More ups and downs

I've been in hospital more than three weeks now; can't believe it. Developments have been both encouraging and discouraging:

The doctors were paying more attention than I'd thought, and had the nurses remove the catheter earlier this week. What a relief not to be lugging around that smelly thing. So far I am peeing normally, and that's a relief. As long as I have someone to bring my walker to me, I can get to the bathroom on my own pretty well.

Every couple of days I get a little more movement in my left leg; suddenly yesterday morning I could kind of raise my foot by itself and even lift my knee a bit more. It's odd how these movements return suddenly; one second I can't do something, and the next second I can. I continue to feel tight and numb in many locations, including my groin, which feels odd to say the least.

The physiotherapist took me to a stairwell, and showed me I could, with effort and help, get myself up some steps. This was a great relief, because it means I could actually get into and out of my house if I get a day pass. Three weeks ago, that was impossible, so thank goodness for this blessing.

My shoulder pain is up and down. I take oxycodone and look for comfortable positions to sit and lie in.

The worst part: I continue to have great difficulty eating and I've vomited the last two nights. The palliative care doctor was in today and says this can be a permanent feature of spinal cord injury, even with cancer, so I'm discouraged. I'm not getting enough nourishment to feel strong enough to recover. I'm starting a new medication tonight for my poor beleaguered gastrointestinal tract.

Pollyanna moments:

• Today I had to miss my father's 75th-birthday celebrations in Kitchener, but through the miracle of speaker phones, I was able to participate a little. The best part was hearing everyone sing and play "The Blackfly Song," a family favourite that Dad loves.
• Joan D. flew in from Calgary for a couple of days, and I am being treated royally as usual. It's great to see her.
  
• I'm feeling strong enough today to be a little productive, write a letter, do a puzzle, blog, etc. Let's hope I can keep down some food today.