It is probably accurate to say that my day began at 2 a.m. That’s because I didn’t just doze off again, but actually did some work on my computer.
Then I dozed off.
Then the lovely Elise woke me to take my blood pressure and stuff, with “How are you today?”.
“I’m much better except when people wake me up to do stuff to me”.
Laughter.
It must then have been about 6.30 a.m. when I heard: “Would you like some tea or coffee?”
” No thanks” must have seemed very churlish. At least it was delivered with a smile.
“You haven’t ordered any breakfast” must have woken me at about 7 a.m.
With another smile, “because I didn’t think I would be able to eat any. But thank you for checking.
The wittily caring Carley has been my nurse for the day. “Here are your painkillers”. I’m not sure when. “I’ll have to sit you up a bit. Cos I don’t want you choking”.
“That would be most unfortunate”.
“Especially after all that work we did yesterday.”
Soon after 9 a.m. my liquid morphine was administered in preparation for the torture session administered by Marcus, today’s physiotherapist. He arrived about half an hour later. ready to get me out of bed.
“First you must roll over on your side”.
Given choice, I opted for left.
“Swing your good leg. I will hold the operated one”.
Gradually using the walking frame I transferred my weight from my bum on the edge of the bed to both feet and the handles of the walker.
“Starting with the good leg take steps toward the chair,”
“Not so big steps”.
“Now turn sideways”
“Using the same system?”
“Yes”.
“When you feel the chair on the backs of your legs, try to lower yourself onto the seat.”
Mission accomplished. I thought.
At this point there is an interruption in the proceedings, because Marcus returned this afternoon `with Connor, a student.
“This afternoon we are going to a few more steps down the corridor with the Zimmer fame, and if successful transferring to the crutches.”
My complex expression, attempting to display both horror and amusement, was a giveaway.
“I can see you are very pleased with this suggestion”.
I then explained what had been inflicted upon me since his departure this morning.
I had waited for Gerrard to come and collect me for an x-ray. During this time Alex had guided me from
“Why are you wearing the name tag Alex Chris, when you are not Marcus?”.
“Because I am not Marcus”.
“Ah”.
Then, using the same process, one small step at a time, Alex masquerading as Marcus, had guided me round the bed, into the corridor , and a few yards along it. We then turned around to reverse our steps.
I was then asked to feel for the front of Gerrard’s wheelchair behind me. Gerrard then took over.
“Place your good leg on the footrest. Leave the operated leg to me”.
We each played our part and were soon off to x-ray for the ‘after’ pictures.
Back in my room I was given the chance of returning to bed or remaining in the chair. Given that I was expecting a visit from Mr Kask, I opted for the chair, and promptly went to sleep. He was the next to disturb my slumber. It didn’t take him long to pronounce himself satisfied.
I asked Carley to help me back to bed after this.
Lunch soon arrived. I woke up to eat it. I hope those readers who have expressed concern about the quality of the catering at New Hall will be suitably impressed by this ‘small’ option. I am not sure what the soup was, but it was very tasty. The omelette was plain, of my own choice, and the ice-cream was excellent vanilla. Nevertheless I could only consume one spoonful of soup, Three quarters of the egg, a sprig of rocket, one potato, one slice each of tomato and cucumber, and most of the ice-cream. This morning’s Health Care Assistant had advised that the new slippers were a precaution against slipping, not really to keep germs away. Perhaps I’ll check this tomorrow.
By mid-afternoon I was again interrupted from my posting. Jackie, Elizabeth, and Danni stayed for a good long visit. We conversed about all our usual topics, especially focussing on my sister’s house sale and purchase. My head was clear enough today to make what I thought were reasonable contributions.
Afternoon tea consisted of moist, well-filled egg and cress sandwiches, orange juice, and fruit salad, which I couldn’t face.
I hadn’t ordered any dinner.
