Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Back on track (2 of 2 new posts)

After the craziness of Monday (see post below) we were looking forward to a normal recovery day. Al was sleeping, her pain was manageable, she wasn’t having crazy thoughts in her head anymore and she was back to being sweet little Al.

Once again, I went to work (although this time I left from her hospital room) and Al’s mom arrived in the morning to spend the day with her. Oh what a joy to be back on track and have Al back to normal.

In her normal sweet fashion, she felt she needed to apologize for anything she might have said or done while she was going crazy. By the way, the nursing staff here has been exceptional every step of the way. They take such great care of her and take the time to explain things to Al’s mom and me. Each and every nurse has been caring and compassionate and the best we have ever experienced. They truly deserve a tremendous thank you for all they do and without them this process would be nearly impossible.

So with Al’s mind back in the game it was time to get back to the business of recovery. Every 4 hours her pouch needs to be irrigated with water and today Al irrigated it all by herself (with supervision from her nurse). This is a huge step to getting her life back and on Wednesday Al will learn how to irrigate her pouch while standing up.

Another big development today was the removal of the wound drain and sump pump. This drain coming out of the left side of her abdomen while necessary was hurting her and limiting her mobility as the pump needs to be plugged in at all times. Great news to have it removed…painful experience removing it. It was quick and painful. But now it’s gone. Where there were 4 tubes now there are 2. This is progress people. This is the stuff Al works so hard for.

Once again, thank you to all our friends, family, nurses and doctors for taking care of Al. The light at the end of the tunnel is getting brighter.

4 comments:

Jen Hodson said...

Wow what a big day and what amazing progress you are having Al. This is so exciting and I am so happy for you!!!! You are one step closer to getting your life back, so exciting. You are amazing Al and love you very much.

Unknown said...

So proud of you, Al! This only further confirms what we always knew, that you are one strong, resilient, amazing lady. Wish I was there to give a big hug. I know the best is yet to come for you.
xo-Mands

Summa G said...

yay for 2 tubes! and yay for one step closer to recovery! just like we always used to say at rpr...day by day! :) chuck and mom...you guys deserve a HUGE THANK YOU for taking care of al. you are the reason she's so strong! love you! xoxox

Donna said...

Great news all the way around,
Allison. I am incredibly amazed at how well you have done with all that has been done to you. Ouch!!
And what a great husband you have-really helps with the healing process.
Donna