14th May 2011

An interesting week or so. We don’t know what’s happening with the doctors in physio’, but there seems to be little in the way of encouragement for Steven. He was actually told that he had learning difficulties and couldn’t speak Spanish. This was determined by him being unable to do simple arithmetic, and some obscure spelling tests. But Steven didn’t finish his schooling for a variety of reasons, but has had plenty of learning in the school of life. In any case he hasn’t come here to gain a degree, not increase his education, he’s simply here to work hard at getting better. This he’s doing with the help of doctors and physio, but sometimes their methods are bizarre. A simple “well done” would work wonders. On Thursday 12th May, whilst waiting for Steven to come out of physio, the doors opened and I saw Steven slowly walking with a walking frame, otherwise unaided, to cheers from the waiting carers who also saw him. Steven hasn’t complained of any of his old pains for several days, only the pain of exercise which he’s used to and doesn’t mind at all. It’s wonderful to hear him say that his left foot is itching, surely a sign of returning feeling. His movement between bed and chair is getting easier, sometimes with very little supporting help. His walk is still a shuffling motion, but he is gaining more confidence in his abilities. He can wash his own hands and face, he can shave, and he can partially dress and undress himself. He can bend his left knee to his chest with only a little discomfort to his hips. He hasn’t been taught to wash and shave, it’s through his own determination and our encouragement. We are refusing to use the feeding tube in his stomach, due to that fact that he’s had 6 recent infections, and we have asked for it’s removal. Apparently it’s protocol to have the feeding tube there, in case he chokes or develops lung problems, but at no time has a doctor ever used a stethoscope to listen to his chest to see how he is. And, he is still being fed fish which has choke inducing bones!! We wish that these doctors would sometimes think out the box occasionally and give us some credit or even trust to use common sense. He now takes his medicine with thick water, no problems. We still continue to feed him with fresh food provided by his Mum, rather than the constant supply of fish at the hospital. Pauline and I are returning home next week due to problems with the Social Security office, and have decided to have a 2 day break in Benidorm, our first break in 6 months. We return on Thursday to accommodate friend Andy who is walking from Rome to Ronda to raise awareness of disadvantaged Andalucian children. (www.romaronda.info).
Best regards Terry