I had a day off today, so managed to go and see my Mother at the Queen Alexander Hospital in Cosham. The last time I saw Mum, she wasn't in the best of health and all of us were pretty concerned for her welfare. The Doctors were warning about kidney failure and believed she would have to go on dialysis within days; since then however things have improved dramatically.
When I saw Mum this morning, she wasn't particularly communicative, having had a bad nights sleep, with her blood sugar dropping to 2 mmol/L, a dangerous level for her; consequently she experienced a hypo and obviously this morning felt extremely tired and drained. I was expecting more bad news, but was taken aback buy the Doctors prognosis, when they did their rounds at 11am.
Two Consultants came to see Mum and told me the state of play, as she continues to recover in Hospital. Her kidney function is improving, currently at 20 percent, up from the ten percent of last week. Mum also had continual sickness, which was concerning Doctors. After a camera was inserted in to her stomach, they discovered she had a hiatus Hernia, the cause of the problem. Although this is another complication, it isn't the serious condition everyone was expecting and can be treated with medication. An operation to permanently eradicate the hernia could be on the cards in future, but the procedure, for someone in Mothers condition is not advisable right now, due to its invasive nature.
Mum's 'stump' is also heeling nicely and her spirits are much improved from seven days ago; everyone is delighted by her progress and determination. The Doctors and Nurses remain upbeat and positive and we are all keeping our fingers crossed for a speedy recovery.
So things are looking up at the moment, for now we can all breath a small sigh of relief. I shall go and see Mum again next week and hope she has continued to improve in the mean while. The team at QA believe she will be in their care for another week at least, after which the long process of rehabilitation starts. For now I can sleep a little easier tonight, as I am sure Mum can too!
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, Darrell left for Australia, catching the 2.30am coach from Portsmouth to Gatwick Airport. Monday was quite an emotional day for both of us, as we said our final farewells once again. Over the last few years, Darrell and I have spent more time apart than we ever have done, during our 23 year relationship. Circumstances are dictating our life at the moment and we just have to let events take there course!
After working all day, I was able to spend some time with Darrell before he left the UK, not as much as I would have liked, but work comes first. Cousin Emmy popped over with baby Thomas, to spend the morning with Darrell and our friend Nathan came over in the evening to say goodbye; people Darrell will miss tremendously!
It really has been a whirlwind of a month, our time together has gone way to quickly. It only seems like yesterday that Darrell arrived from Spain, but we have been able to spend some quality time together at least. Discussing the future, reliving old memories and reconnecting with friends and relatives alike, have all been on our rather packed agenda. Memories are important, especially now; until we know where our life is heading, it is crucial to keep the flames of family burning. Darrell has been able to see my Mother and Father at a particularly difficult time and has laid to rest the ghosts of the past. Cementing bonds with those close will be a major factor in deciding where both our futures lie!
I will endeavour to keep all the readers of 'Roaming Brit' updated on Darrell's progress, as he traverses the country of his birth, caring for his Mother, while she too faces punishing choices. Both of us would like to express our gratitude to everyone for their support at this time and hope to thank each and everyone of you personally for your good wishes and words of comfort.
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