Up at the crack of dawn

5 a.m. awake for the early morning maintenance of the tubes and emptying of the drains. I found bananas last night in the cafeteria and Clem has been slowly munching one and attempting to get down fluids. I have never seen him this cautious with his eating. I continue to offer him all sorts of soft things like yogurt and ice cream and soup but nothing seems appealing to him yet. I am hoping that this may change today.

The staff continues to change his pain meds in preparation for going home. He does seem to be hitting the pump less but really pays the price when he does not keep the pain in check. Everything is a constant evaluation of too much or too little. Balance is our goal.

We have been up this morning already walking the halls. Early is better here because in about an hour the atmosphere begins to take on the appearance of a small city coming to life. Dodging carts and rushing staff makes the morning walk more hectic than restorative. We found an open door to an outside balcony and were able to step outside and check out the view of the city still asleep. It felt good to breathe the morning air.

Clem has moments of boredom throughout the day and he checks his emails often. It would be great if you could contact him by email. Phone conversations take a little more out of him. He can pick the best time to return emails and texts in between all of the many activities that go on here.

Today is Saturday and I am horrified at the thought of going home with Clem just yet. I am not sure that I can help him manage his pain and nausea and fluids. The Doctor warned us yesterday that 20% of patients are rehospitalized for dehydration after undergoing this procedure. I can see why. It appears that his body is having to learn an entirely new way of operating and Clem continues to be amazed at the new and/or false sensations that he is feeling.

We both had a good nights sleep. The staff seemed to leave us alone and just peek in at us without flipping on the light or making a bunch of noise. Clem has turned on an old Western so he must be wide awake. I think I'm going to crawl back in the back and go to my happy place for a while before all the fresh coffee filled day shift comes steam rolling in.