5th March 2011

Hiya,
temprary setback, we've been told not to put trainers on Steven's feet just yet. Couldn't get them on this morning anyway!! (Wednesday). Steven has a problem with his left foot. It's at a strange angle, and he has little movement in the foot, especially his toes, so his big toe was bent under when in the trainer. Steven is very aware of his appearance, and he prefers trainers to grandad slippers. But I'm afraid he's got to put up with them for the time being. At least it will make him work harder to wear trainers. He now has special tape on his neck and shoulder, left side. The tape is called neuro-proprioceptive taping (google it!!) It's commonly used in sports medicine. Basically, what do you do with a sore muscle, you rub it, this tape does that due to it's stretchy qualities. The doctor is really pleased with his progress. She says he is behaving when talking to the nurses. He is still in the PTA state and will be for about a month, may be shorter.
(Thursday) Continuing the saga of the trainers. Even though we were told not to use trainers, we found a pair on a local market with 3 rows of velcro fastenings, making it much easier to put on Steven's feet. So we sent him down to physio' with his new trainers. But when we collected him the trainers were missing. Steven said that due to the injuries to his feet, the trainers had been removed and would be kept in the gymnasium. His confidence had been destroyed. I immediately called for the doctor, even though I knew by now she would be finished for the day. Another doctor was found and I explained that the trainers were easier to fit, were comfortable, and more secure than the slippers he'd worn before. I stated Steven's case quite forcibly. As if that wasn't enough, we were then told that Steven was to have no more food by mouth. Again Steven's face dropped as the confidence was visibly knocked from him. Even the nurses in physio feed him the occasional yoghurt, and our treats for Steven were no thicker than those. Again I stated Steven's case, believe me I was very angry. There was little we could do that night, but I still fed him his treats. There's no way I was going to join in with knocking Steven backwards. To help matters, we lost all phone and internet connection for 36hrs. The following day, (Friday) sense prevailed, as a doctor spoke to me, and said that Steven could have his food by mouth, but no liquid (we already knew that??), and he could wear trainers for the periods when it was thought to be suitable. Apparently, although the injuries are healed, the doctors believed that the stronger trainers could rub the new skin on his feet. We'll call it a draw shall we.? Steven was much happier, at a time when he was really beginning to work at getting better. Steven can now touch his forehead, nose and eyes with his left hand, so some improvement there. Still no strength in either hand. We've bought him some 1kg dumpbells to use whilst in the room. We won't let him do it for long. Steven' talking has improved immensely. For a few days now a lot of the old Steven is coming out, lots of jokes, silly ad-libs, and just fun. We've had some good laughs. Friends from Torrevieja, Chris and Gordon came to see him. They've seen Steven several times, so have seen the slow and gradual changes, but this time they were amazed at his condition. Steven was pleased to see them, and the fun continued to their surprise. Steven has now been told that his left leg had to be almost rebuilt, and although shocked, he's accepted that he is getting better. Having said that, once told, he said his left leg was hurting!! All his thoughts now are to get fit and get home, such a positive attitude. His improvement has been so great, many other patients and carers are congratulating him, and are using him now as the example for themselves and/or charges to get better, just as others did to Steven in the early days. Friday evening, whilst Chris and Gordon were here, Steven received a parcel. He opened it himself to find a letter from Chelsea Football Club, wishing for Steven's recovery, and signed by John Terry. Enclosed were several signed photo's of Chelsea players. Although Steven isn't an avid Chelsea fan, he does follow the fortunes of all the UK's major clubs, and was absolutely over the moon that someone should do this for him. He was very emotional. This was all arranged by Paul, and was organized by another Paul, a Chelsea Fan and a member of my supporters club here in Torrevieja. Wonderful.