I wish I could get a clear view of this tile mosaic in the lobby of the hospital where Dave is a patient. It seems to depict Hampstead Heath, which is nearby, or maybe just English countryside in general. (I don't think I've ever seen sailboats on the Heath.) But in any event, a clear view has never been possible in the ten years we've been coming to this hospital, because this charity desk is in the way -- along with myriad signs, occasional bits of furniture and other stuff.
Dave seems to be recovering well from his surgeries. I couldn't get away from work to visit him yesterday until about 4:30 p.m., but that turned out OK -- he had the day to do all he needs to do, including getting up and moving around per doctor's orders, and I got in a full workday. (And it was very full!) Maybe that will be our pattern. He's still a bit spacey from the drugs, so he doesn't seem too bored.
In fact, he's been immersed in the dramas of the people in the surrounding beds. The guy across from him is very ill -- a young guy, 30ish, with cancer. Yesterday someone visited him to talk about end-of-life issues. Sobering. And there was some story about the guy in the bed next to Dave, but he couldn't tell it to me because the patient's family was visiting at the same time I was -- and you can hear everything in those wards. There is no privacy.
Some of you may remember we have a planned trip to Whitstable beginning on the 20th. Our hope is that Dave will be able to go and recover there. This may be overly optimistic but he seems to think he can do it as long as I manage the bags and the dog. (We'll pack light.) Whitstable isn't far by train and if need be we can always get back to London fairly easily, so I think we're going ahead. Of course this assumes he continues to heal without complication. Time will tell.
And here's Olga, basking in the purplish glow of the Christmas lights. I can't imagine what's going through her head, if anything. Does she think about the fact that a member of the pack is missing?
Last night I sat on the couch and listened to my iTunes through that Bose speaker I had repaired several months ago. I never get to play my music at home, because Dave is not a fan of pop/rock and I don't want to inflict it on him. It was good to make use of that speaker and reconnect with some old favorites. (The Beach Boys' "Pet Sounds" really is one of the best albums ever -- "Sloop John B" is its weak point, in my opinion.)
Usually we watch TV in the evenings but in Dave's absence I haven't turned it on much. As an adult I've never been a very dedicated TV watcher -- in fact I didn't even own one when I lived in New York. It's our evening routine now because it's one of the things we do together, but by myself I'm usually happy to read, and I find myself reverting to that habit.
When I had my last hernia surgery, a kind of girdle like wrap around my abdomen really helped with discomfort.
ReplyDeleteThe novelty of being home alone and doing what you want when you want does wear off.
Olga looks rather content.
Great to hear that Dave is recovering now. Did The Russians bang on the ceiling, yelling in Russian accents: "Get the decadent Californian Beach Boys off!" and "Play some Rimsky-Korsakov!"
ReplyDeleteSloop John B is one of my favourites!
ReplyDeleteThe 20th is ten days away, I think Dave shoud be fine to travel by then. Just don't let him carry more than a newspaper and maybe his toothbrush.
I’m sure Olga is aware that a member of the pack is missing. She’ll smother Dave with love when he gets home. I hope Dave’s recovery continues to go smoothly and he’s back to himself soon. Sending hugs your way.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure Olga is missing Dave. Just look at those eyes! Sweet girl.
ReplyDeleteI rarely turn on the tv when I'm home alone. In fact, Gregg and I don't watch a whole lot of tv together, either. And I abhor having a tv on when it's just background noise and no one is watching. I like a quiet environment!
I hope Dave continues well. I don't have a TV, so I read or make things when I think a lot of people watch. And play music I like, often early music.
ReplyDeleteGood news that Dave is up and around, even slowly; that's a good sign.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you can make your trip for holiday and recovery time.
And I'm sure Olga realzies it's just a party of two these past couple of days!
I surely hope that recovery continues apace and that you can indeed enjoy your trip to Whitstable. I love your trips there and would selfishly miss it this year.
ReplyDeleteOlga must indeed know that Dave is missing. I mean- Maurice gets freaked out when Glen's gone. At least Olga doesn't go out and hunt meat for you when he's not there.
I guess one of the things about national health is wards. I've only ever been in private rooms even during prep and recovery though those bays were open ended, maybe a curtain. when my 9 month old son had to have emergency surgery, we were in a semi-private room with one other patient. but I'm glad to hear this repair is holding for Dave. I'm sure Olga misses Dave but it's not like he hasn't been gone before on those trips with the school.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad we always get private rooms at my hospital. I would hate to share with anyone while recovering. Glad that Dave is up and walking around. That sounds like progress. Hope he gets to come home soon and your trip will happen as planned.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear that Dave is on the mend and listening to the health woes of the people around him. I would think that Dave should be ready to travel by the 20th. Olga looks sweet curled up on the sofa.
ReplyDeleteThough Whitstable is close it might be wise to stay home, have the russians over for Christmas eve... surgery is a bitch. However, if you are able and willing to take care of everything it might be a sweet little trip. Whitstable is cute. So sorry that Dave has to be in a ward rather than a room of his own. Here, of course, hospital stays are rare- mostly out patient surgeries and one has to either hire a nurse or the spouse must become proficient at nurse duties in a hurry!
ReplyDeleteYour evening are just the ticket! Pet Sounds and reading with a snoozie Olga bathed in purple. IDEAL!
I would suggest you speak to Dave's doctor about traveling on the 20th. If it's "iffy" ... I would stay home and get a refund! Why take the chance of the new mesh not holding?
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting, isn't it? The realization that who you are really morphs when you choose to mesh your life with the life of others. We do it willingly. We do it out of love. But...we are changed.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty surprised that you've still got plans for your trip, but I hope that it all works out for you.
Our family dog was definitely tied to my father. If one of the three of us walked in a different direction, our dog would stay with whoever remained with my father. If my father walked away and our dog was forced to stay with us, he would whine and look over his shoulder the entire time my father was away. I'm guessing Olga pitched her tent in your camp long ago.
ReplyDeleteCancer patients are getting younger and younger I find. That poor young man, it's heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteThere is definitely no privacy in a hospital, everybody is up in everybody's business:)
When I'm alone, I don't watch much TV either, although sometimes it's on for company. Take care Steve.
I didn't own a TV in NYC either, until I got married. Now I love streaming series. Your house seems peaceful in that photo of Olga. There is comfort I imagine in knowing Dave is getting the care he needs.
ReplyDeleteGood to hear Dave is on the mend. Train travel might be a bit tiring/demanding after the surgery. I'd consider hiring a limo or taxi, maybe even renting a car to go on holiday. Recovering from surgery on holiday sounds really great. Taking it easy will be important too.
ReplyDeleteLately I enjoy documentaries: National Trust Gardens and the Tudors were quite interesting.
When my son lived in Chicago and came home for a holiday celebration, Ceasar (Bernese Mountain Dog) was elated. I believe Olga truly misses Dave.
Oh She Knows - She Definitely Knows
ReplyDeleteTurn It Up ,
Cheers
When Jim fractured his acetabulum, he was in a two person room. At one point, his room mate had a friend visiting who was a drug dealer, and was planning on dealing out of their room. I had to find the nurse, explain the situation and request his removal since Jim was totally helpless. They did take him out, and put him in another room with a patient who had family with him 24 hours a day. Sharing a room is just awful.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like Dave is making progress and starting to get around. Hospitals are very interesting (but stressful) places. That's probably why there have been so many TV dramas set in them. I too prefer to read but right now am in a reading slump, so I'm finding series to watch. Coincidentally, two of them are in hospitals: St Denis Medical and Brilliant Minds. Hope the trip will work out!
ReplyDeleteI feel sure Olga misses Dave. She appears to be keeping a close eye on you there. There's still plenty of time before your trip, so I have confidence Dave will be well enough to make the journey.
ReplyDeleteI have been catching up on your last four posts. I am sorry that Dave had to have another surgery. I read from oldest to newest posts, and was encouraged to read, at first, that things had gone well. Hopefully you will be able to have your planned getaway. By the way you describe his hospital room, it sounds as if he doesn't have a private room. Is that a common thing to be in a room with just curtains separating patients? That account of the 30 year old with cancer sure helps one put a perspective on things.
ReplyDeleteAnd I like the Sloop John B! I also like the Beach Boys. Good to hear that Dave is on the mend. I hope you are able to take your trip.
ReplyDeleteOh damn! I've been negligent in reading blogs for days and just got caught up with Dave's drama in hospital. It's such a lousy experience to have to go through, both for him AND you. I hope he will heal now and soon be back in the kitchen where he belongs!
ReplyDeleteGlad to read he's doing okay. Olga is missing him.
ReplyDeleteGlad it sounds like Dave is doing well. I'm like you when alone - I never turn the TV on unless there's a baseball or hockey game on.
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