8th January 2015

Not many changes over the last two months. We have all been on a cruise around the Mediterranean and to the Canary Islands, allowing Steven to “disappear” in an effort to cope by himself on the ship. He did this very well. Continuing the theme of giving him more independence, Steven has bought a motorised quad. With a disability label issued by the local Police, he is now able to get about locally and use disabled parking bays in town. This has boosted his confidence and well-being enormously. He can visit friends, and he can do minor shopping. He can make his own way to his gym and his massage therapy. The difference to his general demeanour has been amazing, and this can only go on to make him act and feel better. Steven has had a third session of laser treatment to remove hairs around his throat. He still hasn’t had any notification for his tracheotomy scar removal. Recently whilst walking, he tripped on a step, badly spraining his left ankle, had to be the left, that’s just what he needed to add to the pain!! But, as normal he repaired very quickly. Although initially angry, blaming his walking abilities, he has accepted that everyone has the occasional mishap, along with dropping things, or forgetting what he went into a room for!! There has been no change to his walking abilities, or the general lack of feeling on the left side of his body. Unable to fully control his body temperature, he is feeling the cold this winter. But he takes all this in his stride rather than sit about doing nothing. He even tried to live with growing a beard, but that faded after two weeks. He does everything he can to lead as normal life as possible, and we’re so pleased with his continued progress.