We have had a couple of chest injuries in the last month; one was a bullet through the chest and out the back; the other a tension hemopneumothorax from breaking 3 ribs in a roll-over accident. Did I mention they don't wear seat belts around here? The lungs get damaged and restricted in movement. It also hurts to breathe so the patients breath shallowly. This puts them at risk for pneumonia because periodic deep breaths open up and help cleanse the lungs. Back home we use cute devices with colored ping-pong balls that patients try to keep floating. Here, we suggested a straw and a bottle of water. Blow bubbles and the back-pressure keeps the lungs open. It made a dramatic difference in 1 day with the roll-over guy. The staff actually cut some IV tubing for the straw. The long length and narrow diameter is better than a typical straw.
I received nice cards and a box of sugar and chocolate chip cookies from two wonderful nurses who worked with me 20 years ago. Thanks to Jan and Pat. They were wonderful coworkers and introduced me to the wonders of pirogies and the Polka. Thank you!
And a happy birthday to my honey. Love you and miss you.
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