Update 31 July

Mike's been to visit Mum at Papworth this morning. (He's not able to post as he's off on his holidays!) He found Mum well and cheerful - and as he put it - "practical".  What she is being practical about is that she is now hooked up to a machine that is sorting out the infection in her leg. She is able to move around still, which is good, so she can get to the phone and so on. But of course this treatment will take a few days yet - no-one can say how long - which means we haven't got any dates re going to Norfolk/home.

I (Sarah) am planning to arrive in Norfolk on Monday 6th, and hopefully Mum will be home soon after.

Change of plan ...

We've had another call to say that Mum has an infection on her leg which they can't treat at Dereham ..... so .... she'll be at Papworth for a few more days.

We'll keep you updated.

Maria coming to Norfolk ---At last

I've just had a call from mum to say she is being moved to the Dereham Hospital this afternoon (30.7.12) . Address is Dereham Hospital, Northgate, Dereham, NR19 2EX. She will be contactable on 01362654904. I don't know what the arrangements are for visiting (yet) so please call the Hospital if you intend to go to find out first please. I will post arrangements again when I know. She sounded really good and was able to talk properly which is great. She has been climbing steps too which is great progress. Mike P

Phone calls and visits

Happy to say that Maria is feeling much stronger - she's now walking up and down the corridor and the physio had her tackling steps today. All that yoga and swimming is paying off!

Phone calls

Her voice is much better (she had been very hoarse). So if you would like to call her, this is the direct line to her room:

0706 9190009 extension 548

But be warned! the calls are 20p a minute from a landline, and considerably more from a mobile or if you are calling from abroad.

Visits

I'm sure she would love a visit if you are in the area. As far as the family is concerned, Richard is visiting on Friday 27 and Saturday 28. Mike is visiting on Tuesday 31 and Friday 3.

They prefer visitors to go in the afternoon - times are flexible, but between 2.30 and 6.30 is probably good.

However - phone first to check she is still in Papworth. We're hoping she will be moved to Norfolk very soon.

20-7-2012 Update

Richard has spoken to mum and she, whilst not being able to talk very well, is much stronger and is "happy". In as much as one can be happy in a hospital bed! She has a upset tummy which has meant her release from Papworth is now restricted until she has recovered from that and can be transferred to the N and N. So it seems she will be at Papworth for at least another 4-5 days. She is responding well to Physio and is walking unaided. ;-)
I am going to see her with Samuel and Ella tomorrow (Saturday) and will take all the cards etc sent to Fieldside, for which thank you very much.

Mike P

What about John?

Several people have enquired about Dad as well. This may be one of the times that his condition is a blessing in disguise - he is being well cared for at Brooke House and is unaware of Mum's situation. They have changed some of his drugs and he is sleeping the night through now and appears to be content.

What next?

Wed 18th:update


Mum is doing really well, no tubes, eating much better and best of all she is walking a little which makes her feel so much more independent. She's still very tired, but that is only to be expected.


Papworth say she no longer needs "Papworth care" and they have referred her to the Norfolk and Norwich. Once there is a bed free there - or at any other nearby hospital - she will be sent there for a couple of weeks to continue with physio, occupational therapy and so on.


We're hoping she will be ready to go home towards the end of July/beginning of August. Sarah is planning to stay at Fieldside for as much of August as necessary. And then we'll see.

Cards and flowers

Thanks for all your cards and good wishes - Mum really appreciates them.

If you do want to send a card, please send it to Fieldside and we will make sure Mum gets it. (see post headed "What next?")


Some people have asked about flowers - sadly hospitals do not allow flowers - so thanks, but no thanks :O)

A quick overview

Where we were, and where we are now


A quick summary post for those of you who may not have the whole story. Mum was admitted to the Norfolk and Norwich hospital at the end of June because she had been feeling unwell. 


After some tests they sent her to Papworth (near Cambridge), where they did a triple bypass on Friday 2 July. It was successful, but she was in Critical Care until Wed 11 July because of one or two minor issues. 


These have been resolved and she is now on the Varrier Jones ward and making a good recovery.