Liver and Cherry
 

A new post?
About me and only about me? Surely not!
Well, yes, I have a history of this :)
Still, it will keep people updated if they want to be and confine it to one thread.

Got my transjugular biopsy appointment. No ideas what the multiple tests showed, but I'm booked in.
Addenbrookes, Cambridge again.
But fair enough (hairy muff) my appt is 15.30 on 21 May and my departure date is 23 May. So yes, I have the 5 hour journey to contend with, but on two separate days with one day in between.

I'll have to ask about my discharge time, but my guess is I'll be turfed out early on Thursday - in the nicest way.

Fulfills one of my childhood ambitions; to stay overnight in hospital.
It's two nights - woooo!
Am bound to hate it of course, I think I just wanted the attention when I was a girl.

No idea what to pack except earplugs and books.
Mum has offered to lend me a couple of nighties. I have protested thinking that leggings would be more suitable. I'm a restless sleeper. I'd rather wear t-shirt and leggings than a nightie and knickers; the latter allows the possibility of pant moustache after all.

Still, hey-ho here we go.

Even with your new personal thermostat I reckon you'll be too hot. Bear that in mind when planning your wardrobe.
Good luck, dearie! x

A suggestion - take a little bottle of your own mouthwash for rinsing/spitting if you're confined to bed for several hours post-procedure. Good luck, hon!

You need a nice pair of manjamas. I love men's style jammies, and they don't get all crooked and wrapped up if you toss and turn.

wishing you well!

An adventure then :) be well, honey.

Hospital sucks, as most of us know. I hope you can make an adventure out of this trip Sundae, and most of all, I hope it brings some good news!

I can make an adventure out of a trip to big Tesco.
Will try to do better on the photo front this time. Might even bring back a photo of Christs Pieces - a part of Cambridge that always make me snort slightly. Or at least it did until I saw it three times while hopelessly lost, looking for my bus-stop. Less funny then.

That's the trouble with old, picturesque cities; the situation of their signage leaves a lot to be desired. And I'd like to strangle the person who created the various maps I consulted. The You Are Here circles were pretty much as big as a building and gave no insight into which way you might be facing. Add no street signs to that and you go on a tour of Christs Pieces once again.

I'm not sure there is any really good news at this point. Just that some could be worse than others.
And in truth, the damage is done. I've never been one to avoid appointments or tests for fear of results. This has already happened and I'd rather have a grasp on it.

Mum is crazy-mad to organise my packing.
She doesn't want me to feel out of place on the ward.
When she went for her lumpectomy, all the other women had lovely bedclothes and dressing gowns and slippers. They had make-up kits and body wash and sprays.
I know I put my slap on, on the odd occasion I go out, but I don't really roll like that.

She has also advised me that I won't be able to walk barefoot on a ward.
Apparently I might catch AIDs that way (I think she means HIV) like a nun somewhere.
She was slightly mollified by the fact I do have slippers... somewhere.

I know she is doing this because she cares and I love her for it. But it is a tiny little bit wearing, knowing this might go on for the next 9 days :)
I'll be a cross between Doris Day and Grace Kelly by the time I get to that ward. And the rest of the inmates will be creatures out of Shameless, because I'm guessing it's a dipso ward (self deprecation, not real snobbery.)

I agree with you on the adventure part. I once had an occasion to have to go into the city for a medical test that would have had a big but non life threatening impact on my life. Knowing that nothing I could do would change the results, I mentally prepared for either result and resolved to do some touristy things in the city. People who knew about the situation thought I was crazy.

Mum has dug me out some shortie pyjamas!
So what with her dressing gown and my slippers, I have proper hospital chic now.

I do look like a hospital patient too - a mental hospital patient!
My hair is clean but won't lie flat today.
And Mum was horrified that I was prepared to be photographed with a dark bra on underneath, and the clothes unironed.

So I sincerely promise that when I get to hospital I will have tamed hair and ironed clothes. And properly untrammelled breasts.
The only downside is that these are so comfy and relaxing I want to stay in them from now until next Tuesday.

You look adorable. If Peter Pan were flying about, he'd drop Wendy like a hot rock and take you instead.

The only thing cuter than those slippers would be pajamas with feet.

Hospital fashionista! Hope it's as comfortable a stay and with as best results as one can hope for in an overnight stay.

My biggest comfort when I was recovering from having my daughter was having my own shampoo. It made me feel human, again.

Take care of yourself!

You will be great and definitely stylin and profilin on the ward ... do they still do 4 and 8 bed wards in the uk? The us is all about private rooms these days. Havent seen a true ward since I was a child. Over here you dont bring your own nightie ... you get issued a gown that hangs open up the back and has all kinds of slits and openings for monitor packs and surgical drains. Slippers are a must, though. To guard against the Hep C. And flesh eating bacteria. And for the traction when you have to run from the fast zombies.

Was just going to say this. Private rooms are all I've ever experienced. You practically never even see another patient.

And now this has caused me to think back and count the number of times I've been in a hospital in the last 7 years... it's 6 times in a proper hospital (3 for me, 3 for Minifob) and 5 times in a day surgery facility (3 for me, 2 for the kids,) plus add another trip to the day surgery this June when the kids get another pair of colonoscopies together. Holy crap, no wonder medicine in this country is so expensive.

It's all about group wards over here, unless you're a private patient, in which case you get your own room. Lots more people have private health insurance these days though, so there are a lot more private hospital wards around to meet those needs.

I would suggest that since people in the US in general only go to hospital if they have health insurance (unless there's no way out of it of course), that would be why you get your own room. People would expect it since insurance costs so much.

I don't think people over here in the public system have such high expectations, although I have to say, a private room is nice. I've had 4 babies. Twice I was in a ward, and twice I had my own room. All four times sucked, but the two where I had my own room didn't suck quite as hard.

Worse than that... it used to be that insurance companies had a policy that they wouldn't pay for a private room unless there were no shared rooms (2 people) available. So now all hospitals are built (or have been converted) to have only private rooms. Last time I saw a shared room in a hospital was in 1997.

Newly built hospitals in the US are all private rooms. It reduces the chances (supposedly) of nosocomial (hospital acquired) infections. It also vastly reduces patient complaints over having an awful roommate. Also, it's harder to take the wrong patient in room 244 for a colonoscopy when there's only one patient in there.

In hospitals with semi-private and private rooms, you don't get assigned to them based on insurance status ... it's based on infection control needs ... you need the bed you get the bed, regardless of whether you can pay for it. And that predates Obamacare.

Even for rehab ... I see a lot of uninsured clients who just show up because they know that if they need detox, we can't just kick them out. We don't have to hold them for rehab, but often do. They're supposed to go out, get funding, and get referred in. Detox is an emergency. Rehab is not.

So, Sundae, if you were over here, I could get you in.

According to Bri I'd get better meds too.
Oh the irony of social healthcare!

Just heard that my Mum and her friend will collect me from the hospital when I am discharged (Thursday 23) so I don't have to face the long trek home alone. Which is very kind. They'll come to Cambridge for the day and I'll keep Mum updated on possible discharge times. At worst I'll be kicked out soon after breakfast and just have to kill some time. Which is hardly a huge problem after all.

Also got my first monthly check-up scheduled in June. It's at 11.30, so I am checking the timetables to see if I can get there that early. I'll have to call tomorrow and reschedule if not.

Did you talk to the consultant about the lack of help you've been given for getting off alcohol?

Yes. He's going to see if he can contact someone more local to me, to get me onto Acamprosate. I take it I'd have to be monitored, and he acknowledged that it wasn't practical for me to attend a clinic more than once a month at Addenbrookes.

He's wary about prescription drugs because coming off them can leave the patient feeling like they are enabled to drink again. He explained that they are not a solve-all (willpower is still required.) I just asked if there was any help I could receive I would really appreiate it because I need all the help I can get.

Have you tried being a friend of Bill W yet? Yes, what they tell you to do is sometimes simplistic, but the idea of a support network is actually quite solid.

I strongly agree with wolf's statement. I have first hand experience in this area, and though it doesn't work for everyone, it has a lot going for it.

"Bill" doesn't work for everyone. My sister went faithfully until she began a binge. That being said, it does work for many people. Very good luck to you, Sundae.
My favorite thing to wear in the hospital is a pair of scrubs if you can get them. Makes them wonder if you're one of them.

OH, BTW...This is the "artist" formerly known as "Trilby's Sis". I changed my username to Gypsy. Did you ever hear the Stevie Nicks song? She used this song as a tribute to her friend who died. Claudette loved Stevie Nicks.

I vacationed once with Stevie Nicks. It was a cruise on the Regal Princess around the western Caribbean. I saw her a couple times on deck, swathed in skirts and giant sunglasses.

Oh... welcome Gypsy!

Gypsy makes me think of the robot on Mystery Science Theater 3000. (This is a good thing. :)) Congratulations on your new username, Gypsy. Glad to see you'll be sticking around.

So Gypsy, have you ever been to Tripp Lake in Maine? I grew up in Lewiston and always went swimming there as a kid. Great place. Bri/Trilby had mentioned it a few times too.

Absoultely I have been to Tripp Lake! Bri and I went there this past summer with my mom, dad and other sister. It was our last vacation together. My uncle and cousins have a cottage there.

Slowly sorting things out for Tuesday.
Woke this morning thinking it was Monday! Then again I was up at 05.00 because Diz was sick in my bed and only dozed off again at about 07.00 after changing all the bedding, cleaning his litter tray and all of the excitement. So befuddled is reasonable I guess.

Mum says I have to take my (toe)nail varnish off. Apparently you cannot wear it in hospital? Odd that they don't tell you that beforehand then :)

Flowers are acceptable on this ward, so I take it personal items are too. I intend to take Brianna's Edgar Allen Poe and the photo of my cats that Case painted her awesome picture from; part-funded by Bruce. So the Cellar will be with me.

The risks are very small, but I have included the hospital details in case something untoward happens. So you have a place of pilgrimage.

In badder news, Dads has had his dual diagnosis of dementia and epilepsy challenged. Like me, he may have auto-immune issues. While my consultant merely suggested it might be something that they need to deal with before any other treatment, his consultant's first suggested diagnosis was lung cancer.

Poor old Mum. Well, I say that, but her immediate reaction was to be really harsh to both of us because we are ruining her life. Her body has embarked on a tour of stress related bowel issues, and she has made it clear that she cannot go to the Doctor because she has no time for an appointment between running around after Dad and me.

I do honestly feel for her.
And I'm not actually ill, although I am obviously diseased, so have been baking (things she likes, like scones), cleaning and ironing. It makes for a tense atmosphere though.

I have come out in a horrible series of what we called "blind" spots; spots with no discernible head to them. They are big and red and sore, but can't be squeezed. I assume this is part of detox. I guess some things get worse before they get better.

I'll be thinking of you, Sundae. Best wishes.

Best wishes from Tajikistan! You'll be glad to know I caught a fine toilet for you today. Now I must find the toilet thread to put it in ...

Sent by thought transference

My sister bought a gumball machine and made her own Tom Servo. I think she also began acquiring parts to make a Crow T. Robot, but never completed it. AFAIK she didn't attempt Gypsy.

Good luck and try to enjoy yourself Sundae.

Thanks for the wishes - and to those who have expressed it elsewhere.
Goodness, are they free-range over there?!

Anyway, still got three sleeps until I leave.
Less fun than counting down to go to Glasgow, but being 100% sober I do have less to worry about leaving behind. Everything is clean, sorted, as it should be.

Did the ironing tonight, so the white waffle dressing gown is ready to go. I doubt the cheese scones (also made while the 'rents were at Mass) will survive until I leave Tuesday morning, but I didn't make them for me after all. And it's flattering if all eaten!

I know, the future appointment is nothing in terms of investigatory surgery. At least this time I get fed and have two nights (not) sleepover. Right?

May not be able to take a camera. But will certainly take a notebook.

I'll bet you make fabulous scones. Sorry about your Da. Hang in there.

You know what Gypsy, I do make fabulous scones.
And I make even better chocolate cakes.

I'm currently putting together a list of things I've done and/or am proud of.
Cheese scones go on it.

The Safeway supermarket near us has been putting chocolate-chocolate chip scones on sale. It's $5 for a dozen. I don't know if these are proper scones or not, but they are delicious, especially microwaved until the chocolate is molten. I bought the first dozen into the house, but the second dozen appeared as if by magic.;)

The cheese scones sound wonderful.

I was thinking about saying "I would love to taste your cheese scones.", but for some reason I think that would get me slapped.:p:

I'm sure cheese scones are the least significant item on your list. You have a lot to be proud of. Anyone who works with children does.

Making a list of the things I've accomplished/achieved/am proud of was one of the most important things I did prior to my divorce. Glad you put the cheese scones on your list. And of course your work with children.

All the best in the next few days, Sundae. I'll be thinking of you. Take the good things you can from the whole experience, keep in touch, and know that we're keeping you close in heart and mind.

One more sleep til hospital.
Packing Mum's little wheelie case tonight. Good wash and scrub and shave tomorrow morning, to be as fresh as poss. Haven't shaved my legs in so long. Retarded hairgrowth has some benefits.

Taking one spare top, two knickers, pyjamas, dressing gown, slippers.
Deodorant, toothbrush and miniature toothpaste, ditto shower gel, talc.
Two library books.
As stated before one Edgar Allen Poe with raven, one photo of Diz & Dylan.
Earplugs, eyemask, notebook and pen, camera.

And good wishes and love and care.

Still to decide what to wear there.
Pretty much everything I have is big on me now.
Except two things I bought as Incentive Clothing, which are still tight and anyway a little too swish for going into hospital in. I mean I don't look like I'm goig out to the opera; if they fit I'd probably wear them. But being tight they give an imression of "dressing up" rather than just getting dressed.

Jeans are hanging down my crotch now.
May just wear the grey trousers I wore to Arran. Or a long skirt.
Will let you know, I know you're excited.

Oh, won't know the results for at least three weeks. They suggest making an appointment after two weeks, but I already have one scheduled, and I'm damned if I make that trek two weeks in a row. I am hoping to have some news back from the last set of tests, but you just can't make those kind of assumption.

Cross your fingers and recite "I do believe in Cherry, I do believe in Cherry" at 15.30 GMT tomorrow and I'm sure it will make everything alright.

Oh, all the cheese scones have gone.

I do believe in Cherry.

Good luck, Cherry! I'll be thinking of you tomorrow at 11:30 am our time.

keeping a good thought for you

Best of luck Cherry.

I'm sure the English have their 'stiff upper lip' and 'buck up' phrases. Here on the east coast of the US we don't have any cool phrases I can think of.

In Texas they would just slap you on the ass and say 'Git 'er done!'.;)

Take care of yourself. Take pictures and notes and when you get back to working with the kids again you can show them "Cherry's Big Adventure with the NHS".

You're one tough lady. You will get through this.

Nearing 6 AM your time -- hope you're snuggled in bed with Diz, and that he is showing his love for you by not being sick all over.

I carry you in my heart today, Sundae.

Well, all I have left to dp now is pack my toothbrush and make a packed lunch.
Oh and remember to take a pen; I may not be able to wrest the camera away from Mum.

And see if I can talk one of my parents into giving me a couple of pounds spending money for soft drink or crisps or whatnot, as I literally just have my fare.

Thanks for all the support.

I have confidence in you Sundae. You'll do great!

Ugh, I feel like a jerk for not reading the entire thread beforehand. It's not too late to chant, "I do believe in Cherry," right?

Never too late.

I hope it all went well, Cherry, and you're recovering comfortably.

Best wishes from here, hope all went well. I do believe in Cherry!

Been thinking of you, Sundae, on and off all day -- hope things are going well.

Also wondering how much more stylish than anyone else on the ward you are. :)

keeping a warm thought for you Sundae

Thinking about you this morning.

I believe in Cherry!


*waits for updates*

What every body else said.

Buses, buses...
Bus to Milton Keynes was packed. Market day in Leighton Buzzard (en route) and MK.
Had to sit in the whellchair/ pushchair folding seats when I got on, which I hate because you can't relax knowing you can be asked to move any time the bus stops.

Luckily I moved up the bus when lots of old giffers got off at Leighton Buzzard. Sat in front of a man with a really bronchial cough though. Thank FSM I now have short hair.

Mum saw me off which made me feel really loved.
Me at the bus stop - unaware of the phlemy future.

Journey to Cambridge delightfully uneventful, ditto Cambridge City Centre to Addenbrookes. Still didn't take any pics of Cambs. One day, one day.

Got to Addenbrookes super-early, of course. Travelling across country you just can't know there will be no breakdowns or diversions or accidents. And once I was in Cambs I might as well wait in the warm for free, right?

Checked in.
Sat for about 30 minutes and then, as last time, the nurses used the time to weigh me, check my height, take my blood pressue etc. They're good there. Although I wonder why my height has now been taken at three different hospitals? Do they not share records, or are they worried I am growing/ shrinking?

About 30 minutes before my official check-in time, I met one of the Ward Doctors.
She went through my records, my medical history, the procedure.
Warned me that my previous blood tests had shown my blood to be "thin" so I would require medication before the biopsy. Competant and personable. And pre-Raphaelite; pale skin, pale eyes, red hair.

Back to the waiting room, then off to another suite within the ward to have a canulla fitted, and more blood tests.
OWWWW!
OW!
Bloody hell. Lovely Eastern European chap. Very good English, jslight accent and unfamiliar name.
Tried to fit the canulla to my left hand. Oh, sorry. Vein was apparently too fragile and exploded. Retch, retch.
So right hand it was. And it bloody well hurt too. Poking around in there.
Can't fault him, they're my veins after all.
After a lot of poking and prodding he didn't manage to get enough from my hand, so had to get additional blood from my arm.

So I left there feeling drained, back to the waiting room.
BTW I'm going to moan about this canulla all the way through this thread. I'm sorry.
I'll say once that I know it's small beer. But it was the worst part of what ended up being a pretty decent experience. If I'm going to repeat the maons at least I'm not prefacing them all with a repeated apology.

That thing is huge!

While I was waiting I was kept updated on the status of my bed.
They where waiting for another patient to have an epidural, but it would be free soon.

In the mean time a lady came to take my order for dinner (see the Dinner thread.)
I was quite happy. It was gone 16.00 but I'd had the prelims and was in the right place and being looked after.

Got my bed at about 16.50.
As I say, not an issue. Wasn't sat in some anonymous place wondering if I'd been forgotten. And I'm glad I was relaxed about it because when it came it was a doozy. Single room, en-suite! Jackpot!!!

En-suite.
Lovely shower - properly powerful, even with the canulla it still ended up reasonably pleasant.

I know, Clod.
And because it was on my right hand... (TMI) I wipe with my right hand. It was a tricky job not to catch it on the toilet seat.
And it stung and itched like an insect bite for pretty much all the time I had it in.