Home on leave

After a week on the neurosurgery ward, I have been allowed home over the weekend. The staff at the hospital have been fantastic and really looked after me far better than I deserve, but it is so much better to come home and be with my family.

When I went in on Sunday evening the weather was still slightly warm as if Summer was making a last effort to stay a bit longer. When I came into the fresh air this afternoon, there was a nip in the air confirming that it is definitely Autumn. The mountain ash in our garden is making the most of the weather showing majestic colours.

I discussed a number of do’s and don’ts with the hospital staff: I am not allowed to lift any heavy objects; I interpret this as meaning no vacuum cleaning etc. Unfortunately playing the euphonium is included among the don’ts. The recorder should be ok. Running is out, but walks and shorter bike rides are allowed. I think that the hospital staff have a slightly different definition of “shorter” when considering bike rides, so I will take it a bit easy for a while.

Hospital food is far better than reputation would suggest, but after five days it is a joy to get into our own kitchen. Today’s dinner was beef with roasted veggies, simple cooking but so good. I even found an improvement on apple juice to drink.

The weekend will be dedicated to taking it easy and just being with family. We will probably take in some fresh air on a walk or two.

I have to be back in the hospital on Tuesday to remove the stitches (staples) from my head. Until then, I am not allowed to remove the bandage or wash my hair. I imagine that it will be pretty gross by Tuesday.