One year ago today: February 7, 2025, WIP
Five years ago today: February 7, 2021, WIP
Nine years ago today: February 7, 2017, WIP
Random years ago today: February 7, xxxx, WIP
Another less than spectacular day in ICU and I watched TV because there was nothing else. Crime, cooking, and bad history. Mostly in Spanish. It seems I have a stomach complication (from surgery) and the ICU is particularly well-equipped to jump on such things. The good news is I’ve met the best caregiver, whom I’ll call Nelly. Otherwise I hated today.
You see, on top of the fluid in my lungs, I’m digesting a small amount of blood, and that is so gross, I have a semi-gross video for you. The problem arose late
I debated to show you this photo because it shows the skimpy coverage of the hospital gown. But this is only a shot of the effort involved moving from the bed to the chair with 14 tubes or leads attached. You must either give up to 20 minutes notice for a nurse, or they will come around when several of the leads disconnect themselves or set off an alarm. And once in the chair, the only thing you can do is vegetate or watch Family Guy reruns.
By now, all bed pressure points are known and all of them are sore. One defect in these beds is as soon as one part is raised, the patient cannot turn on his side, even partially. The staff says there are better beds on the market but they are unaffordable. But worse is the blankets. This hospital is the reigning title holder of the 1962 East Seattle Low-Thread Count Award. I put today’s video in the addendum, for while it is normal, it is also gross if you ask me.
I’ve included this video for a number of reason, I believe it is part of a stomach pump assembly. However, by now you would think my stomach is totally empty. No food has that effect. The video has been brightened to enhance detail.
Thomas Edison and Henry Ford.
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This is my second weekend here, so here’s a quick recap. I’m able to focus enough to read some tech material, such as PWM. Some lady brought me a “life vest”, something like a sports bra they want me to wear for six months. It’s too heavy and an insurance (not a medical) requirement. My dressings get changed daily though the unit makes sure there are no mirrors in the rooms, so I’m guessing things are getting better. My chest area was swollen and now back to normal size.
The operation scar is a thin red line, very dark red and becoming a wider scar as it heals. Right down the middle of the chest. I have adjacent lung and chest pains where I suppose they cut the bone. Plus three spots where they had something attached. None of my clothes fit any more, but I’m included to wear up t three tops, including a thick exercise pullover to combat the cold. conditions. The staff seem over-concerned with blood levels including sugar, potassium, and iron. I’m not checked in here for any of those.
ADDENDUM
This is not for everyone, but the video shows the worst part of my stay. The tube is draining bile, a digestive fluid. It is nasty in appearance and aroma. While I did not have that much, it was a constant slow trickle and even the tiniest drop on material, or on your hands, caused a smell that would not fade. It is a brackish black liquid with a slight green patina. Not unlike used motor oil.
This apparatus is truly uncomfortable and uses too big a tube for the job. Yes, it is pumping the dark-colored fluid, if you look closely.
