hospitalized

We got a surprise phone call from Daniel on Tuesday evening. He was in the Army hospital. They didn't know if it was cellulitis, contact dermatitis or something else, but obviously, the Army doctors felt like it was serious enough to keep him for a few days.

Daniel had told us on Sunday that his hands were starting to "crack." We just figured that they were chapped due to the cold, dry temperature and suggested that he use lotion. He took our advice, but apparently it was too late. The lotion caused the redness and irritation to spread to his entire hands, and they swelled up to the point that he couldn't wear his gloves. His company went on a ruck march on Monday, and by the time they arrived (about 7.5 miles), his drill sergeants felt that his hands needed to be looked at by a doctor and took him by truck back to the Army hospital on Tuesday afternoon.

Daniel was very disappointed about being hospitalized, but he took it in stride. He seems to have received good care. They ran a few tests and treated him with steroid cream. The swelling went down and his hands began to heal. Now, he is only complaining of itching, but he understands that is part of the healing process.

Daniel was discharged from the hospital on Friday after lunch, just in time to return to his company for their first class A (dress uniform) fitting. I know he will look soooo handsome!

While Daniel was in the hospital, he was able to call us every day, several times a day. I was glad that I could hear from him and be kept up to date on his health. I am very grateful that he received such good care. And, of course, I'm glad he has been able to return to training, although I will miss getting to talk to him daily. He did tell us that they are expecting an 8-hour on-base pass on Sunday (as long as no one messes up), so I will look forward to talking with him then.