One day down in New Orleans, a few to go

So as the first day after surgery winds down, and as I get ready to leave (first thing in the morning), I can reflect on the past couple of days. First of all, Melissa is battling the tension between trying to get off the meds and trying to get out of the hospital. On meds, she is dizzy and pain free, which allows her to move around, and off meds, her head clears, but she is less comfortable and less likely to move around.

Naturally, the staff and I want her to stay ahead of her pain, which means she needs to take her meds before she gets uncomfortable. So that is the challenge for her sister and the nurses to confront starting tomorrow. The right thing to do is to be pain free and to move around.

I can say this about the situation: I am thrilled with Melissa's status. She is soooooo much better than she was this time yesterday. I am happy that she has taken a few steps, gone potty, eaten meals, and generally been more alive than I expected one day after major surgery. The nurses are amazing, warm, friendly and professional. The surgical hospital is pretty new and in many ways feels like a hotel rather than a hospital. I think that this was a great decision for Melissa. And so far, everything has gone smoothly.

As far as New Orleans is concerned, I have come to love this town. It is hot - 90 degrees, humid - 60% and an old town with character. The houses are historic, the old Street Cars really dated, but so cool. And the town just has a feeling of comfort. The food is delicious, the people warm with their Southern Hospitality, and generally it is a great old town. After Katrina, I wondered about the wisdom of saving New Orleans considering that it is below sea level, and now I am no longer ambivalent I say save New Orleans, no matter the cost. It is a truly historic American city.

Melissa's sweet sister, Carol, arrives tomorrow, and perhaps she will update the blog if Melissa is still out of sorts.