Yesterday was a bit of a wash-out. I cancelled my yoga class as I’d had a very late night trying to get through to A & E to find out how Mum was (didn’t succeed) and then an early start, phoning in again. She was comfortable when I finally got through and was due to be transferred to a ward.
I decided I’d go back to bed to recoup my energy ready for the afternoon onslaught of the dreaded endoscopy.
John reminded me that we were due to view another bungalow, so I had a bit of a snooze and then was up at 10.30 and off we went. The bungalow was very interesting but there is such a lot of work to do on it and it only has two bedrooms, so not ideal – and I am not sure we could manage all the work required. It’s on the back-burner.
Just after lunch we went off to Warwick Hospital, where John dropped me off, and then I waited my turn for the procedure, which was exceedingly uncomfortable, but I’m still here to tell the tale, so couldn’t have been that bad!
The results were relatively positive in that there was no cancer detected (phew!) but they did find a large (6cm) hiatus hernia and gastritis. They have given me pills to take so we’ll see how it goes. Had a bit of a dodgy tummy overnight but it’s settling down now. Might be back to normal by Monday….well, that would be nice wouldn’t it? Normal? Whatever that might be!! Hehehe.
Today promised to be a busy day. We went up to Sapcote, in Leicestershire, to buy a new bumper for John’s Lotus. Fortunately, this one looks like it’ll fit. We had a nice chat to the chap who was selling it to John, who came home very pleased that at last he can move forward.
On the way home we went to Heartlands to visit Mum. We had just called into the café for a sandwich and a coffee before going up to the ward when my phone rang. It was the doctor on Mum’s ward wanting to update me as to the state of play. “I’ll come up now,” I said and hopped upstairs to meet him.
They have Mum on a drip to reduce the dehydration and to administer pain relief. However, as the doctor explained, this is not a long-term solution and, once the electrolytes in her blood have stabilised, they will stop the drip and try her on food and drink by mouth. Unfortunately, the path of dementia is that the patient forgets how to do that, and this looks like this is what is happening to Mum.
The infusion of fluids has brought Mum’s consciousness back enough for her to chat a little bit – and possibly try something to eat or drink? So I did try her on a sip of water and a spoonful of yoghurt. Two sips of the former that just moistened her lips, and she said, “That’s enough. I shan’t want any more.” And three goes at the yoghurt with just the tip of the spoon laden, before she put her hands up and smiled, “Thank you,” she said, “but no more.”
She was compos mentis enough to respond to the photographs I showed her, looking lovingly at each and every one, oohing and aahing at the children in particular; and she definitely recognised me today. We even had one verse of her favourite song, ‘All good friends and jolly company’, which made her laugh. But one verse was enough. John came up to the ward too, for a few minutes, and she was able to greet him and bid him goodbye. Bless her.
The staff there were lovely – really gentle, caring and attentive, so I felt confident that they would do their best for her. “You can always phone us to see how she is,” they said, smiling at me, with sympathy in their eyes.
We came home mid-afternoon vowing to put our feet up for an hour or so before rushing off to Kenilworth to wish Thomas a happy 3rd birthday. I had just put the kettle on when Andrew walked through the door. How lovely. He was on his way to Kenilworth, also to wish his godson happy birthday. “Are you coming over?” he asked. “We will, ” I replied, “once we get the call”
The family whooped it up at the Kenilworth Carnival and Funfair this afternoon and, when Michael phoned, John told him not to worry about us but just to enjoy themselves. We were definitely too weary for lots of standing around in a noisy, even if it was a happy, atmosphere.
In the end, the call came but we were settled at home and still rather weary. Not to worry, we said, we will see Thomas tomorrow and he can have his gift then….. if he needs it after he’s opened this little pile of presents!!
Take care everyone. God bless. Please keep my Mum in your thoughts and prayers if you are so inclined.
Good to hear that your Mum is more comfortable and being well looked after, that’s a great comfort isn’t it?
Well done on getting through the endoscopy, and let’s hope the meds bring you some relief xxx
Cheers Carol – yes, it’s definitely a relief that Mum is being well looked after. And fingers crossed that the meds work!