Monday night was a rough one. Poor Margaret is probably still traumatized. ;) I was feeling nauseous so I had Margaret get the nurse to see if it was okay to throw-up. I proceeded to throw-up over a quart of bile at which time my world exploded. I had two nurses trying to get a tube down my nose into my stomach and not get it into my lungs. One nurse was screaming - "SWALLOW SWALLOW this water or the tube will go into yours lungs." The other nurse was screaming - "She has to much water in her already. It will just come up." I felt like a women in labor with her coaches trying to help her get through it. I didn't know if I should swallow, just die or both. Did I mention that the first nostril that they tired to put the tube down didn't work so they had to pull the tube out and start all over with the second nostril. They said the problem with the tube was I had a diviated septrum. (editorial note from Dale: They said that because they were too PC to say she had a "Hooked Italian Nose") When they finally got the tube down into my stomach, they pumped over 900 milliliters of bile. The next morning, I was glad that they hadn't taken me up on my request to kill me.
As it stands now, I won't be getting out on Friday. The earliest is Sunday. We are waiting for Little Suzie to wake up. That's my nickname for my small intestine.
..."Wake up Little Susie, wake up" Once Little Susie wakes up - it will be 3 or 4 days before I can get out.
To all my dear friends who have tried to call me or offered to come by and visit, thanks so much for the thought but please understand I am not up for visitors or talking on the phone. My month is very dry and talking just dries it out more. The tube down my throat makes it hurt when I talk. (editorial note from Dale: I wish I had known that was all it took years ago!)
I will try to update the blog more frequently.
Thanks for caring!
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That is so unfortunate. In my Navy days, I put in quite a a few NG tubes (nasogastric). There is a trick to it, but like anything else, it requires a ceratin talent to be "good" at it. I learned all the tricks to nursing care, because I never wanted anyone to suffer from my hand. I even quit drinking for the few years I worked on the ward because I didn't want to have to draw blood some early morning from someone and have to stick them twice just because I was hungover. That is probably what kept me from becoming an alcoholic. Just remember, it's not their fault they aren't good at something. They know the mechanics of the task, but talent isn't learned. I could have had it down in less than 10 seconds (al beit uncomfortable for those moments). BTW, the first part of the "trick" is to look for the nostril that will be the easiest for the tube to pass. I bet you are a sexy sight today ;) Luv Ya
ReplyDeleteHey Jennie,
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you! Sorry you have to go through all this.
What's up with all the bile? All that bitter green stuff from our perennially cheerful friend? No way! Must have gotten someone else's by mistake. :O)
Hoping for BETTER... no more bitter. Be well soon.
Love & virtual hugs -- Jackie
Hey Jen-Girl,
ReplyDeleteThings will get better. Just a few bumps in the road. You know I know.
Ginny