23 June 2011

Long, long winding road .... Updated

It seems a lifetime ago that I said I was going to begin blogging again in earnest. The intention was there but since 21 April my life has been turned upside down, my brain has gone into meltdown and I have concentrated all my energies on hospital visiting and willing Pauley to get better.

Nine weeks on he is still in hospital after an emergency operation which removed a large section of twisted bowel. This has resulted in a stoma and unfortunately a condition known as short bowel syndrome. Recovery is slow and the hospital's hope is that eventually he will be transferred to either St Mark's Hospital in London or Torbay, both of which support home TPN (total parenteral nutrition - see previous link) should this be found to be necessary.

The highlight of these nine weeks is that Pauley is being allowed home for a few hours tomorrow (provided BP, temperature etc etc are OK), just for a change of scene (not with a view to imminent discharge). He is so looking forward to it, but is still quite weak so I hope it won't be too tiring for him. I know I shall be on tenterhooks and very anxious, but I'm sure all will be well, even if I am totally exhausted afterwards.

My time at Dairy House has been very limited as you can imagine, but the dealers have been incredibly kind and the shop has continued to function with no disruption to customers. Obviously I have had to cancel any Fairs I had hoped to participate in, and other than a few free hours here and there I envisage a similar outlook for some time to come.

I'm still hoping to get back to blogging soon but at the moment, as I'm sure you can imagine, I haven't got anything very interesting to say ... other than the fact that Florence is now 13 months, has finally decided to crawl but would far rather be up on her feet.

I'll end this post with grateful thanks to some lovely friends, Bloggers, Facebook and Twitter friends and one lovely Mummy-of-four (she knows who she is) who has helped me, through late night texts and messages, far more than I ever imagined possible.

Updated Friday 24th - Pauley was able to come home for 3 hours! A wander round the house, lunch and back soon after 2 o'clock made such a difference to him (and to me). It was a treat to see a smiling face and proper clothes instead of jimjams! We made sure we were back on time so no black marks so that hopefully we'll be able to do it again before too long.

Thank you all x

16 comments:

Cristina said...

I hope Pauley will enjoy is home visit and be able and doing that often, as a signal he is improving.
keeping you in my thoughts.

Country Cottage Chic said...

I bet Pauley can't wait to spend some time at home with you. Hope that his health will improve soon.

Terry said...

Funny how it takes a life threatening condition to put our lives into a tail spin. I'm still dealing with my son and all the dr. appointments etc. Please take time to relax for yourself and remember when you are back to a more normal routine we will still be here praying for you.

Niki Fretwell said...

Hi Sue,
Always thinking of you and Pauley and we're wishing him well...Have a lovely time together tomorrow... Enjoy each day as it comes and don't worry about Blogging for goodness sake!!!

Take care,
Niki xx

l.wilks11 said...

I have just read your post and am finding it hard to give you a comment. All i can say is I hope your hubby gets better......x

The fabric of my life said...

Oh my LFS, I am so hoping that all goes well for tomorrow and that your Pauley gets to come home. You are an amazing woman with incredible strengths that have held you in good stead. Thank goodness too for wonderful friends and family to lean on in times like this. You are never out of my thoughts xxx

ted and bunny said...

thinking of you both and wishing all good things your way
xx

Bumpkin Hill said...

my gosh Sue, I have been out of touch and had no idea what you were going through. I do hope that he can come home again soon for a break. Thinking of you both, Catherine x

OhSoVintage said...

I'm so sorry to read this, Sue. I'm sure you both enjoyed every second of his visit home today. Sending best wishes to you both.
Ruth x

Trixie@ the vintage bothy said...

Thinking of you both.
T x

Anonymous said...

Goodday! I hopped over here from Nostalgia at the Stone House and see that you need prayers. Will send them up right away! MaryC

Alchamillamolly said...

I am thinking of you and yours at this time. We do wonder when we find one of our dear blogger friends is having difficult times. We never what life is going to throw at us next do we. You look after yourself as well at this time, and try and get some rest.

LinenandRoses said...

So sorry that you are going through such a tough time but really pleased to hear that the few hours at home went well. I hope that Pauley continues to make good progress and is allowed home again soon. Thinking of you both and please don't worry about blogging at the moment. Take care of yourself. Fiona x

Karoline said...

I hope he continues to improve, keeping you both in my thoughts & prayers

Shammickite said...

JULY 1: Happy CANADA Day, Sue and Pauley! You may not be aware that it's Canada's 144th birthday today, and Will and Kate are in Ottawa to help us celebrate. Actually, we don't need help, but it's great to have them here!
Just reading your latest post and I'm so sorry to hear about the hospital and the op for Pauley.... but it's good that he was able to come home, even just for a little while, that means he is on the road to recovery, doesn't it?
It may be a slow process, but he'll get there. Thinking of you both. Hugs.

Monica said...

Oh Sue, I'm so, so sorry for what you're going through! I had no idea... My heart goes out to you and your husband in this very moment, and I will pray for you both.
Hugs,
Monicax.