Drained

Drained

Sylvia here. Suzannah & I decided last night that I would go on early morning watch while Gen & her would go to the office to help completed the REISA submissions which are due on Friday. 

So it was an early start & I arrived at HDU at 7.30am to find Anthony already up & sitting in his chair. He had a pretty restless night without the epidural & he was quite agitated. 

The first medicos on the scene were the anesthetic team who adjusted some of his pain relief. Then came the home team who gave Anthony the good news that his nasal drain could be removed. This drain has been Anthony's biggest fear & he was so relieved that it was finally coming out. 

Then it was time to gear up for the walk around the ward with the Physios & his daily breathing exercises. 

Lunchtime saw the arrival of the Professor & his team to update " how things are looking over the next few days". Catheter to come out at midnight with hopefully one on the chest drains tomorrow. More good news.

We finished watching a DVD in between checks from the nursing staff. 

At 1.30pm it was time to get an update from the dietician. Anthony started his first sip of liquids today - green & peppermint tea - 60ml per hour maximum.

From here it gradually increase so will let you know what's on the menu tomorrow.

The diet for when he leaves the hospital is so, so not what we would consider "healthy eating". Not sure how the rest of the family is going to go with this new diet. As much dairy, protein, carbs, fats as possible to fatten him up. This includes crumbed meat fried in oil, creamy deserts, lots of cheese, pasta, gravy, fat milk with added milk powder, cakes, lots of butter, etc, etc.  You get the picture. As his stomach is now only half the size, he will be eating 6-8 small meals per day. 

3pm he was taken to have an ultrasound done to check his previous "clot" in his jugular vein. All seemed good but will get the official results tomorrow.

Back to the ward by 4pm for his daily wash & change. He was even able to wash his hair again in the magic shampoo cap.

The girls are still busy at work with the REISA submissions so not sure if they will be in tonight. Having a relaxing night & will probably watch another DVD after the news.

I am going back to the vineyard tonight & will pop back in early on the way to work.

Let's hope for a more restfully night free of the nasal drain & hopefully catheter at midnight.

Until tomorrow,

Sylvia