Anyway, we were hoping he would say it was time to pull the tube (J-tube, that is). We were called in and led to an exam room. While we were waiting for him, we came up with different scenarios on what he would say. He showed up fairly quickly. We looked towards him, and the Doctor said, "No more monkeys jumping on the bed." Sorry, I couldn't resist. That is one of Lucy's favorite songs.
He pulled the tube. It was quick and fairly painless. He had seen the swallow test results and said I had NO dietary restrictions. The one curious thing he did was to ask me to demonstrate how I tucked my chin while swallowing. It was the least I could do for him. I lowered my head and swallowed. He also said that as soon as I was off the Vicodin, I could drive.
When Dottie and I left the office, we looked at each other, smiled and high fived. Another step (big one) towards recovery.
Unfortunately, there are plenty who are far from recovery. My niece and her husband have a son, Jack, with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). This is a devastating disease that they struggle with every day. I ask my friends to consider donating to Jack. Check out this link that talks about the upcoming "Great Strides" walk in St. Charles and has a picture of Jack.
http://fightcf.cff.org/site/TR/GreatStrides/38_Gateway_St_Louis?px=1215735&pg=personal&fr_id=2088
George! Sounds like a good report. Remember, driving is over-rated, especially if the drugs are good. We're sending you a virtual high-five from the desert. Be back in a couple of weeks, and will give a real high-five when we see you. Keep on rocking!
ReplyDeleteYeah George - congrats on major progress, no more J-tube and no dietary restrictions! Max
Delete