Me & My Tubes

Monday - March 16

When we first moved out to Greenfield, there was a large weedy type of bamboo called Oregon Knotweed. David, the guy who was living there and showing us where things were in the garden, pointed to the knotweed and said "You see that plant? Get used to it!!
The message being you can do anything about it, so live with it. I can now say the same thing about the tube in my nose. I won't go into the description of what it's used for, just that it's constantly sucking fluids and I can't get it out until my intestines get back to a normal routine. So, never again should you complain about passing gas.

Today is Day 5 since the surgery. The first couple of days are a blur of sleep, pain and meds. I do remember wondering why my stomach looked like someone upholstery project. By Saturday afternoon I was feeling more rested and able to focus on the various things going on. I've had visitors just about every day. It's been wonderful to catch up on things like the crab feed. I heard that Emily & Julianna's came prepared with candles and hotplates to keep the butter warm. Kehlen was helping serve this year, being the newest recruit to North Oly Fire Depart.

Sunday and today (Monday) are going well. I am usually able to manage a walk before noon, then another in the afternoon. Part of me thinks its trivial to describe the routine little accomplishments of a patient in the hospital. But until it's your turn, it's difficult to appreciate how he little things can mean ... brushing your teeth, being able to sit up without help, eating a bowl of soup, staying focused on a printed page or computer screen.

The docs, nurses, and staff here at Virginia Mason have been excellent. Sure, there's been a couple of screw ups, but nothing big.



Everyday to better & I hope to report soon that I'm no long living the the nose tube!

Jim