I thought David was a little better today until I saw him try to move. Even the getting to the side of the bed to transfer to the chair was not possible without help. Sats are still only maintained while on oxygen and they prefer him to use the commode (which he does not like) rather than try to get to the toilet. But mentally it’s all still there. The doctors arrived on their rounds while I was there and he had a list of written questions for them. He was really trying to find out where we are in the treatment process and when will it be palliative care only. There were, unsurprisingly, no definitive answers but my summary is:
The bloods don’t yet indicate that the new Auntie B’s are having any effect but they say the bloods can lag behind what’s really happening and he does seem more mentally alert and able to converse.
They want to give the stronger Auntie B’s a couple more days. After that they say the microbiologists may be able to come up with something, but to me it sounds as if straws are being clutched at.
He doesn’t seem to be having any undue pain – so the meds seem to be effective there. But he's clearly feeling some discomfort in the back and the nights are worse with no distractions to take the mind off what’s going on.
And the immobility is taking it’s toll – whether it’s lying in bed or sitting in a chair, after a while he needs to change position and relieve the pressure, although there is no sign of pressure sores. Also worse at night I would guess.
He is eating – usually a third or a half of what’s put in front of him. And the
plumbing, with the help of Laxido, seems to be OK, although reflecting the reduced input.
I’m feeling a bit helpless. I go in every day. A gentle back rub or back scratch seems to be really comforting.