karenulijohn

Since Dawn went home yesterday, I found myself really alone in a strange hotel in Sacramento anticipating all of the things that might happen on my way to the hospital this morning.  So, at 4:00 AM, I began to think about my route, which street would take me directly to the parking lot, and when it was time to leave the lot, which way must I turn to find my way to J Street and the freeway entrance.  I had been given complimentary parking tickets for Lot B, next to the hospital, so I proceeded to worry about how they were to be used, and if I had to pay in advance and then get reimbursed at the exit.  I checked my phone and found there were no emergency calls from the hospital, which was another worry.  Happily, all of the worst scenarios never came to fruition.  I found my way to the parking lot, found a perfect spot next to the exit, and when it was time to come home, four right turns and a left put me on the freeway. Whew!

Harvey was waiting for me when I arrived at 9:00 AM.  Again, I got there in time to see Dr. Graves, who was genuinely impressed by Harvey’s progress.  He had the nurse remove the bandage on his chest.  The incision is longer than I expected, but the stitches are very neat, and there is no sign of redness, heat, infection, or seepage.  These are all good signs.  He also had the urinary catheter removed.  Harvey is nothing if not persistent as he asked Dr. Graves if he could go home today.  Dr. Graves said that would be kind of unprecedented, and maybe he should wait a few more days.  Harvey then asked about the nasogastric tube.  Again, Dr. Graves didn’t promise anything, but suggested it might come out tomorrow.  He is still in ICU but will likely be moved in the next day or two depending on room availability on the prescribed floor.  A couple of hours later, Dr. Becker came in and checked all of the tubes, etc.  He is so cute!  Anyway, he said that on the fifth day after surgery, Harvey would be given a “contrast drink.”  This is used to determine if the Anastomosis is leaking or not.  The consequences of it leaking are somewhat dire, so we are praying for the sutures to hold fast.

Once the doctor visits were completed, Nurse Elise got Harvey unhooked so that he could get out of bed and sit on the chair.  I began reading email greetings and comments from friends and loved ones, and showed him photos of our grandson’s heroic football moments.  However, I could tell that he was getting tired.  He dozed in the chair for about half an hour, woke up, and said he wanted to go for his walk.  Not waiting for the nurse, he started to stand.  I panicked.  “Wait, wait for the nurse,” I said.  “I don’t know how to unhook all of these things.”  Fortunately, Elise walked in at that moment and sorted him out.  A short walk ensued after which he lay on the bed and went fast asleep.  It was a busy morning.  He was exhausted.  Sleep is the best thing for him now.

Dawn will visit tomorrow, and possibly Cole.  I will stay home and catch up on a few things here before going back on Monday.  As always, your thoughts and prayers are so much appreciated.  Our hearts are full to overflowing.