The Hermit Emerges
The arrival of the next season of therealljidol drew me out of my current state of lethargy, chemotherapy induced misery, and hibernation. I can and will explain what I've been doing all summer...later. Right now I just wanted to declare my intent to participate once more. Before you ask --- yes, I roped Dee into participating again as well. He might even actually have a chance to advance because he's bringing something new to the competition.
He's healthy.
I doubt he'll explain for himself so I will do so. The feeding tube didn't appear to be working as well as had been hoped and the surgeons were contemplating going back in for a revision and possible ileostomy/colostomy. However, Dr. Arta thought to check on a few things beforehand. Our boy continues to be 'special'; turns out that he's allergic to latex AND natural rubber. They had known about the latex allergy but not about the rubber allergy. You can imagine the havoc that would cause if it's implanted inside your organs and intended to feed you but causes irritation instead. They replaced the entire apparatus with a new hypoallergenic material and adjusted his nutrient feed for a higher metabolism.
No more nausea. No more lower GI issues. No more vomiting.
The food still needs to be well cooked and in small pieces with relatively little fiber in order for him to eat real food via mouth but he CAN eat. Combined with the improved nutrient formula, he's doing well.
Dee currently weighs about 145 pounds and was certified fit for duty this past month. He can even go out to interview suspects and inspect crime scenes if necessary, though there are still restrictions about how long he can work and how often he has to be given breaks for feeding.
For those of you who read or participate in Idol, that means you'll get the full effect --- the good, the bad, and the ugly --- of his sharp wits and sharper tongue. Enjoy!
Myself? Hanging in there, by a shredding thread, but as the video game song goes, I'm still alive.
He's healthy.
I doubt he'll explain for himself so I will do so. The feeding tube didn't appear to be working as well as had been hoped and the surgeons were contemplating going back in for a revision and possible ileostomy/colostomy. However, Dr. Arta thought to check on a few things beforehand. Our boy continues to be 'special'; turns out that he's allergic to latex AND natural rubber. They had known about the latex allergy but not about the rubber allergy. You can imagine the havoc that would cause if it's implanted inside your organs and intended to feed you but causes irritation instead. They replaced the entire apparatus with a new hypoallergenic material and adjusted his nutrient feed for a higher metabolism.
No more nausea. No more lower GI issues. No more vomiting.
The food still needs to be well cooked and in small pieces with relatively little fiber in order for him to eat real food via mouth but he CAN eat. Combined with the improved nutrient formula, he's doing well.
Dee currently weighs about 145 pounds and was certified fit for duty this past month. He can even go out to interview suspects and inspect crime scenes if necessary, though there are still restrictions about how long he can work and how often he has to be given breaks for feeding.
For those of you who read or participate in Idol, that means you'll get the full effect --- the good, the bad, and the ugly --- of his sharp wits and sharper tongue. Enjoy!
Myself? Hanging in there, by a shredding thread, but as the video game song goes, I'm still alive.