A Girl’s Day Out

 

Saturday 12th January, 2013

It was decided that I needed a day out, no lawn mowing, no housework, just gentle rest, pampered care and relaxation.

The Silver Coach arrived at the given time, and I was  treated to   lovely  care, the scenic drive took me past familiar places, then we stopped, I could see that lovely farmland and Mt Ruapehu in the distance. Liquid refreshments would be available after I arrived at my destination, meantime I was offered other goodies. An escort vehicle assured me of  save travel in these busy holiday times.

After arrival, I was pampered, a private room, luxury bathroom, and staff hovered to make sure I was comfortable, happy and well looked after.

At 9 p.m., my coach turned into the pumpkin, and a quiet tactful suggestion was made that if I wanted to,  I might go home!!

My day started like any other, coffee, breakfast, a goodbye to the family, and some lawn mowing.However it deteriorated, to severe pain, sitting on the grass by the fence, barely able to walk. I waited a little while, shuffled/tottered/almost crawled inside, then rested on the bed,  Hugh , looking very worried, suggested we dial  111. He did, and the ambulance arrived about 20 minutes later. On route to Wanganui Hospital, they met with another, and “Jimmy” the lovely man from UK, administered pain relief and other medication. At the same time a traffic officer stopped to make sure all was OK, as the hazard lights were on. Wonderful care from all. IV line in,  X-Rays, chest and stomach, what were they looking for??? drip going, no,  you are definitely Nil By Mouth, till we find out what is wrong.

Two wrist bands, one for my name, and the other for  medication  allergies.

The diagnosis, nothing glamorous, a bowel almost to the impacted stage, dehydrated, so more fluid, and NOT ORAL… this time I suggested to Hugh he shuts his eyes, 30 minutes later, a very careful shuffle to the bathroom, “ No sudden  movements please” says the nurse!!! I tried not to laugh, and she had a wonderful smile!!!

Doctors prodding, gently, asking many questions, and finally at 8.30, some yoghurt, and if that stayed where it should, and the pain had not returned I could go home.  The magic hour of 9 p.m. clicked over,  off home, many thanks  to all.

This was not life threatening, but if  left untreated, would no doubt mean  complications and surgery. I was so lucky to avoid this.

Whanganui Hospital   E.D. has wonderful staff, each one, and I thank them all over again.

Our friend Kevin and his son  Andrew arrived, just after the ambulance did,  Diane a few minutes later, Diane saw the ambulance go past, then disappear, she knew it would have driven into our gate. The men  rushed over, working clothes and boots, no time to change ,   many ,many ,thanks, as they all thought Hugh was in trouble again, and were coming to help me.Friendship like this is so valued, beyond any words I can find.

And… if anyone/ someone in authority… ever asks a  friend why they are there, tell them straight!!! I didn’t hear the question, but would have replied…   “They are here, not because we asked. but because they are wonderful friends who  come when they think they are needed.” Kind words, a strong supporting arm, promises to look after Hugh,  I  could not ask for anything better.

Life continues, the cold water is there, fluids need to be taken regularly, a lovely request to please visit us  immediately if this happens again. I am  well , and hope to be this way for a long,long time.

Quotation of the day from Dodinsky

“ We are the captains of our own ships sailing the sea  of life,

but in times  of stormy weather, you will discover true friends

when they don’t hesitate to be a lighthouse”

Greetings from Jean