Delay Again!

   The doctor didn't like Carol's blood thickness again and ordered her to stay-put another day.  Again, there's nothing really wrong- the blood thinners have done too good-a-job.  I think he's just being extra cautious- If something happened, it would be harder to stop bleeding if it occurred.
   The only thing to report is that she continues to improve, she's in good spirits and she's tired of being in the hospital.
   Thanks again for looking.  Until next time...

Visitation Idea

Hey folks,
   I've got an idea that will allow us to visit Carol without it being so tiring for her.  Many of you have asked that I let you know when it's ok to visit Carol.  Really, she's still quite sick but I also think she's getting weary of her situation and her spirits are lower than they have been.  I think it would raise her spirits to see some of you.  Here's an idea that would allow her to see her friends, but it wouldn't be so tiresome:
   How 'bout everybody, who would like to, come by the hospital at say.... 4pm.  We can meet someplace downstairs (either the lobby or the cafeteria) then we could go up to visit her two-by-two.  This would allow us to see her, she could see us, but she wouldn't be so taxed.
   Please let me know what you think via the comments here and say what time you'd like to meet.  3pm would be a bad time because the nurses will be giving reports at that time (for about 30 minutes).  Other than that, we just have to see what time works best for everybody.
   Watchya think?

Sorry for skipping a day-

  Carol is slowly getting better.  She has been on a medication for a long time that retards her healing ability, so this will take longer than most other folks.  Just the same, I notice little differences in the way she moves, how quickly she responds to questions, appreciation for my attempts at humor (that's a sad story folks), and every night she has just a little more energy at 9pm than the night before.  It is slow, but things are moving forward and she's in great spirits- especially considering what's she's been through.
   Today they've been doing some things to prepare her for a revision/down-sizing of her tracheotomy.  They haven't really explained this process but I gather that it's the first step toward eventually doing away with the trache.  Maybe I can explain this better tomorrow.
   Until then...

  Good News!!  Carol was transferred to a "regular" room.  Her condition is about the same, but they feel that she's stable and doesn't really need the constant attention offered in the "Step Down" unit.  While technically she can receive visitors, I think it would be better if we let her rest and heal a bit more before doing that.  ...anyway, she still has the tracheotomy, so she can't talk yet.  I would guess it will be at least a week before she'll be able to have visitors (or want to).
   She is getting better though: she's joking around and, I'm sorry to say, she seems to be suffering from my sense of humor (poor girl).  She is amusing herself by making a list of foods she will want when she's able to eat again.  Among the the more interesting: Spaghetti with (Kenny's) red sauce, Devil's Food Cake- with white frosting and Thai Coconut Soup.  Sometimes she invites people to suggest additions to the list; might any of you have any suggestions?
    That will do it for today.  I believe the speech therapist will be visiting to test her swallowing today; hopefully they'll conclude that they can install a valve that will allow her to talk and eventually eat.  [Where's that List?]

   Not much to report today- there is less activity in hospitals on weekends.  Although, they had Carol sit in a chair for about two hours and seemed slightly excited about it; Carol didn't.  ...Not that she disliked it and she said it didn't hurt; I think she didn't see the benefit.  Maybe it's just to get the insides used to being in their proper positions. ...?  I wasn't there when they put her in the chair but I can report that it was quite the [amusing] process getting her back into bed: It involved the use of a hoist and Carol resting in a canvas blanket.  Maybe I can distort the faces of the nurses in a video I took and provide a link to a YouTube video of it.(?)  Would anybody like that?  I'd have to get Carol's permission, but otherwise, I could do it if anybody's interested.
   I don't know if I should share this but: A nurse let me watch her care for Carol's stomach incision.  Very interesting stuff... and if any of you ever get the chance to watch such a thing...don't.  It stays with you.
   Ok... That's enough wisdom to share for one day.  Carol sends her love and I do too.
   Until tomorrow...

Carol seems to be more energetic today.  ...Eyes wide, quick to respond, pretty animated I'd say!  She "talks" by writing the shapes of letters on our hand/arm and she's doing that to communicate more mundane thoughts.  Used to be simple "Pillow down" sorts of messages and last night is was "Thank Debbie for getting the Bob Dylan tickets for me" and "Bring me some Devil's Food Cake tomorrow".  ...Remember that she has a tracheotomy.  Doncha just wanna kiss her right on the cheek?!

   We are now up-to-date with these posts and I will start the daily updates, answering questions and broadcasting the messages she'd like me to pass along.

   I'd like to thank all of you for your concern, prayers, offers to help, cards, flowers and general well-wishes extended to Carol and me over these past several weeks.  I know that I haven't expressed the appreciation I have for the kindnesses offered and expressed by many of you, but believe me, I have felt it and I most sincerely thank you now.

   Carol has been moved out of ICU and is now in what they call a "step down" unit.  They say that patients typically stay on there for 2 to 4 days.  After that she will go to a "regular" room where she will be able to have visitors but let's all agree to ease into that- She's still gonna be a sick girl.