First of all, I must really apologise for the recent absence of my ’Musings’ - not on this occasion due to lack of inspiration or dried up material. These are both usually corrected - often at the last minute! The real reason was periods of illness which necessitated spells of varying lengths in hospital. May I say a big ‘thank you’ to all who came to see me (both at the N&NUH and my subsequent rehabilitation at Pine Cottage) and for all the cards and messages which cheered me considerably in some rather bleak moments. I was particularly pleased to learn the number who missed my ‘Musings’ - a much larger appreciative readership than I hoped.
There are several reasons why my rehabilitation spell (in the Colman complex) leaves much happier memories than my much longer stay in the acute hospital . I soon discovered the advantages of being in a much smaller unit (only ten beds including one for emergencies). Not surprisingly, they always have a waiting list for admissions and I felt privileged to be one of the ‘chosen ones’. I soon met a nurse who also has diabetes - on a personal note, it was great to speak with someone who understands the complaint.
Much fewer staff were needed in the smaller unit, so it was much easier to learn their names. They were also able to spend much longer with patients enabling us to get to know each other better and thus maintain an improved remedial atmosphere. There were three other chaps in the ward and we discussed the various stages of our treatment. On one thing we were all agreed which was that future life would be very different.
I really admired Mick whose philosophy was ’for every problem there’s a solution’. His great sense of humour also appealed to me - I don’t think I’ll ever forget his remark that he, a double amputee, needn’t go to the pub to get legless! His sensitivity was also seen when, on noticing his granddaughter was disturbed by his condition, he quickly said: “When I get home, I’ll soon dip these ends in fertiliser so I should have them growing by Christmas.’ That restored her smile.
I really admired Mick whose philosophy was ’for every problem there’s a solution’. His great sense of humour also appealed to me - I don’t think I’ll ever forget his remark that he, a double amputee, needn’t go to the pub to get legless! His sensitivity was also seen when, on noticing his granddaughter was disturbed by his condition, he quickly said: “When I get home, I’ll soon dip these ends in fertiliser so I should have them growing by Christmas.’ That restored her smile.
The physio’s soon had me getting about in an electric wheelchair, although my manoeuvres left a lot to be desired. In fact, one of the physio’s made and fixed an ‘L’ sign for the machine - I still have it as a souvenir. As part of the preparation for discharge we were all allowed ‘self medication' of our drugs we kept locked in our cabinets (with details on a blue card as an ‘aide memoir’). We had probably administered our own medication at home and had often done so for many years.
I regret that my computer is not yet accessible so I cannot get to my list of quotes to select some suitable ones. Any emails received since my illness have not been read, let alone acted upon . Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible.
