Hi all,
About 30 minutes after settling in to his new semi-private room, the floor nurse announced that Arnie was put in the wrong room. He was to be in the room on the other side of the hall. So up Arnie got, out of his bed to walk across the hall, watching while the nurse and the orderly pushed the empty bed across the hall into his new semi-private room that had NO roommate. This being Friday afternoon, we wondered if and when a roomie would appear. So far no one! Bonus for Arnie, someone in bed assignment heaven likes him!
The kids came in Friday night, went to dinner at Auntie Joyjoy's and Uncle Lou's and then mosied on over to see Arnie. Each had a short 5 minute visit with dad, then off they went to their respective aunts and uncles to sleep.
Saturday came and the IV went as well as the nasal drain. Arnie was now allowed a liquid diet of coffee, apple juice and strawberry jello, no diet coke in sight. Lunch was more of the same with the addition of some clear broth. And the same for dinner, only beef broth which Arnie referred to as brown liquid. In the morning when the kids came, we were able to wheel Arnie outside for some well deserved fresh air. Arnie visited with the girls and then we wheeled him back to his room. The fresh air totally wiped him out so he had a good nap.
About 30 minutes after settling in to his new semi-private room, the floor nurse announced that Arnie was put in the wrong room. He was to be in the room on the other side of the hall. So up Arnie got, out of his bed to walk across the hall, watching while the nurse and the orderly pushed the empty bed across the hall into his new semi-private room that had NO roommate. This being Friday afternoon, we wondered if and when a roomie would appear. So far no one! Bonus for Arnie, someone in bed assignment heaven likes him!
The kids came in Friday night, went to dinner at Auntie Joyjoy's and Uncle Lou's and then mosied on over to see Arnie. Each had a short 5 minute visit with dad, then off they went to their respective aunts and uncles to sleep.
Saturday came and the IV went as well as the nasal drain. Arnie was now allowed a liquid diet of coffee, apple juice and strawberry jello, no diet coke in sight. Lunch was more of the same with the addition of some clear broth. And the same for dinner, only beef broth which Arnie referred to as brown liquid. In the morning when the kids came, we were able to wheel Arnie outside for some well deserved fresh air. Arnie visited with the girls and then we wheeled him back to his room. The fresh air totally wiped him out so he had a good nap.
The afternoon brought another milestone, his first poop! He came out of the bathroom smiling as if it were the best thing to happen since sliced bread. Yes, he is taking himself to the bathroom all by himself.
Sunday morning the kids all came in their VEREDs UNITE shirts for a photo op with the patient. We nabbed someone off the floor to take the picture of Arnie surrounded by his fan club. He is considering charging people who want their picture taken with him in the future since he is always thinking about new ways to raise money, but for now, we managed to get it done for nothing.
The best news for Sunday was the appearance of real food on his tray table. Although some of the food looked rather sketchy, he was happy to be able to eat his first solid food in 6 days and did not complain much. I do have to back him up on the cream of wheat, it looked like slop and I gave him my blessing not to eat it.
All the kids have returned home except for Michael who is enjoying Osheaga (a Montreal music festival) which ends tonight.
We did go for one stroll around the floor this aft and I am trying to get him to walk again but so far no luck. For all that he promised that he would listen to me, I am here to tell you that so far it's not really happening. I know Arnie would say it's not right to hit someone when they are down but I am pushing him for his own good. You all get that right? And no, please don't respond to this with requests for Arnie to listen to me. I can handle being ignored.
All in all, Arnie is making great strides forward, taking it one day at a time. Hopefully soon to be back home!
Ps, I did give him the option to proofread this before I sent it out but he just smiled while I laughingly asked "are you sure?"
Hope everyone had a great weekend.
Liz
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