I feel a lot better now that I've stopped taking the Lortab. I talked to the doctor yesterday about my inability to sit up without dizziness, and he guessed that the vomiting of the past few days had led to weakness and dehydration. He told me to drink Gatorade and eat more. I started that plan yesterday, since I can finally keep food down. Last night I was able to eat a piece of chicken, some cooked carrots, pasta salad, and a slice of pound cake. I felt great.
I'm moving around much better now, and the hip really does not hurt. The whole right side of my butt is sore, and feels like I've fallen off a horse and bruised myself badly. That's no big deal. Most disturbing at the moment is the fact that I still have not been able to take a shower. In the old days, you used to get a sponge bath when you were a hospital inpatient. Not anymore! I was left in my smelly, Betadine-stained gown. I did ask for a fresh gown, but when the nurse brought one, she put it across the room where I couldn't reach it. I foolishly thought she would help me change, since I was restricted from walking, reaching across my body, twisting, or bending over. But no. So in a fit of desperation, I used my reacher to grab the clean gown, then broke my restrictions by reaching back and untying the smelly gown. I dressed myself, miraculously. But I don't understand why nurses are no longer required or encouraged to help patients with basic hygiene. I felt like I was imposing on the nurses each morning and night when I asked to be able to brush my teeth. They seemed to have no set up for this--it was as if I was the first person who'd ever asked. I was brought a Styrofoam cup of water and a towel to use as a bib.
It turns out I have picked a good time to be bedridden, TV-wise. I watch Wimbledon every summer, but I don't usually get the chance to see the early rounds, as I have this year from my sickbed. And last night I enjoyed another wonderful tradition, the Miss Virginia Pageant. I mean, who doesn't want to get a good look at Miss Chesterfield, or Miss Portsmouth Seawall?
I was up and around a bit more today, but still woozy and still having to spend a good deal of time in bed. We've received fantastic meals and treats from friends and family this week, and another chair donation, too. People have been wonderful to us. The kids are definitely freaked out by my condition, which was kind of a surprise to me. I get sad looking out the window watching them play. I'm already tired of this recovery.
