Sunday 23rd Feb

Sleep was scarce on Saturday night, other than the pain, as the drugs wore off, finding a comfortable position was difficult, and there were lots of bings and bongs as other patients called for attention, plus being force-fed meds at 2am. I stayed awake from then until about 4, then managed to drop back to sleep. I had been pre-warned that the day began at 6am… and they were not joking, bang on 6am the door burst open and for the next 45 minutes there was a stream of people coming in to check things, deliver things, take things away… what a start to the day!

I was very pleased to get the big bandage off my leg, amazing how hot that was making me!

Breakfast came about 8am, I’d been good and ordered porridge and some fruit, and it was lovely!

My chest had been a little crackly over-night, most likely due to the room feeling like a sauna to (ever-hot) me, and the air feeling dry, so as a small pre-caution I was given some oxygen with a mist of saline solution infused. It was very pleasant, and I especially liked pretending to be Darth Vader!

Initial recovery has been very good, they’re pleased with my movement, pleased with everything I’m passing(!), I was able to shower myself (and there was me hoping for some help!) and get dressed.

I was hopeful to be going home sometime Sunday, but first I had to see the dreaded physiotherapist, get some blood test results back, and obviously be formally discharged.

Lots of comments had been made about the physio, and about how cruel she could be… she couldn’t have been more different, she was a lovely lady called Emma and was a great help, took me for a long walk with crutches, up and down some steps, took me through all the exercises and it was fine!

I was wearing my bright orange Voiceful choir t-shirt, and we got talking about that – I may have even persuaded her to come along for a session singing!

Lunch was delivered about 12:15, roast chicken breast, roast potatoes, lots of vegetables and a delicious gravy. Really excellent food again!

Blood test results came back fine, and I was cleared to go home, Sarah arrived at the hospital about 2 minutes after!

I came away with the biggest goodie bag of drugs you’ve ever seen, plus more paper-work thank I know what to do with.

We got home just after the England-Ireland rugby match started, I watched the first half, then had to take myself carefully up stairs and slept until about 6pm, the tiredness had caught up with me.

I came back down, had a light tea, watched a bit of TV then went up to bed again just after 9pm.

I’m pleased to say all three of my girls are looking after me splendidly! as is my doggy Hunter!