Jail Break!

The last few days have been brutal, but extremely productive.  Fred was dealing with back pain, esophageal problems, WEEKS of sleep deprivation, and some chemical imbalances affecting neurological function.  At the same time, he was (and still is) retaining 10’s of pounds of fluid which make him uncomfortable, affect his blood pressure, his energy level and have given him panic attacks if he lays down too low and the fluid puts pressure on his lungs.  This makes him feel as though he is suffocating.  The doctors were threatening him with a feeding tube if he could not demonstrate adequate caloric intake on his own.  His body said no and his wife said yes.  He was disoriented and discouraged and disgusted because it seemed like all he did was take small bites on a full stomach.  It was like pulling a train to get him  take in 1200-1500 calories Sunday and Monday.  I was really frustrated at the hospital's approach of "calories before nutrition," as they advised him to eat burgers, mashed potatoes, gravy real ice cream, etc. --  so be it if his blood sugar got high and he needed insulin.  But he clearly was not getting enough calories to heal, let alone do the PT and make any kind of progress, so they were spot on with the urgent cries.  Fred does not eat red meat as a rule, so when he ordered two sides of bacon and a chocolate shake for dinner on Monday I lost it.  I ran out to Target and bought a Magic Bullet and some vegan protein and this happened. 

I made a banana and peanut butter smoothie that had over 500 calories

and did not taste like the fake food supplements (Ensure!) they were pushing.

Fred put forth the effort and managed slowly build up the calories and then turned a corner.

Yesterday he took in 2100 calories and today it was 2500.  He is also off all the pain meds and muscle relaxants and on Melatonin to help him sleep.  Calories + Sleep = Energy = Healing. 

Today he got his walking papers and we only had the chance to say good-bye to a few of the MANY people who provided such very good care and put up with him.

I am so sorry for not posting sooner. I have been caught up in this frantic effort and have not had time to blog or work or sleep.  I heard a rumor he might get out today, so I did not spend the night with him last night.  Instead, I ran off to rent a transfer bench for the shower, to fill the refrigerator, do laundry and make sure he had some clothes to fit over the fluid filled middle.

Dude is looking good!  The back is still a bit of a problem as well as the lingering neurological issues.  These will improve as the body works its healing miracles over time.  He has a long road ahead, but is ready and willing.  Tomorrow is an early day with home health care at 8:15am.  Just the start.

Good night!