Category: health

Waiting

Currently waiting for my new washing machine to arrive. But that’s cool, apparently we’re the next delivery and since they gave us a 3 hour window it’s been pretty easy for a Sunday morning.

Waiting for mum to get an aged care bed. Waiting for her to move to a different hospital to wait for that so she’s not in a depressing dungeon ward with old men dying across from her. The staff are lovely but she really needs to get out. She has a loaner wheelchair so we can take her into the fresh air each day for coffee and a break. Trying to not feel guilty for staying home today but also telling Dad to stay home and rest because he’s really not well and we’re now waiting for his Haematologist appointment on the 24th. His white blood cell count went up again since his last blood test. Mine are normal though. I did bloods last week and they’re all normal.

Waiting on Bruce’s colonoscopy. We’re been waiting 4 months, been told to expect 6. Waiting for mum’s wheelchair of her own. We were waiting for Dad to say okay to building a ramp to the house so mum can at least visit. But he’s said yes to that at least. Now to get him to okay us going to buy a wheelchair friendly mini van.

A tan dog with a black collar and circular metal tag stands on wet dark rocks at the edge of a large calm body of water. The dog is in profile facing left with head tilted upward eyes partially closed and ears erect. Its front paws are planted in a shallow puddle on the rock surface which shows patches of yellow orange and dark wet textures along with scattered seaweed. Behind the dog the water stretches across the frame reflecting a clear blue sky. Distant tree-covered shores and low hills line the far side of the water under bright daylight.

Six Months. 44 Years.

Mum had her first stroke six months ago tomorrow. She’s been between John hunter Hospital and the Rankin Park Rehab Centre since.

A rectangular aquarium on a light gray cabinet in what appears to be a medical facility. The tank contains light sand, dark rocks, driftwood, and green and red artificial plants. A plaque on the hood reads: Donated to the Staff of the JOHN HUNTER ICU By the Maher Family In Loving Memory Of Daniel. To the right is a white refrigerator. A wall socket and informational poster are visible in the background.

We’re at the stage of looking for nursing home placements. First reluctantly now more urgently. Mum’s waiting on the manual wheelchair from Enable NSW that the OT scripted as she can no longer walk, and she needs hoisting into that and two people to support her for transfers and care needs. Still hoping to convince mum to get the powerchair conversion for the chair after it comes so she can putter around at her leisure.

She’s currently back over at John Hunter due to some health complications and infections and to treat an embolism. But she’s still mentally mum – her speech and cognition are all but the same as “before” as is her humour, like the rest of us fatigue and stress is taking its toll on her psychologically, but we’re all still looking forward while trying to deal with all the things that are thrown at us.

Japanese takeout meal arranged on a kitchen counter. In front features five black plastic trays containing tuna sashimi, salmon sashimi with lemon, fried chicken pieces, grilled octopus, and steamed edamame. A tall yellow Naked Life Limoncello Spritz bottle stands behind them next to a small lemon cake in packaging. A pair of wooden chopsticks and spoon lie in the foreground. Background shows a wire fruit basket with lemons and a patterned tissue box.

I turned 44 last Wednesday. I got presents and ate my little treats.

I feel like I’ve had to grow up a lot the last six months. I love it and hate it but I’m proud of how I’ve been able to step up and handle this.

But I’d like the challenges to take a break soon please?

Gas pump display showing 55.91 dollars for 30.40 litres at 183.9 cents per litre. Fuel prices listed: diesel 225.9, premium 98 206.9, premium 95 197.9, unleaded 91 ethanol 184.9, unleaded 91 183.9. Preset buttons for 5, 10, 20 litres visible. Gilbarco Veeder-Root brand. Minimum delivery 2.5 litres.

Consider subscribing to new posts by email or sending a tip or treat to help sustain me and my little family.