One day at a time

Peter has not been very well since being discharged on Tuesday. He tries to walk short distances on his own, but whenever he tries to do this (when we aren't watching) his legs collapse under him. We contacted Dr Vosloo once again this morning and took him to see her at Christian Barnard Memorial Hospital. Her advice to him was "Walk only when assisted and keep these walks very short ... 3-4 steps at a time ... take things slowly, one day at a time!". Xrays were taken and she found that he has a bit of fluid around his lungs and heart. She assured us that this was not unusual and has prescribed additional medication to remedy this. She also put him onto an antibiotic for an infection that he has on his arm; it developed when one of his drips leaked (tissued) into his arm in ICU and it has caused a very nasty infection and swelling. Thankfully, over the past few days, Jeanette has been quite well. She has been so amazing... attentive and concerned for all aspects related to Peter's comfort, care and recovery.

Discharged ... from ICU!

As unbelievable as it sounds, Peter was discharged today ... straight from the ICU ward. He is now at home but he is very weak. I had to bring him into the house using Jeanette's wheel chair as he almost collapsed when he tried getting out off the car ... quite a nerve wracking experience! We will keep a close eye on him over the next few days and hope that the home surroundings will help with a speedy and complete recovery.

Peter's ICU frustration

Peter was hoping to move back to the general ward today (Sunday) but the doctor has insisted that he continues to be monitored in ICU. He was disappointed to hear this as, in his own words, he is "getting frustrated with the system". He does not have access to his cellphone in ICU, however if you want to call him on the hospital line they will put your call through to his bedside ... I am sure that he would appreciate some calls, the only restriction is that calls are not allowed between 12h00-14h00 and 21h00-08h00. The switchboard number is +27-021-506-5111, just ask to be put through to Surgical ICU. Jeanette has not gone to visit Peter in hospital as he did not want her to stress over the operation or his recovery process, but she has spoken to him on the phone as often as possible. She has been doing very well at home. The nurse (Aleta) and Jeanette's friend Lydia have had their hands full during the weekdays but they are keeping Jeanette occupied and happy. Then I take over in the evenings and over the weekends. Lydia will be returning to Johannesburg on Tuesday ... she is definitely going to be missed!