Tiny Bubbles

Despite Jamie's bout with severe gas pains sometime after 2 AM this morning I actually think that last night had to be one of the more restful I have had in weeks. I think it must be my conscience at ease, knowing that Jamie’s trajectory is now one of healing.

After morning inspection by the residents (I barely bother to sit in bed when they come in anymore), I had another ok cafeteria breakfast of a biscuit sandwich and cinnamon roll. Last week there were fried eggs over easy, but despite promises by the holiday weekend crew they have not re appeared these last two days.

Jamie got a double breakfast order this AM, first the familiar array of “clears”, followed by what is known as the “soft” menu. She again snubbed the peach Jell-O, but poked at the cream of wheat and drank the juice. The “soft” Lunch was only slightly more appetizing, so I augmented it with vegetable broth and cherry Jell-O (ala Sharon of course). Lunch also included a very familiar looking biscuit which I was compelled to steal half of. Jamie has also been receiving a small carton of milk with her meals, which I ferret away in my personal in room cooler. This strange compulsion reminded me of my first grade teacher Mrs. Arnold and her cohort Mrs. Lowery (who was to have me for second grade) , who used to collect un opened milks and half eaten fish which sandwiches for their cats as we turned in our trays at the end of lunch period.
Thankfully I was spared an institutionalized lunch, again due to Sharon’s generosity, and ate a lovely burrito smothered in salsa.

We returned from our first walk of the day to a large parcel on the bed. Inside was a plush replica of Shorty. This was a welcome addition to our room for both of us, as I think the one thing we miss most from home is our comical little companion. My mother arrived later in the day with some photos for the bulletin board as well as some digital video of Shorty fighting the lawn sprinkler. Thanks mom, you read our minds and brightened our day.

This afternoon was well marked by the removal of Jamie’s epidural catheter, thus bringing back “sensation” to her torso and abdomen. They also terminated her continuous dosing of hydromorphone, leaving her to use her PCA augmented by oral Tylenol and an occasional shot of toradol via IV.

For dinner Jamie was served a lovely chicken and pale pea dish with a side of pasta, salty soup and a dry roll (reincarnated biscuit?). Inspired by my parents presence I felt a wave of frivolity come over me and accepted my Dad’s invitation to go to the cafeteria. Like father like son, we lined up at the hamburger grill and both ordered some burgers which actually were quite satisfying. I also picked up some rice and mashed potatoes for Jamie, allowing here to avoid the “soft” entrée.

Things in our ward seem very quiet tonight, and after getting Jamie settled in for a bit, I snuck out for a brisk walk at dusk. After a loop around the building I was satisfied and returned to find Jamie gabbing to Katrina on the phone. I was happy to see her so well engaged, such distractions can at least briefly remove you from the day’s discomforts.

Tomorrow will mark even more milestones for recovery, but I will leave that for later, lest I run out of things to talk about. Good night.