Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 12

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

It looks like a day that I will be spending in bed to keep the swelling down in my left foot/ankle.  This VA Hosp doesn't have the white support hose that is put on surgical patients to prevent blood clots.  I wish I kept mine from AZ because I really need them.

Ailbe is such a trooper.  He's also devouring his food in the morning (2 cups) and doesn't have to go out to deliver a package for at least 2 hours after eating.  We're now back on his former routine of eating and he's got more bounce in his step.  He still gets the boogers in his eyes, but not as many as before.  I think he had allergies with the Taste of the Wild and 4Life formula dog foods.  The boogers are a sign of food allergies in dogs.  Before all this mess that I put him in by switching he would only have the morning "sandman" crusty eyes.  I think its going to take a month for his system to get back to where it was in June.

I did finish a couple of my shows this morning before laying down.  Also, the pain in the right is getting to the point where I need less pain meds.  I now can go up too 12 hours before needing anything.  The pain is mostly the nerve kind.  It feels like I've been zapped by electricity and its mainly in my foot.  Then I'll have shin pain as the rod is settling in and waiting for bone growth.  Bone growth will be a sign of the ankle being fused.  The surgery I have can take anywhere from 4 to 5 months for the bones to be fused.  Once that happens I can begin light weight bearing walking.  Since my right foot was done I have to get clearance to drive a car.  Also, this double ankle fusion can take over a year before the pain with walking can subside.  As time goes on I also might have to buy special shoes to wear.  Most people with the same fusion surgery I have can't wear crocs or sandals.  Some have been able too, but they notice they have a little more discomfort wearing them.  So, this process is slow and can be awhile before I'm back up and "running".  I also will have physical therapy and I'm hoping to do it at a PT clinic a mile from my house or find one in Culpeper, VA.  I will not drive 70 miles each way for therapy that could be up to three visits a week.

After lunch today I decided I needed to stay in bed.  My left foot was so swollen that it actually hurt worse then my surgical one.  Ailbe senses it when I need to add more pillows to my bed.  I fell asleep and was out for over three hours when I got a knock on my door from my Nurse Practitioner with some Jobst Support Hose.  She had issues getting them on and she called the Podiatry Clinic.  The Doc came over and got them on, but rolled down so much that it was digging into my skin.  So, off with the stocking.  They decided to find something to help and the Doc saw how the swelling was making my foot and ankle look purple (that's from the RSD (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) from the fracture ankle which was treated, but what I've been plagued with is just the residual swelling after they cut the sympathetic nerve.  I haven't had it this bad in years.  I'm so tired of laying in bed to try to keep the swelling from getting worse.

After dinner I returned to the room to feed Ailbe.  I love it when the bowl makes a lot of noise moving around in his feeding area.  The biggest thing is how his tongue is licking his chops and so I know he's very satisfied with what he ate.  Ailbe doesn't have to go out till after six.  I try to get the last outing for a package pick up before it gets dark.

After a long evening of watching programs and doing some PC work I took Ailbe out at 10 PM before hitting the sack at 11 PM.

I didn't get any pics today and hopefully I'll have some for tomorrow.

See you tomorrow...........

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 11

TRICK OR TREAT

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

 I'm so glad that the food change is still working.  So, hopefully in a few more weeks of eating more and a good exercise routine I'll see some weight gain going on.  He's so happy to be here with me.  He's quiet as a "dog" mouse (aka door - lol) and its so surprising to me that he's stepping up to the plate to help me all the time.  He continues to do his job with no complaints.  He's only had his feet lightly touched by the wheelchair and scooter and he never and I mean never yelps.  Sir Ailbe just goes with the flow.

After my normal routine of program watching and taking a basin bath it was time to take Ailbe out.  Man it was a whole lot cooler then it was at 6 AM.  It was also drizzling out and I was afraid of my scooter being ruined.  So, I did one lap and after he was done with his business I headed back in.  Nothing to do except to finish a show before lunch.  Lunch wasn't to bad today.  The grilled chicken breast & wing section was very tasty.   Also, there was a SW salad which I really enjoyed.  After a "happy" lunch I went back and couldn't keep my eyes open at all.  So, Ailbe decided to sleep in his crate and was totally stretched out enjoying his new bed.  So, I got all comfy with my legs to get the swelling out (that left foot and ankle is driving me crazy).  The right one seems to have less because the soft cast is very loose at the moment and its also helping with the pain levels.  I can go 10 hrs between meds now.  I woke up around 4 PM for meds and I thought I better get Ailbe out before dinner.  So, out we went for a six lap walk/run and piddle stop.  I got back in time to get to the dinning room for another lousy dinner.  I wish I could have a really good home cooked meal.  Got back to my room and fed Ailbe.  Ailbe is getting back to the "I got to go" look and so out we went for another spin of two laps which resulted a package for the trash can.  I got back to the room and was waiting to go too BINGO again.

My nurse said it was a Halloween themed BINGO night.  So, I got my new Halloween blouse out and put it on.  It fits pretty good too and I love it.  BINGO was a lot of fun as usual.  Poor Ailbe got stepped on which he never yelped.  Someone fixed his blanket and he laid right down.  I won one BINGO and got a dollar pack from the winner on the left (some of the games will give a dollar package to the right of the winner).  They also had barbeque beef sandwiches.  It was so good and I'm glad I didn't eat much at dinner.  They gave out candy bags and roasted peanuts in their shells.  Also, they gave us a raffle ticket which was for the door prizes.  I won a door prize (the picture above is my loot I took back to my room) which I've seen to be lucky in the last two events.  After a great evening it was time to go back to my room.

I then watched a couple programs with difficulties and decided to go too bed after Ailbe's final outing at 10 PM.  I think I fell asleep a little after 11 PM after the pain meds kicked in.

Good night one and all ... See you tomorrow....

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 10

YAWN!!!

 5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Ailbe is finally getting a better schedule on his outside packages.  It seems so awesome to finally getting back to the after breakfast and dinner packages instead of the four to five that he was doing on the 4Life formula.  He's also eating really well and has a great appetite again.  So, he's eating two cups twice a day and it looks like it will help put the weight back on that he has lost.

Another lousy night of trying to sleep and so I went back for a morning nap till 9 AM.  I then did my sink bath and got dressed.  I'm only allowed two showers a week (Mon and Fri) and feel like I'm camping out in my room.  Thank goodness I know how to use a wash basin for I can wash my hair and body.

Then out at 10 AM for our morning walk/run.  Ailbe has so much fun running along side of the scooter.  I'm usually gone for about a half hour to forty-five  minutes.  It helps break up the day.  When I got back in it was time for PT (upper body strength).  When I was done I headed back to my room and then out to lunch.

It was time again to lay down due to the swelling for about an hour.  Then I was out for an run/walk on the track.  We did four laps each way before heading inside.  I then finished another program before heading off to the dining room.

Nothing to do after dinner tonight.  I took Ailbe out before it got dark and did three laps before going to my room.  Another boring evening and so I watched my programs (only 2) WHICH TOOK FOREVER --  Stupid internet was horrible tonight.  So, after it crashing again I watched the movie "Take the Lead" before nodding off for the night.

Good night and sweet dreams from Sir Ailbe Knight

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 9

 5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Great news with his food situation.  He's eating really well and we're doing up to three dog walk/runs around the track.  I'll do up to 6 to 8 laps and he's so happy being out there and soaking up the sun and cooler air.

Again, after watching a couple programs it was time to hit the sack at 7 AM to get the swelling down.  I had a rough night and I can't keep my eyes open at all.  Ailbe and I both fell asleep till 10 AM when we got woken up for the 10 AM med rounds.  Plus my pain was going thru the roof.  Then I got Ailbe ready for our 1st morning track break.

After we got back in from our little jaunt it was time for lunch.  I'm so sick and tired of chicken cooked in so many ways and served EVERY DAY!! .. Some times they'll skip, but then we get it for both lunch and dinner cooked in different ways.  Also, how would you like slice pork w/ gravy for lunch and then a pork chop for dinner.   Then fried fish for lunch and baked for dinner.  Going to the dinning room lets us pick another entree, but most of its gross.  Oh, don't let me tell you how their shrimp creole tastes like.  It will make you gag after the first bite.  Then they try to serve it several times during the week.  Its funny to see trays of food left w/ that shrimp creole left untouched.  You would think with the number of waste would make a change in the kitchen.

After lunch I watched a program and then Ailbe gave me the signal it was time to take a break.  So, we headed out to the track where we did six laps and success on why we were out there in the first place.  When I got back in I was brisked off to PT.  We did some simple upper body exercises before it was time to get back to my room.  After getting help from my scooter and latrine break I went back to lay down to get the swelling down in both lower limbs.  I woke up in agony and got some pain meds and laid down till dinner.

Following dinner I went back to my room to feed Ailbe.  He's eating more food at the moment, but also doing more exercise.  At 6:15 PM we headed out for another break (3laps) before heading back to the room to get ready for BINGO.  We only have it a few times a week and its load of fun.

BINGO turned out to be a lucky night for me.  I managed to win three games and $9 in Retail Store coupons.  I now have $30 in coupons and plan a shopping spree at the beginning of Dec for my final Christmas shopping.

After BINGO I went back to the room to watch another show before getting ready for bed.  Ailbe's last outside duty call is at 10 PM.  I was also ready for some pain meds which I wanted to make sure I got before the shift ended.  Then Ailbe's uniform came off and with a big hug and kiss I said goodnight to him.  I then shut his crate for the night.  After working on my PC for awhile I turned the lights off at Midnight.

See you all tomorrow...

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 8

South Entrance

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Sir Ailbe's old food is beginning to work because he didn't have a package drop when we went out early this morning.  It was quite cold this morning too, but he also took  his normal time to go potty.  When I got back to my room I gave him his food.  He gobbled up the two cups of food in his normal pace of eating.  I'm glad I started him out when he was young with the divider bowl because he still eats slow today.

My blood sugar was low again this morning and so I had to drink a glass of orange juice to help bring it up.  After a lousy breakfast of scrabbled eggs and a biscuit (breakfast is very skimpy) I put the tray to one side and finished my program from the night before.  Then I went back to lay down due to the swelling.  When I got up a couple hours later I quickly took my sink bath and got dressed.  Then it was time for our morning walk/run on the track.  The weather was crisp, but the sun was trying to warm me up.  Again, no package drop and we kept going on the track and after each lap we tried.  Again nothing from Sir Ailbe.  So, back to the room to get ready for lunch at noon.

After lunch I went back to watching one show and then laying down till 2 PM meds.  Got up and asked for transfer help (basically I can do it, but they have to move the wheelchair out of the way).  As I was waiting I grabbed the camera to take some pictures of Sir Ailbe waiting for the Aide to come help me.

Sir Ailbe, WAIT!!

Come on in....

After our quick break we went to Mass in the Chapel at 3 PM.  There's not to many that go to the Mass.  I even skip BINGO because going to Church is far more important...

After Mass I came back to my room I started a program to watch before dinner arrived a little before 5 PM.  I fed Ailbe before I ate.  Again, another crappy dinner.... What I would give to have some food that tasted good.  After dinner I took Ailbe for another spin around the track.

After finishing my program I decided to lay on my back w/ my feet elevated (just before 8).  Ailbe decided to lay down in his crate.  Again, at 10 PM it was time to take him out for his final rounds.  When I came back in and got him settled I watched TV for awhile and then asked for pain meds around 11:30.  I was told I could have them after report.  I waited and waited and waited for an hour and then buzzed.  Took them another 20 min before I finally got my pain meds almost 1 hr 45 minutes after I first asked.  I'm in total pain now and hopefully I can fall asleep.  Yea - relief and its now 1:30 AM.... GRRRRR

So, goodnight till tomorrow....

Sir Ailbe Knight"s Journey - Day 7

SWEET DREAMS

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

What a crappy night sleeping on my back.  I had to keep waking up due to bladder troubles.  After the 2nd time waking up I went back to my normal way of sleeping on my left side.  After that I slept great.

I finally had to have pain meds at 5 AM.  I then dossed off till woken at my standard time of getting up.   I've been having low blood sugar levels upon waking (normal for me) which they give me a container of orange juice.   Ailbe was so happy to get up for his morning outing.  The weather is getting a tad cold in the mornings.  I can't wait till I get my winter robe and jacket which will come when someone brings them on their visit.

This will be Ailbe's last day on his current dog formula.  He did so well on Natures Recipe for over 18 months before switching to the formula I had him on when he was a pup.  That formula didn't work either.  So, waiting for Kate to come later today with his bag of food.  She'll mix it for me with the old.

Another day of elevating my leg in bed.  I'm so glad I have a quiet guy who loves to sleep.  It was a challenge for him to figure out where to lay next to me in a tiny hospital bed.  Well, I went to sleep till the next med time which was around 10 AM. The Staff still can't get over how quiet he is and also how he ignores their presence when they come in.  Then we were off on our morning walk/run on the track.

Lunch is at Noon and was OK.  I don't think I'll have a problem on loosing weight in here.  They have me on a controlled Diabetic diet, but to me its loaded with to many starches.  When that happens I adjust and choose what I'll eat. After lunch Ailbe wanted to play fetch with his monkey.  Afterwards it was time for me to get some pain meds and then lay down to help with the swelling.  When I lay on my left side there is plenty of room for the two of us.  Oh, as for pain..... I'm taking them about every 8 to 9 hrs which is good.  I knew Kate and James were coming so I went out for another mile walk/run on the track.

Kate and James came around 3:30 and James was excited to play Parcheesi.  The Palliative Care Unit has a great family room that looks like a 1950's Diner.  The three us had a great time playing, but it was getting time for my dinner and Kate had to leave.  Kate mixed up Ailbe's food before leaving.  I wish I had my family closer and it does get lonely here.  After my hug and kisses from James I said goodbye and see you later.  That "later" can be two to three more weeks.  Man time is going to go by so slowly.

The weekends are long and boring with nothing to do.  I'm so glad Ailbe is here to do his job, but also to keep my spirits up.  Ailbe doesn't bark unless we're outside at night and someone approaches.  Its great that he stays alert and lets me know what's going on.

So, my Saturday night was "trying" to finish my watching my shows.  The internet in my room is rather slow and it takes a long time to watch one show because I have to keep reloading it over and over again.  We went out for a break at 7 PM  Ailbe usually ignores the Staff, but one of the nurses he'll wag his tail with excitement.  She'll talk to him and he just lays on the bed showing off on how much he enjoys someone else talk to him besides me.

Pain and regular meds at 10 PM.... Out for our final outside break for the day.  Then I got ready for bed.  I went to bed at 11 PM. I will try to lay on my back for a couple hours and then return to my normal way of laying for I can get a better night sleeping.

So, I'll see you all tomorrow....

Good night one and all....

Sir Ailbe Knight's Journey - Day 6

Sir Ailbe and Ladybug

5:45 AM - Wake up (Med time)
6:15 AM - Out for a walk/run for my morning break
6:45 AM - Breakfast for mom and me

Today was another lazy day of staying mostly in bed to help get the swelling down in my left foot and ankle.  It always gets that way since I broke it a very long time ago.  On Monday I'll get my "Ted" hose which will help reduce the swelling.   Tonight I'll have to sleep on my back with higher elevation.  So, I'm not looking forward to that position.

Pillow HOG!!!

Since my left leg continues to give me issues with swelling I had to spend a couple more hours in bed with it elevated.  Then I took Ailbe out for his afternoon walk/run (1 mile) which he LOVES to do. I got some great outside photos today.

Sir Ailbe and Ladybug

The weather is looking more like Fall.  I'm so glad I don't have to rake a yard this year.  After our half break we returned to the room where I could get ready for the dinning hall.  I've got to say the food is still crappy.  When I finally got back to the room I fed Ailbe and went on my PC to watch one of my programs.  Ailbe then did a normal break at 7 PM.  When we got back to the room it was time to play ball and throw his monkey.  I'm still missing a bag with my clorox wipes, his new alligator and food tray.  I'll have to wait till I get home to find them.

PT came in with my new wheelchair and chair pad.  Looks pretty cool with the speckled look.

My new set of wheels...

After finishing up my program at 10 PM I took out Ailbe out for his last spin.  When I was out his leash got stuck in the wheel, but someone was outside and helped me get out of the jam we were in.  I then went back in to get ready for bed.  I decided to hit the sack by 11 PM (normally I'm up till Midnight or 1 AM).

So, talk yo to tomorrow and I'll let you know how sleeping on my back went.  I hope I don't have to wake up during the night.  It's going to be fun trying to move all the pillows.