The apartment with the sickeningly "fresh" air is going to work out after all, and Jan and I spent our first night in it. I will be here for an unknown number of weeks.
Jan talked to one of the owners of the apartment complex, and he was very sympathetic. The caretaker and other staff put in extra time airing out the apartment and washing the wooden floors (again) while Jan was at the hospital. By the time we got here Friday evening, the air was still slightly perfumed but easily tolerable.
The apartment is very nice. There is a main living/kitchen/dining area, of off which are a bathroom with shower, a bedroom, and a master bedroom that has a Jacuzzi in its bathroom.
I slept better than usual, though I still woke up four times to pee. That's several times less than a typical night in the hospital, and each time brought the small thrill of not having to pee into a small plastic urinal so that the nurses could track my output and the larger thrill of waking up and not being in the hospital.
Today (Saturday), I get a visit from a home health care nurse who hooks me up to my own IV pole for four hours of saline fluid. She also collects two-plus hours of information about medications, medical history, current state... A lot of the questions, especially ones like when did I start taking a specific medication, seem like they would be better answered by the hospital. I don't remember very clearly when a specific medication started, especially since several medication changes happened during my dilaudid daze.
In the morning, Jan and I took a walk on the balcony that runs outside the door along the length of the third floor. Coincidentally, the balcony is about the same length as the corridor I have been walking since mid-October.
During the day, we have been trying different foods that appeal to me. The best find so far has been whole milk, which meets my need to consume fat with one of my medications.
All in all, the last day of 2011 was pretty good, compared to most of the first and last three months. Here's to a better 2012.
Hey Joe and Jan,
ReplyDeleteIt's New Year's Eve and our attention to turns to both of you, your family and the year you've all endured. The year that was...
On New Year's Eve, we traditionally enjoy a personal retrospective on the year that is at its end. In this case, 2011. It includes a photographic review of Iphoto to refresh our memories as to where we've been, what we've done, who we've been with, etc. This year we've begun our evening reviewing your 2011 posts ~ what a year it's been for the Colorusso-Seeley household!
It must be tempting for you to say, "Good riddance to 2011!" But your "Good News, Bad News" posts and all of what Jan summarized in the Champaign Seeley "Season's Greetings" as things she has learned in 2011 only confirm that there are many blessings we can give thanks for on this eve of the new year.
So may 2012 hold many more blessings (and white cells) for all of you, for your warmth, authenticity, and humor are blessings in the lives of all of us. On this New Year's Eve,
Hug each other.
R & R
To a better 2012 indeed!
ReplyDeleteHugs and congratulations on being out of the hospital.
KKBG
Happy New Year, Joe, Jan, and family!!! Love, Jackie
ReplyDeleteSo glad you've been able to successfully execute your escape from the hospital. Here's to an improved 2012!
ReplyDeletehappy new year--high hopes for 2012!
ReplyDeleteIndeed. Walking outdoors, not getting woken up multiple times during the night (at least not by anyone else), and owning a little more of your time. That does mean that food complaints go back on you, but you can take it. Big month ahead. Anniversary at home would be nice.
ReplyDeleteJNR
HAPPY NEW YEAR! Much love and best wishes to you and Jan for an incredible 2012 from Lisa and Rick. We will be toasting "balcony walking" tonight!
ReplyDelete"During the day, we have been trying different foods that appeal to me. The best find so far has been whole milk, which meets my need to consume fat with one of my medications."
ReplyDeleteThis link provides a list of places in and around Chicago (and other places) for buying Kilgus Milk.
http://www.kilgusfarmstead.com/where-to-buy/
The characteristics of the milk are described here:
http://www.kilgusfarmstead.com/faq/
Kilgus costs a bit more, but not a lot. We think it is lots better milk.
(Jan, Kilgus is also available in Champaign. See the where-to-buy link above.)
Jacuzzi tub - awesome!!! The balcony walking sounds amazing too!
ReplyDeleteDeborah