Tuesday, I think…

So, another sleep deprived night. Diuretics right before sleep time mostly put paid to that. Flippin’ fast acting too. First “emergency” was almost exactly 30 minutes after the damn tablets were swallowed. The night was interrupted by a further 5 or so calls. And what with my fellow inmates demanding constant attention, it was not a restful night.

As usual, the day started at 6. Breakfast at 7, ablutions shortly after breakfast was done. I was allowed to go to the bathroom rather than an “at bedside” wash up. Might not seem much to you, but it was a victory for me. Almost a disaster though. They thoughtfully provided a chair to sit on in case I needed it (I did, my balance is still a tad iffy). But it was low, and I almost didn’t have the strength to rise from it (especially as it had no arms to press on and lift my self up). But I found I could move the chair slightly and reach a “grab” rail. Phew! Saved the embarrassing call for help…

The “fight” for a support frame continued and I had to wait my turn, then, for trips to the loo (darned diuretics still working overtime). During a particularly chaotic period, with much of the nursing staff off attending the apparently much more needy, I thought I’m going to try a trip unaided. I stood up, waited a short while to see how I was (fairly steady) and popped out to the little boys’ room without the bloody frame. Freedom! I confessed my sins afterwards and the nurses seem happy enough so I’m going to continue that way now. No more crossed legs or “knotting” it while I wait for support. I have a lot of my independence back, woohoo! Tonight should be easier.

All that said, just been dragged away by a member of the therapy team. I mentioned my confession to her and she asked if I would go for an unaided walk with her. So I did. She carried the frame with us “just in case”, but that case never arose I’m proud to say. We walked to the exit of the ward, brief pause to get my breath back, and then walked back again. Most steps I’ve done in a while. I’m happy and I feel my legs protesting a little at the, um, workout!

Lunch today was chicken and ham pie. The lunches here aren’t too bad, to be fair. I’ve had worse restaurant food. My only beef (heh, with chicken and ham), is, for some reason, it doesn’t matter what vegetables I order, I always end up with a pile of green beans. There are 2 vegetables I actively avoid: green beans (not fond of them) and parsnips (really don’t like them). The vegetable choice was “garden peas” and/or “root vegetables”. I opted for both since my experience of the root vegetables here hasn’t poisoned me with parsnips! So where the f did the green beans come from??? And they were present yesterday, and I only ordered “root vegetables”. And the day before, a huge pile of the damn things despite actively avoiding all veggie choice since “green beans” were the only choice. I’m sure they’re ganging up on me. Let’s see what tomorrow brings…

We’ve had a slight change of “inmates”. “J” has gone home (well, to a home). No more amusing, weird conversations that he takes part in because he thinks the convo is directed at him. He’s been replaced by “N”. Seems normal, not noisy so hopefully some sanity prevails here now. “D” is still being demanding with his constant bell ringing and calling “nurse”, “help”, “bloody hell” etc. And demanding I or someone else buzzes for him (I’m learning to play deaf). “R” is still here but he’s harmless mostly. And my new bed neighbour “B” keeps mostly to himself, so perhaps some quieter times for a bit? The only spanner in the works is “H”. He’s getting aggressive now. Only to the staff so far, but it’s a tad worrying. I try not to engage with him but if he engages with me, I act real friendly like. Haven’t been punched yet (like one of the poor MH workers!)

Speaking of the MH workers… the one currently on guard for (or against, not sure which) “H” doesn’t seem to quite trust my new found prowess and when I get up for a wander you know where, I have a bit of a shadow! However, he has commented that I’m looking better, stronger, so that’s good, right?

Anyway, nothing much else exciting happened, apart from a lovely visit from most of my family – my sister and two of my favourite nieces (ok, you got me, i only have 2 nieces, but they’re still my favourite nieces!). That brightened the day tremendously. Stuffed full with cups of tea and got some more of my gadgets to play with incase the tv goes down again – it did for a large part of this morning! And, some proper clothes to wear so hopefully I can discard the hospital gown. Maybe I can become more human? Hmm, perhaps not…

Tomorrow, first thing, I have an endoscopy. Looking forward to that as much as I look forward to chewing razor blades. Wish me luck…