Before the Lockdown
Adamantios (his real name) took me through the CT. I’m sure he was speaking English, but when it comes to the medical terms, Greek remains the lingua franca. Spondylolisthesis was one of the more entertaining tongue-twisters.
I’m not sure I can accurately explain the breadth of the issues, nor indeed the intricacies of the solutions proposed. The recommendation was to operate. Then it wasn’t. Then it was again. I was getting dizzy. Poor Mags was increasingly confused and most important of all; in agony.
First hints
On Tuesday the 10th, as a response to Corona virus, the hospital limited patients to one designated visitor, who should wear a mask. Then, on Wednesday the 11th, all visiting was suspended. Margaret’s birthday on Thursday, she would be allowed no visitors. Tough.
The operation was now scheduled for Friday the 13th. Well, it would be, wouldn’t it?
Postponed
Then, on the morning of the 13th, Mags awoke with a sore throat. An ear nose and throat specialist examined her and declared the operation off, prescribing a course of antibiotics for a week. Moments later, Mags’ doctor informed her she was being discharged.
Put simply, while the pandemic rages, Mags is safer at home than in hospital.
Time for me to step up. “Nurse Lennon, your patient.”
As I type – the patient has survived 30 hours plus with no mishaps. That’s a start, I suppose.
I have learned a few things.
- Nursing is hard. Really hard. A professional nurse is nothing short of a superhero. Likewise those people who are full-time carers for a loved one.
- My fear of needles is personal. Turns out I’m fine sticking them into other people.
- There are always people worse off. With all that is going on – our problems shrink rapidly.
Lockdown
Right now, the government of Cyprus has effectively closed our borders, and all non-essential business. “Lockdown” is the new buzzword.
Dramatic times.
Now – how’s the patient?
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