Eternal Refuge

Last time I posted I was getting back into regular posts here again after work had taken over.  Now, it's about a month on, and I am getting my first chance to return her.  I know there are some unanswered comments, but I would feel a fool replying to "history" ... however if you did give me a vital question, please re-send it.

Anyway ....

Over 3 weeks ago, now, I went to the dentist and as I was walking back to the bus-stop ready to head home and get on with the day, my right calf felf quite achy.  No worries ... by the time I was on the bus, the calf was throbbing, and I ended up hobbling back home.  As I was home I realised the leg was super sore, so decided I would get it checked out at the emergency department on my way to work.  So I messaged my colleague to say I should be there OK, but if not, I was on my way.  Because of time, I decided to get a taxi to ED, and hobbled in.

Yes, I was seen on time, examined, and a few basic tests done, all the time my legs were resting on the gurney ... and, yes, they said I had pulled muscles, and needed physio and got me a referral, and discharged me.  And all with enough time to get to work.

Then, as I went to move the right leg ....


I screamed so loudly I must have deafened half the hospital!  And the leg started to swell.  It actually was about twice it's size within about 5 mins.  All of a sudden my treatment was escalated, and I was put on a drip in case I needed a surgery.

On that day 1, I was on full paracetamol & ibroprofen & morphine and gas & air ... and it still hurt!

Eventually I could move my toes slightly and there was a pulse in my foot again, so I was admitted as there was still a high probability of surgery.

I spent 5 days in the main hospital and then was referred to another hospital for rehab.  For about a week of that time I was totally off weight bearing despite the heavy splinting on the leg.

I came home 2 days ago ... and now am "only" on paracetamol/ibroprofen 3 times a day and morphine once during the night.  It's a battle to walk without crutches, and still can't put my foot to the ground without the splint.

While in the main hospital I had a scan, and it turned out I had torn my main calf muscle, and the internal fibres ... and was left with an haematoma that was 15.5 X 5.8 X 2.2 cm in size (and that was 2 days on after the injury, so the swelling was slightly reduced by then)

So, yes, I am now off work while I try to get my life back to some sort of living.

I have found it so hard to accept, as I literally was doing nothing ... now, I have to rest with the leg up as much as I can, and wear the splint if I need to take a step.  Earlier today I walked about 100 yards ... so, yay, a win!!!!!

Right, that's me.

~~

I am not going to attempt to ctach up with you all at present, as I need to get the splint off and the leg resting easier.

I will catch up with you all soon, I promise.  However if I missed some vital news this last month, please let me know

~

How can it be the end of the week ... at least I am not working this weekend.

This morning I started by trying to find out what happened to the stuff in my locker at work.  I think I told you last week that I had gone and asked and someone (who I didn't know) said they would look into it) ... but didn't hear anything.  This time when I was there I saw peoplle I knew and told them all ... so hopefully I will get some answers this time.  It's not as if they were just lting around ... they were all in a named locker.  They have a new secretary, who has taken that locker, which is fair enough ... but I want my stuff back.  While there it was good to catch up with a couple of friends, as well ... So not all annoying.

From there I walked into the city to get a haircut.  I was going to walk home, but decided to be lazy and catch the bus as there was one due in a couple of minutes.

Now lunch has been had ... and I am here, to catch up with you all if possible.  But before I post this -




25. In 1970 The Carpenters got to number 1 with "(They long to be) Close to You". Admit it - you've now got that song going through your head..LOL!
I do love The Carpenters music ... she had such a gorgeous voice, didn't she?

26. Stanley Kubrick was born on this day in 1928 - have you ever seen 2001 A Space Odyssey?
No, I haven't, yet.
However the orchestra I was a member of played the them tune a few times.





Right - let's get on x

... still don't know if I will 100% like it, but I am going to give it a go, for 3 reasons

• If I don't actually try it, then I can't say it won't be for me


• With other missing shifts it is good to be offered the possibility of the extra work


• I get on well with the "boss" and already know most of the team, who I do also get on OK

So, my "reception boss" runs the hospital switcboard, and I did a 4 hour observation shift today ... and another one booked for Friday, and one next week.  It's mind-blowing how much I will need to learn, but as they all pointed out, I know at least most of the names, rules etc.  Still there's a lot to learn that I hadn't even thought about, like fire, oxygen, etc alerts.

So, let's see how it goes.  One of my worries is that it's all phone calls, and I much prefer face-to-face ... but let's see.

Still nursing the bug, and trying to catch up with Christmas plans ... hense me not making it here yesterday (sorry), so




12 – Gingerbread House Day: Have you ever made a gingerbread house? How did it turn out?
Never tried! I do make gingerbread biscuits quite often … does that count?

13 – Day of the Horse: Have you ever been horseback riding? Have you read any of the classic horse books, e.g. Black Beauty, the Misty of Chincoteague books, the Black Stallion books, the Silver Brumby books? Are you a fan of any horse-related sports, e.g. racing or show jumping?
I started riding when I was 35 … and in the end did a lot of riding as I owned 2 horses … Jaykub & DJ. I never raced, and am not a fan. Was OK at show jumping, and cross-country, although found dressage a pain. I found barrel racing stressful, but we only had a small arena.
But, no, never read any books at all.
(Had to use the icon, though!!)




Right I will try and catch up with you all in a moment x

Yes, I worked friday morning ... and it was a good shift.

I had a shift booked for Saturday evening, but as Friday progressed I realised how tired I was feeling.  So, decided to be a "good girl" and had a lazy weekend.

So other than the shift on Saturday I really did very little other than sleep and read.  I had a lazy start to day, as well, so hopefully that will really have beena  healing weekend.

I am heading out soon-ish, as I am having my car serviced and MOT'd ... hopefully it won't be too expensive, but nowadays everything seems to have gone up in price, so I won't hold my breath in that hope!

I have shifts tomorrow morning, and then in the afternoon I have my "interview" where I have to confirm my address, and my ability to work in the UK.  I am so frustrated by the whole process ... but there again when I have seen others we are all as annoyed as each other.  The trouble is, like most situations, you are trapped.  If I want to work at the hospital I have to do this ... even though I went through this process back in 2010.

So -




18 – Princess Day: What is your opinion of Disney princesses? How do you feel about real life princesses?
I love Disney princesses.
Sorry to say, but I am old-fashioned. I love having a royal family … but like it when they do work for charity, and slightly “above” us. However I then don’t like it when you get too many “hanger-ons” … both in extended family, and people who feel they “know” someone, who knows someone.

19 – Play Monopoly Day: Have you ever played Monopoly? Did you enjoy it?
We used to play a lot when we were kids, but I could never be bothered to plan where to buy properties etc. Nick used to get annoyed if people didn't take it seriously though, and I note that although their family play loads of board games, even to this day, Monopoly is not one of them.

20 – Name Your PC Day: Does your PC (or laptop) have a name?
No

21 – World Television Day: Did you watch TV as a child? Do you still watch TV? How much TV do you watch per week on average?
We didn't get our first TV until I was 5, and then only had the one, so it was easy for Mum & Dad to limit how much we watched, and what we saw.
I still enjoy a few programmes ... mostly history ones. But as I only have terrestrial TV sometimes I just re-watch a DVD instead.




Right, will try and get some photos up soon x

Work went well this morning ... although one of the patients spent any time he could complaining about the layout of the hospital.  I don't know what he expected me to do about it though!  Anyway to my way of thinking the hospital is like a large capitat T, so long corridors, but at least it's easier to direct people around.

Last night seemed a long shift as it got really cool by the end of it.  The reception desk is not far from the doors, so with a bit of an evening breeze it soon cools down.  At least there weren't too many people who were totally bonkers, so that was something.

I do want to get some more photos done for you today, so hopefully I will get that done.  I have a bit of a head cold at present, so that is frustrating.  But, before I go off to do that -



4. How are you about deleting emails?
Very good


Right off to photo folder ... see you later x

Well hopefully I wasn't really!

As I told you I was working Saturday afternoon/evening on Main Reception.  Part of the job is finding what wards patients are on, or just confirming they haven't been moved.  In an 850 bed building that can mean a lot of extra walking for the visitors!  Brilliant ... well it was until the last 90minutes or so.  We had a new "complete" system that links everything together ... and although I love computers (Hee, what am I typing on?), I was always sceptical that there would be problems.  Well, that last 90 minutes was a nightmare as I couldn't help people as to where their relatives were.

However, what bothers me is how do treatments etc work when you can't actually get hold of notes, as everything is on the computer now.

So, call me old-fashioned but I really do not like it!

~~~

Rant over!

I have a great day yesterday - and there will be photos to share at some point.  Christine came up and we did some sight-seeing in and around Exeter.  It was lovely weather, and we walked about 5 miles overall ... so good fun, and good for the calories (although we did finish the day off with cake!

This morning clinic went well, and shopping done ... now I am here posting this.  I hope to get some photos done and posted today but can't guarantee it.

But before I get on with that -



20. Do you hold grudges? Are you holding one now?
As I am fairly quick tempers I tend not to hold a grudge.

21. June 21 is "International Yoga Day". Do you do, or have you ever done, yoga?
No .... But more important than yoga, today is
INTERNATIONAL GIRAFFE DAY


Right, photos are calling ... see you later x

How did that happen?

I will admit I have spent quite a bit of the time between my last post, and this.  There have been some fascinating documentaries on the TV about Prince Philip.  Most of the events I already knew about, but it was interesting to see interviews with his staff, and colleagues.  In the evening programme his 4 children were interviewed.  So sad that at a time like that they still have to be on TV.

My thoughts and prayers continue with The Queen, his children and their families.  Royal, or not, they are still a family.  The Queen & he celebrated their 73rd Wedding Anniversary last November ... literally more than a lifetime for many people.

Today I walked to Tesco, and then after lunch had another walk (a total of just over 3 miles today).  I also walked via the hospital this afternoon - and they have a flag flying - at half mast.  They very rarely have a flag, and if it is it is normally the NHS one.  As you can see on this (poor) photo that this is the traditional Union Jack.  RIP Prince Philip






And, of course -

10. What’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen?
I loved Yosemite, Bryce Canyon, Amalfi Coast, but my favourite view is that of Bude, as you can see on this image -

(Thanks cornwall.co.uk)
I tend to enjoy seeing new places, and exploring ... so ask me next year and I may have found somewhere new.

11. Are you more sensitive to heat or the cold?
My ears don't like the cold!
I don't mind either, although if it is hot and stuffy I really find that frustrating.

As I have Fridays off work, I decided to try and keep my focus, so decided to go for a walk, complete with camera.  So I went for a walk around the outside of the hospital I work at.  The main building was opened in 1992, however as you can see here, if you want that it's history dates back to 1743

Anway, here is a stroll around the outside of The Royal Devon & Exeter Hospital -
If you drive in, then this is the sign that greets you on the road


This is the main entrance, and as you can see by the ambulances there is a medical triage unit just off camera on the left. However, on the first (second if you came from USA) floor, on the left, is the department where I do most of my work ... so, yes, this is the entrance I use.


This is the Orthopaedic entrance ... and for the observant, there are 3 stories, as the building is very long, and built on a slight hill.


This is ED/A&E ... suprise to not see at least one ambulance here


This is the heli-pad, capable of having 2 helicopters on it. The building looking down on it is one of two dialysis units in Exeter


This is the new Medical School building, and actually won an award for design - however judged it obviously never had to walk through it, as it's a weird layout inside. As you can see, at present, it is where one of the Covid clinics are running.




This is Wonford House (and it's gatehouse), and older building amd actually where Claire (my sister-in-law) will be working at some point. It is the admin site for the NHS Devon, as well as the Mental Health HQ for South Devon (ie Offices). Jiffy used to love to walk this way as the grass meant there was always lots to explore, and sniff










This is the newest building, only completed last year, and is a Mother & Baby unit for ladies who are detained under parts of the Mental Health Act ... I actually walk in past this everyday as I weave around the buidings.



And, just to keep up ...
8. Do you often make impulsive purchases?
The thing I to be careful around is jewellery, as I have bought a few things over the years ... and given half a chance, would buy some more!!

Well that's the USA version, and makes more sense as a title than my English version of "Third time lucky".  But after a week MIA this is my third post in an hour!!

I have been at work this week again - just mornings, and yes, have had to rest each afternoon ... just for about 30minutes, so that's better than it has been.  In actual fact the hospital is very busy with over twice as many patients with Covid than in the main lockdown in the Spring.  Add to that the fact that the small departemt I work in actually has a third of the staff off with confirmed cases it really brings it home ... and really frustrated when the first patient on Monday couln't see why he had to wear his mask ... sometimes I want to "shake people until their teeth rattle"!!!  However on a positive note, we were all tested this week, and the option to be tested at any time, day or night, is available to all staff.

Anyway, on a more cheerful note I bring a photo .... I took the unopened tins etc that I had got for Jiffy to a RSPCA dog's home, but due to Covid, they didn't want any clothes/toys etc.  So I have kept the jumpers to either give to a Charity Shop, or to send to a home once the crisis is fully over.  But some of the toys I gave to a friend from work who had bought a puppy in the summer.  Buddy, the Sprocker, also gained the opened boxes of biscuits ... but this photo was one Ana sent me of Buddy playing with the goose toy.  Jiffy loved the noise it made, but it was a bit too big for him ... BUddy loves it



Well, that's me up to date - I must get going, as I want to go shopping.  Only supermarkets are open, but, that's good as it's food I need!

Hope that you are all keeping well & safe.

Well I survived 4 days before "crashing" again ... so took the day off, although sadly my immediate manager has insisted I am tested for Covid, so this afternoon I get the test and hope that it's a speedy answer.  I know it's just my CFS not wanting me to set an earlier alarm.  But these are the days we are all living in, and working in a hospital means the alert needs to be at 200%

The weather is not doing so well, although that means I don't have to water the tubs around the garden.  As mine is patio I have loads of assorted ones (no design, just colours), so that saves me a job!!

One advantage that I have done in in the last few weeks of feeling better is re-reading the full series of Anne of Green Gables.  So lovely to re-read the full set straight through.  It was especially nice as I read the books that had been Mum's, and most were gifts from her parents so it was lovely to read the inscriptions, as well.

Well I had better get on and get the housework done ... where do the hours go?

Hope you are having a good weekend x