The spiral of recovery

As in recovery from any injury, surgery, habit, trauma, loss, or just plain life, progress is rarely linear. Instead, it is typically a wavering uneven spiral of reversals, progressions, perceptions and shifts. The expectation to return to some sort of "normal" is usually based upon faulty sensory perception and a dose of wishful thinking.

Marty experienced cramps and digestive distress yesterday afternoon and evening for no specific reason that we can identify except readjustment of his gut post- surgery. The small bowel was quite distended with scar tissue. About 18 inches of small intestine was removed. These factors alone would spell an interior struggle to return to elasticity and function that could result in discomfort.

Marty has not regained any appetite whatsoever. This actually also makes sense when we consider his dramatically limited diet of recent months and years. His olfactory and digestive systems have had a narrow experiential range, and thus a limited response. I have unwittingly added to this scenario by simplifying my own food preparations. Now, I will attempt an indirect effect by resuming the savory vegetarian cooking I have enjoyed for myself in the past. Hopefully, scents and sights will provide an expanded range of signals, and thus stimulation for his appetite. Plus, I need to eat more.

Now, a word about phone calls and timing: we go to bed early because we get up early. Also, we are tired. Since we have 3 elderly parents between us, we leave the phone ringer turned on, despite our early sleep mode. Calls after 9pm wake and startle us. If you are considering calling us in the evening, check the time. If it is after 9pm, send an email instead, or just call tomorrow. Thank you!