Wednesday 11th July

Dad was just being put back in to his bed when Mum arrived to visit him at 2pm today as he was very tired and not up to sitting out in a wheelchair.  Dad had been with the physios before Mum arrived, but she was unable to find out what he had done and how much.  Mum said she's worrying that the physios think he is becoming complacent?

After a sleep, Dad was able to give himself a shave with his electric razor. He needed the bed changing three times during the visit, and also used the bedpan to 'open his bowels'. Aunty Sylv visited this afternoon to support Mum after an emotional day yesterday.  Apparently Dad was being quite crude with his comments and making himself laugh.  He made reference to having a crap and a shit...and after taking a sip from his cup of tea saying it tasted like a woman's tit...not usual comments I'd expect to hear from my Dad - but perhaps this is a side I've never seen before? Dad also asked about his car today - good that he remembers he has one.

Good news that Dad wasn't coughing today, fingers crossed he won't be getting a chest infection.  Dad only complained once about the pain in his left shoulder/armpit today - he was offered paracetamol as pain relief but Dad said it's not that bad.  The medicine for the muscle pain relief that arrived yesterday evening must be taking effect already as he had been complaining about the pain regularly since Friday.

Mum spoke to one of the SALT nurses to day (Speech and Language Therapist) who is involved with Dad's nutrition more so than his speech.  She confirmed Dad had not lost any weight in four weeks, but nor had he put any on.  Dad is not eating sufficient food yet to cut down the nutrients feeding him through the PEG in to his stomach.  The SALT nurse picked up from Dad's food charts that although he does not eat breakfast or lunch, he always eats his meals in an evening - she said this is more than likely because he trusts us, as it is usually either Mum or myself that feeds him.  Tonight Mum fed Dad - he ate most of his soup, all of his main and a few mouthfuls of yoghurt.  The SALT nurse advised Mum that the thrush on Dad's tongue and back of his throat, which he has had since being in hospital, would have an impact on the taste of his food and drink and would probably give everything an awful taste.  The medicine Dad is taking is starting to take effect and clear the thrush.  She suggested that now Dad has started brushing his teeth we should get him an electric toothbrush and this should help in cleaning his tongue as well.

For much of the visit today, Dad's left eye remained closed.  The SALT nurse said that due to the extent of the damage caused to Dad's brain when the stroke took place, he will need lots and lots of sleep and that even the smallest of tasks, like eating, is enough to wear him out.  So considering we saw him take a few shaky steps last week with the aid of the zimmer and physios - he must be exhausted.

Dad's brother, visited tonight - Dad stayed awake until about half past six and then went in to a deep sleep.

I phoned the Dudley Stroke Association today to reach out for a bit of support.  We are meeting with the Family and Carer Support Worker tomorrow afternoon.  Deciding on the next step is a difficult decision to make; we want Dad to have the best care, to be able to continue with his physio and speech therapy, but wherever Dad goes, it also needs to be accessible to Mum.

Love you Dad x