I feel I can finally breathe.
I looked when my last update for Mr Ellen10's and my journey and it was June 17th. So this is how the journey continued for a while. Sorry it is a bit long winded, but many kind people have sent me some nice messages, so I felt the update was required.
Well after introducing some fats back into Mr Ellen10's diet we were able to finally leave the hospital in Sydney, after 26 days, this time. The staff were so amazing, everyone of them. From the fantastic nursing staff, (who we found out always wanted be his nurse each day), the doctors (our surgeon was amazing and we had full confidence in him). The lady in charge of the the kitchen and meals, who always tried to find something tasty for him to eat, the lovely cleaner from Peru who always spent time chatting and making Ralph's room spick and span.
Needless to say there were lots of chocolates given everywhere.
We got home on the Sunday and had a GP appointment on the Monday to go through a few things. The next couple of days Mr Ellen10 struggled to sleep at night, coughing. So we went back to the GP, she did some blood tests, took a swab and said those words "I think you should go to hospital". He said a firm no. She gave him two types of strong antibiotics. Another bad night of coughing all night and no sleep for both of us. His resistance is so low.
He had an x-ray the next morning and by midday the doctor rang and said the blood tests and x-ray were awful and he needed to go to the hospital, as he had Pneumonia, again it was a no from him. Another bad weekend and back to the GP on Monday and she said you really need to go to the hospital and get stronger antibiotics by intravenous drip.
So into our local hospital we went on Monday and spent a very long 24 hours in Emergency (10 of them sitting in a chair in and out of the back room doing x-rays, scans ECG, blood tests etc, unfortunately even though he was officially admitted, there were no beds. He was under the respiratory team, he had some pockets of fluid in the lung and near the heart. They wanted to put in new drains, and draw some fluid from near the heart, got him prepped, they had previously sent info the night before to our surgeon in Sydney, just before the procedure was due to start, that morning, a message came through from the surgeon in Sydney, to stop and do not risk needles, drains into the chest which may cause way more problems, he said definitely no. It could cause a worse infection or worse still damage the previous operations. And if he didn't improve within the next 24 hours it was back to Prince of Wales Sydney
So he was admitted to the respiratory ward, intravenous antibiotics and various other drugs. He finally came home on the Thursday afternoon still a slight cough, but feeling better (still on antibiotics). We were hoping for a good night, fingers crossed! We are so over hospitals! We are hoping to have turned a corner.
This was last week. Mr Ellen10 has finished the oral antibiotics, he had a CT scan on Monday and a call from the respiratory specialist yesterday, just keeping an eye on the residual fluid. Mr Ellen10 has been finally sleeping in a normal bed, (propped up a little). He now uses a puffer and preventative several times a day. He is still quite breathless at times, lost 10 kgs in 6 weeks and no strength. But we are finally feeling that our health journey is coming to an end and he will get back more energy with a daily exercise plan.
Our ever caring GP ( who is always booked out weeks ahead, but always fitted him in for an appointment when needed). Phoned yesterday to say she will be away for 9 days and did we want to come in tomorrow before she goes. I might add that she hasn't charged him for who knows when.
Sorry for the long episode. I have been meaning to write another post on the General Medical issues thread, but I was lacking the energy at the moment. Its been such a long, exhausting at times, journey.
And today another progress Mr Ellen10 has driven his car for the first time in over 3 months and on his own, meeting with a friend for a short walk and coffee. I feel like a nervous parent when my P plater drove on his own for the first time! I may hang up my uber driver cap!
As always I feel that we have been so well supported on AFF with many words of encouragement, advice and virtual hugs. So very much appreciated.
With several holiday trips cancelled along the way. Maybe its time to get back to some travel research, my favourite passion!
……such a pain sometimes but trying to give everyone a chance. Fortunately it’s the odd occasion only for contrast dyes for the odd scans and blood test these days. Phew.
Best wishes to Mrs drron for a speedy recovery.
