Wednesday 20 February 2013

Updating on the heart and the health

The FH's condition remains challenging, to say the least.  Although we have him home, I am worried about him and concerned that I may not know what to do in the event of an emergency, bar phoning 999.

(image from dailymail.co.uk)

I don't have the patience of this lady, who I believe recently retired from nursing after 50 years or more in the profession.   It is not that I resent giving the care, because I love the FH and would do anything for him, but I am frustrated at seeing him so weak and exasperated with himself, and not knowing how long he is going to be like this.  I feel that we need to know whether this is a hiccup that he will recover from within weeks or months, or is this a new long term reality that we need to make lifestyle changes to accommodate?  We will have to look at things like stairlifts, for example, if the outlook doesn't show any signs of improvement.


(image from en.wikipedia.org)

Peterborough City Hospital was a wonderful place for him to be treated, and the care he received there was great.  The nursing staff were amazing, the food was great, the place is clean and well looked after, and he felt safe and respected there.  We are now under the care of the GP day to day, and then we are off to Papworth on 6th March to see the cardiologist there, and hope for some answers.

There was an episode on Monday evening, after I had blogged, in which the FH collapsed at the top of the stairs, and I had to hold him up as best I could as he slumped against the wall.  He recovered and I got him to bed, but I called the doctor out on Tuesday, and he came to see him and offer support and advice.  The doctor returned today and took phials of blood for analysis, to check for kidney function, diabetes and the general checks that they do on blood as well, for anaemia and things.  He promised to pop in again tomorrow.

Rather than praying for specific things, I am thanking God for His grace, and His blessings in this.  I don't know what to ask for, so it seems better to me to thank Him for what He is doing for us.  I thank God daily that He has a plan for our lives, that He is giving us strength for each day, and that we are surrounded by kind friends and supportive relatives who daily show their love for us all.  

4 comments:

Dianne - Hereford said...

My thoughts are for you both.
Dianne - Hereford

Wannabe Sybil said...

You are all still in my prayers. Also, caring is the hardest thing in the world, imo.

Wish I was nearer. hugs WS xxx

Angela said...

You remain in our thoughts and prayers. I am so glad that you live relatively close to Papworth - it is a great hospital xx

Mac n' Janet said...

Will think of you as I say my prayers.