The tube site "stoma" is healing nicely and I'm now keeping up with all of my supplements, herbs, nutrition and hydration goals. I feel more powerful in general, unfortunately it is being off-set by another Herx reaction.
It took a few days for me to realize what was going on. I'd wake up hungry and with plenty of energy but by mid afternoon I'd start dragging and need to lay down for several hours with a headache and an unhappy gut.
Did better today and was preemptive about laying down, that helped a lot.
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Monday, June 13, 2011
Healing at home
The procedure and entire stay at the VA went off without a hitch, I was out of surgery by 11 am on Thursday. For the first 24 hours they just let the feeding tube drain, then it was a slow pump of formula overnight, then gravity feed and finally quick feeding via syringe.
There wasn't much pain at first -- but then I started having cramps right at the tube location. They came every 10-15 minutes and would only last 7-10 seconds, but it took my breath away when it happened. 2mg of Morphine every 2 hours helped to keep the edge off.
I stayed one extra day because of the cramping, but by the time I left on Saturday afternoon I was mostly cramp free. They sent me home with 6 doses of Morphine but I've only used two, just before bed.
Yesterday I went for walk with Grace and my sister Jeana -- it felt good to stretch my legs after 3 1/2 days in bed. Ate a good sized lunch, but it took over an hour to finish.
I've had two solid nights sleep and all the plumbing seems to be working. We've done some feedings and supplement intakes and changed the dressing. It will take some practice, but we'll get into a routine that will keep the nutrition and hydration optimal.
Pictures soon!
There wasn't much pain at first -- but then I started having cramps right at the tube location. They came every 10-15 minutes and would only last 7-10 seconds, but it took my breath away when it happened. 2mg of Morphine every 2 hours helped to keep the edge off.
I stayed one extra day because of the cramping, but by the time I left on Saturday afternoon I was mostly cramp free. They sent me home with 6 doses of Morphine but I've only used two, just before bed.
Yesterday I went for walk with Grace and my sister Jeana -- it felt good to stretch my legs after 3 1/2 days in bed. Ate a good sized lunch, but it took over an hour to finish.
I've had two solid nights sleep and all the plumbing seems to be working. We've done some feedings and supplement intakes and changed the dressing. It will take some practice, but we'll get into a routine that will keep the nutrition and hydration optimal.
Pictures soon!
Tuesday, June 07, 2011
Clinic day @ the VA
Spent Monday at the VA, for my quarterly clinic day. Like the clinics at the U of M -- I started with an FVC test (a test of lung volume and power), then a round-robin through physical therapy, general medical, psychiatric counseling, social worker and speech therapist.
I received my tetanus shot, got fitted for a back brace and was issued a rolling walker and an app for my iPad to use as an assistive device for speaking. I also got to test drive the latest in power wheelchair tech. I wasn't to excited at first -- I'm not ready for a chair and don't want to rush things, but it was a pretty amazing piece of gear. Hills, curbs, holes were all easily navigated. A 300 pond beast, so vehicle and house mods will be required if / when that time comes.
I go in tomorrow for my Thursday PEG date -- so a full week of the VA for me!
I received my tetanus shot, got fitted for a back brace and was issued a rolling walker and an app for my iPad to use as an assistive device for speaking. I also got to test drive the latest in power wheelchair tech. I wasn't to excited at first -- I'm not ready for a chair and don't want to rush things, but it was a pretty amazing piece of gear. Hills, curbs, holes were all easily navigated. A 300 pond beast, so vehicle and house mods will be required if / when that time comes.
I go in tomorrow for my Thursday PEG date -- so a full week of the VA for me!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
