Bed Pressure

I am very grateful for friend's care as some of you have responded and others are hearing the news.  Wednesday night was distressing with hallucinations etc. and as I went back into hospital on Thursday morning I had concerns and questions (you bet!) Carol had still not slept much and slotted in between her chair and the nurses station, a 91 year old lady was sitting waiting for a bed, the need of which she announced at regular intervals throughout the day. When I sat in Carol's chair my elbow nearly touched this troubled lady's, so I couldn't but help share her agitation

Further tests continued with bags of antibiotic flowing into Carol's canula. When the doctor came late morning there was still no news about her heart condition. Though I say it myself, I gave a fairly accurate nurses' impression for several hours, moving to-and-fro the loo and trying to make Carol comfortable. Friends tell me that this was noticed! It would likely be responsible for a decision that day.

Hours later, a new senior figure appeared and told me that Carol could go home and the doctor would explain why. Stunned is the word.  Really stunned!  The doctor explained they had spent considerable time on Carol's diagnosis. Their conclusion was helped by a recent research paper he had read that the UTI infection was sufficiently serious it actually caused the heart problem.  So, with a measure of confidence they were ceasing her heart medication - drugs, injections - and sending her out with 2 more days of UTI medicine - 4 precious orange pills - into my tender care.

Later, when I returned with her clothes helped by a friend with a blue badge who could park near the hospital entrance, she was sleeping yet happy to be woken for dressing and the journey home. As they stripped the bed I was aware that the dear neighbouring-chair lady appeared to be taking her bed.  Such is the pressure on beds, evident from the moment you come into A and E, that Carol needed to be discharged.  Yes, that's put extra responsibility on me and it will be much more complex monitoring her recovery from the UTI, but I realized it was an inevitable decision. From the 7 pages of discharge papers it is clear how exhaustive the testing has been and (in spite of the surprise discharge) how excellent has been the care.

I told Carol I was posting this. She said: 'Please tell them I'm still poorly and I need their prayers.' I am so grateful to know that many friends will respond.