Tonight's word

[annathepiper]

... is still "stable". No tube out yet. Mostly today went well enough in the ICU; they didn't do any new breathing trials, the idea being to let solarbird keep taking it easy after the last one, since it was a bit of a workout for her poor lungs. They may or may not do another one tomorrow depending on how things go. The nurse sounded dubious about having the tube out tomorrow, but Monday might be a possibility. We just don't know yet. So we're still in the same holding pattern.

Today's day nurse was Mary, who I rather like. She's one of those older nurses with a kindly auntie air about her, and even suggested that I bring in an instrument to play for Dara, which startled me since I didn't think that we could do that in the ICU. She seemed to think it would be okay, though. She's not on day shift tomorrow, so I'm a little leery about doing that when some other nurse who may not like it so well is on duty, so I may wait for that till Mary is back. But it was really sweet of her to suggest it. Till then, I guess I get to sing random GBS lyrics that come to mind. And write as long as the battery life on my frob holds out.

spazzkat took more much-needed crash time at home today, so it was just me on the day shift, but waysofseeing very kindly brought me lunch, and imalion came by for dinner and chatting, which was great since I hadn't seen him in ages. Paul did bring risu in for the night shift, though, as well as coming in to pick me up and get the status update from the incoming night nurse.

Thanks for hanging in there with me, folks.

ETA 11:17pm: And oh yeah, an extra thank you to chamois_shimi for the helpful suggestion about the Zicam. I found some in the local pharmacy, and have been carrying that around with me the last couple of days, having a tablet of that every few hours or so. I didn't realize they were essentially zinc lozenges, which is what I went into the pharmacy for in the first place! ;)

Comments

[xpioti.livejournal.com]

I'd bring in an instrument regardless; since I play flute/whistles, I'd take the flute as the most calm, soothing 'voice' of instrument. Even if all you do is take your bozouki (sp?) and strum softly, I'm sure Dara'll hear -- and I suspect you can strum softly enough that it wouldn't bother anybody. If it helps (and it probably would), isn't that the point?

*tight hugs*

[annathepiper]

*hugs back*

One of the wooden flutes would probably be best--more mellow than any of the metal ones. Plus, the flutes are most portable. Maybe I'll bring Jade. That'd be good.

If I were to bring one of my stringed instruments, though, I think it'd have to be the guitar since it has nylon strings on it and is therefore more mellow of voice than either the bouzouki or the mandolins.

[xpioti.livejournal.com]

My woodies are all high-pitched and in hiding, wish I could find 'em. Flutes are wonderfully portable; I like to carry 2 whistles in my bodice when in garb, and my standard reply to the inevitable amused commentary is that a bodice is where I'm supposed to keep my toots, isn't it? :)

Music good. Very healing.

[annathepiper]

And I never did get a chance to do this, but hey, now she is HOME and can have all the music she wants! :) :)

I'd have felt weird playing music in the ICU, I think. Too many beepy things going on. And once she was on the Neuro ward, too much noise and other general activity as well, not to mention the old lady who was Dara's roommate!

[technosage.livejournal.com]

Not much to add except hugs and wordless sympathy.

[annathepiper]

Hugs are good. Thank you. :) *hugs back*

[technosage.livejournal.com]

*accepts hugs*

Hugs are needed, free, and really do help. Have a few more. *grin*

[annathepiper]

YAY! :) :) Hugs!

[gerimaple.livejournal.com]

*adds more hugs*

[annathepiper]

*hugs back!*

[chamois-shimi.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the update! And I hope your cold gets better fast. :)

[annathepiper]

Most welcome. It's been trying to regain a foothold, but I've been throwing it Delsym still to shut it up.

[stickmaker.livejournal.com]

Zicam also makes a good nasal-squirt decongestant, in at least two varieties. One has aloe, so it's a lot less irritating for long-term use.

[eveshka.livejournal.com]

Just be very careful that you do not inhale the zinc spray, as it has been shown to be a potential culprit in some cases that the consumer has permanently neutralized nerve endings which allow you to smell, probably by misuse.

http://www.tasteandsmell.com/apr04.htm

(Most of what I can Google up is lawsuit and hyped up stuff, but in any case, it's best to be careful with any drug or homeopathic remedy. We just don't understand our fragile mortal shells as well as we want to admit.)

[annathepiper]

And, finally getting back to this comment. Thanks for the warning! Fortunately the meds I had on hand meant I didn't need to try anything else, and I've never been one for nasal sprays anyway.

[annathepiper]

Noted for if I need it, but so far I haven't. Thanks!

[technoshaman.livejournal.com]

*hugs* here's to good lungs, and soft healing music.

Yeah, we're still here.

[annathepiper]

*hugs!* Thank you again! :)