Jim was released from BI around 6 tonight, having passed the tests performed on him. Primarily, they were looking more closely for pneumonia, and the second CT scan revealed little new information. The problem seems to be that his lower lungs aren't being supported by his rib cage anymore, so it is difficult to get a clear image of anything going on there. They have put him on antibiotics. His breathing is labored when he becomes active (active, like when he scratches his ear, not like shoveling snow). I think supplemental oxygen may not be far away.
I once had pneumonia, and I clearly remember the variety of odd sounds emanating from my chest. Crackles, a noise that resembled carbonation; creaking like a door hinge, and funny, baby sounds like a Stephen King movie. Now they are emanating from Jim. And what I thought was within turns out to be audible. At times he is a veritable percussion section, and the rest his apnea breathing is unnerving.
They will address his vision next with an ophthalmological surgeon, in part to determine if the myeloma is pressing on his optic nerve. Not sure what that would mean in practical terms, but Jim's ability to read exceeds his need for several other senses, and I can't imagine... just can't go there.
Our steam heating system has a communication of its own. One radiator hisses, while another taps back in Morse-code. A tall pipe bangs rhythmically, starting like striding footfalls, then abruptly doubling its measure without explanation. Then we hear something like a child sighing .....or is that Jim's breathing?
The #@**& squirrels are still with us. Their scampering become the melody line that joins the afore-mentioned symphony. As they frolic absurdly to and fro, I picture a Tom and Jerry cartoon. I just pray one of them doesn't get clothes-lined by an ancient electrical wire, plunging us all into darkness. I know I need an exterminator, but what with the snow outside where a ladder would go, and the bedlam that is in my attic, I firmly pull the pillow over my head, and hope for the best. (Interpret that as you wish.)
At least we can retire the damn jingle bells for another year.
4 comments:
rama-lama-ding-dong...
don't call your mother a ding-dong! :)
OK, I know EVERYONE has passed along their squirrel fighting tips, but one more can't hurt.... If you can reach an arm into their domain (and hopefully across their path) take a Costco size jar of cayenne pepper and sprinkle with abandon. They'll get it on their little grubby feet, up their noses and will be driven crazy trying to get rid of it - kind of like you trying to get rid of them - sweet revenge!! Anyway the philosophy of the exercise is they will find friendlier accommodation elsewhere.
Wishing you a rodent free '09, Lv Susan
I have also learned that spraying men's after shave is another thing they don't care for. So all of you who have a dusty old bottle of Old Spice or Aqua Velva kicking around your shelf, now you know how to recycle it. Watch, I'll end up with squirrels MORE attracted to one another, and there will be teeny tiny feet scampering around. Maybe the cayenne IS a better solution.
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