‘Ot, innit?

Crikey, today was a belter, wasn’t it? Really hot sunshine, all day. John was very jealous. We had a chat at breakfast-time, just as I was sitting outside to eat my fruit and yoghurt. “Big blue skies, then?” he marvelled. I agreed – it was a fabulous morning. “Pity I can only see concrete here though….” he grumbled. “I might be able to see a spot of sunshine later, but I can’t just now.” Hmmm…… that’s the problem with the ward he’s in. Nothing to see outside at all.

The upshot of the conversation was that he might be home today. I visited this afternoon and, by then, it was looking less likely. For a start, John had explained to the staff that he was expecting an x-ray on his leg on Wednesday afternoon. “We’ll see if we can bring that forward, shall we?” suggested the nurse and, sure enough, they did. However, it wasn’t the x-ray that kept him in. It was the result of another blood test. “Your potassium levels are still a bit high, John, so we’ll keep you in another night.”

Nevertheless, they started the process of getting him ready for home. The drip has gone; the oxygen is off; and the catheter contraption was changed for more civilised equipment. Home? Maybe tomorrow?

I came home mid-afternoon so that I could have a catch-up with the GP to set the ball rolling for some support in the long term. Andrew was home and he and Michael, who had called in to collect the spare potty for Thomas, were having a good old brotherly chat.

“Do you want me to come with you, Mum?” he asked. Yes, please. Two sets of ears are better than one. We saw Doctor Horsley – whom I’ve always thought was a bit off with me – who was actually very good and explained lots of stuff very kindly and very clearly. Spot on, in fact. “Ha!” said John when I told him, “You see? Dr Horsley is OK.”

We now have a list of things to follow up. First stop tomorrow: the consultant’s secretary to see if they can bring forward John’s appointment now that the x-ray has been done.

I went back to visit John this evening and we spent a cosy hour or so together. John’s leg wasn’t quite so painful and he was a bit more relaxed – and resigned to another night in clink.

Take care everyone. God bless.