Dear friends and family,
My sweet Bernice is now into her second day in ICU and, as we and any optimistic person hopes, has made notable strides of improvement. Her surgeon visited in the early part of the day between two procedures and again in the late afternoon. He showed me the just-before CT scan and the one taken in the early afternoon. In the first I clearly saw the mass of blood debris that had collected on the brain surface at the forward-left and had pushed her brain off-center and was evidently compressing it. I was relieved to see in the second CT scan an absence of that blood clot and that the resilient brain had already moved into the void that was created by the evacuation. There was now symmetry and her brain had reclaimed its rightful shape. I was really overcome with joy at the rapid response her body is making. I could see the drain positioned at her brain surface, ready to remove any residual fluid remaining. The doctor pointed out that no such residue was visible and her drain would be removed. About an hour after that, in the afternoon, this was done and this permitted her to have her bed inclined upwards which was markedly more comfortable than having to lie flat on her back. The doctor pointed out that the brain and the spinal cord both are floating in a watery spinal fluid and this generally provides a fine shock-absorber mechanism for modest shocks. In Bernice's case the shock was so great that the brain was severely bounced and suffered an internal wound.
As if all her present troubles are not enough, we learned of another insult of that fell swoop of a fall. The external wound where the back of her head crashed on our tile floor and which took seven stitches to close, has not healed properly and there is a concavity there which must be treated by a plastic surgeon. Relatively speaking, this is a less serious problem but it means a reentry to the OR. If I believed in such things I would wonder who it is putting her though a Job trial.
Bernice and my activities, excluding the doctors, started at about 9:15 this morning. I had already showered, had my cereal, and was about to check my email when my cell phone rang. It was Rosa Bernice's nurse conveying Bernice's wish that she missed me and I should hurry to her. I hustled out, picked up a NY Times and was at he bedside at about 10:00. She was happy to see me and told me her night had not gone well. There was a steady improvement during the day especially after the drain removal. She had a yoghurt at about 5:00 and that was the first food since entering the ICU. I entertained her and myself by reading much of the time when she was not dozing. I read from the Times and the current New Yorker. I was pleased with her quick correction to my infrequent mispronunciations and quickly giving me the meanings of words beyond my ken. . This is a sharp lady. At 7:45 tonight I left and just finished a satisfying slice of pizza. We are right in the middle of an Oliver Sacks article on face recognition. Fascinating.
Hurricane Earl is approaching the east coast of the US. This is a little relaxing diversion for me so, if you are uninterested in hurricanes, skip this paragraph. This powerful hurricane is now north of Cuba and its most probable path at this point is brush past the east coast and reach the NY area between Friday and Saturday. Presently it has top winds of 135 mph and is moving at about 14 mph. If its center stays out at sea and it makes no landfall then coastal communities will have the advantage of weaker winds then the peak winds. This is because the hurricane, hundreds of miles in width, is circling counter-clockwise in a majestic swirl. Its left side (towards the west) having its winds blowing to the south will have the force of those winds diminished by the northward movement of the entire system. This means winds on the ground of 135-14=121 mph instead of the full impact. By the same token, if Earl takes a slight turn to the west and his center makes landfall then the right (east) side will experience winds at the ground of 135+21=156 mph. Big time winds. We shall see in the next few days.
My iPod and SoundDock are blessing me with Dvorak as I close my nightly communique.
Having an operational printer now in the apartment, I am able to print and read emails to Bernice but probably will be unable to reply to any.
love and thanks for all the good wishes (they seem to work),
Merwin
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
In Neurosurgery ICU
Hi Everyone,
Bernice was first in the OR this morning and when I arrived at about 10:00 this morning she was not yet in her bed #8 but arrived soon after, still woozy from the anesthesia. She gave me a wan smile while I took in her partially shaved head and the tubes and gadgets now part of her outerwear. She was glad to see me but I had to prompt her for a weak smile. Dr. Moyle, her surgeon, soon showed up and told us he was very pleased with the result. All the blood debris had been removed and any subsequent bleed is very unlikely but would be dealt with if it occurred. She will get more CT scans to monitor the situation. The displaced portion of the brain is now expected to fill the newly created void. Bernice has a hair shave at her left brow line extending to above her left ear. She will probably remain in ICU for at least two days and is only constrained to lying flat on her back. She has a drain that will remain in place for the duration of her ICU stay.
She is uncomfortable and has had a few bouts of nausea but has only taken water so far. She is not a happy camper and told me she now wonders if this was worth doing. I stayed until about 2:15 and headed back to the apartment for a much needed rest and put my head down at 3:00. (I have become a clock watcher during this siege). My cell phone awoke me a little after 4:00. It was Bernice's nurse saying that my dear wife wanted me there. After my now overly familiar subway ride on the #6 I came up to her bed and was confronted by a rather testy Bernice. Where had I been? She wanted me there. She would have not left me alone.
She improved during the afternoon and evening. I read a good amount of the NY Times to her and we even discussed some of of the content and writing. I am hoping for a better tomorrow.
love, Merwin
Bernice was first in the OR this morning and when I arrived at about 10:00 this morning she was not yet in her bed #8 but arrived soon after, still woozy from the anesthesia. She gave me a wan smile while I took in her partially shaved head and the tubes and gadgets now part of her outerwear. She was glad to see me but I had to prompt her for a weak smile. Dr. Moyle, her surgeon, soon showed up and told us he was very pleased with the result. All the blood debris had been removed and any subsequent bleed is very unlikely but would be dealt with if it occurred. She will get more CT scans to monitor the situation. The displaced portion of the brain is now expected to fill the newly created void. Bernice has a hair shave at her left brow line extending to above her left ear. She will probably remain in ICU for at least two days and is only constrained to lying flat on her back. She has a drain that will remain in place for the duration of her ICU stay.
She is uncomfortable and has had a few bouts of nausea but has only taken water so far. She is not a happy camper and told me she now wonders if this was worth doing. I stayed until about 2:15 and headed back to the apartment for a much needed rest and put my head down at 3:00. (I have become a clock watcher during this siege). My cell phone awoke me a little after 4:00. It was Bernice's nurse saying that my dear wife wanted me there. After my now overly familiar subway ride on the #6 I came up to her bed and was confronted by a rather testy Bernice. Where had I been? She wanted me there. She would have not left me alone.
She improved during the afternoon and evening. I read a good amount of the NY Times to her and we even discussed some of of the content and writing. I am hoping for a better tomorrow.
love, Merwin
Sunday, August 29, 2010
A daytime blog
Hello All,
I returned to Glen Head last night after spending a long day with darling Bernice. I have a number of things which must get done here but I plan to return today so I can get into the hospital, perhaps early enough for her second procedure. Bernice believes she is feeling no back pain but there may be some masking because they have have continued her daily dose of a single morphine tablet she takes orally. We suppose that the doctors do not want to chance her having any pain prior to the Monday procedure. So, to all appearances, the back operation is a success and we have hopes of a similar result for #2. She is a little shaky on her feet. Harvey thinks it may be due to her brain trauma but we will see how things are after Monday.
Harvey and Sandy arrived for an all day visit yesterday having trained down from New Haven on the Metro North like veteran commuters. The three of us took a break during the afternoon, while Bernice had a rest, and we strolled across 5th Avenue into Central Park to enjoy the glorious day. Temperatures in the mid-70s, low humidity, and abundant sunshine brought out the joggers, bikers, dog walkers, and casual strollers like us. We settled on a grassy knoll and looked back to see the hospital buildings and tried to pick out Bernice's window from which she enjoys the reverse view. Harvey's iPhone (amazing instrument) showed us an aerial view of our location with extreme details including the path we took in the park, the baseball fields we could see, and, of course, the sprawling hospital complex. The hospital portion housing Bernice's room is a handsome 11-storey structure designed by I. M. Pei with soaring atriums that provide almost universal window views for patients. From street level outside I was not really aware of the much higher and larger adjoining Medical School and Laboratory building.
Our very dear friend Vaughan and her daughter Amy, who we knew as a pre-schooler, delighted Bernice with their visit. They are in the city for a short time to "install" Amy's son Peter in NYU for his freshman year. Late in the afternoon our son Lincoln came. In addition to his job as a computer engineer Lincoln has many diverse interests including being an EMT (emergency medical technician/ambulance person) and he is in the city for a two-day continuing course in new medical protocols and whatever required by NY State for all EMT people. After we left Bernice, the four of us strolled down Madison where Harvey and Sandy treated us to a lovely dinner. I then headed home on the LIRR which is still recovering from the disaster of last week. Son Dave picked me up in Port Washington and intends to drive me into the city later in the day when he will also visit his mom.
Have a good day everyone,
love, Merwin
I returned to Glen Head last night after spending a long day with darling Bernice. I have a number of things which must get done here but I plan to return today so I can get into the hospital, perhaps early enough for her second procedure. Bernice believes she is feeling no back pain but there may be some masking because they have have continued her daily dose of a single morphine tablet she takes orally. We suppose that the doctors do not want to chance her having any pain prior to the Monday procedure. So, to all appearances, the back operation is a success and we have hopes of a similar result for #2. She is a little shaky on her feet. Harvey thinks it may be due to her brain trauma but we will see how things are after Monday.
Harvey and Sandy arrived for an all day visit yesterday having trained down from New Haven on the Metro North like veteran commuters. The three of us took a break during the afternoon, while Bernice had a rest, and we strolled across 5th Avenue into Central Park to enjoy the glorious day. Temperatures in the mid-70s, low humidity, and abundant sunshine brought out the joggers, bikers, dog walkers, and casual strollers like us. We settled on a grassy knoll and looked back to see the hospital buildings and tried to pick out Bernice's window from which she enjoys the reverse view. Harvey's iPhone (amazing instrument) showed us an aerial view of our location with extreme details including the path we took in the park, the baseball fields we could see, and, of course, the sprawling hospital complex. The hospital portion housing Bernice's room is a handsome 11-storey structure designed by I. M. Pei with soaring atriums that provide almost universal window views for patients. From street level outside I was not really aware of the much higher and larger adjoining Medical School and Laboratory building.
Our very dear friend Vaughan and her daughter Amy, who we knew as a pre-schooler, delighted Bernice with their visit. They are in the city for a short time to "install" Amy's son Peter in NYU for his freshman year. Late in the afternoon our son Lincoln came. In addition to his job as a computer engineer Lincoln has many diverse interests including being an EMT (emergency medical technician/ambulance person) and he is in the city for a two-day continuing course in new medical protocols and whatever required by NY State for all EMT people. After we left Bernice, the four of us strolled down Madison where Harvey and Sandy treated us to a lovely dinner. I then headed home on the LIRR which is still recovering from the disaster of last week. Son Dave picked me up in Port Washington and intends to drive me into the city later in the day when he will also visit his mom.
Have a good day everyone,
love, Merwin
Friday, August 27, 2010
Success #1
Hello all,
Good news at the hospital today. There is every indication that the back operation is a complete success. My engineer's caution keeps me from being overwhelmingly exuberant but within such personal limits I am relieved and very happy with the results. The start of the procedure was delayed for about 90 minutes and did not begin until about 11:30 this morning. Last night the anesthesiologist came is to tell Bernice what she would be doing and to answer any questions. When this tall and unusually striking woman first appeared in the room, Bernice immediately exclaimed "What a vision of beauty!" My darling Bernice has never hesitated in letting people know, quite directly, what she sees and feels. The young doctor, blushing slightly, thanked her and continued with business but with an added smile. The procedure took less than an hour and the only external evidence was the bandage patch on Bernice's back. Bernice was in fine spirits, a little thirsty, but was feeling none of the back pain which had given her misery for weeks. We hope that this lasts. In recovery Bernice was being cared for by a dark-eyed Philippine woman and when I arrived at her bedside Bernice told this nurse that she has been lucky to be cared for by such beautiful women. "You have made my day!" the nurse replied with a beaming smile.
The surgeon and one of his residents stopped by and told us he was very pleased with how the procedure went. He put Bernice through some simple tests of raising arms and legs — checking everything out I suppose. He was not certain, but Bernice is now scheduled first for the more serious skull operation on Monday morning. She will be in ICU for one or two days during which time her movements will be limited and a drain will be in place. One reason for performing the back operation first is the hope that with back pain eliminated this will be less of an ordeal.
Harvey, Sandy, and Lincoln are coming to visit tomorrow. I plan to return to Glen Head on Saturday night and take care of many things there. I will return on Monday in time to again greet dear Bernice in the recovery room. I have made an effort to keep her lovely room but that may be unlikely. A number are coming to visit on Sunday including granddaughters Michelle and Rachael.
Those are the major elements of today's news from Mt Sinai folks. I do appreciate all your emails and regret not being able to answer everyone.
love to all,
Merwin
Good news at the hospital today. There is every indication that the back operation is a complete success. My engineer's caution keeps me from being overwhelmingly exuberant but within such personal limits I am relieved and very happy with the results. The start of the procedure was delayed for about 90 minutes and did not begin until about 11:30 this morning. Last night the anesthesiologist came is to tell Bernice what she would be doing and to answer any questions. When this tall and unusually striking woman first appeared in the room, Bernice immediately exclaimed "What a vision of beauty!" My darling Bernice has never hesitated in letting people know, quite directly, what she sees and feels. The young doctor, blushing slightly, thanked her and continued with business but with an added smile. The procedure took less than an hour and the only external evidence was the bandage patch on Bernice's back. Bernice was in fine spirits, a little thirsty, but was feeling none of the back pain which had given her misery for weeks. We hope that this lasts. In recovery Bernice was being cared for by a dark-eyed Philippine woman and when I arrived at her bedside Bernice told this nurse that she has been lucky to be cared for by such beautiful women. "You have made my day!" the nurse replied with a beaming smile.
The surgeon and one of his residents stopped by and told us he was very pleased with how the procedure went. He put Bernice through some simple tests of raising arms and legs — checking everything out I suppose. He was not certain, but Bernice is now scheduled first for the more serious skull operation on Monday morning. She will be in ICU for one or two days during which time her movements will be limited and a drain will be in place. One reason for performing the back operation first is the hope that with back pain eliminated this will be less of an ordeal.
Harvey, Sandy, and Lincoln are coming to visit tomorrow. I plan to return to Glen Head on Saturday night and take care of many things there. I will return on Monday in time to again greet dear Bernice in the recovery room. I have made an effort to keep her lovely room but that may be unlikely. A number are coming to visit on Sunday including granddaughters Michelle and Rachael.
Those are the major elements of today's news from Mt Sinai folks. I do appreciate all your emails and regret not being able to answer everyone.
love to all,
Merwin
Thursday, August 26, 2010
An abbreviated blog
Dear All,
Your blog editor is tired tonight so i will not linger long. Bernice's back surgery is scheduled for about 10:00 in the morning. Tonight they put in an IV line for they are going to give her a platelet transfusion since her platelet count is low and her blood condition produces imperfect ones. Hopefully, after an operation of 60 to 90 minutes, her back pain will be relieved. As I believe I explained before, they will fill that damaged vertebra with an epoxy-like material to stabilize it and prevent nerve endings from that area sending pain messages.
Did I already mention what Bernice said a few days ago when she was told that the vertebra was crushed to about 40% of its former size? She said, "Five foot one, here I come!" Lately, Bernice has barely made a height of 5 foot three. In her prime she proudly stood a statuesque five foot four.
More news tomorrow. Thanks for all the supporting emails and healing love sent her way.
Merwin
Your blog editor is tired tonight so i will not linger long. Bernice's back surgery is scheduled for about 10:00 in the morning. Tonight they put in an IV line for they are going to give her a platelet transfusion since her platelet count is low and her blood condition produces imperfect ones. Hopefully, after an operation of 60 to 90 minutes, her back pain will be relieved. As I believe I explained before, they will fill that damaged vertebra with an epoxy-like material to stabilize it and prevent nerve endings from that area sending pain messages.
Did I already mention what Bernice said a few days ago when she was told that the vertebra was crushed to about 40% of its former size? She said, "Five foot one, here I come!" Lately, Bernice has barely made a height of 5 foot three. In her prime she proudly stood a statuesque five foot four.
More news tomorrow. Thanks for all the supporting emails and healing love sent her way.
Merwin
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Decisions
Hello good folks,
With the careful care of the hematologists Bernice's blood values have stabilized to an extent that the neurosurgeons can now step in and perform their miracles to repair the damage done in her fall. We spent a good hour with a neurosurgeon this morning while he explained in in great detail what, after looking at her CT scans and MRI images, his team has concluded and what they believe is the best course of action. Dr Moyle (no puns please) an MD-PhD out of California, soft spoken, very bright, has won our whole-hearted confidence. Briefly, there are two problems: her back and her skull. The compressed vertebra (about half its vertical height) has continued to be a source of continued pain and its slight movements bring it too close to the spinal chord. Under local anesthesia a probe will put an epoxy-like material into this vertebra to stabilize it and, hopefully, eliminate the pain. I asked son harvey how this would work. he asked me if I had ever had a hang nail and noticed that the least brush against it could induce a stab of pain. He continued saying to imagine an epoxy hardening around the hang nail so it would no longer be sensitive. This surgery (tentative, of course) is scheduled for Friday.
The remains of the internal blood remains and this has slowly pushed her brain to one side and there may be some small leakage still present. The clot is on the brain surface and there is no evidence of brain damage. Surgery on Monday will involve making two small holes and removing all traces of this old blood. For two days Bernice must keep her head stationary and we have yet to see how this is accomplished. This is the main reason for having the back surgery first — there should be less or diminished back point at this point.
I must say that we are pleased to have such good doctors working on the case and we are optimistic of outcomes. Bernice, perhaps due to improved blood values, was better today than since admission. She is reading a great deal and is using the walker more and more: to the bathroom and we went for a long circuit around the oncology floor. She is spirited and is eating much better. She requested a dark chocolate bar. With some effort, I contacted the beauty people and someone is coming tomorrow to give a manicure, a pedicure, wash her hair, and perform whatever customary procedures women feel they need to maintain their allure. Bernice says she must prepare for her surgery.
Other less important things are going on but I am too tired at this point for lighter literary pursuits. Having done all the dishes l am now getting a wash done because I have a limited supply here in the city.
more tomorrow,
love to all, Merwin
With the careful care of the hematologists Bernice's blood values have stabilized to an extent that the neurosurgeons can now step in and perform their miracles to repair the damage done in her fall. We spent a good hour with a neurosurgeon this morning while he explained in in great detail what, after looking at her CT scans and MRI images, his team has concluded and what they believe is the best course of action. Dr Moyle (no puns please) an MD-PhD out of California, soft spoken, very bright, has won our whole-hearted confidence. Briefly, there are two problems: her back and her skull. The compressed vertebra (about half its vertical height) has continued to be a source of continued pain and its slight movements bring it too close to the spinal chord. Under local anesthesia a probe will put an epoxy-like material into this vertebra to stabilize it and, hopefully, eliminate the pain. I asked son harvey how this would work. he asked me if I had ever had a hang nail and noticed that the least brush against it could induce a stab of pain. He continued saying to imagine an epoxy hardening around the hang nail so it would no longer be sensitive. This surgery (tentative, of course) is scheduled for Friday.
The remains of the internal blood remains and this has slowly pushed her brain to one side and there may be some small leakage still present. The clot is on the brain surface and there is no evidence of brain damage. Surgery on Monday will involve making two small holes and removing all traces of this old blood. For two days Bernice must keep her head stationary and we have yet to see how this is accomplished. This is the main reason for having the back surgery first — there should be less or diminished back point at this point.
I must say that we are pleased to have such good doctors working on the case and we are optimistic of outcomes. Bernice, perhaps due to improved blood values, was better today than since admission. She is reading a great deal and is using the walker more and more: to the bathroom and we went for a long circuit around the oncology floor. She is spirited and is eating much better. She requested a dark chocolate bar. With some effort, I contacted the beauty people and someone is coming tomorrow to give a manicure, a pedicure, wash her hair, and perform whatever customary procedures women feel they need to maintain their allure. Bernice says she must prepare for her surgery.
Other less important things are going on but I am too tired at this point for lighter literary pursuits. Having done all the dishes l am now getting a wash done because I have a limited supply here in the city.
more tomorrow,
love to all, Merwin
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
In Wait Mode
Hello All,
Nothing of great significance happened that was visible to us today. Last week I made two trips to the hospital interspersed with a little nap at the apartment between but have given that up as actually being more tiring. For the past two days I take off after a leisurely breakfast, with a NY Times (have now stopped delivery in Glen Head), having had a satisfying breakfast, and head for darling Bernice a little after 10:00. Harvey was there at my arrival having commuted in from New Haven. Bernice reported that her night was reasonable by hospital standards with only a few interruptions. She is eating more and sits in a comfortable chair reading and enjoying her view. Her blood values continue to improve and stabilize. The attending doctor and fellow came around and reported that the neurosurgeons are discussing the case and are somewhat hampered because they have not received the CT can images from Glen Cove.
I got on the phone with our son Dave and discussed this problem. He went to Glen Cove hospital and visited the medical records department and really got things going. Faxes went back and forth with Bernice having signed release forms. Dave arranged for a FEDEX package containing the scan CDs to arrive at the right department at Mt Sinai early on Wednesday morning. We will see what the morrow brings. The CT scans are from July 23, the fateful day of the fall, and the two succeeding days.
It is an early night for me. I am going to read and listen to some Brahms.
I bid everyone a peaceful night and a bright morning,
love, Merwin
Nothing of great significance happened that was visible to us today. Last week I made two trips to the hospital interspersed with a little nap at the apartment between but have given that up as actually being more tiring. For the past two days I take off after a leisurely breakfast, with a NY Times (have now stopped delivery in Glen Head), having had a satisfying breakfast, and head for darling Bernice a little after 10:00. Harvey was there at my arrival having commuted in from New Haven. Bernice reported that her night was reasonable by hospital standards with only a few interruptions. She is eating more and sits in a comfortable chair reading and enjoying her view. Her blood values continue to improve and stabilize. The attending doctor and fellow came around and reported that the neurosurgeons are discussing the case and are somewhat hampered because they have not received the CT can images from Glen Cove.
I got on the phone with our son Dave and discussed this problem. He went to Glen Cove hospital and visited the medical records department and really got things going. Faxes went back and forth with Bernice having signed release forms. Dave arranged for a FEDEX package containing the scan CDs to arrive at the right department at Mt Sinai early on Wednesday morning. We will see what the morrow brings. The CT scans are from July 23, the fateful day of the fall, and the two succeeding days.
It is an early night for me. I am going to read and listen to some Brahms.
I bid everyone a peaceful night and a bright morning,
love, Merwin
Monday, August 23, 2010
Good News, Bad News, Disruption
Hi Everybody,
Mixed results today. On the good side, Bernice is in a new room today — something pushed by our caring and sensitive Dr M. Her room is at a window with a view of the greenery of Central Park, her room mate is very quiet and had no visitors during my time there, and her nurse Kathleen is the very image of a bright, smiling Irish presence. When Dr M came to visit he was very pleased with the result. Bernice declined having any TV but discovered that she could have music and when I entered the room I was pleased to hear Beethoven's violin concerto in D thanks to WQXR. The small speaker is part of a hand-held gadget also controlling her lights. The sound is privately dispensed bothering no one else. At my entry Bernice was sitting in a comfortable bedside chair enjoying her music and view. Her appetite has somewhat returned and she is interested in reading. Luckily, I brought plenty of reading material.
Dr M and his hematology team have earned an A grade for her WBC is now down to 86 and her other blood values have stabilized at reasonable values for her underlying condition. But other problems remain related to that terrible fall. Different medical groups returned from the weekend and evidently scrutinized her new CT scan and MRI. We had some discussions but things are not settled and I will await some certainty before writing more. I will say that some surgery to clear the subdural hematoma (the internal bleed within her skull that is not bleeding now but is an obstruction) is likely this week. As far as I know this involves a tap through a very small hole. Bernice's immediate response was "so that's where those missing words have gone." Our attitude is that it is better to know and get things fixed.
On another front I faced considerable disruption today. I returned home to Glen Head last night and took care of many tasks but left in time this morning to catch the 11:01 AM train to the city. Thanks for the ride dear Viviane. The train went past three stations and came to a prolonged halt. We soon heard that catastrophe had struck at the Jamaica station and no trains were entering or leaving there. Jamaica in the major hub of the LI RR and stationary trains soon were standing all along the main line. No trains were leaving or entering Penn Station. I thought I moved quickly to get a cab but after calls to three cab companies found that every cab was in service. In desperation, wanting to get back to Bernice, I called Sophie. Soon her husband Hero Brendan came and drove me to Manhasset where I was able to board a train which bypassed Jamaica. The trip, normally 75 minutes, took me over 3 1/2 hours. This experience is enough to make me shy about returning for an overnight in GH.
As I write this I can hear the sound from the movie Bonnie and Clyde which is being shown in Bryant Park. Part of their summer program is the showing of free classic films. In spite of the wet ground and slight drizzle I can see a mob of people sitting on their blankets and enjoying the show. Perhaps I am prolonging my exit here, for next I must attack the dirty dishes in the sink which have accumulated there all week. Bernice would never depart the apartment with a single dirty dish to be faced at our next entry.
Goodnight sweet ladies and brave gentleman,
love Merwin
Mixed results today. On the good side, Bernice is in a new room today — something pushed by our caring and sensitive Dr M. Her room is at a window with a view of the greenery of Central Park, her room mate is very quiet and had no visitors during my time there, and her nurse Kathleen is the very image of a bright, smiling Irish presence. When Dr M came to visit he was very pleased with the result. Bernice declined having any TV but discovered that she could have music and when I entered the room I was pleased to hear Beethoven's violin concerto in D thanks to WQXR. The small speaker is part of a hand-held gadget also controlling her lights. The sound is privately dispensed bothering no one else. At my entry Bernice was sitting in a comfortable bedside chair enjoying her music and view. Her appetite has somewhat returned and she is interested in reading. Luckily, I brought plenty of reading material.
Dr M and his hematology team have earned an A grade for her WBC is now down to 86 and her other blood values have stabilized at reasonable values for her underlying condition. But other problems remain related to that terrible fall. Different medical groups returned from the weekend and evidently scrutinized her new CT scan and MRI. We had some discussions but things are not settled and I will await some certainty before writing more. I will say that some surgery to clear the subdural hematoma (the internal bleed within her skull that is not bleeding now but is an obstruction) is likely this week. As far as I know this involves a tap through a very small hole. Bernice's immediate response was "so that's where those missing words have gone." Our attitude is that it is better to know and get things fixed.
On another front I faced considerable disruption today. I returned home to Glen Head last night and took care of many tasks but left in time this morning to catch the 11:01 AM train to the city. Thanks for the ride dear Viviane. The train went past three stations and came to a prolonged halt. We soon heard that catastrophe had struck at the Jamaica station and no trains were entering or leaving there. Jamaica in the major hub of the LI RR and stationary trains soon were standing all along the main line. No trains were leaving or entering Penn Station. I thought I moved quickly to get a cab but after calls to three cab companies found that every cab was in service. In desperation, wanting to get back to Bernice, I called Sophie. Soon her husband Hero Brendan came and drove me to Manhasset where I was able to board a train which bypassed Jamaica. The trip, normally 75 minutes, took me over 3 1/2 hours. This experience is enough to make me shy about returning for an overnight in GH.
As I write this I can hear the sound from the movie Bonnie and Clyde which is being shown in Bryant Park. Part of their summer program is the showing of free classic films. In spite of the wet ground and slight drizzle I can see a mob of people sitting on their blankets and enjoying the show. Perhaps I am prolonging my exit here, for next I must attack the dirty dishes in the sink which have accumulated there all week. Bernice would never depart the apartment with a single dirty dish to be faced at our next entry.
Goodnight sweet ladies and brave gentleman,
love Merwin
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Merwin at Home
Hello All,
The Sunday hospital staff was attentive today. Nurses are terrific and knowledgeable and the interns and residents are well-meaning, collecting data, and responding to emergencies. H&S and I stayed into the afternoon during which time Bernice rested twice but did not want to get up for a walk. She did eat more and her spirits seemed a little brighter. I am hoping that we might hear from the big doctors tomorrow why she is not more improved. On the other hand, her WBC is down to 118 and other blood values are more balanced. I suppose that these are priority accomplishments which must precede the physical progress.
I left NYC and arrived to a rainy Glen Head at about 4:00. I was taken aback at the spaciousness of our home after spending the week in our little city studio. I have already sorted through sizable piles of mail and paid far too many bills already on-line. Where do all these come from? There are other administrative tasks including taking in the info on nursing care in Nassau Count I got from Glen Cove hospital. I am heading back on the 11:00 AM train and will subway directly to Bernice. She is being moved into a new room tonight — with her bed next to a window but a farhter walk to the bathroom. They feel that she can now make this walk and they want her to do so. Her room mate in her present room (I unavoidably overheard this) a woman in her 60s just diagnosed with colon cancer heading for an operation this coming week. She was practically yelling and complaining to two doctors that she had never been sick. Why had this happened to her? I hope Bernice's new room will be more peaceful but the oncology floor can be a rough place.
Anyway, i intend to have pleasanter thoughts tonight as I lie in my GH bed not visited for a week.
best and love to all,
Merwin
The Sunday hospital staff was attentive today. Nurses are terrific and knowledgeable and the interns and residents are well-meaning, collecting data, and responding to emergencies. H&S and I stayed into the afternoon during which time Bernice rested twice but did not want to get up for a walk. She did eat more and her spirits seemed a little brighter. I am hoping that we might hear from the big doctors tomorrow why she is not more improved. On the other hand, her WBC is down to 118 and other blood values are more balanced. I suppose that these are priority accomplishments which must precede the physical progress.
I left NYC and arrived to a rainy Glen Head at about 4:00. I was taken aback at the spaciousness of our home after spending the week in our little city studio. I have already sorted through sizable piles of mail and paid far too many bills already on-line. Where do all these come from? There are other administrative tasks including taking in the info on nursing care in Nassau Count I got from Glen Cove hospital. I am heading back on the 11:00 AM train and will subway directly to Bernice. She is being moved into a new room tonight — with her bed next to a window but a farhter walk to the bathroom. They feel that she can now make this walk and they want her to do so. Her room mate in her present room (I unavoidably overheard this) a woman in her 60s just diagnosed with colon cancer heading for an operation this coming week. She was practically yelling and complaining to two doctors that she had never been sick. Why had this happened to her? I hope Bernice's new room will be more peaceful but the oncology floor can be a rough place.
Anyway, i intend to have pleasanter thoughts tonight as I lie in my GH bed not visited for a week.
best and love to all,
Merwin
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Variations on a Theme
Hi All!
What is this greenery you might wonder. If you look carefully, there among the ivy leaves, are the fresh, lush, new growth of a Magnolia Grandiflora. Some ten years ago our son Dave designed and installed most of the plantings in our garden. This magnolia is native to the deep south and has no right to survive in our relatively harsh winters but this particular specimen, losing an occasional branch and struggling, gave us much pleasure with dinner-plate-sized blossoms. This spring there was no visibility of life and we cut down the dead branches to the ground. A couple of days ago, Dave seeing to the backyard garden and fishpond that I have not seen since my hospital watch in the city, sent me this picture of rejuvenation. It lives he exclaimed and suggested that this is a hint of what is to come with his mom. Neither of us is stretching the symbolism but it is a happy event.
On the medical front I must say that progress in the last two days is slow even though there are better numbers and, perhaps, these must be given their due and time. When Bernice left GC hospital her WBC was 264 (normal is 4 to 11) and this has now been driven down to 142. During the five weeks she was on the trial drug her WBC was between 50 and 100 but this is part of her underlying blood condition. One number a diagnosis does not make and the expert doctors must balance many in their efforts to restore Bernice's vitality and health. Weekends in hospitals are a holding time. Doctors and nurses stand ready but the big players have left instructions and will return to the fray on Monday. Mt Sinai had only reports of the radiology performed at GC and wanted their own images to make sure nothing was missed. Bernice now has had a new CT scan of her skull and an MRI of her spine. An intern showed me and Harvey (he gets respect) the reports. There is a bad vertebra break which is evidently the source of continued pain requiring the pain meds. The subdural bleed shows up and is inactive now.
Sandy joined Harvey today and Sandy and I accompanied Bernice on a walk in the corridors today. I arrived in the hospital at about 10:30 and left about 6:30 tonight. H&S stayed on but a planned second walk did not take place because Bernice was too tired. Last night H and I had dinner together and I just finished the half I took home. H&S and I took some time off and had lunch at about 2:00 today. We brought Bernice back a mango frosty and she liked it and downed at least some of this. She is not eating much so a treat like this is a good idea.
I have been reading the NY Times to Bernice each day for she does not feel like reading herself. I have also interspersed some readings from the TLS (Times Literary Supplement) I am now entertaining myself writing this blog while listening to the sweet refrains of John Dowland (thanks Raymond) from my iPod. I appreciate feedback you can give by commenting here but just do not have the energy to answer everyone. I pass on the news to Bernice.
Good night all,
Merwin
Thursday, August 19, 2010
More Improvement
Hello Bloggers All,
I was going to skip the blog writing tonight but was inspired by the photo Harvey took with his ever-ready iPhone. There is Christy on the right, an inspiring and insistent physical therapist who got Bernice up into the walker for her first stroll down the hall since her arrival on Monday. At one point Bernice wanted to turn back but Christy urged her to make it to the EXIT sign ahead. I had to promise Christy that I would later get Bernice to repeat the walk. We partly did this but but Bernice developed a bout of nausea and we had to curtail the excursion. More specialists came in and their coordinated efforts are showing in some marked improvement. I can now see clearly the difference between the care Bernice received at well-meaning Glen Cove hospital (part of the well thought of North Shore System) and Mt Sinai. Bernice entered GC through its ER after a terrific blow to her head requiring 7 stitches to close and which also caused a subdural hematoma and a broken vertebra. They dealt quite adequately with this immediate trauma sending her to ICU, verifying there was no more internal bleed, and then getting her into rehab to strengthen and train her for her release home. There were hematologists who saw her and even spoke to our Dr M who could not direct things from 30 miles away. The GC rehab center does a fine job with patients who have had knee and hip replacements, bad falls, and were in auto accidents. With Bernice there were complications of a blood disorder they probably never encountered. At Mt Sinai our Dr M is coordinated a single effort which is just now pulling her up out of the health hole she literally stumbled into.
As I crossed Bryant Park tonight returning to our little place I passed mobs of people carousing at the cafe there and could see and hear hundreds of others at an outside rock concert. It is an extremely lively scene.
I am off to a little reading before bed. My dear Bernice is concerned that I am eating right and getting enough rest. Certainly.
Having Harvey here is a great comfort.
Love to all, Merwin
As always, click on picture to enlarge, hit back arrow to return to blog.
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
NYC blog
Greetings everyone from Bryant Park in NYC,
Here is Merwin again and it appears that I have been successful in getting started on Bernice's blog from the exotic location of our little studio apartment that overlooks the verdant lawn and trees of Bryant park. I have been sleeping over here since Tuesday the day after Bernice was admitted to Mt Sinai hospital. I know that everyone is anxious to hear the latest on Bernice's condition. Harvey has been posting a daily email to immediate family and I excerpt the following from today:
-------
Bernice/Baba/Mom has pulled up out of the valley she has been in for the last few days. She has more energy today, can breathe more effectively, her foot and leg swelling is down and most importantly she stated: "I'm looking forward to getting back to my Shakespeare work!" I take this last comment as an important indicator of a significantly improved state of mind and attitude.
On the more concrete level her white blood cell count (WBC) continues to drop, her kidneys continue to remove her excess water, and her pain is being managed. The challenge now is to coordinate all the caregivers so we end up with a discharge strategy and plan once she gets back home. That is starting to gel, but has not been fully implemented yet.
As many of you may know, doctors tend to work in their spheres and it takes a conductor to bring them all together. We shall see how the music plays out.
-------
I can add a couple of additional medical observation. To reduce her WBC she was given a strong shot of her regular and this drove the value down from almost 190 to 185 but also reduced her hemoglobin to a low enough level to make her anemic. This is all a delicate balancing act and will take some medical artistry to align and balance things. To bring her hemoglobin back up she was getting a transfusion as I left her tonight. Teams of doctors consult with each other and coordinate their efforts under Bernice's hematologist Dr. Mascarenhas (a superb doctor and a favorite of ours). There is a pain management team, a pulmonary team, and the physical therapy people. Having Harvey around is a big help in many ways. he doesn't at all push the fact but his being an MD/PhD from Yale is noticed and (I feel) probably is improving the attention and care.
Harvey has been staying with long-time friends who have an apartment within a 20 minute walk to the hospital who have a spare bedroom with its own bath. They are both doctors working in some other NY hospital. Interestingly, Harvey ran into two of his former residents now on staff at Mt Sinai.
It takes me about 30-40 minutes to travel by subway from our 40th street apartment to the 100th street location of the hospital. One indication of how Bernice's spirits have been lifted in the last three days is that she asked me if I had brought her metrocard to the city with me. Why? She wants to get to the apartment when she is released. I told her that I would treat her to a cab ride. I have been making two trips a day to the hospital with welcome little nap after a lunch at the apartment.
That is it folks!
love to all,
Merwin
Here is Merwin again and it appears that I have been successful in getting started on Bernice's blog from the exotic location of our little studio apartment that overlooks the verdant lawn and trees of Bryant park. I have been sleeping over here since Tuesday the day after Bernice was admitted to Mt Sinai hospital. I know that everyone is anxious to hear the latest on Bernice's condition. Harvey has been posting a daily email to immediate family and I excerpt the following from today:
-------
Bernice/Baba/Mom has pulled up out of the valley she has been in for the last few days. She has more energy today, can breathe more effectively, her foot and leg swelling is down and most importantly she stated: "I'm looking forward to getting back to my Shakespeare work!" I take this last comment as an important indicator of a significantly improved state of mind and attitude.
On the more concrete level her white blood cell count (WBC) continues to drop, her kidneys continue to remove her excess water, and her pain is being managed. The challenge now is to coordinate all the caregivers so we end up with a discharge strategy and plan once she gets back home. That is starting to gel, but has not been fully implemented yet.
As many of you may know, doctors tend to work in their spheres and it takes a conductor to bring them all together. We shall see how the music plays out.
-------
I can add a couple of additional medical observation. To reduce her WBC she was given a strong shot of her regular and this drove the value down from almost 190 to 185 but also reduced her hemoglobin to a low enough level to make her anemic. This is all a delicate balancing act and will take some medical artistry to align and balance things. To bring her hemoglobin back up she was getting a transfusion as I left her tonight. Teams of doctors consult with each other and coordinate their efforts under Bernice's hematologist Dr. Mascarenhas (a superb doctor and a favorite of ours). There is a pain management team, a pulmonary team, and the physical therapy people. Having Harvey around is a big help in many ways. he doesn't at all push the fact but his being an MD/PhD from Yale is noticed and (I feel) probably is improving the attention and care.
Harvey has been staying with long-time friends who have an apartment within a 20 minute walk to the hospital who have a spare bedroom with its own bath. They are both doctors working in some other NY hospital. Interestingly, Harvey ran into two of his former residents now on staff at Mt Sinai.
It takes me about 30-40 minutes to travel by subway from our 40th street apartment to the 100th street location of the hospital. One indication of how Bernice's spirits have been lifted in the last three days is that she asked me if I had brought her metrocard to the city with me. Why? She wants to get to the apartment when she is released. I told her that I would treat her to a cab ride. I have been making two trips a day to the hospital with welcome little nap after a lunch at the apartment.
That is it folks!
love to all,
Merwin
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
A hasty blog
Hi All,
A limited communication today. Harvey and Sandy did come in on the weekend and it was a great help. We got in touch with Dr Mascarenhas, Bernice's hematologist at Mt Sinai, by email on the weekend and he agreed to see her on Monday. Ordinarily he sees patients only on Tuesday and Thursday and does rounds and research on other days. Harvey drove us all in and many tests were performed. It was felt that the best option would be to admit Bernice to Mt Sinai hospital where there are droves of experts who will consult and look at her. We have enormous confidence in Dr. M who will be in the loop. I intend to spend some nights in our city studio apartments so will have only email there. No blogs for awhile.
love to all,
Merwin
A limited communication today. Harvey and Sandy did come in on the weekend and it was a great help. We got in touch with Dr Mascarenhas, Bernice's hematologist at Mt Sinai, by email on the weekend and he agreed to see her on Monday. Ordinarily he sees patients only on Tuesday and Thursday and does rounds and research on other days. Harvey drove us all in and many tests were performed. It was felt that the best option would be to admit Bernice to Mt Sinai hospital where there are droves of experts who will consult and look at her. We have enormous confidence in Dr. M who will be in the loop. I intend to spend some nights in our city studio apartments so will have only email there. No blogs for awhile.
love to all,
Merwin
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Never Ending Adventures?
Hello All,
Merwin still at the keyboard. As I reported earlier, Bernice returned home from Rehab last Wednesday and home life has been far from peaceful since then. I wish that I could write about non-medical issues like the lovely day it is today but such choices are not always ours. On the last two days of her Rehab I felt that not only was Bernice’s mobility, getting into and out of bed and making the trip to the bathroom, not improving, but I felt it was getting worse. With the PT schedule at the hospital allowing me to visit only after 4:00 I thought that I was seeing her after a long day of effort and this explained things. At her discharge I mentioned this to the discharge doctor and he said that the PT reported she was fine and his examination showed nothing amiss. So off to home we went and I now could see that Bernice was weaker than I had ever seen her. She applied herself to the exercises she had been given and we hoped these would soon improve things. In keeping with getting into shape Bernice insisted on at least trying to do things as much as possible on her own.
On Friday in the course of moving from bed to her wheelie on the way to the bathroom, she tilted slightly to right. Ordinarily, a quick movement of her right foot to the right would have kept her upright but she continued to list and sunk to the floor. Fortunately, her only injury was a bruise to her cheek where she hit the bedside cabinet. I had been standing by but it all transpired too quickly for me to catch her but I also saw it all in a slow-motion blur. She now sat with her back to the bedside. I positioned myself behind her and soon found that, try as I might, I was unable to right her again. My injured back of a couple weeks ago probably blunted my effort. Bernice could not help. After a fruitless search for a neighbor (the young were at work and only seniors were at home) I finally called our fire rescue unit and they dispatched a policeman. A hearty young buck soon had Bernice on her feet.
I now made a number of phone calls. Our local hematologist is on vacation until next Thursday and we were not happy about trying to visit a backup. Our primary care doctor, Dr. Goldberg, a cardiologist and internist, asked us to come in at 7:30 after his last scheduled patient. Our son Dave helped in the transport and in many house tasks. Dr. Goldberg's examination showed nothing abnormal but he was concerned about her blood values and wants her to be seen by a hematologist as soon as feasible. Again, at the time of her fall on July 23 Bernice had been on a trial drug from about five weeks. Looking at what has happened to her blood values since, it seems that this drug had many benefits. For example, her white blood cell count was at 102 days before her fall and other values were in reasonable balance. Normal WBC is in a range 4 to 11. Since the fall, with no trial drug, her WBC has soared to 264 as of August 9. We will try to get into Mount Sinai and her hematologist there as soon as we can. Not being a doctor, I can only speculate as to causes for her weakness.
Our son Harvey and his wife Sandy are due to arrive here soon. They originally were going to visit our son Arthur and wife Debby in New Hampshire but changed their plans. We are looking into having an aid to help out here.
Hoping things calm down here and Bernice mends soon.
Love to all,
Merwin
Merwin still at the keyboard. As I reported earlier, Bernice returned home from Rehab last Wednesday and home life has been far from peaceful since then. I wish that I could write about non-medical issues like the lovely day it is today but such choices are not always ours. On the last two days of her Rehab I felt that not only was Bernice’s mobility, getting into and out of bed and making the trip to the bathroom, not improving, but I felt it was getting worse. With the PT schedule at the hospital allowing me to visit only after 4:00 I thought that I was seeing her after a long day of effort and this explained things. At her discharge I mentioned this to the discharge doctor and he said that the PT reported she was fine and his examination showed nothing amiss. So off to home we went and I now could see that Bernice was weaker than I had ever seen her. She applied herself to the exercises she had been given and we hoped these would soon improve things. In keeping with getting into shape Bernice insisted on at least trying to do things as much as possible on her own.
On Friday in the course of moving from bed to her wheelie on the way to the bathroom, she tilted slightly to right. Ordinarily, a quick movement of her right foot to the right would have kept her upright but she continued to list and sunk to the floor. Fortunately, her only injury was a bruise to her cheek where she hit the bedside cabinet. I had been standing by but it all transpired too quickly for me to catch her but I also saw it all in a slow-motion blur. She now sat with her back to the bedside. I positioned myself behind her and soon found that, try as I might, I was unable to right her again. My injured back of a couple weeks ago probably blunted my effort. Bernice could not help. After a fruitless search for a neighbor (the young were at work and only seniors were at home) I finally called our fire rescue unit and they dispatched a policeman. A hearty young buck soon had Bernice on her feet.
I now made a number of phone calls. Our local hematologist is on vacation until next Thursday and we were not happy about trying to visit a backup. Our primary care doctor, Dr. Goldberg, a cardiologist and internist, asked us to come in at 7:30 after his last scheduled patient. Our son Dave helped in the transport and in many house tasks. Dr. Goldberg's examination showed nothing abnormal but he was concerned about her blood values and wants her to be seen by a hematologist as soon as feasible. Again, at the time of her fall on July 23 Bernice had been on a trial drug from about five weeks. Looking at what has happened to her blood values since, it seems that this drug had many benefits. For example, her white blood cell count was at 102 days before her fall and other values were in reasonable balance. Normal WBC is in a range 4 to 11. Since the fall, with no trial drug, her WBC has soared to 264 as of August 9. We will try to get into Mount Sinai and her hematologist there as soon as we can. Not being a doctor, I can only speculate as to causes for her weakness.
Our son Harvey and his wife Sandy are due to arrive here soon. They originally were going to visit our son Arthur and wife Debby in New Hampshire but changed their plans. We are looking into having an aid to help out here.
Hoping things calm down here and Bernice mends soon.
Love to all,
Merwin
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Homecoming
Hello All,
Pictured are the Lavin Girls. From the oldest: Grace, Kate, and Sarah. They each made colorful get-well cards for Bernice and this may have helped the healing. Their celebration was some other occasion but their joy is appropriate for Bernice's homecoming. Their mom, Sophie, supplied a number of portions of really spectacular spinach pie.
Bernice returned home today at midday and is resting comfortably in her own room now. Her two wheelies are deployed: one on the bedroom level and another on the main level. One helped her negotiate the front path to our front steps. Steps are an effort — she practiced on steps at Rehab — but her schedule of exercises should soon strengthen her. Dave helped transport things home including a toilet seat with arm rests which makes that operation safer. The intention is to have her get PT (physical therapy) at a facility in Glen Cove only about 7 miles away. After her pelvic fall last March I installed grab bars and stair railings and these are all coming in handily (if I may) now. There are new grab bars in the shower and a new shower seat also. This painful back fracture makes movement difficult and all these aids are welcome.
Bernice has not yet ventured to her computer but I sense that my blogging days may be limited. I know that she will be happy to get directly to her email instead of having me read to her in spite of her telling me that that mode is also enjoyable.
More news on her progress soon. Love to all,
Merwin
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Another weekend
Merwin still on the job.
My darling is showing signs of improvement and is looking forward to the possibility of a homecoming by midweek. As do we all. Pain remains an unwelcome companion. Bernice tried to reduce the pain meds to avoid their downside but relented on that approach and now welcomes the relief. She is catching up on her New Yorkers. Among the things I do during my visits is to read chosen NY Times pieces.
Our son Arthur, visiting for a few days from New Hampshire, left for home at 6:30 this morning. His visit was good medicine for both Bernice and myself. On Friday evening another son, Lincoln, joined Arthur and myself in an extended visit with Bernice punctuated with stories and many laughs. Afterward that night us boys continued with a dinner out. Arthur was great help in many ways. Yesterday we went shopping together and he made sure I was adequately provisioned for the coming days and he told me he would prepare dinner for us after our return from the rehab center.
Our visit with Bernice was very pleasant which included Arthur explaining many interesting details of his work which otherwise there would be little time to explore. When Arthur and I arrived home he dove into our dinner preparation. As a starter he steamed artichokes and served these with a delicious garlic butter sauce for dipping. The main course was a flounder fillet. He had to improvise for bread crumbs could not be found and he used corn meal instead. As a total loss as a cook I can attest to the tasty final product but can only describe in outline form what Arthur did to create his culinary offering. He dredged the fish in some kind of egg mixture and I learned this for there appeared on the plate beside the fish a little pancake of cheese and egg. After the egg served it purpose in cooking the fish he added cheese and created little omelets. So, I was the beneficiary of cooking skills learned early on by all our sons under their mother's firm tutelage. Bernice strongly felt that our boys should be dependent on no one and should be thoroughly knowledgeable with how to cook, do their wash, and generally take care of themselves in the home. Harvey, while in med school was asked to cater the wedding dinner for two of his classmates. At age six Bernice started a "Lincoln Cookbook" for our son Lincoln which grew as he learned how to prepare new dishes. All our boys remain skilled cooks.
In addition to cooking, Arthur also used his inventive skills in our home. The shower handle in the master bedroom had been broken and I had not yet come up with a feasible way to repair the door since no replacement parts could be found. Arthur came up with a brilliant yet simple solution and the repair is now done.
I am off for a visit to dear Bernice.
best to all,
Merwin
My darling is showing signs of improvement and is looking forward to the possibility of a homecoming by midweek. As do we all. Pain remains an unwelcome companion. Bernice tried to reduce the pain meds to avoid their downside but relented on that approach and now welcomes the relief. She is catching up on her New Yorkers. Among the things I do during my visits is to read chosen NY Times pieces.
Our son Arthur, visiting for a few days from New Hampshire, left for home at 6:30 this morning. His visit was good medicine for both Bernice and myself. On Friday evening another son, Lincoln, joined Arthur and myself in an extended visit with Bernice punctuated with stories and many laughs. Afterward that night us boys continued with a dinner out. Arthur was great help in many ways. Yesterday we went shopping together and he made sure I was adequately provisioned for the coming days and he told me he would prepare dinner for us after our return from the rehab center.
Our visit with Bernice was very pleasant which included Arthur explaining many interesting details of his work which otherwise there would be little time to explore. When Arthur and I arrived home he dove into our dinner preparation. As a starter he steamed artichokes and served these with a delicious garlic butter sauce for dipping. The main course was a flounder fillet. He had to improvise for bread crumbs could not be found and he used corn meal instead. As a total loss as a cook I can attest to the tasty final product but can only describe in outline form what Arthur did to create his culinary offering. He dredged the fish in some kind of egg mixture and I learned this for there appeared on the plate beside the fish a little pancake of cheese and egg. After the egg served it purpose in cooking the fish he added cheese and created little omelets. So, I was the beneficiary of cooking skills learned early on by all our sons under their mother's firm tutelage. Bernice strongly felt that our boys should be dependent on no one and should be thoroughly knowledgeable with how to cook, do their wash, and generally take care of themselves in the home. Harvey, while in med school was asked to cater the wedding dinner for two of his classmates. At age six Bernice started a "Lincoln Cookbook" for our son Lincoln which grew as he learned how to prepare new dishes. All our boys remain skilled cooks.
In addition to cooking, Arthur also used his inventive skills in our home. The shower handle in the master bedroom had been broken and I had not yet come up with a feasible way to repair the door since no replacement parts could be found. Arthur came up with a brilliant yet simple solution and the repair is now done.
I am off for a visit to dear Bernice.
best to all,
Merwin
Friday, August 6, 2010
A Bumpy Road
Hi All,
Merwin here at the helm again.
Bernice continues her adventure in Rehab. She has graduated to wearing an orange bracelet which permits her to enter and leave the bed on her own and to visit the bathroom with no aid. The stitches have been removed from her head wound but it is that broken T9 vertebra which gives her the most pain, both during the day or night when some movement is required. Mention has been made of a return home next Wednesday but that will be qualified by her condition next week. Since entering the hospital she has been off the drug trial which she entered in mid-June and some of the annoying and distressing symptoms which may have been suppressed have now returned. The medical situation with her underlying blood condition and this new injury is complicated for everyone including her doctors. The hospital staff has been very good and caring. Dr. M (and his staff), her hematologist at Mount Sinai, has been very attentive. I have been sending her blood reports every day. He wants to see her as soon as she is mobile enough to make it to the city. He emails and is also a blog reader.
Our sons are also very attentive with almost daily phone calls. Arthur who lives in New Hampshire arrived on Wednesday night and will stay through the weekend. He is helping me do some things around the house when he is not working or visiting his mom. Luckily, his company has an office on the island so he has been working there this week.
I have already retrieved the "wheelie" from the synagogue where we sent it after she recovered sufficiently from her broken pelvis. I am going this afternoon to get another one which we borrowed and returned to Bernice's generous friend Elaine.
I continue to collect all her emails and take them to her. Thanks for all the good wishes. In closing I can state again that not all sailing is smooth and I note that engineers are permitted great leeway concerning mixed metaphors.
love to all,
Merwin
Merwin here at the helm again.
Bernice continues her adventure in Rehab. She has graduated to wearing an orange bracelet which permits her to enter and leave the bed on her own and to visit the bathroom with no aid. The stitches have been removed from her head wound but it is that broken T9 vertebra which gives her the most pain, both during the day or night when some movement is required. Mention has been made of a return home next Wednesday but that will be qualified by her condition next week. Since entering the hospital she has been off the drug trial which she entered in mid-June and some of the annoying and distressing symptoms which may have been suppressed have now returned. The medical situation with her underlying blood condition and this new injury is complicated for everyone including her doctors. The hospital staff has been very good and caring. Dr. M (and his staff), her hematologist at Mount Sinai, has been very attentive. I have been sending her blood reports every day. He wants to see her as soon as she is mobile enough to make it to the city. He emails and is also a blog reader.
Our sons are also very attentive with almost daily phone calls. Arthur who lives in New Hampshire arrived on Wednesday night and will stay through the weekend. He is helping me do some things around the house when he is not working or visiting his mom. Luckily, his company has an office on the island so he has been working there this week.
I have already retrieved the "wheelie" from the synagogue where we sent it after she recovered sufficiently from her broken pelvis. I am going this afternoon to get another one which we borrowed and returned to Bernice's generous friend Elaine.
I continue to collect all her emails and take them to her. Thanks for all the good wishes. In closing I can state again that not all sailing is smooth and I note that engineers are permitted great leeway concerning mixed metaphors.
love to all,
Merwin
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Regular Workouts Now
Merwin still reporting.
On Monday Bernice was a full participant in the rehabilitation program. They are awoken at about 6:30 but Bernice was already awake. She is in a good-sized room with three other women so they take turns in the single bathroom, have their breakfast, get dressed, see their doctors if scheduled. Something like a childhood summer camp experience. At 10:00 she started an hour long session in Occupational Therapy. Its aim is to prepare for doing all the necessary tasks of home life such as dealing with stairs, getting into and out of bed, dressing with special attention to getting on socks, shoes, and other attire that may now be somewhat out of reach. When Bernice fell in March and broke her pelvis our dear friend Betty sent her a set of very useful tools to help in such pursuits. Now Bernice is practicing with these same tools and finds them very useful. It is ironic that in May or so when Bernice no longer needed these aids, we sent them off to our synagogue so they could be used by others with a similar need. I now intend to retrieve the tools along with a "wheelie" we also sent off. At 11:00 the hour-long Physical Therapy session commenced where the aim is to strengthen all the muscles so needed for walking, lifting, and doing all the ordinary things that the able understandably take for granted. There is a break for lunch and a bit of a rest. Bernice enthusiastically embraces the routines and it is amazing to me just how much she needs to build herself up again to the level she was at last March when she did Spin three days a week and took other exercise classes the other three days. At 3:00 there is another hour of Physical Therapy.
I came for my first visit at about 5:00 bearing a raft of her emails, two more New Yorkers, and the NY Times. I wheel-chaired her out to a lovely patio lined with trees and flowering shrubs and there, after verbally catching up on our day's news and exchanging modest kisses, I read to her. The classes had pooped her and this interlude catching up on news with my reading was clearly a relaxing coda to the day.
I may not report daily for I anticipate that Bernice's routine will now be one of repetitive but hopefully very healing rehab sessions.
love to all,
Merwin
On Monday Bernice was a full participant in the rehabilitation program. They are awoken at about 6:30 but Bernice was already awake. She is in a good-sized room with three other women so they take turns in the single bathroom, have their breakfast, get dressed, see their doctors if scheduled. Something like a childhood summer camp experience. At 10:00 she started an hour long session in Occupational Therapy. Its aim is to prepare for doing all the necessary tasks of home life such as dealing with stairs, getting into and out of bed, dressing with special attention to getting on socks, shoes, and other attire that may now be somewhat out of reach. When Bernice fell in March and broke her pelvis our dear friend Betty sent her a set of very useful tools to help in such pursuits. Now Bernice is practicing with these same tools and finds them very useful. It is ironic that in May or so when Bernice no longer needed these aids, we sent them off to our synagogue so they could be used by others with a similar need. I now intend to retrieve the tools along with a "wheelie" we also sent off. At 11:00 the hour-long Physical Therapy session commenced where the aim is to strengthen all the muscles so needed for walking, lifting, and doing all the ordinary things that the able understandably take for granted. There is a break for lunch and a bit of a rest. Bernice enthusiastically embraces the routines and it is amazing to me just how much she needs to build herself up again to the level she was at last March when she did Spin three days a week and took other exercise classes the other three days. At 3:00 there is another hour of Physical Therapy.
I came for my first visit at about 5:00 bearing a raft of her emails, two more New Yorkers, and the NY Times. I wheel-chaired her out to a lovely patio lined with trees and flowering shrubs and there, after verbally catching up on our day's news and exchanging modest kisses, I read to her. The classes had pooped her and this interlude catching up on news with my reading was clearly a relaxing coda to the day.
I may not report daily for I anticipate that Bernice's routine will now be one of repetitive but hopefully very healing rehab sessions.
love to all,
Merwin
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