Dogtag (completed)

11. gain

Because Rj showed more focus and attention to his surroundings, his doctors moved to more advanced strategies in his care.

First, they wanted to wean him off his feeding tube. He had achieved the weight goal he needed. “Let’s try intermittent feeding first. Soups and liquids for the first week, then gradually introduce soft food. Continue with overnight feedings…”

Dei took note of this and started feeding broth to Rj one lunch time. He took very small portions at first. Lunch became almost a two hour activity as Dei had to stop feeding Rj almost after every teaspoonful because he would gag or cough. He would plead with his eyes for her to continue, though.

“…kaya ko to…kailangan kong kayanin…”

By the end of the 2nd week, Rj could eat soup mixed with a little soft rice. He hated oatmeal, though, and turned his head away from the spoon when Dei brought it up to his mouth. Like a toddler, he let the food drool on his chin if he didn’t like it.

“…sawang-sawa na ako sa lugaw at sabaw pero please, wag mo akong pakakainin ng oatmeal...kakainin ko lahat pwera oatmeal...please...”

One afternoon, while Rj and Dei were watching a movie in the unit, Rj, who was seated on his wheelchair beside the couch where Dei sat, absent mindedly reached for the popcorn which Dei was munching on. He popped a few pieces in his mouth and started chewing. He swallowed the popcorn but his throat was still getting accustomed to taking in “harder” and “coarser” food that he began to cough and gag. Dei got startled and immediately stood up from the couch. This sent the bowl of popcorn flying!

Dei rubbed and patted Rj’s back. She tried to give him some water to drink, too. Dei, who was bent down in front of Rj, while patting and rubbing his back, received a full blow of vomit on her scrub suit. Dei moved to the side as Rj vomited more on himself.

“…sorry…sorry…”

Rj was tearful as he was red. Dei knew that he was crying so she consoled him and assured him that everything was okay. When his coughing and vomiting ceased, Dei wheeled Rj into the bathroom for a bath.

“..samahan mo na ako…sinukahan kita e…sorry…”

As Dei pointed the shower spray on Rj’s body, he flicked his wrist and sent a sprinkle of water towards Dei. She didn’t notice it at first. Rj flicked his wrist again, which were on his lap, this time the water sprinkled on Dei’s face. She looked up at Rj and saw him smiling and chuckling.

“…ganon!?” Dei said and pointed the shower toward Rj’s chest and neck.

He laughed and splashed more water toward Dei. In the end, Dei had to leave Rj in the bathroom for a while so she could change into his shorts and her ‘emergency’ t-shirt (she normally just brings an extra shirt with her).

Once she was dressed, she returned to the bathroom. Rj had an accident. The popcorn was ‘new’ to his system and caused diarrhea.

“Anong nangyari?” She said as she rubbed his belly and positioned the commode pail under him. Rj winced and groaned and a wave of gas and poop passed.

“…yan…ninakawan mo kasi ako ng popcorn e…” Dei teased as she continued to rub his belly.

“…gusto ko na kumain ng totoong pagkain…”

“…ganito, pag di ka mag choke at mag-diarrhea, kakain tayo ng konti ng favorites mo…”

“…konti lang?”

“…ano ba favorite mo?”

“…uhm…gusto ko sana ng steak…o sinigang...mas maasim na sabaw, the better...”

“…wag lang yung matigas at mahirap kainin…mahilig ako sa steak…ikaw?”

“…uy! Pareho tayo! Hmm..kung sa malambot na food, lahat naman kakainin ko pwera lang oatmeal…”

“…alam ko na!”

“…ano?”

“…male-late ako ng konti bukas ha? Bibili ako ng ingredients para sa lunch mo…gusto mo ng sopas? Masarap ako magluto ng sopas..”

“…sopas sounds good. Basta luto mo…”

“O, tapos ka na? Wash na tayo at magbihis…nanginginig ka na sa lamig e…pati tuloy si junjun nag-r-react na…” Dei chuckled as she washed and dried him. She draped the towel on Rj’s back before pushing him back to the room.

Therapy to develop Rj’s strength and balance took place almost as soon as his wounds healed. When he became stoic, he was mostly confined back to his bed and wheelchair. However, since he was more conscious of his surroundings, his physical therapies resumed. He could now stand with assistance on his “good” leg for a few seconds to transfer to bed. Otherwise, he would tremble and lose balance (and fall) if he attempted to stand on his own.

Dei dressed him in a diaper, shorts, and a shirt.

“Ayan, presko na. Magpahinga ka muna dito. Lilinisin ko lang yung kalat sa labas”

“…salamat…”

“…D…Dei…”