Having a good day!

I am feeling much better today after resting all day yesterday and existing on water, jello, and some apple juice. Now I can have oatmeal and meat (with no barbecue sauce) and a few other bland items.

Being able to get outside in the weather has been great!

We had a problem last night. About 9:30 I felt like I had indigestion coming on and took some antacid tablets. They did not help. I drank Sprite and ate a piece of toast - no help. It developed into a significant pain just below the sternum. It worsened until I went to ER at 11 pm. They tested me for heart attack and that was negative. I was at the 'climbing the walls' pain level until they gave me a pain killer shot. After doing more blood testing and an ultrasound exam they concluded it was pancreatitis. The doctor said it is not unusual for the pancreas to act abnormal post-operative but it usually happens within a week or two after. He also said fried foods can bring it on, and I had eaten some chicken nuggets in the afternoon.

Home at 3 am, on a clear liquid diet and later a bland diet. Woke up this morning tired but with no pain.

Getting old is not for 'sissies'!

I've been disappointed that every day now seems the same--don't feel like doing anything and don't have the energy to do it if I felt like it. I walk a lot and ride the exercise bike a lot.

I visited the doctor this afternoon. He said I was doing OK and reminded me that I had major surgery, that they changed a lot of my system around, and removed body parts that had been with me since birth. He then reminded me that I was not as young as I used to be and that I should not be so anxious to be up and going strong. He said to do what I can, rest a lot, take it easy, and by the way, come back in a couple weeks. OK. I may be getting the picture--slow down, take it easy, build up your strength slowly, recognize that you are getting older, and quit whining!

My days are getting better and better. I can walk further and ride my stationary bike further almost every day. Today it is warmer and I plan to get outside for a while.

Thanks again for your prayers, cards, thoughts, calls, and visits. God bless you, Ralph

I am doing quite a bit better today. The combination of a visit to the chiropractor and a new recliner have made a tremendous difference in my back. I am walking a lot and riding my exercise bike. My appetite is improving and my 'system' seems to be working well.

God is Good.

Today is about the same, except the pain level seems to be decreasing. I do a lot of walking and a lot of resting. Compared to a week ago, I am better.

Today has been so-so. I slept very well but I am tired. We went to church for a while, but I did not stay around and risk catching a virus or other bad germs. After a nap I am watching the Daytona 500 and resting.

I am comfortable today. I have found the right amount of pain meds and sleep. My appetite is gaining along with my energy level.

I probably walked too far yesterday. Did not feel very good last night and am really lethargic today. My back is much better because of the new recliner delivered Wednesday evening. Napping is the main thing for today, but with the wind blowing as it is, that is OK.

Looking forward to tomorrow, Ralph

Had another good sleep night. Pain level has decreased a little. Will get to walk today when it is warm and not windy.

I finally gave up last night and took a pain pill for my back pain. Lying in the hospital bed so long and now too much recliner time really hurts. The pill did help me sleep.

I had the staples taken out of the incisions today. The surgeon said it looked good. He recommended continued light duty but lifted the bland food diet--I can eat anything but do it in moderation.

He said it was normal to be weak and tired--for the same reasons Carol gave me a week ago.

Anyway, I continue to strengthen daily and he wants to see me in a month. I assume at that time he will release me to do whatever I want.

Thanks for your continued prayers and thoughts. Ralph

I had a fair day. Went to the chiropractor this morning because my back was so messed up. Spent some time outside this afternoon.

My digestive system is still not working correctly, but I can eat. Maybe it just takes time to get it back to normal.

I get the staples out tomorrow, and that will help--it really itches.

I slept longer last night and feel a little stronger today. I hope to get outside today if the wind does not blow me away.
I still have the hurting and discomfort in the area of surgery. It hurts badly to sneeze, cough, yawn, or hiccup. I am still avoiding crowds to try to stay healthy.

I am stronger today. Two long naps yesterday helped. My stomach and bowels are still not back to normal, but we are managing to get by.

I've been thinking of other foods that fit the doctor's requirements:
Spaghetti
Enchiladas
Chili with noodles
Egg sandwiches

But for now, I am on a totally bland diet which excludes anything good.

Ralph is about the same. Tired but slowly gaining.

He figured out a new advantage of his situation: the doctor recommended a diet of about 30% protein, 60% carbohydrates, and 10% fat. Two things came to mind immediately--lasagna and pizza!!!! Hard to imagine that three meals a day--probably won't happen.

Ralph is still recovering slowly and tires very easily.

The pathology report showed that the tumor was the worst kind of cancer, but the surgeon says he removed it all intact. He also tested tissue in the surrounding area and it was clear. No further treatment is recommended now. He suggested a scan to followup on a regular basis.

Ralph is still weak and tires easily.

Got home yesterday about noon and took a nap. I walk a lot from end to end of the house for exercise, and I get tired really fast. In the afternoon I said "I can't figure out why I get tired so easy!".

Carol said, "well, let's see. You haven't eaten for 4 of the last 7 days, you had a kidney removed, you lost a lot of blood which made you anemic, you had not fully recuperated from your knee replacement, and you have been heavily sedated and drugged and had your schedule upset--yeah, why should you be tired so easily?".

I told her all that was true, but why do I get tired so easy? I am still wondering!!

My system is trying to return to normal. I will get stronger with rest. God bless youl

The doctor came in this morning early and said he would release me today.
I have low energy and not much appetitie, but things inside are working properly!

The pathology report is back, but we will discuss that later. God bless you,
Ralph

Hi Friends!

It is just past noon on Tuesday, and I am still in the hospital. My bowels just will not work correctly yet. The nurses are mixing my up special blends of prune juice, apple juice, butter, and who knows what. I still have bad gas pains and bloating, but it seems to be getting better. It may even get exciting at some point.

I look forward to that blog entry that says "I'm home".

I am having a much better day - Monday. The catheter was removed and all is well there. I still have not had a lot of bowel movements, but the pain is reduced and managable. My surgeon was in this morning and is encouraging that things will continue to get better. I just need to pass more gas! I started back to eating clear liquids and he authorized some solid foods.

Sunday night update...

Today we saw more progress. The medications for pain that they are now giving him are allowing him to be more alert than before. We are hopeful that by Tuesday he will be ready to go home. The doctor for Saturday and Sunday was not the surgeon that performed the surgery. The surgeon will be back in Monday morning and we hope to get a better picture of how things are going then. Thank you for continuing your prayers.
-Lori