The day came like all others. Had to make a follow up appointment with the cardiologist that had signed me in. I would have to be driven to that one. Food was good. I remembered for one, Cheerios were a low sodium snack. I had a lot of ziplock pint containers, for when I made soups in the winter. I'd lay out my snacks in that. Grapes, cheerios and stuff like that. Was very preoccupied with serving size and such.
I was still washing in the sink with a washcloth, very carefully. Becoming more used to the way my scar looked. My hands were still numb at the outer digits, mentioned previously. Rest was nice. Got a call from my insurance company, they were appalled about my visiting nurse issues and would get on top of it. Also checked in with the woman involved in my short term disability.
A word about that. Cut your pay check in half, then half again, that is what they expect you to live on.
I was feeling stronger, almost by will. Took a Tylenol if I thought I had a temperature. I was still a little disconcerted by no medical care. I watched a lot of television, listened to my favorite podcast. All that. Started to look at some bills.
I was also enjoying my walking out doors. It was so nice to be in the sun and air again and not just a voyeur of it. My days were mine and I will say I was enjoying every bit of my recovery. Feeling stronger and stronger.
Thursday, July 26, 2012
Monday, July 23, 2012
Tuesday
No I wouldn't say I was nervous, apprehensive would be more suiting. Sister in the hospital; brother in law off to work with a visit to her after that. Had my first day. These memories are more vague than the actual surgery and hospital visits but I shall do my best by you.
My brother in law waited nervously for my return that early morning from my walk. I assured him I was well. I'd begun having him put my seltzer in the fridge, already cracked open. It kept longer. I knew I had to keep up the fluid intake. Which of course was my biggest issue.
You see my body was very used to peeing when it wanted. I had no urinal, had to walk to the bathroom. A few times with a little 'moisture' in my boxers. I was however hopeful. I was already improving from the hospital, going on the floor en route to the bathroom. I really thought the cleaning crew hated me. My biggest impetus was that there was no one to clean up after me. I still had minimal upper body strength and knew that once on the floor that is where I would stay. I persevered and found renewed.
I still napped, the family dog was pleased. She'd lay in my room dozing for a few weeks with me. Finally I called the hospital to be put in touch with the patients advocate office. The woman I wanted to speak to was unavailable. I told the thoroughly uninterested girl on the phone my plight and how I wanted to get a visiting nurse.
On the original paperwork the first woman gave me was a name of a place with a phone number. The new bored girl gave me another number for them. I called, it was disconnected. I called the number on the list and left a message. It didn't feel quite right, and I never did get a call back.
I took another slow walk to the corner and ran into another neighbor. Nice slow chat and they told me if I needed anything to call. I cannot recall the foods I ate, but bland, low in sodium. I was now eating small meals every 2 hours. It was easy. My television was in my room, the computer was till to much for me. So I slept a lot.
My brother in law waited nervously for my return that early morning from my walk. I assured him I was well. I'd begun having him put my seltzer in the fridge, already cracked open. It kept longer. I knew I had to keep up the fluid intake. Which of course was my biggest issue.
You see my body was very used to peeing when it wanted. I had no urinal, had to walk to the bathroom. A few times with a little 'moisture' in my boxers. I was however hopeful. I was already improving from the hospital, going on the floor en route to the bathroom. I really thought the cleaning crew hated me. My biggest impetus was that there was no one to clean up after me. I still had minimal upper body strength and knew that once on the floor that is where I would stay. I persevered and found renewed.
I still napped, the family dog was pleased. She'd lay in my room dozing for a few weeks with me. Finally I called the hospital to be put in touch with the patients advocate office. The woman I wanted to speak to was unavailable. I told the thoroughly uninterested girl on the phone my plight and how I wanted to get a visiting nurse.
On the original paperwork the first woman gave me was a name of a place with a phone number. The new bored girl gave me another number for them. I called, it was disconnected. I called the number on the list and left a message. It didn't feel quite right, and I never did get a call back.
I took another slow walk to the corner and ran into another neighbor. Nice slow chat and they told me if I needed anything to call. I cannot recall the foods I ate, but bland, low in sodium. I was now eating small meals every 2 hours. It was easy. My television was in my room, the computer was till to much for me. So I slept a lot.
Saturday, July 21, 2012
Let the recovery begin.
I really can't recollect to much but they finally told me my sister had cancer. As of this writing she is fine and back to work, let's get that straight. I don't recall the name exactly, but it was stage 1. Surgery was needed. After 50 some odd years of life, and abusing life and herself, she finally had something wrong with her. There aren't a lot of people that have been as lucky.
I do not recall if it was July 3rd or 4th that they took her to the hospital. Would be the last time I'd see her until somewhere in August. I'm going to divert back to me here. I've already told you all ends well, and I'll throw in in here and there.
They had given me a stapled paper about recovery from surgery at home. I soon realized this was generic enough to be for a 10 year old to 80 year old. Seemed to be up to me. Walking a certain amount of time increased in increments. No lifting anything. Rest. Watch pulse and temperature. Never lifting my arms above my head. I think that was a no no for six months, unsure. Along with whatever you did with the right arm you should do with the left.
Tentatively I recall moving around my house. Terrified of over doing things, of moving wrong, and of falling. I still had no upper body strength at all. Also the ring finger and pinkie on my left hand were still numb and tingly. I was told it would improve and it has. It was the middle finger to the pinkie on my right, that one took the longest to improve back to almost normal.
I recall the first walk I took to the corner. I was scared. First thought what if I was overdoing it. Then what if I fell. I managed it and felt good for it. I essentially walked with my mead down, very slowly, watching the road so I didn't trip on anything.
The memories of that day were mostly of the good feeling from the walk. The resting. A little on the food. I knew ordinarily last summer, had been told all the time, it was brutally hot. So walking would be best in morning. I would start out with 1 a day and increase it. Of course I started with 2 or 3. Just to the corner, but never in the heat of the day.
Nope, never did get a call July 3rd or July 4th from the visiting nurse care, man was I alone. That stuff isn't over yet either.
I do not recall if it was July 3rd or 4th that they took her to the hospital. Would be the last time I'd see her until somewhere in August. I'm going to divert back to me here. I've already told you all ends well, and I'll throw in in here and there.
They had given me a stapled paper about recovery from surgery at home. I soon realized this was generic enough to be for a 10 year old to 80 year old. Seemed to be up to me. Walking a certain amount of time increased in increments. No lifting anything. Rest. Watch pulse and temperature. Never lifting my arms above my head. I think that was a no no for six months, unsure. Along with whatever you did with the right arm you should do with the left.
Tentatively I recall moving around my house. Terrified of over doing things, of moving wrong, and of falling. I still had no upper body strength at all. Also the ring finger and pinkie on my left hand were still numb and tingly. I was told it would improve and it has. It was the middle finger to the pinkie on my right, that one took the longest to improve back to almost normal.
I recall the first walk I took to the corner. I was scared. First thought what if I was overdoing it. Then what if I fell. I managed it and felt good for it. I essentially walked with my mead down, very slowly, watching the road so I didn't trip on anything.
The memories of that day were mostly of the good feeling from the walk. The resting. A little on the food. I knew ordinarily last summer, had been told all the time, it was brutally hot. So walking would be best in morning. I would start out with 1 a day and increase it. Of course I started with 2 or 3. Just to the corner, but never in the heat of the day.
Nope, never did get a call July 3rd or July 4th from the visiting nurse care, man was I alone. That stuff isn't over yet either.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Friday and Saturday.
Every day my sister would call me and ask when I was coming home. How the Hell did I know. The patient is always the last to know, trust me on this. I had a new visitor.
A short woman from the patients advocate came in to see me. Wanted to know when I was leaving and such, I told her what I just told you. She then berated me. On how was she supposed to help me with nursing care if I didn't know when I was being released. She may have even called me uncooperative.
I was glad when she left. Took a walk, that's when I saw the original woman from physical therapy, for the final time. She just wanted to see how I was walking and missed much of it because she was conversing with some guy. I was ready to depart.
Saturday arrived and I was told I would be leaving today. My reaction was shock. They certainly didn't believe in giving much notice. I called my sister to give her the good news. Some bullshit argument. She wasn't going to come and would send my brother in law. No worries in the end she came you'll see.
It was Saturday July 2nd 2011. It's important for the upcoming event. I noticed 2 woman sitting in the office of the patient advocate right across from my room. Being proactive I walked over and explained I was going home today. The blinked at me. I wanted to know what they needed from me to ensure I'd have a visiting nurse. Blink. Not once did they ask my name, not once did they look at their computers.
They assured me that one would call me Sunday when I got home. I said thank you and walked straight to my bathroom to see if STUPID was scrawled upon my forehead. Ordinarily I might have bought it. However, Sunday July 3rd, a 3 day freaking weekend, I knew no one would be setting up jack shit.
I was concerned, because I knew that for the majority of my time at home I'd be alone. Brother in law and sister worked. What if I fell, ran a temperature, or got an infection, I was concerned and waited.
At some point another Dr. came in and removed the final staples from my chest and I was asked if a ride was coming for me. I said yes. Lo and behold the dynamic duo arrived. With 2 cheese danishes that I'd called and asked for I might add.
A nurse came in to discuss my discharge and the medications I was to be taking. They gave me privacy. When she came to the Oxycontin, unsure of spelling, I stopped her. There had been a pharmacy shooting in a town I frequent, where a guy and girl went, he went in stole the oxy's and they left. They caught the duo.
I simply asked her to write void on it and tear it up in front of me. I was having no part of that, I was Tylenol all the way.
All set we departed. It was a brutal summer, I'd seen that from the few weather reports and from talking to nurses on shifts. It'd be a drive home, windows closed and air conditioning. My brother in law pushed my sister, the nurse pushed me. I got settled into the back seat said my goodbyes. They settled into the car. Before we even moved, they both lit up cigarettes. Long ride home.
Exhausted and glad to be home I laid down. At some point I'd gotten up to see what there was to eat. They'd ordered in from an Italian restaurant. On the counter for me on a plate was a cold breaded chicken piece along with some cheese filled rigatoni noodles. Yup fend for myself indeed.
A short woman from the patients advocate came in to see me. Wanted to know when I was leaving and such, I told her what I just told you. She then berated me. On how was she supposed to help me with nursing care if I didn't know when I was being released. She may have even called me uncooperative.
I was glad when she left. Took a walk, that's when I saw the original woman from physical therapy, for the final time. She just wanted to see how I was walking and missed much of it because she was conversing with some guy. I was ready to depart.
Saturday arrived and I was told I would be leaving today. My reaction was shock. They certainly didn't believe in giving much notice. I called my sister to give her the good news. Some bullshit argument. She wasn't going to come and would send my brother in law. No worries in the end she came you'll see.
It was Saturday July 2nd 2011. It's important for the upcoming event. I noticed 2 woman sitting in the office of the patient advocate right across from my room. Being proactive I walked over and explained I was going home today. The blinked at me. I wanted to know what they needed from me to ensure I'd have a visiting nurse. Blink. Not once did they ask my name, not once did they look at their computers.
They assured me that one would call me Sunday when I got home. I said thank you and walked straight to my bathroom to see if STUPID was scrawled upon my forehead. Ordinarily I might have bought it. However, Sunday July 3rd, a 3 day freaking weekend, I knew no one would be setting up jack shit.
I was concerned, because I knew that for the majority of my time at home I'd be alone. Brother in law and sister worked. What if I fell, ran a temperature, or got an infection, I was concerned and waited.
At some point another Dr. came in and removed the final staples from my chest and I was asked if a ride was coming for me. I said yes. Lo and behold the dynamic duo arrived. With 2 cheese danishes that I'd called and asked for I might add.
A nurse came in to discuss my discharge and the medications I was to be taking. They gave me privacy. When she came to the Oxycontin, unsure of spelling, I stopped her. There had been a pharmacy shooting in a town I frequent, where a guy and girl went, he went in stole the oxy's and they left. They caught the duo.
I simply asked her to write void on it and tear it up in front of me. I was having no part of that, I was Tylenol all the way.
All set we departed. It was a brutal summer, I'd seen that from the few weather reports and from talking to nurses on shifts. It'd be a drive home, windows closed and air conditioning. My brother in law pushed my sister, the nurse pushed me. I got settled into the back seat said my goodbyes. They settled into the car. Before we even moved, they both lit up cigarettes. Long ride home.
Exhausted and glad to be home I laid down. At some point I'd gotten up to see what there was to eat. They'd ordered in from an Italian restaurant. On the counter for me on a plate was a cold breaded chicken piece along with some cheese filled rigatoni noodles. Yup fend for myself indeed.
More minutae of recovery
I was now able to bathe myself with the pink tub alone and brush my teeth. Still had a very hard time looking at myself in the mirror. My room mate was departing, a good thing. Was kind of sorry to see him go, just because he was a good sort. Got a new one at night, guy somewhere in his 50's I think. Nice fellow, he'd had open heart surgery too. Again not so much interaction.
I was getting a little bored. One day the pulmonary Dr. came by to see me. Just to visit and see how I was doing. I was so grateful, this was the one from the final ICU room. I know I cried. I was glad she wasn't fired, didn't ask her any real pertinent questions, was just so glad she came by. Hell my emotions were so touched that my brain never asked me if it was a billable visit.
Another way I knew I was getting better, they no longer thought my nebulizer treatment was as necessary. And if they came in the middle of the night and I was asleep they let me be. Even though I had said not to. I just wanted to recover dammit.
An angry woman came in one day, short blond hair, no glasses. She was with rehab. I had to piss very badly. I mentioned it to her and she berated me. I wasn't going to get any help if I didn't co-operate. I stood, grabbed my urinal and proceeded to piss until she left. It was the last I ever saw of those people.
In some twilight I'd convinced myself that I was close by my bakery, oh how I wanted a cheese danish. That if I just walked out I could get one and be back in no time. Mind you it was a good 50 from the bakery. My stomach was certainly ready.
The nurses were great, as I said they love a patient that doesn't complain; co-operates; and wants to get out. There were more potassium drips, hated them. I was getting ready to get on with my life. I no longer even needed the faithful walker that had been by my side this entire time.
Food was becoming a bit of a chore, even breakfast, with the exception of the fruit parfait. I mean I was literally not caring that I could have salmon twice a day. So I began experimenting. I tried their chicken stir fry, came with rice, wonderful, but so much. I called the next time and asked if I could have a half portion, as there was so much of it and I despise wasting food. I began to enjoy their pizza for lunch.
Nothing amazing, sat upon something the size of a pita, it may have been a pita for all I knew. Came with veggies, loved those. I never again tried their meatloaf. Had an Italian ice with both lunch and dinner, quite nice. Only available in 2 flavors, lemon and cherry I seem to recall. I stuck with the lemon.
The next session shall begin the Friday before my discharge.
I was getting a little bored. One day the pulmonary Dr. came by to see me. Just to visit and see how I was doing. I was so grateful, this was the one from the final ICU room. I know I cried. I was glad she wasn't fired, didn't ask her any real pertinent questions, was just so glad she came by. Hell my emotions were so touched that my brain never asked me if it was a billable visit.
Another way I knew I was getting better, they no longer thought my nebulizer treatment was as necessary. And if they came in the middle of the night and I was asleep they let me be. Even though I had said not to. I just wanted to recover dammit.
An angry woman came in one day, short blond hair, no glasses. She was with rehab. I had to piss very badly. I mentioned it to her and she berated me. I wasn't going to get any help if I didn't co-operate. I stood, grabbed my urinal and proceeded to piss until she left. It was the last I ever saw of those people.
In some twilight I'd convinced myself that I was close by my bakery, oh how I wanted a cheese danish. That if I just walked out I could get one and be back in no time. Mind you it was a good 50 from the bakery. My stomach was certainly ready.
The nurses were great, as I said they love a patient that doesn't complain; co-operates; and wants to get out. There were more potassium drips, hated them. I was getting ready to get on with my life. I no longer even needed the faithful walker that had been by my side this entire time.
Food was becoming a bit of a chore, even breakfast, with the exception of the fruit parfait. I mean I was literally not caring that I could have salmon twice a day. So I began experimenting. I tried their chicken stir fry, came with rice, wonderful, but so much. I called the next time and asked if I could have a half portion, as there was so much of it and I despise wasting food. I began to enjoy their pizza for lunch.
Nothing amazing, sat upon something the size of a pita, it may have been a pita for all I knew. Came with veggies, loved those. I never again tried their meatloaf. Had an Italian ice with both lunch and dinner, quite nice. Only available in 2 flavors, lemon and cherry I seem to recall. I stuck with the lemon.
The next session shall begin the Friday before my discharge.
Days keep blending together
I'd settled into a nice routine. Breakfast, walk, chair nap, judge shows, lunch, walk, nap. Dinner. Room mate was in need of dialysis and to my horror they did it in the room. Not that you saw anything but the noise of the machine was unpleasant. He never complained. As I stated previously it was nice that he had someone with him at all times. We never did much but exchange pleasantries as I made my numerous trips to the bathroom.
Bladder control was still a hideous problem for me and I was unhappy about that most of all. Even the floor, ugh. I did ask if I could have my night time diuretic earlier so that I could get through the night, I was obliged. My recovery was coming along quite nicely.
At some point it was determined that I was severely lacking in magnesium and potassium. The magnesium was a liquid that I mixed with some juice and wasn't terrible. Still beat that stuff I had to mix with the Gatorade before the colonoscopy and endoscopy. But then it was a good deal less. The potassium was the bitch.
It had to be administered via IV. It burns. I had them drag it down to it's lowest dispensing time, I'm not one who cannot handle pain. This stuff was like a fiery acid in the vein. Very unpleasant. At one one I needed 3 bags. This took a total of 6 hours. Normally an IV drip is half of an hour. I used my Tylenol then. Unfortunately for the end of the second I missed the dosage and was in a lot of discomfort. Obviously I survived.
It was so bad, that a woman who made rounds, she was a patient came by to see me and I told her I couldn't talk. I didn't even know her name. Not sure why she was in there.
We are on the last week of my hospitalization gang. More to come but I must check on my dinner.
Bladder control was still a hideous problem for me and I was unhappy about that most of all. Even the floor, ugh. I did ask if I could have my night time diuretic earlier so that I could get through the night, I was obliged. My recovery was coming along quite nicely.
At some point it was determined that I was severely lacking in magnesium and potassium. The magnesium was a liquid that I mixed with some juice and wasn't terrible. Still beat that stuff I had to mix with the Gatorade before the colonoscopy and endoscopy. But then it was a good deal less. The potassium was the bitch.
It had to be administered via IV. It burns. I had them drag it down to it's lowest dispensing time, I'm not one who cannot handle pain. This stuff was like a fiery acid in the vein. Very unpleasant. At one one I needed 3 bags. This took a total of 6 hours. Normally an IV drip is half of an hour. I used my Tylenol then. Unfortunately for the end of the second I missed the dosage and was in a lot of discomfort. Obviously I survived.
It was so bad, that a woman who made rounds, she was a patient came by to see me and I told her I couldn't talk. I didn't even know her name. Not sure why she was in there.
We are on the last week of my hospitalization gang. More to come but I must check on my dinner.
Tuesday, July 10, 2012
Time for a visit I guess.
The routine was set in now. Roomie had constant company, which was good. Not sure if anyone has ever roomed in the hospital with a constant complainer or needy person. I have, not much fun. This guy was good. Really didn't know he was there except for bathroom trips and such.
I was getting better. Of course no upper body strength yet, but could manage my walker nicely. I obeyed as they asked to be escorted to the bathroom and rang for assistance when I was done. Saturday came.
I'd asked for some seltzer and quarters so I could buy a daily newspaper when they came around. and proof that the house bills were paid. Cannot ordinarily trust therm with such responsibility.
My brother in law and sister arrived as I was eating. After hello's my sister from the wheelchair and such. First thing she asked was to see my scar. I glared at her angrily and choked on my food a bit. No never did show it to her. Hell I still couldn't look at it. They left and came back with some gifts. A stuffed bear and a plant of some sort. Used to have room in hospitals for these things, not so nowadays. Especially not when near a window. I checked the bills, they told me they missed me and such.
It was a nice effort. They aren't the visiting type. A word, when visiting people in the hospital, talk about almost anything. Mundane things at home even, trust me on this one. It is very comforting. They couldn't manage it. I rang for the nurse as I had to use the bathroom. I was escorted. In my eagerness I reckon, I got up on my own, little tumble. Not much room to fall on your ass in those bathrooms, so I just bumped my head hard. Rang for assistance, embarrassed I assured the nurse I would do no such thing again. I didn't.
They departed and I was glad for it. Took a cell phone call or 2. My manager called the most. Nice guy. At the same time he had been serving on Grand Jury duty. No didn't talk about that. I enjoyed those conversations. Even teased me a bit about one of my coworkers asking for my cell phone. He never did give it to her, but warned me that if he ever got pissed off at me enough he would. Told him he had to now. After all what's a nuke threat like that if you don't use it.
Got my walks and my meals. My magnesium levels and potassium levels were to low. We'll get to those next time. Later.
I was getting better. Of course no upper body strength yet, but could manage my walker nicely. I obeyed as they asked to be escorted to the bathroom and rang for assistance when I was done. Saturday came.
I'd asked for some seltzer and quarters so I could buy a daily newspaper when they came around. and proof that the house bills were paid. Cannot ordinarily trust therm with such responsibility.
My brother in law and sister arrived as I was eating. After hello's my sister from the wheelchair and such. First thing she asked was to see my scar. I glared at her angrily and choked on my food a bit. No never did show it to her. Hell I still couldn't look at it. They left and came back with some gifts. A stuffed bear and a plant of some sort. Used to have room in hospitals for these things, not so nowadays. Especially not when near a window. I checked the bills, they told me they missed me and such.
It was a nice effort. They aren't the visiting type. A word, when visiting people in the hospital, talk about almost anything. Mundane things at home even, trust me on this one. It is very comforting. They couldn't manage it. I rang for the nurse as I had to use the bathroom. I was escorted. In my eagerness I reckon, I got up on my own, little tumble. Not much room to fall on your ass in those bathrooms, so I just bumped my head hard. Rang for assistance, embarrassed I assured the nurse I would do no such thing again. I didn't.
They departed and I was glad for it. Took a cell phone call or 2. My manager called the most. Nice guy. At the same time he had been serving on Grand Jury duty. No didn't talk about that. I enjoyed those conversations. Even teased me a bit about one of my coworkers asking for my cell phone. He never did give it to her, but warned me that if he ever got pissed off at me enough he would. Told him he had to now. After all what's a nuke threat like that if you don't use it.
Got my walks and my meals. My magnesium levels and potassium levels were to low. We'll get to those next time. Later.
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