Friday, 12 July 2013

Moving Forward

Little, by little.

The surgeon is pleased with himself (when are they not) and believes the operation was a complete success.  Good - but they said that this time last year too.

Today they closed the incision.  Yay.  The smaller portion had taken photos which were forwarded yesterday to his nephews who described it as 'an epic wound' 'fully sick' and 'totally awesome'.  Wuss that I am, I didn't enjoy looking at it.

He is still limited to sips of clear fluids, with food unlikely to be introduced before early next week.  The proof of the pudding will be in the digesting, so please join with me in crossing appendages in the hopes that when he is promoted to food again it moves through (and out of) his body as it should.

Wine o'clock continues to be one of the highlights of the day.

at

92 comments:

  1. DJan12 July 2013 at 12:01

    Oh, oh, oh! I am sitting here after having consumed my wine for the evening. Can I have one of those sinks? :-)

    I am sitting here with ALL appendages crossed in hopes that it turns out well when food is introduced. You are on of my favorite people I only know from the ether known as the Internet. Also sending you cyber hugs. :-)

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:23

      DJan: Cyber hugs gratefully received. And of course you can have one of those sinks. We all need one of those sinks...

      Delete
  2. molly12 July 2013 at 12:05

    Fingers, toes, legs --- all crossed here for you and the skinny portion!

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:23

      Molly: Thank you - but don't cross too much and fall over.

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  3. dinahmow12 July 2013 at 12:18

    Please send contact details for that plumber. Urgent!
    The SP's progress sounds good. Have a few digits crossed for other things, but will do my best for him.

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:24

      dinahmow: I hope the things you have crossed your digits for come to pass. And yes, I too would love to know that plumber.

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  4. Adam12 July 2013 at 12:46

    if your sink looks like that you're either in wine heaven or a horror movie.

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:24

      Adam: If my sink did look like that there would be no question - wine heaven.

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  5. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe12 July 2013 at 13:08

    Don't think ahead, just be thankful for the good news you got today. It certainly sounds hopeful.

    I love the story about the picture of the incision and the nephews. Little boys love gross things.

    Yes, wine o'clock....... I'll have one with you.

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:25

      Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: The nephews are no longer little boys, but retain their love of the gross.
      And wine o'clock can (and should) be shared.

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  6. Alexia12 July 2013 at 13:16

    Everything crossed here - for both of you.

    It's only 3.10 here right now, but at wine o'clock, i shall raise my glass to you, EC. Warmest wishes to you.

    P.S. I see in your sidebar that you recently read The Behaviour of Moths - I absolutely loved that book! I hope you enjoyed it :)

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:26

      Alexia: Thank you very much. The Behaviour of Moths was fascinating. Not always a comfortable read - but fascinating.

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  7. Merlesworld12 July 2013 at 13:20

    Hope it all goes well, will cross everything that can be crossed.
    Merle......

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  8. Andrea @ From The Sol12 July 2013 at 13:29

    Honestly, I am sure it will work ... SP has been through so much, he deserves a good outcome. I am crossing anything that can be crossed and then some ...

    And, yes, I will take one of those sinks ... only I don't drink so maybe with alcohol free wine flowing ... it still works, right?

    So quickly tell me about "The Behavior Of Moths" ... sounds like something I might want to read. Hope you are doing okay ... I know all of this is hard on you as well. Rest, eat right and drink from the faucet ... my nursing advice for you. Be well EC ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:38

      Andrea: I really, really hope it will work. When we went in this afternoon we discovered that he is nauseaus and has given up drinking. Hiss and spit. He has obtained some anti-nausea medication - which he needs to take.

      I see no reason why the sink couldn't offer something for everyone. Wine, hot chocolate, champagne, chai...

      The Behaviour of Moths is a very interesting novel. A novel which encompasses some of the complexities and ugliness of families.

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  9. Unknown12 July 2013 at 13:53

    snicker snicker at the "surgeon is pleased with himself" comment!! ha ha!!! The wine coming out of the sink reminds me of a parody book about Martha Stewart - she turns water into wine, when the pope can't!! Haha!! Fingers crossed, hugs to you,

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:46

      Nicky HW: Thank you for sending me the sink. It made me laugh when you sent it, and it still does.

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  10. Karen12 July 2013 at 14:08

    I have included crossing my eyes, and that is not a pretty look! Hoping for a full recovery for SP!
    After 5pm, it's always wine o'clock at my house!

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  11. Arija12 July 2013 at 14:18

    Such good news! He'll be up and about in no time.
    Who's your plumber????

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:48

      Arija: I hope so. I really hope so. We have had a setback this afternoon, but if he shows a modicum of sense we will get through this too.

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  12. My Inner Chick12 July 2013 at 14:30

    --Sending you love and prayers from Minnesota.

    Wish I could have a glass of wine face to face w/ you.

    Xxxxxx LOVE.

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:48

      My Inner Chick: I would LOVE to have a drink with you.

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  13. Susan Flett Swiderski12 July 2013 at 14:34

    So good to hear from you. Okay, all appendages are duly crossed. Um, where might one acquire one of those sinks? I, ah, like the shiny faucet. Yeah, that's it. The faucet.

    Good luck. I'll be thinking of you.

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:49

      Susan: It seems that quite a lot of us would like that shiny merlot giving faucet...

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  14. jenny_o12 July 2013 at 16:38

    That is very good news; I hope things continue to go well.

    Love the picture of the faucet!!

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:50

      jenny_o: The sink is a gem isn't it? As I said to Arija, we have gone backwards a bit, but will triumph.

      Delete
  15. Unknown12 July 2013 at 16:47

    Everything crossed that all is well this time! You guys have been through so much already!

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    1. Elephant's Child12 July 2013 at 19:50

      Teresa: Thank you. We are too stubborn to quit.

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  16. Mia McPherson12 July 2013 at 21:02

    EC, hoping the smaller portions recovery goes well and that he is able to digest solid food.

    Love that faucet!

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:48

      Mia McPherson: Thank you so much. I think a lot of us would like the wine tap in our home...

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  17. Lynn12 July 2013 at 21:15

    Love your wine o'clock photo and will lift a glass in your honor tonight. :)

    Appendages all crossed for proper digestion! I'm so hoping it all goes well this time. Hugs!

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:48

      Lynn: I might have to tell the smaller portion how many people are raising a glass to him. Which is heart-warming and lovely. Thank you.

      Delete
  18. Mimsie12 July 2013 at 22:01

    Thanks so much for taking the time to bring us an update and so far all does sound good. Have everything crossed that it's possible to cross and sending lot of good vibes your way. As you say 'the proof of the pudding.......'. Hope you are looking after yourself too. : )

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:49

      Mimsie: One step forward, two steps back. I am still hopeful though.

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  19. Unknown12 July 2013 at 22:18

    Sounds like things are moving on the right track...
    As long as they stay that way!
    Here wishing for the best results!!

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  20. Anonymous12 July 2013 at 22:49

    I've crossed everything I have that's crossable...and at my age that's not too much lol. Here's hoping they've done the job right this time.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:55

      mybabyjohn/Delores: I really, really hope this time it is right. And so will they if they have made another error.

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  21. All Consuming12 July 2013 at 22:51

    This is good, very good, but I appreciate you'll be tentative to celebrate just yet. I couldn't look at my own wounds, but would happily show people who came to visit, even those who didn't ask me for a look. Wine o clock yourself dear and for a brief time float on another plane. I'll join you there and make it beer o clock too. Big hugs for you, I so wish I lived near you xxx

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:56

      All Consuming: How right you are. Tentative celebrations only.
      And yes, I will happily share alcohol hour with you.

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  22. Joanne Noragon12 July 2013 at 23:20

    Thinking of the two of you. I must say, about your faucet, I'm a glass is half full sort of person, and your glass is even better than that. Cheers and a hug.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:57

      Joanne Noragon: When Nicky sent me the wine sink I was filled with envy. It is great isn't it?

      Delete
  23. Unknown13 July 2013 at 01:38

    Glad to hear things are going well, but I think you've started a run on wine sinks.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:57

      Kathleen Cassen Mickelson: Every home should have one.

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  24. Carol Kilgore13 July 2013 at 06:29

    Positive thoughts and prayers still going your way. Wine O'Clock is a lifesaver!

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  25. Lee13 July 2013 at 07:05

    To read this positive post is pleasing, EC. Onwards, upwards and forwards, I say.

    Here's to Wine O'Clock; may the hands of the clock always be on the right time; and your hands always on a filled glass! ;)

    Best wishes.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 12:59

      Lee: We are not out of the woods just yet, but early signs are (mostly) good. And wine o'clock is very flexible.

      Delete
  26. Cindi13 July 2013 at 09:44

    I think I would like one of those sinks... are they just available down under? I'm so glad that things are looking positive. You've been in my thoughts & prayers as always.

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  27. Riot Kitty13 July 2013 at 10:55

    Appendages crossed! Seriously, I hope things are smooth from this point. But yeah, when has a surgeon said, "Well, I fucked that one up, it could have gone better." ?

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 13:00

      Riot Kitty: I would have a lot of respect for any surgeon who didn't think they were more infallible than the Pope. Haven't met one though...

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  28. Anonymous13 July 2013 at 11:27

    Now that's my kinda sink!

    All additions, attachments, adjuncts, addendum's, appurtenances and accessories all duly crossed for a positive, happy, outcome.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 13:01

      Wendy aka Quillfeather: I think a lot of us would like that sink... Thank you.

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  29. Jennifer Richardson13 July 2013 at 12:21

    grateful for the good report
    and wrapping some prayer around you all
    for peace and patience and healing happening,
    a quick mend.
    wishing you warm sun on your face
    kind of rest,
    Jennifer

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  30. Debora13 July 2013 at 13:38

    Happy for the good news! Looks like your house plumbing works, now you just need your hubby's plumbing to work...

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 19:19

      Debora: I would even give up the house plumbing if the smaller portion's digestive processes could be restored. A big sacrifice.

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  31. Mimsie13 July 2013 at 15:04

    EC...Phil says he wants to know where you got your sink fixed??? : )

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  32. Christine13 July 2013 at 16:41

    Hopefully all is going well, still. Love the faucet... you deserve the wine.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 19:20

      Christine: One step forward, and one back at the moment - but fingers are still tightly crossed. And the wine helps.

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  33. unikorna13 July 2013 at 17:26

    Such great news :)...things are looking up :). One million hugs, my dearest.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 19:21

      unikorna: Thank you so much. We are still not celebrating, but are cautiously optimistic.

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  34. River13 July 2013 at 19:42

    Love that sink! every home should have one. But I'd like mine to dispense hot chocolate.
    I really, really hope the smaller portion is well this time with food processing all going as it should.

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    1. Elephant's Child13 July 2013 at 19:45

      River: I would like one which could dispense hot chocolate, chai or plonk at my wish.
      The smaller portion is nauseous and finding it difficult to even face water. Which he needs to do. He makes things very hard for himself (and me) some days.

      Delete
    2. River14 July 2013 at 18:16

      There is anti nausea medication that can be administered via a drip, perhaps that would help?
      I had it when I went in very dehydrated from gastro and even tiny sips of water made me queasy. They added the meds to my saline drip.

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    3. Elephant's Child14 July 2013 at 18:33

      River: He is managing the anti-nausea tablets today. Yay. And they are talking about introducing food tomorrow. Fingers crossed.

      Delete
  35. Linda Starr13 July 2013 at 20:16

    Good news, I'll drink to that, would like my sink to dispense dry white wine, ha. once solid food and fiber is introduced you might do a search on soluble and insoluble fiber (vegetables and fruits) oh and canned sweet potatoes are easily digested, with my celiac disease I mostly stick with soluble fiber which aids in digestion and no meats only fish well occasionally some ground meat but no more than once every two weeks. if there are any typos it's because my fingers are crossed.

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    1. Elephant's Child14 July 2013 at 05:24

      Linda Starr: It seems that an enterprising plumber could do very well indeed with this adaption. Very well. We will most certainly investigate what foods will help him. Which could be a bit challenging because he seems to believe that vegetables are the garnish to make meat look better.

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  36. Strayer14 July 2013 at 02:10

    Wineaclock, a time celebrated widely across all cultures!

    "The surgeon is pleased with himself (when are they not)." That cracked me up EC! You tell the truth and it makes me laugh. Here's to digestion!

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    1. Elephant's Child14 July 2013 at 05:25

      Strayer: Thank you - here's to digestion is a very good toast.

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  37. Sherri14 July 2013 at 09:26

    my thoughts remain with you guys...

    and i love wine o'clock... :)

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  38. persiflage14 July 2013 at 16:13

    Sounds good so far, and we all hope it continues to go well. Enjoy the wine.

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    1. Elephant's Child14 July 2013 at 17:32

      persiflage: Thank you. The wine is good. And it is bubbles tonight.

      Delete
  39. Andrew MacLaren-Scott15 July 2013 at 05:17

    " 'an epic wound' 'fully sick' and 'totally awesome' " .... Much respect.

    And I want one of those sinks with good quality cider on tap

    And I send you both good wishes and hopes

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    1. Elephant's Child15 July 2013 at 08:26

      Andrew Maclaren-Scott: His poor much abused tummy is strongly reminiscent of Frankenstein's monster - which his nephews envy. I really don't understand young men.

      Being greedy, I would like one of the sinks with a beverage of choice button or lever...

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  40. Carol15 July 2013 at 11:23

    Hard to type with crossed fingers but possible... Keep drinking that wine, EC, and all good thoughts going to you and the SP.

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    1. Elephant's Child15 July 2013 at 18:45

      Carol: Thank you. The wine helps - more than I am comfortable with.

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  41. Anonymous15 July 2013 at 18:20

    Another step toward 'normal', whatever that is! All appendages crossed and re-crossed that things go smoothly from here. Like you, i am NOT one to enjoy looking at wounds, or photos of wounds. have been known to pass right out at the sight of anything gory... (no career in medicine for this gal).

    Hope to post some pics of our adventures in Turkey soon - right now, enjoying a down day, and catching up on blog reading! Take care!

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    1. Elephant's Child15 July 2013 at 18:46

      daisyfae: Thank you. I did look at the wound because it was obvious he wanted me to, but not with any pleasure.
      I am very much looking forward to photos and stories of your Turkey trip.

      Delete
  42. John Wiswell17 July 2013 at 17:11

    You shouldn't have to look at such things, especially if you're forced to go through them. May rest and healing fall upon your house, and may the wine continue to serve as you deserve it to.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:36

      John Wiswell: Thank you. Rest and healing are very welcome.

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  43. Ms. CrankyPants18 July 2013 at 02:32

    Hoping that by now, as I'm late to respond - blaming massive fatigue this time - that things are improved??
    p.s. Love that sink.

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    1. Elephant's Child18 July 2013 at 06:37

      Ms. CrankyPants: Massive fatigue sucks doesn't it? And don't we all love that sink.

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  44. Anonymous21 July 2013 at 08:57

    Bless your heart <3
    Without any excuses- wine o'clock is my favorite time too ~:)

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2013 at 12:33

      Pam =): It is a good time of day. Sometimes too good.

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  45. Anonymous21 July 2013 at 10:02

    I like the sink fixed picture :)

    Can't believe they called it an epic wound!!! Sort of funny, don't you reckon?

    My gosh, I'd didn't know you'd been going through such stuff. Glad it's coming together though. (at Sunday)

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    1. Elephant's Child21 July 2013 at 12:35

      wordsfallfrommyeyes: Boys do tend to enjoy the gross. The smaller portion's tummy is strongly reminiscent of Frankenstein's Monster after five or six surgeries - and his nephews are envious!!!!

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