Sunday 30^th August 2020

Craig’s first night was a bit rough. I looked in on him when I woke up and he seemed to be sleeping but he somehow managed to break his sling.

Every couple of hours he needs to wash his face. The ointment he uses causes it to crystalise over his wounds. So washing it off has to be done carefully otherwise it feels like sandpaper. Bits of skin (specks rather than flaps) come off as well, so the process is slow, meticulous and very painful.

He then needs to reapply the paraffin ointment. On places where he’s particularly burnt it seems to be sucked up into his skin. His lips, nose and ear are especially bad.

The problem with his ear is that he can’t really see it, and so it’s down to me to do that and the back of his neck. These are some of the worst areas and I’ve had to rapidly get used to looking at his ear. I hate it that he flinches as I apply the ointment but I go as carefully and as gently as I can. I just hope we don’t have to do his arm as well after he goes back to the hospital tomorrow.

He’s still half doing jobs and it’s upset my rhythm as well. He’s restless so he’s starting loads of things. But has he fed the dog as well as the cats? Is that glass clean or does it need to be washed up?

Craig’s pretty good with recycling. He washes everything before putting it in the recycling bin. I tend to give things a quick wash under the tap. I feel bad but I’ve decided, given that he managed to dirty 5 glasses in less hours, I can’t spend my entire time washing up for him. So, if it can’t be rinsed, then I’m throwing it in the general trash. I’m also refuse to rinse everything after I wash it as well.

I’ve tried to persuade him to come take the dog for a walk, but he’s naturally reluctant. He doesn’t want to be going out, has developed a loathing of petrol stations. I suspect that Pokemon Go activities will be curtailed for a while as he doesn’t even want to go out in the car. Luckily there’s nothing really on over the next month.

We played some Fortnite instead last night, He has some tightness around his wrist from the burns and we wondered how he might get on with a controller but he seemed to do OK. I might try and bring my Xbox round so we can play some co-op games.

He has an appointment at the hospital tomorrow after which we should know what sort of care he needs in the short term. I am already worrying how I can balance the day job, pets and him. Will just have to play things by ear, but I realise I need to carve some time out for me.

I’m just thankful this happened during a time when I had no active project. Obviously his health is a priority and he’s on the mend but the next week or two could be a bit hectic.