Adventures in Hospitalization, #5
I was tested late Wednesday, April 21st, on the amount of liquid being retained in my stomach, as an indication of whether it was safe to begin allowing me nutrition by mouth. I passed the tests, so on Thursday morning, April 22nd, my NG tube was taken out.
My surgeon said that I could take clear liquids today, and if that goes well we move on to solid food. He said I could be discharged by Sunday if things continue to go well.
I’m starting with a small amount of intake, aiming for about 8 ounces of chicken broth, jello, and tea. I don’t want to overload the system. So far I’ve had a breakfast and lunch, and taken a bit of a walk in the hallway after each to encourage motion in the gut. So far, so good.
My gastroentorologist came by to talk about maintenance medicines. I’ll be taking imuran and prednisone to start with, though we are tapering off the prednisone with a view to eliminating it within about six weeks or so. The touchy part is making sure my adrenal glands are producing once the prednisone stops.
Hi Wesley,
I wanted to send you a funny photo, but couldn’t figure out how to send it here so I sent it to your regular e-mail. It might give you a chuckle-made me crack up! Hope you’re feeling better. I have enjoyed reading your daily entries. Again Tempo says hi and wants to know where the lasar is.
Take care,
JoAnne
The slow step-by-step pace is frustrating, I know. I over-did it late last week and had to zoom back in for a fast CT scan to see if what felt like a forming hematoma in my throat meant that I’d popped the patch on my only functioning carotid. It’s frustrating as Hell to take it slow when one has been active all one’s life.
RBH
Sounds like things are going extremely well for you Wes.
I am Ed’s fiance and he has kept me informed of your progress. Now I have the URL to this blog you have so beautifuly created.
God bless you.
Lynnie