Back in 1943 my G-ma Ruth kept a diary of her daily activities. During the week of Monday, July 12, 1943 through Monday, July 19, 1943 my grandmother was hospitalized for surgery on a goiter. Today this would probably be an out-patient procedure. Here are her entries for those days:
Can’t enjoy the show without a program! Harley is my grandmother’s husband; Jerry is my grandmother’s step-daughter; Carl is Harley’s brother; Leonard is Jerry’s husband.
July 12 – Monday
Boy did I ever have a lot to do getting ready. Lots of shopping and boy the hospital will look good to me as I am already worn completely out. We are ready to leave in the a.m.July 13 – Tuesday
Well had some more blood tests, also heart, lungs etc. Dr told me my windpipe was shoved clear over to one side of my neck. Entered hospital about 5 pm. Jerry drove me out as Harley took bus back to work. After my supper I was so tired I went to bed and to sleep. Slept for about 2 hrs. Then nurse came and worked me over some and gave me some capsules to make me sleep more.July 14 – Wednesday
Well a big day for me. Clamped gas mask on me at 7:05 – two deep breaths and I went out thru the mask. Was on table until 9:30. Harley & Jerry came in but I wasn’t awake, woke up at 1 pm. They and Carl came back at 6:30 pm. Boy oh boy was I hot and hard to breathe. However after getting rid of the ether (which they had to give me after the gas) I felt pretty well. Not much pain. Gave me pure oxygen every hour until 6 am, Thurs. Fed me thru the arm. Sure a long night. Awake every hour.July 15 – Thursday
Moved me in ward but I took a nervous spell and had to take me back by myself. Too many flowers to breathe. Had to give me a shot in arm to quiet me. Had another spell at night and another shot. Wrote to mother. Don’t remember what I wrote now. Received a bunch of cards from the “gang”. Received two yesterday. I guess they were there before I came out of the ether. Jerry brought me a beautiful bouquet.July 16 – Friday
Sat up in bed some today. Wrote some letters. Harley comes to see me every a.m. Boy did my throat ever get sore all nite. Teeth ached too. Finally by a.m. nurse brought some aspergum and some hot water for my throat. Boy for a good hot cup of coffee.July 17 – Saturday
Well as this is a 7 day advent hospital it is the Sabbath today. Put me in a wheelchair and pulled myself around some. Jerry, Leonard and youngsters came to see me. Sure was good to get out of that bed. Sure hot. Have heard some beautiful music and chimes with Hawaiian guitar.July 18 – Sunday
Well up and walking around today. Harley didn’t work and came up in p.m. Mable from Flag Loft visited me. Dr said I could go to St. Helena tomorrow a.m. when Harley came up. Oh boy, sure have swell nurses but never like a hospital.July 19 – Monday
Harley brought me home and cooked me a big steak. I was drooling at the mouth before it was done and did I eat – First meal since I left from hospital as no one could live on the meals they serve. No meat, no coffee. I drank coffee too. Harley woke me up at 1:30 when he came home to tell me he got a new rating – 2nd class fitter. Sure was tickled.
Kathi O'Neill Genealogy 