Hello Friends of Jerry
I have just emailed further details about the funeral. If you have told me (by email) that you are coming to the funeral and have not received them, please let me know on jerryinyork@yahoo.co.uk.
Best Wishes
Anne Lloyd
Wednesday 24 November 2010
Friday 19 November 2010
Friday 19th November 2010 - FUNERAL
Hello Friends of Jerry
Jerry's funeral has been arranged for Monday 29th November. There will be a non-religious ceremony, in accordance with Jerry's wishes, at 1pm in the chapel at York Cemetery at Cemetery Rd, York, YO10 5AJ (http://www.yorkcemetery.org.uk/) followed by a burial at the cemetery. The walk to the burial site will involve walking over wet grass and the site is quite exposed.
If you want to see Jerry before the burial, he is at the Co-operative Funeral Home, Cromwell Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6DU. Please wait until Weds 24th onwards to visit and please ring the Funeral Home on 01904 643936 at least 1 hour in advance so they know you are coming. I am not sure if viewings are available on the morning of the funeral but I will find out and let you know. Viewings are available at the weekend.
If you intend to come to the funeral, let me know on jerryinyork@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible, putting 'FUNERAL' as the title of the email. We will have a wake following the funeral at which you would all be welcome and we would like some idea of numbers for catering so please reply. I will then send further information to you later. If you think you MIGHT come, could you also let me know soon to help us plan numbers.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Best Wishes
Anne Lloyd
Jerry's funeral has been arranged for Monday 29th November. There will be a non-religious ceremony, in accordance with Jerry's wishes, at 1pm in the chapel at York Cemetery at Cemetery Rd, York, YO10 5AJ (http://www.yorkcemetery.org.uk/) followed by a burial at the cemetery. The walk to the burial site will involve walking over wet grass and the site is quite exposed.
If you want to see Jerry before the burial, he is at the Co-operative Funeral Home, Cromwell Road, York, North Yorkshire, YO1 6DU. Please wait until Weds 24th onwards to visit and please ring the Funeral Home on 01904 643936 at least 1 hour in advance so they know you are coming. I am not sure if viewings are available on the morning of the funeral but I will find out and let you know. Viewings are available at the weekend.
If you intend to come to the funeral, let me know on jerryinyork@yahoo.co.uk as soon as possible, putting 'FUNERAL' as the title of the email. We will have a wake following the funeral at which you would all be welcome and we would like some idea of numbers for catering so please reply. I will then send further information to you later. If you think you MIGHT come, could you also let me know soon to help us plan numbers.
Looking forward to seeing you all.
Best Wishes
Anne Lloyd
Wednesday 17 November 2010
Weds 17th November 2010
Hello Friends of Jerry
Sadly Jerry lost his brave fight against cancer and died peacefully and pain free and aware of his surroundings this morning at 1.35am GMT. He deteriorated quickly during Tuesday and that evening was surrounded by love. Through the strength of your support and messages I know that he finally realised how much he was loved and appreciated by all his friends. He spoke about it on Monday.
The response to this blog has been incredible and inspirational. The outpouring of love towards Jerry made a huge difference to him and those of us who looked after him. He has touched and influenced so many lives in so many ways. He truly did have a great life.
He has chosen to be buried in a lovely ancient wildlife cemetery in York. I will post details later. The funeral will not be until after Monday 29th November.
With love and thanks
Anne Lloyd
Sadly Jerry lost his brave fight against cancer and died peacefully and pain free and aware of his surroundings this morning at 1.35am GMT. He deteriorated quickly during Tuesday and that evening was surrounded by love. Through the strength of your support and messages I know that he finally realised how much he was loved and appreciated by all his friends. He spoke about it on Monday.
The response to this blog has been incredible and inspirational. The outpouring of love towards Jerry made a huge difference to him and those of us who looked after him. He has touched and influenced so many lives in so many ways. He truly did have a great life.
He has chosen to be buried in a lovely ancient wildlife cemetery in York. I will post details later. The funeral will not be until after Monday 29th November.
With love and thanks
Anne Lloyd
Monday 15 November 2010
Monday 15th November - 2nd post
Hello - A message from Jerry
Jerry would like to tell you all about Grandma Barbier. When Jerry was about two, his mother was very ill, having had TB. She went to Arizona with Gus his father and Carol his sister for health reasons. During this time Jerry stayed quite a while with Grandma Barbier who was from Bohemia. She was the mother of his Uncle Charlie who was the husband of his mother's sister, Loretta (Aunt Lor). Grandma Barbier and Charlie and Lor lived together and looked after Jerry. Grandma Barbier loved Jerry unconditionally and he loved her too and has remembered this the whole of his life.
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from Anne.......................
This evening, Jerry discovered that pineapple juice goes down a bit easier than water and apple juice. He still sleeps a lot but, again, has enjoyed talking while awake. Physically, he is very frail.
Best Wishes to all
Jerry would like to tell you all about Grandma Barbier. When Jerry was about two, his mother was very ill, having had TB. She went to Arizona with Gus his father and Carol his sister for health reasons. During this time Jerry stayed quite a while with Grandma Barbier who was from Bohemia. She was the mother of his Uncle Charlie who was the husband of his mother's sister, Loretta (Aunt Lor). Grandma Barbier and Charlie and Lor lived together and looked after Jerry. Grandma Barbier loved Jerry unconditionally and he loved her too and has remembered this the whole of his life.
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from Anne.......................
This evening, Jerry discovered that pineapple juice goes down a bit easier than water and apple juice. He still sleeps a lot but, again, has enjoyed talking while awake. Physically, he is very frail.
Best Wishes to all
Monday 15th November
Hello from Anne
Since Friday, Jerry has been slowly weakening. He cannot now sit up unaided. Nutrition has now ceased, as he is unable to swallow any food and he cannot drink except for sips of water. Fortunately, his tablet medication has now been changed to liquid in a syringe except for one small crushable tablet. As he had been having extreme difficulties taking the tablets, this has relieved him of quite a lot of distress. Also, fortunately, he is not in pain and is receiving all the care that he needs. He is very well looked after by the nursing staff.
He is very tired now and does sleep a lot but also has enjoyable waking moments. Recently he has enjoyed looking at his own art works and showing them to others. He has also enjoyed chats with people.
Fortunately, Jerry is still Jerry. When awake he is completely aware of what is happening around him and communicates constantly – taking charge of everything associated with him. He has been talking a lot about what is happening to him and expressing his wishes and feelings.
One thing I have not expressed is how all the nursing staff that come to the house love him and his home. Lots of them say 'I wish I had met him before, he is such a nice man'.
We have a lot more support at home now with Hospice at Home and Macmillan nurses and Marie Curie nurses – all of whom have been faultless. In particular, we have someone to stay with him overnight.
At the moment, all plans are for him to move to the hospice on Wednesday.
I'll keep you posted.
All The Best
Anne x x
Since Friday, Jerry has been slowly weakening. He cannot now sit up unaided. Nutrition has now ceased, as he is unable to swallow any food and he cannot drink except for sips of water. Fortunately, his tablet medication has now been changed to liquid in a syringe except for one small crushable tablet. As he had been having extreme difficulties taking the tablets, this has relieved him of quite a lot of distress. Also, fortunately, he is not in pain and is receiving all the care that he needs. He is very well looked after by the nursing staff.
He is very tired now and does sleep a lot but also has enjoyable waking moments. Recently he has enjoyed looking at his own art works and showing them to others. He has also enjoyed chats with people.
Fortunately, Jerry is still Jerry. When awake he is completely aware of what is happening around him and communicates constantly – taking charge of everything associated with him. He has been talking a lot about what is happening to him and expressing his wishes and feelings.
One thing I have not expressed is how all the nursing staff that come to the house love him and his home. Lots of them say 'I wish I had met him before, he is such a nice man'.
We have a lot more support at home now with Hospice at Home and Macmillan nurses and Marie Curie nurses – all of whom have been faultless. In particular, we have someone to stay with him overnight.
At the moment, all plans are for him to move to the hospice on Wednesday.
I'll keep you posted.
All The Best
Anne x x
Friday 12 November 2010
Friday 12th November
Hello everyone
This is a message from Jerry. I believe that I only have a few more weeks to stay alive. I am planning to go into a hospice on Wednesday 17th November. I have been the last two Fridays to the day centre at the hospice. It is a lovely place. When I am there I will be in a single room which overlooks the garden. It has the facility of the bed being pushed outside into the garden from the room. I would like you to keep thinking of me and wishing me a very pleasant and peaceful death. Thank you for all your support.
Love Jerry
This is a message from Jerry. I believe that I only have a few more weeks to stay alive. I am planning to go into a hospice on Wednesday 17th November. I have been the last two Fridays to the day centre at the hospice. It is a lovely place. When I am there I will be in a single room which overlooks the garden. It has the facility of the bed being pushed outside into the garden from the room. I would like you to keep thinking of me and wishing me a very pleasant and peaceful death. Thank you for all your support.
Love Jerry
Monday 8 November 2010
Monday 8th November
Hello everyone
Jerry did not get to the hospice today and is not yet scheduled to go into the residential hospice for his two-week stay as there is no place available at the moment. He did go in as a day patient on Friday and really liked the place. He painted a lovely silk scarf, which he wears a lot. It is in his favourite colours – blue and brown. He was very tired after the visit but recovered after a good rest.
Fortunately, his life is much calmer now as the mucus patch is working very well and has largely alleviated this problem. His nausea medication also continues to work well. Things are also easier now because we are getting used to his routine which was a lot to take in at first, with different tablets at different times of the day etc and different people arriving at the house at different times. Jerry still has difficulties taking in his food and has to take it very slowly.
Yesterday my family took him into York to the Park Inn, which has a very good view over the river and he enjoyed himself and sat and sketched and we all had a good time too. It was a lovely day.
All The Best
Anne
Jerry did not get to the hospice today and is not yet scheduled to go into the residential hospice for his two-week stay as there is no place available at the moment. He did go in as a day patient on Friday and really liked the place. He painted a lovely silk scarf, which he wears a lot. It is in his favourite colours – blue and brown. He was very tired after the visit but recovered after a good rest.
Fortunately, his life is much calmer now as the mucus patch is working very well and has largely alleviated this problem. His nausea medication also continues to work well. Things are also easier now because we are getting used to his routine which was a lot to take in at first, with different tablets at different times of the day etc and different people arriving at the house at different times. Jerry still has difficulties taking in his food and has to take it very slowly.
Yesterday my family took him into York to the Park Inn, which has a very good view over the river and he enjoyed himself and sat and sketched and we all had a good time too. It was a lovely day.
All The Best
Anne
Thursday 4 November 2010
Thursday 4th November
Hello friends of Jerry
Jerry has had a few struggles this week as he continues his struggle with food intake. The presence of mucus also sometimes makes sleeping difficult but we are hoping that this will soon be alleviated by new medication. As Jerry can currently only take liquid food in moderate amounts he does not have a lot of energy. However, this can be exacerbated if he loses sleep. Therefore, his days can vary quite a bit. Jerry has been in good spirits generally.
Yesterday was another beautiful autumnal day and he went out in the wheelchair – down the river to my house. We all really enjoyed it. On Wednesday, several of us enjoyed looking at Jerry's own paintings and drawings and he really had fun too.
Tomorrow, Friday, Jerry will visit a local hospice as a day visitor. His Macmillan nurse is arranging for him to go there next week on Monday or Tuesday for a 2-week stay in order to receive 24-hr care to make sure he is receiving appropriate treatment to deal with his difficulties. He will also be able to take advantage of some of the facilities there such as aromatherapy and art classes and be under the care of people who will be expert in his care needs. There is a resident chef and apparently the food is very good.
Jerry has very much enjoyed the presence and love and support of Ann and Amy his two nieces. They are returning to the USA this morning.
He has also got a lot of pleasure from relaxing massages from friends and family.
He has asked me to thank you for all your messages but to tell you that he is not replying to any emails at the moment.
All The Best
Anne x x
Jerry has had a few struggles this week as he continues his struggle with food intake. The presence of mucus also sometimes makes sleeping difficult but we are hoping that this will soon be alleviated by new medication. As Jerry can currently only take liquid food in moderate amounts he does not have a lot of energy. However, this can be exacerbated if he loses sleep. Therefore, his days can vary quite a bit. Jerry has been in good spirits generally.
Yesterday was another beautiful autumnal day and he went out in the wheelchair – down the river to my house. We all really enjoyed it. On Wednesday, several of us enjoyed looking at Jerry's own paintings and drawings and he really had fun too.
Tomorrow, Friday, Jerry will visit a local hospice as a day visitor. His Macmillan nurse is arranging for him to go there next week on Monday or Tuesday for a 2-week stay in order to receive 24-hr care to make sure he is receiving appropriate treatment to deal with his difficulties. He will also be able to take advantage of some of the facilities there such as aromatherapy and art classes and be under the care of people who will be expert in his care needs. There is a resident chef and apparently the food is very good.
Jerry has very much enjoyed the presence and love and support of Ann and Amy his two nieces. They are returning to the USA this morning.
He has also got a lot of pleasure from relaxing massages from friends and family.
He has asked me to thank you for all your messages but to tell you that he is not replying to any emails at the moment.
All The Best
Anne x x
Wednesday 27 October 2010
Weds 27th October
Hello Jerry's friends
Jerry is now relaxing more at home. It is much better than hospital. His nieces Ann and Amy arrived this morning from Chicago for 8 days and he is very pleased to be with them. He had a good night Monday but last night was up a lot through the night. We took him out Monday in the day for a walk and he really enjoyed the beautiful autumn around here.
The Macmillan nurse (who really was as wonderful as they are described by all) has prescribed an additional nausea medication so we are hoping that it will have the desired effect. However, Jerry is still having trouble eating. He cannot take in large quantities of food at a time and so total intake is limited. That has the inevitable effect on his energy levels. After a tiring last night he has been resting a lot today.
Next Friday (Nov 5th) he will visit the local hospice for the day and the Macmillan nurse is trying to get him a placement for 2 weeks to help him pick up a bit.
All The Best
Anne x x
Jerry is now relaxing more at home. It is much better than hospital. His nieces Ann and Amy arrived this morning from Chicago for 8 days and he is very pleased to be with them. He had a good night Monday but last night was up a lot through the night. We took him out Monday in the day for a walk and he really enjoyed the beautiful autumn around here.
The Macmillan nurse (who really was as wonderful as they are described by all) has prescribed an additional nausea medication so we are hoping that it will have the desired effect. However, Jerry is still having trouble eating. He cannot take in large quantities of food at a time and so total intake is limited. That has the inevitable effect on his energy levels. After a tiring last night he has been resting a lot today.
Next Friday (Nov 5th) he will visit the local hospice for the day and the Macmillan nurse is trying to get him a placement for 2 weeks to help him pick up a bit.
All The Best
Anne x x
Sunday 24 October 2010
Sunday 24th October
Hi All
Jerry went home from hospital on Friday and was very tired when he did. Since then he has rested a lot and has picked up a bit and he is particularly glad to be home in his own bed.
He will now be visited regularly by the district nurse, Macmillan nurses and care helpers. The care team come in twice a day for a very short time but are useful markers to remind Jerry that it is mealtime.
Jerry continues to have difficulty eating. He can eat, but it is quite slow and it doesn't go down easily.
Jerry says that at the moment he is not up to receiving visitors other than those that he has been seeing recently but he hopes that this will change soon when he has rested more.
He is still enjoying BBC radio 4 - especially the History of the World in 100 objects - an excellent series that has recently finished.
Jerry asked me to say 'Thank you' for all the support he has had from all of you and that it has cheered him up a lot and made a big difference and he is thinking of you.
Regards to all
Anne x x
Jerry went home from hospital on Friday and was very tired when he did. Since then he has rested a lot and has picked up a bit and he is particularly glad to be home in his own bed.
He will now be visited regularly by the district nurse, Macmillan nurses and care helpers. The care team come in twice a day for a very short time but are useful markers to remind Jerry that it is mealtime.
Jerry continues to have difficulty eating. He can eat, but it is quite slow and it doesn't go down easily.
Jerry says that at the moment he is not up to receiving visitors other than those that he has been seeing recently but he hopes that this will change soon when he has rested more.
He is still enjoying BBC radio 4 - especially the History of the World in 100 objects - an excellent series that has recently finished.
Jerry asked me to say 'Thank you' for all the support he has had from all of you and that it has cheered him up a lot and made a big difference and he is thinking of you.
Regards to all
Anne x x
Thursday 21 October 2010
Thursday 21st October
Hi All
Jerry is going home tomorrow, Friday. He is relieved. He says he can have a good rest at home. He really dislikes being in the hospital now. He is disturbed so much being in the ward. I will collect a wheelchair for him in the morning so it is ready when he goes home but he does not know what time he will be discharged. He has been eating ok today, although he still is unable to eat a lot.
Best Wishes
Anne x x x
Jerry is going home tomorrow, Friday. He is relieved. He says he can have a good rest at home. He really dislikes being in the hospital now. He is disturbed so much being in the ward. I will collect a wheelchair for him in the morning so it is ready when he goes home but he does not know what time he will be discharged. He has been eating ok today, although he still is unable to eat a lot.
Best Wishes
Anne x x x
Wednesday 20 October 2010
Wednesday 20th October
Hello Everyone
Jerry has been able to eat more recently but today made a mistake and tried a hospital meal that made him throw up again. He won't do that again, he says! He has been able to eat porridge recently and I think he was encouraged by that. Luckily he is eating again and managing to keep it down. He is now preparing to go home - probably on Friday but possibly Monday. He will check tomorrow what exactly will be in place for him when he gets there ie what nursing and other support is provided. He will definitely have someone come in to prepare meals for him (starting in 2 weeks) and I will go and collect a wheelchair on Friday for him.
He is really looking forward to being home. The hospital environment just does not suit him. Also, he has very good neighbours who keep asking after him and want to help - as well as all of his friends. So he will be much better off there.
Bye to you all
Anne x x
Jerry has been able to eat more recently but today made a mistake and tried a hospital meal that made him throw up again. He won't do that again, he says! He has been able to eat porridge recently and I think he was encouraged by that. Luckily he is eating again and managing to keep it down. He is now preparing to go home - probably on Friday but possibly Monday. He will check tomorrow what exactly will be in place for him when he gets there ie what nursing and other support is provided. He will definitely have someone come in to prepare meals for him (starting in 2 weeks) and I will go and collect a wheelchair on Friday for him.
He is really looking forward to being home. The hospital environment just does not suit him. Also, he has very good neighbours who keep asking after him and want to help - as well as all of his friends. So he will be much better off there.
Bye to you all
Anne x x
Tuesday 19 October 2010
Tuesday 19th October
Hello everyone
I saw Jerry yesterday and he is still feeling tired. However, he is able to look after himself and walk around, although not too far. He really enjoys relaxing and listening to Radio 4 - especially the plays. He is managing to eat more now, which is good. The hospital appears to be treating his symptoms well. He is not in pain and his blood is tested regularly. They are giving him additional anti-nausea drugs too.
His main difficulty is with eating. It is slow and he often just can't 'get it down' and chewing is a problem. He has now given up all hospital food completely as it just makes him vomit, independent of his other nausea problem so we are taking in food. We have now found a new approach to help him eat which seems to be working. Hopefully, this will allow him to pick up strength through more intake.
Jerry now wants to go home. The hospital has been saying for a while that he could go home but he was not ready himself. However, he will probably now go at the end of this week. Nursing care will be in place there and those of us in York will be doing things for him initially.
His two nieces, Amy and Ann will be visiting next week from Chicago from Weds 27th Oct to Thurs Nov 4th and he is really looking forward to them visiting him.
I'll keep you posted.
Anne x x
I saw Jerry yesterday and he is still feeling tired. However, he is able to look after himself and walk around, although not too far. He really enjoys relaxing and listening to Radio 4 - especially the plays. He is managing to eat more now, which is good. The hospital appears to be treating his symptoms well. He is not in pain and his blood is tested regularly. They are giving him additional anti-nausea drugs too.
His main difficulty is with eating. It is slow and he often just can't 'get it down' and chewing is a problem. He has now given up all hospital food completely as it just makes him vomit, independent of his other nausea problem so we are taking in food. We have now found a new approach to help him eat which seems to be working. Hopefully, this will allow him to pick up strength through more intake.
Jerry now wants to go home. The hospital has been saying for a while that he could go home but he was not ready himself. However, he will probably now go at the end of this week. Nursing care will be in place there and those of us in York will be doing things for him initially.
His two nieces, Amy and Ann will be visiting next week from Chicago from Weds 27th Oct to Thurs Nov 4th and he is really looking forward to them visiting him.
I'll keep you posted.
Anne x x
Saturday 16 October 2010
Saturday 16th October
Hello All
After a few challenging days, Jerry has had a good day today. A few days ago, it became more and more difficult for him to eat and drink because of nausea and so he has not had a lot of intake recently. Subsequently he has been very tired. He has lost weight and this is due to both the operation and also low food intake and possible the cancer. The doctors tried him on anti-nausea drugs and the first did not work. However, today they increased the dose and he was able to keep food down. This is good progress. He is being closely monitored now. His pain is managed very well and he does not have any discomfort from that.
We go in to visit in the afternoons and take him down to the café in the wheelchair. Today, being a beautiful, mild, sunny autumn day, we took him outside and he really enjoyed that. We hope now that he will be able to continue to eat and pick up some strength. He is able to draw and listens to the radio and I just spoke to him and he was in very good spirits, having listened to an interesting radio documentary.
To all of you who have sent emails: I have printed them out for Jerry and he has really enjoyed reading them. Thanks a lot.
Anne x x
After a few challenging days, Jerry has had a good day today. A few days ago, it became more and more difficult for him to eat and drink because of nausea and so he has not had a lot of intake recently. Subsequently he has been very tired. He has lost weight and this is due to both the operation and also low food intake and possible the cancer. The doctors tried him on anti-nausea drugs and the first did not work. However, today they increased the dose and he was able to keep food down. This is good progress. He is being closely monitored now. His pain is managed very well and he does not have any discomfort from that.
We go in to visit in the afternoons and take him down to the café in the wheelchair. Today, being a beautiful, mild, sunny autumn day, we took him outside and he really enjoyed that. We hope now that he will be able to continue to eat and pick up some strength. He is able to draw and listens to the radio and I just spoke to him and he was in very good spirits, having listened to an interesting radio documentary.
To all of you who have sent emails: I have printed them out for Jerry and he has really enjoyed reading them. Thanks a lot.
Anne x x
Wednesday 13 October 2010
Weds 13th October
Hi everyone
Jerry has had news about the hospice – there are no free places at present. The hospital therefore is suggesting that Jerry should think about going home. On Monday, he was definitely not ready. Today, however, I think he is more amenable. He can climb a flight of stairs and descend them so can manage the stairs in his home. He will also be able to borrow a wheel chair from the Red Cross when he goes home.
Unfortunately, yesterday Jerry began to have a pain that the doctors say is the cancer. Fortunately he is able to take opiate-based painkillers to manage it. He also had a problem eating today, feeling nauseous when he ate. He has spoken to the nurses and they have given him something to get rid of the nausea and he is eating again now. He needs to keep eating. He has lost some weight with the operation and cannot afford to lose a lot. One of the problems with eating is that the food in the hospital is very bad. He will be asking friends to bring him in different things when he visits. This way he will get the food that he feels like and is better quality and which he can eat.
At the moment he is really appreciating seeing friends and looks forward to their visits. I think it won't be too long before he goes home.
Best Wishes to all
Anne x
Jerry has had news about the hospice – there are no free places at present. The hospital therefore is suggesting that Jerry should think about going home. On Monday, he was definitely not ready. Today, however, I think he is more amenable. He can climb a flight of stairs and descend them so can manage the stairs in his home. He will also be able to borrow a wheel chair from the Red Cross when he goes home.
Unfortunately, yesterday Jerry began to have a pain that the doctors say is the cancer. Fortunately he is able to take opiate-based painkillers to manage it. He also had a problem eating today, feeling nauseous when he ate. He has spoken to the nurses and they have given him something to get rid of the nausea and he is eating again now. He needs to keep eating. He has lost some weight with the operation and cannot afford to lose a lot. One of the problems with eating is that the food in the hospital is very bad. He will be asking friends to bring him in different things when he visits. This way he will get the food that he feels like and is better quality and which he can eat.
At the moment he is really appreciating seeing friends and looks forward to their visits. I think it won't be too long before he goes home.
Best Wishes to all
Anne x
Saturday 9 October 2010
Saturday 9th October 2010
Hello
Jerry had his operation on October 1st and is managing to eat more now. Fortunately he did not lose loads of weight. Today, John and Liz brought him in a fish dish which he enjoyed. He was also up and about, and in the patient's room he was playing the piano (first time for years, he says). He is recovering well from the operation.
On Monday he will get news of whether his application for the recovery hospice has been successful.
Best Wishes
Anne x x x
Jerry had his operation on October 1st and is managing to eat more now. Fortunately he did not lose loads of weight. Today, John and Liz brought him in a fish dish which he enjoyed. He was also up and about, and in the patient's room he was playing the piano (first time for years, he says). He is recovering well from the operation.
On Monday he will get news of whether his application for the recovery hospice has been successful.
Best Wishes
Anne x x x
Monday 19 April 2010
Monday April 19th
Hello everyone
Good news! Jerry's eating is fine now - ie no pain and he seems to have worked out a way to eat that works. He is still largely on soft food like soups, yogurt, humus etc. and even baby food.
He will be going home today. Roger will collect him from the hospital at 1.00 and he will be back in York late afternoon. So, he will be able to pick up emails from today if you want to send a private message.
Bye for now
Anne x x x
Good news! Jerry's eating is fine now - ie no pain and he seems to have worked out a way to eat that works. He is still largely on soft food like soups, yogurt, humus etc. and even baby food.
He will be going home today. Roger will collect him from the hospital at 1.00 and he will be back in York late afternoon. So, he will be able to pick up emails from today if you want to send a private message.
Bye for now
Anne x x x
Sunday 18 April 2010
Sunday evening 18th April
Hi All
Jerry has had a good day today. No pain. Good news. He will see how he is in the morning and if he is ok will go home.
He is getting used to eating small amounts slowly and has eaten almost all day. It seems to be working.
Tell you more tomorrow.
Anne x x
Jerry has had a good day today. No pain. Good news. He will see how he is in the morning and if he is ok will go home.
He is getting used to eating small amounts slowly and has eaten almost all day. It seems to be working.
Tell you more tomorrow.
Anne x x
Sunday 18th April 2010
Hello All
Jerry has decided to delay his discharge since he had some more pain. He has been pain-free since 8pm last night.
I will visit him today and post more news later. He probably won't be out tomorrow. He wants to wait for a longer pain-free spell before leaving.
Bye
Anne x x
Jerry has decided to delay his discharge since he had some more pain. He has been pain-free since 8pm last night.
I will visit him today and post more news later. He probably won't be out tomorrow. He wants to wait for a longer pain-free spell before leaving.
Bye
Anne x x
Saturday 17 April 2010
Saturday April 17th - From Rocco
Hi
Vida and Rocco visited Jerry Saturday afternoon from 2.30 to 4.00. Jerry was feeling low because he is still experiencing pain after eating. We went down to the café and jerry ate a small piece of melon from a fruit salad and immediately started feeling severe pain and nausea. He had to get sick in the toilet, but afterwards felt infinitely better.
Before visiting we did some research on the internet and I think I have found an explanation for what is going on for Jerry. I may be wrong but this seems a very likely explanation. It is called Dumping Syndrome. It is usually a relatively temporary phenomenon and 2% of people who have it initially do not experience it after 6 months. We took the information to Jerry and discussed it with him and although he hadn't yet read it he seemed to think that what we told him fits with his experience. Here is the info I found:
http://www.surgerychannel.com/gastrectomy/post.shtml
http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=-1697644520&linkID=48731&cook=no
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/173594-overview
Anyway, Jerry has been told he can go home anytime and he had decided to go home tomorrow (Sunday). Roger was to pick him at 2pm and taking him home. However, I phoned Jerry Saturday evening and he has now decided that he will probably stay in hospital till Monday.
We had an idea and put it to Jerry and he was enthusiastic about it and said we should go ahead. The idea is to have a celebratory get-together to celebrate Jerry's successful procedure and his home-coming. Therefore all Jerry's friends, blog followers and well-wishers are invited to our house (12 Walney Road, York) on this coming Friday from 6.30 for food and drinks and to welcome Jerry home. If you wish to come please let us know on roccov@wildmail.com.
Regards,
Rocco
Vida and Rocco visited Jerry Saturday afternoon from 2.30 to 4.00. Jerry was feeling low because he is still experiencing pain after eating. We went down to the café and jerry ate a small piece of melon from a fruit salad and immediately started feeling severe pain and nausea. He had to get sick in the toilet, but afterwards felt infinitely better.
Before visiting we did some research on the internet and I think I have found an explanation for what is going on for Jerry. I may be wrong but this seems a very likely explanation. It is called Dumping Syndrome. It is usually a relatively temporary phenomenon and 2% of people who have it initially do not experience it after 6 months. We took the information to Jerry and discussed it with him and although he hadn't yet read it he seemed to think that what we told him fits with his experience. Here is the info I found:
http://www.surgerychannel.com/gastrectomy/post.shtml
http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=-1697644520&linkID=48731&cook=no
http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/173594-overview
Anyway, Jerry has been told he can go home anytime and he had decided to go home tomorrow (Sunday). Roger was to pick him at 2pm and taking him home. However, I phoned Jerry Saturday evening and he has now decided that he will probably stay in hospital till Monday.
We had an idea and put it to Jerry and he was enthusiastic about it and said we should go ahead. The idea is to have a celebratory get-together to celebrate Jerry's successful procedure and his home-coming. Therefore all Jerry's friends, blog followers and well-wishers are invited to our house (12 Walney Road, York) on this coming Friday from 6.30 for food and drinks and to welcome Jerry home. If you wish to come please let us know on roccov@wildmail.com.
Regards,
Rocco
Saturday April 17th
Hello everyone
Jerry is doing well and will be discharged from hospital tomorrow, Sunday. He was offered it and chose to do it. It is his choice - he would prefer to go home rather than wait till Monday since he is ok eating now.
More news later.
Anne x x
Jerry is doing well and will be discharged from hospital tomorrow, Sunday. He was offered it and chose to do it. It is his choice - he would prefer to go home rather than wait till Monday since he is ok eating now.
More news later.
Anne x x
Friday 16 April 2010
Friday night April 16th
Hello
Jerry has had a good day. Leaving out the egg and butter has worked! Jerry had three meals today and has not had any problems eating..
Jerry saw Clive again this afternoon and enjoyed seeing him because he hasn't seen him for two weeks. At the moment Jerry says he is very happy as it is the first day he has not had any trouble since he started eating.
All is set for discharge on Monday.
Back Soon
Anne x x
Jerry has had a good day. Leaving out the egg and butter has worked! Jerry had three meals today and has not had any problems eating..
Jerry saw Clive again this afternoon and enjoyed seeing him because he hasn't seen him for two weeks. At the moment Jerry says he is very happy as it is the first day he has not had any trouble since he started eating.
All is set for discharge on Monday.
Back Soon
Anne x x
Friday morning April 16th
Hello All
Jerry is ok this morning. He has no pain at the moment. He has eaten well-soaked cornflakes and yogurt - all slowly in small doses - and is fine. Probably the eggs with butter on previous days was too rich!
Yesterday he had his stitches removed. Amy was there at the time. When I visited the day before he asked me to take a photo of his scar - it looked like a zip with metal fastenings.
No problem with the raised blood count. Seems there was a misunderstanding. The raised count implied that there had been an infection. He is ok now.
He does not expect to leave this weekend - in fact he does not want to leave this weekend. He is looking forward to Clive's visit this evening.
Keep you posted.
Anne x x
Jerry is ok this morning. He has no pain at the moment. He has eaten well-soaked cornflakes and yogurt - all slowly in small doses - and is fine. Probably the eggs with butter on previous days was too rich!
Yesterday he had his stitches removed. Amy was there at the time. When I visited the day before he asked me to take a photo of his scar - it looked like a zip with metal fastenings.
No problem with the raised blood count. Seems there was a misunderstanding. The raised count implied that there had been an infection. He is ok now.
He does not expect to leave this weekend - in fact he does not want to leave this weekend. He is looking forward to Clive's visit this evening.
Keep you posted.
Anne x x
Thursday 15 April 2010
Thursday evening April 15th
Hello All
Jerry had a good night and this morning ate some scrambled egg. However, when he tried to eat some mashed potato at lunch time he had some pain. It went away when he walked around a bit but prevents him from eating. This evening he could not drink water without pain so was not drinking.
Jerry is trying to figure out what might be causing it - eg eating lunch too soon after the scrambled egg (although today it was 3 hours later) or whether he should be eating smaller amounts all the time etc. He is resting now. Will report back in the morning.
Anne x x
Jerry had a good night and this morning ate some scrambled egg. However, when he tried to eat some mashed potato at lunch time he had some pain. It went away when he walked around a bit but prevents him from eating. This evening he could not drink water without pain so was not drinking.
Jerry is trying to figure out what might be causing it - eg eating lunch too soon after the scrambled egg (although today it was 3 hours later) or whether he should be eating smaller amounts all the time etc. He is resting now. Will report back in the morning.
Anne x x
Thursday morning April 15th
Hi there
This morning Jerry had a second swallow test, which confirmed that all is well and he has no leaks. Good news! He was also told that he would probably be discharged on Sunday or Monday. No more info yet about the platelets and possible infection.
Amy is visiting this afternoon.
Bye for now
Anne x x
This morning Jerry had a second swallow test, which confirmed that all is well and he has no leaks. Good news! He was also told that he would probably be discharged on Sunday or Monday. No more info yet about the platelets and possible infection.
Amy is visiting this afternoon.
Bye for now
Anne x x
Wednesday 14 April 2010
Weds evening April 14th - from Anne
Hello all readers
This morning Jerry had been having some pain when he ate or drank, accompanied with some burping. He was given painkillers for this which removed the pain successfully. Later, when I arrived in the early afternoon, he drank some water successfully ie without pain. From then on he drank about a litre of water over three hours. He was really pleased about this because it means he won't have to have his drip reinstated. He later ate more yogurt and had some more of his current favourite food - hospital tomato soup!
Because he had some pain, the doctors have rescheduled another swallow test. This is just to make sure everything is ok. They don't think he is leaking but will do it anyway now.
This afternoon they took a blood test and have discovered that he has a slightly raised level of platelets which implies he might have an infection so they are keeping an eye on this.
Overall, Jerry was in good spirits and is able to walk about normally and feels good. Three of us went to the cafe and had a good chat.
Jerry probably won't be coming home in the next day or two - so he can be monitored for the infection etc.
Watch this space for news of when he goes home!
Bye folks
Anne x
This morning Jerry had been having some pain when he ate or drank, accompanied with some burping. He was given painkillers for this which removed the pain successfully. Later, when I arrived in the early afternoon, he drank some water successfully ie without pain. From then on he drank about a litre of water over three hours. He was really pleased about this because it means he won't have to have his drip reinstated. He later ate more yogurt and had some more of his current favourite food - hospital tomato soup!
Because he had some pain, the doctors have rescheduled another swallow test. This is just to make sure everything is ok. They don't think he is leaking but will do it anyway now.
This afternoon they took a blood test and have discovered that he has a slightly raised level of platelets which implies he might have an infection so they are keeping an eye on this.
Overall, Jerry was in good spirits and is able to walk about normally and feels good. Three of us went to the cafe and had a good chat.
Jerry probably won't be coming home in the next day or two - so he can be monitored for the infection etc.
Watch this space for news of when he goes home!
Bye folks
Anne x
Tuesday 13 April 2010
Tuesday evening 13th April - from Rocco and Vida
Hi
We visited Jerry Tuesday evening from about 6.30 to 8.00. When we got there Jerry was in some distress with a lot of pain. He also felt bad because he thought things had been going so well and now there was a setback. Apparently Jerry had scrambled egg this morning which he really enjoyed. Then this evening at about 5pm he had broccolli with cheese sauce and said he immediately felt a reaction. He got to a point where he couldn't even have any water. He took a sip just after we arrived and immediately ran to the toilet to get sick. The pain was not going away. He had been given paracetamol dissolved in water before we came but said he couldn't swallow it. We encouraged him to call the nurse and this time he was given an injection of a strong painkiller at 7pm. After about 20 minutes Jerry began to feel better and was much more cheerful when we left at 8pm and we were swapping jokes. We were speculating about what had caused his pain and perhaps his digestive system could handle the food previously but the broccolli and cheese was too much too soon. Who knows. At 8pm Jerry tried some water again and this time it was fine. So we hope that although Jerry felt bad initially, things will now improve again. He will see if he can talk to the nutritionist tomorrow.
Jerry had asked for some things, which we were able to bring him i.e. some yoghurt, fruit juice and soya drinks. We hope he can enjoy these again tomorrow. We talked quite a lot about food and Jerry is glad that his interest in food is still very much there.There was talk of Jerry being discharged tomorrow or Thursday. Jerry thinks tomorrow might be too soon, so it looks more like Thursday.
Rocco & Vida
We visited Jerry Tuesday evening from about 6.30 to 8.00. When we got there Jerry was in some distress with a lot of pain. He also felt bad because he thought things had been going so well and now there was a setback. Apparently Jerry had scrambled egg this morning which he really enjoyed. Then this evening at about 5pm he had broccolli with cheese sauce and said he immediately felt a reaction. He got to a point where he couldn't even have any water. He took a sip just after we arrived and immediately ran to the toilet to get sick. The pain was not going away. He had been given paracetamol dissolved in water before we came but said he couldn't swallow it. We encouraged him to call the nurse and this time he was given an injection of a strong painkiller at 7pm. After about 20 minutes Jerry began to feel better and was much more cheerful when we left at 8pm and we were swapping jokes. We were speculating about what had caused his pain and perhaps his digestive system could handle the food previously but the broccolli and cheese was too much too soon. Who knows. At 8pm Jerry tried some water again and this time it was fine. So we hope that although Jerry felt bad initially, things will now improve again. He will see if he can talk to the nutritionist tomorrow.
Jerry had asked for some things, which we were able to bring him i.e. some yoghurt, fruit juice and soya drinks. We hope he can enjoy these again tomorrow. We talked quite a lot about food and Jerry is glad that his interest in food is still very much there.There was talk of Jerry being discharged tomorrow or Thursday. Jerry thinks tomorrow might be too soon, so it looks more like Thursday.
Rocco & Vida
Monday 12 April 2010
Monday evening April 12th
Hello again
Jerry continues to make progress. Today - two major milestones. He had his drip removed and he began to eat. He had tomato soup - which he said was the best soup ever made! Luckily it was made just like his mother used to make it. Then he had ice cream.
The doctors said he might even go home Weds - but even if it isn't Weds, it won't be long.
Jerry is in good spirits. He heard a great farming program early today about a 62-year old autistic woman who can solve all sorts of practical problems that are difficult for others.
He is planning all sorts of liquid and semi-liquid food meals!!!
He also had three wonderful phone calls with friends that he enjoyed very much.
Bye for now.
Anne
Jerry continues to make progress. Today - two major milestones. He had his drip removed and he began to eat. He had tomato soup - which he said was the best soup ever made! Luckily it was made just like his mother used to make it. Then he had ice cream.
The doctors said he might even go home Weds - but even if it isn't Weds, it won't be long.
Jerry is in good spirits. He heard a great farming program early today about a 62-year old autistic woman who can solve all sorts of practical problems that are difficult for others.
He is planning all sorts of liquid and semi-liquid food meals!!!
He also had three wonderful phone calls with friends that he enjoyed very much.
Bye for now.
Anne
Sunday 11 April 2010
Sunday evening 11th April
Hello everyone
Jerry continues to do well. He has increased the amount of water that he is drinking and I think this week he will begin to take other things.
He has had a bit of trouble sleeping at night but is managing to sleep in the day. He is particularly enjoying the early morning farming programs and listening to Russian music on his new radio.
They think he will be in hospital for about another week.
He is really enjoying his visitors. It makes a big difference to him.
Best Wishes to all
Anne x x
Jerry continues to do well. He has increased the amount of water that he is drinking and I think this week he will begin to take other things.
He has had a bit of trouble sleeping at night but is managing to sleep in the day. He is particularly enjoying the early morning farming programs and listening to Russian music on his new radio.
They think he will be in hospital for about another week.
He is really enjoying his visitors. It makes a big difference to him.
Best Wishes to all
Anne x x
Saturday 10 April 2010
Friday 9th April - from Reg and Mecki
(Sorry, this was placed in my spam folder so is a bit late - Anne)
Hi Everyone,
Reg and I were due to visit Jerry this afternoon but as we'd both developed colds we thought we'd better not go ahead with this.
Word of caution: I left messages on Jerry's 07553953637 no. to tell him we couldn't make it but he has a new phone (07753615700). In the end Jerry rang us, wondering whether we'd got lost in the backstreets of Leeds.
He sounded very well and delighted with today's news that his internal pipework seems to have healed, as visible on a scan and that from later today or tomorrow, at the latest, the nil by mouth time will be over. Things will kick off with no more than a sip of water but a milestone has been reached. He reckons he will be in hospital for another week.
Reg and Mecki
Hi Everyone,
Reg and I were due to visit Jerry this afternoon but as we'd both developed colds we thought we'd better not go ahead with this.
Word of caution: I left messages on Jerry's 07553953637 no. to tell him we couldn't make it but he has a new phone (07753615700). In the end Jerry rang us, wondering whether we'd got lost in the backstreets of Leeds.
He sounded very well and delighted with today's news that his internal pipework seems to have healed, as visible on a scan and that from later today or tomorrow, at the latest, the nil by mouth time will be over. Things will kick off with no more than a sip of water but a milestone has been reached. He reckons he will be in hospital for another week.
Reg and Mecki
Friday 9 April 2010
Friday 9th April - evening update
Hello again
I saw Jerry tonight and he is really thrilled about the swallow test result, having NO leaks in his digestive plumbing. He sees this as a real milestone in his recovery. While I was there he began his new eating regime, starting with 30ml/hour of water - a tiny little glass that he has to sip. It will all increase slowly from here.
He looked really good, better than he has done for months. He is skinny as he has not eaten now for 10 days but it doesn't seem to be making any difference. He feels good. He puts it down to his rigid alkaline diet that he took for 3 months and will continue with, getting more exercise and seeing lots of friends, which kept his spirit up. The radiographer said that she thought he looked surprisingly good for someone who had their operation just a week ago.
Jerry seems to have a new calm air. He is now completely mobile, although he has to take his drip with him everywhere.
Today I took him in a portable radio so he is busy looking up the programmes to listen to.
I also take him in a print-out of all your comments on the blog.
He loves getting his visitors.
That's all for now folks.
Anne x x x
I saw Jerry tonight and he is really thrilled about the swallow test result, having NO leaks in his digestive plumbing. He sees this as a real milestone in his recovery. While I was there he began his new eating regime, starting with 30ml/hour of water - a tiny little glass that he has to sip. It will all increase slowly from here.
He looked really good, better than he has done for months. He is skinny as he has not eaten now for 10 days but it doesn't seem to be making any difference. He feels good. He puts it down to his rigid alkaline diet that he took for 3 months and will continue with, getting more exercise and seeing lots of friends, which kept his spirit up. The radiographer said that she thought he looked surprisingly good for someone who had their operation just a week ago.
Jerry seems to have a new calm air. He is now completely mobile, although he has to take his drip with him everywhere.
Today I took him in a portable radio so he is busy looking up the programmes to listen to.
I also take him in a print-out of all your comments on the blog.
He loves getting his visitors.
That's all for now folks.
Anne x x x
Swallow test
Hello All
Jerry has had his swallow test and there were no leaks. Great! His pipes have healed ok.
Bye for now
Anne x x
Jerry has had his swallow test and there were no leaks. Great! His pipes have healed ok.
Bye for now
Anne x x
Friday 9th April early afternoon
Hello everyone
Jerry is having his swallow test at 15.30 uk time. Lets wish him luck with it. I will report on the outcome later. He will have a dye to see if his insides have healed enough to begin taking something in through his mouth.
Generally, Jerry is in good spirits - he is a bit of a wonder man.
Report back later.
Anne x x x
Jerry is having his swallow test at 15.30 uk time. Lets wish him luck with it. I will report on the outcome later. He will have a dye to see if his insides have healed enough to begin taking something in through his mouth.
Generally, Jerry is in good spirits - he is a bit of a wonder man.
Report back later.
Anne x x x
Wednesday 7 April 2010
Weds evening 7th April - From Rocco
Vida & Rocco saw jerry this evening (Wed 7th April) and Jerry continues to look good and improve.
He is now off the major painkillers and only has a paracetamol drip. So no more hallucinations.
He was moved last night to the regular ward and finds it more comfortable. He now has his own pyjamas and is glad to get rid of the open-at-the back garb. Jerry was able to get out of bed unaided whilst we were then and trundle his drip dolly to the toilet.
In the next couple of days Jerry will be given a swallow test to make sure that all the plumbing has healed properly, and assuming it has given his good progress, then he will start to slowly get some drinks.
Can't keep a good man down.
He is now off the major painkillers and only has a paracetamol drip. So no more hallucinations.
He was moved last night to the regular ward and finds it more comfortable. He now has his own pyjamas and is glad to get rid of the open-at-the back garb. Jerry was able to get out of bed unaided whilst we were then and trundle his drip dolly to the toilet.
In the next couple of days Jerry will be given a swallow test to make sure that all the plumbing has healed properly, and assuming it has given his good progress, then he will start to slowly get some drinks.
Can't keep a good man down.
Wednesday 7th April 2010
Hi All
Jerry continues to progress. This morning he had his first shower – he walked unaided as well! He is now in his own pyjamas and really likes that.
More later.
Anne x
Jerry continues to progress. This morning he had his first shower – he walked unaided as well! He is now in his own pyjamas and really likes that.
More later.
Anne x
Tuesday 6 April 2010
Tuesday 6th April (late)
Hello All
Jerry was ok tonight, with pain more or less gone. He did move to the ordinary ward (82) eventually today and continues to do well, getting out of bed and sitting on the chair. He is still not eating but will have a test on Thursday to check that he is healing ok inside. They will use a dye.
He can now receive a signal on his phones. If you ring, please don't phone too late at night or early in the morning. Jerry has visitors both visiting times tomorrow.
Anne x x
Jerry was ok tonight, with pain more or less gone. He did move to the ordinary ward (82) eventually today and continues to do well, getting out of bed and sitting on the chair. He is still not eating but will have a test on Thursday to check that he is healing ok inside. They will use a dye.
He can now receive a signal on his phones. If you ring, please don't phone too late at night or early in the morning. Jerry has visitors both visiting times tomorrow.
Anne x x
Tuesday evening April 6th
FYI everybody
Today, Tuesday, it seems unlikely that Jerry is moving today as they are still waiting for a bed to become available for him out of the high dependency ward.
He said that he has no mobile reception in the ward he is currently on but you can ring him on
113 206 7845.
I had a brief conversation and he was extremely positive and 'chipper'. I was going to visit tonight but I am not very well so I will not risk sharing my viruses.
I will phone him later about 7.30 Tues eve, I will pass on more then.
Adam
Today, Tuesday, it seems unlikely that Jerry is moving today as they are still waiting for a bed to become available for him out of the high dependency ward.
He said that he has no mobile reception in the ward he is currently on but you can ring him on
113 206 7845.
I had a brief conversation and he was extremely positive and 'chipper'. I was going to visit tonight but I am not very well so I will not risk sharing my viruses.
I will phone him later about 7.30 Tues eve, I will pass on more then.
Adam
Monday 5 April 2010
Monday April 5th
Hello Everyone
This morning I rang up Leeds hospital and asked how Jerry was and the nurse replied 'Very well, he is probably going back to the ordinary ward soon, probably tomorrow" (he is currently in High Dependency). That was good news. Then, this afternoon, I went to visit Jerry with Robin and Terry was there also when we arrived. Jerry really does look good with lots of colour in his face. I took a notebook so he could write some poetry. I have also taken his iPod and his cuddly otter from Alaska.
Jerry has had three tubes removed today, leaving only the saline and a small amount of analgesic so he is very relieved about that. When we were there he had his first pee, and was very happy and relieved to do that. He had had a catheter up to now. So, things are looking good.
He is in a small amount of pain in his abdomen but manages that ok. He is now having small doses of an opium derivative so still has some hallucinations. He really likes them. He puts his sleeping mask on and immediately can see vivid images of different things. Today he saw scraggly-haired women in a black and white polka-dot babushka! The other day he was seeing bas-relief sculptures and line drawings of faces. He enjoys them a lot.
He is asking people to slow him down when he talks too animatedly – to conserve some energy. He has now not eaten since last Tuesday but is doing so well. He doesn't feel hungry and we are wondering whether hunger is governed by the presence of a stomach. Perhaps he will never feel hungry again.
Tomorrow, Terry and Adam will visit – at different times. If Jerry is back in the main ward he will be in ward 82 with a return to the visiting hours of 2-4 and 6-8.
Best Wishes
Anne x x
Sunday 4 April 2010
Sunday 4th April
Hi All
Jerry had a good night last night. He actually slept. The nurses said he is 'doing very well'.
They have removed the epidural from his spine. This was causing his blood pressure to be low and his pressure has subsequently risen to normal now. However, without the morphine he no longer has his hallucinations – aaawww!! He misses them.
He got out of bed this morning and sat in a chair for quite a long time. He has a small amount of pain in his abdomen as they have removed the major painkiller but is in very good spirits.
Bye for now
Anne x
Jerry had a good night last night. He actually slept. The nurses said he is 'doing very well'.
They have removed the epidural from his spine. This was causing his blood pressure to be low and his pressure has subsequently risen to normal now. However, without the morphine he no longer has his hallucinations – aaawww!! He misses them.
He got out of bed this morning and sat in a chair for quite a long time. He has a small amount of pain in his abdomen as they have removed the major painkiller but is in very good spirits.
Bye for now
Anne x
Saturday 3 April 2010
Saturday evening (from Vida and Rocco)
Vida and Rocco visited Jerry. He was is good spirits even though he had not slept for a few nights due to the noise and hallucinations. He is back in the main part of the high dependency ward and he says it's like Grand Central Station at night. He had however managed to sleep during the day on Saturday.
Jerry looked extremely well and said he has enjoyed seeing all his visitors. He managed to sit for 30 minutes in a chair today but needed to return to bed as it lowered his blood pressure too much.
Jerry continues to express how pleased he is that the operation is over and wants to live his life to the full.He was given a nebuliser as a preventative measure as we were leaving. He seemed to be breathing without any difficulty.
Generally it was a very positive visit with Jerry.
PS Note Jerry is in the Bexley wing, not the Lincoln wing. It is the big bluish-green modern highrise and he is in ward 81.
Jerry looked extremely well and said he has enjoyed seeing all his visitors. He managed to sit for 30 minutes in a chair today but needed to return to bed as it lowered his blood pressure too much.
Jerry continues to express how pleased he is that the operation is over and wants to live his life to the full.He was given a nebuliser as a preventative measure as we were leaving. He seemed to be breathing without any difficulty.
Generally it was a very positive visit with Jerry.
PS Note Jerry is in the Bexley wing, not the Lincoln wing. It is the big bluish-green modern highrise and he is in ward 81.
Saturday afternoon (Amy)
Hey dudes/ettes. I went with Annette to visit Jerry today (Saturday) at around 3pm and stayed until 6 this evening. After many moments being lost in the hospital I managed to find Jerry and when I did he was asleep, but I soon changed that. He was very chirpy, although a little concerned about his low blood pressure. However, they are able to give him a drug to keep it at a safe level. Nonetheless, Jerry had no difficulty in playing the game of Consequences and talking about the amazing hallucinations that he is experiencing at the moment whenever he shuts his eyes (due to the morphine)
Jerry is managing to keep a positive outlook on things. I can tell that he greatly appreciates the company of his friends and the fact that so many people are sending him good thoughts... By the time we left, he was laughing…
Amy xx
Jerry is managing to keep a positive outlook on things. I can tell that he greatly appreciates the company of his friends and the fact that so many people are sending him good thoughts... By the time we left, he was laughing…
Amy xx
Friday 2 April 2010
Friday Evening (Day after surgery)
Hi All
I saw Jerry today and he is doing very well. He is all wired up but looks very good. He is not in pain but is having a few hallucinations from the morphine – which he likes!! He is now in the high dependency unit, which is very, very impressive. Haven't seen anything like it.
However, although there is quite a distance between patients in the ward, Jerry said he did not sleep at all last night because his neighbour was shouting continually. He talked to the nurses and is now in his own room – huge, about 50 sq m. He is like a king in the middle of it. It is really an isolation ward but is his for now. He is wearing the anti-embolism socks and the bed vibrates to prevent bedsores. He has a video player next to his bed and huge monitors display all his vital measurements on a big screen all the time. The staff are very good.
His blood pressure was low so they gave him a drug to increase it and it's ok now. Tomorrow they will get him out of bed. He is currently nil by mouth.
He was very chatty today and enjoyed receiving visitors. He has started to read a book that Clive gave him and is enjoying it very much –about the Celts.
He says he is very happy to be alive and now has a different view of life. He is aware of how precious life is and that you are only living at the moment you are in.
Note for visitors – the High Dependency Unit is Ward 81 and the visiting hours are 2.30 to 7.30 - different to Ward 82.
Bye for now
Anne x x
I saw Jerry today and he is doing very well. He is all wired up but looks very good. He is not in pain but is having a few hallucinations from the morphine – which he likes!! He is now in the high dependency unit, which is very, very impressive. Haven't seen anything like it.
However, although there is quite a distance between patients in the ward, Jerry said he did not sleep at all last night because his neighbour was shouting continually. He talked to the nurses and is now in his own room – huge, about 50 sq m. He is like a king in the middle of it. It is really an isolation ward but is his for now. He is wearing the anti-embolism socks and the bed vibrates to prevent bedsores. He has a video player next to his bed and huge monitors display all his vital measurements on a big screen all the time. The staff are very good.
His blood pressure was low so they gave him a drug to increase it and it's ok now. Tomorrow they will get him out of bed. He is currently nil by mouth.
He was very chatty today and enjoyed receiving visitors. He has started to read a book that Clive gave him and is enjoying it very much –about the Celts.
He says he is very happy to be alive and now has a different view of life. He is aware of how precious life is and that you are only living at the moment you are in.
Note for visitors – the High Dependency Unit is Ward 81 and the visiting hours are 2.30 to 7.30 - different to Ward 82.
Bye for now
Anne x x
Structure of the Blog
Hi Everyone
This blog is a bit confusing so I will explain the structure for you all. It is not completely ideal as it is a blog structure, but it is what could be achieved in 5 minutes earlier this week! I think we can continue to work with it.
The blog has an owner (me, Anne). Although everyone can post a comment, I am the only person who can post new messages to the blog. Messages are what appear at the top of the blog when you load the page.
The titles of all the messages posted by me can be viewed in the lower half of the left-column on the web-page. If you click on one of these you can then view that message.
At the bottom of each message, you can view any comments to that message that others have posted. At the very bottom of the message page, you may post a comment to THAT MESSAGE. This can only be viewed by people who look at that message and scroll down.
So, to see what everyone else is posting, scroll down when you view a message, then post a comment yourself if you want to.
It means that you have to look at all messages to see all comments but if we don't keep making comments to very old messages, things should not get lost.
If you want to submit a new MESSAGE ie the text that appears at the top of the blog, you can send it to me and I can then post it as a new message.
When I see Jerry, I take a printout of all comments you have made.
Hope this is clear. If not please let me know.
Anne x x
This blog is a bit confusing so I will explain the structure for you all. It is not completely ideal as it is a blog structure, but it is what could be achieved in 5 minutes earlier this week! I think we can continue to work with it.
The blog has an owner (me, Anne). Although everyone can post a comment, I am the only person who can post new messages to the blog. Messages are what appear at the top of the blog when you load the page.
The titles of all the messages posted by me can be viewed in the lower half of the left-column on the web-page. If you click on one of these you can then view that message.
At the bottom of each message, you can view any comments to that message that others have posted. At the very bottom of the message page, you may post a comment to THAT MESSAGE. This can only be viewed by people who look at that message and scroll down.
So, to see what everyone else is posting, scroll down when you view a message, then post a comment yourself if you want to.
It means that you have to look at all messages to see all comments but if we don't keep making comments to very old messages, things should not get lost.
If you want to submit a new MESSAGE ie the text that appears at the top of the blog, you can send it to me and I can then post it as a new message.
When I see Jerry, I take a printout of all comments you have made.
Hope this is clear. If not please let me know.
Anne x x
Thursday 1 April 2010
From Clive
This is a message from Clive who saw Jerry Thursday evening:
Hello everyone - I visited Jerry late this afternoon (Thursday) soon after he had come round from his operation. He looks great - good colour; very animated and feeling good.He said that his message was "he's feeling over the moon - he's survived the operation" which he never thought he would do!
I was also there when the surgeon came round. His view was that everything was going according to plan and the operation had gone well. They had not removed the spleen which Jerry was worried about. The surgeon's comment to Jerry was that everything was fine and he should just relax (no comment!!).
He is currently in the high dependency unit in St James's (Leeds) but despite it's name the ward is great - modern, very spacious and comfortable, NO TELEVISONS etc. He has lots of wires coming out of him and he is so animated the one on his finger keeps falling off resulting in the monitor seeming to announce his death! You can tell he seems remarkably well despite what the monitor says!
He looks well and is in great spirits. All he wanted was my strawberry lip balm as his were dry!
Best wishes to all of you
Clive
Hello everyone - I visited Jerry late this afternoon (Thursday) soon after he had come round from his operation. He looks great - good colour; very animated and feeling good.He said that his message was "he's feeling over the moon - he's survived the operation" which he never thought he would do!
I was also there when the surgeon came round. His view was that everything was going according to plan and the operation had gone well. They had not removed the spleen which Jerry was worried about. The surgeon's comment to Jerry was that everything was fine and he should just relax (no comment!!).
He is currently in the high dependency unit in St James's (Leeds) but despite it's name the ward is great - modern, very spacious and comfortable, NO TELEVISONS etc. He has lots of wires coming out of him and he is so animated the one on his finger keeps falling off resulting in the monitor seeming to announce his death! You can tell he seems remarkably well despite what the monitor says!
He looks well and is in great spirits. All he wanted was my strawberry lip balm as his were dry!
Best wishes to all of you
Clive
After the operation
Hello all
Jerry has woken up from his operation and I have just spoken to him. He sounds as bright as a button even though he is not fully recovered from the anaesthetic. I've left him to have a rest now until later. He has had an epidural and doesn't have any pain. The operation took 4 hours.
More info tomorrow after I have seen him.
Anne x
Jerry has woken up from his operation and I have just spoken to him. He sounds as bright as a button even though he is not fully recovered from the anaesthetic. I've left him to have a rest now until later. He has had an epidural and doesn't have any pain. The operation took 4 hours.
More info tomorrow after I have seen him.
Anne x
Wednesday 31 March 2010
Weds night
Hello all
Jerry went into hospital yesterday (Tuesday) after having eaten extremely well all day and having really enjoyed his last big meals for a while. He is in Leeds St James in a very new wing and it is very spacious and calm. There are no televisions in his ward and it is not too hot. It is like a luxury hotel. He has chatted with his room mates and had a good night and was relaxed today. Allthe nursing staff have been very kind.
This afternoon he had a procedure to install a filter in a vein below his heart to prevent any blood clots from harming him during his operation on Thursday. All went very well and Jerry now knows all the details about the procedure, having followed it all with great interest. He was very impressed by the doctor that performed the procedure and could not speak more highly of him. All this is great preparation for his operation, I think.
He looked really good this evening when I saw him - better than he has done for a while. He has not been able to eat today but had a lot of colour and was enjoying his drinks. He had another visitor after me and I have recently spoken to him and he is very relaxed now. The doctors will do their rounds earlyish tomorrow - 8.30 am so Jerry expects to begin his gastrectomy in the morning. It will be a long affair - about 6 hours and he thinks he will be out and conscious about 4.30pm.
After the operation he will go to the High Dependency Unit for as long as necessary. He will then return to the normal ward.
I will keep you updated.
Love from Anne x
Jerry went into hospital yesterday (Tuesday) after having eaten extremely well all day and having really enjoyed his last big meals for a while. He is in Leeds St James in a very new wing and it is very spacious and calm. There are no televisions in his ward and it is not too hot. It is like a luxury hotel. He has chatted with his room mates and had a good night and was relaxed today. Allthe nursing staff have been very kind.
This afternoon he had a procedure to install a filter in a vein below his heart to prevent any blood clots from harming him during his operation on Thursday. All went very well and Jerry now knows all the details about the procedure, having followed it all with great interest. He was very impressed by the doctor that performed the procedure and could not speak more highly of him. All this is great preparation for his operation, I think.
He looked really good this evening when I saw him - better than he has done for a while. He has not been able to eat today but had a lot of colour and was enjoying his drinks. He had another visitor after me and I have recently spoken to him and he is very relaxed now. The doctors will do their rounds earlyish tomorrow - 8.30 am so Jerry expects to begin his gastrectomy in the morning. It will be a long affair - about 6 hours and he thinks he will be out and conscious about 4.30pm.
After the operation he will go to the High Dependency Unit for as long as necessary. He will then return to the normal ward.
I will keep you updated.
Love from Anne x
Sunday 28 March 2010
From Jerry.........
Thank you for all your kind thoughts. They really help maintain my positive attitude towards my future after the operation. Keep sending those vibes. From Jerry. x
Saturday 27 March 2010
Hello everyone
This is a new blog so I will just post basic information.
You can all post comments also if you want to, or just look here for the latest news.
Jerry has received news about his operation. He will go into St James' Hospital in Leeds on Tuesday 29th March, and have his gastrectomy on Thursday 1st April.
He is doing well so far. He is trying to eat as much as possible to keep his weight up before the operation.
Back Soon
Anne x x
This is a new blog so I will just post basic information.
You can all post comments also if you want to, or just look here for the latest news.
Jerry has received news about his operation. He will go into St James' Hospital in Leeds on Tuesday 29th March, and have his gastrectomy on Thursday 1st April.
He is doing well so far. He is trying to eat as much as possible to keep his weight up before the operation.
Back Soon
Anne x x
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