Tuesday 10th July

Today Mum went to see Dad at 2pm with Sue and Ruby.  Len and I went up to see Dad this evening, Mum stayed there with us too.  We stayed with Dad until gone 7pm.

When Mum arrived at NG today she found Dad just being put back in to bed.  The Nurses had tried to sit Dad out in his wheelchair today, but he could not find the strength or energy to hold himself upright and kept slumping forward on to his pillow.  

A positive from today is that Dad had his first shower since the stroke took effect on 10th May.  The physios took Dad in to the shower sitting on a plastic chair.  Dad was able to wash his own hair with his right hand and wash his body.  His hair definitely looked better for it tonight when I saw him :-)  Both of Dads female physios ended up rolling up their trousers and getting in the shower to help and support Dad - Len joked how lucky he was to have had a shower with two young ladies....Dad nearly choked on his soup laughing.  He said 'we've already sold 200 copies...'!

Tonight Dad didn't have the energy to feed himself so Mum did it for him.  He ate both the soup and main, even though he said he didn't want it - but he said the dessert was too sweet for him. Dad was in his bed for the time I spent with him from 5 pm.  He was choking quite a lot today - which is a concern after he coughed up a fairly large amount of green phlegm at the weekend.  The Nurses said they'd keep an eye on Dad and have booked an appointment for the Doctor to see Dad Thursday morning when he is there.

After a happy evening with his friends and brother yesterday evening - it was a bit disappointing to hear from Dad that he couldn't remember it.  Mum had received calls saying Dad was enjoying laughing and reminiscing about old times...we were hoping it would have been the tonic to lift his spirits after a couple of down days...but it doesn't appear to be the case.

Dad seemed in a negative mood tonight - whether it is because the physios had spoken to Mum today openly in front of Dad about the next steps I don't know?  Mum was upset because she was not advised the conversation would be taking place today - had she known she could have made sure either Dan or I were there to take in the info and ask appropriate questions - questions that go out of your head when put on the spot and under stress.  She was told that if Dad came home he would not be able to be left for a moment and needs 24 hour care.  They have concerns that his left foot is becoming 'clubbed' - will this prevent him ever walking again, what implications does that have?  Guess I'll be googling it later.  Dad was asked what he thought about the situation...he said 'I'm happy here'...it's a nice little set up'.  I think he's starting to feel a burden after hearing that conversation...?

Dad told me tonight he was happy in the home...I gave Dad a talking to and told him he had to work hard to get better and get mobile because we want him back at home where he belongs...'Que sera sera' he said...'I don't want to be rushed', 'I've got time'.

So when we left Dad tonight he was very tired.  But tomorrow's a new day and a good nights sleep may help recharge his energies.

Love you Dad x