Hi Folks, I've been at home a week or so now after my latest visit to A&E, a steroid drip or two and now on steroid tablets etc. As always the NHS ward staff were brilliant, supportive, caring and compassionate 100%. Apart from *
I was meant to be assessed by three psychiatrists before discharge but getting three together in the same room seemed impossible so it didn't work out that way.
Nevertheless the week long delay waiting for them meant I was able to build up my confidence in a convalescence setting, interacting with ward staff and other patients in a way that built up my morale, the medication side of things finally seeming to have been sorted out. Occupational Therapists and a psychologist seemed to stand in for the psychiatrists and gave me the all clear. My wife came and picked me up from the hospital in a car. I may have coped with a bus ride-hard to say.
Silicone earplugs essential for a good nights sleep along with 2 or 3 units of oral morphine and a slow release morphine capsule for pain relief.
*Not all staff seem keen on giving pain relief, seeming to regard suffering as part of the healing process! Morphine isn't a 'fun' drug so not much danger of addiction in my experience, more of a blindfold to pain and muscular tension. I did exercise, my only option being an hour long walk back and forth along a quiet ward/corridor. Pain relief usually needed afterwards due to several compressed fracture vertebrae.
Staff seemed to approve - one hour is about a mile and a half approx. depending on pace. If you have your own pain relief from your GP I'd smuggle it in to the ward and use it responsibly if you get nowhere with a particular nurse.
Coming to terms with memory loss seems to big issue, forgetting my own face, dates, appointments etc. but on the plus side I've forgotten a load of garbage too and many unpleasant memories are gone or fading - hurray. Thus hopefully making room for new positive ones, but perhaps not in the literal sense if cells are irreparably gone.
Hard to say but my brain function and rapidity of thought seemed to have improved - I had no trouble writing this for instance ..... mystery.
Keep a diary and remember where you left it.
I've been reading the latest Connect newsletter which is very upbeat and welcome and not overly head in the clouds. We hope to see Doctor Irani this summer and get an overview of my progress. I'm thinking every neurological specialist should have a try with an induced coma or two and get an idea of what's involved! A fascinating adventure for me at least.
Tea and biscuits is an essential part of recovery - Tetley bags being the fave along with custard creams. I'm in the UK.
Reading short stories kept me occupied when I had the energy - James Joyce v. good
What is my question?
Have I developed extra senses to do with reading people's facial expressions and demeanor? Second guessing their intentions and character. Will I live longer, be different, my wife is pleased with the new me! I wonder ...
Good luck to all. G2
