Well it was time they said. Time to remove the catheter. I was leery but it actually was easy. The worst was pulling the little thing out of...well you know....hangs out with....balls. It looks something like a chain you see on those ceiling fans. Didn't hurt, just uncomfy. I was happy. Must mean I was getting better, and it seemed to me the catheter was failing, there were sheet changes involved.
It is a difficult adjustment, I wouldn't perfect it until I got home, to now have to hold the urine til the appropriate time. Suddenly it wasn't oh there's stuff time to empty. It was coordinate with the body, let me know okay you have seconds before we empty. Plus I was still on a diuretic. All accidents occurred in my room I'm happy to say. Tough part was the walk to the bathroom, as I was still unable to get myself up. Once on my feet I was fine. Can be a loooong wait.
My roommate was finally cleared for discharge, he was happy. Of course I was hoping for a private room, or someone that could care for themselves. I never saw the fellow but once. A man from the Philippines, never any conversation between us. The thing I liked was that he had someone with him at all times. I'm assuming his daughter in the day, wife at night. Never made a fuss.
Happily I'd finally gotten the food thing down and was eating with a whole lot less choking. Thoroughly enjoying the menu. I had an ocean of salmon there. They had chicken stir fry, pizza even made on a whole wheat bread thing. I mean a lot of good food.
Now that I was somewhat mobile, I could be helped to the bathroom. It was very difficult to look my gaunt self in the mirror. I was skin and bones. Literally my collar bones seemed to be trying to escape. I could not yet look at the chest scar. They washed me with a warm rag, heavenly. Oh and I even got to brush my teeth. Took a good quarter of an inch of crud off my teeth I'm sure.
I was even up to 3 walks now, very happy with that. The only notable thing that occurred with my roommate was one night when he had about 7-9 people visiting. Now I didn't mind, but visiting hours were over. They were finishing a meal. The nurses were annoyed and actually called security who handled it badly. They literally said everyone had to leave NOW! Only 1 person could remain. The next day an apology was made, even the security guard who issued the order.
I was watching a lot of cable now late at night. Became aware of shows like storage wars, pawn show, and even hard core pawn the one in Detroit. This was my main enjoyment. I even scheduled my daily walks around the court shows I liked in the day.
One night, it was about 11:30, I gaped in wide eyed amazement. My surgeon came to check on me. I said it's late Dr. shouldn't you be home. He really was a top notch guy, he made rounds before he left for the day. I'm assuming he does this on nights when he does not have surgery the next morning.
Another night the cardiologist came for a visit. The one who admitted me, again 11:30. Really a great couple of Dr.s. I did ask if I could have my diuretic moved to an earlier time so I could get some sleep and he said they would.
Next installment will be family visit.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Days blend.
In the hospital the main way to mark passage of time are the changing of shifts. I believe that occurs every 6-7 hours, with the head nurses changing at about the 8th hour. Times could be off. The hour between the shift change is the one to definitely avoid.
The new shift is being told what has previously happened and such. Nurses are scattered and preparing, basically I tried not to need anything in this hour. Just took longer, but then I had patience. Most don't.
Every shift starts and ends with vitals, plus at least once or twice during each shift. So don't plan any deep sleeping. The new shift comes on and they introduce themselves, get some background, and such. You say good night or day, whatever to the outgoing. Especially if they come in to say say it, and in my case with few visitors I was always glad to see people.
Morning, usually begins about 7, probably why I also ordered breakfast then huh? Vitals, hello's, general pleasantries. How are you feeling? Any pain, if so on a scale of 1-10? Do you need anything? Check on the medications you need, in my case numerous. Usually always mentioned a walk, kind of like a dog wanting out I reckon. They leave, food arrives. Somewhere pills start, always seemed to be waiting on the pharmacy for pills.
Dr.s start coming and going furiously doing their rounds from 7:01 until about 12 noon. I'd get a walk, after breakfast and after the shift change. They started sitting me in a chair as well which was a nice change of pace for me. One of those reclining model ones. I wasn't as cold as I was entering the hospital. I usually napped a bit before lunch. More recuperation after surgery than boredom, at first.
Wake up, had lunch between 12-2. Sometimes got an afternoon walk. I was still wobbly but steadier on my feet. The issue was still my upper body strength, I just couldn't get up by myself it seemed. Afternoon shift change, more vitals, usually no nap after lunch. Dinner I often ordered between 5-6 I recall. Thing was here, they actually called you if you didn't order dinner. Kid of thought that was cool.
Dinner, some television, stuff like that. Random sleep, with interruptions for vitals to be checked. Never a real dull moment actually.
The new shift is being told what has previously happened and such. Nurses are scattered and preparing, basically I tried not to need anything in this hour. Just took longer, but then I had patience. Most don't.
Every shift starts and ends with vitals, plus at least once or twice during each shift. So don't plan any deep sleeping. The new shift comes on and they introduce themselves, get some background, and such. You say good night or day, whatever to the outgoing. Especially if they come in to say say it, and in my case with few visitors I was always glad to see people.
Morning, usually begins about 7, probably why I also ordered breakfast then huh? Vitals, hello's, general pleasantries. How are you feeling? Any pain, if so on a scale of 1-10? Do you need anything? Check on the medications you need, in my case numerous. Usually always mentioned a walk, kind of like a dog wanting out I reckon. They leave, food arrives. Somewhere pills start, always seemed to be waiting on the pharmacy for pills.
Dr.s start coming and going furiously doing their rounds from 7:01 until about 12 noon. I'd get a walk, after breakfast and after the shift change. They started sitting me in a chair as well which was a nice change of pace for me. One of those reclining model ones. I wasn't as cold as I was entering the hospital. I usually napped a bit before lunch. More recuperation after surgery than boredom, at first.
Wake up, had lunch between 12-2. Sometimes got an afternoon walk. I was still wobbly but steadier on my feet. The issue was still my upper body strength, I just couldn't get up by myself it seemed. Afternoon shift change, more vitals, usually no nap after lunch. Dinner I often ordered between 5-6 I recall. Thing was here, they actually called you if you didn't order dinner. Kid of thought that was cool.
Dinner, some television, stuff like that. Random sleep, with interruptions for vitals to be checked. Never a real dull moment actually.
Slowly but surely I get better
Time moved rather slowly. Days broken up mostly by meals. Occasional calls from family. Worse were the ones from my sister. Why? Because they'd always start with when was I getting out. What did the Dr.s have to say. Rapid fire questions. I still remember one time her getting upset, yelling at me, I was trying to catch my breath, she said she wouldn't call ever again and slammed the phone down. Ugh.
Not that I've a temper, but I can be quick. You often have to with her. I got my composure and called her back. Reamed her out slowly and using as many single syllable words as I could. I believe she got the point. Said they were coming to see me over the weekend and asked what they could bring me. Pretty much just said some seltzer bottles.
I was getting sick of the drink choices in the hospital. They had your juices, I grabbed a decaf tea with every meal, and either white rock cola or ginger ale, oh and of course water. Now I am a fan of ginger ale, don't mind it at all. Once in awhile. I am however seltzer lover. No sugar, no crap, just some nice good bubbles. They didn't have it in the hospital.
Breakfast was good. Nice part of the regular room was that I could order at 7 sharp. Tea, of course my favorite yogurt parfait they make, and tried their various breakfasts. That was served until 10 I think. Lunch and dinner could be ordered up until 7 at night. Same menu. Mostly had soft stuff, and glad to say, salmon is very soft. I mean come on, if you could have salmon twice a day wouldn't you, provided you ate fish.
Stayed away from the meatloaf until I absolutely had to. They had many soups, they made there, nothing to write home about. Or maybe I just plain got sick of them too. Like I'd previously posted eating was tricky, I really was just sore, but oh so hungry. At the very least the food was enjoyable.
Happily the pulmonary Dr. came down to see me, was glad to see her. I really was worried about her job, but think I just broke down, not ashamed to admit it. Things were okay, she was just concerned to see how I was. Last time I saw her. And no I never asked her about the things that went on in that ICU room either. Just not as sharp in the hospital I reckon.
Not that I've a temper, but I can be quick. You often have to with her. I got my composure and called her back. Reamed her out slowly and using as many single syllable words as I could. I believe she got the point. Said they were coming to see me over the weekend and asked what they could bring me. Pretty much just said some seltzer bottles.
I was getting sick of the drink choices in the hospital. They had your juices, I grabbed a decaf tea with every meal, and either white rock cola or ginger ale, oh and of course water. Now I am a fan of ginger ale, don't mind it at all. Once in awhile. I am however seltzer lover. No sugar, no crap, just some nice good bubbles. They didn't have it in the hospital.
Breakfast was good. Nice part of the regular room was that I could order at 7 sharp. Tea, of course my favorite yogurt parfait they make, and tried their various breakfasts. That was served until 10 I think. Lunch and dinner could be ordered up until 7 at night. Same menu. Mostly had soft stuff, and glad to say, salmon is very soft. I mean come on, if you could have salmon twice a day wouldn't you, provided you ate fish.
Stayed away from the meatloaf until I absolutely had to. They had many soups, they made there, nothing to write home about. Or maybe I just plain got sick of them too. Like I'd previously posted eating was tricky, I really was just sore, but oh so hungry. At the very least the food was enjoyable.
Happily the pulmonary Dr. came down to see me, was glad to see her. I really was worried about her job, but think I just broke down, not ashamed to admit it. Things were okay, she was just concerned to see how I was. Last time I saw her. And no I never asked her about the things that went on in that ICU room either. Just not as sharp in the hospital I reckon.
Friday, July 6, 2012
Meetings may be short thunderstorms may be coming.
I want to say it was my first day, possibly the second. I met with what I think is called Patient relations. Patricia was the woman's name. Very nice woman. She was in charge of making sure that when I as discharged to set up visiting nurses and see how I was generally doing in the hospital. She gave me a list, checked on my insurance and circled the 1 place that would most likely accept me. The bad thing. After today she was going on vacation, forget where, I seem to think Hawaii, but I always think that. Maybe the optimist in me wants the best for everyone.
A blond woman, wore glasses, skinny, very nice came in. She was with patient rehab. This would be our only meeting as it turned out. She told me of exercises, gave me advice. I told her my concern about lack of upper body strength and inability to get myself out of bed. She did mention that she would tell me how and I should get the measurement of how high my bed at home was so we could practice at the hospital. Promises, promises. Told her I was walking and she said that was good.
On my cell phone was a call from my cousin from Florida. Long story short wanted to know how I was and such. Had come up to New York on a working trip. We should keep in touch, left me her cell phone number. Unfortunately on my phone it doesn't keep old messages more than 7 days. Oh sure it does now, but not then.
A blond woman, wore glasses, skinny, very nice came in. She was with patient rehab. This would be our only meeting as it turned out. She told me of exercises, gave me advice. I told her my concern about lack of upper body strength and inability to get myself out of bed. She did mention that she would tell me how and I should get the measurement of how high my bed at home was so we could practice at the hospital. Promises, promises. Told her I was walking and she said that was good.
On my cell phone was a call from my cousin from Florida. Long story short wanted to know how I was and such. Had come up to New York on a working trip. We should keep in touch, left me her cell phone number. Unfortunately on my phone it doesn't keep old messages more than 7 days. Oh sure it does now, but not then.
Regular room time
I was wheeled into a room, sadly not by the window, that was occupied. A man I would gauge about anywhere in his 50's to 60's, I remember no names. Nice guy. Seemed he'd had a defibrillator put in. Unsure if it was surgery or there was a problem. Wasn't much of a bother, I was probably more to him. He had a wife, hard to describe. She wore glasses, old style big hair, but her teeth. Lots of them, long but narrow, she was pleasant.
He was annoyed and wanted to be released, oh how I knew those days. One of his problems was that he never asked the right questions when the Dr.s came by. He'd call and bitch and moan to his wife and she'd make phone calls or come by and get answers.
The room was much smaller, I was still on the catheter, sure now I remember the word. So bathroom wasn't much of an issue yet. Called for a bed pan and such. Could order any food. They did have to give me an injection to somehow increase or enlarge my esophagus, always had a small one. And I just didn't get the fact that I had to grind the food to nothing before trying to swallow.
That caused a lot of foul noises from me, felt bad for the roommate. We'd talk a bit now and then. He had owned some sort of business, now retired. Just wanted to get the Hell out of the hospital. I tried my best but as of yet still only could manage monosyllabic words for short times. Still had that wonderful rasp in my normally shrill voice I can't stand.
The nurses were awesome. Told me I had to walk. Told them I'd like to get in at least 2 a day, more if possible, they liked that. Generally patients who are easy going and want to recover seem to be a favorite I think. My roommate still had tantrums at times. More than once was close to signing himself out of the hospital. Always a bad idea.
You of course always can sign yourself out against Dr.s orders. However, that can mean the insurance companies won't cover much and you may be left with the bulk of the bill.
The walks were tough but I enjoyed them, at first someone holding on to me just in case. In my emaciated condition, do not know my weight yet, an elderly person could of carried me I think.
At one point a Dr. from the defibrillator came in, wanted to adjust the roomies one. Long story short roomie wasn't approving, worse, the Dr. couldn't figure out how to work the machine. So he left. And life went on it's merry way.
He was annoyed and wanted to be released, oh how I knew those days. One of his problems was that he never asked the right questions when the Dr.s came by. He'd call and bitch and moan to his wife and she'd make phone calls or come by and get answers.
The room was much smaller, I was still on the catheter, sure now I remember the word. So bathroom wasn't much of an issue yet. Called for a bed pan and such. Could order any food. They did have to give me an injection to somehow increase or enlarge my esophagus, always had a small one. And I just didn't get the fact that I had to grind the food to nothing before trying to swallow.
That caused a lot of foul noises from me, felt bad for the roommate. We'd talk a bit now and then. He had owned some sort of business, now retired. Just wanted to get the Hell out of the hospital. I tried my best but as of yet still only could manage monosyllabic words for short times. Still had that wonderful rasp in my normally shrill voice I can't stand.
The nurses were awesome. Told me I had to walk. Told them I'd like to get in at least 2 a day, more if possible, they liked that. Generally patients who are easy going and want to recover seem to be a favorite I think. My roommate still had tantrums at times. More than once was close to signing himself out of the hospital. Always a bad idea.
You of course always can sign yourself out against Dr.s orders. However, that can mean the insurance companies won't cover much and you may be left with the bulk of the bill.
The walks were tough but I enjoyed them, at first someone holding on to me just in case. In my emaciated condition, do not know my weight yet, an elderly person could of carried me I think.
At one point a Dr. from the defibrillator came in, wanted to adjust the roomies one. Long story short roomie wasn't approving, worse, the Dr. couldn't figure out how to work the machine. So he left. And life went on it's merry way.
ICU days
So began my long days in ICU. In case you've been fortunate enough to have never been, you don't actually get much rest. But I was eager to start regaining what I could. The television had been turned on, and with my glasses I could see once again the vapid waste land of day time television. One of my very nice, and yes cute nurses, was fond of some sort of name that tune in so many notes show. I very much enjoyed walking with her.
To begin with, for obvious reasons, I had no upper body strength, getting up was difficult and I required assistance. A walker was brought for me and I was thrilled at the idea of a few steps. Up to this point I had been doing some leg exercises in bed as well, just to help them along. I was fairly steady on my feet but need the walker.
The bag, for....uh....liquids.....hint, was clipped to it. The nurse called it my bling, made me chuckle. It was a slow tenuous stretch. They would only let me do so much at a time and I relented. This after all was their profession and line of expertise. I never did get to see who the person I still think I booted out of the room was. They did however have security and a lot of visitors. Guess I was to concerned with my own well being to ask. At one point I did see the cup I wrote on, on top of a station, sure gave someone a good laugh.
Meals. As I said the food here was great. I did however always check that the other room had already ordered and received theirs. I wanted to brook no more trouble. Mostly soft things, swallowing was not easy as it was still close to being off the respirator. Think it had been in about 10 or 11 days, unsure.
Nebulizer stuff, I did everything asked. I was very serious about wanting my life back. Pulmonary visits. Occasional other worldly looking Dr.s glancing at me confused and passing me on. This was clearly a single room, a rarity in any ICU, perhaps reserved for more important people.
My walks got a bit longer, my leg strength was returning nicely, a little wobbly and def needing the walker. Each time I would see the Head Pharmacist I would turn the another direction, I did not want to cross him.
Sounds strange I'm sure, but I truly think I was beginning to enjoy my little fiefdom. Like all things it was not to last. The dude with glasses who wanted me out of my last room now wanted me out of ICU and into a regular room. Checked on me, in all fairness he was a nice guy, seemed genuinely concerned. Even when I spat up a little something, he insisted it be taken to the lab, to make sure it was just mucous and not an infection. It was just mucous.
Sadly it was time for me to go to a regular room. It was a rushed affair. They even had to remove some staples from my chest before I was allowed to go. A room was found and we just awaited transport. Wouldn't you know it, it was the same woman that transported me back when I'd had the colonoscopy endoscopy. Farewell private room.
To begin with, for obvious reasons, I had no upper body strength, getting up was difficult and I required assistance. A walker was brought for me and I was thrilled at the idea of a few steps. Up to this point I had been doing some leg exercises in bed as well, just to help them along. I was fairly steady on my feet but need the walker.
The bag, for....uh....liquids.....hint, was clipped to it. The nurse called it my bling, made me chuckle. It was a slow tenuous stretch. They would only let me do so much at a time and I relented. This after all was their profession and line of expertise. I never did get to see who the person I still think I booted out of the room was. They did however have security and a lot of visitors. Guess I was to concerned with my own well being to ask. At one point I did see the cup I wrote on, on top of a station, sure gave someone a good laugh.
Meals. As I said the food here was great. I did however always check that the other room had already ordered and received theirs. I wanted to brook no more trouble. Mostly soft things, swallowing was not easy as it was still close to being off the respirator. Think it had been in about 10 or 11 days, unsure.
Nebulizer stuff, I did everything asked. I was very serious about wanting my life back. Pulmonary visits. Occasional other worldly looking Dr.s glancing at me confused and passing me on. This was clearly a single room, a rarity in any ICU, perhaps reserved for more important people.
My walks got a bit longer, my leg strength was returning nicely, a little wobbly and def needing the walker. Each time I would see the Head Pharmacist I would turn the another direction, I did not want to cross him.
Sounds strange I'm sure, but I truly think I was beginning to enjoy my little fiefdom. Like all things it was not to last. The dude with glasses who wanted me out of my last room now wanted me out of ICU and into a regular room. Checked on me, in all fairness he was a nice guy, seemed genuinely concerned. Even when I spat up a little something, he insisted it be taken to the lab, to make sure it was just mucous and not an infection. It was just mucous.
Sadly it was time for me to go to a regular room. It was a rushed affair. They even had to remove some staples from my chest before I was allowed to go. A room was found and we just awaited transport. Wouldn't you know it, it was the same woman that transported me back when I'd had the colonoscopy endoscopy. Farewell private room.
Unsure
There are little things I keep forgetting. Not all that critical I suppose. I have however not abandoned, just been busy. Tonight should be a 2 entry night. And 2 tomorrow as well. And we shall continue a bit into my recovery as well.
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