20/03/12

Tuesday was a mark time day for Jules as she is being treated for the chest infection.  The congestion is very uncomfortable as it reduces lung capacity and she feels short of breath.  Her breathing is being assisted with the ventilator.  She is mildly sedated, with pain relief on demand as she requires it.

She is very aware and her spirits are low as she thinks of her future.  It is hard to think much past the ICU with all its tubes monitors bells alarms and a different nurse each shift.  The difficulty in communicating is a major frustration.  Our lipreading skills aren't that good and when she is frustrated with us for not understanding she speaks faster which makes it all the worse.

She is very interested in the goings on at work and I have been keeping her updated with the various tenders and works on site.  I have got a smile or two.

 
They tried to sit her up today in her bed but she got dizzy and her blood pressure dropped so they laid her back down.  Tomorrow they plan to try her in a chair and have some different drugs to improve sitting blood pressure.  If successful they will continue with sitting for a few days and then maybe she will be able to spend some time on the ICU balcony in the sun which should lift her spirits.

We were given a tour of the Spinal Care Unit by Dr Vernon Hill who ran the place until he retired 12 years ago and still consults with them.  He is a good friend of Peter Curtain's who was in a similar situation to Jules 30 years ago.  The unit is an amazing place the wards have generally 4 beds which will mean there will be company for Jules. The physiotherapy unit is amazing more like a workshop with all manner of equipment to assist with mobility retraining.  They have a car seat section (to learn how to get in and out of cars), airline seats, lifting and specialised gym equipment.  The occupational therapy training unit is likewise impressive the OTs train people with mobility difficulties on how to cope with and adapt to everyday living, to perform normal functions around the house and to care for themselves and give people dignity and the maximum independance.  We met many of the staff and the positive caring attitudes and level of commitment would astound you.

Vernon made a good point that one thing that the SCU does do is awaken people to latent abilities and talents that they never realised they had.  I left the unit with a good feeling that whilst the journey will be long and hard there is light at the end of the tunnel.

We will update you all further tomorrow.

Kind regards Val, Norm, Kylie and Darrel