Home is where the heart is.

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Hatshepsut
Hatshepsut Member Posts: 336 Member
edited March 2014 in Colorectal Cancer #1
He is home!

After three hospitalizations since November 23 and a total of 25 days in the hospital, my husband is home. (His fistula closed over the weekend.) I posted previously asking if anyone here had had a fistula that healed naturally rather than having to resort to further surgery. Apparently, fistulas are a rarity because no one posted about any personal experience with them. They are, nevertheless, something that people who have repeated resections need to know are a possible complication of surgery. My husband is a good healer and that worked in his favor. He is also 91 years old. His recovery from this ordeal is good news indeed!

I'm happy. Misty (our dog) is ecstatic. The wound care nurse (who was brilliant and honed his skills in the Air Force) gave us a big thumbs up. The surgeon gave me a hug. And, my husband is pretty happy, too. Not a dry eye in the place.

While our experience with the fistula is unique, I know the euphoria of coming home to happy memories and familiar surroundings is a common joy that many on this board have experienced and you can understand how we feel at this moment.

I also know it is time to celebrate but my husband is still on what is basically an NPO diet (no solid food, only sips of clear liquids) with intravenous TPN. This morning I served him hot apple juice with a cinnamon stick for flavor. Last night, I made his favorite Vietnamese Pho Noodle Soup, strained the solids from the soup to produce a broth and toned down the Sriracha sauce spiciness that is typical of the soup. As I watched him sip the broth, I'm pretty sure I saw the first evidence that his taste buds were reawakening. We have a go-ahead from the surgeon to have a few sips of champagne on New Year's Eve.

Any creative ideas out there of other ways to break the monotony of a clear-fluid "diet?"

Hatshepsut

Comments

  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #2
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    I have 3 ideas 2 of which probably won't fly though......
    #1...Clear Grain Alcohol (its clear and 180 proof)
    #2 Smirnoff Vodka and Sprite.....
    #3 Won Ton soup strained.....

    The first 2 will definitely break the monotony but I think the 3rd is the best choice...tell him welcome home and Im glad everyone is doing fine....Hope and Love, Buzzard
  • Hatshepsut
    Hatshepsut Member Posts: 336 Member
    #3
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    Buzzard said:

    I have 3 ideas 2 of which probably won't fly though......
    #1...Clear Grain Alcohol (its clear and 180 proof)
    #2 Smirnoff Vodka and Sprite.....
    #3 Won Ton soup strained.....

    The first 2 will definitely break the monotony but I think the 3rd is the best choice...tell him welcome home and Im glad everyone is doing fine....Hope and Love, Buzzard

    Straight Talk

    Thanks, Buzzard.

    The surgeon said to avoid carbonated beverages. So, I guess we'll just go with the Smirnoff straight. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Hatshepsut
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #4
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    Hatshepsut said:

    Straight Talk

    Thanks, Buzzard.

    The surgeon said to avoid carbonated beverages. So, I guess we'll just go with the Smirnoff straight. Thanks for the suggestion.

    Hatshepsut

    LOL.......
    I like ya'lls style.............Happy New Year to you and yours Hatshepsut !!!...Love and Hope, Buzz
  • Sundanceh
    Sundanceh Member Posts: 4,392 Member
    #5
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    Welcome HOME :)
    At 91, I admire your husband for what he has gone through - simply amazing stuff!

    I can feel the relief in your voice that you both are home - and I can see that Misty is all smiles too - can't wait till there is another Sundance in our life so I can have another family :)

    Take care and Happy New Year 2010!

    -Craig
  • mom_2_3
    mom_2_3 Member Posts: 953 Member
    #6
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    Blessing
    It is a blessing for your husband to be home, especially for the New Year. No ideas for the clear-fluid diet but wishing for you all the best.

    Amy
  • Buzzard
    Buzzard Member Posts: 3,043 Member
    #7
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    mom_2_3 said:

    Blessing
    It is a blessing for your husband to be home, especially for the New Year. No ideas for the clear-fluid diet but wishing for you all the best.

    Amy

    Found a few................
    Free Liquid Diet Recipes

    You wouldn't think there would be much need for a free liquid diet recipe. After all, it's just liquid, right?

    Well, you'll soon find out that coffee, tea, and broth gets boring very quickly. Why not use this opportunity to try some new things?

    Following are some free liquid diet recipes for things you might not have thought of.

    Cucumber Juice
    I know cucumber juice may sound crazy, but it's incredibly refreshing. Just blend up a fresh cucumber with a little grated ginger and a bit of sugar or artificial sweetener. Strain and serve cold. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

    Fish Tea
    "Urgh!" is what The Guru thought the first time someone offered her fish tea. Why would you want to drink fish-flavoured tea? Well, where The Guru lives, fish tea is what a broth made from fish is called.
    It uses fish heads, which are cheap and very flavourful. Stay with us here! You don't actually have to eat the head, though some find it quite delectable.
    Use about one fish head per serving (depending on the size of the head of course!) We love tilapia. It has a beautiful, not-too-fishy flavour and is just the right size.

    1 tilapia head
    1 cup of water
    1 cube bullion or sachet of Maggi Tastemaker (seasoning)

    Combine all ingredients, boil for about ten minutes, strain and enjoy!

    Plantain Porridge

    This is a favorite Jamaican breakfast. You can use green banana if you don't have plantain available. If you're using plantain, use the firm rather than soft ones.

    1/2 a green (hard) plantain or 1 green banana, grated
    1 cup of water
    2 Tablespoons milk or cream
    1/2 teaspoon butter
    dash of salt
    dash of vanilla extract

    beat the grated plantain with half of the water until it is smooth (you can put it in the blender if you like). Add the rest of the water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and serve hot. You can add a bit of sugar or artificial sweetener if you like. This will make enough for at least two post-op servings.


    Bon A petit'...............................................
  • tootsie1
    tootsie1 Member Posts: 5,044 Member
    #8
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    Wonderful!
    I'm so happy he's home! That's so nice for both of you. How long will he have to be on this liquid diet? Hope you can come up with some creative ways to "feed" him.

    *hugs*
    Gail
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #9
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    This comment has been removed by the Moderator
  • Shayenne
    Shayenne Member Posts: 2,342
    #10
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    unknown said:

    This comment has been removed by the Moderator

    Hiya Hatsheput!!!
    I am so glad to hear your hubby is back home and in his relaxing surroundings, I wonder if a smoothie would be considered a liquid, or would it be too thick? What Clift posted sure sounded good.

    I wish I was able to answer about the fistula when you posted, but it's something I've never been through, and guess most of us haven't, but at least when someone else does come on the board needing to know about, you sure will! :)
    '
    I wish you both and Misty a wonderful New Year, and hope he has a healthy recovery, I feel this year is going to be a good year!

    Hugsss!
    ~Donna
  • Hatshepsut
    Hatshepsut Member Posts: 336 Member
    #11
    Options
    Buzzard said:

    Found a few................
    Free Liquid Diet Recipes

    You wouldn't think there would be much need for a free liquid diet recipe. After all, it's just liquid, right?

    Well, you'll soon find out that coffee, tea, and broth gets boring very quickly. Why not use this opportunity to try some new things?

    Following are some free liquid diet recipes for things you might not have thought of.

    Cucumber Juice
    I know cucumber juice may sound crazy, but it's incredibly refreshing. Just blend up a fresh cucumber with a little grated ginger and a bit of sugar or artificial sweetener. Strain and serve cold. Once you try it, you'll be hooked.

    Fish Tea
    "Urgh!" is what The Guru thought the first time someone offered her fish tea. Why would you want to drink fish-flavoured tea? Well, where The Guru lives, fish tea is what a broth made from fish is called.
    It uses fish heads, which are cheap and very flavourful. Stay with us here! You don't actually have to eat the head, though some find it quite delectable.
    Use about one fish head per serving (depending on the size of the head of course!) We love tilapia. It has a beautiful, not-too-fishy flavour and is just the right size.

    1 tilapia head
    1 cup of water
    1 cube bullion or sachet of Maggi Tastemaker (seasoning)

    Combine all ingredients, boil for about ten minutes, strain and enjoy!

    Plantain Porridge

    This is a favorite Jamaican breakfast. You can use green banana if you don't have plantain available. If you're using plantain, use the firm rather than soft ones.

    1/2 a green (hard) plantain or 1 green banana, grated
    1 cup of water
    2 Tablespoons milk or cream
    1/2 teaspoon butter
    dash of salt
    dash of vanilla extract

    beat the grated plantain with half of the water until it is smooth (you can put it in the blender if you like). Add the rest of the water and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 15-20 minutes. Stir in the remaining ingredients and serve hot. You can add a bit of sugar or artificial sweetener if you like. This will make enough for at least two post-op servings.


    Bon A petit'...............................................

    Buzzard:
    It was very kind of


    Buzzard:


    It was very kind of you to take the time to post the clear liquid recipes. You are a nice person.

    Hatshepsut
  • Hatshepsut
    Hatshepsut Member Posts: 336 Member
    #12
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    Thank you.

    My sincere thanks go out to all of you who have given us encouragement. It is impossible to overestimate the comfort your positive thoughts have given us during difficult times.

    Hatshepsut
  • lcarper2
    lcarper2 Member Posts: 635 Member
    #13
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    home
    praise God for your husband being home to bring in the new year. I was on a clear liquid diet and they are boring but I could eat jello and that made it much better because I love jello...
  • PhillieG
    PhillieG Member Posts: 4,866 Member
    #14
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    Great News!
    That is such great news that he is home. My hat goes off to the countless members of his medical team and the great job that they did. Of course, hats off to you and him for your stamina and love for each other.
    May 2010 be a fantastic year for you both!
    xo-phil

    I don't have any constructive ideas for a diet though...

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