Lesley continues to make progress, but is currently running a high temperature with more pain, which is worrying. She has had blood tests and a lumbar puncture (very nasty, according to her) to determine what the problem is, as the docs are desperate not to let it get a hold. We are all worried about the dreaded hospital super bugs, but she is all right in herself at the moment. I hope all the antibiotics they are pumping into her do their job quickly.
She has not been allowed up today and is being kept very quiet, although she has her usual music playing: Celtic Moon whistle music and The Assembly Players dance CDs, I think.
Lesley says how odd she still finds it not being at work, or busy! She has worked very hard for many years: I was made redundant 15 years ago, when I was 45, and was unable to get another job. This was very hard for me to cope with, and I had a sort of nervous breakdown which lasted several years. Lesley, who is ten years younger than I am, looked after me, got a second job and kept us going over that bad time, with no pressure whatsoever on me. I know now that I was very difficult (!) and I had a strange terror of hot water and central heating, so for years poor Lesley lived with me in a cold house with cold water only. And she hates the cold! I still can’t cope with heat, so we still have no central heating, and Lesley dresses in many layers in the winter.
I have told you this, as my friends, because I feel guilty taking credit for being with her now. I love her dearly and would do anything for her, but this care has never been one-sided, and she would never tell you.
I am now fine, although I have never worked again. Lesley now works less hours, and is delighted to do so, although she does not want to give up the work she loves. I hope this injury will not mean that, but we both know that there is a very real possibility. She says that in that case she will continue with teaching - care assistants, overseas nurses, NVQ courses etc. She is highly qualified, with all the relevant certificates for teaching adults, and worked for many years for a training company (one of her second jobs).
Now I just want her to get well.
Thank you for letting me talk to you again: I talk more when I am frightened, and I know things are not as good as they should be for her now. Please think of her tonight - by tomorrow they should have the test results.
Ro
