As you may know from
his last two diaries, BFSkinner had abdominal surgery on Wednesday. The surgeons removed a mass that was apparently not cancerous, and they also reduced a hernia. I talked to him this morning by phone.
BFSkinner is now recovering in the ICU from his laparoscopic surgery. He went immediately to the ICU after surgery because his CO2 was elevated. He is only in pain when he begins any movements that use his abdominal muscles, including talking.
He is expecting to be allowed to sit up later today and walk tomorrow. He will possibly leave the hospital in two or three more days, but you know how that goes. Some doctors say one thing, and some say another. His nurses have been very good.
He started on a clear-liquid diet this morning, and he said it felt good to eat again after two days of not eating. His spirits are good.
He will have access to the Internet when he gets home.
You are welcome to leave a comment for him, and I will take it to him sometime tomorrow. I hope to be able to visit him then.
Please continue to hold him in your thoughts and prayers,
2thanks
5:34 PM PT: Thanks, all, for jetting this note to the top of the Rec List - More eyes, more healing, etc. What a wonderful bunch! Your many beautiful comments, both graphic and worded, overwhelm me. Yep, you made me cry. Thanks! :o)
Sat Apr 18, 2015 at 5:48 AM PT: Regarding a cut-off time for comments, I will let you know in an update when I leave for the hospital. I cannot leave for the hospital before 12 noon ET today, Saturday. The ICU limits visitors to two family members at a time, so I may have to wait to see him tomorrow. Again, when I actually leave for the hospital, I will post another update. Until then, I welcome your good wishes and healing thoughts and prayers for BFSkinner.
Sat Apr 18, 2015 at 8:29 AM PT: I talked with BFSkinner. A nurse helped him do a pivot-shift to get to his bedside chair. He had no pain with that effort, and he was not in pain when I talked to him, but he does have an on-demand morphine pump. He may transfer out of the ICU today or tomorrow, depending on bed availability. As I hoped, the ICU is liberal in interpreting their rules: He had four visitors earlier, some not family. Therefore I will be able to deliver your sweet messages to him this afternoon. I will let you know when I leave. Thanks again. { { { { Kossacks } } } }
(Updated title.)
Sat Apr 18, 2015 at 9:16 AM PT: Leaving to take messages to BFSkinner now. Thanks everybody!