My week in pictures

After making a joke about being institutionalised in my last post I actually had a slight wobble upon my release on Friday afternoon. I think the word that could best describe it was overwhelmed. It was like there were too many choices to make, even coming home and being faced with a wardrobe full of clothes felt like too much. I'd spent the past week in my pjs, it was easy! And the feeling of knowing that I could do anything I wanted was also a little scary, when there's nothing to do but just lie in bed, life feels a lot easier and a lot safe.

And it was funny because the whole time that I was in hospital I kept telling people it was no big deal, I wasn't really sick, I'd be right as rain, and as soon as I came out in to reality it hit me that actually it was a big deal. Had the blood clots moved I absolutely could have died. Not likely that that would have happened, but you know, it's the closest I've come to death in 27 years! The enormity of what happened did give me a little wobble and I longed for the safety of hospital, at least when I was in there nothing could happen.

Still I'm feeling ok now, just a little tired, and am back at work tomorrow. Much as I would love some more time off, there's no medical reason for me not to be at work, and no medical reason means no sick note, so it's back into the breach. Don't know how frequent the blogging will be next week because I expect a fair bit of knackeredness (yeah it's a word) but we'll see how it goes.

So I thought I'd show you what I was up during my week-long stay in hospital...

My brilliant compression stockings. I was given these to wear on the Monday and told that I would have to wear them for 6 months. You can imagine how this went down. I'm not the vainest person in the world but even I have limits. Anyway I double-checked with my consultant and he informed me I would only have to wear them for a couple of weeks, they're mainly to wear in hospital where you're lying about doing nothing and hence at more of a risk of blood clots. Sexy or what?

All my lovely cards. Nothing like feeling popular to make you feel better. Everyone commented on how many cards I had and it made me feel very smug. And a special thank you needs to go to Heather who sent me a get well soon card - very unexpected and very well-received, thank you so much!
My little coccoon. Once it was socially acceptable I would pull my curtains round me. There were days when I wanted to spend all day in there with the curtains pulled round but that is not allowed. It's for the best, you need the interaction and the camaraderie. Take my Ward neighbour, Joyce. We had absolutely nothing in common other than that we were both in there together, she was 77 and could not have had more different views on the world but I really do miss her, the chat kept me going. (Did I mention I was on a chest ward so I was the youngest person there by about 30 years? Acesome.) Anyway, once it was late at night, I would pull my curtains round and this would be my little set-up.

Please note;

- TV - lifesaver although if you were in a for a very long stay an expensive lifesaver. £10 for 3 days but I wouldn't have done without it.

- Trashy magazines

- Books

- Jug of water

- Cross stitch stuff

The hospital I was staying at is kind of in the middle of nowhere which meant it was lovely and peaceful and there was nature a go go. I could see a beautiful cherry blossom tree out of my window (I meant to take a picture but never got around to it and by the time I left all the blossom was coming off it). Also spotted were a robin and a thrush. Exciting for someone who just sees blackbirds all the time. And, way more excitingly.....bunnies!!! Big massive bunnies and teeny tiny weeny bunnies, I loved them.

I did manage to complete a piece for the Embroidering the Truth exhibition. This quote was actually provided by a little old lady on the ward who was sadly suffering from dementia and had plenty of fighting spirit. One evening she had decided she wasn't ill anymore and wanted to go home, the people in the beds next to her tried to placate her, telling her that we were all ill and we all wanted to leave and that we were all friends here. She introduced herself, saying "I'm Sylvie" and Enid replied...

Now I have to be off because it's warfarin time, I need to take it at the same time every day. And then tomorrow it's back to reality, albeit a slightly altered reality which will include my first ever visit to the anti-coagulation clinic - exciting times.