La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés.
My doctor “prescribed” two walks outside every day for me “to visit the birds” that can be seen and heard outside my window. San Geraldo and I went walking together before lunch. As you can see, it’s a beautiful day here in Benalmádena.
Tests are still being done. Blood pressure is still high. Lots of questions. Lots of attention. So much kindness from you all. Thank you! I promise if I have anything to report, I will let you know.
And now the latest from San Geraldo. My doctor recommended that San Geraldo buy a package of small catheter bags that are designed to strap on the calf to be worn under clothes — since she knows how uncomfortable I am with anyone seeing the bag. San Geraldo bought a box of the small bags this morning. Before I tell you the rest, I’ll just say that after SG bought the bags, we decided against. It means scheduling and involving staff to switch out the bags four times a day so I can walk for a half hour. It’s inconvenient for everyone. So I got over my damn self (mostly) and hid the bag in a grocery bag with the hose hidden among the folds of my oversized robe.
Anyway, when San Geraldo returned from the nearby pharmacy with the package, he immediately unpacked to inspect all the parts (not many). He held up the bag with the tube attached and was clearly perplexed. I could see him visually measuring the tube. He looked very confused. “It won’t reach,” he said. It obviously would. And then he looked from the PICC line in my arm to my lower leg. I asked, “Where do you think the pee comes from, sweetheart?” He had already figured it out on his own. It was a good long laugh. In SG’s defense, PICC stands for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. He had the general idea.
Mi doctora me “recetó” dos paseos al aire libre todos los días para “visitar a los pájaros” que se pueden ver y oír fuera de mi ventana. San Geraldo y yo salimos a caminar juntos antes del almuerzo. Como podéis ver, ha e un día precioso aquí en Benalmádena.
Todavía se están haciendo pruebas. La presión arterial sigue siendo alta. Muchas preguntas. Mucha atención. Mucha amabilidad de parte de todos ustedes. ¡Gracias! Prometo que si tengo algo que informar, te lo haré saber.
Y ahora lo último de San Geraldo. Mi médico recomendó que San Geraldo comprara un paquete de pequeñas bolsas para catéteres diseñadas para sujetarse a la pantorrilla y usarse debajo de la ropa, ya que sabe lo incómodo que me siento si alguien ve la bolsa. San Geraldo compró una caja de bolsitas esta mañana. Antes de contarles el resto, solo diré que después de que SG compró las bolsas, decidimos no hacerlo. Significa programar e involucrar al personal para que cambie las bolsas cuatro veces al día para poder caminar media hora. Es un inconveniente para todos. Así que me superé (en su mayor parte) y escondí la bolsa en una bolsa de supermercado con la manguera escondida entre los pliegues de mi bata de gran tamaño.
De todos modos, cuando San Geraldo regresó de la farmacia cercana con el paquete, inmediatamente lo desempacó para inspeccionar todas las piezas (no muchas). Levantó la bolsa con el tubo y estaba claramente perplejo. Pude verlo midiendo visualmente el tubo. Parecía muy confundido. “No llegará”, dijo. Obviamente lo haría. Y luego miró desde la línea PICC en mi brazo hasta la parte inferior de mi pierna. Le pregunté: “¿De dónde crees que viene el pis, cariño?” Ya lo había descubierto por sí solo. Fue una buena risa larga. En defensa de SG, PICC significa catéter central de inserción periférica. Tenía la idea general.
Oh, poor SG! I can just imagine him visually measuring the distance from arm to leg, before the penny finally dropped… Jx
Jon,
It was so entertaining and impossible to not burst out laughing. You could see the wheels turning.
I bet the sun felt great! Bound to do you some good – along with the laughing. Hugs.
Wilma,
The day was glorious. Another like it today. The laughter is a requirement.
In the particular story, I would be SG and Carlos would be you.
Glad you got to get up and out for a while!
Bob,
Every time we have one of these exchanges I think of the two of you. But I didn’t think to reverse the roles in this case.
Is there any chance of a Texas cath? My late husband used one after the inserted kind caused infection. It was the external kind the patient or non medical caregiver can manage. Just a thought.
Funny about SG pretty much assuming everything plugs into your arm! Tricky.
That was me, boud, with unsolicited advice up there.
Boud,
Hadn’t heard of this until our friend Judy wrote about it. She called it a condom catheter. It wouldn’t serve the requirements in my case.
Good to hear your getting good care (just make sure you ask any new docs who they are looking for before they put hands on you…). Hope the BP gets under control soon. Glad SG is doing his best to take care of you.❤️ Sending my love from chilly Scotland 🏴. Off to even chillier Denmark 🇩🇰 tmrw. Take care. Xx
Mary,
I’m going to be a lot more insistent of an introduction before I answer a single question. For all I know she could have been CIA. Sorry it’s chilly where you are, but what amazing places to chill I would love it. Hope the travels are going well today.
So glad to see you walking outside even if in your robe on hospital grounds. Pretty soon you will be home, will learn how to handle this thing the swelling will just be a bad memory
Claudia,
And it was such a glorious day to be outside. More of that today. Thanks!
Hugs, Scoot. My lips are getting chapped from all the forehead kisses, but here’s another one.
Deedles,
Sorry about the lips. But I sure do appreciate it!
You two are having WAY too much fun!!
Keep it up.
Jim,
The funny stories are so much better than the serious stuff.
Enjoy visiting the birds!
Debra,
They were all looking for food. Just like the cats!
what sort of birds?
Urspo,
Not a clue.
I’ve known those who needed PICC lines for lengthy doses of antibiotics, but didn’t know what the letters stood for. Now I know!
Getting outside (whether sunny or not) is good medicine! Glad you were given the Rx.
Kelly,
Stick with me. Im a dont of information, some of it even true. It was uplifting to get outside.
Ah yes! There are more than one type of catheters! Not just the pee-pee kind. It can be confusing.
I gotta tell you- you are a good-looking man. Your smile is as bright as the sun!
Ms. Moon
MsMoon,
I had just had a conversation with a nurse about PICC lines. They don’t have that short name in Spanish although he knew what it was. I am the beautiful reflection of my love’s affection. Oy Oy!but thanks you?
You look good, and healthy, out there in the sunshine!
Judy C,
I’d love to move my bed outside. Wish I had a private terrace.
You do look good out in the sunshine. It occurred to me there must be glamour bags out there; so looking online, I see there are some that can pass for regular accessories, no need to hide. You and SG might want to check the craft site Etsy where I see some especially nice-looking ones.
Shirley,
Oh please do not make me wear this long enough to worry about glamour!
It’s good to see your smiling face out in sunny Spain again! Kudos to SG for perseverance, LOL! Sending big bunny hugs to you both!
Tundra Bunny,
Oh thanks for those wonderful hugs! I’m enjoying the sunshine through my window wall. Can’t wait to get outside.
You look wonderful in the sun, your natural environment. Virtual hugs, until we see you in person soon.
David,
Thanks. I love the sun!
I can only imagine San Gerldo and his perplexed look… and I started laughing.
Mistress Borge
It was a burst-out-laughing moment.
Aaaaaah the life of a PICC guy!
Ron,
Ooh ooh. PICC me! PICC me!
Mitchell, I hope everything goes as good as you look in that picture.
Kirk,
Thanks so much. Headed in the right direction.
Hi Mitchell,
Missed the last week of posts as we are on vacation. Woke up at 3am and wondered how you were faring. Reading over the posts, I see you are improving daily. I am so glad that you are starting to feel better. I am sending you big hugs. Although I only started reading your blog about a year or so ago, I have seen what a kind and humorous person you are. I am glad you are here in this world spreading and sharing your bit of sunshine. Your lovely self shows through even during your dark days. You are part of the goodness in this world.😘❤️
Rachael,
Thanks so much for your kind words. I hope your vacation was perfect. I’m truly doing well and should be back to myself within a few days at most.
What a delight to see you smiling and outside in the sunshine.
I am just as glad to see all the love in the comments for you. Hugs.
Urspo,
It feels so good. I’m grateful for everyone’s attention, kindness, and humor.
I have been thinking of you and wondering how you are doing. That photo of you in the sun looks great!
Michael,
Doing great. Not home yet, but that will come. Everything continues in the right direction and I’m grateful for the team of people watching over me. Thanks!
I am glad to read this. You are in my thoughts and I am hoping that you’ll be home soon!