Saturday 14 November 2009

BACK ONLINE

When did internet get to rule my life? I'm absolutely lost without it. But I'm such a technophob. If it's set up for me I'm OK, but if not, forget it! But in my defence this time it wasn't my fault. It was faulty equipment at the hotel and once this was sorted my freedom returned. Well, sort of, apart from being away from home and my support network.

When Davy was in Addenbrookes in March 2007 I was so impressed with the level of expertise and attention to detail. I wondered if it was that particular ward, but obviously not because, if anything, this ward is even better.

Start at the beginning. First thing on Tuesday morning OG had the electronic reflex test, followed by ultrasound and blood tests. That afternoon a team of six neurology consultants came to see him followed later in the day by a visit from the liver man. On Wednesday he had a brain scan, lumbar puncture and more blood tests. On Thursday GBS was confirmed, an IVIG drip was started, he had a stomach X-ray and more blood tests. Friday another ultrasound, another visit from the consultant,
and more blood tests.

Not much happens in the NHS at the weekends, but he did have another visit from the duty neurology consultant this afternoon. They are very concerned that he can't eat without throwing up and is getting dehydrated so she arranged for a saline drip to be given during the night when the IVIG drip is down.

Although he is very poorly, the spark is still there. I told him that our granddaughter George had planned to visit, but her fourth child is due in 4 weeks and her youngest is only 9 months old. For some reason he has started waking in the night so she is pretty much wacked out and a 140 mile round trip is a big deal. I said to OG "she needs to get Noah sleeping through the night again, otherwise she will have two babies waking at night" "two babies?" I though blimmy, he has finally lost it. "Yes, Noah and the new baby", "Noah? no we are having Noah!". "Nice idea OG, but I think that I have enough on my hands with you right now".

12 comments:

RNSANE said...

Oh, my dear one, you do have a lot on your hands these days. It is sweet of your granddaughter to want to come and visit but it sounds like she needs to stay home and try to get some rest herself!!!

Poor OG, he has been put through the mill with all those tests but diagnosis is essential to properly treat. I am sending many big hugs to you both.

Sandi McBride said...

Our prayers continue for OG and you...I'm glad that the Doctors are doing all the tests, but would bet OG wishes they'd give him a break. Tell him how we are all pulling for his recovery!!!
hugs
Sandi

Maggie May said...

Glad you are back on line.
Hope OG does gather up his strength soon. Love and prayers to you both.

Nuts in May

Jay said...

It's good to hear that you have confidence in the hospital and the staff. Addenbrookes does have a very good name, doesn't it?

Fingers crossed that poor OG will get a diagnosis and it's something fixable. *Hugs* all round.

Sarah said...

I've just had a catch-up, not been reading blogs for a while- sending love to a true matriarch.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

You're right about the tests being an ordeal for him RNSANE. He is so exhausted that anything is a realy trauma for him.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

He is getting quite vocal at telling them to leave him alone now Sandi and they are so kind to him.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Being online is my life line Maggie.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

Yes, Addenbrookes is in a class of it's own Jay. And I say this after OG being in the hands of two local inept hospitals.

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

True matriarch Sarah? Praise indeed.

Sarah said...

A little busy at the minute? You are not kidding, R&C just wish me well! thanks for dropping by xx

www.retiredandcrazy.com said...

I do wish you well Sarah, and I am thinking of you right now. Can you feel the vibes