Hours later...
My nurse who had not seen me walk in 3 days due to that aforemntioned tube's pain was hesitant to let me walk alone. When she had her first chance to walk with me she helped me get up out of bed, slowly let the blood flow down to my feet and acclimatize to standing. She asked "are you ok"? I said "yes". Then I bolted out of the room, on purpose, to freak her out. I thought it would be funny and it was as she chased me down the hall.
I hope this makes sense as I am still groggy.
On another note, I am on a "challenge" today where they turned off the NG tube to see if my body can consume all the incoming liquids (liquid nutrition + IV) fast enough... or if they churn back up through my nose causing vomitting/hiccups.
Its exciting because if over the next 24 hrs my output balances my input the NG will actually be removed from my nose and I won't sound like my friend Dave anymore.
Finally, why Canada is better than the US: Apparently my liquid nutrition is made in a sterile environment just for me (TPN) and is based on my blood work needs of the day. TPN is lipids+amino acids + key minerals/vitamins + dextrose that is injected directly into my main vein (that sounds funny) for blood supply. The nurses said my TPN is costing $3500 per day. [update the market for TPN pays different in different locales. My nurse was overzealous in her price estimate, I think. More likely is $400 to $1000 per day depending on who the customer is (insurance vs individual) + local market forces. Either way my hospital stay is costing the government easily over $100k and I don't pay a cent. Try that in the US.
Look at that beak. Eat your heart out Baby Bird.
I am so happy that things are finally getting better. Everyone at work who knows me well has been praying and wishing that things are getting better. I miss you. Get well and come home already!
ReplyDeleteBaby bird is very envious of such a fine beak.
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