Wednesday, July 28, 2010

The Straight and Narrow

It is about 30 hours after surgery and it is hard to believe Curt had open heart surgery yesterday. Other than the incision running the length of his chest and the even longer one on his left leg. One would think he had a much simpler reason for this hospital stay.

This morning he ate a clear liquid breakfast while sitting in a chair. He was in the chair for 90 minutes; not because the staff was so busy and they forgot about him, but because this was a goal for today. And RN Jeremy is all about reaching the goals! Curt was such a 'good boy' for eating all of his breakfast (and keeping it down, I guess) he was rewarded at lunch with chicken rice soup with veggies and chocolate pudding, again in his chair followed by 90 minutes of sitting time. Both of those milestones were followed with 60 minutes of quiet, lights off, sleepy time. And believe me, Curt was ready for the sleepy time!

It is almost time for dinner, but...before Curt can eat his food, he must take a wee little walk down the hall. The wheelchair has been moved into the room and will hold the 'discharge' bags and will serve as a support for the 100 foot walk. I will serve as assistant for the stroll in the hallway of purple pod and move the one IV stand. (The IV stands have gone from three down to one late this afternoon, along with numerous tubes and lines.) WHOOPEE!

Later:
The stroll went well and the patient is now resting comfortably in the chair, awaiting supper. Another milestone.



If you check the Avera Heart Hospital website, a short message can be sent to Curt and will be delivered to his room.

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