Oh, fie, Fiona!
(Sorry - just couldn't resist that ...
) Me a great crusader? Well - if I am, it is because I have had the full force of the members of TP with me - and our dear Matthew, of course. I do spend a lot of time typing, in my diary, in my posts here and in my blog. I have to discipline myself not to write everything out three times over. If it's not in one place, I know I can find it in another ... Thank you for all of your kind comments.
Dear Hazel - Yes, I was very shy, too. And unsure about offering my opinion on most things in company - but living with Brian all these years (it is our 51st anniversary on Saturday), I gradually overcame that. But still avoided confrontations. Feel I may not find it quite so difficult if a "next time" arises.
Thank you, Pied. All hugs gratefully received. My, how I miss proper hugs.
Dear Helen, I joined TP rather towards the end of your story with Alan. I was always much moved by your posts. You have had more than your fair share of caring, as have one or two other TP'ers out there who soldier on still. "A kind of kinship." That so touched me, Helen. I wish you all happiness.
Dear Gill - I really am not used to this role of "inspiring" other people. I feel very ordinary, was a little frightened at the time, but very angry at the hospital's neglect of Brian on that particular day, Friday, 27th March. One might almost say "the worm turned". Only yesterday I learned that a nurse had said "I must order some cream for Brian's sore spot in his groin", when all she really had had to do was go to a cupboard somewhere in the corridor and get it herself - which yesterday's (male) nurse did. In future, I will QUESTION why such a thing could not be dealt with on the spot.
Dear Carina - Brian has several times been admitted through A & E and it seems not to occur to the nursing staff to enquire when he last ate. This strikes me as so odd and it clearly happened to your dear dad as well. Brian was fast asleep when I visited this morning (due, I think, to the new anti-psychotic they are giving him at night.) I will go back later this afternoon. I then went on to visit a care home.
I have rung the CHC team and have said I am happy for Brian to go to the care home they have suggested, if the CH are happy to have Brian. She (CHC lady) told me the CH have already assessed Brian (in hospital? No-one told me about that - perhaps they are glad to see the back of Brian, who knows?) and that he might be being moved there as soon as this coming Friday. Crimes. Day after tomorrow. His last CH has lost pajamas, vests and a good quality woollen zip-up jacket. (I have chased it up, but no go.) Think I will go and do some shopping this afternoon so I have time to sew in new name-labels. (Have posted a little more detail on the CH on dear Loopiloo's thread.)
My love and thanks to all of you who continue to post.
Love, Nan XXX