19th March 2011

Hiya,
After a brilliant couple of weeks, it was inevitable that there would be a backward step at some point. Steven’s medication has been greatly reduced, by being slowly weaned off some pills, and/or cancelling others. Whether this was the cause of his nervousness cannot be confirmed. But for a few days he was very nervous, affecting hand and leg movements, and his speech, and he sweated profusely day and night. This seems to have solved itself, and Steven is back on his forward steps, literally.
We now do not need the hoist to move him between bed and chair. We have been taught how to help him. Help is the important word, Steven has to do the work, we help and monitor his moves. Unbeknown to us Steven has been training for this for a while in physio’, and is now deemed capable of doing it himself with help. He has to stand up from the chair, lock his legs, and shuffle/walk to the bed and then sit on the bed. He then has to roll on the bed, and by using his legs and feet, push himself to a comfortable position. The sequence is reversed from bed to chair. A small, but very important part of his recovery. As Paul said, a giant leap for Steven.
Further, after I had shaved him, I applied a hot towel to his face. Steven then took a dry towel and wiped his face using both hands for the first time. Another small step, but one which made him cry with joy, the act of feeling his own face.
All the stories about hospital food are coming true. Now that Steven can eat “normally” he is getting bored with hospital soup type food. So now we smuggle in, sandwiches, cakes, and even meals cooked by his Mum. He manages very well, and is enjoying these “new” flavours. Freed from the need of the hoist we are now enjoying picnics nearby to the hospital.
It is difficult to understand or describe his feelings at experiencing such mundane things.
A further upset for him this week is the San Jose (Father’s Day) fiestas, prevalent in this area. Steven has encompassed himself greatly into Spanish life, and fiestas are very important to him, so to see on television the fireworks, the fires, the costumes, and the parades, and not being able to participate in them is a great disappointment to him.
So, it looks as though we’re going to have a strange party when we’re all back home, my birthday, Xmas, New Year, and now Father’s Day, mmmm Xmas carols, champagne, birthday cake, and fireworks, it’s going to be a bit noisy!!
Steven thoroughly enjoys the messages he and I receive, they’re a great help knowing that people are thinking about him, and this is where he gets his courage to work hard. A big thank you here to Harlow Vern, a fervent West Ham supporter, that doesn't make him a bad person;-), and fellow FC Torrevieja supporter, made a surprise visit to see Steven. He was in the area on business, and popped in. Steven loved it, as did we. Brilliant. Thanks Vern.
Best regards,
Terry.