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Wednesday morning I started doing some office work to get ready for statements later in the week. I phoned the hospital at eight and was told to phone back a bit later as the Dr. was still with Hubby. Within minutes Hubby phoned all excited as the Dr. said he could come home. I told him I would be there as soon as possible. I quickly got ready and rushed off to the shop to get dog food and then into Vereeiniging to get office cleaning supplies the workshop has run out of. Gino phoned to say he was with Hubby and could bring him home but I was already on the way to the workshop so he wanted to meet me at the workshop. I told him that under no circumstances could Hubby go there and I would be there as soon as possible. At the workshop I just ran in and gave them their supplies while collecting invoices before going down to the hospital. As I arrived Gino came running out and I left the car with him to go in and fetch Hubby. Before I could reach the doors Hubby came out with Doug and Crystal. I was really annoyed as he had already signed himself out and I was not able to get instructions from the Ward Sister on Hubby’s care. He gave me his prescription and release form to go collect the medication while he got into the car. Inside the chemist was a queue and I had a fair wait before getting Hubby’s medication. The Dr. has put him on two very strong anti-biotic for ten days with ProbiFlora as they are so strong. The stress of the last few days has taken its toll on both of us and we had a good fight on the way home. Luckily things blew over fairly quickly and all is back to normal. Hubby has been very good and is following instructions about keeping off his feet. I have got him back on six small meals a day – well three small meals and a snack in between. I am keeping to three hourly intervals and last night his sugar was 6.3 which is a relief. The Dr. told him 7 and below is the only acceptable level. Today - Thursday - I quickly went into Meyerton to do banking and get supplies of bandages, gauze, cotton wool etc. for dressing his wound. Late morning I helped him with the cleaning and change of dressing. His foot with the ulcer on the side is looking very good and is just a small cut. I told him it should heal perfectly as he isn’t walking on it at all. Where the amputation is Hubby had covered it up while I was busy elsewhere and I only held the dressing while he bandaged the foot. It does take some getting used to having the big toe missing. We had several serious talks during the day and I told him he will have to re-think the workshop. He will never be able to stand at any of the machines to work again. If he could sit and work fine but it is not feasible with most of them. He said he has realised this and is thinking long and hard about things. As far as I’m concerned he has worked hard all his life and it’s time he took things easy and enjoyed life.
Hubby had a good laugh about his hospital time and told me that one of the Sisters had told him he must never prick the top of his finger to take sugar levels as this can lead to loss of feeling in the hands. He was fine with this but wasn’t too impressed when a different one told him never to prick the ends of the fingers as they can become hard and callused and when he goes blind he will not be able to read Braille. He told her if he gets that bad he will do away with himself.
Hubby is feeling cheerful and positive at the moment and more than ready to follow instructions to keep of his feet. I hope this lasts and he doesn’t get too frustrated with doing nothing though he is planning on working on his watches while sitting in his wheel chair. The next big thing is his visit on Friday to the Dr. to have his wound checked to monitor the healing process. That’s all for now. All the calls and good wishes really help. Thanks a Million.