Rewind, Play

Looking towards Darlinghurst

Centerpoint in the CBD making an appearance in the distance

Saturday, November 12, 2011

"Howzyadad?"

Friday - Deja-vous... back to the hospital again... looking for dad's ward.  Found him being moved into his new spot at 7 South, St. Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst.  Writhing around in pain, yet again.  You may recall the blog post titled Fractured... and here we are again.  Much pain from the broken left femur.  And in addition to that, some kind of infection... suspected chest infection.  Here is where we learn a new Parkinson's effect... swallowing is compromised, and sometimes the patient (victim) inhales food into the lungs where it becomes infected and then causes havoc.  Not that this happened, but is suspected.  Cannot tell without a proper chest x-ray... which they cannot take yet, as the patient needs to be sitting in an upright position.  A bit awkward when said patient is in a horizontal position, sleeping and unresponsive.

Dad is receiving exceptional care in the hospital.  In the space of two hours, I met the geriatric doctor (who was dressed like she was at the office... I was very impressed, and wanted to know where she got her skirt!), the speech pathologist and the pharmacist, as well as dad's nurse.  Whilst I was sitting there, someone came by with milky tea and biscuits for me.  I do like this Aussie tradition of morning and afternoon tea...  makes every day feel like a celebration of sorts!  (And living in this beautiful city, it kind of is!)  In talking with my brother about the difference in care between Canada and Australia, he commented that the Canadian system seems like it's spread too thin.  I would tend to agree.  The majority of dad's nurses etc in Canada were exceptional and concerned for his well-being... it is not their problem that the system is failing them.  Their number one concern is for patient care as well.  The Aussie's seem to have every specialist possible involved, including one looking out for the family!!

Moving on... Friday was an emotionally charged day... finding out that dad's surgery had been delayed due to fever.  That the surgery may not happen due to his failing health.  However, I am the one who has seen his progress (or lack thereof) all the way through.  I have seen him like this before, and have seen him recover.  If there is one thing he has left... he is a fighter.  He would grasp our hands and squeeze tight.  He is a fighter, and if he has the fight left in him... then I will be in his corner, cheering him on.

Saturday has proven that he has been alert, responsive... and eating a tiny amount of mashed potatoes... his fave!!  He was sleeping whilst we visited with him... but managed to open an eye to take in the view outside his room of Darlinghurst, Kings Cross and Centerpoint in the CBD.  We are in no means out of the woods yet... but Saturday was a marked improvement over Friday.  Only time will tell...

To be continued...