Everyone who was with us in the hospital yesterday was kind and helpful; and they agreed he did need an air mattress like the one he has at home - they rang round everywhere and did their absolute best, but there was not one to be had. He is now on a "50/50" mattress which they hope will serve the same function. They do seem to be taking this seriously.
I have been in action this morning. I have spoken to the PD nurse and consultant who have been up on the ward to help them sort out his very complicated drugs regime. I have also spoken to the ward leader who is absolutely on it with the need for him to have his Parks meds when he needs them rather than when they are doing a drug round.
I also spoke with the hospice consultant who had filled in his request not to have cardio-pulmonary resuscitation and she has said I must take this to the hospital and not re-discuss it with him as she thinks he is too frail to survive such an action anyway.
And my DDs are all here - but if I was to be strictly honest I am finding that quite stressful as they are all desperate to help when I really feel I need a few moment's quiet to take this all in and gather some strength - I did not get to bed till 3 am. They seem to have forgotten that I am still a functioning adult and can make a sandwich and get myself a chair for the garden! But I do appreciate their love and kindness of course. They just want to help, when there is little they can do - we just have to accept the situation and try and do our best to support him.
It is likely to be a long haul if he does bounce back from surgery and I am guessing there will be a period of rehab in a cottage hospital, after which I will finally need to think about a package of care at home.
Thank you for your good wishes.