Trying Out the Blog Again!

Try Something New

Remember my blog?  Let's see if I can still do it.  But with photos.

Here is Sharon at Praia Grande.  Praia means beach.  Grande means big.  It is a Big Beach.

Captain Obvious

# 15. 12 Days

Home.

#14. The View from Here

I'm pleased to announce that the view from the peak of Mighty Mt. Sinai is pretty much the same as it was 2 yeas ago.  My point being that it all seems very familiar.  Same rooms (too hot), same nurses (the BEST), same food (don't ask).

Personally, I feel much better at this point than I did 2 years ago.  But the symptoms and sensations are all familiar.  And just as unpleasant. You don't want to know.

Surgery took place as scheduled on Tuesday morning, Feb. 17.  It was long and complicated, I'm told, and they put me into the ICU that night to keep a close watch.

I was then moved to a "Step-down" ward for my second night, and finally into my room on Thursday.  Lots of moving about.  Just what I wanted.

Since then it's been I-V's, blood thinners, laxatives, Tylenol, vitals tests, blood tests.  And a CT scan.  Also midnight wake-ups to take my pills, 5am wake-ups, to take my pills, and just random wake-ups "Hi Mr. Miller.  How you doing?  Want some pills?"  Glurg

Through all this, Sharon has been my rock, reminding me to eat or drink, making me get up and walk, and reading me a story (no, really!) before she leaves for the night.  Thanks, Love.  I know you're tired.  We can go home soon and see the cats.  I love you.

As for going home, the surgeon suggested this weekend, Sunday or Monday.  I suggested I didn't think very much of either choice, but she's holding the keys, so I went for Sunday.  We'll see.

That's all for now, because I'm sitting on the edge of my bed, about to fall over, and my head refuses to tell my fingers where to do their walking.

See you soon.

Pat

#13. Climbing Mount Sinai Again

It's Pat's blog!

Just a note to anyone interested that I will be going to Mt. Sinai tomorrow (Feb 17) for surgery.  Not as severe as last time, I hope.  I will have my ileostomy reversed (ie removed/repaired) and receive a shiny new colostomy in return.

This was not what I had initially hoped for, but the alternative was a repeat of the surgery I had almost 2 years ago.  The chances of success for this were not encouraging, so I opted for the lesser of two evils.  So be it.

I expect I will be in the hospital about 10 days (somewhat less than last time) and I hope the effects will be somewhat less unpleasant.  The procedure is much less invasive and more straightforward.  Plus, there is no cancer to contend with.

So cheers,

Pat

#12. In the Blood Lab - Part 2

The facility referred to by bureaucrats and politicians as the Kawartha Regional Health Centre, and by everybody else as the Peterborough Hospital, also has a blood lab.  Considerably smaller than the one at Princess Margaret, but often busy, I'm sure.

However, when I entered yesterday, it was not busy.  There was a receptionist, and one technician.

I handed my requisition to the receptionist, who then requested that I take a number. Uh oh, but OK.

Behind me, I found a small stand with the old-fashioned plastic "Now Serving No." cards on it.  Number 35.

Having acquired my place in the nonexistent line, the receptionist then requested that I give her the number.  Which I did.  Because I'm Canadian, and I do what I'm told.

She proceeded to put my Number 35 with my requisition papers, hand them all back to me, and announce that I could now proceed into the (empty, remember?) lab.

Whereupon the lone lab tech put down her iPhone, took my pile of papers, and my number (Yes, 35), and did the blood lab thing.

I wonder if Number 36 ever showed up . . .