Here's the latest Monday update

I got this direct from GS.
The Docs want her to get some more exercise (from walking the hallway).
That will help to loosen up that crap in her lungs so she can cough it up.
Then they will let her come home.

I spent a good part of the day catching up on paying bills, sorting through mail and running some errands.
I also bough a new mattress set and one of those hand held shower things.
The shower thing is so GS can sit down while bathing.
The mattress set may be as much for me.
The old set's been around a few years.

I was going to go back to Sac tomorrow, but something came up while I was away.
Do any of you remember the siding we had put on the house last March?
I didn't think so.
Anyhow, the contractor never told me I had to call the building department for a final inspection.
There was a letter waiting here saying I had two weeks to get a final or I would have to renew the permit to the tune of $90.00.
The final inspection is Wednesday morning.
Then I can go back to Sac.
That is unless GS is coming home.
Then somebody else can wait for the inspector on Wednesday morning.

There were some other oddities an the mail, too...

like a steamroller

I saw this again yesterday

As I drove home from Sacramento and approached the rest area north of Red Bluff. I spied a curiosity familiar to many of us in the North State.
You can read the story here.

The photo is from the newspaper website.
I don't have the guts to stop the car on the freeway to take a picture.

maybe a Monday update later

O/T - This is for Buck:

Oversight

Gee folks, I guess I overlooked the bit that there is and has been some congestion in Grandma Skip's lungs since the surgery.
Maybe I did mention it and have forgotten.
Anyway, the issue is she has been told continuously, since Tuesday, December 11, to "cough that crap up" or words to a similar effect.
One Doc even said, "Hock up a loogie."

I talked to her awhile ago.
She was watching the game and enjoying it immensely.
She has to be really pumped about the outcome of the Packers/Vikings game.
The Niners get a week off.

It's Sunday and the Sun is shining

When I last saw Grandma Skip, about three hours ago, she was sitting up in the bed watching the Giants v. Eagles.
She had me tune the station before I left so she wouldn't miss the 49er game.
The best part of the day, though, is she has nothing tethering her any longer.
All of the IVs have been removed and she is no longer receiving any oxygen.
Any medication is now oral.
She still has a PICC line, but that facilitates blood draws.
If I do say so, She is absolutely glowing.
She handles the walking excursions around the PCU like a pro... and has from just about the get/go.
I drove home because, after three weeks, there are number of things that need to be caught up.
I won't be surprised if I get a phone call tomorrow telling me to come get her.
I won't be disappointed if I don't get a call.
We gonna have this place ready to receive her.

The Mustang, she's named Whitey, but nobody calls her that, is back on the road.
But not without presenting one more issue.
Sharon's daughter went to pick it up Friday evening, when it was finally put back together and mechanically sound again.
A headlight was burned out.
There was nobody around to replace the bulb.
It was night.
She had to wait until the next morning to drive home.
It's GS's car.
She won't give it up.
It may drive us to the poor house... or insane.

maybe it will get painted black

Update before the rush

GS has had a busy morning... and she's really popular, too.
Everybody, but a doctor, has been in to see her.
There was a waiting list.

Right now she's resting.
That's because she's going to have company.
My sister and my cousin and Mrs. Cuz are coming to see us (her mostly) today.

Slowly but surely the various attachments (or tethers) are being removed.
She won't exactly be bouncing out of bed, but it will be a lot simpler.

This is where I would say something about Colleen, the really good nurse she has today.
But I don't want Colleen to get a big head by saying how great we think she is.
So I will say nothing further about her.
I will add, though, that all of the nurses, even Ray, who GS doesn't remember, have been great.
Ray is the post surgery ICU nurse that no patient remembers until after he comes back and reintroduces himself.
He likes to show up and ask, "Remember me?"

Anyhow, there's more progress and we may actually go home before next year.

then the fun begins

Another changeup

There may be an update later.
But for now...

I finished with that book about Vikings.
What I mean is I'm done.
I just couldn't read any more.
I'd read Atlas Shrugged again before I will read any more.

Then there's this.



Actually there are ways to prepare them so they're delicious.

one involves bacon

The light is at the end of the tunnel

I mentioned something about a GI consult.
It won't happen soon.
And... it appears it's not necessary.
The GI Drs. have to set priorities and handle symptoms a lot more critical than diarrhea.
Then there's the small fact that the holidays also interfere and they don't work on weekends (unless there is a dire emergency).
Besides, that does not appear to be as much of an issue as it was a couple of days ago.
GS has been getting out of bed more and more over the past two days with less and less support.
The physical therapy folks will probably be around soon to wear her out with walks in the hallway.
I have been informed it necessary to hang around this place so much... maybe even go home for a bit.
I will try on Sunday.
My sister is coming to the hospital for a visit tomorrow.
So are Cuz and Mrs. Cuz... flying in from Arizona.
No way I'm gonna miss them.

maybe some family fun?

The floor show

Okay, I know you have all been waiting to hear [read] the latest.
It's like a soap opera... without so much drama... well, there's drama, but it's all in my head.
Have I mentioned that I shouldn't go in there alone?

Suldog posted a picture today over at his place (hint: it's not the first one).
It will give you something of an idea of how GS looks (she's not as tall as the person in the picture).

Oh, yeah, I guess I should relate the tale.
Remember I was a little downcast yesterday because progress has been slow?
When we showed up this morning I was thinking (another dangerous activity) it was more of the same.
I asked GS how she was doing.
She shook her head and kind of rolled her eyes.
We passed the time for a bit.
Then the nurse came in.
GS said she thought the linens needed changing.
That's when the floor show started.
With only a little assistance she got out of bed and went into the bathroom, cleaned her own incisions using a ton of washcloths (because there shall be no cross-contamination),  then walked back to bed and got back in with minimal assistance.
She had to have learned some of this stuff before this morning.
She has been holding out.
Now it's a case of getting more food into her to build strength.

yippee!

Another Changeup

I stole this picture.



This is how it should snow.

mountains only

The Sun came out today

No, really, the Sun really was shining.
Otherwise it's about the same... slow progress.
There was no GI consult.
Diarrhea is way down the list when it comes to their priorities.
If you know anything about what those guys do, you understand.
Meanwhile, GS has been motivated to increase her food intake.
The diarrhea seems to have improved [Thank God].
There is no ileus, no nausea and TPN is a last resort (some of you will understand).
In all, today is better.
Some food is actually disappearing from the tray.
More would be better.
Maybe the GIs will show up before the weekend.

we'll take what we can get 

BP said it first

My friend Brian [I can call him that because we've known each other since almost the beginning of social networking]  posted It Was A Different Christmas over at his blog before I had a chance.

I have been away from home on Christmas before... not like this.What I mean is in those past occasions I either had semi-permanent accommodations,  albeit either in a dorm or on a ship (both in the Navy), or it was a routine family visit for the holiday.
Living out of a suitcase is not my idea of fun. It really must be the pits for the grandkids.
I bet they were looking forward to Christmas at Grandma's.
At least the hotel beds are really comfy.
That's gotta beat sleeping on the sofabed... or an air mattress?

Last night we didn't have Chinese food for Christmas.
We could find a Chinese restaurant that was open.
Instead it was the truck stop.
Ten of us descended on the Sacramento 49er Travel Plaza.

There's nothing new otherwise.
Helplessness is not a feeling I deal with very well.
It is nice to have family when that's going on.
We're on HOLD while it is determined what the GI issue is.

Did I mention GS's car is laid up, too.

sympathy, maybe?

The kids and I are going out to dinner tonight

No Joke
But every day there's more improvement.

This Day

"Christmas celebrates the birth of Christ(get it?) A man who preached love, kindness, tolerance, mercy, forgiveness. The reality is that the holiday has evolved into something quite secular in our culture. Not everyone who celebrates Christmas is giving any thought at all the person of Christ. But, it would be nice if at the very least people gave some thought to celebrating the ideals. Love, kindness, tolerance, mercy, forgiveness. I don't know when or why gift giving got to be a part of the holiday from a historical perspective. I don't know when the season turned for many into a sense of obligated expectations. Be thoughtful in your gifts. And know that gifts do not need to be wrapped in pretty paper and ribbon. Give those around you the gifts of love, kindness, tolerance, mercy and forgiveness. Give them the gift of a smile, a hug, a kind word. Give the awesome gift of really being present (get it?) to them. Listen truly. Speak honestly. Love wholly. And while we are at it lets give those gifts every day of every year. Merry Christmas."

 - Anne Neilan Davis 

(Katie, my cousin)

Whatever you think you know, it's gonna change

So GS had a pretty good night last night... after she got over the Niner's loss (or Seahawks win, whatever your viewpoint).
.
When I finally found my way to the hospital, though the fog this morning, the nurse was removing the last chest tube.
I was told she was going downstairs for another procedure. They use an ultrasound to see where they have to go.
I was also told she was being moved to the PSU.
The nurse asked me to come back in about 15 minutes so I went down to the third floor waiting room to get a Coke for GS (she can have some after the procedure).

While waiting I called home and informed the clan about the latest news.
If I don't call them occasionally, they text me... with questions.
Then I find myself texting back.
My phone makes texting a real challenge.
A smart phone would be better, but talking is much more expedient... when it is appropriate.

When I returned to GS's room they were just finishing removing most of the attachments (there is still a foley catheter so they can measure output).
She looks so much more comfortable.
Heck... she doesn't look like someone who's been in the hospital for two weeks.
Yesterday I was a little concerned.
Today I feel better.
GS informed me one of the Docs said she will be coming back to the same room after the procedure.
See how things change?

Also nothing happens fast unless it's an emergency.
Remember I mentioned the PICC?
We were told about it on Thursday evening.
They finally got around to it on Friday evening... well, late Friday afternoon.
This procedure this morning is kinda like the same thing and it's one of those fasting things (no food or drink for X hours beforehand).
So finally at 10:30am they transport GS to IR (Interventional Radiology)  for the procedure.
That Coke has been sitting here for over an hour and a half.
And when she comes back... wait for it... it is to the PSU.
See how things change.

I does absolutely no good to speculate.
Oh, and make a plan... Hahahahaha!


Then there is this.
I've noticed a dearth of electrical outlets.
In the OR waiting room there was exactly one available for all of the folks waiting for patients to emerge... and it was in an inconvenient location.
Of course I was put out because some clown had plugged his smartphone into one outlet and laptop into the other and was playing games.
When he wasn't doing that, he just left them plugged in, oblivious to the fact that anyone else might have a use for the plug.
The other day when I was booted from GS's room I was back at that same area.
The same guy was there and had done the same thing.
Only this time somebody was hogging the chair in front of the table where the plug is.
He could sit and play his stupid video games.
Then there's the waiting room here on the 4th floor.
It has a couple (that's two) of outlets, but they're on a wall too far away for the electric cord to reach.
I am happy I've kept the battery charged.

Yeah, I'm in much better spirits today.

maybe it's because I finally

 got a popcorn fix last night

On a lighter note

Buck posted a music video that brought this to mind

Thoughts while shaving... and a Monday update on Sunday

Hah!
Fat chance... I haven't shaved since the beginning of November.
Well, I have kept the patch on my neck mowed down, but that's about it.
This is the second year in a row I've done this.
Don't ask why. I have no idea.


GS has been moved.
Now she is on the fourth floor.
It's still an ICU, but has more space and is quieter.
It is right next to the PCU (Progressive Care Unit).

When I left the hospital yesterday to go over to my daughter's, they were inserting a PICC line in GS's srm to replace the thing they used during (and after surgery) for the IV stuff.
It works the same, only better after this much time.
Then some time later they took her upstairs.
They did not call me.
I'm a little perturbed.
I can deal with it.

Did I mention GS was singing yesterday?
I mentioned to her that I could see some blue sky out the window.
She started in with,

 "Blue skies
 Smiling at me
 Nothing but blue skies
 Do I see"

A little later she was singing Mele Kalikimaka.


It seems like it's always one more thing.
I usually like mysteries, not this one.
Too many folks (meaning professionals) are baffled.
The white count is elevated a little.
But none of the tests can determine th.e cause yet.
The diarrhea may, or may not be related.
Those tests have come back clear.



I've been using Google Chrome on a trial basis.
My trial, it's free for anyone who wants to use it.
Before I was using IE9.
I found it cumbersome and anything but helpful.
I still prefer Firefox, but that's on the desktop, at home, and Windows Vista.
This puppy has Windows 7, which is just enough different to mess me up.
I was happy with Windows 98se.
Weird, huh?



My daughter's family is headed to Texas... did I mention that.
Sharon's family have all made it safely to Anderson... did I mention that?
It looks like I'll be right here... with Sharon.

I forgot

The crew from Washington arrived in Anderson around 3pm yesterday.
The last I heard they were going out for Mexican food.

good news

Short story

There's a little irony here.
I started this blog because of a surgical issue.
It was to keep folks updated about my progress.
That lasted about three or four days.
Little did I know... or want... to use it for the same purpose again.
On the other hand is is great to know there are so many friends who care so much.

Thanks you and good night.

A changeup

A friend of my niece posted the following on Facebook.

"Sometimes it is not the outcome, but the journey that teaches us and really shapes who we are..."

It's all about change and living in the moment.

oh, that some of us learn that when we're young

Monday updates take a long time to write

The last I knew when I left the ICU last night they were going to do a bronchoscopy to clear some "crap" from GS's lungs.
That's changed.
The Docs think she is perfectly capable of doing it herself.
So does she.
She reached the goal they set for her breathing exercises so they raised the bar.
She's going to reach that goal, too.


On another note...
GS's son, her oldest child, and family (wife, two boys, daughter and probably the family dog) are en route to our house for Christmas.
Usually [I almost wrote normally] this takes them about ten hours.
They left at noon yesterday and made it to Roseburg, Oregon (a little more than halfway).
The storm we're experiencing has raised havoc with Interstate 5.
It has been closed north of Redding for a good part of two days.
It is open now, but chains are required for all vehicles except for those with 4-wheel drive and snow tires.
Maybe the situation will improve.
Probably not, the weather service is predicting 100% chance of snow in that region for the next day and a half.

here in Sacramento folks are building arks

Late Monday update

Well, it didn't go as planned today ...for a number of people.

My stepson and his family only made it as far as Roseburg, Oregon because the storm has left lots of snow in the Sacramento Canyon north of Redding and I-5 is closed.

 GS is still in the ICU because there are issues with fluid retention.
Medication is being provided to alleviate that situation and she is being monitored closely.
Three Docs, the surgeon, the cardiologist, and the pulmonologist, are on top of this, with the pulmonologist taking the lead.
There is still progress every day.
It is just so slow.
But then this was not an ordinary surgery.
GS and I are ready to go home.
Her body isn't quite there yet.

I'm sure there are other people who had plans that didn't work out.
I'm sorry for them.

More later

A different kind of update

Things are going pretty well in Sacramento.
I haven't a lot of news on that front, other than we're not going anywhere for a few days.

However, I have managed to steal a couple of photographs of the scene in Anderson this morning.

photo by Kim Chamberlain

photo by Carl Johnson

If these were my yard I would probably be outside screaming, "Get off my lawn!"

I like snow... in pictures, in the mountains where it belongs.
If I want to play in it, I can go visit it.
It does not have to visit me.

That said, I'm in Sacramento, where it was only just starting to sprinkle this morning when I left the hotel.


GS's two Docs, the surgeon and the cardiologist, visited her at the same time this morning and strongly suggested her food intake had to improve. Protein in particular is needed to increase strength so she can breathe easier and start walking. They agreed she can be moved back to the Progressive Care Unit (PCU) again.

If someone reminds me later, I will relate the story of how she came to be called GS.

it's not because SWMBO was already taken

Bad news, Good news

I've mentioned the difficulties with the connection at the hospital.
I shouldn't complain.
It is free after all.
Maybe part of the challenge is we would rather be almost anywhere else.

The news:
GS won't be going up to the PCU today or tomorrow.That's the bad news.
The good news is that she won't be going because it is easier for her Docs, the surgeon and the cardiologist to keep a watch on her on this floor because this is where they are most of the time.
So... there's nothing we have to be concerned about other than this floor kinda scares the folks who don't work down here so they only venture to ICU when absolutely necessary.

When I got here this morning GS was sitting up, eating some toast.
That's more good news.

I used the wrong word the other day to describe the procedure they did.
I am going to have to pay closer attention when I eavesdrop.
The word I wanted is thoracentesis.
It was to relieve pressure.

The cardiologist explained to us this morning all about how when the body lies at rest for long periods of time empty spaces are created.
Then the body fills those spaces with fluids.
Normal activity will eliminate those fluids.
When there is not activity help is necessary.
When the lungs don't fill to full capacity space is created in the thoracic cavity.
Fluid fills that space.
Thus the procedure.
Take deep breaths my friends.

The goal is to be home for Christmas.
We know the difference between goals and expectations.

On another note:
When we went up to the PCU last week, one of the nurses up there wrote something about GS being released on Sunday or Monday... that would be last Sunday or Monday.
If I see anyone even trying to write such things I think I might smack them.

just thinking out loud

Second Wednesday's Monday update

I'd have had this up sooner, but now, not only is the Internet connection the hospital provides free of charge giving me fits, but the nurse GS has today has determined to preserve GS's modesty by removing me from the room every time GS gets out of the bed.
I haven't burst her bubble by telling the nurse that not only have I observed such activity for the last eight days, but I have actually slept in the same bed as GS.
I hestitate to provide more detail.
This blog is family friendly [most of the time].

I arrive this morning to find GS sitting up eating Jello and grinning.
She immediately pointed to her nose.
The NG tube has been removed... yay!
She is still receiving lots of fluids intravenously to keep her well hydrated and kidneys working.
They are working well.

The dietician came by with some concerns about why GS had shown a weight gain between the time of intake (before surgery) and two days later.
We explained that was why they'd moved her...

[Oops, another interuption]

...from the Progressive Care Unit back to the ICU.
I think she's still a little confused.

The diet is still clear liquids, albeit Jello and popsicles are included.
There's some concern there may be an ileus [google it, but don't look at the pictures], but the thought is it will rectify itself.

I am learning to hate typing on the laptop because the cursor seems to have a mind of its own.

maybe more later

Something else I thought about

Traffic is way up here on the blog since I started linking from F/B and emails.
Is that cheating?
I don't think so.
Most of the folks are coming here because they care so much about GS and this is where I am posting the news.

Speaking of news, the Doc stopped by and says he wants to get GS back to a regular room ASAP before she starts feeling like a mushroom.
The mushroom bit is my words.
The getting back to a regular room is his.
He had just finished up with another long surgery.
He seems to have one every day... except maybe on weekends.

Now it's about time for the cardiologist to stop in.
He's here every day, too.
And the pulmonologist visits daily.
Then there are the nurses.
There an almost constant presence, punctuated by specialty folks who do things like bring portable ultrasound machines, portable  x-ray units, or run breathing excercises.

I think I prefer the electronic visits over the medical folk's visits.
I'm sure GS does.
Thank you for caring.

Thoughts while waiting

I've been doing a lot of waiting ...and watching.

I know I don't have nearly the patience the nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, or the housekeeping folks here at the hospital have.
They not only have to deal with sometimes recalcitrant patients, but also with those who visit the patients ...and don'tcha know how important they are.
It's one thing to deal with a patient's demands, quite another when a visitor starts in. It's even worse when somebody telephones and insists that answers to their questions are more important than patient care.

I have a little knowledge about some medical stuff.
I understand a lot of the terms the medical folks use.
I can't always spell some of those words.
Yesterday's procedure was a paracentesis. It was to relieve pressure, nothing more.
It happens all of the time when someone has a major chest surgery.
Sometimes it even happens after they are sent home and they have to return to the hospital.

There are lots of pieces of equipment used to monitor someone in a room in ICU.
They are checked constantly by almost every professional who comes into the room.
They pay really close attention because after that general anasthetic for the surgery, some of the body's functions are a little slow to wake up.

Yup... I really admire these folks because I can't tell if they're really good actors or they have a passion for what they do.

probably option two

Until later

The other night GS's daughter and I had Chinese for dinner.
It was good.
That's not what this is about.
My fortune cookie said:

LEARN CHINESE - Moon Festival

Lucky Numbers 56,20, 41, 9, 29, 37

 

Love is the glue that

holds together everything

in the world.

think good thoughts

It's Monday

I'm late.
I know.
I'd blame it on the balky Internat connection if that was the only reason.
But the main reason was I was waiting for some real news.
GS is still ICU.
This morning, before the Internet connection went ape, GS went downstairs for an ultrasound and a brief "procedure."
I am advised that it was absolutely routine for situations such as hers... something about how general anasthesia really messes up how the body eliminates excess fluids.

I sure am glad I'm here and not trying to find anything out over the phone... or, worse, looking stuff up on medical websites.
One of the first things anyone told us was way back in September. We were told by the  nurse at the original heart surgeon in Redding to get information direct and stay away from the Internet.
That is sound advice.
I have had two phone calls from someone who attempted to expand their knowledge of what I'd told them from the WEB.
They were code three while the rest of us were more or less relaxed.

Have I mentioned that GS has maintained a delightful sense of humor and great attitude throughout this ordeal adventure? I'm fairly certain the nurses all like her a lot... maybe even draw straws to see who gets her.

but, she's mine

Things I've collected...

...and have no idea what to do with

This one has absolutely nothing to do with the season.
In fact I'd never have seen it if I wasn't relegated to using the webmail feature from my ISP.
It somehow escaped the spam filter.
Jenny obviously doesn't trust Spellcheck.

I should probably stick to this, rather than editorialize.
But sometimes one just has to vent.
Speaking of venting.

I don't do this often... maybe ever

The recent events in Clackamas, Oregon and Newtown, Connecticut are the latest reminders that there is something seriously wrong. The U.S. isn't the only place where such events have taken place. It is possibly morw noticeable when it happens here because we have a highly competitive media and guns were used.
I am fairly certain neither the guns nor the media caused these incidents, though they be slightly contributing factors. Draw your own conclusions.
I have thought about this for some time. I'm not so sure my thoughts are entirely organized. You can draw your own conclusions about that, too.
I'm gonna stick my neck out and lay this in the lap of society, particularly in the lack of civility found almost anywhere one goes today. It starts with a me first attitude. We see it with the folks who line up days ahead of time to get the latest Nikes or Iphones. I should say those are low key examples. a more overt scene is crowds trampling shoppers when a store [which shall remain unnamed] opens on Thanksgiving night. We see it on our highways where motorists weave in and out over all lanes of traffic to gain a few moments showing absolutely no regard for anyone else.
Then there're the dimb bulbs who think dropping the F-bomb i every sentence thy speak makes them more effective speakers.
These are not the folks who perpetrate the abhorrent acts of violence. They aren't bright enough to concieve any plan. Nope, it's the idiots trying to get to the front, who set off the poor unbalanced genius who is perfectly capable of the real evil.
What we need to do is find a way to show the evil genius how to properly cull the herd.

I waited to post this until today because I wanted to be sure I wouldn't change my mind.
I am fully aware only symptoms have been listed. There are solutions to the challenges. They are within many of us. Some are incapable of developing completely rational thoughts.

Then there's this -

Note: please bear in mind the title of this blog before entirely condemning... or repeating... the views of the writer. Remember, too, I am sitting quietly in a hospital room with a vivid, if warped, imagination and nothing else wrong with me.

I'm almost glad I'm not at home

The current conditions -

Saturday Morning's Monday Update

Before anyone thinks I don't like Sacramento let me cleat something up.
The pictures I posted yesterday are a product of boredom ...and a warped imagination.
There are plenty of scenic places here.
In fact I actually observed some while driving to a celebration of life for Lions Clubs Past International President Kay K. Fukushima at the Elks Lodge.
GS kicked me out and made me go somewhere else for awhile.
I saw about 250 other Lions there.
I think I know most of them.
It was good to get out for awhile.
I still have to go dumptruck and steamroller shopping.

While I was away there was more progress.
But first things first.
In the morning, before lunch, the Nurse Practioner from the Doc's office came and removed two of the chest tubes.
So then, after lunch, while I was out, the physical therapy folk snuck in and took GS for a walk (with a walker) in the hallway.

Since I wrote the above [sometime last evening] we (meaning GS) has had a bit of a setback.
She probably won't be taking any walks today, as she has been moved back to ICU.
It isn't all that serious, according to the doctors.
They just needed to adjust some medication and that medication has to be monitored more closely than can be done in the Progressive Care Unit.
They also had to add a drain tube to remove fluids from her stomach and that has to be monitored.
She is in good hands.
She is resting well.

I can't leave this post without mentioning the horrendous incident in Connecticut yesterday.
I am reminded again this week of how precious each life is.
Before I left the hospital last night I called my grandson and we wished each other a "Good night."

My fruitcake post

For Suldog, who posted the image years ago, and the Cranky Old Man.

I'd tell you something new, but...

Looking directly out the door of the hotel in Sac.

 

Slightly different view.

From the room in the ICU.

Then, if you look up a little.

 

From the temporary stopover in CVICU before the stepdown unit (PCU).

Now it's the other side of the building...

...and the view outside.

She's here for the duration [which I'm hoping is Monday].

yeah, it rained again last night

Thursday's Monday update

This morning, after breakfast, GS is being moved upstairs to the stepdown unit. Doesn't that make a lot of sense?

Anyway, Doc is pleased with her progress. I finally remembered to take a picture of the diagram art work that the doc drew for us when he explained his plumbing job.

The Dark shaded area (circled) is where the aneurism was. The thing that kind of looks like a tree is the bypass.
I won't even try to begin to explain how it works.

Oh, yeah and guess what' on a Thursday this month?

wish there was a copy of the before

Before I forget

...and a steam roller

Last night my daughter, son-in-law, and Hugh picked me up at the hospital and we drove to dinner. In the course of conversation the question of what Hugh wanted for Christmas. He wouldn't tell us what he asked Santa for because, "It's a secret." However I was able to find out he wants a "big dump truck" and the above mentioned.
Sometime during the next couple of days I know I will find a dump truck... not so sure about the steam roller.

GS is progressing well, one step at a time.
The last two times I have visited she's been out of bed and sitting up.
The Doc was in at 9:30 and is really pleased, both with her progress and just a little with what he'd accomplished.

We had a little rain here (in Sac) last night. The Sun's shining now.

as it should

No promises

It may be awhile before the usual inanities get poste here again.
I've figured out that when my routine or surroundings are interfered with I don't deal with it very well. Throw in the poor availability of the Internet and well. Younhave to take what you can get. Sometime along the way here we may have some pictures for you. But there are no promises because they are on somebody elses cell phone.

yeah we're feeling a lot better now 

Monday updated

This wasn't really a bypass in the terms of what we call a bypass. I mean there's a bypass, but it's an arterial bypass... a big honking arterial bypass... not a heart bypass.

What the Doc did was redirect all of the other arteries and make a bypass around the aneurism so it could be repaired. He worked from about 9:30am to about 6:30pm. Then he took the time to see that she was in ICU and then called us in to explain and diagram what he'd done so we could completely understand the operation. Then the Nurse, Ray, who was at her bedside all of the time, took over and explained what will happen from that point forward. They will first bring her body temp back to normal. Then they will wait for her to be ready to breathe on her own so they can remove the breathing tube and other support devices.

So it is still kind of moment by moment event.

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Then there's this communication issue. The only Internet access at this point is at the hospital. So posts will be spotty. (like right now this is being typed into Wordpad so it can be pasted when online... those expecting emails or Facebook posts will be directed here)

Another thing I figured out, if I'm gonna text on my cell phone, I better get a smart phone because the flip-phone I have now is not cutting it.

This is called Monday Update because that's what we've been calling this things since I started emailing updates about two or three months ago.

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Since I wrote that last, we've arrived at the hospital and found a somewhat aggravated patient. Almost the first words were, "It's about time."

GS has done nothing toward meeting what we were told we might find. I pray this continues. I know all of your prayers have helped. I thank God ...or whoever your higher power may be. Thank you for your prayers.

more yet

The surgery finished at about 6:30pm. It looks pretty good for now. We will know more when GS wakes up.
The Doc worked on her for nine hours.

Still nothing new

We just got word that it will be a couple of more hours.

Nothing new

GS went into the surgical suite at about 8am. We have been here since 5am. The Surgery was expected to begin about nine and go for a minimum of four hours. It will probably be much longer. We won't hear anything until they are done. Then it will be at least an hour after that before anyone can see her. 

Waiting is the pits.

What emergency

Well this oughta put things in perspective



It's only urgent.

thanks for the prayers

What I missed on Friday evening

While this isn't quite the same, because the skyline of downtown Anderson blocks the view of the Coast Range, it is similar in many respects to what was captured in the accidental video from Friday.

I had gone out to buy some hot sauce [click the image] at the local burrito stand.
Perhaps I should mention there was a houseful of people. Sharon's two daughters, her son, her son-in-law, grandson and I were all about getting in each others way and interrupting conversation... the usual family stuff.

Some were decorating the tree. All were hungry and the wings were ready to come out of the oven. We have the traditional red-pepper hot sauce from Louisiana in the industrial-size container. But in our house one kind is never enough. I'd spotted this stuff while on the regular Thursday night burrito run. Somehow it became a must have. As you might see from the photo, it was well used.

Today's the day we pack up and drive to Sac for the main event.
Yeah, I am still having a little difficulty saying that GS is going to have what is, in effect, open heart surgery.

I think I mentioned that she was poked and prodded for about four or more hours on Friday during pre-op. She will have head of the line privileges at 5am tomorrow when she arrives at the hospital. I'm not too certain she is too excited about being first. But we are both relatively happy that the wait is about over.

I will do my best to post updates while we're away. The hospital does have wi-fi and if I can remember not to lose the password, I should be able to go online from her bedside... if she will allow it.

The white line in the first photo is a Christmas decoration the city installed along the top of the fence separating the railroad tracks from the street. I think they need more snowflakes.

it looks really strange from a half mile away

Sailor's delight

Looking toward the Coast Range on the drive home from Sacramento late yesterday.

The camera was set for video. I'm not sure a still photo would've turned out any better.

ya had to be there

This is another rerun, appropriate to the date




The first time I was at Pearl Harbor the only monuments were the sunken hulks of the USS Arizona and USS Utah. But the Navy tour was terrific. The next time I was there, a collection had been started to build the memorial and I didn't take the tour because I was in the Navy.
These photos are from the last time I was there a year ago. The memorial is almost finished, but the tour isn't nearly as good.

from last year

I think we're still on

We didn't hear from Amy, but the hospital called.
They're still expecting us at 11am tomorrow for pre-op.
That could prove to be a long process ...like a minimum of two hours, though the lady on the phone told GS that three plus hours was more likely.
So we'll be leaving the house sometime around 8am for the 150 mile drive to Sac.
Hopefully there will be no fog. I-5 absolutely sucks when there's fog because most of the lines have needed repainting for about ten years.
Sharon's older daughter is riding down, too. We figured the more the merrier when it comes to listening to instructions.
Sharon's son is flying into Sac sometime tomorrow, too. So we'll pick him up at the airport. It's gonna get comfy in the car.
Saturday the plan is to decorate the Christmas tree GS and I picked up from the high school Future Farmers of America tree lot while we were out yesterday.
Then, on Sunday, we're all going to head down to Sac again. We'll spend the night at a hotel because GS is supposed to check in at the hospital at oh dark thirty on Monday.
By the time the Sun comes up I figure there'll be a crowd because both of my sisters and GS youngest also plan to be at the hospital... and gee, who knows who else might show up.

We are blessed to have so many who care.

♪♫♪♫ I can see clearly now...

Now if the phone would just ring

So... what's changed

In short, nothing much.
In a week's time everything around here is pretty much the same as last Wednesday, only wetter.
A lot wetter.

The mockingbird... yeah that's what we've decided he is [thanks to The Cranky Old Man]... is continuing to pester the crap out of the office window.
The pest control guy was here for the regular service yesterday.
I mentioned the situation.
He said, "Shoot him."

Hmmmmmmm.

Remember I mentioned there was one more thing needed from GS and that there was a deadline?
The short version is there were some tests ordered by the doc who did the GI, specifically an upper endoscopy.
GS was told she would need a "kit" to completed the tests. She wasn't told she would have to go to the lab to pick it up. The paperwork ordering the tests arrived and GS assumed the 'kit' would follow. So there was a delay ...a relatively long delay.
Finally, she was informed, the 'kit' picked up, instructions given and last Friday the samples delivered to the lab so the results could be back by the Tuesday (yesterday) deadline.
We talked to Amy (the RN). Well, I answered the phone when she called.
She told GS that they hadn't received the results yet. She, Amy, also told her a bunch of other stuff relating to this weekend, which appears to be pretty darn full.
By that time it was after 5pm so it was too late to follow up.
So this morning GS called a bunch of different folks looking for the lab results.
They informed her it typically take up to ten days to get them back.
Right now we're in Limbo ...again.
This is almost like watching the Giants in the playoffs.
"Torture."

Maybe I will go out and shoot that freakin' bird.

Today, sometime, we're gonna go out and get a tree.
Then we're gonna soak it real good after cutting a little from the bottom of the trunk.
On Saturday we'll probably decorate it.

Then who knows what's gonna happen?

Oh, that's right. The weather man says it's gonna be nice again for awhile.

what aren't they telling us?

Everybody seems to have a Christmas tree story

This is a rerun from last year, but it's still a true story
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We used to trek into the mountains each year to chop down cut our Christmas tree. It involved several steps. First, we had to contact the Forest Service Office in the forest where we were going to cut the tree to purchase a permit. I'm guessing U.S. Forest Service offices are a little like pizza franchises that are very protective of their territories. Next, we'd coordinate with others who were going tree hunting in the same forest so we could kind of make it into a cold weather picnic. Then, I'd make a big batch of chili and make sure the camp stove had fuel and would fire up. Someone else would take care of the liquid refreshments (hot chocolate for the kids, something a little stronger for some adults).

On the day of this particular hunt... we always call them Christmas tree hunts... the group all gathered in Millville because that was what made the most sense at the time. Then we all piled into our vehicles and drove east on Highway 44 past Lassen National Park to an area that was open for tree cutting.

While the other went off into the woods, I sent up the camp stove and heated the chili. The pot needed to be tended so that it could be stirred regularly to prevent burning. Grandma Skip and the two girls, along with the other ten folks traipsed around following logging roads, all looking for the perfect tree. Now that I think about it, they were probably perfectly happy I wasn't helping find a tree because I'm not all that picky. My criteria is that only about one-third of the tree needs to look good because the tree's going to be in the corner anyway.

After some time I heard them returning. They were laughing and frolicking in the snow. [There wasn't much snow, but enough to make me glad I didn't live there.] They were dragging the tree, holding it by the top, back to our staging area. It was a good looking tree despite the abuse. Slowly the others returned with their trees and they were loaded onto various vehicles while we all enjoyed chili and hot chocolate (or adult beverages).

For some reason... probably because of space limitations... it was decided out tree would travel on another vehicle, at least as far as Millville. We tied it to the roof of someone's vehicle. The others began to leave while we packed up the chili pot and the camp stove. Then we were on our way, too.

At some point between Viola and Shingletown we found the caravan of vehicles stopped alongside the highway. Initially we thought they were getting some mistletoe from a roadside oak. But it turned out that one of the trees... ours... had escaped from the roof of the vehicle transporting it to Millville. After re-securing the tree, which still looked pretty good, they took off again. Meanwhile, the mistletoe seemed like a good idea so we snagged some and were on our way again.

Eventually we found ourselves in the driveway of our friends in Millville and saw the trees leaning against the fence, not much the worse for wear. Then, just as I was parking, the family dog came into sight, raised his leg, and christened our tree.

We arranged to have somebody with a pickup truck take it the rest of the way to our house and then we gave it a nice bath and a good airing before bringing the tree inside.

we waited a full

year before telling

anyone this story

Remember the bird from the other day?

He came back after all of the rain



He spent all afternoon Sunday pulling the same stunt at the last couple of times.

silly bird

It was one of those days

Whatever the NWS says the rainfall is for today, it won't even come close to what the experience was on the drive up to Lakehead in the Sacramento Canyon.
When my passenger and I left this morning in was windy, but only light rain in Anderson. It stayed that way to about Lake Shasta, a distance of 25 miles. Then, as the lake should have come into view from the freeway, it changed. It was like someone turned on a garden hose and sprayed it directly on the windshield for the next eight miles. Then by the time we reached our destination four or so miles further up the highway it had stopped entirely. But not for long.
About a half an hour after we arrived for the Lions District Meeting the rain started up, was still going strong seven hours later when we left and, according to reports is still pouring down there and only going to increase by morning.
It won't improve any here at the house either.

I seemed to spend quite a bit of time bringing some folks up to speed regarding GS situation. That happens when you can use the anonymity of the Internet to spew information to people you've never met ...and some you have.  The list of people I now have to keep informed has increased quite a bit.

We received some sad news at the end of the meeting. A long time friend and the Past International President of the association, Kay K. Fukushima, from Sacramento died after a long illness. I first met Kay in 1985 when he was seeking the endorsement to run for International Director. Our paths crossed numerous times over the years. He will be missed.

Today is the first Sunday, so it's off to the Senior Center to scramble eggs and make French toast. I wonder how the weather will affect the attendance. There's also a craft bazaar in the auditorium so there's no way of knowing how the results will turn out.

no point in speculating

Something else

Yesterday was wheelie bin day.
For those of you who are not familiar with wheelie bins, they are those big wheeled garbage can made from plastic with a huge hinged lid that really smarts when it smacks you.
The trash pickup firms provide them for their customers whether they want them or not.
The only catch is there is no place to keep these monstrosities (yeah plural... there are three - one for trash, one for yard waste, and one for recyclables) when they are not at the curb for pickup, which is most of the time. The garbage truck (yeah, yeah, I know that's not what they're called any more, but that is exactly what they are) comes through the neighborhood about 7:00am on Friday mornings (except for holiday weeks, then it's a day later) so everyone usually puts the bin at the curb on Thursday night.
Some of you are aware we've had major weather systems blowing through here for the past three days.
I mean literally blowing like 40mph with gusts to over 50mph.
The wind does not respect those wheelie bins with the big hurtie lids.
So yesterday morning there was trash mixed in with the leaves the city forgot go get before the storm.
Now the leaves can't even be put into the yard waste bin unless someone sorts it all out.
They won't be doing it this weekend because the storms aren't supposed to finish up until Sunday night ...if we're lucky.

makes sense to me

Whatever

The other day, when I was trying to capture a decent shot of the bird I've been going on about, I happened to spy one of the neighbor's dogs taking a break from sniffing the other dogs.

He (I'm making an assumption here) and the other two dogs were totally oblivious to the bird and its antics.

We can tell the storm is a 'tropical' system. The temperature variation over the last 24 hours is only 4 degrees.
It seems almost calm right now... with the winds at 20 mph.

All of the leaves everyone piled up in the streets for the city to pick up are now scattered in the neighbors yards. It is really funny to see a lot with absolutely no trees entirely covered in leaves.

We should be through this in another 48 hours. Then maybe the bird will be back.

hope not