Monday, May 04, 2015

A week is a long time in politics, in knitting, in life.

My husband is in the Western Infirmary with a chest infection. He has a chronic lung condition, pulmonary fibrosis; an infection on top of that is not good news. He subsided last Thursday, even feebler than usual, lacking in appetite. By Friday morning he was clearly in need of help. I phoned the GP. A member of the practice (not known to us, but efficient and wonderful, rather like Hellie Ogden, this year's bride) came promptly and referred him equally promptly to hospital.

Where he is making progress. But this is the fourth day on which he has been totally immobile. Getting up and on his feet again is going to be tough. A dr told him yesterday that he would be there for about a week. They told me “a few days”, and promised conversations about physiotherapy before they released him.

Clearly life is about to lurch downwards again.

Our dear friend G. emailed me last night about getting a proxy vote for my husband (=General Election on Thursday, easy to overlook). I thought it was too late, but I've google'd it and she's right, you can get an Emergency Proxy Vote right up until late on polling day, somehow or other. I've emailed them. I'll phone if they don't respond promptly. The proxy has to be a registered voter, so it'll have to be G. and not, alas, me.

G. and I agree on how the vote should be cast, namely for our excellent constituency MP, Mark Lasarowicz (Labour). It remains to be seen whether my husband can be persuaded to agree. He has never voted Labour in his life, nor would I have ever previously recommended it, but this is an extraordinary election.

Alexander says that he has never voted for a serious party in his life – I would suspect that the Monster Raving Loonies might appeal to him. But this time he will bite the bullet and vote Lib Dem in Argyll.

The point being, to vote against the SNP. There you are: I have nailed my colours to the mast.

An odd thing about this election – there is no sign of it in the streets around us here in Edinburgh, no posters in anybody's windows. For the Referendum, “Yes's” and “No's” were everywhere. For previous general elections, there was always a fair amount, including notices on the lampposts. Now, nothing. In the country last weekend – goodness, was it only last weekend? – we saw quite a bit of SNP.


As for knitting, I finished the 4th pocket square while we were in a&e at the Western on Friday, and made some progress with the 5th. I have done no knitting since, nor much of anything else.  

36 comments:

  1. This is the time to ask for all the help you need. Wishing you strength - mental and physical - for when your husband returns from hospital.

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  2. My thoughts are with you.
    With respect to the proxy vote - is there a polling station in the hospital on the day? (if so your husband may be able to cast his own vote if the emergency application does not work.)

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    1. What a sensible idea! However in the UK if you have not previously registered for a postal vote you can only vote in the Polling Station noted on your voting card as they will be the only place to have your details. The proxy vote is the only alternative.

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    2. Ah, thank you. I wondered about that. Our electoral rolls are slightly different.

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  3. Anonymous10:10 AM

    This is indeed an extraordinary election Jean and one to stay up for. Sending you and your husband good wishes. I am always surprised how visiting hospital twice a day is such hard and tiring work so please take good care of yourself too.

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  4. Anonymous11:15 AM

    Echoing the good wishes of other followers.
    It might be a good idea to consult an Occupational Therapist and ask for a home visit to see if there is any equipment or arrangements which would better assist your husband on his return. These need to be in place before he arrives. Perhaps a Personal Care Assistant too.
    Please do take care of yourself. In order to care for your husband you have to be in good order - trying to do too much is the surest way of undoing everything.
    Best wishes, Helen

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    1. Ellen1:05 PM

      Just what I was about to say. When I was a hospital social worker, we used these moments to help the family get additional help in the home. Sometimes hearing the news from a a "professional" and not family makes it easier to accept. A personal care Assistant, or whatever they are called in your country could make a huge difference for both of you. Take good care of yourself, as well as him.

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  5. Thinking of you, Jean.

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  6. So sorry to hear that your husband is ill, Jean. Sending best wishes to you both.

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  7. Oh, Jean, so sorry he is ill! I will repeat the encouragement to take care of yourself! Prayers for you both.

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  8. Adding my wishes to those posted here. Take care and get all the help you can. Will be thinking of you this week.

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  9. sending wishes for a speedy recovery.

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  10. Jean

    Sending you best wishes and love, I hope things take a turn upwards soon.

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  11. Best wishes to your husband for a speedy recovery and I hope you are able to look after yourself.

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  12. Knitting is a comfort in such situations, but I am sorry it has be used for this. Echoing all of the others in taking care of yourself, the professionals are caring for your husband. I have been listening to news of the election with great interest.

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  13. Sending all good wishes to you and your husband. I hope he is soon up on his feet again.

    I agree about the election - it is extraordinary - and like you I have a good constituency MP to vote for (ian Murray - labour). I hope you manage to sort a vote out for your husband.

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  14. Adding my voice to the choir of concern and love: all good thoughts to/for you and your husband as you travel these new rough waters.

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  15. Thinking of you

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  16. You and your husband will be in my thoughts all day, Jean. Hugs from across the miles...

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  17. Anonymous3:26 PM

    Jean, another soul here thinking of you and your husband. Election does indeed seem strange this time 'round. Canada's national newspaper's map on Saturday, of predicted results, did show a little core of Labour seats centred 0n Edinburgh, surrounded by a sea of SNP. Will watch with keen interest.
    - Beth in Ontario

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  18. I hope your husband continues to improve, albeit slowly. My thoughts are with you both. Love from Canada. xoxoxo

    Jenny.

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  19. Anonymous4:36 PM

    dear Jean ... with all those holding you both, I send the prayer and thoughts of well-being!!! Peace upon you all. Elizabeth A

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  20. My thoughts and prayers are with you and Hubby. Keep knitting, it helps.

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  21. Anonymous5:52 PM

    My prayers and thoughts will be with you and your husband. Blessings and love to the pair of you!

    Deborah

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  22. MaureenTakoma5:53 PM

    Wishing you strength and knitting and best wishes for your husband's recovery.

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  23. Jean, thank you for taking the time to update your blog readers -- I know that I am not alone in having been quite worried by the lack of posts. I have nothing to add to all the sound, concrete dvice already given, but will join in wishing your husband a speedy recovery and safe return home, and in wishing you continuing good health and time to rest!

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  24. I have been following you for quite a while, and feel finally compelled to offer a comment. I pray that both you and your husband find the strength and comforts that you need. I appreciate your efforts to keep us all posted, and will watch for more news as it appears.

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  25. I am sorry to hear about your husband. I hope his recovery is not taxing on the family or his own emotional/spiritual/mental health.

    I am anxiously awaiting your commentary on the knits that the new Princess wore home from the hospital. I knew you'd have a few words on the blanket and bonnet.

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  26. Healing thoughts for your husband.

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  27. Adding my hopes and wishes for a good recovery for your husband. Please take some time to care for yourself too. Thank you for updating all of us who think of you each day.

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  28. Best wishes to you and your husband. I hope he gets well soon. I dont often comment, but I always read your blog.

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  29. Here's hoping for a swift and painless recovery! And yeah, make sure to get some self-care in as well, he needs you to be healthy!
    Hugs and hope tomorrow's better!

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  30. Many wishes and hopes of strength to the both of you. Thinking of you.

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  31. Anonymous8:14 AM

    Thinking of you and your husband. Hospital stays are not easy. Best wishes for as smooth a recovery as possible.
    LisaRR

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  32. =Tamar4:10 PM

    Thinking of you. Please do get the Home Care assistance.

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