In Pursuit of Quiet

It became clear, today, how profoundly exhausted Tashie is: a traumatic fall, 6 hours in excruciating pain with no relief; a 2+ hour surgery. She barely has the energy to respond to simple questions from the nice nurses; even smiling seems an effort. The incentive spirometer, which she understands is really really important, presents a physical challenge that seems to nearly overwhelm her. With lots of coaching and coaxing, she gives it one blast up to 1200 or 1500, and then she is spent, too exhausted to try once more.

At midday, the physiotherapist plus an RN plus a CNA got her up and sitting (in a slanted fashion) on the edge of the bed. She teetered unsteadily, and winced with the pain. She felt dizzy, and after fewer than 5 minutes, lay back on the bed.

She was disappointed that she hadn't been able to stay up and sit for a while in a chair as planned, but also too tired to try again.

It makes us realize how much serious work she has ahead of her, and how her success will depend upon her efforts and determination and her body's cooperation. But to mobilize those forces, she needs rest rest rest and more rest. Tonight Philip is with her, and when I inquired as to her status, he texted: "Enjoying a hard-earned slumber. And some quiet." A hospital is a challenging place to get that quiet!