Tuesday's visit

This is Arlene - Kris, I did not see the nutritionist. When I arrived Bill had been taken down to the 6th floor for dialysis; I kept company with him during the dialysis. He had distressing stomach cramps, but was able to react to the conversation with nods and facial expressions but very little vocalization.  He seemed to enjoy hearing about music at Disney Hall and about Alan Chapman (KUSC announcer), and interested in hearing about Wisconsin and Libya and the earthquake in ChristChurch ---  it distracted him a bit. The dialysis nurse was kind and responsive to his needs.

Once he was back in the room his nurse was busy administering meds and feeding.  A bright silver mylar balloon with "get well" wishes from Janet, who has contributed often to this blog, floated above a table when we returned, along with a cheerful get well card showing a large truck full of chicken soup. He looked at it and smiled.  I wanted to work with him on swallowing but the nurse had gone on a break and the nurse substitute wasn't sure Bill could have ice chips. I had to leave before his regular nurse returned so we did not practice, but at least he had some mouth swabs. He used one of them like a toothbrush.

He looked tired and uncomfortable after dialysis.  It was frustrating for him to try to communicate his wishes and not be able to do so.  Before I left, I wanted to be sure he knew where the button was to call the nurse.