Monday, August 18, 2008

And again...

The results of the blood test, taken at home by the nurse, were through very quickly, as the doctor at the hospital rang at 4 o'clock, and said that he'd just been faxed them, and clearly there was still a lot of inflammation somewhere, on which the antibiotics were not working, so would Tom accept being hospitalised again? I more or less said he'd have no choice if I had anything to do with it. He had less fever and pain but was simply very unwell, and I was getting a bit desperate.

So this was not a mad and terrified dash this time, we even had time to pack properly, only omitting toe-nail clippers, which he'd forgotten he needed until he took his socks off in the hospital. It's mostly a relief, and now he's in the right department, with a scanner scheduled for tomorrow, we hope he'll get a proper diagnosis and treatment.

I feel considerably less wobbly now than before. I ran into 85 year old Victor clambering about on ladders pruning hedges, as I was coming in, and told him something of the story. He mentioned that he'd just had something resembling a minor stroke and was due to go in for a scan too, in the meantime he'd just carry on clambering around on ladders, it takes more than a brain haemorrhage to keep a Le Faucheur from his bricolage. I chatted over it with a couple of other neighbours who were out inspecting the potato and carrot crop, and it was pointed out that we haven't really had a serious illness since we've been here, so have done quite well - not to mention saving on the complementary insurance. I rang J who invited me round to eat, which I turned down, pleading the need to walk the dog, a glass of wine and Richard Dawkins, but took a raincheck to go round there for a drink after visiting tomorrow, even though she's having her last session of chemo during the day.

Withal, I feel very bien entourée, not least because of the concern and support shown here. Let's hope we get it sorted out this time. And thanks again for the loving kindness.

18 comments:

Jean said...

All the best. xxx

Zhoen said...

Good, this is not the kind of thing to just wait and see.

Appendicitis does tend to happen young, or not at all. Diverticulitis would be my next guess. Here's hoping for simple and easy to fix.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the updates, Lucy, I'm glad you feel calmer. Good to hear that he's now being looked after so well. Best wishes to Tom!

Fire Bird said...

Hugs - many hugs

leslee said...

Glad to hear you're getting support in the real world, too, not the least from professionals as the hospital. Will be thinking of you both, and watching for updates. Looking forward to hearing he's diagnosed, treated, and on the mend.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad the trip there was more civilized, and I pray for the best.

Must you write with such delightful detail, even under these circumstances? I kind of feel guilty enjoying this post.

Sheila said...

I do hope full health will return soon. Am thankful for your increased peace.

Please do not apologize for "the lack of entertainment here"! Your life is so much more important than anyone's being entertained.

Do take good care of yourself.

herhimnbryn said...

Thinking of you both from across the sea.

Catalyst said...

As Tom grows older (and he will) he's going to have some great stories to tell his cronies on the park bench.

Best of luck and return to good health to him . . . and you!

Anonymous said...

I've only just caught up with all of this, Lucy, my attention to my friends having trailed my blog updating. I do hope that the picture is clearer and more positive by now. It's always the initial waiting in ignorance that's the worst and he seems to be getting the best of attention. Powerful secular vibes coming your way from over here!

Rosie said...

I am pleased that he is in hospital...if you know what I mean...it is the best place under the circumstances.
And it is a good one...I have spent some time there myself and will call you to exchange gossip about consultants

Unknown said...

It sounds as though you have a health service you can count on, which must be reassuring. Hope all goes well.

Laura Frankstone said...

You're doing so well, Lucy, under these trying circumstances. Hope they figure out what is going on very soon and take care of, quickly and thoroughly.

Roderick Robinson said...

A curious sense of community from reading that we were both watching Dawkins as you did (and University Challenge a week or so ago when the Moncrieff question came up). The only thing is you should have been watching it with Tom. Glad there's some progress.

I'm interested to read about the treatment Tom is getting from the French health services. In the past I have deliberately exposed myself to French doctors in order to widen the scope of my vocabulary. Leading to: Monsieur, vous parlez bien le francais mais ce n'est pas un furoncle, c'est un kyste. I am sure you can guess on what part of my anatomy le kyste s'est trouvé.

Jan said...

I have only just read about this and hope very much all is being sorted out by time you read this.
Thinking about you.

Anil P said...

It can be quite a scare until one knows for sure what to treat. Wishing Thomas well and an early recovery.

Lucy said...

Thank you so much,dear people. You bring a lump to my throat and make me laugh aloud all at once.

The mother of all diverticulitis it is, after scans blood tests and x-rays. We hope he'll be home tomorrow (Wednesday), with enforced antibiotics, and the prospect of surgery in a few weeks when the infection is under control.

I'll do a full update tomorrow when things are more certain.

vicki johnson said...

Best of luck to you both, Lucy...fingers crossed over here.