Cancer Selfies

Partial Bowel Obstruction, Redux (Forshaodowing)

Was up half the night trying to decide if I should visit the hospital because of a new, exciting and particularly spicy pain. Thankfully I don't remember much, but I fell asleep eventually and woke up with regular levels of pain.

From the comments

James Petrosky: It didn't feel anything like another obstruction. That was distinct. I think it sometimes just really sucks to be conscious for no good reason.

James Petrosky:I have chores and hotels to book and I just can't get enough give a fuck going to do any of it. If I don't soon I'm going to ruin my whole trip and I just can't care.

Partial Bowel Obstruction Part 7: Discharged

I've been discharged, I'm home. We're pretty much where we were on Monday. I've got instructions on how to manage this new condition, but managing is all there is to do. There is no cure, no further treatment. This is just another part of my life now.

Partial Bowel Obstruction Part 6: Hydromorphone

Not sure if I'm more tired of the pain or being extremely high all the time.

From the comments

James Petrosky: Someone in the room has decided that we would all love to hear their country music. I made sure to pack multiple pairs of headphones so I wouldn't accidentally expose anyone to dinosaur podcasts. I'm extremely frustrated but unable to do anything about it

Partial Bowel Obstruction Part 5: Still in Georgian Bay General

Not sure if I'm more tired of the pain or being extremely high all the time.

From the comments

James Petrosky: Someone in the room has decided that we would all love to hear their country music. I made sure to pack multiple pairs of headphones so I wouldn't accidentally expose anyone to dinosaur podcasts. I'm extremely frustrated but unable to do anything about it

Partial Bowel Obstruction Part 3: NG Tube

I'm not having the best day

From the comments

James Petrosky: I had the tube after surgery. The tube was my least favourite part of my time in hospital post surgery. I don't think I've ever agreed to something I wanted less than the tube this time

Mica Richard: At least you're a cute elephant? Seriously though feel better ❤️

Partial Bowel Obstruction Part 2

Last night, at around 9PM, I ate a slice of pizza. By the time I was done eating, I knew something was very wrong. My whole abdomen hurt with an intensity only beaten by my pre diagnosis cancer. I should have gone to the ER at this point, but went to sleep instead.

I woke up in still significant, but much reduced, pain and knew I had to go to the ER. I was reasonably sure that what was wrong with me was a bowel obstruction. Tumors along the intestine are a common cause, and unfortunately I have those.

It was a partial bowel obstruction. The doctor knew it as soon as he read my history. Unfortunately proving it with tests took the whole day.

I've been admitted, hopefully not for too long. Since my obstruction is partial, just letting my bowels do their thing, while controlling pain and keeping me hydrated, under observation, might work. I haven't been spoken with about other options yet.

Partial Bowel Obstruction Part 1: ER Visit

Guess who's been in the ER all morning! When I finally get out of here I need to pick up a new laser pointer and some catnip because it was that friggin pizza that did it to me

From the Comments

James Petrosky: No idea what's wrong yet, should have realistically come in last night but I was too tired to make decisions. Have had an xray or two.

James Petrosky: I've been between 5-8 pain for 16 hours now and that's getting a bit exhausting

Mareile S. Håland: Dr Thomasin MD! 😮 She tried to warn you!