More wobbles

In part Sue - in part the NHS!

I mentioned in the last post that Sue would in due course be going for a scan,to see about fluid retention. That duly took place on Friday 9th; but I won't go into the hassle of getting to the ultrasound department, other than to say "building work = 4x as far from entrance to department" - and not a porter or chair to be seen! we got there and back eventually.......

However, the NHS "wobble" we only found out about this week, when - in the absence of any progress since the day of the scan - I rang the hospital to see what should be happening. It seems there was some confusion; normally the draining is done the same day as the scan. Sadly we never got part of the message! As a result, we will need to go back next Wednesday (28th) to have another scan, followed immediately (probably still in the ultrasound department) by the draining session - and then along to the ward for a rest for a while.

We did however have a very useful meeting with the Macmillan nurse last week. This is a different one to the lady who was so helpful to us a year ago (she has left). The new lady did come and see Sue back in the summer, when of course Sue was quite well; and at that stage they agreed we would call her when required. Matters being as they are now, she agreed that she would call every two weeks or so from now on, just to see how Sue is - and she also said she would arrange for the district nurses to call every week or so as well, to keep an eye on things.

In addition, she said she would arrange for the Macmillan clinical psychologist to call (not sure about that one!); and also (probably more helpful) someone from the Occupational Health department. They should be able to assess Sue in the home environment, and provide help with supports/bars etc for getting in and out of the bath (Sue has not been able to manage that unaided for quite a long time now), hopefully a wheelchair (handy for trips to the hospital) and possibly other things too. None of that has happened yet, but when she calls again next week no doubt we will get an update. Her aim (for which we are grateful) is to put in place a bit more of a support network than we have had (or have perhaps needed) up to now.

The other thing she suggested - which was suggested a year ago, bur resisted at that stage - was a visit (or, better, a series of visits) to the local Sue Ryder home. This would enable Sue to see the place, meet the staff, and also enjoy some of the facilities offered even to day-care visitors. Last year Sue didn't like the idea; it is after all a hospice and "people go there to die"; but there is much more on offer there, so we hope that Sue will be amenable when the first contact is made.

Meanwhile Sue is still very weak and wobbly, with very little appetite; she sleeps most of the day, and seems increasingly muddled in her mind. She confuses words, she loses track of which day it is, her body clock sometimes goes wrong (so she sleeps all day, then wants to get up and go downstairs very hour or so in the night) - and she has hallucinations from time to time too. Please pray for Vera (her mother) who bears the burden all day throughout the week while I am at work.

But Sue is still here, still able to talk and smile - and next weekend we have both daughters coming home for the weekend, so they will cheer her up! And in it all, the Lord continues in His faithfulness to provide all our needs, and show us His grace and mercy. What a privilege to be at peace, knowing that He loves us and is in control. We may have our wobbles; but He remains the Rock of our salvation - "Jesus Christ, the same yesterday, today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8)