Across the car park, boats and railway to the river

A view from my window - I have to lean out and use the telephoto lens - but even so - I can at least know if the tide is out. And in the other direction - lots of large logs seem to have washed down river looking a bit like Loch Ness (or rather Deben) monsters. Woodbridge busy with people walking around.

Back to proper blogs with pictures.

What I had

I had pneumonia - which is a rather catch-all term. I may have had it for some time as I had not been well for a couple of weeks.

It all got worse - I breathed in part of a calcium tablet on Sunday (20th Nov). I did eventually ring 999 on Monday morning (21st - about 4-00 am) because I could not breath.

I was treated for aspiration pneumonia - which is an inflammation of lungs and airways due to breathing in foreign material. I was treated with high flow oxygen support, antibiotcs and steriods. I felt out of it and my memory of the first week is hazy, even if I spoke and wrote letters! Treatment was gentle and I very slowly improved. I think I came very close to death - it felt so and several people hinted as much  - - - .

Eventually I went into a normal ward and gradually got weaned off the oxygen support and each day got a small bit better. But I was in hospital for nearly five weeks. I think I left on the right day as I could just function OK at home.

I am now at home. I am reducing the dose of steriod very gradually. I think the recovery period is going to be long - months even. The worse you get with pneumonia - the longer it takes - apparently. Until now I have sat around, had a lot of sleep and managed to eat nice food. Getting netbook back on line is an improvement - I am watching for the onset of boredom.

Lots of proper sleep and lots of peace, quiet and food seem to be doing good. Each day is slightly better. I am warned that recovery is a long process.

Sunrise over the Deben into my living room this morning.

I am now home - feeling feak and weeble but better for proper sleep and a lot of peace and quiet.

So this just to thank everyone for cards, letters, comments, contacts, good thoughts and much else -

Will post again soon - still not even thinking to looking at email!

hooray for life
XXXXX

Lorna is getting better

Just a quick note to say Lorna is on the mend and will be returning soon...

- Posted by Rhoda

Another 999 Ambulance

In Ipswich hospital - lung infection
Pretty zonked out
Will be in touch as usual when I have the strength

Posted by Rhoda on behalf of Lorna (who will hopefully soon be well enough to return herself and would love to receive cards or letters but no visitors yet)