26/2//2014 Update Got home late last night. Steve is being moved to a ward. Not because he has gotten better, but because the longer he stays in ICU/High Dependency Unit the more chance he has of catching another infection from new patients coming in. I had to leave before the move was done, but they are calling me and letting me know the details. I really hated to leave him in limbo and couldnt help having a serious cry in the car. They are putting him in a side room on the ward, by himself, it is quieter and away from the vast amount of germs, and staff that work between ICU and the ward will be taking care of him. He had an off and on day. He had a fever that keeps coming back and is doing a lot of coughing. I hope he hasnt caught anything already. They took more blood to test for any other infection and will probably do a chest xray by morning. His poor immune system is just gone for the moment. He was very tired after not having slept much in the last 36 hours and they are giving him a light sedative to help him sleep tonight.
I spoke to the doctors about the swelling in his arms and hands. She told me this happens when there is not enough protein in the system to keep the fluid from entering the skin. Considering they are feedings him 24 hours a day, plus whatever he can swallow, I wondered how much he needs. I fed him the soup he had today at lunch. It takes about 45 minutes for him to eat a portion of about ½ a cup. They brought him a small scoop of ice cream which soothed his throat a lot. I went to the restaurant downstairs and got him a tiny tub for after his evening soup, which he didnt eat, but the ice cream was a hit! They dont have enough staff around the hospital when you look at the needs of all the people there. I made sure he had what he needed today as he needed it, whether is was tea, water or soup and will continue to do so and nap when he does. He was drinking more than eating because of the constant oxygen. His throat wont tolerate much more than that. According to his sick note for work, he could be in the hospital for another 4 weeks. His muscles are like jelly. I just need for him to get to the point where he can eat and move around properly. I worry about them not attending to his needs as he cannot call out or even push a button to let them know he needs anything. I slept off and on despite the meds given by my GP. May have to get something stronger. I am taking protein drinks to keep myself well. Just have to hope he improves more over the next week or so. Just got a call, He has been moved to Gledhow Wing at St James Ward 2. My 4am call said that he is sleeping but his breathing was a bit fast. Thank you! Paula _______________________________________________ Leedslist mailing list Info and options: http://mailman.greennet.org.uk/mailman/listinfo/leedslist To unsubscribe, email [email protected] John 'Grampa' Sykes Rest In Peace old lad 28th Oct 1938 - 12 Nov 2013 MARCHING ON TOGETHER
