One step forward, two back...

Alan's recovery took a bit of a set back yesterday when he started to feel sick again.  He was awake most of the night and by this morning his right cheek was really swollen.  

We're not sure if it's an abscess as he won't open his mouth to let us look inside, but a similar thing happened after his surgery in 2016 and after examination by an Oral/Maxillofacial consultant then it was decided he had a strained jaw muscle from grinding his teeth and clenching his jaw.  Either way we felt he needed to be seen by a medic.

D contacted NHS24 and began the wait to speak to someone.  I contacted LeeAnne to say we wouldn't be able to come to Netherbyres as planned.  So sad as I've really been looking forward to going but there's no way I could go with Alan so unwell. 

After thinking it would take forever to speak to someone, David got through quite quickly and was advised someone from the dental team would call him back.  They duly did and said they would make an emergency appointment for Alan with a dentist and would call back and let us know where and when.  I thought this would prove difficult as not all dental surgeries are wheelchair accessible or have staff experienced in treating someone with Alan's level of disability.  I needn't have worried as they rang a short time later to advise he would be seen at Broxden Dental Practice in Perth at 11.15am.  That's actually his dental practice so it was a great relief. 

David, Blake and Alan set off.  The dentist couldn't get a proper look in Alan's mouth but prescribed antibiotics and painkillers and says the medication should calm things down.  He actually has a dental appointment on 18th when he will have the usual dose of diazepam prior to  the appointment so the dentist can examine him.  If he doesn't improve over the next couple of days we've to phone and get an earlier appointment.

So a quiet day.  

Alan watched tv and felt nauseous, David took Lola a walk on the moor (turned out to be a lovely afternoon weatherwise) and in between spending time with Alan I was in the studio painting on one of our old roof tiles.  It's 122 years old so I think I can call it vintage Victorian :-)). This is the first time I've painted on slate and I really enjoyed it. It was meant to be part of Esme's Christmas (she loves the garden) but I ran out of time.  I will seal it tomorrow and it will be able to stay outdoors in their garden.

So, not quite the day we expected.  Alan's now had two doses of antibiotic and his painkillers and seems more settled.  I hope he gets some sleep tonight.