| The Demerol worked wonders on the pain. I hated how it spaced out my mind so much. When it came time for my next shot I requested only half a dose from the nurse. She was puzzled with why I didn't want the whole dose. I was then amazed she didn't honor my appeal. Soon I was off on another trip much to my chagrin. I expressed my displeasure with Dr. M�nard when he visited and he assured me he would resolve the issue with nurse. The nurses got it right for the rest of my shots. The half dose was perfect for me, not too much to scatter my brain, just enough for the pain, and no more itching. |
| On My Own Dealing with the nurses was a hit or miss proposition. They were diligently caring for us by emptying the collection bag from our catheters, changing our bandages, and the ice packs regularly. I was fortunate not to have very much bleeding and my bandages were changed only once while I was there. Janet had to have her bandages replaced more frequently. Our sheets needed to be changed that morning. As they changed Janet's sheets I saw a pattern continue as Janet would moan or fuss. It seemed to me every time she expressed her discomfort they appeared to be a little rougher and short with her. I tried not to fuss whenever they dealt with me because I was unsure of the reaction I would get from them. When it came time to change my sheets I kept my moans to myself as they repositioned me on the bed. It was really the first time I had made any significant movement since I came back from the surgery. It hurt to roll from side to side. I just closed my eyes and listened to the three women laugh and carry on in their native French. I must admit that I felt slighted considering I was the patient. One of the nurses decided to give me a little attention by asking me where I was from. I looked up at her smiling face and actually perceived some compassion emanating from her. That incident was indicative of the encounters I would have with the nurses there---you never knew what kind of reaction you would get. For the first time after the surgery we got a taste of solid food at lunchtime, although I don't recall feeling particularly hungry. I had to rebuff their attempts to give me the ubiquitous antibiotics. That was not well received even after slightly fibbing that it was okay with Dr. M�nard. I tried hard not to ruffle any of their feathers, sometimes it was just about impossible. I asked Dr. M�nard about the unpredictable behavior of the nurses when I saw him several months later. He attributed the inconsistent treatment to the turnover of the hospital staff they had just completed. My sister was with me for several hours that day. Her kindness was prominently displayed by keeping us company, and by helping Janet and me as much as she could. She also kept me straight on the supplements I needed to take. I was so glad she was able to stay an extra day. I'm afraid I wasn't very good company for her while I weaved in and out of consciousness. My sister sat nearby reading a book until she had to depart in the mid-afternoon. I really hated to see her leave. I knew when she was gone I would be on my own for the rest of my stay in Montr�al. I didn't fear that because I had the company of some wonderful gals around me. Still, the affection of all my sisters would be sorely missed. We hugged, kissed, and said goodbye to each other in the presence of more tears. I know I tried to express my gratitude to her for all that she had done. I doubt I did a very good job considering the circumstances. In nine days she was going to drive back with one of our other sisters to meet me at the border. Nine days seemed like an eternity at that moment. There would be plenty to keep me busy in-between. Back Next |