in the hospital. We were both really disappointed.
I must say, however, that she is back! She looks and sounds three dimensional. She is wearing t-shirt and big shorts. She walked with assistance of walker to the bathroom, and she is fully productive. She uses a hospital gown wrapped around her right foot, as a leg mover when getting back into bed. Works well. We hope for discharge tomorrow.
I went looking for her list of needed things-found most! We visited for awhile before I came home to finish watering (sure do wish it would rain) and various other household chores like cooking and laundry.
Stella spends quite a bit of her time staring at the door, and when I come in, she now looks behind me before coming to greet me. Our Glof rides are good-probably the highlight of her day (right behind meals). However, we all wish that Marcia was home.
Please expand that spiritual practice to visualize the reddness going away and see her coming home to her own more comfortable bed and shower.
Thanks for your help!
KG
I must say, however, that she is back! She looks and sounds three dimensional. She is wearing t-shirt and big shorts. She walked with assistance of walker to the bathroom, and she is fully productive. She uses a hospital gown wrapped around her right foot, as a leg mover when getting back into bed. Works well. We hope for discharge tomorrow.
I went looking for her list of needed things-found most! We visited for awhile before I came home to finish watering (sure do wish it would rain) and various other household chores like cooking and laundry.
Stella spends quite a bit of her time staring at the door, and when I come in, she now looks behind me before coming to greet me. Our Glof rides are good-probably the highlight of her day (right behind meals). However, we all wish that Marcia was home.
Please expand that spiritual practice to visualize the reddness going away and see her coming home to her own more comfortable bed and shower.
Thanks for your help!
KG
Friday, April 25, 2008
Marcia's Knee Replacement Night #2 from Hell (followed by a day of redemption)
You got the foreshadowing in the last blog, so here is the story. The roomie's cheese slid completely off her cracker last night(probably bounced on the floor and rolled down the hall as well, but the staff wasn't convinced till today). Apparently for her, there were chickens and cats in the room. I suggested to Marcia that on the hallucination scale, this is much better than snakes and bugs, but I guess the degree is irelevant when there are people coming and going all night, and, most special of all, the vital signs machine going off so that even staff begin telling it to shut up!
When I arrived, rather late in the morning, I found Marcia looking tired and visiting with Holly. Though I was sorry that I had forgotten to bring the hazelnut latte I had made for her, it was probably best. Better that Marcia eventually get a nap. During my stay at the hospital, the CNA was whispering to Marcia tips to get a "room of her own". Evenutally, after I left, the rodeo commenced, the roomie escalated, and the gurney came to take the roomie away forever(so there was no need for action on the room of her own). When Marcia called tonight, she had had a nice nap and met with the Dr and the PA and had her discharge in action pending a visit with the DR/PA tomorrow morning.
The home health/visiting nurses will arrange for equipment delivery tomorrow. Marcia emphasized the need for a BSC (have you been reading the blog??). I suggested a wheelchair with vacuum attachment. We have always needed a riding vacuum in this house. However, they will want her to walk as much as possible, so a wheelchair will probably not materalize right away. Perhaps after the in home nursing assessment.
Marcia and Holly scheemed out the arrival protocol. The KIA will drive through the yard-much like the butt buggy, and pull as close to the bathroom deck as possible. Marcia will alight and make a slow motion beeline for the shower. There, I will shed my social work persona and attempt to impersonate a CNA-taking supervision from the nurse. The details about covering the incision will be discussed with the DR/PA at the morning pre discharge visit.
To pick up on threads I started in the last blog, the foley came out today, and Beth Higgs was the first to know. She happened to call when Marcia was taking her whizz on the BSC. They resumed their conversation later, as that first time takes some consentration. The epidural came out too, so she is getting good pain relief via oral meds.
Her CNA today had had knee replacement last summer. She is 41. This was rather wonderful to hear, as the other ortho patients are at least 10 years older than us.
I made my visit short today, as Marcia was so tired and really needed to sleep, and the baby plants needed water. It takes about 6 hours to just get the veggie beds watered, so there was no going back. Just as well, as she got to nap.
Stella is really looking forward to Marcia's return. Part of the re-entry protocol will be to keep Stella in the kitchen side of the house until Marcia is setteled in bed, and then let her in to snuggle. It just wouldn't do to have Marcia jumped on the minute she walks in the door.
Between hose movings, I managed to get to the produce stand and stock up on goodies to hold us over for awhile. Also got in a trip to the dump, so we are all clear. Vickie the housecleaner did her thing, so maybe the wheelchair vac will not be needed.
Stella and I made a great Glof run tonight. I am looking forward to just being mother, as opposed to mother and mother to Stella. It will be a while before Marcia reinstitutes Glof rides, but at least she will be home to celebrate them with Stella.
There are, at last count, 4 bush beans sprouting up. About 22 more to go. Currently 6 watermelon sprouts. Probably 4 out of 72 pole bean sprouts. (Do not even ask about how many tomatoes or peppers or basil-lots) We should be about waist high in veggies this summer. With no rain in sight, it is good I put in the drip irrigation system.
Continue to keep us in your spiritual practice. Think lofty thoughts to keep us off the floor.
KG
When I arrived, rather late in the morning, I found Marcia looking tired and visiting with Holly. Though I was sorry that I had forgotten to bring the hazelnut latte I had made for her, it was probably best. Better that Marcia eventually get a nap. During my stay at the hospital, the CNA was whispering to Marcia tips to get a "room of her own". Evenutally, after I left, the rodeo commenced, the roomie escalated, and the gurney came to take the roomie away forever(so there was no need for action on the room of her own). When Marcia called tonight, she had had a nice nap and met with the Dr and the PA and had her discharge in action pending a visit with the DR/PA tomorrow morning.
The home health/visiting nurses will arrange for equipment delivery tomorrow. Marcia emphasized the need for a BSC (have you been reading the blog??). I suggested a wheelchair with vacuum attachment. We have always needed a riding vacuum in this house. However, they will want her to walk as much as possible, so a wheelchair will probably not materalize right away. Perhaps after the in home nursing assessment.
Marcia and Holly scheemed out the arrival protocol. The KIA will drive through the yard-much like the butt buggy, and pull as close to the bathroom deck as possible. Marcia will alight and make a slow motion beeline for the shower. There, I will shed my social work persona and attempt to impersonate a CNA-taking supervision from the nurse. The details about covering the incision will be discussed with the DR/PA at the morning pre discharge visit.
To pick up on threads I started in the last blog, the foley came out today, and Beth Higgs was the first to know. She happened to call when Marcia was taking her whizz on the BSC. They resumed their conversation later, as that first time takes some consentration. The epidural came out too, so she is getting good pain relief via oral meds.
Her CNA today had had knee replacement last summer. She is 41. This was rather wonderful to hear, as the other ortho patients are at least 10 years older than us.
I made my visit short today, as Marcia was so tired and really needed to sleep, and the baby plants needed water. It takes about 6 hours to just get the veggie beds watered, so there was no going back. Just as well, as she got to nap.
Stella is really looking forward to Marcia's return. Part of the re-entry protocol will be to keep Stella in the kitchen side of the house until Marcia is setteled in bed, and then let her in to snuggle. It just wouldn't do to have Marcia jumped on the minute she walks in the door.
Between hose movings, I managed to get to the produce stand and stock up on goodies to hold us over for awhile. Also got in a trip to the dump, so we are all clear. Vickie the housecleaner did her thing, so maybe the wheelchair vac will not be needed.
Stella and I made a great Glof run tonight. I am looking forward to just being mother, as opposed to mother and mother to Stella. It will be a while before Marcia reinstitutes Glof rides, but at least she will be home to celebrate them with Stella.
There are, at last count, 4 bush beans sprouting up. About 22 more to go. Currently 6 watermelon sprouts. Probably 4 out of 72 pole bean sprouts. (Do not even ask about how many tomatoes or peppers or basil-lots) We should be about waist high in veggies this summer. With no rain in sight, it is good I put in the drip irrigation system.
Continue to keep us in your spiritual practice. Think lofty thoughts to keep us off the floor.
KG
Living Conditions at 7 Rivers
This morning I will give you the context. The room is lovely new. However, it was designed for a large single, and is being used for double. A bit tight quarters at times. When the leg motion machine is not in use, there are few choices for where to put it. Yesterday, it rode on the base of the bedside table so I could have a chair.
Some of the kinks are not worked out of this new room. Marcia's TV has the hiccoughs. We had Lisa the CNA call about it. Lisa is from the projects in NYC-the Bronx no less. She is sweet and easy going, but "don't take no stuff off of nobody". When the roomemate was downstairs, we put on both brand new flatscreen TV's in order to make a rudimentary assessment of whether Marcia's TV was having an individual problem or whether there was a system problem. It's definitely Marcia's TV. So, Lisa calls and they tell her that all the TV's are that way, and in a New York minute, she set them straight. We like Lisa.
The roommate is a frail elderly woman who has been getting worse since she was admitted. Marcia's first night, the roomate was vomiting most of the night. What I didn't tell you yesterday about Marcias first real food meal-breakfast yesterday morning-is that she had to call on her cast iron nursing stomach, as the roomate was retching her breakfast at the time.
As the day progressed, we were privy (in this little room) to the family meeting. As a licenced clinical Social Worker, I can tell you that this family would make anyone retch. My clinical assessment: "They ain't right."
The roomate got progressively worse after the family visit. She was sent for a pic line as they could not get a vein for hydration.
When I called Marcia last night, the roomate had gotten up to go to the bathroom and fallen and broken her nose. Marcia says she is getting progressively more confused. This, of course, means that there will be the possibility that the traffic through the room will rival Grand Central Station all through the night.
The plan for today is removal of Marcia's foley and transfer to bedside commode (hereafter referred to in medical shorthand-BSC).
Marcia is a very motivated patient, and the universe is providing her with lots of extra incentives to get to Home Sweet Home. I feel certain her transfer will be successful.
So, after a nice Glof ride and shower, I will head in to check the situation out.
KG
Some of the kinks are not worked out of this new room. Marcia's TV has the hiccoughs. We had Lisa the CNA call about it. Lisa is from the projects in NYC-the Bronx no less. She is sweet and easy going, but "don't take no stuff off of nobody". When the roomemate was downstairs, we put on both brand new flatscreen TV's in order to make a rudimentary assessment of whether Marcia's TV was having an individual problem or whether there was a system problem. It's definitely Marcia's TV. So, Lisa calls and they tell her that all the TV's are that way, and in a New York minute, she set them straight. We like Lisa.
The roommate is a frail elderly woman who has been getting worse since she was admitted. Marcia's first night, the roomate was vomiting most of the night. What I didn't tell you yesterday about Marcias first real food meal-breakfast yesterday morning-is that she had to call on her cast iron nursing stomach, as the roomate was retching her breakfast at the time.
As the day progressed, we were privy (in this little room) to the family meeting. As a licenced clinical Social Worker, I can tell you that this family would make anyone retch. My clinical assessment: "They ain't right."
The roomate got progressively worse after the family visit. She was sent for a pic line as they could not get a vein for hydration.
When I called Marcia last night, the roomate had gotten up to go to the bathroom and fallen and broken her nose. Marcia says she is getting progressively more confused. This, of course, means that there will be the possibility that the traffic through the room will rival Grand Central Station all through the night.
The plan for today is removal of Marcia's foley and transfer to bedside commode (hereafter referred to in medical shorthand-BSC).
Marcia is a very motivated patient, and the universe is providing her with lots of extra incentives to get to Home Sweet Home. I feel certain her transfer will be successful.
So, after a nice Glof ride and shower, I will head in to check the situation out.
KG
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Marcia's Knee Replacement #1 Day 2
I missed the first stand this morning, as I was standing on line in Wall-Mart waiting for MDT's Rx. They don't have her particular drug in the hospital, and substitute another that is not as effective for her.
By the time I got to the hospital, it was over, but from what she told me, it may be just as well. It was, as we expected, painful. Like sweat and blood pressure drop kind of pain. She transferred to the chair and might have been happy to sit up in a chair for awhile, but was probably more like striving to let things settle down. When it was time to get up, the real drama began. This chair was too short for her, and she couldn't push with both her legs to get up, so, help had to be called in to get her back into bed. It was decided that for her afternoon get up, the bed would work just fine.
Actually the afternoon get up went just fine. No sweat-literal or physical! I really liked the two PT women. Mary got her situated back on the leg mover and got a towell for more padding so it was comfortable. They increased the angle the machine bends the knee from -5 to 55 degrees. Marcia gets that far away look and sometimes intake of breath when it nears 55 degrees, but has been able to tolerate it.
The quad gives her the most trouble. Since it has accomodated to her "bad" knee, it is now having to reaccomodate to her new knee, and complains. Her foot also feels like it is turned wrong; another accomodation and reaccomodation process.
The red letter event of the day was solid food. There was bacon and biscuit for breakfast ("eggs not worth eating," said she). Lunch was meatballs and noodles and overcooked beans that my mother would have liked. She ate a little more of this, but it is not a clean your plate day, and may not be while in the hospital. Now I am looking forward to getting her home to my cooking! She did enjoy her hazelnut latte at about 11:30 am.
We have no predictions for tomorrow-probably more of the same. We wonder, as you probably do, when will discharge be? I think the bedside commode will be the indicator, and it didn't happen today.
If you would like to call: 352-795-6560-ext 3131. The 3131 is her room and bed# and she should answer.
On the homefront, Stella and I are managing. I pick out deli items from Winn Dixie-not the best in the world, but I really don't want to cook when I get home. We both enjoyed the ground sirloin. Stella did not even wait to have her dinner with the "pack"-me. We had a great long Glof ride/walk. So long, that Stella requested to ride as well. There were no squirrel captures, but she is ever hopeful.
I am hoping for some quality sleep tonight. Though I was tired last night, I kept waking up every few hours. Like Stella, my body is saying that this is not right! Maybe we will adjust to the new, and ideally shortlived routine.
By the time I got to the hospital, it was over, but from what she told me, it may be just as well. It was, as we expected, painful. Like sweat and blood pressure drop kind of pain. She transferred to the chair and might have been happy to sit up in a chair for awhile, but was probably more like striving to let things settle down. When it was time to get up, the real drama began. This chair was too short for her, and she couldn't push with both her legs to get up, so, help had to be called in to get her back into bed. It was decided that for her afternoon get up, the bed would work just fine.
Actually the afternoon get up went just fine. No sweat-literal or physical! I really liked the two PT women. Mary got her situated back on the leg mover and got a towell for more padding so it was comfortable. They increased the angle the machine bends the knee from -5 to 55 degrees. Marcia gets that far away look and sometimes intake of breath when it nears 55 degrees, but has been able to tolerate it.
The quad gives her the most trouble. Since it has accomodated to her "bad" knee, it is now having to reaccomodate to her new knee, and complains. Her foot also feels like it is turned wrong; another accomodation and reaccomodation process.
The red letter event of the day was solid food. There was bacon and biscuit for breakfast ("eggs not worth eating," said she). Lunch was meatballs and noodles and overcooked beans that my mother would have liked. She ate a little more of this, but it is not a clean your plate day, and may not be while in the hospital. Now I am looking forward to getting her home to my cooking! She did enjoy her hazelnut latte at about 11:30 am.
We have no predictions for tomorrow-probably more of the same. We wonder, as you probably do, when will discharge be? I think the bedside commode will be the indicator, and it didn't happen today.
If you would like to call: 352-795-6560-ext 3131. The 3131 is her room and bed# and she should answer.
On the homefront, Stella and I are managing. I pick out deli items from Winn Dixie-not the best in the world, but I really don't want to cook when I get home. We both enjoyed the ground sirloin. Stella did not even wait to have her dinner with the "pack"-me. We had a great long Glof ride/walk. So long, that Stella requested to ride as well. There were no squirrel captures, but she is ever hopeful.
I am hoping for some quality sleep tonight. Though I was tired last night, I kept waking up every few hours. Like Stella, my body is saying that this is not right! Maybe we will adjust to the new, and ideally shortlived routine.
Marcia's Knee Replacement #1
We arrived at Seven Rivers Hospital in Crystal River, Florida at 5:30 AM on Wednesday morning. The actual surgery took about an hour. Dr. Choung is known for his speed. She was scheduled for 8, but I suspect she went in before, and he was talking with me and the spouse of the 7 am patient by 8:45am. We waited till 11:30 for a room.
The room was in the new wing that had just opened last week, so it was fresh and lovely. The OR transporters had difficulty working the bed, so there was quite a bit of up and downing of head feet and whole person. In this process, the leg movement device got moved around. It is probably not the most comfortable of apparatus anyway, but out of place, it was quite irritating. Eventually it had to be removed, and a call was put in for the PT-Martin, to come fix it again. It must be said on Martin's behalf, that he is kept quite busy by Dr Choungs productivity, so he didn't arrive till 5 pm. In the meantime, Marcia did foot wiggling to keep some motion going. I was glad he got there before bedtime. He told her that she was the brightest and bushiest tailed one of the knee surgeries that day.
There was a little itching-caused by the epidural meds, but it was quite magically taken care of with benedryl in the IV. Marcia gradually came back to her full personhood and was looking good and enjoying her book. When I checked in by phone before bedtime, she had been having chats with the head nurse who enjoys the same journal. Marcia has found that right place of lucidity and absence of pain by use of her pain pump. Probably she has not been this pain free in a long time.
So, it was time for me to go face Stella. Anticipating this, I stopped by Charlie's Seafood and got the fried grouper dinner with fried okra and french fries.
She met me at the door with her usual enthusiasm. When she had sufficiently rebonded with me, she started looking for Marcia. I gave her the "no more" sign and said "Marcia", and quickly followed with bits of my fried dinner. A short while later, I took her for a Glof cart run, and though I do not really know the routine, she was patient with me and got her business accomplished. She sat in front of the door for a little while in the evening, but eventually gave it up to "have a smoke" on the front porch. This has been her routine since Marcia's mother's visit. She went to the front porch to have a smoke with Honey, and it has become a habit. Sometimes she even goes out there during the day. She says that she is 5 now and can go to the porch for a smoke if she wants to, and she does.
My crisis was when my computer didn't turn on. It seems to be the power cord, so I ordered a replacement, and am on the guest computer. However, since I have effectively lost my email addresses, please let interested parties know that the blog is back!
Today-Thursday: There will be errand running and toting needed things to the hospital for me. For Marcia there will be standing and transfer to a chair. The reward for accomplishing these tasks will be removal of the foley and hope of discharge on either Friday or Saturday.
Thanks to all of you for your support and positve thoughts. I'll keep you posted!!!
Kay
The room was in the new wing that had just opened last week, so it was fresh and lovely. The OR transporters had difficulty working the bed, so there was quite a bit of up and downing of head feet and whole person. In this process, the leg movement device got moved around. It is probably not the most comfortable of apparatus anyway, but out of place, it was quite irritating. Eventually it had to be removed, and a call was put in for the PT-Martin, to come fix it again. It must be said on Martin's behalf, that he is kept quite busy by Dr Choungs productivity, so he didn't arrive till 5 pm. In the meantime, Marcia did foot wiggling to keep some motion going. I was glad he got there before bedtime. He told her that she was the brightest and bushiest tailed one of the knee surgeries that day.
There was a little itching-caused by the epidural meds, but it was quite magically taken care of with benedryl in the IV. Marcia gradually came back to her full personhood and was looking good and enjoying her book. When I checked in by phone before bedtime, she had been having chats with the head nurse who enjoys the same journal. Marcia has found that right place of lucidity and absence of pain by use of her pain pump. Probably she has not been this pain free in a long time.
So, it was time for me to go face Stella. Anticipating this, I stopped by Charlie's Seafood and got the fried grouper dinner with fried okra and french fries.
She met me at the door with her usual enthusiasm. When she had sufficiently rebonded with me, she started looking for Marcia. I gave her the "no more" sign and said "Marcia", and quickly followed with bits of my fried dinner. A short while later, I took her for a Glof cart run, and though I do not really know the routine, she was patient with me and got her business accomplished. She sat in front of the door for a little while in the evening, but eventually gave it up to "have a smoke" on the front porch. This has been her routine since Marcia's mother's visit. She went to the front porch to have a smoke with Honey, and it has become a habit. Sometimes she even goes out there during the day. She says that she is 5 now and can go to the porch for a smoke if she wants to, and she does.
My crisis was when my computer didn't turn on. It seems to be the power cord, so I ordered a replacement, and am on the guest computer. However, since I have effectively lost my email addresses, please let interested parties know that the blog is back!
Today-Thursday: There will be errand running and toting needed things to the hospital for me. For Marcia there will be standing and transfer to a chair. The reward for accomplishing these tasks will be removal of the foley and hope of discharge on either Friday or Saturday.
Thanks to all of you for your support and positve thoughts. I'll keep you posted!!!
Kay
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