Sunday, November 23, 2008
11/19/2008 - First Cup of Tea
Shiro and Taketo told me to take the day "off". I went back to work, but it was strange to go home so early at night. I went for an Alexander session with our yoga teacher, Judith, but I didn't stay for yoga, because that would expend energy, and I needed all of the energy I could muster.
I called SICU twice, to see how they were getting along. Once, the nurse said that Shiro was a little frustrated because they had to throw him out so many times, and once, Elaine, a nurse he had had previously, said he drank a cup of tea. I was so surprised. That was the first thing he has had to eat or drink in more than two weeks. It must have tasted like the most delicious thing in the whole world!
I called SICU twice, to see how they were getting along. Once, the nurse said that Shiro was a little frustrated because they had to throw him out so many times, and once, Elaine, a nurse he had had previously, said he drank a cup of tea. I was so surprised. That was the first thing he has had to eat or drink in more than two weeks. It must have tasted like the most delicious thing in the whole world!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
11/18/2008 - Shiro day!
I worked half a day, and then went to the hospital. It felt pretty good to be back, even if I'm a little disoriented.
Terumi had one IV taken out this afternoon. One of the young doctors evidently pulled the nose tube a little to straighten it out in his stomach, and after that, not so much was coming out of it. He is hungry, but can only eat a few ice chips -- yum! It's an upgrade from the sponge with water, though. Yesterday evening I decided to be really optimistic, and made a reservation near our house for Thanksgiving dinner.
Yesterday he had the dressing changed, and today he has a much longer elastic binder, going from hips to chest, but he doesn't seem to mind it.
Terumi had one IV taken out this afternoon. One of the young doctors evidently pulled the nose tube a little to straighten it out in his stomach, and after that, not so much was coming out of it. He is hungry, but can only eat a few ice chips -- yum! It's an upgrade from the sponge with water, though. Yesterday evening I decided to be really optimistic, and made a reservation near our house for Thanksgiving dinner.
Yesterday he had the dressing changed, and today he has a much longer elastic binder, going from hips to chest, but he doesn't seem to mind it.
All the King's horses, and all the King's men,
Are doing a pretty good job of putting Terumi
Back together, again!!
We realized he's gone cold turkey on coffee and tobacco, too. Taketo's friend, Ma-chan, gave him a crystal pipe stand, for him to put the pipes in . . . and just look at them!
So where's Shiro? I called Taketo, who was on his way, and they arrived about 6:30 at the hospital entrance. We tried to orient Shiro as to where things are located. I went in first, and told Terumi that Taketo was on his way. Taketo came in and said that Terumi looked so good last night, he decided to bring a friend along tonight. Probably Terumi thought it would be Ma-chan who sent him the gift.
Well, in walked Shiro, and Terumi did a double-take. His eyes got really big, his jaw dropped almost to the floor and he pointed. The nurses started to laugh and applaud, because everybody was in on the joke except Terumi.
He was really happy!! It was late, so we left at 9:00 and ate at the Oriental Pearl next to the hotel booked for Shiro. It was the closest one to the hospital, which was what he asked for, and it was almost the only one in town. (Some rooms might be rented by the hour.)
11/17/2008 - Monday
I stayed with Terumi most of the day. He had a dressing change, and morphine, which always leaves him a little loopy and confused. The nurse said he had been confused before they gave it to him, though. With every day the same, I'm feeling that way, too.
This day went by in a haze of nothing. He's being quite good. We watched the news, but he's not really interested in TV. I found the books he wanted and brought them, along with every pair of glasses he has. He chose the glasses, and might have read a little in one of the books. I know he's not sleeping well, but then -- he never did.
Terumi is still demanding ice cream. When Dr. Feldman came by, which is the highlight of his day, Doctor said, "When you can have ice cream, I'll bring it to you myself!!"
Taketo came to visit and kindly drove me home. Little does Terumi know what a BIG surprise he's going to get tomorrow. I'm hoping it will boost his spirits up quite a bit. Taketo also saw him watching everybody who comes in the door of the SICU, and thought it would be better not to tell him what is about to happen. If he knew Shiro was coming, he'd be on tenterhooks every time somebody opened the door.
This day went by in a haze of nothing. He's being quite good. We watched the news, but he's not really interested in TV. I found the books he wanted and brought them, along with every pair of glasses he has. He chose the glasses, and might have read a little in one of the books. I know he's not sleeping well, but then -- he never did.
Terumi is still demanding ice cream. When Dr. Feldman came by, which is the highlight of his day, Doctor said, "When you can have ice cream, I'll bring it to you myself!!"
Taketo came to visit and kindly drove me home. Little does Terumi know what a BIG surprise he's going to get tomorrow. I'm hoping it will boost his spirits up quite a bit. Taketo also saw him watching everybody who comes in the door of the SICU, and thought it would be better not to tell him what is about to happen. If he knew Shiro was coming, he'd be on tenterhooks every time somebody opened the door.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
