Saturday, December 11
Harry continued to show improvement on his second full day of recovery from prostate surgery. The number of his outings down the hallways of the Urology/GI ward increased as did the distances covered and he went on his own without a nurse clutching the back of his gown. He mentioned to the nursing staff that he was feeling itchy and slightly bloated. A sponge bath, baby powder, cool cloths, medication, and walks seemed to relieve those symptoms.
The doctor predicted that Harry would probably be leaving the hospital on Sunday. It seems to depend on a variety of factors like the amount of excess abdominal fluid that is being collected with the Jackson Pratt drain, the return of Harry's normal bodily functions, and the reduction of pain once the epidural is out. As you can see in the pictures, he is still wired and plugged in to various bags. The epidural will be removed on Sunday. The nurse thinks his exit from the hospital will be Monday. We'll see who is right tomorrow.
This is the day that solid food is on the menu. Harry turned down what would have been his first solid meal, the chicken cordon bleu special. He requested toast for dinner.
Harry still experienced waves of tiredness, especially after the walks. That was exacerbated by the fact that his roommate, a very elderly gentleman, ranted off and on for hours from 4 PM, through our evening visit, until nearly midnight on Friday. Harry had a good set of headphones and his iPod but we purchased wax ear plugs for him just in case there was a repeat performance tonight. We hope he is able to get the good rest that he needs.
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