Yesterday, Bill and I decided to convert to our own data plans with international roaming mostly so he could reach me for any reason. Now that he is healthy enough to use his phone, it has been a nice convenience for both of us.
Last night, after I left, Bill was transferred to another ward because they needed his post-surgical bed.
When we texted this morning at breakfast, Bill said he had a horrible night's sleep. He had heartburn and some visual hallucinations of babies and Guiness barrels, so wasn't keen to close his eyes. It was a long night. He felt heavy with brain fog. His bed has little natural light or fresh air, unlike his last room that gave him an open window and a view of the Irish weather. On my walk over, Bill texted to say yesterday's CT scan indicated small clots on his lungs.
When I arrived, the nurses had already removed his catheter - a step in the right direction. Mr. Owens, the surgeon, and intern, Patricia, came around 9:45am to follow up on his case. The drainage tube will be removed sometime today. The fluid is clear and we are ready to let that go. What a relief! He is off the IV fluids, although I am quite certain IV antibiotics will still be administered three times a day. Mr. Owens further commented on how Bill's sepsis was quickly managed - WAIT! DID YOU SAY SEPSIS??? As explained to us, he fit two or more of the criteria for sepsis. It's more common in hospital care than what the general public are aware. Once again, we are flooded with gratitude for everyone who had been a part of our path and finding him exceptional care.
As for the clots, he is back on minimal movement today - bed to chair, chair to bed - to allow for the anticoagulation medication to take effect. This was a good time for Bill to catch up his sleep, so I stayed nearby in case the hallucinations came back.
At around 12:30, Bobbie was passing through town on her next adventure, and stopped at the hospital to check on us. Concerned for my well-being (Are you eating? Are you getting your water? What do you need?), I was able to slip away while Bill napped, and Bobbie and I enjoyed a coffee and a visit in the cafeteria. It's amazing how friends can squeeze a lot into a short visit!
After about an hour, it was time for me to get back to check on Bill. While I was out, the internist had come to review Bill's status with the clots. She left information with the rest of the team, and her recommendation basically calls for a follow up with his GP at home in regard to the blood thinners. We are grateful that referral was made for Bill's health and safety.
Physio returned today with some breathing exercises, as well as leg and foot movements to keep the blood moving. While they were here, they helped to make Bill more comfortable since his long legs had his feet hitting the foot of the bed.
This was a good time for me to walk back to the Manorlodge to grab a few things. Our Killarney contacts were able to send our bags up to Tralee with their daughter who was heading to town. She kindly dropped them off at the Manorlodge with Lisa. After packing them both up the narrow flight of stairs, I rifled through to get a clean shirt for me and a few thing Bill had asked for. I'm glad we brought our Columbia cool cloths because Bill's room is a bit of a sauna, and it will give him some relief.
Walking back to the hospital, there was a gentle break in the weather. The air was warm, yet humid. The sky hung low with dark grey clouds from today's earlier rain, and all of this brought a smile to my face. Even in difficult days, there is something to be appreciated. Every walk goes past an old cemetery in town. Though I don't take the time to walk through it, each time, I notice the hydrangeas and marigolds bordering the stone wall and the tall, weathered crosses with Celtic knots. It is a beautiful space.
I returned to the hospital with my laundry list of items. Bill has been getting naps in whenever possible. Like on the last ward, he is one of six in a room with men and women. Every need was promptly met on the surgical ward; however, here, it feels like there are the same number of nurses for twice the patients. On a medical ward, I would assume there are more diverse needs, as well. I don't see nurses sitting here. As for Bill's roommates, they are mostly respectful, all wanting to heal. Except for this one guy I will call Ian. Ian is in the bed across from Bill. He has been on his phone All. Day. Long. With. The. Volume. Up. 🤦♀️ He plays games and reels repeatedly and, in my opinion, too loudly. Normally, this would annoy Bill to no end. This shows me how unwell Bill really is.
He just doesn't care and naps anyway. Here is the view of a little meditative garden from the room. Unfortunately, Bill doesn't get to see it.
Before supper, the drain was removed! This is a huge step. It's hard to maneuver around when you are tethered to a drain bag pulling at your belly. Additional medications include one for his heartburn and a water pill to relief some of the inflammation.
Bill has been getting soup with a roll for lunch and supper today. By the time the soup is down, he has no desire for the tea or bread roll. After he ate, I went to grab a bite in the hospital restaurant while Bill had another nap.
At last, the nurse came to change the dressing on the drain site. This was my signal that I could return to the lodge, so after our good night's, I left Bill to get some sleep. This gave me a moment for reflection. I've been told I look tired, and I guess I am.
I returned to my room to sort our clothes, hand wash a couple of items, and ready for bed. It's been a long and emotionally exhausting day.