Monday, 4 February 2013

A tired update

We went with the skinny portion to the hospital at six this morning.  Remarkably promptly he was wheeled off theatre-wards at 7.15.  So we came home and waited.  Not patiently, not happily, but we waited.  We were told that he was scheduled for a four hour operation - which would probably start at 9, and would have an hour or so in recovery after that.  'Ring the hospital around 2, to see where he is.'

Which I diligently did.  Patient enquiries told me he had gone to Ward 10A (surgical) and put me through to the ward.  The first sister said that she had never heard of him - but would check.  She came back and told me which room he was in.  'I cannot discuss his condition over the phone' and then added 'but I can tell you he is recovering well.  Afternoon visiting hours start at 3pm.' 

So we arrived at Ward 10A at 3pm to discover he was not, and had not been there.  There was a space for him (name on wall) it is true, but that was all there was.  Hiss and spit.

Further enquiries revealed that he was still in recovery, expected to arrive at the ward 'in the next half hour'.  So we waited.  And waited.  He was finally wheeled past at quarter to five.

Respiratory issues had kept him in recovery.  If his pain was addressed, his breathing slowed to unacceptable levels.  Hiss and spit.

When he arrived he was conscious, breathing, and his pain was manageable.  All good.  The operation seems to have been completed satisfactorily (of course I haven't spoken to the surgeon).  There are some bleeding issues, but they are not unexpected.  His condition will be closely monitored tonight.

He was drifting off, so we left.  I am not certain that he will remember we were there - though the bags we brought in and unpacked should give him a hint in the morning when he surfaces again.

He is not comfortable - but he is alive. 

I am enjoying wine o'clock and will have an early night.

More updates, when I have more to report...

60 comments:

  1. Wine and patience, my dear friend.
    We are sending prayers and love
    & Aloha
    from Honolulu,
    Comfort Spiral
    ~ > < } } ( ° >


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    1. Cloudia: Thank you. Patience doesn't come naturally to me though.

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  2. I'm glad things went well and hope he is more comfortable soon. It's kind of worrying that his breathing slowed to unacceptable levels, but at least he was being monitored and had medication adjusted.
    Now look after yourself and get some sleep.

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    1. River: I think I fell into a coma last night - but do feel better for it. Now to see what today brings...

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  3. I thought I'd pop in in the hope of an update from you and I am so glad I did. Thoughts with you as always and glad to know things seem to be as well as can be expected. Must have given you a scare not finding him where you were told he would be but these things unfortunately do happen. I am sure he is being really well cared for as you need to care for your dear self. Lots of rest in between visits to himself. Look forward to hearing what the surgeon has to say about the op.
    Take care. xx

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    1. Mimsie: Thank you. I hope he is much better today, and tomorrow...

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  4. Being lied to and given the run-around. Typical. I'm very relieved to hear it seems to have had a satisfactory outcome. (Now... if only you can find a surgeon to actually confirm that...)

    And, yes, somehow(!) try to take care of yourself... AGH. I hope wine o'clock helped.

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    1. Paper Chipmunk (aka Ellen): You have hit on it. Now to find a surgeon. One who will talk to me. I am anticipating frustration and anger in the search. Perhaps this time will be easier - but I doubt it. Hiss and

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  5. I'm so relieved it went well, other than the misinformation (that's just crazy.) I'm so glad you could have wine o'clock! Keep us posted and I hope you are doing well, too.

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    1. Lynn: Thank you. I do hope that I don't run into that nurse today. I will not go looking for her though.

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  6. Thanks for the update, so glad to hear it went as expected (ish). Thank goodness for wine O clock.
    Sending love and strength x

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    1. bugerlugs63: Love and strength are needed - thank you. And wine o'clock was a big help.

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  7. Yes, thank heavens for wine o'clock being there to help take the sting of the day down to a manageable level. I'm glad things seem to have gone as expected and SP is now in recovery mode. I'm thinking of you and sending you positive vibes, dear one.

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    1. DJan: Wine o'clock let me fall into sleep without brooding over the day. A wonderful thing. Thank you for your positive vibes. Always welcome.

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    1. J Cosmo Newberry: Caring thoughts gratefully received. Thank you.

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  9. OH so good to hear he has made it through the operation and recovery time.

    Get some rest!!

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    1. Sherri: I had a very early night and now feel nearly human.

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  10. Hiss and spit indeed. I don't know about you, but I would've had a heart attack seeing that empty bed.

    By now you have enjoyed your wine and sleep. Today dawns anew--may it be a good day for you. Peace...

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    1. Linda: The not only empty bed, but empty space did cause a flutter in the heart and the stomach to turn. It came good eventually which is what matters.

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  11. Thank goodness all is well, what a trial for you, hopefully you are well rested for today to visit again.

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  12. Hoping both you and the SP got a good night's sleep, and that that's the end of any and all unnecessary drama. Just healing and rest and good thoughts ahead for you both.

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    1. Laloofah: Healing and rest, rest and healing for us both sounds very good indeed. Thank you.

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  13. Oh my goodness, I've been away too long! What an ordeal to go through! I've never heard of such misinformation from a hospital!! Is that common there?? Sending you big hugs from the USA and well wishes for a speedy recovery...for both of you! Oh..and I love the term "wine o'clock"! Never heard it before, but it's a keeper! :)

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    1. BECKY: The nurse was too busy, too lazy or both to check out things properly. And sadly lacking in empathy.
      Wine o'clock - the term and the concept are keepers indeed.

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  14. I am glad to hear he made it through the surgery. Wine o'clock is the best time I know. My thoughts are with you. Make sure you get some rest.

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    1. Karen: Thank you. I had a very, very early night last night.

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  15. Sounds like your health care system works about as well as ours...imagine, losing someone in the hospital system. Sheesh. I'm sure he'll be comforted when he opens his eyes and sees his own things around him. Sending healing and hopeful thoughts your way.

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    1. mybabyjohn/Delores: I don't think he was ever lost, I think that people took the easy option rather than checking things out properly. Infuriating though. When the panic subsided.

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  16. How unfortunate that the nurse (or whoever) had to compound your anxiety with dishonesty ... I can't even imagine what went through your head when you found his empty bed. I know and they know how strong you are, but that just isn't fair. You deserve better ...

    So glad SP is doing okay. Sorry he has to deal with so much but life with you is worth the fight. I know we all take care of our own, but you have gone above and beyond ... Bless you and both you and SP (and SP's sister) are in my prayers. It is a relief to hear from you ... be strong, my friend. Time is in your favor ...

    Andrea @ From The Sol

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    1. Andrea: Thank you so much - but believe me I am not a superhero.

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  17. The arrogance and total lack of bedside (or interest in the 'concerned carer') manner is always a shock to me. How would THEY feel if in the same situation?

    Enjoy 'wine-o-clock' and I'll have a drink to your household's health as well, E-Child. K xo

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    1. Kath Lockett: I am loving thinking of the homes around the world that are drinking with us. And I think that the nurse was completely lacking in empathy - and probably in life experience as well.

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  18. Patients really need someone looking out for them, and do better when they have it. Lucky SP has you! Wishing him an uneventful recovery and wishing you the ability to relax and breathe ...

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    1. jenny_o: I am more than prepared to fight for the skinny portion. An uneventful recovery sounds like bliss - for us both. Thank you.

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  19. What would we do without wine o'clock? At least you're over the hump. Many wishes and thoughts to bring him through a speedy recovery and life to resume a more normal progress.

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  20. It's true. Patients need like a body guard or someone like it. A human pitbull! Glad he is alive and hope he stays that way. Hope you can get through all this too.

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    1. Strayer: I think I see myself as a sabre-toothed tiger rather than a pitbull - but the prinipal is the same. Thank you.

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  21. Even if he doesn't remember your visit, I am sure that bringing your kind energy and thoughts will help him. Sending good thoughts to you both.

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    1. Riot Kitty: Yesterday afternoon's visit was always for me rather than him. Reassurance, or something like it. It will be interesting to see whether he does remember it though. Lack of pain medication may mean his brain was more present. Which is a very mixed blessing.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: It was a very long (I was up at four) and very difficult day. Bad words were spoken. But today is a new beginning. I hope.

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  23. hoping today is a good day for him AND you x

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  24. You all must be exhausted. Waiting and worrying is the hardest work anyone can do. Now, more of the same. Keep well, Sue.

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    1. Susan Kane: I feel a little like death on a stick - but much better than yesterday. I hope he also feels much better than yesterday.

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  25. You poor darling. Waiting is a horribly painful business. Positive thoughts coming your way. All the best to you and yours.

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  26. Good. So glad to hear. You have been in my thoughts and prayers this weekend and today. Sending you hugs.

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    1. Cindi Clarke: Thank you. Hugs gratefully received.

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  27. Hiss and spit.****

    Thinking and loving you from afar, S.

    Xxx Hugs.

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    1. My Inner Chick: Hiss and spit is a very useful all purpose phrase isn't it? Love, like hugs, is also gratefully received.

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  28. so very frustrating! here's hoping the next few days go well, and that things level out SOON! take care! drink wine while you can!

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    1. daisyfae: Another frustrating day. More wine. The wine is not frustrating. Positively beneficial.

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  29. DEar EC, well, as you say, "hiss and spit" about most of the day. But I'm so glad that the operation went well and I hope you get to speak with the surgeon. Peace.

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    1. Dee: I haven't yet seen the surgeon (they arrive WELL before visiting hours) but he told the skinny one how very happy he was. Fingers and toes crossed.

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