How can a man who looks so good be so sick?
Why can't we just move from A to B to C? Instead we go all over the alphabet, frequently in reverse?
I know that we have come so far...a friend told me to not have any expectations and then you won't be disappointed...just take one day at a time.
Good advice, I suppose, if you can do it.
I haven't been all that successful.
Yesterday seemed to start out well and then went downhill.Dave started to complain of pain in his chest. The pulmonary specialist arrived just about then, examined Dave and found a "Rub", an inflammation of the pericardium causing it to rub against the lungs,producing a lot of pain. And we have a real catch 22 in that drugs that would reduce inflammation could also cause Dave's stomach to bleed and since he is on blood thinners ,it could lead to other problems. So ,another drug is being tried and so far isn't reducing the inflamation. He is taking simple tylenol with something else for pain.
I stayed, as usual, until the "witching hour" - around 1am, I have started a routine of trying to give Dave as much of a non-hospital environment at night as possible. This includes closing the door against noise and light while I am there, putting a towel over the monitor that is always on but not being used, turning off TV or any other distractions, and laying down in the recliner next to Dave so that we can hold hands while he dozes off. This seems to help him be less anxious and I can remind him when he needs to take deeper breaths to avoid going on the dreaded BiPap machine.
As I drove the 20minute drive to the cottage, there was a movie-like low cloud or haze that was undulating about 30 ft. up above the highway. It looked like something out of a Harry Potter movie! I often stop at the 24hr Walgreens one the way home to pick up something that I need. The ritual once I get to the cottage has become toasting some bread, adding my neighbors homemade jam, and having a half of a beer as I unwind in front of some late-night comedy . Once the glass of beer is gone, I'm limp as a noodle and I trudge upstairs and crash into bed.I set my phone alarm and before I know it , its time to get up and smell the coffee, heading out to the hospital in time to see the Drs. on their rounds, and grill then with questions - not really, but their jobs are so interesting and I know just enuf biology to get myself in trouble.
,
Why can't we just move from A to B to C? Instead we go all over the alphabet, frequently in reverse?
I know that we have come so far...a friend told me to not have any expectations and then you won't be disappointed...just take one day at a time.
Good advice, I suppose, if you can do it.
I haven't been all that successful.
Yesterday seemed to start out well and then went downhill.Dave started to complain of pain in his chest. The pulmonary specialist arrived just about then, examined Dave and found a "Rub", an inflammation of the pericardium causing it to rub against the lungs,producing a lot of pain. And we have a real catch 22 in that drugs that would reduce inflammation could also cause Dave's stomach to bleed and since he is on blood thinners ,it could lead to other problems. So ,another drug is being tried and so far isn't reducing the inflamation. He is taking simple tylenol with something else for pain.
I stayed, as usual, until the "witching hour" - around 1am, I have started a routine of trying to give Dave as much of a non-hospital environment at night as possible. This includes closing the door against noise and light while I am there, putting a towel over the monitor that is always on but not being used, turning off TV or any other distractions, and laying down in the recliner next to Dave so that we can hold hands while he dozes off. This seems to help him be less anxious and I can remind him when he needs to take deeper breaths to avoid going on the dreaded BiPap machine.
As I drove the 20minute drive to the cottage, there was a movie-like low cloud or haze that was undulating about 30 ft. up above the highway. It looked like something out of a Harry Potter movie! I often stop at the 24hr Walgreens one the way home to pick up something that I need. The ritual once I get to the cottage has become toasting some bread, adding my neighbors homemade jam, and having a half of a beer as I unwind in front of some late-night comedy . Once the glass of beer is gone, I'm limp as a noodle and I trudge upstairs and crash into bed.I set my phone alarm and before I know it , its time to get up and smell the coffee, heading out to the hospital in time to see the Drs. on their rounds, and grill then with questions - not really, but their jobs are so interesting and I know just enuf biology to get myself in trouble.
,
6 comments:
Melody and Dave,
I think and pray for you daily. Thanks for all those updates on Dave's recovery, it helps us all send that positive energy your way.
Your attitude is great!! Keep it up and reach out to us if you need anything.
Hi Mom, Hang in there! I know that it's hard not having an end in sight, but you're doing everything you can to help Dad. Stay positive and remember, you can't fix everything :)
Love, Me
Hi Sis,
Took me a while to figure out this Blogging thing, but I think I got it now. Da Tech didn't teach us much about such things, as Dave well knows. I even got out the year books to find Dave's senior picture - looks a bit geeky, just like I did! I read he worked with the Wadsworth Hall Radio Station there. I was a Resident Assistant in that residence hall for the house of La Maison de Gaite at that time. The radio station dedicated "Born To Be Wild" to me for tearing out the third rear end in my car during winter term! Nice weather for parking lot repairs up there in the winter! Dave surely remembers those days. Hard to catch your breath then too!
On a more serious note, give him my best, and hang in there - both of you. You know you're in my thoughts. [Got to be tough for both of you, as well as Sarah & Brian] Love you all,
Dave F.
Hang in there! I like the evening ritual, but it's got to be draining you..when do you really sleep??
Give Dave our love,
Joyce and Andy
*#* "Happy Birthday Dave" *#*,
Best Wishes for a great Birthday under the present circumstances.
Ongoing prayers for a speedy recovery.
God Bless
Bill Truckey
and the Utica Team
Hey, Melody, Dave and family.
I'm sure there are times when it feels like time has stopped. But, you're all making great progress even with the ups and downs. I can relate to Dave's birthday cake blues. I had colon cancer surgery on my birthday in 1984. They delivered the cake a little too late. Either put it in the blender and hook it up on a drip or give it to the great staff -- opted for the latter. Dave, your next birthday cake is going to be over the top delicious.
Love,
Dave
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