Hospital recovery, day 5 - evening update

12/23/08 11:21 am EST - I think that Mom is finding herself in a strange place in her hospital recovery. On the one hand, she's got cabin fever. She's tired of being confined to a tiny hospital bed in a tiny hospital room, tired of all the work that comes with being in the hospital all the time (constant interruptions, x-rays, blood tests, etc).

At the same time, she's a little anxious at the thought of heading for home, where there's no fancy electronic hospital bed, and a rather limited staff of "nurses."

We're not sure if today will be homecoming day for Mom or not. We're playing it by ear. Her lethargy was a lot more pronounced this morning, so she's receiving another unit of blood this morning at the hospital. Please pray that this would help give her more energy.

We continue to ask for no unannounced visitors to the hospital. This morning Mom requested (in her fantastically diplomatic way, naturally) that Tim and I not come to the hospital.

This is certainly a good thing. Two fewer bodies in her little hospital room will mean a more restful environment. Mom is recognizing that having two more guests hovering and camping out in her little hospital room isn't necessarily contributing to her healing. It's great that she is discerning what is and isn't helpful to her right now and asking for it. This seems just as important as any other part of her healing. We are happy to give her that space.

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7:49 pm EST - It's been a day of mixed results. I did not see Mom today. She really needs privacy and lots of quiet. I did just get some details from Dad about her day, though.

Here are some prayer requests based on what Dad mentioned:
(1) It appears that the blood transfusions Mom has received in the past 48 hours have helped some. However, she still does not have much energy at all. (Personally, I'm sure this is tied to the sleep deficit!) Please pray that her strength will increase.
(2) We do believe that Mom will be coming home soon — either tomorrow afternoon or Christmas morning. Again, please join us in praying for wisdom for her doctors about when to release her.

Praise:
(1) Mom is eating well and is even experiencing an increase in appetite — that's a great sign.
(2) Her digestive and elimination systems seem to be coming back to life.
(3) She took a shower today for the first time since surgery. I know she must be feeling better after that.
(4) After a day or two of feeling pretty down-hearted, Mom started to just feel a little more like herself today.

Sarah Tate did a great job as Mom's night nurse last night. Debbie Bryant is holding the fort down tonight. I plan to stay with her tomorrow, either at the hospital or at home.