Wednesday 13 April 2011

13th April 2011

Hiya,yet another mixed few days. The best news is that on Friday evening, he stood up from his wheelchair without any assistance. He stood erect, revealing his true height. This is a surprise to all who see him, especially Paul when Steven kisses the top of his head. He still needs assistance to shuffle between bed and chair, but he's getting stronger despite the obvious pain in his left leg. However the downside is that for some unknown reason Steven has become very depressed. He has every right to be depressed, but is finding fault with everything and everybody, and we just have to let him get it out of his system. The nurses tell us yet again, this is normal, but to us it's very sad to witness. Yet again he has another infection with his feeding tube, which we don't actually use. The doctors though are unmoved by our pleas to have it removed, despite all his food and "thick" water is taken by mouth as per their instructions. Perhaps this is why Steven is down, because he won't tell us, nor his favourite nurse. So, we just have to be patient.
Continuing from the above, a little bit of information has been discovered. Steven's depression may be being caused by me or us. For example, I think we are arguing too much about the treatment he is receiving. In other words, the nurses are sometimes late cleaning him, which makes him late for his very important physio'. We get agitated by this, Steven picks up on this, and he becomes really upset to the point of crying. Sometimes, if we don't do something, the way he wants it done, whether it's food, drink, or moving in bed, that upsets him. If we try to stop him being upset, it makes him worse, if we ignore him, we feel bad because he's so upset. Then we get upset and the cycle continues. We just can't win. Steven makes himself upset. It is my/our fault sometimes, when I/we may "tut", or grimace when we don't do exactly as he says, he notices that and gets upset. So we really do have to watch everything we say and do. He has stated that he doesn't know whether he can continue in this way, as he puts it, his head is like a glass that's nearly full and he can't take anymore. We have to remind him of how we almost lost him, and that he has improved immensely. We've spoken to the nurses and doctors, and yet again, they say this is normal, it's a phase, soon there'll be a different phase, I hope so.
Good news (I think!!) from a trauma doctor (not the same one as last week!!!). He said that the calcium in his bones/muscles can only be released by moving the muscles, this will create pain, but once gone he'll be okay. So, unfortunately for Steven, he will have to endure discomfort in left arm and leg for some time yet. Steven's left foot is giving concern. It seems that many nerves and muscles have been damaged preventing the outstep working properly. Continuing physio' may help. If this doesn't work, the doctors will consider taking a muscle from somewhere else and inserting it into the outstep. Paul and I have obviously offered muscle, but that's a long way off. The doctor considers it best to get Steven mobile, at the same time hope the foot improves. If they start to move muscles now by an invasive operation, that will stop his progress until the foot heals, and then they have to start all over again. To repeat what is repeated to us on an hourly basis, little by little, one day at a time, and have patience.
Parcels received from Maureen, Dek, Dawn, Mark, and Daniel, also from Jane and Paddy, and from Angelique. Steven has a few cakes to eat, and clothes to wear, He loved them, and cards are on the wall.
Special thank you to Barbara, an old friend of Steven, who, when she found out about Steven, she flew here from Belgium, bringing chocolates, photo's, and a fabulous pencil drawing. We never told Steven she was coming, and his face was a picture when he saw her collecting him from physio'. A very "chatty" evening. The following day (today Wed' 13th) unfortunately Steven was in a bad way, due to pain, and the medicines, but he recovered slightly by the afternoon. A big thank you to Barbara, but we still have to exhaustively test the chocolates before letting Steven have any;-)
Then to add to that, he had a 'phone call from his Aunty Linda, lovely. This all helps his recovery knowing that he has the support of people.
thanks to all
Terry

1 comment:

  1. Hehehe the chocolates where a big hit I think ;) Bitcho i'll remember the next time to bring some more of those brown ones that have the white stuff in them :p

    It was fantastic to see you! It had been way to long and its been wonderful to meet your family to. Your kindness doesn't come from strangers. I have always known you have greatness in you, and your proving me right. Keep working like you are! Because you are doing such a fantastic job! And i'll hold you up to our deal, I will see you here in Belgium when you get back up walking ;).

    Terry, Pauline & Paul: Thank you for letting me visit Steven as much as I could the day's there. Thank you for your kindness & care. The sandwiches where lush! And so was getting to know you all :)

    Hugs all around & ofcours un beso para Bitcho.
    Barbara

    ReplyDelete