Watching Mary Sleep

Mary woke up at 5:30AM and did get out of bed for a nature call. And, she ate her breakfast. I got here about 9AM. Upon my arrival, she lectured me about the lack of flavor and interest in the way hospitals prepare patient food. I keep reminding her that my Aunt Peggy was a hospital nutritionist (now retired). About a decade ago, Aunt Peggy came to sunny California for a visit during the winter. She was amazed by the variety of foods available at our farmer's market. Considering we think of the winter market as thin, sketchy and nearly desolate, we were taken aback that a professional nutritionist was surprised by the few offerings we did have. Then we remembered, she was a hospital nutritionist.

By this time, Mary was clearly tired so I suggested she nap. She's been asleep for a good 45 minutes now. Its a darn good thing I bring my computer along.

Before I arrived, the surgeon, Dr. Visser, stopped in early and did a bit of work on the railroad track as Mary describes the incision. Most people know what an incision looks like when healing. Well, in Mary's case the closure devices are metal staples. So the edges of the skin look like railroad rails and the staples look like railroad ties. Hence, the name. The incision starts at the sternum, heads south to almost touch the belly button (on me, that is a long way, on Mary, its a short distance) and then the incision turns to Mary's right and proceeds quite a way to her right side. It looks like a flap so they could "open 'er up" to get at the liver, bile ducts, veins, artieries, lymphatic bits, etc., during the surgery. Given the liver is working and the renal system is nominal, I would think discharge tomorrow is possible. That is also what Dr. Visser said but he also indicated it was now the renal team's decision.

Personally, I'd like to see her get out of bed a bit more and do some longer walks before she is discharged. The Roxicodone seems to make her very sleepy and that keeps her down a bit more than I like. Amazing, Mary's nurse today is the same one she had on Tuesday immediately after the surgery. She is a real hoot and a tremendous nurse. She infects us with her humor, energy and get it done attitude.

The nurse just came through and they are planning on training Reenie on making sure the railroad tracks are properly drained. Apparently Dr. Visser found a minor infection so they are initiating a draining procedure to make sure it doesn't stress the liver.