Hospital Blues

Make sure to have a good relationship with your nursing instructor. You never know when she'll be you mom's Nurse Practitioner in the ICU.

We're going on day seven of my mom being in the hospital for what should have been a five to seven day stay. She's doing well but just taking a long time to recover. She had major abdominal surgery last Friday and it has been a roller coaster since then. We're grateful for some of the wonderful nurses she's had and for her doctor that listens to her tell weird stories when she's doped up on dilaudid. One morning when the doctor asked, "passed any gas yet?" she said, "No, but Emily has." I love you mom! Now when he asks he phrases it this way, "Diane, have YOU passed any gas yet?"

Since she's already been here seven days, it's hard to tell when she's going to turn the corner and actually start eating without being nauseated or throwing up. She needs to be eating a regular diet before she can get out of here. That's been one of the major things holding her back. We've tried every trick in the book for nausea. She now has a medicine cup with peppermint soaked gauze attached to her gown. It seems to make a big difference with her nausea but has me craving Fernwood mints.

I have stayed the night a few times and by far she did much better through the night last night. She got to bed at a descent hour, but woke up because there was a CODE in the room next door around five am. Our nurse was very busy in there so another gal came to draw her labs and give her some medication. My mom talked to her for an hour. I think it was nice for her to talk to someone new. The same faces around here are getting old I'm sure.

Fun with friends in town

We had a fun weekend early in August when our good friends came for a visit. They were still fresh off the boat from China. We really enjoyed their company and loved being with them for many firsts back in America.

Friends

photo courtesy of Brian Nicholson