Today is Sunday. Because I hadn't heard from Jim at the usual hour I called him at 7:15 a.m. and learned he was heading down to X-ray. He said he slept well until 5 a.m., when he woke up in pain. Because his pain meds now come through the J-tube, he had to request a pain injection. I imagine it couldn't come fast enough.
He called back at 8 a.m. and said the techs x-rayed his right side and back. The doctor will look at the x-rays and then determine whether Jim is going home this afternoon or staying another day. He might have some answers by 10 a.m.
I am going to 10:45 a.m. worship service at Immanuel.
We now have a bed wedge thanks to special friends who loaned us theirs.
Talked to Jim at 12:15 p.m. - he is not going home today.
He might on Monday.
When Dr. Yerkes (spelling?) came in at 3 p.m. to remove the neck tube, he said the chest tube needs to dry up more before it can be taken out. Currently about 10 ccs of blood has drained in the last 8 hours. So that is good. No complications, no infections, just still wet.
The catheter also has been removed, but he hasn't had the urge to go, so we remain in a waiting game there too.
He is off the heart medicine to see how his Afib cooperates.
We also learned we are waiting for the final pathology report, which may come tomorrow. Pathologists don't work weekends.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Recovery - Day 4
Jim had a better night of sleeping. Another x-ray of his stomach was taken and sometime during the night he finished the container of nutrition, nicknamed "chocolate milk." He is now on 60 milliliters per hour - that is where it will stay until he discontinues it.
He is constantly complaining of being tired. Even though everyone says how good his color is, he frequently asks why he doesn't feel as good as he looks. One of the surgeons who assisted with a lung transplant yesterday stopped in to see Jim this morning and told him his procedure is right up there with open-heart surgery. So he's tired because of the type of surgery and also because of the pain medication - type and frequency.
Bandy Andy Bear (the bunny) is eating. He hasn't been eating for a couple of weeks because of concern for his daddy.
Jim just called (again) at 10:15 a.m. He said the pain meds coming via IV have been discontinued and he was given an injection through his feeding tube (J-tube). This is how he will receive his pain medication going forward and I will be instructed on how to do this for him.
I brought the over-the-bed table up from the basement. Jim wanted me to find the bed wedge he thought we still had, but I haven't been successful so far. May need to buy a new one, an inexpensive new one, unless someone has one they are not using that we can borrow.
Blake from UnityPoint Home Medical arrived at 11 a.m. He brought 8-plus cases of Osmolite 1.2 high-protein nutrition, an IV-pole, a travel pack for church and other nearby outings, plastic bags for the nutrition and for water to flush, plus the pump. And of course lots of paperwork to sign. I sure hope Blue Cross picks up the tab, since the total comes in at $1406 -- $630 alone just for the nutrition every month.
It was 2 p.m. before I arrived at UIHC. Very quiet on the floor. I learned how to inject the pain medicine into his J-tube. Jim and I did it in tandem - he operated the on-off valve and I did the flushing and medicine delivery. The nurse said Jim could even do it himself if necessary. That's useful information for when I have an appointment.
Jim walked twice today, further distances, and walked me to the elevator when I left for the day. We look for ways to bring some normalcy to our time together.
Today was a frustrating day for me. I didn't sleep well and woke up with a painful left ankle, hip and wrist. I misplaced my wrist brace.
I wrote a poem (see below) that I didn't do well at living up to. I wasn't focusing on the Lord, but on every little thing that only added bumps to my road. It was not a smooth day.
Here's the poem:
Whatever the plan
realize
it never permanent
only possibly
happening
a tentative plan
We do not know
what God has
in mind
for our day
Stay where you are
concentrate
the task at hand
to do
before other things
you think need
to be done
You have much
on your mind
focus on My Presence
let all else
fade away
Pray
Rest
Anticipate
Trust
Step by step
moment by moment
He will guide
our movement
He is our Lord and Savior
Be one
with God
not separated
alone to self
but together
with God alone.
(c) May 16, 2015
I am unsure of my capabilities, unsure how much I can handle, unsure how I can balance work and caring for Jim, unsure I will do it well or even good enough.
He is constantly complaining of being tired. Even though everyone says how good his color is, he frequently asks why he doesn't feel as good as he looks. One of the surgeons who assisted with a lung transplant yesterday stopped in to see Jim this morning and told him his procedure is right up there with open-heart surgery. So he's tired because of the type of surgery and also because of the pain medication - type and frequency.
Bandy Andy Bear (the bunny) is eating. He hasn't been eating for a couple of weeks because of concern for his daddy.
Jim just called (again) at 10:15 a.m. He said the pain meds coming via IV have been discontinued and he was given an injection through his feeding tube (J-tube). This is how he will receive his pain medication going forward and I will be instructed on how to do this for him.
I brought the over-the-bed table up from the basement. Jim wanted me to find the bed wedge he thought we still had, but I haven't been successful so far. May need to buy a new one, an inexpensive new one, unless someone has one they are not using that we can borrow.
Blake from UnityPoint Home Medical arrived at 11 a.m. He brought 8-plus cases of Osmolite 1.2 high-protein nutrition, an IV-pole, a travel pack for church and other nearby outings, plastic bags for the nutrition and for water to flush, plus the pump. And of course lots of paperwork to sign. I sure hope Blue Cross picks up the tab, since the total comes in at $1406 -- $630 alone just for the nutrition every month.
It was 2 p.m. before I arrived at UIHC. Very quiet on the floor. I learned how to inject the pain medicine into his J-tube. Jim and I did it in tandem - he operated the on-off valve and I did the flushing and medicine delivery. The nurse said Jim could even do it himself if necessary. That's useful information for when I have an appointment.
Jim walked twice today, further distances, and walked me to the elevator when I left for the day. We look for ways to bring some normalcy to our time together.
Today was a frustrating day for me. I didn't sleep well and woke up with a painful left ankle, hip and wrist. I misplaced my wrist brace.
I wrote a poem (see below) that I didn't do well at living up to. I wasn't focusing on the Lord, but on every little thing that only added bumps to my road. It was not a smooth day.
Here's the poem:
Whatever the plan
realize
it never permanent
only possibly
happening
a tentative plan
We do not know
what God has
in mind
for our day
Stay where you are
concentrate
the task at hand
to do
before other things
you think need
to be done
You have much
on your mind
focus on My Presence
let all else
fade away
Pray
Rest
Anticipate
Trust
Step by step
moment by moment
He will guide
our movement
He is our Lord and Savior
Be one
with God
not separated
alone to self
but together
with God alone.
(c) May 16, 2015
I am unsure of my capabilities, unsure how much I can handle, unsure how I can balance work and caring for Jim, unsure I will do it well or even good enough.
Friday, May 15, 2015
New room, new phone no.
Another man needed Jim's room because of an infection, so late this morning, Jim was moved from Room 59 to Room 69. His new phone number is (319) 353-9304.
Recovery - Day 3
Jimmy is feeling better. He called shortly before 7 this morning, 30 seconds after I woke up. He slept better. They gave him benedryl through the IV which helped him sleep through the night and with his allergies.
The x-ray with dye contrast of his stomach indicated he was good to go forward with the tube feedings, so that will start this afternoon.
Tube feedings began a bit earlier - at 9:30 a.m. The nutritional drink - looks like chocolate milk - comes in a plastic carton that hangs upside down on the pole by his bed/chair. He gets 25 milliliters per hour.
He moved into a new room because someone needed a private room due to an infection. So he is around the corner to the left, sharing a room. He says he likes the new room better; he can sit by the window and have the picture of himself and Austin sitting on the shelf.
He has taken 2 walks so far today. He has to be up and out on the road (the floor) 4 times today.
After he got to his new room and was situated, he put in his contacts and hearing aids.
Dietician came at 2 p.m. and we discussed what types of foods/drinks Jim could have at the various stages - clear liquids, all liquids and soft mushy.
We are frustrated with our dealings with UnityPoint Home Medical. It has been an all-day process to get anywhere. The whole point of going with them was Jim's 22 years of service with Home Medical and Hospice. It seems like they aren't interested nor cordial in working with the patient/customer. When Jim used to work with them (he left there in 2011-12), on-call was 24 hours; now it seems considerably less than that. So many hoops to jump through. We managed to get it set up for the on-call guy to come to our house at 11 a.m. Saturday to deliver and set up the pole and/or travel backpack, the nutritional supplies and pump, give brief instructions and have me sign insurance papers. A family member or power of attorney has to be present - no neighbors.
Melissa, the nurse practitioner, came by to visit about how things are going and how things need to continue to progress for Jim's release on Sunday afternoon.
There were bubbles in his chest tube on Day 1 and also last night, but none today. Something to do with a chance of collapsed lung, so they watch that carefully.
Since he can't take flomax for his enlarged prostate, he has been given proscar (spellling questionable) through the J-tube. The foley catheter probably will not come out until Sunday. It is hoped Jim can go by himself, but if not, the foley will either need to be re-inserted or he'll have to do a straight cath. Neither one is exciting to think about. Have to see what tonight to Saturday and all day Saturday bring. It could be he wouldn't be released until Monday.
Physical Therapy stopped by while I was in the visitor's lounge updating this. Jim doesn't need any additional PT. We thought maybe it wise to check it out, especially with the steps into the house. But things are okay there and he has now taken his 3rd walk today.
The medicine Jim was taking for Afib was discontinued during the day to see how he would do, but numbers went up again, so at 5 p.m., he was back to taking abuterol (spelling?) I think.
He had two visitors today -- Pastor Dan this morning and Bob and Lorraine Kappmeyer this evening.
The x-ray with dye contrast of his stomach indicated he was good to go forward with the tube feedings, so that will start this afternoon.
Tube feedings began a bit earlier - at 9:30 a.m. The nutritional drink - looks like chocolate milk - comes in a plastic carton that hangs upside down on the pole by his bed/chair. He gets 25 milliliters per hour.
He moved into a new room because someone needed a private room due to an infection. So he is around the corner to the left, sharing a room. He says he likes the new room better; he can sit by the window and have the picture of himself and Austin sitting on the shelf.
He has taken 2 walks so far today. He has to be up and out on the road (the floor) 4 times today.
After he got to his new room and was situated, he put in his contacts and hearing aids.
Dietician came at 2 p.m. and we discussed what types of foods/drinks Jim could have at the various stages - clear liquids, all liquids and soft mushy.
We are frustrated with our dealings with UnityPoint Home Medical. It has been an all-day process to get anywhere. The whole point of going with them was Jim's 22 years of service with Home Medical and Hospice. It seems like they aren't interested nor cordial in working with the patient/customer. When Jim used to work with them (he left there in 2011-12), on-call was 24 hours; now it seems considerably less than that. So many hoops to jump through. We managed to get it set up for the on-call guy to come to our house at 11 a.m. Saturday to deliver and set up the pole and/or travel backpack, the nutritional supplies and pump, give brief instructions and have me sign insurance papers. A family member or power of attorney has to be present - no neighbors.
Melissa, the nurse practitioner, came by to visit about how things are going and how things need to continue to progress for Jim's release on Sunday afternoon.
There were bubbles in his chest tube on Day 1 and also last night, but none today. Something to do with a chance of collapsed lung, so they watch that carefully.
Since he can't take flomax for his enlarged prostate, he has been given proscar (spellling questionable) through the J-tube. The foley catheter probably will not come out until Sunday. It is hoped Jim can go by himself, but if not, the foley will either need to be re-inserted or he'll have to do a straight cath. Neither one is exciting to think about. Have to see what tonight to Saturday and all day Saturday bring. It could be he wouldn't be released until Monday.
Physical Therapy stopped by while I was in the visitor's lounge updating this. Jim doesn't need any additional PT. We thought maybe it wise to check it out, especially with the steps into the house. But things are okay there and he has now taken his 3rd walk today.
The medicine Jim was taking for Afib was discontinued during the day to see how he would do, but numbers went up again, so at 5 p.m., he was back to taking abuterol (spelling?) I think.
He had two visitors today -- Pastor Dan this morning and Bob and Lorraine Kappmeyer this evening.
Thursday, May 14, 2015
Recovery - Day 2
At the 7 a.m. call I learned Jim had a not-so fun night. His blood pressure was really high and pulse was racing. He had an EKG. He said he has Afib as a result of the surgery - the doctors apparently told him it was common with this type of surgery and would go away. He is on medicine right now, but won't be lifelong, like I am.
At 10 a.m., he had a test with dye contrast. Results indicated things were good.
Most of the day was spent napping - even he and I managed a one-hour cuddle nap, then he took a walk down to the exit sign and back. His longtime friend, Joel Russell, returned for another visit and they reminisced more about HLG Days. Jeremy Hudson, one of the chaplains here, also came up with Joel to visit. Jeremy was a chaplain at St. Luke's Hospice when Jim was a hospice aide there.
The nutrition for the tube feedings will be delivered at our home by UnityPoint Home Medical Saturday afternoon.
An x-ray of the stomach is scheduled Friday morning. If results are good there as well, tube feedings will commence Friday afternoon.
The goal is still to go home Sunday afternoon and if that indeed happens, someone from UnityPoint Home Health will meet us at home to bring the feeding pump and instructions.
The Post-Esophagectomy Surgery Eating Protocol has changed a few times. The one below appears to be the one we're going to follow.
Post-Op Day 15-17 (May 27-29)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, he starts with clear liquids - grape juice first, then clear liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
-- What to watch for:
profuse or prolonged coughing
neck drainage
Post-Op Day 18-20 (May 30-June 1)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start full liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
Post-Op Day 21-22 (June 2-3)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start soft mushy diet (5-6 small meals per day - can be as small as 3-4 Tablespoons)
-- What to watch for:
feeling full easily
decrease portions if needed
Post-Op Day 23-25 (June 4-6)
Continue soft mushy diet, cycle J-tube feedings from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., flush and after, disconnect in the morning. May take medications orally.
Post-Op Day 26 until follow-up clinic visit (June 7 - )
Continue soft mushy diet, stop J-tube feedings, flush J-tube 3 to 4 times per day
At 10 a.m., he had a test with dye contrast. Results indicated things were good.
Most of the day was spent napping - even he and I managed a one-hour cuddle nap, then he took a walk down to the exit sign and back. His longtime friend, Joel Russell, returned for another visit and they reminisced more about HLG Days. Jeremy Hudson, one of the chaplains here, also came up with Joel to visit. Jeremy was a chaplain at St. Luke's Hospice when Jim was a hospice aide there.
The nutrition for the tube feedings will be delivered at our home by UnityPoint Home Medical Saturday afternoon.
An x-ray of the stomach is scheduled Friday morning. If results are good there as well, tube feedings will commence Friday afternoon.
The goal is still to go home Sunday afternoon and if that indeed happens, someone from UnityPoint Home Health will meet us at home to bring the feeding pump and instructions.
The Post-Esophagectomy Surgery Eating Protocol has changed a few times. The one below appears to be the one we're going to follow.
Post-Op Day 15-17 (May 27-29)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, he starts with clear liquids - grape juice first, then clear liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
-- What to watch for:
profuse or prolonged coughing
neck drainage
Post-Op Day 18-20 (May 30-June 1)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start full liquids (5-6 small meals per day).
Post-Op Day 21-22 (June 2-3)
In addition to continuous J-tube feedings, start soft mushy diet (5-6 small meals per day - can be as small as 3-4 Tablespoons)
-- What to watch for:
feeling full easily
decrease portions if needed
Post-Op Day 23-25 (June 4-6)
Continue soft mushy diet, cycle J-tube feedings from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m., flush and after, disconnect in the morning. May take medications orally.
Post-Op Day 26 until follow-up clinic visit (June 7 - )
Continue soft mushy diet, stop J-tube feedings, flush J-tube 3 to 4 times per day
Wednesday, May 13, 2015
If you want to visit or call Jim
He is in room 59 on 4th floor of UIHC. Don't come up on Elevator D - I discovered this morning when Rocky, Christina and Austin came to visit, that Elevator D is only for staff. So come up on Elevator E, go right and where signs indicate Elevator D is, go there. The second entrance leads to the wing for thoracic surgery patients and will take you to Jim's room.
My personal suggestion is to park in Ramp 4. I think the skywalk from Ramp 3 to the hospital is way long and tiring, but some may differ. You can choose from Ramp 1, 3 or 4.
His cell phone is (319) 210-1628 - and his phone for room 59 is (319) 353-9187. It's a wireless phone, so either number he should be able to answer.
My personal suggestion is to park in Ramp 4. I think the skywalk from Ramp 3 to the hospital is way long and tiring, but some may differ. You can choose from Ramp 1, 3 or 4.
His cell phone is (319) 210-1628 - and his phone for room 59 is (319) 353-9187. It's a wireless phone, so either number he should be able to answer.
Thankfulness
Thank Him
for where you are
what you have
today
tomorrow
Look to Him
and go
where He directs
do
what He instructs
We seek
opportunities
not considering
the moments
for development
and growth
that exist in
surgical procedures
and long periods
of recovery
He is there in the midst
but our fears
often take precedence
and we fail
to recognize
Everything HE IS
Thank Him
for showing us
how to pray
and enabling us
to do so for all
day in, day out,
continually.
Thank Him
for the pain
from which
we receive
blessings
Thank Him
for friends and family
who come alongside us
and give support
in whatever way they can
Thank Him
for every reminder
keeping us
close and closer
to Him.
Thank Him
for moments
of rest,
however brief,
that renews
our stamina
as we press on.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the way of God, in Christ Jesus for you" ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
for where you are
what you have
today
tomorrow
Look to Him
and go
where He directs
do
what He instructs
We seek
opportunities
not considering
the moments
for development
and growth
that exist in
surgical procedures
and long periods
of recovery
He is there in the midst
but our fears
often take precedence
and we fail
to recognize
Everything HE IS
Thank Him
for showing us
how to pray
and enabling us
to do so for all
day in, day out,
continually.
Thank Him
for the pain
from which
we receive
blessings
Thank Him
for friends and family
who come alongside us
and give support
in whatever way they can
Thank Him
for every reminder
keeping us
close and closer
to Him.
Thank Him
for moments
of rest,
however brief,
that renews
our stamina
as we press on.
"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the way of God, in Christ Jesus for you" ~ I Thessalonians 5:18
Recovery - Day 1
Jim called me at 7 this morning. I don't know how well he slept through the night... I'm thinking probably not real well. He has a lot of pain on right side of chest, so the pain medication he receives through an IV was increased this morning.
Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, has scheduled a colonoscopy for him 8 to 10 weeks out -- it will be July 21. I'm just positive Jim will thoroughly enjoy taking that delightfully tasting prep drink again (NOT)!!
It's going on 1 p.m. I arrived at 10 a.m. He has had pain in the mid-chest area. His day nurse, Ashley, said it could be the chest tube poking whenever he moved a lot. Eventually he was given more medicine more frequently through the IV button - like every 6 minutes. He had a visit from the pharmacy guy regarding his meds and how many are or are not available in liquid form. He cannot take flomax so are looking into something different - possibly a tablet that can be crushed and dissolved into the feeding tube. The flomax helps with bathroom duties, so the catheter will probably stay in until things can be better managed.
Two goals were set today. One - Tube feeding begins on Friday. Two - to go home by Sunday.
Today is Day 1. Yesterday, the day of surgery, was Day 0. If everything is okay, the earliest he will go home is Sunday afternoon, but it might be Monday.
Several visitors have come this morning - the Dunnahoos from Wilton Baptist, where Jim has preached occasionally; Rocky, Christina and Austin - our adopted family ... they brought flowers and a get well balloon and cards. Austin picked out a card just for Papa with a giraffe on it, because he knew Papa liked giraffes. It was so sweet. Austin didn't quite recognize Jim as his voice was rather hoarse. A longtime friend, Joel, who loves Hannibal almost as much as Jim does, came to visit too.
At 5 p.m., Jim had a chest x-ray. That revealed the nose tube was tangled up inside him, making it no longer user friendly, so the tube was removed.
Another test is scheduled in the morning that will show how things are progressing for the planned tube feeding on Friday.
Dr. Parekh, the surgeon, has scheduled a colonoscopy for him 8 to 10 weeks out -- it will be July 21. I'm just positive Jim will thoroughly enjoy taking that delightfully tasting prep drink again (NOT)!!
It's going on 1 p.m. I arrived at 10 a.m. He has had pain in the mid-chest area. His day nurse, Ashley, said it could be the chest tube poking whenever he moved a lot. Eventually he was given more medicine more frequently through the IV button - like every 6 minutes. He had a visit from the pharmacy guy regarding his meds and how many are or are not available in liquid form. He cannot take flomax so are looking into something different - possibly a tablet that can be crushed and dissolved into the feeding tube. The flomax helps with bathroom duties, so the catheter will probably stay in until things can be better managed.
Two goals were set today. One - Tube feeding begins on Friday. Two - to go home by Sunday.
Today is Day 1. Yesterday, the day of surgery, was Day 0. If everything is okay, the earliest he will go home is Sunday afternoon, but it might be Monday.
Several visitors have come this morning - the Dunnahoos from Wilton Baptist, where Jim has preached occasionally; Rocky, Christina and Austin - our adopted family ... they brought flowers and a get well balloon and cards. Austin picked out a card just for Papa with a giraffe on it, because he knew Papa liked giraffes. It was so sweet. Austin didn't quite recognize Jim as his voice was rather hoarse. A longtime friend, Joel, who loves Hannibal almost as much as Jim does, came to visit too.
At 5 p.m., Jim had a chest x-ray. That revealed the nose tube was tangled up inside him, making it no longer user friendly, so the tube was removed.
Another test is scheduled in the morning that will show how things are progressing for the planned tube feeding on Friday.
Tuesday, May 12, 2015
Today is the day
"This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it." ~ Psalm 118:24
That was my first thought shortly after getting out of bed at 4:07 this morning and my devotional reading led me to Exodus 33:14, which said "... 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
It was a long walk along the skywalk from Ramp 3 to Elevator H and 6th floor (especially for friend Jani Ford and I, as Jim had wheel chair privileges), but we checked in at the surgery waiting room area on the 6th floor at UIHC right on the dot at 6 a.m. Within minutes, we were transported to a room on 5th floor, where Jim was readied for surgery.
Pastor Dan came by at 6:45 -- we were surprised to see him on his day off. He read from Psalm 121 and prayed with us. It was much appreciated that he took the time to come. Jim's sister, Dianne Weldon, arrived at 7:30.
Jim had his hair clipped from chest to groin. No more fur.
At 7:15 a.m. I learned Jim had failed to communicate some aspects of the surgery with me. First it was going to be minimal-invasive, then traditional, .... he couldn't seem to make up his mind. And then last week he changed it back to minimal-invasive. I was ready to shoot him.
So, instead of a 4-hour procedure, it would be up to 7 hours, possibly longer. He was in the operating room from 8:15 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. We talked with Dr. Parekh at 2:15 - he said everything went well, no complications. For the next 10-15 days, the risk of infection where the stomach and 1-2 centimeters of esophagus connect is high. Don't want any redness or drainage.
The thoracic epidural that had been suggested for pain control didn't happen because of neurofibromatosis (bumps on his body) and the brain tumor surgery he had in 2006. He receives pain medication through an IV and can push a button every 10 minutes.
And then because of his hiatal hernia, he had to numb the throat area himself with a lollipop swab (disgusting stuff) - I think the anesthesia team called it awake fiber optic. It was supposed to help him not aspirate.
He was in the recovery room from 2:44 to 5:15 p.m., and then taken to 4th floor, right around the corner from Eleavor D. His room number is 59. He can have visitors. Dr. Parekh said depending upon how things go, he could come home on day 4 or 5.
It is now 9:30 p.m. Jim just called me on his cell phone. His nurse already has him sitting up on the side of the bed. Tomorrow he will be up walking. He can talk, but his voice is hoarse. He didn't talk much above a whisper several hours ago. He wants to get better soon, so we all have to be positive.
And now for a little trivia we learned from other "waiting" people ... there are 2,400 bathrooms through the hospital.
We thank you for your prayers along the way and continuing in the long days ahead.
That was my first thought shortly after getting out of bed at 4:07 this morning and my devotional reading led me to Exodus 33:14, which said "... 'My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.' "
It was a long walk along the skywalk from Ramp 3 to Elevator H and 6th floor (especially for friend Jani Ford and I, as Jim had wheel chair privileges), but we checked in at the surgery waiting room area on the 6th floor at UIHC right on the dot at 6 a.m. Within minutes, we were transported to a room on 5th floor, where Jim was readied for surgery.
Pastor Dan came by at 6:45 -- we were surprised to see him on his day off. He read from Psalm 121 and prayed with us. It was much appreciated that he took the time to come. Jim's sister, Dianne Weldon, arrived at 7:30.
Jim had his hair clipped from chest to groin. No more fur.
At 7:15 a.m. I learned Jim had failed to communicate some aspects of the surgery with me. First it was going to be minimal-invasive, then traditional, .... he couldn't seem to make up his mind. And then last week he changed it back to minimal-invasive. I was ready to shoot him.
So, instead of a 4-hour procedure, it would be up to 7 hours, possibly longer. He was in the operating room from 8:15 a.m. to 2:44 p.m. We talked with Dr. Parekh at 2:15 - he said everything went well, no complications. For the next 10-15 days, the risk of infection where the stomach and 1-2 centimeters of esophagus connect is high. Don't want any redness or drainage.
The thoracic epidural that had been suggested for pain control didn't happen because of neurofibromatosis (bumps on his body) and the brain tumor surgery he had in 2006. He receives pain medication through an IV and can push a button every 10 minutes.
And then because of his hiatal hernia, he had to numb the throat area himself with a lollipop swab (disgusting stuff) - I think the anesthesia team called it awake fiber optic. It was supposed to help him not aspirate.
He was in the recovery room from 2:44 to 5:15 p.m., and then taken to 4th floor, right around the corner from Eleavor D. His room number is 59. He can have visitors. Dr. Parekh said depending upon how things go, he could come home on day 4 or 5.
It is now 9:30 p.m. Jim just called me on his cell phone. His nurse already has him sitting up on the side of the bed. Tomorrow he will be up walking. He can talk, but his voice is hoarse. He didn't talk much above a whisper several hours ago. He wants to get better soon, so we all have to be positive.
And now for a little trivia we learned from other "waiting" people ... there are 2,400 bathrooms through the hospital.
We thank you for your prayers along the way and continuing in the long days ahead.
Monday, May 11, 2015
The night before
Jim started his colonoscopy prep at 12:30 p.m. today. The effects of it hit him around 5 p.m., so staying close to the bathroom was most beneficial. I think he's cleaned out now.
Before heading off to bed and a restful (??) sleep of few hours, he had to take a surgical shower using Hibiclens soap, which the hospital provided for him. It's supposed to prevent infections. Jim only read the instructions three times to make sure he got it right.
The surgery is definitely major, but the shower instructions brought some laughter ...
Use a clean wash cloth and clean towel each time he showered - tonight and also in the morning when he gets up at the bright and early hour of 4 a.m. Tonight, in addition to clean underwear, he needed clean pajamas.
Use a clean wash cloth and clean towel each time he showered - tonight and also in the morning when he gets up at the bright and early hour of 4 a.m. Tonight, in addition to clean underwear, he needed clean pajamas.
Remove all body-piercing jewelry ... I don't think he has any.
Our friend Jani spent the night. We decided it was better if we all wake up at the same time in the same house than get up earlier and drive to her house and discover maybe she wasn't awake yet. That happened several years ago for another surgery Jim had.
Off to bed now. Morning will come way too soon.
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