A quick one today with nothing on the schedule except sponge bath and personal yoga. Expect a therapy session but no evidence of one appearing as yet. If one appears, intend to walk and demonstrate desired capabilities while protecting ankle from further damage.

The Medication Specialist made her weekly visit to confirm reduction in morning pain dose- voluntary- was continuing. I confirmed it, and was aware I could request additional if necessary. We discussed left ankle wound and increased discomfort but agreed no further change to daily mediation was warranted at this time.

The Room-M in Bed 138 B interrupted the conversation, demanding attention. He apparently considers any activity in the suite to ultimately be a matter for his attention. He demands explanation for anything outside his curtain are, dawn to dawn. His constant requests for attention hampers other sessions to minor or major degrees depending on competing levels of urgency.

Paula stopped in for a physical evaluation of concern reported on Weds examination. Pyloric cyst area was misreported as “4-level” infection. We were in mid-sponge bath, so she was able to get a close exam that confirmed the cyst area was not of immediate concern and poses no problem to discharge.

Other Wounds: The extensive surgical incisions on the right leg are almost exclusively healed, The deep penetration wound ion the right groin is also closing well and is expected to be covered by new flesh next week. The left ankle wound is of concern and has worsened, possibly by mild abrasion from stationary bike. Better occupational therapy to avoid irritation may be useful while continuing walking and leg strength exercises.

The resident of Bed 138 A here at Woodbine may have died in the night. A stretcher appeared in early morning and Police remained for a few moments in relaxed non-tactical conference. No return stretcher through mid-afternoon. Bed B continued to insist on attention throughout.

That continued through 15:05 with a Physical Therapy session carefully modified based on yesterday’s reporting of the damage to the left ankle. Extended leg lifts, in place seated marching and knee compressions on pillow were followed by my demonstration of the gentle yoga full body extension mantra.

The Therapist seemed satisfied but was uncertain if occupational therapy would follow before dinner. She recommended another session of seated yoga in the evening which I added to my schedule.

Then, daily labor complete, Bronco arrived with a packet of Girl Scout Thin Mints and a zip-lock bag of his bride’s candied hazelnuts along with an account of the Viking River cruise that will sweep them across Mittleurope from the north in charming Amsterdam with a conclusion in Budapest. I love the sprawling Dutch town have always wanted some exotic dark night looking across the river between Buda and Pesht.

In the background to our animated discussion of floating intercontinental touring was the account of the Bell helicopter that tragically ended a Spanish family’s attempt to see New York as it disintegrated shortly after take-off, entering the Hudson upside down killing the family of six.

So, what a fun afternoon, except for Bed 138 B who wanted to talk across two televisions and crisscrossing aides.

Bronco asked me how I was doing after he unloaded some actual clothing from my Bed 138 C locker, which had been cloaked in wheelchair, two walkers and an armchair. Getting out of bed here was a hazard on the least challenging days.

The most astonishing thing was my honest answer: “Bronco, I feel fine. The ankle hurts, but if they would pull the Foley device, I’d board the Viking boat and get a cabin near Starboard 233 Upper and prepare for a decent vintage in the bottle and a decent view from the rail.

If there is more, we will catch it manana!

V/R
JR