Chapter 416 - A Clayton's Holiday

We have had cousins with us for a few days; their stay extended by several more days because he had an infected elbow following a fall some time ago. He was prepared to wait for matters to heal in time while taking antibiotics prescribed by his doctor at home, but when the elbow began swelling, looking as if it had a boil on it I suggested I take him to emergency at our local hospital, where he was given intra-venous injections of antibiotic, continued twice a day at our place by "Hospital To the Home" nurses at our place. When I took the cousins to the railway at 0530 this morning I told them I felt as if I have been on a holiday myself, experiencing almost a week away from our normal routines and having others to speak to. They would like to see us visit them but I cannot commit to that not simply because of our care arrangements, and not just the matter of having assistance morning and night; more the issues of mobility, transfers and incontinence.

She continues to need the cooling of fans at times during day and night.

Last Monday the hospital physio said there was insufficient movement in her foot yet to apply an orthosis cast, perhaps at the next visit on Tuesday.

Duodopa is still running at 4.8mL/hour. Her leg dyskinesias may have reduced a little. She complains of leg and foot pains, and when in bed her feet seem to "tangle" together, catching in the sheets although they seem normal to me. Her feet are usually at different temperatures, the left colder.

Her upper right arm is very sore so I have applied Voltarin aided by a vibrator.

I must have some breakfast at this early hour while she remains dozing in bed.