December- GOOD BYE 2014.

December 1st

Well we are in the last month of the year I can hardly believe it. This last year I have spent over a hundred days in hospital.

Not a good night I did not get to sleep till 3am then awake again at 4am. I just lay there not even feeling tired. Things went wrong on Novembers blog and I had to re-due over two hours work.
This gave me a bad headache that would not give in.

My friend Debbie came round in the morning to see me, she is a Geophysical Land/Marine Technician, she is very soon going to Africa again to work, she was there earlier this year.
A warm Christmas for her but she might even be back by then, she never really has a date to come back. Just when the works done.

In the afternoon Sally came to see me, she has broken the side of her hand and it is in plaster, the horse she was riding threw a wobbly and even though she managed to stay on for a while eventually the horse won. Poor Sally she needs to recover quickly. Her next event is starting the 15th December.
Her Sister painted this picture on her plaster as she was getting fed up with everyone asking how did you do that. Good painting don't you all think.


Sally's pot.


Good luck Sally Lincoln (Lincoln is the donkey I made her, he sits in the front of her tank!!) will help you
 
We had a walk around Sincil Bank as she had bought Charlie her dog. He remember me from last time at Sally's house. Summer and Charlie got on well after a few growls and barks. Charlie even gave Summer a kiss before he left.

2nd

My friend Bev is here today it was her Birthday while I was in Hospital so she got her present today a scarf I made for her and some candles, she got me some nice flowers. A good day just chatting and catching up on life.

In the night I had three seizures lasting two-three minutes total, then the spasms started my body felt like it was being shocked. Bad head as usual. IBRUS and OXYNORM twenty mls in total. Even then I could not relax at all. Went to sleep with my music on iPod.
Twenty two seizures since I came home.

3rd

Not the best of nights but far from the worst. I did not get up till ten, I feel drained I thing I might be in for some thing. My legs at the back of calf's hurt a lot and still a bad head. Slept most of the afternoon, had a bit of tea then asleep again. A very sleepy day.

5th

Still feeling a bit rough. I have decided to make Ginge a box to sleep in at night, it's all lined with fake sheep skin and took me about two hours, trouble was it was a bit small for him, he could not turn round. 
So it was start again with a bit bigger one. Ginge came in later and he makes a run for Summers basket, he makes in about five seconds from the back door. I am sure he thinks they share it. Summer does not mind one bit. I put him in the bigger box I had just finished and he loved it, turned round washed his feet and went to sleep. I was so pleased. Paul carried him out and put him in the passage bit between the shed and bathroom wall. He can come and go as he pleases though the bared gate



Mr Ginge in his new box.



7th
Ginge was still in his box when Paul unlocked the shed and he was still fast asleep.

Out to dinner today with Paul's IA members. This was good and I enjoyed it. I just felt a bit far away but pain wise quite good.
  






8th

A good night yes GOOD, I slept from 2am till 7am. I still feel very drained with this virus one minute ok the next not.

My friend John came to see me in the afternoon we had a good talk. I have never had so many people in one week.

Doctor Metha's appointment, he said I am looking better than last time he saw me. He thinks the IRON is working and this time it has not affected my stomach. I got a letter from Doctor Solinas today and I showed Doctor Metha and he thinks they have reviewed my case and it seems because my seizures are non epileptic they can't help me any further. So no Sheffield. So it looks like I will be referred to the Bath place to see if they can do anything about these seizures or at least tell me why they have decided to start up now. Doctor Mehta has reduced my DIAZAPAM so just one at night now. The rest the same. I see him again in a months time.

Poor little Jamie-Lee is at the Hospital she has hurt her arm. Lindsay was putting her to bed, the next thing she turned round and she was on the floor screaming and saying poorly arm.
They found she had dislocated her shoulder and pulled her elbow, it's where the joint comes away.
Lindsay said she screamed in x ray. They moved her arm around and it clicked into place. She came out smiling but still in pain but nowhere near as much.
She needs to go back tomorrow to check it again and make sure there are no breaks. Recover soon little princess.

Ginge's box had to be modified yet again as it was plastic and the heat from him and the cold plastic caused condensation. I managed to get a cardboard double thickness box. Its pretty much the same just a different outer.. 

9th

Good news no break for Jamie-Lee. Lindsay and the hospital think she put her arm through her cot from the outside and some how fell. They said this sort of dislocation is quite common in young children. She is not to be lifted by her arms or it will happen again. I don't think she will put her arm though her cot any more. She is still in a bit of pain but keeps smiling.

10th

I think this virus thing is still hanging on, I can feel pressure in my head and face. We need to go into town today. A few more presents to get, we had a Subway for dinner.
The Coca Cola lorry that appears on the television- Christmas is coming advert, was in St Marks Square. So we went and had a look. This was not lit up as it was day time. I think they should have come down the High Street at night like they do in the advert. This would have made it better I think.


 


Paul and I, it was very cold.

I got a call from Lindsay asking me to have Jamie-Lee as she wanted to take the boys to see the bus. After her accident she did not want her to get knocked or anything. Jamie-Lee had tea with us. We then played with the Doctors set, cooking set, big red bus plus a few more things. I enjoyed having her and she seemed happy. She wanted another toy the Scooby Doo bus, I said its upstairs, she said I know, do you know everything I said, not yet was the reply.


Jamie-lee looking after me.
Dr Jamie-Lee.
Jamie-Lee playing.


When Lindsay and her brothers came back they had brought her a present a light up windmill type toy she thought it was good. They also got a different light up toy each. They all went home. I was quite tired as she is a very active little girl.


12th

Still feeling the affects from this virus it seems to go- then return with something else. Today I ache, a dull annoying one. For the first time since I have bean in hospital I took Summer for a walk on the main common. Very frosty and cold but it was GREAT to be back.

I have bean trying to catch up on my TV programs I record and just finished Wentworth, what a good series it was.


14th

I took Summer again, my job I think now. Windy and cold but no frost.
In the afternoon I marzipaned my cakes and sorted out the cupboard that I keep all my baking things in. Later I paid for this I ached everywhere I hardly knew how to sit, after a relaxing bath my body felt more relaxed
I watched Grumpy Cat the movie it was ok but not brilliant but the cat does have a grumpy sad face.

18th

Fair night- but it took me a long time to get to sleep. Really bad pain on right side of head. Awake about 6am but managed to get back to sleep again, waking about 8am. Sleep on most night has got better but I do hurt more first off in the mornings. Legs and back the worse, at times it feels like my legs will give way when I put them on the floor. I am not that heavy not even eight stone yet. Putting the weight back on is hard for me. I hear some of you say lucky thing, yes I never have had a problem with gaining weight, but when I'm ill it takes more out of us skinny ones.
Summer had a bath and a good brushing she is loosing a lot of her coat as its still mild for December. A lot of dogs are moulting too. She will look very smart ready for Andrew to see her.

Andrew is arriving today from Amsterdam. Paul has gone to Birmingham to pick him up from the Airport. This time he is here for ten days. Wayne is coming Monday we will be all together for Christmas day Lindsay and family as well.      
When Andrew arrived Summer went crazy high fiving him and kissing him. They sat together having a cuddle.

19th

Not a good night a lot of pain and discomfort. Andrew and I had a few games on the WII I enjoyed it as its a lot better than playing on my own.
About teatime we got a phone call saying that Sonia was back in hospital and quite ill again. The same ward as well but in a side room this time. The same one I was in when I first went onto Dixon Ward. 

Summer was play fighting with Andrew as well so she was a very tired dog and I was very tired too. No rest tomorrow as the children are here.

20th

The children were very good and no falling out. Jamie-Lee was also good but quite demanding as she likes to change her toys about every five minutes. The toy cupboard is upstairs. Yes a lot of ups and downs.

21st

I iced the cakes they look quite good I think. One for us, two for presents.



After dinner we delivered all the family presents. A fair day but a lot of pain in knees and arms.

22nd

Wayne is coming from Halifax today, Paul is picking him up. Andrew is going to see one of his  friends at Gainsborough. I made him some mince pies to take.
My friend John came round and I gave him one of the cakes I made, he was very surprised and pleased.

Paul and Wayne arrived, Wayne looks well. We caught up on a few things.We are all going out for an Indian meal the same one Paul and I went to in November for his late Birthday meal. The Spice House.
 
 Paul and I.
 Tracy.
 Lindsay.
Wayne.
 Andrew.
 Me.
 No use trying to hide Tracy, we still have to pay.
 Now Wayne's trying to hide too.
In Indian mode.
Andrew and Paul.
Tracy and Lindsay.


23rd

Shopping for the last few presents, got the lot so I was pleased, roll on Christmas now.
We had the children for a while they were good but noisy. They were very pleased Wayne and Andrew were here and so was I. Another very tiring day but an enjoyable one.

24th

A good walk on the common with Summer and Andrew, very cold though. RSD pain in my foot while walking. Straight from a 4 to a 8-9 pain level.

Decorated the Christmas tree but not the best it has looked but its up so that's the main thing.


 

 
We took a tree for my Mum and Dad. Also a visit to see Sonia, she looks quite well now but not well enough to leave the hospital yet. She was very pleased to see us. Chinese for tea- then baking.
Everyone round for dinner tomorrow eight in all. So a lot of noise but it will be good to see everyone together.


25th

A good night sleep for a change, awake a few times but managed to get back to sleep straight away 
Paul prepared a lot of the dinner and joint effort to cook it. Everything was just right. Tommy Lee ate all of his and most of Jamie-Lees as well. So he thought it was very good. Jay-Jay ate all his. They all enjoy well cooked and simple food.

A lot of nice presents from everyone. Thank all very much.


 Wayne.
 Mr Ginge stayed with us for part of Christmas day.
 Paul talking to summer.
 Paul with a chip set Wayne got him plus a Blu Ray player.

 
Is that one for me?
 What do you think of my onesie from Paul plus socks Wayne got me he also got a boxed DVD set but I already had it, so an exchange will be done.
 Lindsay.
 Jay-Jay with a chocolate letter Andrew got them all from Amsterdam.
 Tommy-Lee with his new Ipad.
 Jamie-Lee and Andrew with the Doctors set he got her.
 Paul and I were the last to finish eating.
 Jamie-Lee likes her new pjs.
 Can I eat this now Mum.
 Myself and Jay-Jay.
 Jamie-Lee and Peppa Pig.
 Andrew with his Bullet Proof Coffee he has wanted to try for ages, Wayne got him it.

 Jamie-Lee with the train Wayne got her.
 Jay-Jay with his new laptop.
 Look at me I am a model.
I think Summer likes it.

Summer looking lost.
Jamie-Lee in her jacket I made her, she put it on her self straight away buttoned up as well. 
Lindsay with her new jeans.
Tommy-Lee was very pleased with his Barcelona football.
Andrew thinking??.
 
The famous Pyrah Christmas Sweet Trolley.


A good day but a lot of noise again. Weird how noise can affect RSD.  Great excitement all round, a good day for everyone. Lindsay is back tomorrow with Tracy as she has bean at her family's for Christmas. They are all here for tea so not as much work.

Nice Badedas bath later, this helped my aching body. Watched a bit of television then bed about 1.30.

26th

Bad night pain everywhere I was quite bother as it came on quite quick. I thought it was heading for another seizure. A very bad head pain like my eyes were being pushed out. I took IBRUES and OXYNORM. A while later the pain eased off and I was able to sleep .
Wayne and Andrew came with me and Summer for a walk cold but nice on the common.
I still feel a bit off it but worst has gone.

We all went next door to see Ben as he had not had his present yet. Ben was out for the day yesterday so he was feeling a bit worn out, other wise quite good.  Andrew also made him a selection of treats from Amsterdam plus a few of my cakes. Also took the other cake to my friends at the end of the street.

Lindsay and family will be here soon for tea, after Tracy comes back from her visit. Another nice day I hope.  
We all exchanged presents and got stuck into the tea everyone ate well. I am nearly eight stone now so with all the extras we have I am sure I will start the New Year on target.

 
 Lindsay in a new top and jeans we got her.

 Working something out, I love their curly hair.


Jamie-Lee looking thoughtful.She has got curly hair like the boys.

 
Tracy tucking in.
Wayne starting from the other side.
The children had picnic style.
Take one....family picture. Paul was not amused.
Take two.

About seven it started snowing heavy no one thought it would last or even settle. About two inches fell.

 The snowman Marta next door made.
 Snow on snow.
 



Paul was a bit worried as he is taking Wayne back to Halifax early in the morning. He has to go back to work. Still snowing when Andrew and I went to bed.

27th

About 6-00am Paul and Wayne set off, a very cold morning frost on top of the snow. The main roads were clear. They had a good journey. Safely there and back.

Andrew and I took Summer for her walk. On the the way we saw the ducks, looks like they are a bit confused --A beach ball!!
 Whats going on?
 Andrew and Summer.



 Me next to the old oak tree.


  Summer had a great time running though the snow and rolling in it.


Andrew and I are going into town shopping. We did well he got jeans, jog bottoms plus a few other things. I also got a few presents for Paul that he did not get at Christmas. We were both tired and hungry when we got home so hot curry and chips from the chippy. They soon warmed us up.


28th

Very cold start but soon warmed up when the sun came out, we still have a lot of snow.

Paul is taking Andrew shopping to Morrisons, for a few things that he can't get in Amsterdam. 
Took up and machined Andrews jeans that were a bit too long, everything went well. He is packing ready for his journey home. He always has too much stuff to take back. We usually end up sending him the rest.

29th

Sad day Andrew is going back to Amsterdam this morning.
     
 Saying bye to Summer.
Bye to me.
 Bye Andrew see you soon.


Paul is taking him to the Birmingham Airport. They left about 9-00am a bit later than planned. I had a phone call about two hours later, they were near the airport having some breakfast. So plenty of time, flight is about one o'clock. Have a good flight Andrew. See you next on Skype.

So I am having a quite day just me and Pup who is asleep. I think all this snow is hard going for her and tires her out after all she only has little legs.  

 
  Summer all tired out.


 Message from Andrew I am home every thing alright good flight. No snow here.


31st


Well a good night I even dreamt as well, about being in hospital. At least it shows I am getting a deeper sleep.

Lindsay and I went to see Paul's Nana her great Nana-  Jay-Jays, Tommy-lees and Jamie-Lees great great Nana. She was 98 years old yesterday. She is in hospital. When we got there she had gone home about an hour earlier she was only in overnight.

 Nana with Lindsay, Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee.
 This picture was taken in March this year.

 We also went to see Sonia, she is looking well but still not well enough to leave the hospital yet. 


A Happy New Year from me.


That's about it for this year the last blog of 2014-- not a good year for me and my family and friends. Next year I hope it will be better. If you have had a rough year I do hope yours will improve too. All the best to every one.
A Happy and Better New Year................Love Gill

November Finally escaped.



 NOVEMBER

1st

Well first full day back, tired and weak, but very pleased to be home. Most of my bruises have gone also all the grazes. Just resting, not much else I can do. Using a frame to walk, as I said still very weak, you would think after nearly six weeks mostly in bed I would be raring to go. Quite the opposite but I have bean in this position before, too many times since the end of last year. So I know I will get strong again I have to I have plans in my head.

2nd

Two seizures in the early morning, a lot of pain in my legs two lots OXINORM was needed to stem the pain twenty mls in all. Finely got back to sleep but by now it was morning.

The rest of the day I watched two films and two Doctor Who's. I record things to watch after Paul has gone to bed. Just lately I have bean going to bed a lot earlier, not sleeping all night though awake a lot. I think the extra drugs have a lot to do with this. I do feel more tired than I used to.


4th

I am feeling a bit stronger and not using the frame as much now. Spoke to one of the ladies, Barbara, I met in hospital and she is doing well.
Had a phone appointment with Doctor Mehta he said I am ANAEMIC again and need to start Iron tablets again, but B12 is good. Why was this not picked up in hospital? Andrew has now got a new tooth to replace the gap he has had for a while, it looks good. He has trouble now with another tooth and again has a red cheek.

My legs were very jumpy after going to bed. This scares me as this is how the seizures start.

5th

Not a good night a lot of pain throughout my whole body. Paul thought I was going to have seizures, so did I, but I managed to breathe through them somehow. Wietse breathe.
All Lindsay's little ones are ill with some sort of stomach virus. Jay-Jay also has an ear infection and bad head and is in a lot of pain.

6th

A seizure early morning but only one. Everytime I have these seizures I feel drained and very tired, the more I have at a time the worst I feel.

Jamie-Lee is looking after her brothers as she had the virus first and is feeling a little better but still a leaky bum as Lindsay calls it. She is giving them pretend medicine but she made Tommy-Lee pay for his with her play money. He asked if she was a nurse she said NO a Doctor. I am sure with Jamie-Lee looking after them they will recover very fast.

8th

Much the same as the last few days I will be pleased when I can get on the South common again with Summer. I got dressed for the time since I went in hospital so that must be some improvement.

A big surprise later Wayne turned up after tea. He has come to stay till Monday, so good to see him and he looks well. He saw Summer looking very smart as she had a trim yesterday.


9th

Wayne was woken by the solar powered little figures that were on his window sill, 4 of them so quite a noise. (Little men that move and dance, click clack when its light) I had forgot about them.
                                                                       
                   
                                                     Wayne's little friends or not??

Paul cooked dinner, turkey with everything very good too. As usual Wayne had a few things to do on the computer and we both spoke to Andrew later.


10th                                            

Saw Doctor Mehta he is keeping me on the energy drinks to get a bit of weight back on as I am not eating a lot yet. I weigh 7 stone 10 pounds so not as much weight loss as other times. The drinks I am on are Fresbin juicy  300 kcals each and I am meant to have 2 a day plus another called Fresubin Shots 120ml a day about 600 kcals tastes like melted ice cream 3 of them a day. He is reducing the tablets slowly, 1 DIAZAPAM knocked off today. He has heard from Doctor Solanus and the Professor he spoke of earlier is going to see me, but when I don't know. Maybe he saw something on the DVD that the others did not or he is interested in my case. Either way its a step forward.

By tea time Wayne was back in Halifax and back with Timmy cat. Timmy was happy to see him home safe again.


11th

A quite day caught up with a bit of television. My arm I badly hurt in hospital is slowly getting better but still painful at times.
The peace did not last long Lindsay and family came round, the boys were pleased to see me as I was away from them a long time. Big hugs all round. I asked Jamie-Lee if she had missed me, she thought a bit then said lots. 


13th

Not a good night 4 seizures, while I was having one I fell out of bed, this Paul thinks, it was a good 3 minutes long. 4 more shorter ones followed. I have carpet burns on my arm, head, finger, leg, and foot is quite sore.






Just as most of my sores and bruises had healed as well. I felt very tired and had a bad head, I had 10mls of OXINORM. Finally I went to sleep, waking up very stiff and sore.
I was hoping these things had finished as the last one was the 6th November. I was wrong.

15th

Paul is at an IA meeting today so Lindsay is here with me plus the family. Lindsay had brought a big stew with her for dinner tomorrow. I am looking forward to that and so is Paul. A good day a bit noisy especially Jamie-Lee.
Jamie had brought her Doctors coat and was looking after me. Tommy-Lee said he had broke his leg and needed some medicine. Jamie-Lee said it was bed time, he would have to wait till morning. She laid in Summers basket and covered herself up with Summers blanket and pretended to go to sleep. She then said get up, Tommy-Lee for some reason only she knows had bean told to lay under the table. He said can I have some medicine now please for my broken leg No she said I am still tired and going back to bed. Later she told him his leg was better and did not need anything and was to go home.

17th

Last night when I went to bed I was in a lot of pain "HOW" ?? with everything I am on? A very unsettled night which resulted in 5 seizures 1 was 3 minutes plus long, the others about a minute long each. A horrible headache. I had 20 mls of OXINORM and 400mg IBRUES before I felt anything like better.
Paul said they are not as violent as they used to be. So maybe they will wear themselves out.
Yesterday I was a bit snuffly so I thought I was getting a cold so I took ECHINACEA herbal tablets. I think they help if you feel like you're getting something like a cold or a virus etc.

In the afternoon my friend Lyn came to see me and brought me some lovely roses thank you Lyn.
 
 
I have know Lyn since 1979 when Wayne was born, her son David was born a few days later. Very nice to see her we caught up on all the family stuff.

18th

Two more seizures early morning one lasted 3 minutes, 1 about a minute. 10mls of OXINORM to get rid of the pain before the seizures and after. Plus IBRU'S the pain was worse in the RSD foot and the left side of neck and head.

Not doing too much, I just want to be out on the common with Summer and getting my life back.
My left arm is about recovered now so I think soon I will be able to carry on knitting. I do enjoy that.


19th

Fair night, took me a while to get to sleep. Paul said I was kicking my legs a lot and making noises like I was in pain. I was awake a few times but better than the last two nights.
Since coming home the pain levels night and day have bean very mixed, you would think what pain stuff I am on I would have none. Sadly it does not seem to work that way.

Paul sister Michelle, and Pete her husband called round late morning to see us. It was her Birthday two days ago but they were in London. They had a good time.

I escaped later in the day, we went to do a bit of shopping in town when I say bit that's what I mean we were out less than a hour but it was so good to be outside and doing normal things for a change. I was tired, yes, but a good tired. Thank you Paul.


20th

Early morning another seizure about three minutes long, Paul said only one this time. I have bean resting quite a lot. I did help Paul a bit with tidying the cupboards. A sleep in the afternoon. I felt more tired after it than before.

21st

Another fair night but not the best I have had a bit of pain and spasms.

Going into town today to do a bit of Christmas shopping, yes I know it might be a bit early for some.
Last year things did not go well and the seizures started on the 12th December, I came home on the 19th December. I can remember being high on MORPHINE at the time and wandering around Lincoln not sure what I was doing, Shopping with Paul who had a bad back. We got it all sorted with the help of Amazon as well.

Later while in the bath I had a seizure but Paul did not hear me until most of it was over. I banged on the bathroom door. I always keep the door open. When I recovered I was alright and had no injuries. Just a wet bath room floor. I had no more later.

24th

In town with Paul again, I've not bean out on my own yet unless going next door counts. We are getting more presents, we have now done most the relatives and friends. Just the children and grandchildren to do. We have got ideas for some.

We bumped into Barbara, who I was in hospital with, and her friend, Barbara is doing well. We had a cup of tea with them so nice to see her and her friend as well. Sonia the lady who was in at the same time was not doing so good last time we spoke. Come on Sonia get better. Well back to the shopping then home. Very tired to the point of exhaustion and after a drink I went to bed for a long sleep about two hours or more, but I felt more tired when I got up.

25th

Helping Paul cleaning up, I am doing the kitchen, and helping him vacuum my porcelain doll collection. I started collecting these about thirty five years ago. Most are Leonardo or Alberon as the name was changed.


 
 All my dolls.
                                   

My friend Nes came round with Emmie her little girl who is just a bit older than Jamie-Lee but a lot different. She is very gentle and quiet not like Jamie-Lee at all. She is Ben's sister who I've mentioned a few times.

26th

Today is a special day its Paul's Birthday two months late. We are going to a local Indian Restaurant later.
Before that Paul is my little cook today, as we are making the Christmas cakes, only three this year. One for us and two for presents. Trouble was we cooked them all today and they took the full time plus an extra bit.
 

 They look good and smell even better as there is rum in them.


So we are going out late, nearly nine but it was worth it, very good. I am not a Indian fan usually more Chinese one but really enjoyed the meal. I gave Paul a present he thought he was getting at Christmas, a watch so he was over whelmed. I had it engraved as well.


Paul with his watch.
Paul's watch.
Me still looking a bit fragile.
The place we went to was called the Spice House on Lincolns top end of High Street.We can both recommend it.                                                                         

27th

Early morning, about two thirty, I was woken up by pain and my legs kicking and body shaking. I thought I was going to have another seizure. I did Wietse breathe and somehow managed to fight it off. This might not have bean a seizure just a bad spasm what ever it was, I am pleased it went no further
Paul had to give Summer a bath as she got so mucky on the common. She likes to slide on her belly in puddles and mud.

 
 All clean and so soft now.
 
 All tired out.

I hope it has come to the time for these things to stop now. The rest of the day there were no more I am pleased to say.
My friend Sally was coming today, but now is coming on Monday instead. Looking forward to seeing her very much.

28th

At last a walk on the small common with Summer and Paul. Brilliant to be out walking with her again. Summer loved it as well. I think she knows her mum is getting better.
For the last few day I have bean getting a lot pain in the back of both calf's. This is just down the back not like when I used to run long distance or a lot of miles over a few days. This is worse after being in bed or sitting, a lot of the time its hard to walk to start with. This eases after walking around and does not hurt as much or some times not at all. Could be tablets- as still on a lot of extras or circulation. Also another weird thing as well the iron tablets I am taking usually make me constipated but this time they have not.


30th

Not a good night, awake most of it and not sure why, not really that much pain or spasms. You would think with all the pills I am on I would be out like a light. I think my body has got used to the extras. 

Doing some gardening as it got a bit untidy and over grown all the nice weather we had while I was in hospital. Not bean quite as good since I came home. Today was a good day so we were both working and got it all done. Pleased to say it looks a lot better now ready and all ready for winter. I was talking to Wayne and he said next weekend is going to be very cold minus temperatures, then snow. That is in Halifax so we might not get the same.


Today Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee attended there first Aikido Tournament.

Jay-Jay.

Tommy-Lee.


 All the students that took part.

 

 
 Jay-Jay doing his moves.

 
 

Tommy-Lee doing his moves.


Big surprise Jay-Jay won his tournament.
A proud Jay-Jay with his sensei and another winner.
All the winners, plus one other.

Tommy-Lee was a little disappointed he did not win but he is younger and there were more entries in his class. His time will come.


Christmas is nearly here and as you see from the blog a better month for me hopefully even better in January. Hope you are all as well as can be. Have a good Christmas Love Gill.


  

OCTOBER- OCTO-WORSER

OCTOBER

1st

Gill phoned a few times this morning saying that she had had a few seizures around 6-00am but was okay. After breakfast the nurses sat her out in a chair for a while but unfortunately she had a seizure and banged her head, the side of her right knee and her right forearm. I arrived for visiting at 2-00pm and Gill was fast asleep and looked really settled so I decided to let her sleep. She was still sound asleep at 3-20pm when I decided to leave, I wrote her a note and left it so she could read it. At 4-00pm Gill phoned me up, she was crying and really upset that I didn't wake her so I said that from now on I would wake her if she was asleep when I arrived. Lindsay and I visited her at 6-30pm and she was really tearful. She was also a bit down because her doctor said she'll be in for another week. She seemed reasonably cheerful when we left at 8-30pm.

2nd

At the 2-00pm visiting Gill said that she hadn't had a seizure since yesterday morning. Bruising has started to come out on the right side of her face and forehead and the side of her right knee. She has also developed Conjunctivitis in both eyes. She said she had sat out for about 20 minutes but everything hurts and she is feeling quite delicate today. In the evening her friend Pilates John came to visit.

3rd

Gill said she had about 17 seizures before 6-00am. Her Doctor had been to check her out and she was suffering from concussion and has to have bed rest. Her head is grazed, has been bleeding and has bumps and bruises, she is sleepy and drowsy

4th

Gill started Saturday morning with a few seizures, she had a few visitors this afternoon. Just after I got there her brother, David, arrived, then about 45 minutes later my sister Michelle and her hubby Pete arrived and David went home. Then Gill smiled as she could her our grand daughter Jamie Lee's head appeared around the curtain, Lindsay and Tracy were there as well. At evening visiting her hairdresser Helen came to see her. She was quite settled when we left

5th

Gill woke to find her left forearm and right knee was very badly bruised, really swollen and very very painful, the nurses had a look and the doctor was called, and he decided that an x-ray was in order. While Lindsay I was visiting her in the afternoon her Doctor came to see her and said there was no broken bones just very bad swelling and bruising, Gill was pleased there were no broken bones as she has osteoporosis.
Lindsay and I arrived at visiting at 6-30pm and Gill was fast asleep, it took us about 25 minutes to wake her up, she has told us to do this, I think its a mistake as she woke up in pain, had her 10mg of Oxinorm. She was in a shed load of pain, had 4 seizures and was hallucinating. The nurses gave her some more medication and when I left at 9-15pm she was just starting to settle.

I am so mixed up I don't really know what's real or what's fake more likely the tablets, very tired. (Gill's story) 

6th

Its Monday and the start of yet another week in hospital for Gill. She is tired and hurts and aches all over, her left forearm wasn't as bad as yesterday but her knee is still quite painful.She didn't have any seizures in the morning but about 2-55pm she had a couple of seizures after complaining of back pain and her ribcage feels like it is being crushed. When I arrived for the evening visiting I think the nurses had given happy pills to the patients in Gill's bay as they were all laughing and joking. Looking at Gill, who was sat up, her happy and smiling face bought a tear to my eye, it's a few weeks since she looked as happy, could it be because her friend Sally had been to see her and they spent a few hours together.....thank you Sally. Lindsay arrived a bit later along with both our grandsons, Jay Jay and Tommy Lee, more happy smiles from Gill. A good end to the day for a change

7th

Gill didn't think she had any seizures since yesterday afternoon, but is getting an awful lot of pain from her left forearm and right knee. One of the Hospital Chaplains called Jonathan went to see her this morning for a chat which she enjoyed. Gill went to the loo, actually in the toilet and not a bedpan for a change today, the first time in over a week and she said her ribcage had stopped hurting as much. At this afternoon visiting she was in a lot of pain and very tearful . When I arrived at the 6-30pm visiting Gill was in a deep sleep, she has always told me to wake her up and this took about an hour to do so. Could the deep sleep be because of the pain, her medication combined with her lack of appetite, or lack of night time rem sleep. I think waking her caused her to have 3 or 4 seizures and the nurses came and gave her her medication which helped. I again stopped for an extra half hour and she had settled a bit by the time I left at 9-00pm

8th

Gill seems fairly well today, she's sat up talking reasonably well, slightly slurred. She is still in a lot of pain. The bruising is spreading around her forearm and is changing as is the side of her right knee. it
is also changing on her head and face. She still isn't eating but is having some build up drinks and I'm taking in grapes and strawberries so she is getting some nutrients.

9th

Gill had a lot of pain during the night and was sat up in bed, she thinks she passed out and with a lot of force hit her head on the trolley table with a bang, this must of sounded bad as the nursing staff came running to her assistance and the doctor was called. The doctor checked on Gill every hour and she also had a load of seizures, so more cuts bumps and bruises. She is confined to bed rest again but Gill is determined to get out of bed tomorrow. Her Doctor came to see her at lunchtime and Gill said to him, will you listen to me, she told him in no uncertain terms that she didn't want to talk to a psychiatrist which he keeps pushing for, she told him the seizures started with pain and this had been witnessed by the nurses and the doctors. So after the chat, the doctor agreed and said that when she feels ready she can use the commode instead of a bedpan and this also includes sitting out of bed and when she is ready to stand and start to walk again. She said, finally he is listening to me. At the afternoon visiting I went to get her an ice cream lolly which she asked for. The Hospital Chaplain, Jonathan, came to chat to Gill, he really is a nice bloke and listens to what you are saying and he also remembers what you have said in the past. Gill seemed to settle as the day went on and at the evening visiting, Helen, Pilates John, Lindsay and I visited. To end the evening she seemed a bit more settled. I do hope tomorrow is a better day for her.       I Love You.

10th

I arrived at visiting at 2-00pm and Gill was in terrific pain with a spasm in her right leg from the tip of her toes to her groin and it had been like it for an hour. A lady patient in her bay does reflexology and she started working on her foot and an hour later all the muscles had relaxed, Gill was that relaxed she fell asleep. She was settled when I left at about 4-00pm. Gill had said that she had had a load of seizures in the early part of the day. I arrived back at visiting at 6-30pm and Gill said she had had an hour or two's sleep. Gill had a few seizures and was given oxinorm, she had a few more and she settled about 8-10pm.

11th

Gill said she woke up feeling good and had had a good nights sleep and that she had sat out of bed until about 10-15am. She went to the loo and did both she leaned forward, and she's not sure if she over balanced or passed out and bashed her head on the floor, she couldn't reach the alarm bell but a nurse came to check on her and found her on the floor. They did various tests including the eye and grip test. The Doctors also visited Gill and arranged for her to have a CT scan. Gill had some seizures while having the scan and a number of doctors went to help. A doctor and nurse accompanied Gill back to the ward, she was in and out of consciousness and also had a few more seizures. Gill was still able to get out of bed to use the commode, as she struggles with the bedpan, but a nurse stops with her. At lunchtime Gill decided to pass out and landed face first into her dinner and had gravy all over her face. At teatime she had a bit of a sandwich and some ice cream.

12th

It's Sunday and Gill's been in Hospital 3 weeks now. I arrived at visiting at 2-00pm and Gill was having a long seizure then went into a few more, she was given some oxinorm and after a while settled a bit. She's still having a tremendous amount of pain in her left arm and the Doctors decided to have it re x-ray'd and this happened about 3-00pm.  Gill said she didn't have a very good night and was in quite a bit of pain and one of the nurses though it was her fibromyalgia playing up.She has it too. Gill said that she had eaten all her dinner, the first time she had done this while being in hospital. Most of her bruising is finally starting to fade and hopefully she is starting to turn the corner. Her seizures we think are caused by pain and the pain in her arm is bringing on the seizures. At the evening visiting a lady Doctor called to say the results of the x-ray were clear and that she had really bad tissue damaged, the Doctors were really surprised that there wasn't any breaks or cracks in the bones. The Doctor said, after Gill suggested it, that the arm be bandaged and a splint fitted to help immobilize the arm and hopefully reducing the pain threshold.

13th

Gill says that she had had a rough night with her arm pain and that she had had a few seizures, she also had some seizures while I was visiting in the afternoon. I had been in town shopping in the morning as Gill wanted some new pyjamas and also a fleece blanket. This should be a laugh as when ever I get anything for Gill it's either the wrong size, the wrong colour, or the wrong material. If I buy Gill 6 items of clothing she usually takes 6 items of clothing back to change them for some reason or another. At Gills bedside I straight away said if there wrong I'll change them no problem. Shock horror, she really liked the fleece blanket and she also liked the pyjamas but still she still had to try them on which she did, they fitted, magic. I didn't get to the evening visiting tonight, its only the 4th time I missed it since she's been in. Lindsay, Tracy and the grand kids visited Gill tonight. Lindsay said Gill seemed good and didn't have any seizures and that they were trying to get something for Gill's arm as it's bandaged with a plastic splint type thing on it.

14th

I got a telephone call on my mobile at about 10-35am from Dixon Ward, you don't know how many different ideas all of them not good that go through your mind between the nurse saying, good morning this is Staff Nurse so and so (then all the bad thoughts) it nothing to worry about but Gill seems very confused and upset and asks if you can come and see her for a while. So I went up to see her and she was a bit more settled when I left her about an hour later and getting ready for lunch. She apologised as she thought I was already in the hospital working on Waddington Ward as I'm a volunteer on there.
She was asleep when I arrived at visiting at 2-00pm, I woke her and she seemed more relaxed, she said that she had eaten about half her dinner and all her pudding. There is a patient on her ward and that during most of the night had kept the other patients awake and really frightened another patient, Gill said she was ready to kill her apart from that she was going home today, Gill overheard this ladies doctor say that there was a problem with a blood test and she would have to stay in for another 48 hours, this really upset Gill and it really stressed her out.
Gill said a member of the pain clinic had been to see her and was really pleased with what they had to say as normally they just want to give her large doses of amatripoleen or something like that. They also said that if they couldn't help her then they would also refer her to a National Pain Centre in Bath.
A lady from occupational health called and put on a bandage and a splint glove over the part of Gill's left arm that had severe tissue damage from a few of the falls she has had. When I left at 4-00pm she was all settled and relaxed for a sleep. Lindsay and I arrived at visiting and she was really in a deep sleep, from just gone 4-00pm, and we couldn't wake her Pilates John arrived at 7-25pm and she was still away with the fairies and at 8-0pm we decided to leave. We left Gill a note. At about 8-35pm Gill phoned me and apologised for being asleep, typical Gill. Unfortunately Gills nurse woke her up for her 12 hour morphine tablet, hopefully she'll be able to get back to sleep.
Night night my darling.


15th

I woke to a chronic headache and pain just about everywhere. I asked for my OXINORM only to be told it had not bean written up yet. The pain team said it had bean all sorted out with the doctors. I could have nothing else as I'd already had my regular tablets. Guess what lots of seizures. I was crying and thumping the pillow and biting the sheet so not to scream out, a lot of pain, also wet the bed, all because someone had messed up big time causing me pain that was unnecessary. Three hours later I got my medicine
When the consultant came he knew I was mad with him as he had bean warned at the nurses station. I asked what went wrong he said his team were not here yesterday but one junior Doctor said they were and when he checked up he found they were in the ward when pain team came and spoke to them all. I asked him to apologise which he skirted round. I said I do not blame the younger Doctors as its the Consultant job. Again I asked him for an apology this time he admitted it was his fault. I shook his hand and said thank you. They all left, with big smiles on the young Doctors faces.(Gill's story)


16th

Seizures in the night, I woke to a very wet bed. I also had sores on my knee and right foot that were bleeding.
After a bed change and wash, the physio were here to see how I could walk. I did quite well walking but a lot of pain. OXINORM given. Rested the rest of the day. (Gill' story)


17th

Woke up feeling quite good, felt a bit sick but I did not say anything. Sat out in my chair for a while then had a seizure where I bashed myself about again, Back to bed.
Later I felt a lot better and I asked if I could go outside for a while with Paul when he came, after some decision they said yes but not for long. So nice to feel the sun and the wind on my face. Had a sleep after but felt good. Thank you Paul. (Gill's story)


18th

For only the fifth time that Gills been in Hospital I missed visiting this afternoon, I attended 2 of my Charity meetings in Dudley. Lindsay had been to see her in the afternoon. I did make it back for the last hour of the evening visiting. Gill was very tired and had not had any seizures. She had a very sore throat and a pain in her chest and thinks she has some sort of virus or infection.

19th

Sunday and she's been in hospital 4 weeks today. I arrived at visiting in the afternoon and Gill was feeling a bit better but still had a sore throat and chest. Lindsay Selina and Pilates John visited this afternoon. At the evening visiting Gill spoke to our eldest son on the phone.

20th

Barbara a good friend I had made was going to be moved to another ward and I got quite upset.
Seizure's in the night but Sonia said the nurses did very little to help not even held my hand. As I think I have said before when I am having seizure's I don't hear anything but as I am coming out of it I can hear voices and I like to hold a hand as to me it feels like I am back again and not in the wild seizure's world. Sonia often used to hold my hand and speak to me but she was told to go back to bed. Very scary on my own. Even more so if the monsters come as well. The Seizures were quite long ones about 10-11 minutes. (Gill's story)


21st

Gill had a really good day and looked the best she has been in the past 4 and a half weeks, she walked a bit, sat out a bit, had visits from Dr Gupta, a member of the pain team went to see her and stated that a Doctor from the pain team would definitely visit her and would offer Gill help and support for as long as she needs it and Gill started on a long list of questions.


Paul and I visited Barbara in her new ward. Very smart, own room on suite, she is going home tomorrow. All the best.(Gill's story)  


She also had visits from David and Bev, Lindsay, Tracy, Jay Jay, Tommy Lee, Jamie Lee and as usual I was there in the afternoon and evening.

22nd

A different day than Gill expected. The Doctor was supposed to come today, did he visit Gill, no. This is the same man who came to see Gill on Monday 22nd September her second day in Hospital and he said then that a member of the pain team would visit her tomorrow and he would see her the day after, Gills still waiting. Really fills you full of confidence doesn't it.
This really upset Gill to the point that between my 2 visits she had a few seizures and did more damage to her right ankle and right knee and both looked very sore and painful. Pilates John visited her in the afternoon. There was a very nice staff nurse on in the evening and Gill was going to have words with her about the pain team and I think Gill will be contacting the pain team and giving them a right rollicking

23rd

Not a good day for Gill today, she went to the pain clinic expecting them to give her some answers. The bloke who saw basically said that they couldn't help her. This really upset Gill and she shed a load of tears. I visited her at 2-00pm and Debbie who lives in our street also came to see her and this brightened her up for a while. Some time just before her teatime she had 4 seizures. I arrived at visiting and Gill was very drowsy, dropping off for a minute or two then walking. At about 6-55pm she fell asleep and at 7-50pm I called it a night and went home, leaving Gill a message.

24th

The day started off a bit funny, Gill's sent me a text message says she was feeling a bit better and asked me to get her some TUC biscuits but it was in a text language she doesn't use, I learnt later that her friend Sonia in the next bed sent it for her, I arrived at visiting at 2-00pm with Gill looking and sounding better than yesterday. A little later, Blue, a sister from the pain team saw Gill and we spoke at length about her pain and medication. It was agreed that Gill will start taking 30mg of Duloxatine, a tablet she finished taking about 6 weeks ago and that her morphine tablet Oxycodone/naloxone will be doubled in strength to 20mg in the morning and 20mg in the evening. Gill was pleased with this and was much happier when Blue left. As I was leaving the ward a junior Doctor spoke to me and asked if I would speak to a consultant on Monday afternoon. Gill started her doubled dose of Oxycodone/Naloxone this evening. At the evening visiting Gill seemed a lot happier. Pilates John also visited.

25th

Saturday and its now 5 weeks that Gill's been in Hospital, a record she doesn't want. Gill started her Duloxetine this morning. Gill is feeling the effects of the doubled dose of Oxycodone/Naloxone and Duloxetine today, she's feeling very tired and sleepy and drowsy all in one. While I was visiting this afternoon Gill walked using her frame to the loo and back about 20 yards, a very good sight to see. This proves to me that she's slowly on the mend. One of the better evening visiting sessions and again she walked to the loo and back.

26th

Bad start to the day for Gill, she had 2 seizures at about 2-15am but they lasted less than 2 minutes and not so violent I am told. She is again suffering the effects of the medication drowsy, tired and sleepy.

27th

Gill is again suffering the effects of the medication drowsy, tired and sleepy, wonder how long these effects will last. At the Afternoon visiting we had a meeting with her consultant Mr Mandel. It was decided that one of the Doctor will try to refer her to a Chronic Fatigue clinic in Grantham, Gill says that they have refused her before. It was also decided that she will be going home on Thursday 30th but has got to take it very steady. Tracy's birthday today so Tracy, Lindsay, Selina and I were at the visiting tonight and Gill gave Tracy her card and a present.

28th.

Visited Gill this afternoon and she looked very tired, she said that the physios had got her to do the stairs today and that she had sat out of bed until about 1-55pm, 5 minutes before I arrived. I personally think that was about an hour too long. Gill is complaining that her left arm, the one she had x-rays on twice and she had severe tissue damage on it, is very tender and painful and yet more bruising is starting to come out, we think that its because she using it with her frame so she can get about. When I left at 4-00pm Gill was settled for a sleep. I'm not visiting tonight and it will only be the 6th visiting session I have missed since she's been in Hospital. Lindsay went to see her instead, thanks Nin.

29th

At visiting this afternoon Gill  is very drowsy and soon gets very tired to the point of nearly dropping off to sleep as she's trying to talk to me. Gill says that she had 2 seizures at about 4-00am this morning one quiet lengthy. Gill friend, Sonia, in the next bed to Gill went home this afternoon and will be keeping in contact with Gill. Lindsay and I visited tonight and she agreed with me that we don't think Gills well enough to leave Hospital tomorrow and I went to have a chat with her Staff Nurse, and I told her of our concerns and she said that she was on in the morning and would make a comment on Gill's files and also have a word with the Doctor in the morning. I got the impression that she agreed with me in part. We left visiting a bit early so Gill could get some rest.

30th

Gill was supposed to go home today, did she or didn't she.................NO is the answer....
I had a private chat with one of Gill's Junior Doctors and he explained a lot and in layman's terms and he also said that he would put the plan down on paper. We chatted for about 20 minutes and we decided to give Gill a further 24 hours in Hospital. I went to tell Gill this and she was happy about it but would only be 100% happy when she was going through the ward doors. Gill seemed happier for the rest of the day knowing that she would be going home tomorrow.

31st

The last day of the month. I arrived up at the Hospital at 3-00pm, later than usual because I know the pharmacy are a bit slow on getting together the patients medication, unfortunately I was right, it was about 5-25pm when Gills medication arrived along with her discharge paperwork. Gill said her goodbyes to the staff and gave them enough sweets and biscuits to last a month and she also said goodbye to the patients in her bay. It was time to head for home with the woman I love.
Arriving home Summer saw Gill and just went loopy mad, tail wagging like mad, high fives and loads of kisses followed for ages. Summer wasn't far from Gill for the rest of the evening and neither was I.














 Pictures of some of the knocks, bumps and bruises I received while in hospital this time.


Words can't explain the feeling to have her home at last..... I do hope I don't have to do "Paul's Story" for a long time to come............................................

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR YOUR CARDS, MESSAGES AND GOOD WILL
LOVE GILL.

I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THANK THE DOCTORS,  NURSES, TEA AND MEALS LADIES, CLEANERS AND THE HOSPITAL CHAPLAINS SPECIALLY JONATHAN. ALL THE FRIENDS I MADE WHILE THERE.LOVE GILL.

Below is the link to Summer welcoming Gill home
                                              



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