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I'm sure you've guessed things have been very busy in TRP :-)   firstly, the bad news: I have had a rotten cold for most of the time I have been here. Poor Val and Norm have not had much uninterrupted sleep while they have been here as I have been waking up and calling for drugs and tissues each night. Fortunately this appears to be going away as does the ingrown toenail. Norm was entrusted with toenail surgery and did an admirable job, he may need to repeat the procedure for the other big toe. I don't think that the nail bar did such a good job on my feet last time I visited...

I have learnt some valuable lessons while I have been here one of which is to make sure I have the safety strap on while at home by myself. This ensures that I cannot fall out of or partly out of my chair as I did last week when trying to retrieve the remote control from the couch.

I have started to Walk on program, they have allocated me 3X two hour sessions each week and I have two physios looking after me for the whole two hours - what a difference to the hospital! Norm has taken some photos that I will try to upload. They have assured me that I have been pedalling bikes etc mostly through my own efforts which is fantastic. Who would have thought that I would love the gym!

We have been looking at a portable stair climber for some time and finally had a demonstration of the PS universal machine on Monday. It is very impressive. The device holds on to a manual wheelchair while you sit in it and allows an operator to guide you up or down stairs without effort. I expected to feel unsafe but didn't at all - perhaps I was too tired to! It is battery powered and can do about 150 steps up and back. The weight limit is 130 kg so it isn't suitable for the power chair. I would really like one but need to weigh up the cost...

Today we completed a test drive of a Nissan Cube with my power chair in the back. We tried yesterday but ran out of room so had to remove the back seats. The ramp mechanism pulls the rear of the vehicle down to minimise the slope which makes it easy to drive the chair in. They have clearly designed them for short people all short chairs as I don't quite fit :-) it is a really good solution for me for getting around if the roof can be lifted so I am not confined to the manual chair. The cards are imported by Imperial Auto Group generally with under 60,000 km on them. The ramps are factory fitted which avoids the problems with conversions.

I am booked in for hydrotherapy tomorrow afternoon after cancelling last week due to the cold. Emma, the carer who will train the carers in Townsville, is coming with us so she can show everyone else what to do.

There has been an item in the news recently that is very encouraging for spinal cord injury research outcomes, perhaps you have heard of Jasper the sausage dog? Jasper lost the use of his back legs and some clever scientists cultured some cells out of his nose and grew them in a Petrie dish. The cells were injected back into Jasper's spine and he has learned to walk again after a fashion. Apparently human nose cells can't do this so perhaps it will be cross species implantation :-) Sounds okay to me, I just hope I don't start sniffing people's butts or grow a tail...

I have been lucky to have had lots of visitors recently and am looking forward to spending the weekend with more, most importantly my darling Darrel :-)

It has taken far more time than I expected to dictate this blog so I will sign off for now. The modifications to the Dalgety apartment are progressing and I still hope to be back in Townsville on 16 December.

From the TRP house

I was released from hospital on Monday after 250 days of incarceration.  My new abode is a TRP house on the corner of Newmarket Rd and Victoria St in Windsor.  I have already checked out the locla restaurants on Google and found a few likely prospects to try.  Cafe Conti and Rhubarb Rhubarb look the best.

Everything is going smoothly with the carers and the house is quite comfortable. I also had not my best nights sleep last night, nine and a half hours unbroken by banging of trolleys, mobile phones, the nurse call audio, snoring patients and nurses shining torches in my eyes to see if I was asleep.

I am not in a routine of physio as yet but am planning to visit the sporting Wheelies Gym this afternoon for a work out.  The workout may be focussed on my left leg which has regained some movement.  My feet have always moved when I yawn and last Sunday week both Norm and I were delighted that I could consciously move my foot without yawning. Those of you who believe I am OCD will not be surprised that I have been obsessed with it ever since.

Last week in hospital was very social as Margie and Ralph flew in from Cairns to visit.  They arrived on Tuesday afternoon, as did cousin Allison from Perth. We all went to dinnerat Asian Spice which is across the road from the Dockside apartment where Val, Margie and Ralph were staying.  As the hospital has no physio or OT on Wednesday afternoons we took the opportunity to lunch at Il Centro Margie and I had their famous sandcrab lasagne which was great but not as good as Norm's or Darrells lobster lasagne.  I think Margie and Ralph are keen for a return visit. :-)

On Thursday night Russ and Col arrived to visit and we all decided that a final trip to the Norman was in order.  It was the first "distance" expedition on Ipswich Road for the new chair (the odometer is showing 30km as I type this today).

Unfortunately SIA were unable to arrange carers for last weekend so Darrel and I spent most of the weekend at the Dockside apartment watching the lightning  and hail.  The gods were considerate and the storm passed before I had to return to PAH. the downside was that Darrel's flight was delayed and he didn't get back home until 1:30 AM.

I have just looked at some pics of the mods in my new abode in the Dalgety building and it looks as though the works are progressing well.  So I still hope to be home by Christmas.  All keep your fingers crossed for me.

A busy week + TRP

I forgot to give you the diagnosis of the MRI, apparently I have an enchondroma see http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00085 on the end of my thighbone. The recommended course of treatment is to do nothing, which I am very good at.  They have also given me a new type of anti inflamatory Celebrex http://www.drugs.com/celebrex.html it is certainly preferably to opening up the knee and chiseling it off.

Much of thre PT and OT time this week has been spent trialing things, this included a lifting belt similar to those worn by weightlifters in case people try to pick me up, and a sliding board to help transfer me from the wheelchair into a standard car.  This was frankly terrifying and uncomfortable.  A convertible with an overhead hoist would be preferable.  Train travel and cruises are looking very attractive.

We also tested portable ramps the longer the ramp the heavier it is so ot is a real balancing act to decide which one is the best. After nearly falling out of my chair on the downward slope of the shortest/steepest ramp, I decided to opt for the heavier one :-)

I have been testing a new air mattress overlay http://www.nationalseniors.com.au/icms_docs/118318_2012_CommGrantsEquipmentList.pdf see item 3 on page 2 which is more comfortable than others I have tried.  So I was very surprised to learn that it had given me pressure marks on my shoulders. Further investigation determined that there was a new policy that bolsters for extendable beds were to be placed at the head of the bed instead of the foot as some patients were getting pressure marks on their heels. The bolster was repositioned to the foot of the bed and the pressure areas are disappearing.  Hopefully the mattress can now be ordered next week

On Wednesday I commenced carer training with Emma from SIA she will come to Townsville with me for my first week back at home to train the cares that are allocated tov me in Townsville. She is very nice and capable which is reassuring.

Wednesday was a milestone when we visited the newly renovated TRP house at 18 Newmarket Rd Windsor. It is a 4 bedroom house but currently two of the back bedrooms are locked off for storage.  I will be spending next weekend there with Darrell and if all goes well will only return to the hospital to complete discharge procedures.  I will include photos in a later post.

Work is scheduled to commence on the modifications to my new apartment on Monday and there will be a big push to complete them for my return on 17 December.

Norm went to Tamworth on Thursaday but I had many other visitors both expected and unexpected. Mitch and Chrissy and daughter Zara stopped by to see me at lunch time, they are moving back to Tpwnsville after 11 years in Germany.  It will be great to have them back.  Thursday evening Sam, Russell, Colin and Jen Cook turned up to my living room aka patients visiting room where we polished off the rest of the fruit cake.  Sam and I had a game of Scrabble, Russell was very good at picking out the right letters to ensure that I prevailed.

Despite my aim of having no more goal planning meetings we had another on Friday morning, complete with OTs, PTs, nurses, and social workers, hopefully this will be the last before my discharge.

The new chair is going well I have driven 16 kilometers already.  The chairman is coming by tomorrow to fit the new armrests, backrest, headrest and to fine tune the programming.  I should be able to control the TV and sound system at the TRP house through the chair's computer.  Kylie has arranged the registration of the chair with Queensland Transport and Val is bringing the licence plates tomorrow, he should fit these too.  The lights and indicators are very impressive.

The Motomed Viva 2 Lite arm and leg bike which was partly funded by generous contributions from the Scrabble community will be delivered to Townsville on Monday.  Thank you again to everyone who donated.

Had a lazy weekend at the Kangaroo Pt apartment loafing about reading the paper, watching TV and watching the world go by through the window.  I will need to get a telescope like James Stewart in Rear Window to check if any of the neighbours are murdering their wives and burying them in the garden.

Well it is time to get back to the Weekend Australian, hopefully my next post will be from the TRP house.

Long overdue

Sorry it has been so long since the last blog entry.  Trust me it has been on the list everyday it's just that we haven't gotten around to it.  Highlights over the last 3 weeks include going out at...NIGHTTIME!!!! In a formal dress no less!  Thanks very much to Karen Sanders for inviting Val and me to the NAWIC awards dinner and thanks to Val for letting me have a 3rd glass of wine even if she drank half of it ;)  It was a great evening but I would suggest that next time that they don't allow any politicians to give any speeches whatsoever although the pronunciation of Bechtel  was funny (Beshtell).

My new pimped up ride (aka electric chair) has arrived, it has shiny red hubcaps to make it go faster:-)  Unfortunately it isn't finished yet, it needs new arm rests and more programming plus I have to get it registered...lots of fun with department of transport.

Ron came down from Townsville to come to a consultation at LifeTec with Val and me.  He said it was like being with "Q" from James Bond as far as all the gadgets went, most of them talk to each other in a language I certainly don't understand.

Norm and I took a Taxi to the QUT testing labs to see a new roof profile design prototype get tested to destruction.  I love seeing things tested to destruction I think they should test this hospital sometimes.

I had a lovely visit from Peter and Vicki Junk who deserve an award for being the first people to bring me wine as a get well present.  The tv waiting room is becoming more like home every day!

I hate the new room I am in and cannot wait to get out of this place so I can get a decent night sleep.  The guy across from me is a very loud snorer and only wakes up for meals, possibly this is because he sounds like he is swallowing his own tongue half the time.  He has been quite ill lately and my first thoughts were that his wife had poisoned him to keep him in here so she could sleep at night!  The guy next to me maybe partially deaf...either that or no one has shown him where the volume switch is on his phone.  I think he plays Angry Birds most of the day.  The guy diagonally across from me likes rap music but he at least owns headphones and seems like a nice fellow.  In addition to this the nurses need to be scheduled for a tutorial in earplug insertion, seriously!  Luckily they have sleeping pills sometimes they even let me have some.  I have asked to be moved to another room but no joy, maybe they are trying to get me out of here...

I thought we had things planned out for TRP (half-way house) but it seems I was mistaken.  If we get funding approval for home modifications this week I will move into the house next Monday otherwise it is likely to be 26 November.  Physio and OT have been pretty dull lately a lot of time has been spent organizing backrests etc.  I am still hoping to be home by Christmas, those of you that prey please put in a good word for me and remind your God/ess that I haven't murdered the snoring man.

Tomorrow is Melbourne Cup and they are having wheelchair races which should be fun.  Good luck with your bets!
JB

 

A Short Note

Sorry for the lack of updates.  We just didn't get around to it last week.  I promise that there will be a lengthier post this week.  Unfortunately I have moved rooms again to Room 3 so don't go looking for me in Room 1:-)   More news soon, I promise.....

17-10-12

Last Monday, Jack and Geetha arrived bearing chocolates that were so good that Norm and I finished them before the week was out.  We had an enjoyable lunch at Cafe Essence.

Russ and Colin paid me a visit on Tuesday evening.  It was lovely to catch up with both of them.   Despite their adventurous appetites, we couldn't convince them to try any of Norm's or my dinner (which was caviar on toast).  Later that night the nurses informed me that they had scheduled me for a minor operation on Friday which of course caused me to break into tears, as I am a complete wuss about needles.

Norm and I paid a visit to the QUT testing laboratory at Banyo on Wednesday to witness the testing to destruction of a new roof profile we have been looking at.  I love to see things tested to destruction.  Perhaps I shall apply for a position with Myth Busters next year ;-)

We were back at the Hospital by 4 pm.  Ev arrived around 5 pm and has generously loaned/donated her backgammon set to me for the duration of my stay in Brisbane.  As I haven't managed to throw the dice myself yet, Ev had to roll them for me.  I won the game thanks to all the double sixes she rolled for me, not for her!

My Physio Tiffany had her last day here at SIU on Thursday and managed to schedule me for hydro-therapy at the last minute, which was a great start to the day.  Tiffany has been replaced by another physio also named Tiffany.  She will have to work hard to keep the Tiffany standard up!  They whisked me off for an xray of my knee straight after hydro: my knee had been very painful for the last week or so (unfortunately it still is).  On return they decided to put a canula in for some anti biotics as a "prophylactic" before surgery on Friday.  This precaution, while probably valid, is nonetheless worrying for a major hospital in a first-world country!  All of this meant that I missed OT once again, thus got to keep my Permobile wheelchair for another few days.

Friday was Nil by mouth and a complete write off due to the operation.  I am fine with anti-anxiety medicine that ends in 'pam', but not in 'lam': understandable as I am a pescatarian.  Fortunately the nurses and anaesthetists remembered this.

I had hoped to be able to meet Martin at the Norman Hotel for a few games of scrabble on Saturday, but we changed the venue to the hospital as I didn't fancy dragging an IV stand down there with me!  Norm headed back to Townsville at 2 pm; he may have taken part of my brain with him, as Martin flogged me convincingly in the first two games.  Luckily Suzy arrived for a surprise visit in time to pick out letters for me for the third game (all the S's, Z, X, Q and K); not only that, she also found me a seven letter word "crashes" (which I understand is her first bonus word in scrabble!  Thus, with all this help, I managed to beat Martin in the third game.  I listened enviously to Suzy's vacation details, I expect Machupichu is out of the question for me for the next few years, the Inca's not being terribly focussed on wheelchair access.  After Suzy and Martin left, I got the nurses to set up the Kindle for me and read another 50 chapters of Jack Reacher.  I finally quit at 1:30 a.m. as I was scared I would fall asleep and lose my place :-)

Val and Sam arrived at lunchtime on Sunday.  Sam bought me a pistachio cream apricot danish at the markets as well as a huge back of cherry tomatoes, so you can guess what I had for lunch :-)  Uncle Keith and Aunty Di arrived from Perth to catch up with Val and visit me.  It is lovely of them to come all that way.  Uncle Keith got roped into being scrabble hands almost straight away;-)    We had a quiet and enjoyable afternoon on the verandah.

This week to date has been getting back to the routine of physio and OT, with the exception of an MRI of my knee yesterday.  Hopefully this will give some results, as the Xray certainly hasn't.  For some reason the loud thumping of the MRI machine puts me to sleep - go figger!   We all (Val, Keith, Di and I) had pizza for dinner last night.  We had plenty of room as Joy left yesterday.  It was sad to see her go but also it was happy for her to be going home, even if she had to wait from noon until after 4 pm for drugs from the Hospital pharmacy.  

Karen Sanders rang last night with an invitation for Val and me to go to the Construction Awards Gala on Friday night.  Ky has kindly agreed to express post my ballgown and shoes to me.  Val has said she is happy to shop for a new outfit and shoes - the theme is high glamour.  Of course, Val didn't want to put anyone to the trouble of going to Magnetic Island to find an existing outfit: I think she just wants to shop for something new!  Sam also called and is coming in later today (Wednesday) for a game of scrabble.  She also kindly offered to bring in dinner so Val could have the evening off to take her brother Keith and sister-in-law Diane out to dinner.  Good timing! 

On that note I think this blog is long enough!   xxxx

 

Ladies and Gentlemen (who lunch)

It has been a very social week.  Last Sunday 30 September Larissa, Julie (ET), Emmy and I lunched at the London Club in Teneriffe.  We had a great time and I learnt how difficult it is it wheel a wheelchair out of a taxi when it is on a hill - by 'difficult' I mean terrifying!  We adjourned to the deck of the hospital to continue the scrabble until Larissa had to leave to catch her plane.  Sam also stopped by with some lime and coconut cupcakes for afternoon tea.  Delicious!

The last 3 scrabble games went to me for which thanks is due to Emmy for her excellent tile picking :-)

Val and I sneaked a game in on Monday afternoon before putting the scrabble aside until Friday.

Margie and Ralph (Swiss) arrived bright and early on Tuesday morning with coffee to help me through physio.  Ralph was volunteered to act as my "punching" bag: he had to hold his hand at arms length in front of me and I had to try and hit it.  Very tiring work: he had no cause to say "ouch" at any time.  Apparently my career will not be as a boxer.  In the afternoon Ralph was seconded to the Dockside apartment for IT assistance: he fixed the printer so Ron  is out of a free trip to Brisbane. 

On Tuesday evening Margie and Ralph introduced me to a new puzzle which is called "Kakuro". Highly addictive, a whole hour passed without our noticing, I recommend it to all puzzlers.

On Wednesday we went to lunch at the excellent Sono at Portside.  Val and I were joined by Margie and Ralph, Christine Baulch, Julie (ET) and Celeste.  We found time for a spot of shopping after lunch and rewarded ourselves with a late afternoon tea at Max Brenner.  More Kakuro puzzles finished off the evening.

Thursday was Margie and Ralph's last day.  We lunched at Cafe Essence and made it back in time for OT at 1:30.  Margie was volunteered to act as bed tester so I hope Darrel approves of her choice of mattress!  We also spent nearly two hours getting the power chair scripted; sadly now that this is done they will take my current chair away from me on Tuesday.  I am considering bribing the rep for me to keep the chair until my new one is delivered: or perhaps chaining myself to the chair like an environmentalist tree hugger.....

I received a call from Darrel on Friday morning with bad news.  None of the airlines could find his reservation, the booking must not have gone through as planned.  As it was the last weekend of school holidays, it was way too expensive to find new flights.  This disappointment has had a silver lining in that he was able to fix the air conditioner at my place (again!) before holiday guests arrived.  Thank you again Darrel (smooches) I can't wait to see you again soon.

I had my third hydrotherapy session on Friday afternoon.  It is hard work but still my favorite part of physio.

As tuckered out as I was, I managed to prove that I am able to turn a power switch on and off without needing assistance.  As my future power chair will be able to go up and down, this means there is no need for any major changes to the wiring in the Dalgety Apartment.

EV stopped by for a game of scrabble late in the afternoon on Friday, having cycled from Annerley.  This gave us a wonderful excuse to eat chocolates.  I chickened out of playing the word Homager (it's good); I had also chickened out of playing "derivate" against Val earlier in the week", also good :-(   This place is making me lose my 'mojo'!)

We celebrated Helen Maurus's 30th birthday with her and Shane at Sardine Tin and then Movenpick.  I think Shane was relieved we left the scrabble board at the hospital :-). It was great to catch up with them both.  Val predicts wedding bells ;-)

Recently the Hospital has been delivering meals to patients bedsides while the dining room is being renovated.  Most of mine have of course been returned u eaten, particularly with all my eating out.  This prompted a visit by the dietitian who was concerned I wasn't eating, I should have simply directed her to this blog :-)

One of the nurses informed me this morning that Anita and Geoff were here to visit me.  Of course this turned out to be Geetha and Jack from Perth, so now I have another lunch date tomorrow:-)  In the meantime our apologies for worrying Sue about whether daughter Anita was at Tinaroo or in Brisbane!

Belated congratulations to my darling niece Cali for her great success in this year's Townsville Eisteddfod.  Loved the photos!

Thanks again to everyone for all their  love and support. xxx Julie

 

Same old same old

Since the last blog there has been a lot of scrabble action with Val, Martin, and Sam last week (I got to play eunuchs and bitching against Sam). This week I attended another scrabble tournament at the hotel Norman which was very enjoyable even though I only won one game out of six. Alistair Richards showed me how i could have won two more games, strategies I wish I had thought of at the time :-)

On Monday I faced up to another cortisone injection in my right shoulder which I spent the time up to the injection crying and the time after it sleeping, hopefully it will work again this time.

My driving has improved markedly but sadly the chair still wants to kill pedestrians perhaps this is a subconscious desire on my part. On a more serious note I have been venturing further afield in the chair.  Darrell and I went to the Boggo Rd markets last week end. The markets were further away than I thought as I used a "shortcut". The sour cherry Danish and bargain seafood were worth it.

Last week at hydrotherapy I managed to lift my left knee partly out of the water, sadly the pool was fully booked this week,. I will keep you updated on my progress.

In OT I have successfully opened a sliding door and a handle door with relatively little damage to the door.

Plans for the Dalgety unit are progressing and I am still hopeful that the mods will be complete by Christmas

Apologies to all for the lack of posts and the brevity of this one  but there is so little time and so much to do.  My scribe is weary and my two finger typing is too slow.

Like sand in the hourglass, with apologies to Days of Our Lives

Stardate Friday 7 September
Val and I had a very good game of scrabble final scores me 523 Val 399. This did not deter her from taking me on again on Sunday :-) . On Saturday Val Karen Sanders and I went to Chelsea at the barracks for lunch we shared a surprisingly dry bottle of NZ sav blanc. I had the ricotta gnocchi with peas and asparagus which was delicious.  It was great to catch up with Karen before Val and I dashed off to the movies to see The Sapphires, it was a very funny movie I give it 4 stars.
On Monday we went to the Buranda shopping centre and got vegetables to steam for dinner. The carrots were cutt julienne style for quick cooking but alas the shape does not facilitate self feeding as the bits slide all round the plate trying to elude my fork,  something they must have learned from the beans
Sore shoulders on Tuesday from 30 minutes and 5.5 km on the arm bike. This was relieved by the nice lady at the Chinese massage place.
Norm went to Tamworth on wednesday and I managed very well on my own ( well on my own with visits from Karen and Paul Richards, Martin and Sam). I won four out of five games of scrabble and had a lovely dinner courtesy of Sam
Yesterday I did 45 minutes on the leg bike which was a bit of a cop out as it pedals for you. But I did 400 arm stretches in the afternoon which necessitated heat packs on the shoulder to relieve the pain. Chunky food for dinner which was good as I was able to search and stab every chunk without assistance, even the grape.  I rewarded myself with a chocolate before cleaning my teeth.  Norm left to watch Inspector Morse but fell asleep before it finished so doesn't know who the culprit was so I guess he will have to wait for a rerun.
Friday I had my first hydrotherapy session I just wish it could have been longer. Hopefully another next week if not I will complaining to anyone who will listen to me and many who won't 

05/09/12

Rumors of my death have been greatly exaggerated...i was actually allowed out today into the general public in the right hand drive chair! 
 

Darrel arrive Saturday morning with his BBQ face on and made us a delicious lunch of BBQ garlic butter crayfish and salad.  We had a fairly quiet weekend as I can't drive far without taking a little nana nap but it was lovely sitting in the sun and reading the weekend papers together.  Poor Darrel had to leave on the red eye flight on Monday morning to get back to work.  He was very lucky to make it as two burly security guards pulled him aside at the hand luggage X-ray and asked him if he was carrying any weapons.  He said "no" but then had some serious explaining to do when they found the meat clever in his backpack!  He had forgotten to return it to the cutlery drawer in the apartment after chopping the crayfish for lunch;)

On Sunday we discovered some new movement in my left hand, the index finger and very useful rude middle finger.  Very happy about that!

I have had a lovely few days with Kylie.  On Tuesday night we had hot smoked salmon, baby potatoes and beans which I was able to eat with the modified fork.  There may still be a bit of salmon left in the carpet and the beans outwitted me by disguising themselves in slippery butter but all in all it was a success.  On Wednesday we went to Sono in the city where I managed a three point turn in the lift only to be greeted by two huge steps.  The restaurant manager bought out a portable ramp which was fairly scary and defeated my driving skills.  She then offered to have "a boy" lift the chair (150kg plus me).  We settled for about 8 people pushing my chair up the ramp...lunch was worth it.  Go there!

The other exciting news is that I have booked to go on the scrabble cruise in July 2013.  Darrel is coming and looking forward to trawling for mackerel from the balcony on P & O Dawn...

Physio

 

Physio was soooo tiring for Don and me...

Lost in (cyber) space

Stardate Thursday yesterday's blog ended suddenly as all the hard work vanished into cyberspace before we could finish it.  Fortunately Norm was able to find it and publish it this morning.

The big news is I am in a new Permobil C300 electric wheelchair with front wheel drive and right hand controls.  Unfortunately I will have to pass another driving test before I am allowed to leave the hospital precincts.  So there is a real incentive to practice and improve.

The right hand drive will make me use my right arm and the practice should build up strength and control.  There will be a bit more paint off the door frames in the SIU until I am proficient.

A belated thankyou to the Collesels for the Roses chocolates

:-) CYA Julie

What a lot of blog

As you can see from the previously posted photos I have been making progress, drinking wine and picking up small pieces of kindling.  It was great to see Margie and Ralph, the day after we went to Riverside we decided to go to the Powerhouse on Sunday for lunch at Watt.  The scallops were the pick of the day. Jacqui arrived late Sunday so we commandeered the visitors waiting room aka the visitor's waiting room.  On Monday Val Jacqui, Margie and Ralph attended my physio session which turned into a extended game of balloon tennis, although I treated it more like soccer with all the headers that I made.

It was great to catch up with everyone.

On Wednesday I made it to the Norman Hotel by 11:15 a mere fifteen minutes for the scrabble tournament.  Sixteen of us played six games I lost all my games in the morning had a schooner of James Boags apple cider and won all three afternoon games.  The tournament was such a success that we are planning more in September and October.

Darrel arrived late on Friday night so I didn't get to see him until Saturday.  Darrel's mum and stepdad Joan and Col had made the trek form Pt Augusta with their caravan and joined us for a barbecue lunch on the veranda.  As always Darrel outdid himself and we feasted on mackerel, salmon sausages, prawn Popsicles. There was so much food i simply didnt have room to open the 1.1 kilo box of Whitmans chocolates (a gift from Joan and Col). We also received unexpected visits from Brendan Duffy and Shane and Celeste.  I hadn't seen Brendan since per 2004, it was great to catch up on all his news.

On Sunday we took Joan and Col to the Norman for lunch we left them at the pub for an hour and snuck off to say hello to everyone at the Queensland scrabble championships a block away from the pub.  I think overall between the pokies and ponies Joan and Col came out ahead.  A great day was had by all.  When Darrel and I got back to PAH we sat on the veranda until the sun went down it w so relaxing that I fell asleep.  Darrel had to come and wake me up as my loud snoring was disturbing the other inmates and visitors.

Om Monday it was back to the regular routine .  Darrel was due to fly out on Tuesday and Joan and Col head back to SA so we shared a farewell lunch at Cafe Essence.

Wednesday was a jam packed day.  I was actually out of bed at 9:45 which was a miracle. So I went down to the physio gym and persuaded the staff to set me up on the leg bike for 40 minutes.  The bike pedals itself but at least it gets your muscles moving.  After that they got me on one of the beds to practice some forward bends and hamstring stretches, I managed to get my head to my knees and then between my knees and then had to call for help to get up.  After that we practised sitting with my arms behind propping me. I lasted half an hour before my right arm gave way a landing me in a tearfu.l heap, fortunately no lasting damage other than to my pride.

After all that I felt I deserved a coffee so Norm and I went to the cafe for a coffee we made it to the veranda just as Karen and Alistair Richards arrived.  Alistair acted as my hands and s also kind enough to point out my mistakes :-). Martin arri.ved slightly later and I managed two games with him as well all done by quarter to four.

As it was so early Norm and I went to Buranda shopping centre for supplies and a manicu,re and pedicure.  The nurses can feel safer walking near my feet :-).  We were also able to get my glasses adjusted at the optometrist.  Then it s back to the tv room for the circulation booster hand ranging and a visit from Sam bearing huge quantity of prepared meals to stave off any malnutrition.  The foot section of the booster worked worked so ll I could actually feel my calf muscles being worked in BOTH legs, a first.

A repast of Darrel's crayfish lasagne followed by a punnet of raspberries and some large strawberries topped off a very satisfying day.

Blockwork

Lucky I am an engineer and not a block layer :-). Seriously though I am very proud that my left thumb was able to accomplish this feat without any help from the fingers! 

Lunch at George's

Lunch with Margie and Ralph on Saturday at George's Paragon Seafood Restaurant, with a glass of Saint Claire Sauv Blanc

Frustrations

Differing priorities in the SIU mean that it is difficult to establish a routine as a result showering is a bit of a hit and miss as far as timing goes in the mornings.  Norm says this will teach me to be patient but I tell I am not becoming patient quick enough :-)

Show day in Brisbane for the Ekka so no physio or OT so we went for lunch at Jade Budha restaurant at Eagle St pier the meal was great tried some advanced OT trying to hold a wine glass in my left hand.  My thumb does not have enough strength to hold it yet I might get a Velcro strip made to stop it slipping.  Could be a challenge for the OTs :-)

Sam is here for scrabble this arvo, all round a fantastic day

Confessions

Good news I am recovering, bad news I am homesick after the phone call with all the scrabblers at Magnetic Island.

Larissa has secretly organized a fund raising for me which raised $1,150 which is an awesome effort and I am extremely grateful and was very teary last night when told of this.  Thank you all so very much. At the moment I think I will put it towards an arm / leg exercise bike from www.motomed.com

Most of last week was spent sleeping coughing and occasionally sitting in the sun.  Whenever I do this I get someone to remove the driving splint to give my arm a rest.  Lately I have some done some driving without the splint which is great.

Last week I was parked in front of the garden beds at the bottom of the ramp and decided to practice driving without the splint unfortunately I knocked the chair into reverse once the drive wheels are in the garden bed and got bogged. My efforts at extrication only succeeded in digging a bigger hole.  Fortunately Stacy the nurse and Val managed to drag the chair out "very embarrassing"

This morning we had a demonstration from www.automobility.com.au on their modified vehicles pretty good but maybe I should reconsider driving after the garden bed incident :-)

This afternoon will be my first physio in over 3 weeks wish me luck.

10/08/12

I feel like I am making a slow recovery but today's blood work was not good :-(

Thanks to everyone for the encouragement and to Sam for the delicious ochre lentil and pumpkin tagine.  I have a very quiet weekend planned but I'm wishing I was at Magnetic ISland scrabble tournament instead.

Hopefully back with better news next time.

Monday 30 July is a day I would prefer to forget after some chest pummeling to help expel mucous I went for physio.  The infection has apparently returned and I became feverish and the session was suspended and I was returned to my bed.  My temperature rose to 39.7 deg C but my body was freezing so the staff would not let me have more than a sheet over me as they were trying to get my temperature down.  A decision was made to put me on IV antibiotics aaaaarghhhhh another needle.  After one missed attempt the line was inserted in my left elbow after a couple of hours my temperature started to drop and I was taken for a chest X-ray, which showed that the congestion in my lungs was not as bad as last week.

I drifted off to sleep on return to the ward only to be awoken by the Physio to do some more chest clearing pummeling.  My temperature went up and down with bouts of uncontrollable shivering as my body fights the infection.  The doctor decided to return me to the acute section of the unit for the night because there is better nursing coverage there.

I transferred to acute about 8:30 last night and my temperature had dropped to 38.1 still felt miserable but not as bad as earlier. Felt like shit most of the day.   Hoping that a good nights sleep will see a better day dawn.

Norm typed this for me the content was sent by telepathy.

The dreaded lurgi developed into a chest infection and laid me low for most of last week.  There was a build up of fluid in my lungs which required some vigorous chest pounding by the nurses and physios to help me expel.  Because my intercostal muscles are not working due to the injury to my spine my cough reflex is weak and needs external assistance in these circumstances.  Ron will post my X-ray showing the extent of the lung congestion.

With the help of IV :-( and oral antibiotics the infection is clearing and my strength is returning.

Darrel visited on the weekend and he has a flu type condition as well so unfortunately had to keep his distance :-( but it was so good to see him :-)  It really lifted my spirits.  Come Sunday afternoon and a good dose of vitamin D from sitting in the sun with Darrel and I was feeling much better.  Being out of the ward in the open air is really good medicine

Norm drove Darrel to the airport and returned about 4:00 PM and we went into the TV room had a couple of cups of tea, read the weekend magazine from cover to cover had my hands moisturised and fingers ranged to ease any stiffness and a 30 min electrical stimulation to my hands and feet on the circulation booster.

Back to bed in time for Masterchef, and my dinner.  The presentation may not be to Masterchef standard but fresh steamed vegetables and berries and cream sure tasted good, my first real meal in a few days.  Looking forward to some bread and butter custard and cream later this week my only alcohol since my accident, the sultanas are soaked in bourbon, yum.

Then 8:00 meds and vital signs.  I am getting pretty good at the blood pressure lotto I can guess it to within a couple of points nowadays, the nurses are surprised at how close I get.

Hoping for a good nights sleep and a return to Physio and OT tomorrow to continue the journey along the rehab road.

CYA

26/07/12

Unfortunately my sore throat morphed into a chest infection on Saturday, so I have basically slept  this week.  Hopefully I will be over it soon.  Julie

A milestone. Just a short post today. A sore throat yesterday and lethargy so went back to bed at 2:30 and slept till 5:30 woke feeling a bit better. Today I used my iPad today to type my first message since my accident. So the quick brown fox exercises have paid off. Regardless of this please do not expect a personalized response to your emails, one finger typing is too slow. But I will get better :-)

From the living room

Today I am spending my evening as I have most evenings since my last post : sitting in the visitor's waiting room aka the living room hooked up to the circulation booster and watching TV on the big screen. It is more comfortable and friendly than my room due to the totally unnecessary wall in the middle of the room and much more comfortable for my scribe. Ky Ron and Cali visited the weekend before last when Val was here. We took my power chair on its longtime drive yet - to the Norman of course for lunch! It was lovely to see everyone I can't believe how tall Cali has grown. I need to write a blog more often as the days tend to run together. I had a visit last week from Ange, who brought a supply of her sisters famous brownies. They are so good we could use them as currency in here like they use cigarettes in jail. Sam also stopped by as did Sonia and Anton with their wedding footage from Lombok. It was lovely to watch including the bonus footage of the bucks night :-) Sam and Jane also visited from SA bringing more chocolate gifts, their son Dylan made friends with some of the other children and was fas asleep by the time I emerged from Physio. Wednesday afternoon we held the second scrabble tournament. I won the last game by one point which gave me the tournament and moved my ranking from 13 to 12 in Queensland! I am I charge of approaching the Norman to see if we can hold the next tournament there, I am sure they will be delighted. The problems in getting to appointments on time continue but I believe they are finally solved. I had Darrel all to myself over the weekend we spent part of Saturday with Shaun and Ron at Southbank. The crowds for Bastille day were harder to navigate through than I expected but I managed to stop myself from charging through at high speed. I now how it feels to be short. On Sunday Darrel BBQd the largest prawns I have ever seen eight were more than enough for the two of us. After Darel left to catch his plane I convinced one of the nurses to set my Kindle up for me on text to voice with zero volume. I read for four hours straight and finally finished my first book since the accident. We have had some breakthroughs today and last week. The first being a flicker of movement in my right thumb and the second movement in the toes of my left foot. I am ecstatic about both of these developments. In OT we have been practicing typing on the notepad computer, my record for "the quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog" is 2 mins 7 seconds not bad for one finger typing. Since my last blog I developed a pressure spot on my right heel which meant no compression stockings and also marks from the binder (large and uncomfortable elastic belt) which meant no binder. I also declined to give blood for routine blood testing. I am delighted to report that the doctors have reluctantly agreed that discontinuing the stockings, binder and routine blood tests is unlikely to have an adverse effect. Yay! No to get them to agree to discontinue the panadol and movicol....

We will fight them on the beaches

Apologies for the long gap between posts, the are enough frustrations but not enough hours in a day. Since my last post we have fallen foul of the safety nazis. They deemed my storage units were a safety hazard no amount of reasoning would convince them otherwise. They deemed they had to go. As someone familiar with OHS I asked to see the risk analysis but none was available. A compromise was reached if they could find a bed with adequate storage I would move to room 1 bed 1 where there was a storage cupboard. Moving on short notice was a pain in the butt particularly with little assistance from the nurses. Val worked tirelessly repositioning photos and organizing cupboards and drawers not finishing until after 9:30pm. Darrell drove my car down arriving on Friday night and was able to visit before I went to sleep. We went to Riverside markets and had a wonderful lunch at Il Centro I could have killed for a cold glass of sav blanc. Reversing the power chair out of the taxi onto the elevating platform is a frightening experience, not so much a leap of faith but blind trust. Note must check out reversing cameras. Today is the first day I made it to physio since moving to the new room. They are not organized to get people up and shower them in time for treatment. Had a discussion with the nurse unit manager about this and other issues yesterday. Hopefully matters will continue to improve. Two nice events today a visit from Robin Hamblyn for a cup of coffee and a chat and when I returned to my bed there was a lovely gift from Myles Thresher all the way from Bristol in the UK?. OT have made a typing splint for me get more practice on soon. Today in physio I was upright for 40 minutes until I became dizzy at the smell of an alcohol wipe, funny that. We tried the neuro electrical muscle stimulator or NEMS on my right forearm to cause the wrist extender muscles to work. The idea is to try to help connect with your neural pathways. It causes a limp wrist and fingers to extend. Also physio related was another AASIA assessment last week basically the poke you with sharp and blunt instruments and you are to identify sharp or blunt. This is not much fun and seems to have made my right leg hypersensitive. On the plus side in the muscle tests they recorded a flicker of movement in my left leg. I have been hiding out in the visitors lounge most afternoons this week, this gives me extra practice navigating a regular size door with the power chair. The door frame has stood up to this quite well :-) I have tested the power chair on quite a few occasions and clocked it at 9.8km/hr just unr the maximum regulated sped of 10km/hr. I was disappointed that they cannot be souped up further see http://www.farmshow.com/view_articles.php?a_id=268p

3:55 PM Just back from the driving test down to the shops across Ipswich Rd and back passed phew. Now allowed to take the electric chair outside the hospital precinct. Some further fine tuning needed to the chair to improve comfort hopefully these will be done tomorrow morning. Maybe I will be game to try 3rd and 4th gear. Another physio session on the tilt table it felt great Julie.

 

Hi everyone Val arrived bright and early saturday morning and we packed a lot into the few hours that we had left. A spot of shopping, talon clipping and painting (manicure)we would have been well ahead of schedule if the wheelchair brakes hadn't locked at Target. After about half an hour and a few phone calls to the hospital Val fixed them just as two nurses arrived. I think Target was glad to have an obstacle removed from their aisles. Despite my best intentions I have not been card boxing daily but still managed to play ordinate against Larrissa on the weekend. Our June scrabble fest was very enjoyable despite Sam and Con kicking Larrissa and my collective arses at the Norman hotel on Sunday. I believe the Norman does quite well out of SIU patients families and friends, as we se plenty of them there. Rexbionics www.rexbionics.com.nz had computer problems on Tuesday so I haven't ordered my techno trousers yet and have been concentrating on physio and OT instead. I tried the tilt table machine in the gym for the first time this week and was allowed to go up to within ten degrees of vertical. It felt great and I wanted more, it is the first time I have been vertical since 6 March. Miss Margie arrived on Tuesday to be amazed by my driving skills. Substitute Carmen came across the road with Margie Norm and I so I could have a massage at the Chinese acupuncture/massage shop. I managed a three point turn in the small lift at the car park, and maneuvered into the massage cubicle without demolishing too much of the furniture. It was a great massage, and I will be back for more. Despite all this great driving I am still on my L plates. I have another driving test this afternoon hope to upgrade to my Ps. On Wednesday I wore my new dress (thanks Margie) to lunch at the GOMA with Margie Celeste and Julie(evil Tracey)it was a great lunch and time flew by. We were lucky we didn't miss our appointment at the WalkOn/Sporting Wheelies gym. The facilities look good and we have a mountain of paperwork to fill in. I am looking forward to getting into the exercise program there in addition to the physio here. It has been nearly three weeks since I have seen Darryl so I am looking forward to catching up with him this weekend. So hopefully the glorious weather will continue. Love to all Julie

14/06/12

Hello, We decided an update was in order. Ron is here typing while I am being electrocuted by the Circulation Booster. It is only set on 35 today, Margie and Jen had a "competition" last Saturday and they decided to call it a draw at 70 :) Margie spent Sunday morning wondering why her calves were so sore. Jen brought up delicious macaroons from Adriano Zumbo which were polished off with great gusto. I fear I am getting rather fat in hospital, having no access to stomach muscles doesn't help! Kylie managed to convince me that the cortisone injections were a good idea and I underwent the procedure last Friday. I was expecting this to be scheduled for the afternoon so Norm could hold my hand, but they came to get me in the morning. The poor nurse encountered hysterical tears on my behalf and a request to get Doctor Yan ASAP and some pain killers/sedatives ASAP. They didn't kick in for awhile so nurse Lila accompanied me to radiology. The injections themselves hurt plenty but were not as bad as I feared (maybe it was the other drugs :)). As I was emotionally exhausted, I slept for the rest of the afternoon, waking up enough to consume a toasted sandwich and some chocolate. On Saturday Magie, Norm and I checked out Sing Sing, the local restaurant. The whole steamed Coral Trout with ginger and shallots was nearly as good as Dynasty's, and they have Karaoke on Friday and Saturday nights so I'll definitely be back. On Sunday I had my first outing in a taxi to see the apartment Norm and Val have rented at Kangeroo Point. It is very nice, I just wish there was some way I could get out of the wheel chair and onto the couch. Val arrived on Sunday night and on Monday we went for another adventure, this time to Southbank and the GOMA. It was a lovely day despite the weather, with some interesting art and great coffee. Margie and I intend to visit the restaurant next Wednesday for lunch. On Wednesday Ron arrived to some serious scrabble. Martin Waterworth gave me a hiding, if only I had known milnebs was a word, unfortunately I tried nimbles instead. Numbles and nombles may have also gotten me the game. Alastair Richards kindly set up zyzzyva card box for me with some homework. I now know most of otarine plus blank and will program some new quizzes in soon. Suggestions anyone... Today I practised sitting and balancing by myself and with limited assistance at physio. I have certainly lost flexibility in my hamstrings, as my head will no longer reach my knees. :( I have been given my limited learners permit on the electric wheelchair today. The permit extends to the ward and surrounds only. I am not allowed to take the chair out into public areas yet. I was slightly concerned that the privilege would be revoked after my OT, Christine, caught me trying the higher speeds in the corridor. After a few words I was allowed to continue on the lower setting. She is away tomorrow so we should be safe to try that again :) I also had the opportunity to try the Viva2 arm and leg bike, see www.motomed.com for details. Looking forward to the weekend with Larissa, Val and possibly Sam and Con, and some serious scrabble action, perhaps the Norman Hotel will allow us to play there :) Hope you are all well and have a lovely weekend xxxx Ps. Thanks also to all those who have sent cards, etc. your thoughts and good wishes are always appreciated.

3 Months on

I had a lovely week with Val last week although the weather prevented too many outings. On Friday afternoon I had the best physio session I have had to date. Unfortunately this was not with my regular physio and I don't want to offend anyone by requesting a change! We also tried the circulation booster on my feet but only cranked it up to 40. One of the nurses here has tried the machine on 80 and it made her legs jump off altogether so I don't think I'll try it that high. It was great to see Darrel on the weekend, he got pulled up by airport security for having three mud crabs in his hand luggage but they let him through when they were assured that the crabs were dead...very tasty they were too. Daz also charmed some of the other patients and nursing staff with crab and avocado biscuits, he is very popular in PAH:-) Yesterday we had the family meeting with the doctors, physio, OT, social worker and nurses. Doctor Polly Tsai gave a full description of my injuries and subsequent treatment and a preliminary estimate of my release date (20/11/12). After this I will proceed to transitional accommodation in Brisbane for 4 to 8 weeks before returning home to Townsville. During this time I will probably enroll in the Walk On program http://scia.org.au/walk-on . The assessment of my apartment by the Townsville OT rep indicates it is very unlikely that the existing access could be made suitable for wheelchairs. Norm is going to get Jon Larrazzabel from www.i4architecture.com.au to do up some sketches of an alternative access, this would be via a catwalk ,from the garage, across the roof of the rear building to my apartment building and a lift through the roof into my place. It should be really fun to see what response this elicits from the heritage building commission, Townsville City Council and the body corporate and any further response from the disability discrimination act enforcers:-) Realistically it is unlikely that I will be able to return to my apartment in the near future so Ky, Val and Darrel are looking at other options for me, including The Dalgeyy, Altitude, Mariners Peninsula etc. I wonder how much money the bank will lend me when I am on a disability pension? Some of the good news is that the MRI report was able to diagnose both shoulders with bursitis, the bad news is that the recommended treatment is a guided cortisone injection in each shoulder. I had so hoped for a magic pill instead! Will let you know how it goes. Some of you may be interested to know that my blog has been blocked in China (just like Facebook). Unfortunately I doubt this means I can sell it for billions of dollars! Instead I have decided to pursue a career in politics, as the new member for Dobell as I am inherently crooked (I cannot sit straight in the wheelchairs). I am sure either major party would be pleased to have me:-) I have decided to take out third party insurance for my future power chair given my progress in learning to drive it. It will be interesting to find out what premium I will be charged. Ky has figured out a way that I can use my kindle withou needing the use of my hands to turn the pages. This is great news as the new Charlaine Harris book is out so please don't expect any more logs in the near future:-). Love to you all, JB

PS. Ron has uploaded the following MRI pics...

30/05/12

Hi folks, it has been a busy week since the last blog, The biggest news is that I have had flickers of movement in my left thumb, which is very positive!  Much of my OT sessions have been spent learning to use a computer with an overly large mouse ball or stylus.  We have been doing this with my right hand with the arm in slings to remove the effect of gravity.  It takes me about half an hour to type my first name.  The sessions have not been long enough to complete "Julie Brice"!  But we will get there.  I might have done better if I hadn't been so distracted by another patient and OT learning to play Othello.  I just couldn't help myself giving advice on strategy -:)

On Tuesday I was fitted for a power chair which will replace my other new wheelchair.  Tomorrow I get to drive the thing - BEWARE -:). Once the power chair is properly finalized we will fit and cut the medical grade sheepskin that Kylie sent to me last week.  (Thanks again, Ky.)

Norm and I continued our forays out of the hospital last week.  These included a trip to the Public Cafe where I was able to drink coffee without assistance as the new chair is so high, and a trip to the hospital car park to inspect the Aramax roof which I designed a few years ago.  The roof appears fine but I was far more focused on the ground when Norm left me parked with my back facing a set of stairs.  The rational part of my brain trusts the brakes on the wheelchairs, it's just the irrational part keeps screaming "you're going to fall down the stairs and die!!"

Norm has been feeding the bush turkey ('Ned' or 'Christmas', whoever you are talking to).  The turkey comes peering through the glass doors to see if he is around to feed him more grapes.  Norm has been letting him get a little too close on occasion: the turkey managed to draw Norm's blood over the weekend.  Despite being in a hospital there were no bandaids to be found :-)

It was lovely to see Darrel on the weekend, he brought down Moreton Bay bugs which we ate on the verandah with salad on Saturday.  On Sunday Norm Darrel and I ventured out to the local pub for lunch, the Norman.  The Norman is a short 15 minute roll from the hospital and boasts of being Brisbane's worst vegetarian restaurant.  I had the S&P calamari and a diet coke.  The doctors have said I am allowed the odd glass of wine but I have decided not to have any until I can pick the glass up myself - now there's an incentive! 

While Norm drove Darrel to the airport I had a game of scrabble with Martin, with him picking up my tiles.  I copped a thrashing so sacked Martin and got Norm to select better tiles for me for the second and third games.  Val has also been picking great tiles for me this week in a game against Quentin, who is back from France.

Wednesday afternoon is normally free for me (which means more scrabble) but I lost most of the afternoon today getting an MRI done on my shoulders.  Hopefully they will figure what is causing the pain and give me a magic pill to fix it, rather than a dirty great cortisone injection!

 

I am looking forward to seeing Darrel and Ky this weekend.  We may attempt a trip to Kangaroo Point in a taxi, depending on my power drive skills (yet to be learned).  Next Tuesday is the big meeting with family, doctors, physios, OT's etc etc so I get to have a long weekend with everyone which will be lovely.  I will update you again after the meeting.

xx

Ward 5 SIU

Oops found it again phew. Now settled into ward 5 a four bed unit with three other ladies. Monday was a milestone as I was able to go upstairs to the Public Cafe for my coffee. Val was wheeling me as Norm got out of a taxi and met us on the way. This was my first trip outside the ICU and SIU other than the verandas since my arrival at PAH on March 8, it felt good! I am now on regular OT and Physio for an hour each per day on weekdays except Wednesdays. The OT is to work my arms for feeding myself. It is bloody hard work as the brain, nerve and muscle interaction has to be relearnt. My left arm has improved but lack of control tends to result in the odd smack in the face with a strawberry. The improvements are incremental but progress is definite and positive. My right arm has not had the same degree of work out due to the nerve pain in my shoulder, but this has improved and we are doing some work with it. I think is is about 3-4 weeks behind my left arm. After OT on Monday the physios measured me for a new wheelchair, the old one is uncomfortable. After measurement some arm exercises and passive frog poses flat out on the mattress then back into the chair. Tuesday it is really a slow start in the mornings one bathroom is out of action being refurbished, and they are understaffed, as a result I am not out of bed and showered until after noon. I am trying to get some priority for an earlier start on the weekends. Another trip to the Public Cafe for coffee followed by OT and physio to try the new wheelchair but it needs more adjustment the backrest is uncomfortable and the footrests are too high so my knees are under my chin. So back into the old chair, at this rate the new chair may not ready before I get my electric chair, not the one used for executions in the US, but a power operated one that will give me more independence once I learn to drive it. Be afraid, very afraid. More adventure down to the Buranda shopping centre in the chair to book a manicure and facial. Unfortunately the path into the beautician was too narrow for the chair. The manicurist was booked for 4:30 tomorrow. Then back to the SIU. It was good to leave the hospital precincts Wednesday same old same old slow start Norm went to a meeting at the Gold Coast and Olga came for scrabble. She had to pick my tiles and put them on my rack, they were in no particular order and some upside down. Despite this challenge I beat her by convincingly. Nice tile selection Olga! After Olga left we went to the Public Cafe for a latte and cake. Then it was off to she shopping centre to get some new tracky daks and the manicure. Candy apple red they look very smart. What to have for dinner check out Woollies decide scrambled eggs with tomato, chives, chilli and Parmesan cheese cooked in the hospital microwave yummy. Visits from Sam (Searle) and Sonia with a 45 min chat with Larissa and Tracey (yoga). All this followed by meds teeth cleaning then bye bye to Norm

Bugger just typed two pages and lost them oh well will try again tomorrow. Pity they were really interesting

20/05/12

Hi, everyone.

After all of Val's good work setting up my room at Bed 17 on Monday we have had to move. On Thursday night a nurse-call tube which also operates the TV decided my breath was no longer acceptable - too much garlic, perhaps? I understand the nurses put in an urgent maintenance on Friday but an electrician has yet to be sighted (excluding Darrel). As my inability to call for a nurse apart from using my own voice was deemed a safety issue, the nurse in charge decided I should switch with Bed 18 and that it should be a permanent switch. This was a bit traumatic for both my roommate Denise and me, and caused a lot of work foe Kylie and Val. The move is now complete and is now - thanks to Kylie - super organized.

Friday afternoon was my first time in the physio gym. At the time it didn't feel like Tiffany had made me do very much but I sure felt it later! Despite this I am looking forward to getting back in the gym next week.

Most days when I am transferred back to bed I forget to ask the nurses to undo and remove my bra. Nurse Tina has christened a term for trying to get the bra off when once in bed: it is called "the boyfriend maneuver" and I am sure requires no explanation for you, dear readers.

Saturday dawned bright and sunny and I was determined to be ready before the scrabble tournament started at 12 noon. Sadly this ambition was not fulfilled, but the day was very successful with lovely food and great company. I was lucky enough to have Karen and Alistair Richards draw my tiles for me, which helped me to pip Paul Richards at the post to win the tournament. It was great to finally catch up to Jaime who had driven down from Gympie that day baring cheese for us hungry scrabblers, hopefully next time we will have a little more time to chat. Celeste and Helene dropped by for a chat and to present me with yet more cake to eat. I am very spoilt! It is perhaps lucky that the bizarre decision to weigh every patient in SIU in one afternoon was made earlier in the week rather than later....

My cold has completely gone now which is a blessing even though the coughing provided only minor impediment to guessing Letters and Numbers clues. Val erupted into laughter when, in the middle of my chest being pounded to assist in coughing, I yelled out "DECADENT" which confused the nurses tremendously. It was the solution to find a word in 8 jumbled letters!

It has been another gorgeous day today. Darrel cooked a succulent batch of scallops in the BBQ to the envy of all and what with snoozing in the sun the day and weekend has passed way too quickly, I hope all of you have been lucky enough to have as good a weekend as I have.

16/05/12

Hi folks, Val and I have had a very busy start to the week with a move to the main section of the Spinal Unit on Monday.  Val has done great work, all the photos are up, shelves organized, she has even bought coat hangers for the wardrobe!   I am in Bed 17 of Room 5.  The room has ceiling hoists which are much quicker and easier than the crane style hoists they had in the Acute section.  The only drawback is that even though I have more space we can't set up the Flying Wonderwoman that EV kindly gifted to me :-). Unfortunately, i managed to pick up a cold from somewhere so did not give Margie the best of welcomes when she arrived on Tuesday.  It seems to be mostly gone now, thank goodness.  Margie has acted as drill sergeant, ensuring that all breathing hand and arm exercises are completed.  This has been a real achievement given the number of wonderful visitors I have had. It was great to see Helen, Ange, Karen and Elise.  Ange finally delivered another box of her sister's choc brownies and Elise a piece of her birthday cake.  I am in no danger of starvation or chocolate deficiency.  Thanks, Guys :-) Martin Waterworth and I had two excellent games of scrabble today with the score one all and both games totaling over 800.  I am looking forward to a rematch at the scrabble tournament on Saturday. The next update probably won.t be posted until next week as I need to spend as much time as possible with Kylie, Darrel, Margie and Val.  Hope you are all well xxx

BIG NEWS THE TRACHIE IS OUT YAYYY

The doctors may be beginning to figure me out as they really only gave me five minutes warning to worry about the procedure. It was quick but somewhat painful for a wus like me.  I now have a large adhesive dressing over my throat to cover the hole as they don't stitch anything up just let it grow together naturally.  It should take about a week to heal and then hopefully I will be transferred to the main section of the SIU.  This will mean reduced visiting hours 12 till 2 and 4 till 8 on weekdays and 12 till 8 on weekends hopefully it will not impact too much on my social life and scrabble :-)

I managed to clumsily consume about half a banana with some help from the OT.  I did not spear myself in the face with the fork which was a major achievement in my opinion :-) banana mutilation will recommence tomorrow afternoon.

I had a very nice afternoon playing scrabble with Olga and Cheryl Davidson yesterday, Norm's tile selection seems to be improving.

All in all a very good week to date

Thanks again to everyone for your continued support, visits, comments, cards and gifts, I couldn't do it without you.

As dictated by Julie on Monday 7 May

Dear interested parties sorry for the delay in updates you would not believe how easily the day gets away from you.  My current routine is to wake up around 7:15 AM request pain killers in preparation for physiotherapy prior to falling asleep during the inhalation from two nebulisers.  After chest physio to cough up the gunk accumulated overnight there is normally a short nap before breakfast then shower before finally getting into a wheelchair somewhere between 11 and 12 depending on timing and visitors I am supposed another two nebulisers, by then it is lunch time.

I have been lucky enough to have lots of visitors particularly those inclined to play scrabble.  The Richards, Olga and Martin have even organised  an official four game tournament to be held on the veranda on 19th May, please note registrations are full :-).  Kylie has agreed to be my scrabble hands for the tournament.  As of this week the scrabble playing will be decreased as I am scheduled for occupational therapy 1:30 to 2:30 PM daily (hospital time).

I was pleased to find "DARREL" on my rack last week see the picture, I was surprised to see he was on Larissa's rack along with an S as well, she played "LARDERS" for 70 points (Norm apologises he is too electronically illiterate to attache the photo and will add it to a later post)

Tomorrow at my OT session I shall be attempting to eat a banana with a fork using with my left hand,  this could be messy although spaghetti would be worse :-)

The weather in Brisbane has been beautiful and it is great to get out of the hospital buildings onto the veranda and into the sun away from the hospital air conditioning.

After a few experiences of waiting up to an hour to get back into bed I try to be back inside by 4:30 PM as the dinner rush starts then.  (! As i am surprised dinner starts so early).  I have still been lucky enough to avoid the hospital dinners and most of the lunches, the cereal at breakfast is not so bad.

The procedure for getting in and out of bed involves a sling and a hydraulic hoist like a small crane.

My current goal is to get the tracheostomy out hopefully this will be achieved this week, fingers crossed.  this will improve my mobility I am looking forward to going to the shops to get my glasses adjusted.

I will try and update the blog more frequently, scribe/s willing' bye for now love to all from Julie

Star date 24 April 2012

As dictated by Julie to Norm

Hi everyone firstly thanks to you all for your well wishes emails presents and visits.  After a difficult week last week and frightening tracheostomy tube change this morning I am feeling surprisingly well.  The days go quickly particularly those with visitors and even more so with scrabble playing visitors.  I am still in the acute section of the SIU and likely to be so for the next fortnight - assuming I can cough up enough gunk to satisfy the physios and they will let the tracheostomy be removed and let me go to the main section.

I would like a room by myself but apparently the only way to get one is to contract an infectious disease, I am considering bribery.

Movement of my left arm has improved and I can now lift it off the bed, which is very pleasing.  Unfortunately the right arm has not progressed as well.  I have finally have had an ultrasound on my right arm/shoulder which has revealed nothing except That it should have been X-rayed first.

Norm and I are sitting outside on the balcony but we can't quite see the Aramax roof on the car park.  It was one of the earlier Aramax roofs that we did.

Out of five beds in the acute ward three are from Townsville and Home Hill and another is from Daru in PNG.  This shows the need for a spinal unit in Townsville.

Julie is sick of this now so she said to sign off.

18/04/12

Darrel organised a bbq last Saturday on the verandah at the SIU, here are Jules Darrel and Norm after feeding our faces.

Jules was very happy to see Darrel.