New Experiences Part 2

This week instead of attending a roller derby, I learned how to stack wood. We had to dispose of the firewood that came with the house because it was completely infested with poison ivy, so once that was removed we got a new cord delivered. Once we figured out where we wanted to store it to avoid the poison ivy contamination, we (OK, Pat did the loading into the wheelbarrow, the schlepping to under the deck, and the dumping) spent a few hours stacking it and making sure it doesn’t all come tumbling down. Now we just need some cool fall weather to put the wood stove to the test. I’m looking forward to the scent of wood burning and some cozy cuddling next to the stove.

We got a wonderful surprise over the past few days when the trees at the back end of our property began to turn color. We have an absolutely beautiful view out our back windows (and the front is pretty good too.) No need to go to New Hampshire to see the foliage – all I have to do is look out back. And I finally replaced my camera so I’m able to actually show you what it looks like. Like this and this….Yup, we love living here.

We got lots of work done on the house over the past few weeks. My parents were here for a week and they worked every waking minute. Guest bedroom 2 is no longer pepto bismol pink and the fish room no longer resembles the ocean floor. That room was a major project. All the trim, baseboards and doors were painted blue so that had to be primed and painted. The fish had to be sanded down and special primer had to be put up to cover all the murals. The room is now ready for the topcoat once we decide what color that will be. The windows are sparkling (at least on the inside), my floors are swifted and cleaned, the curtains are ironed and there is no laundry left. It was a busy week for all us – and Pat and I were very grateful to Reg and Ed for all their labor. I think we owe them a vacation where they don’t have to do anything but sit back and relax!!

I have not yet started the IV feeding. There is some question as to whether or not it will help me or if it will exacerbate the diarrhea. Things bottomed out (no pun intended) last week and I ended up going in to the hospital to be rehydrated. Fortunately Pat and I know the signs and symptoms of dehydration and called Dr. Nauta immediately. He immediately got me set up and 4 hours and 4 liters of saline later, I walked out feeling much better. And I learned something. My tiny bladder holds 300mm of fluid, which is how much flows through my IV in 15 minutes. Let’s just say I wore a path in the hall between my room and the bathroom.

Since the tincture of opium and kaopectate are having very little effect on me any more, we need a new plan. Dr. Nauta located a doctor in Boston who specializes in nutrition in patients after intestinal surgery. His specialty is actually gastric bypass surgery, but he also works with short bowel syndrome which is what I have. Both types of patients have a lot of issues with nutrition. Pat and I are meeting with him next week and hope that he will be have some suggestions. I’m really frustrated – this is the worst it’s ever been (except for the salmonella bout of 2003). I’m not comfortable leaving the house, or if I do I won’t eat while I’m out or for a few hours before I leave. I spend too much time looking for bathrooms, I carry my own roll of toilet paper and I know more about diaper rash treatment than most mothers. It’s taking its toll on me – physically and mentally. I know it will get better, I just hope that its sooner rather than later.