We weren't planning on coming home until Saturday....or Sunday, or even Monday. However, yesterday morning husband said his elbow felt 'funny' - sort of itchy and uncomfortable he said when I pressed him for an explanation of 'funny'. Looked alright to me. However, throughout the day it started swelling up and by the evening it looked like he had half a red-coloured tennis ball stuck on his elbow, it felt warm to touch and he said it felt sore and uncomfortable. There doesn't appear to be a bite or sting mark on it, upon googling it seems it could be bursitis, which can apparently become septic and infected and need draining and antibiotics. So we decided to come home this morning, just in case he needs any treatment - I'd rather be home here where I have help available from neighbours if need be, than stranded in a caravan park with only a very few neighbours, whom we've only just met. I kept putting a cold compress on husband's elbow throughout the evening, to see if that reduced the swelling (it didn't). Rang the GP when we got home, who asked for us to send a photo of husband's elbow, which I've done. Seems that even though the Government have said face to face medical appointments should resume, our surgery have no intention of doing so (they've said as much) unless absolutely necessary. Now just have to wait for the GP to actually look at the photo and make a decision!
Betty's been shaking her head quite a bit over the last day or two as well, which usually means the start of another ear infection, although her ears currently look very clean, one of them is a bit warm, though. So we might have to take her to the vet again come Monday.
We've had a really nice time, got some work done - the kitchen walls have had their final coat, half the bathroom has been wallpapered and the small bedroom cleared out ready for decorating the next time we go back. We've also had a good look at the garden and made a few plans for it.....there's now plenty of space around the back of the van, so the side fenced area could be extended round the back, it's already paved round there (which we didn't previously know as it was covered with overgrown shrubs and tons of scrap wood!).
The site owner and partner came to look in the van yesterday evening, to see what we'd done so far - they were mightily impressed. So much so that he's asked me to send him before and after photos so he can include them in the next Park newsletter and says we'll be this season's Star Vanners! (a lighthearted thing he does every year, apparently). Met a few more owners and had several offers of coffee and/or beer/wine, it's all very social and friendly, we couldn't have picked a nicer place.
It's been very hot in the caravan, we have one small fan there but definitely need another (or a bigger) one. Our neighbours 2 vans away, lovely couple P & D in their 60s, said when it's very hot overnight they sleep outside on their veranda in sun loungers! Don't think I'd be brave enough to do that, I'd probably get bitten to death by mozzies anyway 😂 Plus I sleep naked.....I hope P & D don't!! 😳😳😂
We have a couple of appointments here early/mid week, so plan on going back to the caravan either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning.....hopefully next time we'll be able to stay a bit longer if nothing else happens!
EDITED TO ADD
Having looked at the photo I sent, the GP says he can't see any evidence of a bite or sting, so he thinks it must be an infection. He's made out a prescription for antibiotics and told husband to keep taking antihistamine tablets. I hope they work, seeing as it's the weekend coming up! I do worry about things being missed if we only get diagnoses via phone or photo.
2ND EDIT
The swelling has increased and moved down husband's arm. He had another phone conversation with the GP who, having previously told husband to collect a written prescription but only get it filled if the swelling didn't go, is now saying he should go to the surgery to get the prescription filled and start taking the antibiotics immediately. He also said if it gets worse over the weekend, he should ring 111 straight away. And he still doesn't need to see husband! (or so he says).
I'm really sorry you've had to cut your stay short, especially just as the weather improves. Not as sorry as 'Him out' is, I am sure.
ReplyDeleteI hope the GP can help with something to alleviate the symptoms.
xx
Thanks Joy, still waiting for a phone call back. xx
DeleteYou might be right having looked it up. I did think tennis elbow but that doesn’t seem to produce a lump. Might have been doing too much. Don’t let the GP fob you off though. We have the same problem here with ours but they do still see people. I suffer from hip bursitis, very uncomfortable. Just started up with a trigger thumb:(
ReplyDeleteYes I have hip bursitis too, it's been agony the past couple of weeks. I just grit my teeth and ignore it as much as possible, I take co-codamol if I have to. What's trigger thumb? (will go and look it up).
DeleteAhh, I see....sounds painful!
DeleteIt is and it’s my dominant hand:(
DeleteI hope your husband is going to be okay and he gets to see a doctor.
ReplyDeleteI had to see the doctor 3 weeks ago for I had Carpel tunnel I phoned the doctor in the morning and had a chat with him and I went to the doctor in the afternoon and had an injection,, it's so frustrating that the doctors are so different. I am in a village and they are very good.
Hazel 🌈🌈
I had to smile at your neighbours who sleep outside. I thought i was the only strange one! I do too, in fact as i live in a bungalow I sleep right by the open patio door most of the year. Love to feel air on my head.
ReplyDeleteGood to see you are enjoying your van.
What a shame you've had to cut short your little break, but needs must. I hope Hubby's elbow soon heals and Betty's ears too. Never rains... I'm glad your neighbours are friendly. Sounds like you've picked a nice place. xx
ReplyDeletePerish the though of nuddies in the caravan park... or is it that kind of park? ooooo errrrr :-) Hope your hubby's elbow has improved. Often the chemist is every bit as good as the doctor, might be worth asking your local one to take a look.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cop out with these doctors. How on earth can you tell by a photo?
ReplyDeleteMy sister in law had a rash on her back and they asked for a photo, she is on her own, how is she supposed to take a photo of her back.
I do hope things turn out okay for hubby but I would go straight to A&E if you are worried.
Be thinking of you.
Briony
x
Just seen your second edit. Not good. As Briony says, if you're at all worried, go to A&E. Don't hesitate. Hope all turns out OK. xx
ReplyDeleteShakes head in despair. What has happened to our +NHS service that they no longer see cases like this? Really worrying.
ReplyDeletexx
Seeing a doctor these days is nigh impossible. I had a call from the surgery saying the doctor wanted to talk about my recent blood tests (3 days ago). It's now arranged for him to call me on 4th August! I'm probably not dying, then!
ReplyDelete