Hiya,
firstly, Pongo has been located and is at home with us.
Steven is now an out-patient. For the time being we will remain at the rented house next to the hospital, and he will continue to receive physio' at the hospital in a 3 hour block every day, instead of split timings. We will stay there until he has had his operation on his hip. However, this has caused a minor problem in that Steven now has to see his own doctor at home for any future problems or medicines. He sees his doctor tonight, Monday, and then we'll return to the rented house late evening. There's an outside chance that his own doctor may actually suggest coming home to have the operation here, now that would be handy. I'll let you know what happens.
We came home Thursday evening for our normal weekend break, but due to the doctor's appointment the weekend break was extended, and as luck would have it, we were at home when the dog pound 'phoned to say they had the dog. Normally Monday morning we would have been at Valencia. We collected him, he was fine. From the look of him he's been looked after because he was clean and well fed. He was found about 2 miles south along the coast, his chip was checked and now we have him. We're all pleased.
Steven is fine, although he still has social issues, and doesn't like criticism or advice he doesn't like. This makes him very argumentative, he bangs his fist, cries, screams, and froths at the mouth, and looks very frightening. We're hoping that it's just him being the equivalent of a stroppy teenager as he grows, because in effect that's what's happened to Steven all this time, he's had to grow, and learn everything. We think that when he's had his operation, the pain will disappear, thus removing the cause of frustration and anger. We can only hope. Otherwise we've had a good weekend, a couple of Full English breakfasts, evening meal out, played pool with friends, long sleeps, and bingo both Paul and Steven shouting for a line.
best regards
Terry
Monday, 10 October 2011
Wednesday, 5 October 2011
5th October 2011
Hiya,
At last Steven has been given permission to leave his hospital room, and be an out-patient. He will live at our rented house, and visit the hospital every day for his physiotherapy. We think that his demeanour will improve once he is out of the noise and routine of a hospital, and of course he will eat better food. However this news also comes with a few surprises. No date has been given for his hip operation, however if we pay privately, it would be done, and more quickly, but at the moment the cost is unknown. We now have to decide whether to pay or to wait. Whether private or the Health Service, we don’t know where the operation will take place. If we stay here, the operation could be nearer home! If we return home, the operation could be here! We are desperately short of useful information. We have also been told, that as an out-patient we are responsible for his medication, and the only way we can get that, is to visit his own doctor at home, who writes a prescription, and we go to the local chemist. However that means a four hour round trip, plus associated problems, to see his doctor. I have arranged for a doctor here to write a prescription until we see Steven’s doctor. We have started to clear his room. There was 10months accumulation of letters, cards, gifts, DVD’s, CD’s, books, games, clothes, all manner of cables for/and electronic gadgets, comfort foods/drinks, toiletries, and general rubbish which should come useful one day!. This then made the rented house resemble the local tip, and it all had to be sorted out again. We have had to weigh up the pros and cons of the move, and we’re still not sure whether we’re doing the right thing. So there could be another change of plan by the time you read this.
Best regards
Terry
At last Steven has been given permission to leave his hospital room, and be an out-patient. He will live at our rented house, and visit the hospital every day for his physiotherapy. We think that his demeanour will improve once he is out of the noise and routine of a hospital, and of course he will eat better food. However this news also comes with a few surprises. No date has been given for his hip operation, however if we pay privately, it would be done, and more quickly, but at the moment the cost is unknown. We now have to decide whether to pay or to wait. Whether private or the Health Service, we don’t know where the operation will take place. If we stay here, the operation could be nearer home! If we return home, the operation could be here! We are desperately short of useful information. We have also been told, that as an out-patient we are responsible for his medication, and the only way we can get that, is to visit his own doctor at home, who writes a prescription, and we go to the local chemist. However that means a four hour round trip, plus associated problems, to see his doctor. I have arranged for a doctor here to write a prescription until we see Steven’s doctor. We have started to clear his room. There was 10months accumulation of letters, cards, gifts, DVD’s, CD’s, books, games, clothes, all manner of cables for/and electronic gadgets, comfort foods/drinks, toiletries, and general rubbish which should come useful one day!. This then made the rented house resemble the local tip, and it all had to be sorted out again. We have had to weigh up the pros and cons of the move, and we’re still not sure whether we’re doing the right thing. So there could be another change of plan by the time you read this.
Best regards
Terry
Saturday, 1 October 2011
1st October 2011
Hiya
very little to add this week. We still complain about the hospital food but nothing is done, despite all other patients saying the same!! We had a productive meeting with Steven's doctors, which revealed that though they have permission for his operation, they haven't got the authorisation?? Spain is going through a monetary crisis the same as others, and some expenses have to be cut and savings made. But we have argued that the longer the delay the more problems created, and the longer the stay in hospital. We cannot do any more but just wait for any reaction, hopefully early this new month. The doctors have admitted that Steven is passing all manner of tests, the results exceeding earlier tests, and that there is little that they can do for him that we can't do at home. So we have yet again asked for Steven to live with us at the rented house near the hospital, and visit the hospital daily as an out-patient for his physio', until his operation. The doctors told us, that Steven's continued improvement now mainly depends on his own abilities. His main problems now, are his speech, which is low and almost slurred, his elbow, which cannot be done until after his hip operation, and his foot, which is improving all the time. His social and emotive issues are improving because he is at last acknowledging that he can be at fault. Basically he's trying so hard to be "normal", and should just slow down a little. He has come such a long way in his stay at the hospital, it's been remarkable, defying all the doctor's expectations. We try to enjoy our weekends at home, but this is difficult sometimes with cleaning and maintenance issues, but we get by. As if we haven't got enough problems, some nice person decided to deprive Paul of his car radio whilst his car was parked outside our house. Still no sign of Steven's dog, despite followers of a local forum looking for him, and us doing regular searches of the area. We must give a big thank you, and a hug, to Lyndsey Lyons of Javea, for her efforts to raise some money to help Steven in his path to recovery.
best regards
Terry
very little to add this week. We still complain about the hospital food but nothing is done, despite all other patients saying the same!! We had a productive meeting with Steven's doctors, which revealed that though they have permission for his operation, they haven't got the authorisation?? Spain is going through a monetary crisis the same as others, and some expenses have to be cut and savings made. But we have argued that the longer the delay the more problems created, and the longer the stay in hospital. We cannot do any more but just wait for any reaction, hopefully early this new month. The doctors have admitted that Steven is passing all manner of tests, the results exceeding earlier tests, and that there is little that they can do for him that we can't do at home. So we have yet again asked for Steven to live with us at the rented house near the hospital, and visit the hospital daily as an out-patient for his physio', until his operation. The doctors told us, that Steven's continued improvement now mainly depends on his own abilities. His main problems now, are his speech, which is low and almost slurred, his elbow, which cannot be done until after his hip operation, and his foot, which is improving all the time. His social and emotive issues are improving because he is at last acknowledging that he can be at fault. Basically he's trying so hard to be "normal", and should just slow down a little. He has come such a long way in his stay at the hospital, it's been remarkable, defying all the doctor's expectations. We try to enjoy our weekends at home, but this is difficult sometimes with cleaning and maintenance issues, but we get by. As if we haven't got enough problems, some nice person decided to deprive Paul of his car radio whilst his car was parked outside our house. Still no sign of Steven's dog, despite followers of a local forum looking for him, and us doing regular searches of the area. We must give a big thank you, and a hug, to Lyndsey Lyons of Javea, for her efforts to raise some money to help Steven in his path to recovery.
best regards
Terry
Saturday, 24 September 2011
24th September 2011
Another weekend at home where we all try to relax. However the dog decided to make his escape Friday evening whilst Pauline and I were moving vehicles. He wasn’t wearing his collar due to just having flea drops put on his neck. We searched all his favourite places with no luck. We even left the gate ajar for him all night. Further searches next morning also unsuccessful. We now have to decide what to do when we leave Sunday evening. Notes with the neighbours seems to be all we can do. Steven is upset, but he does have other things more important on his mind, as do we. We’ll keep looking. Whilst at home, Steven admitted that he was really scared (I can’t use the words he really used!!). He was scared of the accident because he keeps thinking about it. He’s scared of the upcoming operation because he doesn’t know the outcome. He’s also scared as to what his future will be. We believe that these are the feelings that are affecting his mind, and this is why he is sometimes abrupt and rude. We have many times tried to reassure him, and to make positives out of negatives, but we do so, knowing that it isn’t us, and we’re not feeling the pain and discomfort. He is frustrated at the length of time it’s taking to put him right, but he also understands that it’s been longer for us, since he was in a coma for such a long time. He hasn’t been given a date for the operation, and he now awaits permissions for his arm operation. He cannot yet leave the hospital as an out-patient despite our pleadings that we all think it be in his best interests. We feel that Steven will need an English language speech therapist, his Spanish is fine, but his English is more of a mumble and is often difficult to understand. His computer skills are fine, as are his music mixing skills, though a little too loud for us!! His conversation level is brilliant, and he can organize his daily life and plan ahead. We feel that the hip operation is all that is needed now to really improve his life.
Best regards Terry
Best regards Terry
Saturday, 17 September 2011
17th September 2011
Hiya,
coming to the end of a week's "holiday" with Steven and Paul. Last Sunday Paul took Steven back to the hospital to give me and Pauline a break, and to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. To our surprise, the doctors then gave Steven permission to return home Wednesday evening, because at the moment there's not a lot more that the hospital can do. Steven can do his exercises at home, as he awaits the date for his hip replacement operation, hopefully soon. When we return on Monday we are going to ask if Steven can be an out-patient until his operation. With us, he eats and sleeps much better, and the hospital gain a room. Whilst at home we've all been out and about, shopping, drinks, meals, all the things we should do, late nights, lie-ins, no routine, no noise, and it's been great, making up for our last "holiday" when I was ill. I even took Steven on our motor scooter, much to his delight. His mobility is improving to the extent that he climbs steps and stairs with little or no help, and at a much greater speed and confidence. He also pushes his own wheelchair, and rests when he wants to. If only the pain could disappear Steven would be almost normal if I can use that word. The changes have been remarkable over the last few weeks. He continues to receive support from his friends, and thanks to Jane, another parcel of goodies.
Best regards Terry
coming to the end of a week's "holiday" with Steven and Paul. Last Sunday Paul took Steven back to the hospital to give me and Pauline a break, and to celebrate our 42nd wedding anniversary. To our surprise, the doctors then gave Steven permission to return home Wednesday evening, because at the moment there's not a lot more that the hospital can do. Steven can do his exercises at home, as he awaits the date for his hip replacement operation, hopefully soon. When we return on Monday we are going to ask if Steven can be an out-patient until his operation. With us, he eats and sleeps much better, and the hospital gain a room. Whilst at home we've all been out and about, shopping, drinks, meals, all the things we should do, late nights, lie-ins, no routine, no noise, and it's been great, making up for our last "holiday" when I was ill. I even took Steven on our motor scooter, much to his delight. His mobility is improving to the extent that he climbs steps and stairs with little or no help, and at a much greater speed and confidence. He also pushes his own wheelchair, and rests when he wants to. If only the pain could disappear Steven would be almost normal if I can use that word. The changes have been remarkable over the last few weeks. He continues to receive support from his friends, and thanks to Jane, another parcel of goodies.
Best regards Terry
Saturday, 10 September 2011
10th September 2011
Hiya,
Steven has had permission to have the operation, we await the date. He will be having a complete half pelvis, replaced with a ceramic one. Steven is very worried, but he has to trust the doctors. He hopes that what the doctor is saying comes true re' the absence of real pain, and an improved walking state. This will obviously only be known after the operation. We all feel that with the improvement in walking, and the lack of pain, will also produce a feeling of well-being and a return to normality. His elbow will be done later. His left foot is really improving and may not need an op', the ankle straps are really doing their job and his foot movement has improved considerably, time will tell. His walking is becoming more confident, even climbing stairs unaided. His walking is still slow and painful. He's being evaluated, and due to his general improvement is likely to be an out-patient soon. We will stay at Alzira as out-patient for a while (if that's acceptable) then move back home for the same out-patient treatment at a local hospital. Steven's speech therapist is really impressed with his speech, however this speech therapy is in Spanish, and Steven has said he finds speaking English very difficult, so he may have to have further English speech therapy at a later date. Sorry about any greetings cards, I'll make up for this later, it's difficult to go shopping for cards, and even then invariably the address book is in the wrong place. Doing what we're doing is a logistical nightmare with many things being in the wrong place, whether it's 'phone chargers, documents, pills, toiletries, or clothes. At home at the moment, we're beginning to see the signs of neglect, carpets looking scruffy due to lack of proper cleaning, tiles falling off outside walls due to lack of re-grouting, weeds growing through the patio, all due to lack of time and energy to put things right. When we're home for these two days, we prefer it to be Steven's time, away from the noise and routine of hospital, and we certainly don't want to be working and ignoring him, hence the house neglect.
best regards
Terry
Steven has had permission to have the operation, we await the date. He will be having a complete half pelvis, replaced with a ceramic one. Steven is very worried, but he has to trust the doctors. He hopes that what the doctor is saying comes true re' the absence of real pain, and an improved walking state. This will obviously only be known after the operation. We all feel that with the improvement in walking, and the lack of pain, will also produce a feeling of well-being and a return to normality. His elbow will be done later. His left foot is really improving and may not need an op', the ankle straps are really doing their job and his foot movement has improved considerably, time will tell. His walking is becoming more confident, even climbing stairs unaided. His walking is still slow and painful. He's being evaluated, and due to his general improvement is likely to be an out-patient soon. We will stay at Alzira as out-patient for a while (if that's acceptable) then move back home for the same out-patient treatment at a local hospital. Steven's speech therapist is really impressed with his speech, however this speech therapy is in Spanish, and Steven has said he finds speaking English very difficult, so he may have to have further English speech therapy at a later date. Sorry about any greetings cards, I'll make up for this later, it's difficult to go shopping for cards, and even then invariably the address book is in the wrong place. Doing what we're doing is a logistical nightmare with many things being in the wrong place, whether it's 'phone chargers, documents, pills, toiletries, or clothes. At home at the moment, we're beginning to see the signs of neglect, carpets looking scruffy due to lack of proper cleaning, tiles falling off outside walls due to lack of re-grouting, weeds growing through the patio, all due to lack of time and energy to put things right. When we're home for these two days, we prefer it to be Steven's time, away from the noise and routine of hospital, and we certainly don't want to be working and ignoring him, hence the house neglect.
best regards
Terry
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
31st August 2011
Hiya
I’ve described many times that Steven is walking. I’ve also tried to explain that the “walking” is very primitive, slow, unsteady, and is painful. Steven is gradually getting stronger, more confident, and has a good centre of balance, and now he is being taught how to walk. Remember Steven suffered severe brain injury involving the breaking of several neurons in the inaccessible centre of the brain. These neurons or nerve pathways have had to be re-routed to make the body function correctly in all manner of ways. I should think most of us have “taught” a child to walk, but if you think about it, how do you do it? Generally speaking when a child is at an appropriate age, say 15 months, parents will hold the baby’s hands high, in effect stretching the child’s legs and encouraging the child to move forward. The child moves his/her legs and lo and behold he/she is walking. However, do we actually teach the child to walk? Or does it come natural through the encouragement received? We’ve all gone through this process, and walking comes naturally. Steven has walked, he knows how to walk, but he’s forgotten, and he feels that his body doesn’t belong to him. Consider the movements necessary to walk. All parts of the body are in motion with their own particular job, the toes, instep, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, shoulders, arms, all have a job to do, and many of these parts were damaged, as well as losing some direct connection to the brain. Steven has to physically think of all this, and “tell” his body what to do, to enable him to walk. The faster he walks, the less time he has to think about what he’s doing. He is doing this through the pain, and with time and an increase in speed, we’re confident his walking will be almost normal. Steven cannot use any sort of walking stick due to the calcification of the left elbow, and because he cannot straighten or bend it fully.
On Tuesday 30th August we had a meeting with a surgeon, and he confirmed that Steven does need a hip operation. He explained that Steven’s left leg was pushed up 1” into his pelvis, breaking the pelvis, and locking the leg into it’s new position. This is the cause of his pain. Hopefully the operation will take place in 2 to 3 weeks time. At the same time they will operate on his left elbow to remove the calcification. The doctor further explained the problem with Steven’s left foot. Although the new foot supports are doing their job in improving the motion of the foot, the instep tendon is stronger than the outstep tendon. If the foot doesn’t improve, and it may once he’s walking better with his new hip, the doctor will consider swapping the tendons. We all felt relieved with the news, and Steven had a good nights sleep.
Best regards Terry
I’ve described many times that Steven is walking. I’ve also tried to explain that the “walking” is very primitive, slow, unsteady, and is painful. Steven is gradually getting stronger, more confident, and has a good centre of balance, and now he is being taught how to walk. Remember Steven suffered severe brain injury involving the breaking of several neurons in the inaccessible centre of the brain. These neurons or nerve pathways have had to be re-routed to make the body function correctly in all manner of ways. I should think most of us have “taught” a child to walk, but if you think about it, how do you do it? Generally speaking when a child is at an appropriate age, say 15 months, parents will hold the baby’s hands high, in effect stretching the child’s legs and encouraging the child to move forward. The child moves his/her legs and lo and behold he/she is walking. However, do we actually teach the child to walk? Or does it come natural through the encouragement received? We’ve all gone through this process, and walking comes naturally. Steven has walked, he knows how to walk, but he’s forgotten, and he feels that his body doesn’t belong to him. Consider the movements necessary to walk. All parts of the body are in motion with their own particular job, the toes, instep, ankle, knee, hip, pelvis, shoulders, arms, all have a job to do, and many of these parts were damaged, as well as losing some direct connection to the brain. Steven has to physically think of all this, and “tell” his body what to do, to enable him to walk. The faster he walks, the less time he has to think about what he’s doing. He is doing this through the pain, and with time and an increase in speed, we’re confident his walking will be almost normal. Steven cannot use any sort of walking stick due to the calcification of the left elbow, and because he cannot straighten or bend it fully.
On Tuesday 30th August we had a meeting with a surgeon, and he confirmed that Steven does need a hip operation. He explained that Steven’s left leg was pushed up 1” into his pelvis, breaking the pelvis, and locking the leg into it’s new position. This is the cause of his pain. Hopefully the operation will take place in 2 to 3 weeks time. At the same time they will operate on his left elbow to remove the calcification. The doctor further explained the problem with Steven’s left foot. Although the new foot supports are doing their job in improving the motion of the foot, the instep tendon is stronger than the outstep tendon. If the foot doesn’t improve, and it may once he’s walking better with his new hip, the doctor will consider swapping the tendons. We all felt relieved with the news, and Steven had a good nights sleep.
Best regards Terry
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