We had about two weeks of clear weather when everything arrived [we now have a cooker] and we managed to get to the doctors to do the new patient bit. Of course I needed some medication, so the doctor trip was needed as soon as possible, which was the first day they were open after the Christmas/New Year break and therefore we hit the sales traffic, a taxi there was under £5 and back over £7, obviously someone had moved the bungalow whilst we were out!
It seems almost spring-like now, until you go outside that is. It feels like it has been below freezing this week and I would say it definitely was a minus number yesterday and today.
I went to see the vampire darts team for the penultimate time a couple of weeks back so only one more time to be bruised [so I hope] and that was a pure farce. I didn't feel well so expected to be sent home without treatment or having to stay in hospital.
By 11.30 the ambulance transport had not arrived so I rang the day-ward that I attend to let them know, they rang me back to inform me that it had gone to the old address! That is despite coming to this address the time before! It confirms what I've always thought, that the patient transport department is run by minus levels of IQ.
The urine tests showed no infection but my consultant still had to agree to my treatment causing even more delay. Then it took over half an hour and many attempts to insert the cannula needle.
Of course, the delays meant everything was behind times so I was too late for the normal patient transport home. They got me a taxi instead, the driver of which thought that he could drive up the footpath to the bungalow but I had only directed him to the drop kerb to make wheelchair access easier! Needless to say he was of sun-tanned skin heritage.
The next day we went to the doctors to get antibiotics to treat the urine infection [or so I thought]. I did have an infection but, as it turned out, not a urine based one. The entry point of the catheter [my second belly-button as I call it] had become infected and therefore was weeping onto my underwear - nice!
So after a two week course of antibiotics plus Canestan spraying twice a day for the next month [a spray being easier to use than cream with only one working hand], I am nearly back to normal, I still have bladder spasms but have learnt to spray the connectors on the leg bag and the night bag with antiseptic spray before connection, and empty my leg bag before I think I need to. Now the spasms aren't as uncomfortable.
The week after the fiasco I was once again at the hospital, a different one this time to receive training in using the electric wheelchair that was earmarked for me. Although I have been using an old second-hand one this new one is 100 times better, and more controllable. It even has a gadget for climbing kerbs and steps. I can't wait for it to arrive which should be any-time now!
Speaking of the new chair reminds me - the council is upgrading the bathroom and removing the small step at the front door. None of this will happen until the end of March, I can live with the stupid bathroom layout and constantly blocking toilet but we can't get back in over the step when we venture out with either wheelchair.
As mother had another fall a while back and this time when they let her out is definitely going into a care home, I will be able to go visit her as the home we want her in [and she has finally realised why] is only around the corner from here.
Will let you know what is happening as soon as I know, and as I feel livelier it won't be as long a wait I hope.
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