A difficult Saturday

Today has not been the easiest of days. Wellington (and most of the North Island) experienced a violent storm today, with wind and rain lashing the city. It is expected to pass overnight. Paul has managed to eat some clear broth and jelly today, without vomiting or nausea, which is positive. Unfortunately, he is continuing to experience unpleasant bowel cramps (for which IV drugs offer relief). In addition, he has had diarrhea over the past 24 hours or so. This caused the hospital staff to test him for infection. The bad news is that he was diagnosed this afternoon with Clostridium difficile which is an infectious bacteria often picked up in hospital. As a result, he has been moved into his own room and isolated from other patients. Any visitors will need to wear gloves and a gown to see him, and will need to be scrupulous about washing their hands before and after visits.

Dad has enjoyed visits from his brother Jim and overseas friend Eiichi Fukushima for the past two days, as well as the company of Miang, his sister Mary and of course myself. Given the onset of this infection, we do think it may be best for visits to be kept to a minimum for the next few days, to allow Dad time to recover his strength. We hope you understand. If you have any questions, please email Catherine on catherine.callaghan@me.com or call her on her NZ mobile 021 02556381.