Hospital room Grammys

I am in the hospital for the 6th time since October.   This is the first time I am writing about it.  It has been just one issue after another with no clear answers, just tests and treatments.  Cardio pulmonary hypertension, fluid retention, high B/P,  kidney function issues, all kinds of imbalances.

One thing I know is that you don’t appreciate being able to drink as much liquid as you want until they limit you to 4500ml per day.  You don’t really think about your salt intake until the limit it 1500-2000gm and you find out milk and Cheerios is 300gm.  

My first hospital stay in October/November lasted 12 days and involved surgery to drain fluid from my lungs.  I really wasn’t sure I was going to make it.   I was home for about a month before the problem re-occurred.  Another week in the hospital and I came home feelin much much better.  Then a visit to the cardio pulmonary hypertension specialists at St Luke’s sent me back for more fluid removal and tests.   Home again until Sat, Feb 2. Somehow, I got Influenza B even though I had the vaccine.   I have been at Grafton Medical Center since then.  Every time I think I will be getting out, I get new issues.

So tonight I am watching the Grammys in my hospital room.   I am trying to keep up with the new artists and the new music.  Every year it gets a little harder.  Ooh Diana Ross looks like a princess!

My children and their families, my brothers and their families, my friends and neighbors and especially my wife, Karen, have helped me, supported me, kept my spirits up and I know they will continue to be my strength and motivation.  I am grateful for all the medical staff who have been wonderful!

People keep asking me what I normally do as far as meds, treatments, etc., but I do not have a “normal” anymore.  Every day is a new “normal”.   How I long for good health!