Got home eventually!!!

Shortly after my last blog, Michael reappeared and as expected they had to take bloods from his PICC line. We then saw the transplant nurse - quick discussion on how Michael felt he was progressing and then school uniforms and teenagers!!!

Michael then had a quick meeting the the pharmacist to discuss change in drugs and back to the Ward to see the Surgeon and Nutritionist (and to collect Michael's phone charger which he left on his last admission). Scope was undertaken but as the Surgeon was so pleased with how everything seemed to look, he didn't do a biopsy. We had long discussions with the Nutritionist and it was agreed that Michael would change feed (a lower sugar level feed as sugar does not help when there is bacteria in the gut), another course of antibiotics as still bacteria in the gut and eat anything Michael fancies.

We didn't bring up the subject of Michael's PICC line as we knew the Surgeon had plans to remove it. We thought we'd got away with it, but just as we were finishing, the Surgeon remembered. Poor Michael! Anyway, it was agreed that Michael's going to try the patches and oral anti-sickness drugs; see how he responds and if all ok, the PICC line will be removed. The Surgeon said that 'psychologically' that would be big progression for Michael - funny but we both don't see it that way. If it was Michael's stomach tube that was coming out, then that really would be progression. I look forward to the time I can tell you that he'll be tube free!

Then on to the Pharmacy to collect all the drugs, which obviously weren't ready so a pit-stop at the cafe (that's cafe not café) for a drink. Naturally the half hour wait they told us was in fact 1 hour, by which time it was just past 2pm.

We were very lucky with the traffic again and it was only 1 hour home. I have to admit I am getting rather bored with listening to Radio 2, as that's the only station I manage to get on the drive out of Oxford. When Michael first went into hospital, it was quite nostaglic listening to Steve Wright - happy memories of my teenage years. But now - finding it a little boring so any suggestions of other radio stations would be appreciated. I guess Michael and I could also pass the time talking but on the other hand, we'd already spent time in the car on the way there :)

So another fortnightly Oxford visit over. Feel happier today that things are progressing. Happy with everything we discussed today. It's exactly four months to the day since the op, and I think Michael's doing really well. Yes, life is far from normal but as we keep discussing, we haven't had normal for many years. We're coping and I guess that's good in itself.

Tomorrow, I will be back to my usual unexciting, unbloggable life but I'll report back at some stage.

xx