Feb 1 10:41

Dr N pronounced he was pleased with all the walking Baba's been doing. He's scheduled an X-Ray to look at his handiwork tomorrow sometime. If the X-Ray pleases him, Shanks could be home by the end of the week. Fingers crossed. Or maybe plaits - those million tiny plaits with beads would be good....

Feb 1 08:41

Shumita was massaging his cold toes yesterday - how very nice that must be! And this morning, he walked to the loo, brushed his teeth and SHAVED! Even though he has a multi-pronged canula sticking out from under his right ear - that's the colorful set of plastic baubles hanging on his right shoulder.

I thought I'd send this out before Dr. N arrived because Shireen - one of my friends from class 5 who is following every post carefully from Mumbai - wanted an update.

More after Dr. N's morning visit.

Jan 31 18:06

My aunt Ruma sent me this picture of Shanks sitting in a chair. Not that interesting in itself but astounding if you know that he walked to that chair. 3 days after a major 6 hour surgery - that is amazing. TW. When Dr Nundy descended on us this morning with his gaggle of young docs, he looked over Shanks and then fixed the gaggle with a beady eye and barked "Thyagarajan, why has this man had such a good recovery?". And into the silence that met that question, he said "Exercise!. This man walks 30 minutes every day. That's the only reason". He sneaked a look at me for confirmation, beamed at everyone and left.

For all you sedentary types: Get up and start walking. Now.

Jan 31 7:14

Here's a morning picture of Jins, the male nurse, and Shanks.

CP is being ferried to the hospital in Lalu's car. Which by the way has been absolutely invaluable. Lalu and Rajdeep, who had arrived to see Baba on the Sunday before the surgery, offered a point person (Surinder Nagar) and a car. Both have proved to be an absolute boon given the sudden scarcity of drivers in the PV clan: Baba's driver hurt his head and CP's driver absconded the day after the surgery. L and R have also rallied around by dropping in to see family and Pops. Thanks cuz(zes)!

Today is a sibling day for Baba: the sisters (CP and RP) in the morning and his brother (Kaku) in the afternoon. Joey and Ammi roll up in the afternoon/ evening. I've developed a little sniffle and likely will take the day off. I'll post second-hand news EOD.

Jan 30 19:58

Some friendly doctors arrived today and said they plan to remove his various tubes (including the on-tap epidural) and get him to walk tomorrow. If all goes well, he should be home within the week. Baba's delighted with the news. He's disappointed not to be able to have visitors in the hospital but since he's on the phone now, is happy to be connected to the world.

My mother's getting the house painted. Father's room gets painted first so it's ready by the time he's back. She arrives with newspapers, daily updates on the house and doggies (Batty the dogette misses Baba) and lots of food for all the caregivers: sandwiches, fruit, parathas and large quantities of green chillies (for me).

A night nurse (male - much to Baba's disappointment) has presented himself. LOL. More tomorrow.

Jan 30 12:30

Dr. Nundy arrived in the morning towering over his gaggle of young doctors and pronounced that Baba could move down into the room. Within the hour he arrived and here you can see him re-united with his trusty companion - his phone.

Jan 30 08:55

The morning started with a call from the ICU. Guess who was at the other end asking for his morning newspaper. He's talked the ICU nurses into bringing the phone to his bed - LOL. He now knows all their names - Shiney John, Manju Matthews etc. He's looking good. Distinctly chirpier and is looking forward to leaving the ICU. It's likely the doctors will let us know today as to when he can be shifted into his room.

In preparation for the move, we're organizing masks, sanitizers and gloves for the caregivers and the housekeeping folks. We'll probably look like bio-tech lab workers.

Here are more messages I got this morning. I thought this first was really sweet - Thanks Mr. C!

Bal Raj Capur:
Dear Ela,

Please convey my good wishes and "A Speedy Recovery"! to your Dad.

Your Dad was my manager in Caltex. Last I saw you was when you were learning your alphabets in Bhubneshwar and, now, I am reading your blog!

Please also remember me to Viji.

All the best.

Bal Raj

Chandu Mhatre:

Though we could not meet. Our thoughts and best wishes with you , Dada for a speedy recovery" love Vineeta, Mallika and Chandu