His was the typical course once infection was gone and health incentives were given by the ward corpsmen and nurse. In Remo’s case multiple motivations prevailed. Like all colostomy patients getting rid of the colostomy was number one. For Remo the pathway to get on the OR schedule meant gaining weight.
“Remo, every time you have that Aussie hat on you’re eating.” Corpsman Orville Thatch retrieved his empty mess tray.
“Hey Orv I’ve been outta the wheelchair two weeks now and physical therapy says I can get off tha ward with visitors or with another good-shape patient.” Remo’s stomach growled and his colostomy bag gurgled.
“How often are you changing the colostomy bag Remo?” Thatch checked Remo’s fresh bag supply. “And is the stool solid or liquid?”
“My shit bag has been solid for the past month. Look at my belt. My waistline normally is 32. When I came in here it was 24 and now it’s 28.”
