Into the unknown

It was an early start to a bit of a strange day. Up to Manchester for 7:30 and first on the routine list for dilatation #14. Because of COVID Owen's had no nursery for 2 weeks, then a swab on Monday, followed by all of us having to isolate completely for 3 days. Then only one of us was allowed in the hospital with him today.

It was horrible watching them go as I dropped them off at the main entrance. All I could really do was kill some time by pumping up the car tyres and getting -McDonald's- breakfast. I got a call from Louisa to say she'd seen the surgeon and Owen was ready in his Pyjama Fairy robe* (nautical themed this time) and about to go down to theatre. We met up for a quick coffee once he'd gone in, although he was apparently a bit upset about the gas this time as he's so much more aware, then Louisa went back in to wait while I had a wander up the road waiting for news. It's absolutely heart wrenching not being able to be there, just waiting for a phone call, especially for when he's in recovery.

The site of the original surgery is looking good but there is some reflux related inflammation at the bottom of his oesophagus, and a bulge that may be due to a vein impacting. That means a return journey for a CT scan in a few weeks to see what's actually going on and, most likely, more wandering about feeling utterly helpless for me. At least this one was -relatively- routine; endoscopy, biopsies, recovery, done by 11 o'clock* and I was waiting outside for a big hug.