8th November 2011

041111
Hiya,
at last Steven has seen his solicitor involved in his case. The solicitor and his clerk were really pleased to meet him for the first time, and put a body to the papers. Steven's file is now about 4" thick, far bigger than any other of the files on show. At hospital and home, we all talk about many things to do with Steven's claims, and from that I send the solicitor messages requesting answers. Steven was able to confirm everything that we had done, not that he'd doubted us, but now he knows what we've done, and what's being done on his behalf. There's a long way to go, and may take years to finalize, but there again, the insurance have to gamble whether Steven gets better or worse, and act accordingly. The solicitor is on a percentage of whatever is offered, so it's in his interest to get as much as he can for Steven, for doing the same work. Steven is going to be examined by a "friendly" doctor to counter any claim by the insurance, who obviously are working to reduce any claim. Whether this finally goes to court will depend on what's offered and what the solicitor says, it's all to do with bargaining, bluff and double bluff.
We've been given a figure for the cost of a private operation to replace Steven's hip, but we're asking more questions about that because we don't want a surprise bill that was forgotten. When I had my gallstone op' at the same hospital I had about 4 bills, surgeon, operating theatre, medicines, and hospital room, that was a surprise, but that was sorted by my insurance, but Steven's op' will be out of our pockets. Then there's the after care, private or public?? Once we get all the information we'll act on it. At the moment it looks hopeful, that he'll have the operation soon. There' a lot to organize, especially as the rent for the house will be finished on 18th November. But I can see myself staying with Steven for the op' and after care, while Pauline stops at home, should only be for a few days, this is the sort of information we need.
Steven had a successful night on his own at his own house Wednesday night, and is doing the same tonight. It's a massive worry but he's determined to have his independance. He takes his games, tinterweb, tele', and food/drink etc, and the first time he has a problem we'll re-evaluate that arrangement.

081111
Hiya,
Steven had another successful night at his own house Sunday evening with a kebab!!! He's thoroughly enjoyed being "normal" even though he knows he isn't really, but just being in a place he loves has been a huge success. Getting his own food and drinks, watching and listening to what he wants, and sleeping in his own bed. No problems at all. Monday afternoon he saw his speech therapist at the local hospital. Not a lot happened, just a get-to-know-you session, to see where Steven's problems lay. He's been given exercises to do, some old, others new, and a new appointment made for a couple of weeks time. We now await appointments for physiotherapy. We returned to the Alzira hospital Monday evening popping in to Paul's on the way. Tuesday morning at his physio' he saw his doctors and related to them what he has experienced the last week or so, especially that he may have to wait one or two years for an operation on his elbow. He was told to get a third opinion!! This is what frustrates Steven and us. They're the doctors they should know, how many opinions do you ask for?? We have to trust that these people know what they're doing. The doctors have done so well, why spoil it now with these views. None of this helps Steven in his bid for recovery, especially when he's in permanent pain, which causes it's own frustration and inevitably anger. There seems to be some confusion as to what Steven can actually do when it comes to walking. Steven basically shuffles along in great pain. He is very slow, but will not use a wheelchair, because the pain is there in wheelchair or not. He can climb stairs, sometimes one step at a time, sometimes both feet on one step, then proceed to the next step, just depends how "fit" he feels. He has occasionally stumbled but has corrected himself. He actually calls himself a bloody big baby. When walking around town or in public, because he's wearing normal clothes, people have no idea that Steven has such problems, so Steven and us have to watch other people's moves as well as Steven's. Steven is considering buying notice boards that he can wear around his shoulders to inform people to stay clear;-) Tuesday we had even more confusion when it came to finding out the cost of his hip operation. The admin' at the hospital said that the doctors knew the cost, but then the doctors said they didn't know, ask the admin'. More frustration for Steven and us. After a brief meeting between admin' and doctors the cost was established, with no apologies for the confusion, and we now await a suitable date for surgeon and operating theatre etc. We are hoping it will be soon.
Best regards Terry