September 20, 2025: Tralee

Although he is improving, it sounds like Bill won't be getting out of the hospital before Monday.  The surgeon wants to be sure that Bill is cleared of the worst of the infection.  His CRP (which tests inflammatory markers) is moving in the right direction, but still has a way to go. 

Breakfast at Manor West is lovely.  There were a lot of options on the buffet, and a menu of options as well.  Again, Full Irish was my choice.  There are only so many breakfast pictures that I can show you!  After checking in with Bill this morning at breakfast, I decided it's a good time to run a load of laundry.  There is an outdoor mall right behind our hotel with all the necessities, including this fancy fishbowl of a laundromat, sparkling clean and completely automated.  It already has a phosphate free laundry detergent, and you can't use your own.  Hopefully, it won't have a fragrance.  At least the clothes will be clean.  

After loading up my wet laundry, I went on the hunt for a rechargeable personal fan for Bill.  It is awfully hot on the unit, and especially in his room.  I guess that's part of it being an older building, but also, the main doors to the unit have been kept closed due to an infectious and isolated case on the unit.  Although the windows in the room can be opened, the patients closer to the windows have that control.  It's unfortunate, but hopefully, we only have 2 more days to go.

I arrived at the hospital around noon  and Bill was actually eating his lunch.  He didn't finish it, but ate more than yesterday, so that's a win.  A porter came earlier today to give him a shave - what a difference!

He has been off the O2 since yesterday afternoon and is doing his breath homework with top scores!  Being able to get up and out of bed only helps to improve his energy.  He got washed up and dressed...another win!  

The next goal will be a full fledged shower!

Bill has a new roommate across the way.  He is a wonderful fella from Dingle named David.

Victor came for another visit this afternoon.  He was so happy to see Bill making great progress.  We truly appreciate him coming in on his days off.  He is still so committed to Bill's care.  

Bill felt a little energized this afternoon, so we walked the length of the hall four times.  That kicked him in the pants a bit, but perhaps he will rest better tonight.  It's hard not to be impatient with healing.  Supper arrived - a beautiful cold plate of salads and chicken, bread and butter, and tea (I drink his tea every day).  He still doesn't have a big appetite and could only eat a portion of it.  

I made my way back to the hotel for supper and hopefully a little swim.  The walk back was chilly without my coat, and it was welcomed after being in the warm, humid room.  I now have our hotel room confirmed to check out on Wednesday, thanks to Brian from Jersey working at the registration desk.  It's unlikely we will get it any longer due to a big horse race happening in town this weekend.  By then, I'm hopeful we will be enjoying the sights of Dingle or Killarney. 

Supper special and a Guiness up next!  Although it isn't really my style to miss a meal, I have been missing lunch most days, so I don't mind if I have a heavier supper.  

This was followed with a quick venture to the Leisure Center.  The steam room was HOT, so I didnt spend too long in there.  It appeared they were closing up earlier than I had thought.  

Back at the room, I had calls, texts and blogging to do before going to bed.  Im looking forward to Bill being out of the hospital so we can enjoy evenings together.