Popped in on Dad this afternoon. Sunday afternoon parking is a nightmare (I remember back to last week). I'd even got there early in the hope of finding somewhere without having to cycle round every car park on the hospital grounds. This time I did have better luck and managed to sneak my car on some rough ground not too far from the Main Building.
He has had the drain taken out so was mobile again. Only one problem now his new slippers have disappeared! He's probably only done a few laps of the corridors in them. I should have left him with the old ones, no one would have nicked them! They have given Dad some very fetching red slipper socks as a temporary measure. Today he was dressed so he'd got his shoes and socks on.
He feels better now the drain is out. He's had his lunch in the day room and was off back down there later to watch the footie. He even walked me to the door.
Not sure what the next step is and whether he stays there for a few more days or they go back to the plan of moving him to Stadium Court. Once I know more will update on here.
A bit of an update - Dad has just rang to say Dr has been round and they are happy with him. He's had an ECG and they are happy with that. They are going to do another x-ray tomorrow and then maybe a move to Stadium Court.
Sunday, December 7, 2014
Saturday, December 6, 2014
He's doing ok
Checked up on Dad a couple of times during the day and they said not to worry that he was doing ok. The staff even told Dad I'd rang ... I think the phrase was "your daughter is mithering about you"! I did try Dad's mobile a couple of times, it rang (he NEVER has it switched on) but he didn't answer. Apparently it was on silent. As I was out at Chester I just wanted to make sure he was fine ... a daughter is allowed to worry about her Dad :)
Been to visit tonight. He's still got the drain in which unfortunately makes him less mobile. He got a ticking off as he un-screwed the drain and tootled off to the loo at one point! I bet he was eyeing up the tubes and thinking back to his plumbing days ! No more fluid has drained off so hopefully tomorrow it is coming out. Hope Dad doesn't get someone that has been out on the Christmas party tonight taking it out!
Dad got a better nights sleep as there was no noise but it's bit uncomfortable to sleep with the drain as basically there's only one position to lie in ! He is still in some pain but he's hoping once the drain comes out that'll ease.
I took him a little radio in so he could listen to the football. I asked if he used the headphones and he said no as the other guy on the bay wanted to listen as well and one of the nurses kept popping up ! So the radio was a good idea and Stoke won ! I've also taken him a TV mag so once he's able to pop along to the day room he can find something to watch on TV.
Been to visit tonight. He's still got the drain in which unfortunately makes him less mobile. He got a ticking off as he un-screwed the drain and tootled off to the loo at one point! I bet he was eyeing up the tubes and thinking back to his plumbing days ! No more fluid has drained off so hopefully tomorrow it is coming out. Hope Dad doesn't get someone that has been out on the Christmas party tonight taking it out!
Dad got a better nights sleep as there was no noise but it's bit uncomfortable to sleep with the drain as basically there's only one position to lie in ! He is still in some pain but he's hoping once the drain comes out that'll ease.
I took him a little radio in so he could listen to the football. I asked if he used the headphones and he said no as the other guy on the bay wanted to listen as well and one of the nurses kept popping up ! So the radio was a good idea and Stoke won ! I've also taken him a TV mag so once he's able to pop along to the day room he can find something to watch on TV.
Friday, December 5, 2014
A bit of a blip ...
Had two phone calls from Dad today. One around lunch and one around 4.30 to say he was still on the ward and they weren't sending him anywhere today. When I got there at visiting was a bit surpised not to find him sitting in his chair, instead the curtains were round the bed and I could see a couple of feet around his bed which weren't Dads. I headed back to the desk just to check that it was still Dad's bed and they hadn't moved him. Yeah it was him behind the curtains and he'd been for an x-ray today and they'd found some fluid around his lungs so were just inserting a drain. I went and sat in the day room for 10 minutes or so. I then headed back to the ward and there was Dad lying on the bed. A quick u-turn by me as they were just heading back in to clean up around Dad. I thought it was blood, turns out it was fluid. It was red, it was liquid, I'm in a hospital - an easy mistake !
Dad was a bit rough and in some pain. They'd given him a local anesthetic and then inserted the drain and then stitched him. Dad said it was worse that his op (I don't think so!) The Dr came back and checked and they'd drained over a litre of fluid off. He said the body has around five litres so Dad asked for a beer to make up the fluid! They are going put an IV line back in just in case they need to put him on some fluids later to keep his blood pressure up.
The two guys that were a pain have gone today (cheers all round!) and there's only one other person in Dad's bay so hopefully he'll get a decent nights sleep tonight which will no doubt help. At one point they came in to x-ray the guy opposite so us three visitors had to shufty up by the door whilst Dad just lay there opposite!
Fingers crossed once the fluid is all drained off he'll be back on the road to recovery.
Dad was a bit rough and in some pain. They'd given him a local anesthetic and then inserted the drain and then stitched him. Dad said it was worse that his op (I don't think so!) The Dr came back and checked and they'd drained over a litre of fluid off. He said the body has around five litres so Dad asked for a beer to make up the fluid! They are going put an IV line back in just in case they need to put him on some fluids later to keep his blood pressure up.
The two guys that were a pain have gone today (cheers all round!) and there's only one other person in Dad's bay so hopefully he'll get a decent nights sleep tonight which will no doubt help. At one point they came in to x-ray the guy opposite so us three visitors had to shufty up by the door whilst Dad just lay there opposite!
Fingers crossed once the fluid is all drained off he'll be back on the road to recovery.
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Back in civvies today
A couple of phone calls to the ward and I established that Dad wasn't moving anywhere today, so popped in visit him tonight. He was very popular this evening ... as he also had another two visitors ! Dad was in his element with three ladies sitting around his bed. It's a good job the other two guys in his bay don't have visitors ... as Dad certainly has his fair share. I think he had at least three at afternoon visiting.
A week after surgery and Dad has showered and is in back in civvies. He's done a few laps today and even two flights of stairs and he has passed the physio part. In fact he got awarded a badge. He can put that on display with his 11 - 100 mile challenge walks. They did bring him a zimmer frame to try and Dad "carried" it along with him. I think that was the point where they decided he didn't actually need a zimmer frame!
Dad has definitely joined the "Zipper Club" now and was showing us his new zip (look away at this point if you are squemish!)
Just noticed that it looks like he's wet himself in the photo ... he's not, he'd just had a drink and I think he's sprung a leak on the wound. I think he needs some bath sealant on that wound :)
Dad is doing good. He probably needs a week or so somewhere to recuperate a bit more and hopefully he'll be moved in the next day or so.
A week after surgery and Dad has showered and is in back in civvies. He's done a few laps today and even two flights of stairs and he has passed the physio part. In fact he got awarded a badge. He can put that on display with his 11 - 100 mile challenge walks. They did bring him a zimmer frame to try and Dad "carried" it along with him. I think that was the point where they decided he didn't actually need a zimmer frame!
Dad has definitely joined the "Zipper Club" now and was showing us his new zip (look away at this point if you are squemish!)
Just noticed that it looks like he's wet himself in the photo ... he's not, he'd just had a drink and I think he's sprung a leak on the wound. I think he needs some bath sealant on that wound :)
Dad is doing good. He probably needs a week or so somewhere to recuperate a bit more and hopefully he'll be moved in the next day or so.
Wednesday, December 3, 2014
He's doing good
Been to visit Dad tonight. Had a frantic half an hour earlier when I got in from work and found two missed calls (close together) from Dad's ward. I tried desperately to get through to them on the phone but no one was picking up. All sorts of things were going through my head, especially why hadn't they phoned my work or mobile number or even left a message ! When I did manage to speak to someone it was nothing urgent they just wanted to talk to the family (me) about looking into discharging him for convalescent care. Communication is one of the things that needs sorting in Health Care. Nothing has moved on in the two years since I had all this with Mum.
When I got into see him Dad was on good form. He's had all the stitches out now - so not much holding the middle of him together ! He's had some blood tests today and there is no infection so medically he's fine, he just needs to build up his strength. He's walking a bit further and he's done a few laps of the corridors. They did suggest a walking frame but not sure Dad is keen on that idea! He's had his lunch and evening meal in the day room. His new glasses, case and chain (more of string) went down well and the new slippers have now got the "worn in" look to them!
I said yesterday he's now at the end of the corridor (bed 31) and the next place is out of the door. At the moment they are possibly looking to discharge him to Stadium Court but when (and if) we are not sure. If you are planning on visiting Dad, keep an eye on the blog and as soon as I know he's on the move, I'll update. Would hate for someone to find a parking space, pay parking only to get up on the ward to find they've just booted him out! Dad will be glad to be out as there is one particular guy on his ward that drives Dad (and everyone else) nuts! I think Dad is looking forward to moving on, he's been in there a week today. It will probably be better for me visiting him there and hopefully parking will be much improved !
When I got into see him Dad was on good form. He's had all the stitches out now - so not much holding the middle of him together ! He's had some blood tests today and there is no infection so medically he's fine, he just needs to build up his strength. He's walking a bit further and he's done a few laps of the corridors. They did suggest a walking frame but not sure Dad is keen on that idea! He's had his lunch and evening meal in the day room. His new glasses, case and chain (more of string) went down well and the new slippers have now got the "worn in" look to them!
I said yesterday he's now at the end of the corridor (bed 31) and the next place is out of the door. At the moment they are possibly looking to discharge him to Stadium Court but when (and if) we are not sure. If you are planning on visiting Dad, keep an eye on the blog and as soon as I know he's on the move, I'll update. Would hate for someone to find a parking space, pay parking only to get up on the ward to find they've just booted him out! Dad will be glad to be out as there is one particular guy on his ward that drives Dad (and everyone else) nuts! I think Dad is looking forward to moving on, he's been in there a week today. It will probably be better for me visiting him there and hopefully parking will be much improved !
Tuesday, December 2, 2014
He's been moved again !
Been visit Dad tonight and he wasn't in his usual bay and bed 15, so frantically scanned down the list and he's been moved to the end of the corridor .... if they move him any further he'll be out the door ! This is a much quieter bay of 4 beds and a less dependent ward. Dad has been up and walking on his own. He's been down to the day room which is looking very festive. He is off the catheter and has several visits to the toilet - he did go in to detail which was a bit TMI (too much information!). The first visit to the toilet was with a physio and they just wanted to see if Dad could sit down on the toilet and get up himself ... Dad had to reenact the whole scene by dropping his pyjama bottoms! Trust Dad !
He is looking a lot better now he can get about. Just got one IV line to come out now and that should be out tomorrow. He's eating well and drinking. The scars and bruises are on full show but they seem to be healing good. I took him a couple of Get Well cards and straight away Dad noticed one of the stamps hadn't been franked and said save that stamp, I can reuse it - a sure sign that he's feeling better.
The new slippers are on and Dad even walked over to the bin to drop his old ones off - well I wasn't going to touch them. I think he should have dumped them in contaminated waste! However he has managed to break his reading glasses so that's a new pair of readers needed now.
This was Dad earlier tonight reading his Get Well cards
Many thanks to everyone that sends their best wishes ... I turn up with a list so I can tell Dad.
He is looking a lot better now he can get about. Just got one IV line to come out now and that should be out tomorrow. He's eating well and drinking. The scars and bruises are on full show but they seem to be healing good. I took him a couple of Get Well cards and straight away Dad noticed one of the stamps hadn't been franked and said save that stamp, I can reuse it - a sure sign that he's feeling better.
The new slippers are on and Dad even walked over to the bin to drop his old ones off - well I wasn't going to touch them. I think he should have dumped them in contaminated waste! However he has managed to break his reading glasses so that's a new pair of readers needed now.
This was Dad earlier tonight reading his Get Well cards
Many thanks to everyone that sends their best wishes ... I turn up with a list so I can tell Dad.
Monday, December 1, 2014
Up and sitting in his chair
I rang and checked on Dad earlier today and they said they'd had him up and out of bed. Hopefully that'll help convince him even more that he isn't quite ready to be knocking on those pearly gates !
Got there early tonight so I made sure I got a parking spot so was in to visit him as soon as the doors opened at 6.30. There he was up and sitting in his chair. Those hospital pyjama bottoms aren't really suitable for sitting in a chair with the gaping fly ... but his modesty was soon covered up as I dragged his blanket off the bed! That's definitely not what a daughter wants to catch an eye full of ! They are slowly removing various tubes and he has some lovely bruises appearing. They've had him up and for a small walk but Dad was a bit like bambi on ice so they got him back in bed ! Hopefully tomorrow they'll get him going a bit further.
He has had a ticking off tonight for the state of his slippers. I know he doesn't like shopping but I could have got him some new ones! I'm not having my Dad walking around in slippers that his toes are peeking through (and no they're not mules he's wearing!). So I've been get him some new ones on my way back from the hospital. I've actually got two pairs so he can try them on and see which ones he likes best! If he likes them both he'll get the other pair at Christmas!
Dad is much brighter and alert today. Been laughing and joking about his hallucinations and he's decided he ain't doing drugs if that's what it is like ! He's had quite a few visitors today and now his shelf is full with Get Well cards ! He's eating well and drinking and when I left he asked for his book to see if he could read a bit which is definitely a good sign that he's on the road to recovery.
I took him a collage of some "selfie photos" that I'd taken of me and him and the collage from his 80th Birthday cake and that cheered him up. This is a photo from Le Tour in Yorkshire earlier this year ... I've told him his moto is now "put me back on my bike" ...
Many thanks to everyone that has sent their good wishes, folk who have phoned and emailed me. I tell Dad it all and how yesterday he had nearly 150 hits on his blog !
Got there early tonight so I made sure I got a parking spot so was in to visit him as soon as the doors opened at 6.30. There he was up and sitting in his chair. Those hospital pyjama bottoms aren't really suitable for sitting in a chair with the gaping fly ... but his modesty was soon covered up as I dragged his blanket off the bed! That's definitely not what a daughter wants to catch an eye full of ! They are slowly removing various tubes and he has some lovely bruises appearing. They've had him up and for a small walk but Dad was a bit like bambi on ice so they got him back in bed ! Hopefully tomorrow they'll get him going a bit further.
He has had a ticking off tonight for the state of his slippers. I know he doesn't like shopping but I could have got him some new ones! I'm not having my Dad walking around in slippers that his toes are peeking through (and no they're not mules he's wearing!). So I've been get him some new ones on my way back from the hospital. I've actually got two pairs so he can try them on and see which ones he likes best! If he likes them both he'll get the other pair at Christmas!
Dad is much brighter and alert today. Been laughing and joking about his hallucinations and he's decided he ain't doing drugs if that's what it is like ! He's had quite a few visitors today and now his shelf is full with Get Well cards ! He's eating well and drinking and when I left he asked for his book to see if he could read a bit which is definitely a good sign that he's on the road to recovery.
I took him a collage of some "selfie photos" that I'd taken of me and him and the collage from his 80th Birthday cake and that cheered him up. This is a photo from Le Tour in Yorkshire earlier this year ... I've told him his moto is now "put me back on my bike" ...
Many thanks to everyone that has sent their good wishes, folk who have phoned and emailed me. I tell Dad it all and how yesterday he had nearly 150 hits on his blog !
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