Sunday 10 February 2013

Getting better every day

It could take a while for me to update this,as I'm typing with my left hand. My hospital stay was as pleasant as it could be, under the circumstances. My room overlooked a patch of woodland where people walked their dogs. Of course my BP went up, but only the top one. husband stayed till nearly 3, but came home as he was supposed to be working. They said if I was a long way down the list I would get a glass of water, and this appeared just after 3. I had been nil by mouth since 8 am, admitted at 12 noon. I channel hopped as I was bored. I had just finished watching Antiques road trip, when the nurse arrived to escort me to theatre.
I was teased by the anaesthestists for being nervous, but despite the cannula insertion being painful, I was soon totally unaware, just as I came round I was still being teased for screaming in the anaesthetic room, (I had said 'ow' 3 times), I began to shiver and my teeth chattered so they piled hot blankets on me, bliss! It was a reaction to the anaesthetic apparently. Back in my room I was soon sipping water, I had been out of the room for 2 hours. The anaesthetist and consultant both popped in to see me. Apparently the area had been really inflamed and needed the op.
Later I was able to eat a panini and a fruit salad,and drink a small pot of tea. Husband didn't visit, as by the time he knew, and drove there, it would have almost been the end of visiting. I got a cup of hot chocolate just before midnight.
The night nurse said she wouldn't do my BP overnight, but would look in on me, the problem was, every time she looked in on the chap next door, he spoke to her, and she to him. I eventually dropped off at about 3 am, only to be woken at 5.35 am by the arrival of my meds. My BP was down, later I had my pre-ordered breakfast, then later was able to freshen up. I phoned husband and he promised to come over, they were aiming for a 9.30 discharge. The nurse helped me dress, the physio popped in, and just after 9.30 we were on our way out of the building.
We stopped off in Harpenden for newspapers but soon I was home and resting. I slept quite a lot. In the afternoon daughter arrived with the children and some flowers. I was in bed early, but didn't sleep too well because of the sling. Saturday we popped into town, but not for long as I tired easily. We bought an M&S ready meal for the evening, Husband chose very naughty melting middle choc puds.
Sunday morning we went to the church service, but I yawned so much during the sermon that we decided to skip communion. We popped home for slippers, and went up  to Daughter's home for lunch. We had a lovely meal, and later we all fell asleep. Oh well it was a day of rest.
I didn't feel up to going to the evening service, so we came home and I phoned Mum in law. During the week I found I was feeling low, probably as I struggle with being one handed and get frustrated.
I walked most days, got the bus to WW, half a pound on, then walked home. I intended to walk halfway, but just missed a bus, and didn't want to share the bus stop with a bickering couple. The bus passed me just as I neared home.
C picked me up for parent and toddlers', I was doing registration, nice and easy, and I helped with the singing. Daughter collected me, and took me to Sainsbury's where I found a decent trolley, which I could push with one hand. I managed quite well, didn't overspend, but admitted defeat and had help with packing, for the sake of those queuing behind me.  One of my cures for the 'blues' this week was to phone 2 people who are far worse off than me, that cheered me up, and hopefully did them too.
Thursday I popped into town, heartily sick of the blouses I had bought, but no one had anything cheap and cheerful, so I decided to wear cardigans buttoned up to the neck whilst the blouses were in the wash. I can load the washing machine one handed, but have resorted to the tumble dryer, as it's easy and cuts down on ironing. I haven't attempted ironing yet. C took me to Women's hour, we had a lady speaker, we were fewer in number this week, but someone brought their Mum, so that helped
Friday I got the papers at a shop near Daughter's, but she was out, so I walked home. Husband was in Bristol, so was home early, but was so tired he needed a long sleep before dinner. Yesterday he was complaining of stuffy ears, then after we had done the shopping, dizziness. I was going to teach him to make spag bol, but he didn't feel hungry. Nor did I as we'd had lunch at the Cornish pasty Co, pasty and wedges for him and baguette and wedges for me. He ended up going to the drop in surgery at the hospital where labyrinthitis was diagnosed. Then he slept in a chair as he  felt worse if he lay down. As usual I struggled to sleep on my back. Neither of us made it  to church this morning, so we listened to a sermon from sermon audio, by our former pastor. Husband managed a decent roast, he has antihistamines to take. We may make it  this evening. I will add a  picture if I can.
me and my sling


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