Yes, it's been a series of ups with just a few downs since yesterday. Sorry to break my promise to report in last night. I simply ran out of gas. John B ran out of gas, too, but not before performing enough physical tricks to get himself bumped up a floor to the acute-care neuro unit. He's been visited by an occupational and a physical therapist, both of whom have given him a regimen of small workouts and tasks, which he has set about performing.
So far, so good. A little better today than yesterday.
There is still a terrific amount of swelling and fluid which is alternately terrifying and, for John, of course, quite uncomfortable. His tasks wear him out, but he is extremely motivated to complete them in hopes of reducing the swelling and receiving a Get Out of Jail Free card. Soon, we hope. But the dialing up of the long-term blood thinner is not yet complete, and he'll need to continue to show improvement on the physical tricks. (Mark, thanks much for letting John know he's not alone and not behind the curve on this part of the journey. It helps greatly to know that.)
MJ and I are pretty convinced he'd do fine if he didn't have to walk like a duck because of the swelling.
We may leave John B here on his own tonight to rest up for tomorrow's workouts and the need to make a plan for ongoing care re the blood stuff and the rehab.
We cannot know quite yet when he may get sprung, but we are now hoping for Friday. Unfortunately, they say it may not be til Monday. We remain positive, but it's difficult not to worry, especially with champion worriers such as us.
Patience turns out to be one of the more difficult virtues to attain, at least in our cases. (OK, so we find ALL the virtues difficult to attain; we'll keep trying.)
In the meanwhile, we'll practice a little gluttony via the goodies from Barb and B-Z, Hads, Mads and Ali as well as that fabulous gelato Taz brought, and I'll continue my slothful ways -- aiming for a record no-show streak at the gym.
I leave you with another stupid question from Saul, this one stolen from a sticker he found God-knows where:
"What if the hokey-pokey IS what it's all about?"
Our gratitude to you all continues. The cards have been great, and the one from the Times today was over-the-top swell. You guys are about as good a bunch of colleagues and friends as anybody could hope for. KT
Wow I knew that John was tough but wow! I have been thinking of both of you every day and sending good vibes your way. Reading your posts I am reminded of what an amazing relationship you have with each other. It's rare and precious. I thought I posted a comment three days ago but I don't see it. So, I wanted to know if and when John would like a visit from Martin and me. I am a stone's throw from Harborview during the day, as is Martin.
ReplyDeleteI would love to stop by and give John a hug and check out his sexy eye-patch. I have always had a thing for pirates! Anyway, hope that it will work out to see you, and the eye patch. Glad that Raymond Massey was sent packin' xo Lisa
Kathy, your wonderful reportage continues to be a must-read for us first thing everyday, and we look for random updates. Thanks! And of course we are thrilled to read about John's corridor rambling and his upgrade, or I guess downgrade, from the ICU. Nice work, John! As always, let me know if either of you two needs any little thing. I'm close by.
ReplyDeletelove, Robin (and Fred)
Another great report, Kath. And I don't think Saul's question was stupid at all. After a week-plus in the hospital -- stick your head in here, I'm going to put the IV in there -- the hokey-pokey is what it's all about.
ReplyDelete