I never made the bloody concert
It was a case of best made plans.
It was Sod’s law for me to have volunteered for what turned out to be one of my busiest shifts this year during which I felt my old nemesis of a urine infection hitting home.
I drank buckets of bland fluids but that was a difficult balancing act given the workload .
Subsequently I was exhausted and feeling rather under par when I got home.
I slept heavily until 3 pm .
In one way I was glad to have gone in for the extra shift.
For one of my “ favourite” patients was approaching the end of his life.
Clinically I know I am an unflappable nurse. This comes from my psychiatric roots where I was always taught that good nursing was 50% Confidence , 45% Knowledge and 5% bullshit
The secret of reducing anxiety in patients and their family is to take control and have a plan.
I took control and had a plan
I felt vindicated in doing the shift when my patient’s mother whispered into his ear
“It’s alright , John’s here!”
Luckily this sort of thing happens with many of the clinical staff at the hospice.
The night team left work late this morning and I emailed the concert tickets to my friend in Liverpool before going to bed.
I needed a heavy sleep and felt better for it.
I was sorry to have missed the concert though
This afternoon I walked the dogs and went to Sainsbury’s where I bought chicken and salad , dog food and of all things, a ceramic cheese board.
On the way home I popped by Hattie’s neat new home to drop off a Welsh terrier toy for her new baby , which is due in a couple of weeks.
It was nice to see her.
Best laid plans and all that... There will be another concert and you'll make it. This concert was not meant to be. Fate had a plan and you were there for your very ill patient and his family. "John's here," says it all.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry about the repeat infection. Darling dog.
ReplyDeleteWe are all getting older…
DeleteI’m under a urologist
Ooh, err, missus.
DeleteYou beat mave to the punchline
DeleteSome days are just like this.
ReplyDeleteLove the sweet Welsh Terrier.
You’re a good man, John Gray. And that’s a great baby gift.
ReplyDeleteI’m getting a little tired of the recurrent infections though
DeleteIt some Mannose an take daily.
DeleteIt was meant to be that you were with your patient on his last night.
ReplyDeletePerhaps…it was nice for me , I’m off for another week , so I doubt we will meet again
DeleteI think it was nice for him and for his family.
DeleteThank u x
DeleteShame about the concert but you were greatly appreciated by your patient and the family. That toy terrier is just adorable.
ReplyDeleteThere will be more concerts
DeleteIt's a shame about your plans going awry, but you did the right thing, plenty of fluids and rest. I hope the urologist can get you sorted. Repeat infections are no laughing matter. I'm glad you were there for your patient and his family. Cute little dog toy. xx
ReplyDeleteI’m getting older health changes
DeleteBeing a Retired R.N. in my eighties, I cried as I read your blog and the tenderness of your presence for one of your "favorite" patients as they continued their journey. You come from a special mold with intricacies not often appreciated by some. I wish you days filled with strength and happiness-and good health. We could certainly use more people like you on this earth!
ReplyDeleteVery sweet of you Mary x
DeleteWhat a cute stuffed animal toy for the baby! And I'm not surprised to hear that you inspire confidence in many patients and their families.
ReplyDeleteHattie now has her own Mary
DeleteGlad you are taking care of yourself and getting the rest you needed. xx
ReplyDeleteBummer - and I hope you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteI don’t feel Ill Jenny , I caught it early
DeleteIf I remember correctly the last time you were in London you came back with a UTI. Fast living must have a knock on effect upon your hydration. I'd give your pee pipe a kiss better if I didn't know where it had been x
ReplyDeleteYes, dehydration is the main factor , when I’m out of my usual routine …it’s not rocket science
DeleteMy doctor recommended pomegranate juice for my recurring uti's and it has really helped a lot. It might help you and can't hurt to try.
ReplyDeleteI will try it , the usual cranberry doesn’t help at all
DeleteMy step daughter is a cancer nurse - dedicated as you are. It's hard, you go above and beyond but can't not do it. Utter respect for you. Viv Xxx
ReplyDeleteX
DeleteI'm sorry you missed the concert but it sounds like you made the right decision. Getting overtired is just inviting an infection to get worse. I love the gift for Hattie’s baby and I'm sure she did too. How is she doing? She must be excited to welcome her baby so soon.
ReplyDeleteTake care of yourself and feel better!
She looks blooming
DeleteI don't know whether this is correct but I heard
ReplyDeletethose problems can occasionally be remedied by balancing acid and alkaline in your body with certain foods and drink-Keep your pecker up John-lots more good times ahead x
More info is needed flis
DeleteI only know vague stuff John but it may be your body has too much acid and I've read that cider vinegar in a cup of warm water may help-(I have a capfull a day for health guarding with honey)x
DeleteVery sensible to take care of yourself...and wonderful that you were there for your patient when he needed you most. Hope you feel better tomorrow. x
ReplyDeleteI’m ok today….better after a proper sleep
DeleteRest and take care of yourself. Next time,
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful you could be there for your favorite patient last night. You'll never know what an eternal difference your presence made for him and his family.
ReplyDeleteAh, wee Rabbie Burns' words echo still. Sorry to hear that your plans fell through but it was kind of you to send the tickets to your friend. Methinks you were wise to go home to sleep since that UTI has made an unwelcome appearance again.
Love the darling Welch terrier toy, too! Well chosen!
Don't OD on water. Hope you feel lots better soon.
Hugs!
I feel ok now, rested and not uncomfortable
DeleteD Mannose is great for uti. You can get it on amazon
ReplyDeleteOk xx
ReplyDeletePity you missed the concert; UTI's are the pits I know from past experience. Your patient and his family were much the better for your presence. Thanks for what you do; when my time comes I will wish for some one like you. Love the Dog for Hattie.
ReplyDeleteJo in Auckland
You seem to often over do and become sick after one of your holiday extravaganzas. Too much fun, not enough self care? This is the second or third time recently you have come home ill from a London trip. Feel better!
ReplyDeleteYou make me feel very lazy. That dog is a lovely kind thought. I quite expect it'll be kept forever.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you were there for your patient. Some nurses inspire such trust.
ReplyDeleteRepeat UTIs are awful and I do hope they can do something to help long term. They get you down and interfere with life
Being there for your patient and his family is the silver lining, but another infection is a set back. That gorgeous Welsh Terrier is a very apposite gift, and I'm sure she will be a favourite. There will be another concert, and you'll get the plumbing problems sorted, it all just takes time. Enjoy your next few days off and get properly well.
ReplyDeleteThat's too bad. At least your friend will hopefully be able to use the tickets and you got to catch up on your rest, which is important.
ReplyDelete