I always listen to the Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols from Kings College Cambridge on Christmas Eve. Something my parents did when I was little and something I have carried on wherever i have lived. That 90 minutes is me time in the kitchen. No one is allowed in - no one. no exceptions.
In years gone by I would make sausage rolls. Yup flaky pastry, skin my own sausages. Mince pies made from home made mincemeat. Stuffing for the turkey with home made breadcrumbs, dried herbs etc. It was magical when a little girl and just as magical now.
This Christmas Eve was different. My faithful old radio had pipped its last pip and so the computer was tuned in. The solo voice of the young chorister singing the opening verse of Once in Royal David's City as the processional carol had begun there was a knock on the door. David. OK it is your tune come in. (He was born 23rd December). No he said.. I don't feel very well.
Knowing this was my sanctuary, announcing he didn't feel well was real. I abandoned any thought of getting to verse 2 and went with himm. The cold he'd had for a week now seemed worse. He was wobbly, couldn't breath and nasty things appeared to be gathering in his lungs. Topped up his fluids, assorted meds plus man size balm tissues for the sore nose, hot water bottle and off to bed.
Once the coughing had quietened he seemed to sleep. Few checks and although breathing very shallow he seemed OK.
Back to kitchen to catch the last and best Carol - Hark the Herald Angels, my Granmother's favourite. She could sing every word of every verse on exactly the same note. Loudly.
Somewhere between Christmas Eve and Boxing day is the 25th December. I don't remember this years. What I do remember is David waking me early on Boxing Day asking me to find a duty chemist open. Whatever for I asked. I don't know he replied but there must be something I feel dreadful. Me being my usual sympathetic self reminded him he had 'man flu' and it had to run its course. But I will admit even I was concerned. It had gone on longer then the usual few days. I rang NHS24. Lovely lady answered. Gave her David's details, explained what i wanted where upon she asked 2 questions. The answer to both was yes so no hesitation. I want him in. Transport on its way. Be ready in half an hour. Clunk phone went dead.
We have a wonderful NHS24 system up here and I had no doubts if they thought him seriously enough to go in then there would be no questions from me.
He was first taken to the duty Doctor. Usually they would come out but as there are so many calls over the period, they collect and take you there. GP one look...A&E. Off he went by Ambulance. They wired him up. Dripped him up. Blooded him out. Took notes of his drugs. Raised their eyebrows and sucked their teeth. Talked to him. Mumbled in corners. Sent for nurses. Sent for bed. No bed. Rang me.
Heart ticking solidly. Bloods OK but did show infection. Where? Noted that to find out. Breathing very shallow. Noted he has COPD. Big noted - takes Oxycontin and Oxynorm. More raised eyebrows. Ruled out side effects but still noted twice.
Poor lad by now had less stuffing and blood than Bag puss the saggy cloth cat. But they found him a bed, fed him and said lung Xray in morning to check for blood clots. Really? Yes you have flown long haul recently. I have? Yes you wnt to Lanzarote. That's long haul? Yes.
He is home now armed with buckets of tablets. Strict instructions to do nothing for a week and then take it slowly. And then start up the ladder again but a bit further down than the last time.
Happy Christmas to everyone.
Happy New Year too.
Pat x
Thankful for all those NHS staff that work hard over Xmas, for the respite you had (although hard to 'enjoy' while you're worrying about David!) and all the other small miracles that occur at this time. Sending love Pat and wishing you a less eventful new year! X
