Noisy neighbour

Slightly before one o’clock this morning, dad was fast asleep, presumably dreaming of something nice. At one o’clock this morning, another patient joined him in his room – it has two beds…they are not short of space.

A man in his 40s with a mental age of 6 was brought in. He’d had a stroke. He also has a problem with being touched. This problem is so deep seated that whenever someone touches him he bellows like a cow with stomach cramp. A very big, amplified cow.

Of course, the nurses (who are not paid enough…or did I mention that yesterday?) had to touch him to get him in bed and set up his IV lines etc. So that was it for dad getting any sleep.

My major concern is that the chanting that everyone is doing has had a side effect. While it may be helping dad, I think it had the opposite effect on this guy and now that dad cannot sleep, he’s not going to improve. So, please, stop chanting.

Anyway, dad was a bit sleepy when we visited today. He had a nap around lunchtime while I went for a walk and mum read. He also managed to eat all of his roast beef lunch, dessert and various potions the nurses keep giving him.

I’m pretty sure he’ll improve a lot now that the noisy guy is in the other bed, just so he can get away. Honestly, it’s like being chained next to some very loud people repeating the same thing over and over and over…he just can’t get away.

Mum wanted me to include a picture so anyone reading this can see how he’s going.

Mum and dad in Nambour Hospital

Audrey downstairs surprised us with a lovely roast dinner when we arrived back at the flat tonight. Speaking of food, I had a wonderful barbi breakfast this morning, courtesy of Bob & Tracey. Fantastic ham steaks, eggs and bacon. Genius.