Before I begin, let me insert a disclaimer. Times are approximate and most likely incorrect. But Chris has her phone log going.
10:55 - morphine machine started beeping. To be fair, it was because I rolled over and pulled it out. Why did I roll over, you might ask? Because they had my legs literally shackled to the bed with some kind of contraption that constantly aired up at my ankles, then mid-calf, then knee. Then it switched legs. Then it took about a 6 second break, then started over again. All night long. No sleeping allowed. Perfect torture mechanism.
Back to the Morphine Machine episode. I finally turned out the light after they finished resetting the machine. About 12:05. And literally three seconds later they were back. This time it was to take my vital signs and empty the container of blood they had been pumping out of the cavity in my back. I know. Gross, right? It got grosser. She spilled blood on the sheets. That meant she had to completely change the linens - with me in them. She did OK, I guess. Well, with Chris’ help. It was painful.
On to about 1:25. Tried again to doze, but those shackles just wouldn’t let me. So I turned on the light and pulled out the trusty crossword puzzle book. Made it through six of them before the crew came back in around 3:00 or so. All I remember about that visit was that they took off the shackles. I am free! Oh, and we chatted with the nurse for a long time. She came here from the Philippines and began working at UTMB after Hurricane Ike. Very sweet lady.
Things finally settled down and I managed to doze off and on between five and six, when the crew was back for more. That was enough. Chris and I stayed up and watched the clock so we could order breakfast at 7.
The neuro team (well, one of them anyway) arrived shortly before 7 to make rounds. He confirmed that I would be in here another day. Something about working with that dog trainer and letting the blood sucker pumping excess blood out of my body finish its work.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that every time after the crew finished up, Chris helped me and my trusty handheld potty with bathroom duties. Quite the ordeal in itself without the assistance of gravity. All you guys out there understand that comment, I’m sure.
It was great to get a hospital visit from Cathy (from church) and a phone call from Charley (the Galveston Fire Department Chief). And the pies de resistance (or however you spell in French) came when Nathan and April walked in. I always enjoy chatting with those two. Josh called, too. He was taking his boys to play in a basketball game. Sounds like both teams are really improving. Me too. I think.
I did some more walking last night. Chris escorted me to the end of the hall. Woohoo! I’m pretty sore now, but the possibility of being home is a great motivator.
Hopefully they’ll be able to take out this drain tomorrow and send me home.
Deuteronomy 31:6 says, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Father, thank you for walking with me today. Literally. Amen.
No comments:
Post a Comment