Saturday, May 28, 2005
Two Steps Forward, One Step Back
Today's been a long day. Thursday my Dad had his tube taken out of his stomach, this is the tube that is basically taking his waste products out of his body. He was started on solid food, solid being soup and jello, but it was a step forward. He was also taken out of bed and was able to walk some. On the wall of his hospital room is a chalkboard where the nurses write down information, one the things they always write is what the goal is for my Dad for the day. At first it was things like Breathing, Sit up. After thursday the goal they wrote was Home. Yesterday though was a set back. Seems his stomach isn't digesting the food. They had to put the tube back in him. He didnt' sleep much last night. I don't know if it's the pain medicine or what, but at night he hallucinates. He said he was talking to his sister last night, she was sitting in the chair by his bed. She's in New Jersey. The nurse ended up sitting up with him most of the night. Today he kept drifting in and out. He'd be talking and than just fall asleep. He couldn't talk well, the tube goes down his throat. It was obvious he was in a lot of discomfort and pain. So not a good day.
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1 comment:
I'm really sorry to hear this. Sometimes the human body doesn't cooperate like we want it to... even when we so encouragingly post goals for it on the board. Yes, it may be a setback, but keeping in mind what he just went through and how different the outcome could have been, I'm sure this is a temporary setback that will be overcome. (Besides, jello sucks and he's not missing much.)
The pain meds (most of them) are known to cause confusion, hallucinations, and sometimes even agitation. Not a great thing but as long as it acts as a buffer against his pain, it's a side effect that is worth it - even if unsettling.
Again, sending good thoughts. Please take care.
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