The hardest part about recalling my memories for these blogs, is recalling what I feel I have suppressed subconsciously.  However, I have all these random memories-some of which (I think) are a funny blur.  Prior to my mom and mother in law arriving in California…I had this nurse that I had nicknamed “Milkshake Renee”.  I called her this because I had two nurses named Renee-so to keep them straight… I eventually nicknamed one Milkshake Renee and here’s why…..

One night, my husband was at the hospital with me and I asked him if he wouldn’t mind getting me a milkshake from Carl’s Jr.  I was feeling particularly good that night, Dilaudid was to blame, and by this point I had been in the hospital for a few weeks.  Therefore, the highlight of my day up until this point was the night nurses (as they are so much more relaxed and just overall nicer), my husbands arrival in the evening (as he was going to work and then coming to the hospital at night), and the drugs they were giving me to keep me pain free (aka IV  Dilaudid mixed with IV Benadryl).  Most certainly, the best part of my day was when I would have all three-a great night nurse, my husband close by, and my IV meds.  It was about 11:45 PM when I asked my husband if he would be a doll and go get me a milkshake.  He quickly agreed since Carl’s Jr. was right outside of the hospital’s enterance (and I think he was in the mood for a milkshake too), and since he agreed so readily I then picked up the phone and dialed my favorite nurse.  I remember thinking to myself, this is the least I can do from this hospital bed.  So when she answered her nurse phone I said, “Renee, my husband is going to get me a milkshake, would you like one also-my treat!”  Her response, after she giggled (as she must have been able to tell I was a little high on meds) was something like this, “I would love one, thank you-you’re such a sweetheart.”  I responded asking her what flavor she wanted and she replied quickly, “Chocolate!”

To be honest, I don’t remember much after that.  Except when I would talk about her I would refer to her as “milkshake Renee”…Not long after I was put into ICU.  Where the memories went from milkshakes and nice nurses to having restraints put on my hands and feet and being scolded to stay in bed.  The transition from happy to scared and feeling alone (although I know now that I had people around me) is quick and somewhat seamless in my memories.  If anyone is confused by the sequence of events with this blog, it’s because in my mind-this is the order.  I remember specific events not in sequential order-but I try my best to express the happiness, sadness, and how unbelievably scared I was and still am through most of this process.  My memories are a blur, but to my close friends and family that were (and still are) a part of this journey with me know the gruesome and horrific details of living life with ulcerative colitis and now a burning stoma.