Thursday 7 April 2011

7th April 2011

Hiya,
Tuesday evening was a bad time for us all. We were given disturbing and unnecessary information which was very worrying. The following day was a good day, when the information we'd received was explained properly. Tuesday evening, whilst Pauline was looking after Steven, they were seen by a trauma doctor. He told them that the problems with Steven's left leg were serious, and that his left foot may have to be amputated. This news was obviously upsetting for everyone. All manner of thoughts went through all our minds, especially for Steven, who said, how would he be able to play football with children. On Wednesday our thoughts were settled somewhat after talks with Steven's doctor and physio' team. The information given by the trauma doctor, though basically correct, was premature. Many other treatments would be attempted first, including physio' and the use of orthopaedic shoes. We have been told not to bother Steven with any controversial topics for fear of upsetting him, and the trauma doctor should not have said what he said at this stage, and Steven's team will have words with him.
As part of the continuing treatment, Steven had a further session of electrotherapy with the electric shocks being applied to a different part of his left leg, and this provoked a good response in his left foot. This is typical of the 2 steps forward 1 step backward routine we are constantlly enduring. Our morale is constantly changing from high to low and back again. We and Steven will continue to work towards a good recovery.
Also Wednesday, Steven was issued with a new lightweight wheelchair. What a difference that has made. Steven now has some small independance, but no doubt he will soon cause chaos in the hospital corridors. Also, he will get a lot of excercise from his fingers all the way through his upper body as he moves himself around with the large front wheels.
When feeding, Steven licked his lips. No big deal??, but I could remember when he couldn't move his tongue at all. I mentioned this to him, and he explained some of the excercises he does in physio'. As part of his treatment and speech therapy, a member of the physio' staff hold his tongue with a dry bandage and pull it out of his mouth as far as possible, and move it up and down, and from side to side, according to Steven, painful!! He also has the inside of his cheeks massaged, as well as his mouth opened and stretched very wide at the corners. We had no idea that this was happening.
best regards
Terry

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