midwife's muse

Back to basics?

Quick update on SIL. Re-admitted yesterday as his condition had deteriorated ++, he was very poorly, only bed they could find was in a private room, with the infection he has rampaging at the moment that is the best place for him.

Son has gone off to USA on holiday with rumours rife that he and partner of 7 years will return a married couple. Yes, I'm rather tearful, but it's their life, their wedding and I would be tearful if I was there, at least this way we escape the traumas of the wedding arrangements. I went round yesterday with the video camera and told them to do what is best for them, as long as they film it! Anyway, they know I'm just an old weepy and we can have a celebration when they get back.

Work on Friday was sad. Clinic in the morning is always busy, and this week was no exception, nothing out of the ordinary though, but then I started my visits. One of them was to a 16 year old who had a baby last week, 2 weeks after finding out she was pregnant. She cannot remember having sex but her Mother remembers an incident around Christmas when T arrived home extremely drunk and very dishevelled, they believe she may have been attacked. Baby went immediately for adoption, very sad really, I question whether the decision was made too hastily, but it's not my daughter, or my life. Anyway, round I went to check that T was recovering OK from the birth. Emotionally she appeared in good spirits but commented that her stitches were more painful so I asked if I could check them out. Ouch. They had performed an episiotomy, cut her, for the ventouse delivery and the sutures had gone and the wound was broken down. I explained gently what had happened and that I was returning to the hospital and would contact them when I had spoken to the Docs. After discussion with Docs she was asked to come in for them to assess and decide on a course of action. I wnt off, did another couple of visits and returned to the hospital so that I could be there when she was reviewed. They have put her on antibiotics, but also taken a swab, as there is an infection, and initially they said lets just see what happens. I wasn't happy, this is a 16 year old girl, who is already under huge psychological stress, you don't just tell her that the cut we made to help get the baby, she has given up out, has not healed, give her antibiotics and cast her adrift. After a little chat with the Registrar it was agreed that the situation shopuld be reviewed in a week and that if the infection has cleared they will resuture if the wound requires it. I'm visiting her tomorrow, support as much as anything else.

10.9.06 12:35