I'm spending even more time at Perrins now - apart from this morning, I've been trying to get there early preferably before Colin gets upset and before they give him another dose of Diazepam to keep him quiet!!! He really is only 'agitated' (their words) simply because when he wakes (and it doesn't matter what time day or night) he can't remember where he is and can't work it out for a good while. As he can see nothing, this doesn't help - he can't use his call bell (even though I've pointed this out on numerous occasions) so he shouts for help. This doesn't get managed so he becomes anxious and more 'agitated' and so we're on the spiral rapidly into Diazepam. This is not fair on Colin (my opinion) and so I'm trying to get there early and hoping others will continue to fill his day by visiting following on from me.
And that's why all of you, who have taken the trouble to visit, have been so fantastic this year! I really appreciate especially those of you who have been able to make repeated commitments week after week. I know Colin has appreciated your company too. He REALLY DOES get lonely on his own - and that includes throughout the night for him too.
At long last his specially made recliner chair arrived at the end of last week. It has a problem so will be returned to the factory for adjustment in the new year - but I thought it was worth hanging on to until then as it is so much better than the one I was hiring.
Yesterday turned out to be a better day than it had started. Earlier Colin was really fed up, although a couple of friends popped in, and then I had to leave them to it. By the afternoon, Colin's sister and brother-in-law came to visit on their way from York to home in West Sussex (some detour!!). But they were able to stay a good while and by then Colin was in a good frame of mind and enjoying their company, sitting in his recliner. Later on we were able to listen to 'I'm sorry I haven't a clue' on Radio 4, but he drew the line at the Archers as he couldn't follow it - not surprisingly!!
Thank you all for keeping in touch with our news via the blog - it is not the only way of keeping in touch, so please think about that. A special note of thanks to he of six bypass fame etc for keeping up with visiting even though things have not been so great - and as I write is in the QE recovering from major surgery. We wish him a speedy and safe recovery.
Colin and I wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.