Picture
Picture
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.
Picture
I managed to have a wonder around the Hospital a little today, as I often do while I am there and stumbled across the Chapel. Now I have a strange relationship with religion as an agnostic, but thought I would pop inside. Taking a selfie was probably a little crass, but it was lovely and worth recording.
The chapel currently has a exhibition dedicated to the fallen soldiers of World War I. Clear perspex cut outs of people, looking rather ghost like were sitting randomly in seats throughout the chapel in memoriam to all those who had lost their lives.

I had a brief chat with Dawn, the current Reverend at the chapel and managed to take my mind off things for a bit. Dawn was extremely understanding and also offered words of support to me and my family. Religious or not, it is always good to talk to a friendly face!
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!
Picture
Picture
Picture