I can't be ill anyway, we're off to Barbados for 3 weeks in the sun. The cases are out, the clothes are sorted, I have the dollars to prove it. It's just a cold............ No wait! That cough is starting to feel more than a cough - it's starting to feel like a proper poorly chest! Oh for buggering hells sake - it can't be!!!
Ok - if I can just get to the airport and blag it on to the plane at least I could just be a bit poorly on the beach? Couldn't I?? Mmm Google tells me it's quite dangerous in reduced pressure for asthmatics - maybe not such a bright idea??? But I'll give it a bash for sure.
Nope - Monday morning the day before we flew OH had to drive like a bat out of hell to get me to hospital. Delightful clerking Nurse said I wasn't breathing properly (no fecking shit) and should drink water!!!! Luckily assessing consultant though it was slightly more serious!
The merry go round started of drips, injections, back to back nebulisers. Maybe its flu? You're having a laugh right?? Not again surely? No it wasn't. It's a viral asthma exacerbation. 5 days on the wonderful Hexworthy Chest ward with a real dodgy turn on the Wednesday but out again Friday - feeling a little bit better.
Perhaps we could get 10 days in the sun...............??
Nope! Rapid deterioration over the weekend meant a 'blues and two's' ambulance journey with advice from the hospital as I quickly deteriorated en route. This time no offer of water just a swift removal into resus where the FEAR entered me. The dreadful terror that this was definitely it this time!
No virus this time. A full blown lower lung collapse accounted for a breathing result of a quarter of what it should be! No wonder I felt so ill. Yet again!
Another week on Hexworthy ward where I'm on first name terms with all the nursing team and I could write all day about their kindness, care, skill and love. The amazing Sister Ali commands such respect and my undying love for her approach to me, as well as the Emily's, Rosies, Kristys, Karens, the Nat's and the Jaia's, even Josh (a real sweetie!) who every day do their level best to ensure everyone is cared for and nurtured and nursed to the best they can be.
A mid week visit from my son gave me the chance to air fears and concerns and his loving common sense lodged a place in my brain. But the Mummy hugs worked more!
But I could still get a week of sun couldn't I?? No I can't.
I'm home to recover in my own bed now getting updates from our friends who we should be with but grateful that I'm here at all.
To the Nurses and Drs and cleaners and housekeepers and clerks and volunteers and the Therapy dogs - thank you so very, very much.
I have no other words to say but Thank You,
As for Barbados?? I hear its not going anywhere!
Liz xxx
(Still here and breathing)
