Hello, Merry Christmas and Happy Ho-Ho
Well I am further along on the road to recovery than I was in my last email. Knock on wood, my doctors, nurses and surgeons are very pleased with my recovery. Last Friday they put me on a clear fluids diet which pretty much meant broth (salt and water) plus juice (sugar and water) plus jello (sugar, water, and a bit of protein - gelatine). This at first felt great given that I hadn't eaten anything in well over a month. And then it got old. So after three days of this they upgraded me to full fluids and now today they have upgraded me to solid food. So fingers crossed solid food jives with my system too :) The physio team sees me every day too. So in addition to my daily walks I do some steps and some light arm workouts. I am a bit surprised at how much muscle mass I have lost and am encouraged at the rate at which my strength is returning. In terms of a discharge date I am probably looking at anywhere from 2.5 weeks to a month. So yes this means Christmas in the hospital. Argh... I feel a bit bummed by this and one look at the numerous tubes attached to me reminds me that I am where I need to be. With a clearer mind due to less pain and less narcotics for the pain I find myself at times thinking about my time in the ICU. Processing and reflecting on how at times it was a very serious situation for me and how lucky I am that I am recovering so well. I imagine this processing is similar to the processing that each one of you might have done when you visited me in the ICU. I find it scary to think about how serious the situation was and how some of the surgeons and doctors didn't know if I would be able to eat real food or not. At times I find it tempting to ask why did this happen to me? And then I stop myself as I realize this is a question without end. The only answer that comes up for me is that life can be at times very uncertain, unclear and well just plain unfair. I imagine with time will come more distance from the event and this "mess" will fade into the background and life will get back to "normal". I am very grateful for all of you have visited me. I am also trying to strike a balance between restful time to heal and time to connect with friends and family. It is something I am learning to do. On one hand I really do want/appreciate/need contact while I am doing hospital time and on the other hand I need time to rest. So as a suggestion for those of you who would like to come check out my penthouse room at Saint Paul's Hospital you can find me on the tenth floor in room 16. Also if you would be able to come during either of these times that would help me rest throughout each day. 1100-1400 and/or 1630 to 1930 For Christmas Eve: 1630-1930 For Christmas Day: 1000 - 1300 I hope all of you are well and if you are sending me good vibes/energy/prayers keep it up as something or everything is helping me get back on my feet! Dan
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Dan and CompanyWe got this... This has been the mantra of Dan's friends and family as they help him navigates a difficult medical rodeo ride. This blog contains entries from Dan as well as his friends and family. Archives
December 2016
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