December 5, 2014. Ridgeland, MS. Another Procedure.

If it was not on my own body, these procedures would be more interesting. They are still fascinating but they are also irritating. Yesterday, the Pulmonary Specialist installed a permanent catheter, so Ken and I, all by ourselves, will be able to withdraw fluid from my chest. Although not easy to install, my life will be easier. Sonograms are extensively used. Every time I am in the hospital, they do another one. And a good thing too because the good doctor knows where things are inside my chest. So first they decide where to install the tube. Next they numb me up. All I feel is a prick and pressure. What they do is install a four inch tube wrapped around just outside the tube, with two inches of the tube tucked under a slit of skin. The skin grows over the tube to keep it from allowing bacteria into my chest. With a guise bandage over the rolled up tube and a plastic over the whole deal, I will be able to shower and function as it is tucked under my arm and left breast. I have the stitches out next Friday. The whole thing is very high tech. Yesterday, the good doctor showed us to operate the bottles and withdrew 1 liter of fluid. We should be able to do it. He prescribed pain killers and cough syrup with codeine. When I took both, I promptly fell asleep, but had the best sleep in months. So far, no pain killer today, at least until bed time. It was a long day yesterday but productive.