Further update...

As mum is in overnight at least so I took a wash bag over to the hospital before setting off for home and managed to speak to one of the night doctors while I was there. She told me mum is on precautionary antibiotics which is standard for such a case even though she doesn't have a temperature, and pain killers, plus she is on a drip to keep her fluids up and has an oxygen mask available which the nursing staff use intermittently. You'll recall that mum doesn't breathe very strongly when she is tired, weak and feint. Her blood oxygen content is a bit low even though the heart and blood pressure are fine. The doctor says the CT scan was not particularly conclusive in that it showed some abdominal fluid and a dilated bowel, indicating a blockage, but without locating anything obvious. They will continue to investigate tomorrow - another scan probably - and more likely than not will go forward conservatively, using suppositories, laxatives and the like. Ultimately it is the day team who will decide what the next course of action is to be and the doctor suggested they would not be making decisions until after the morning rounds between 8am and 10am. I said I would phone at break time tomorrow to get an update.

Nice speaking to you on Skype Julian. Gary's forward is great and the whole thing looks beautiful so far. Well done all for phoning in and keeping dad company. He seems alright and needs a good night's sleep. As for mum, she is stable and being looked after and was sleeping when I left an hour ago or so. Not very comfortable of course, but she was able to make a few weak answers and was clearly relieved that Jan and I were able to drop by earlier and make contact.

I'll phone someone tomorrow and get them to post the news on the blog as I cannot get access for posting to it across the school's firewall.

Night all

Pete