De-tubed, Un-tubed...whatever, HE'S HAPPY!

Mark got his tube out of his nose!!! This momentus occation took place on Thursday evening but my internet doesn't always work (and may not again after this, I'm currently at the hotel). He whooped and hollered and was heard throughout the 12th north floor. And as we took a walk afterwardrs, you would of that he was Fonzy(sp?) from Happy Days or something. He was strutting his new look of no tubes and the nurses were saying "Hey! You got your tube out, YA!" and "OH, you look so happy!". He was famous for the night. Mark later remarked in his jokingly boy talk "See, if I hadn't whined and complained while it was in, then no one would have noticed me and congratulated me. I'm sure people get their tubes out and don't get reactions like that!" I'm sure they don't.... :)

But there is a short funny thing that led up to this moment of being de-tubed, which I'm sure those who know Mark won't be surprised. At 12:00 that day, the doctors came in and decided to do this little test by clamping the tube till 4:00pm(normally it continuously drains), and then drain it at 4:00 pm to see how much his stomach produced(and didn't go down into the intestines. In order for the tube to be finally removed, Marks body had to produce less than 200cc's of bile, at this point it should be going down into his intestines and passing through. So, Mark being desperate and thinking his body wouldn't pass this test (but REALLY wanted the tube out) went into his room at 3:45 and started to drain a little. He only got out 60cc's but didn't get out anymore...this was a problem because when the doctor would come in and get "nothing out" it would obviously look HIGHLY suspicious. The doctors had joked before hand that they would dust for prints to make sure Mark didn't alter the test any (haha). Obviously they know him well. So, just as Mark is cleaning up his evidence, he lucked out when his (laughing her head off) nurse stopped the doc before coming in and told him she had already drained it. The doc started laughing and thought she may be in on it too, but as he drained, he got a little (lucky Mark) and conceded that the tube could come out. He felt bad for Mark too so it worked out for all.

Well, now it's on to bigger tasks like drinking lots of fluids, eating solids and pooping! I know, graphic, but these are our little goals and triumphs that get us through the days and OUT OF THE HOSPITAL! :) Maybe I'll reward Mark with a little peice of candy when he does, haha. Until I get internet service again....Ta-ta for now!