23/03/12

Good morning, all.  Yesterday could have been a good day for Julie.  Instead, it was a frustrating day for her.  What a difference it could have made if only at least one or two family members were successful lipreaders.    I was at the ICU just after 11 a.m.  I managed a short time with Julie, but then some of the daily procedures took over.    About the time that I was given the nod to return to Julie's bedside, Julie's good friend Richard Skoines had just arrived with Ian Lacey.  Ian had not seen Julie since she had been admitted to the ICU.   As Ian had had a serious car accident some years ago, and had learned to walk again, I suggested they should go and see Julie first.  I was pleased that they took me up on it.  Ian was an inspiration.  He showed me some photos taken whilst he was in ICU, and then a photo of him when first learning to walk again.  It was very inspiring.  Ian now cycles 25 kms at least twice a week.   When I returned to Julie's bedside, there were other hospital staff there for more daily procedures and checks, and once again I had to leave.  When I returned early afternoon, Julie was propped up in bed.  She stayed awake for the whole afternoon.  The trachea was still causing discomfort, but not as much as it had been doing previous to her second tracheostomy.  However, the greater discomfort was from my inability to lipread.  What could have been a great afternoon and early evening (when Ron, Julie's brother-in-law had arrived from Townsville) was spoiled by the fact that none of us was any good at lipreading.  We did, however, take the opportunity of reading out so many of your emails, excerpts that Kylie took from Facebook well-wishers, and messages on cards and flowers to Julie, who enjoyed hearing them.  I realised I have a large number of text messages also, so if today is another good day for Julie, I may read them out to her.  We eventually put on a DVD in the TV sometime after 7 p.m., and left Julie to watch Oceans Twelve whilst we headed back to the apartment.  (Today was the first day she asked us to turn on the TV.)

I have spent some time this morning trying to find online a professional lipreader who resides in Brisbane, but without success.  If anyone knows of one, it would be appreciated if details could be forwarded to me.  In the meantime, I will try today to find out what the next few days are likely to bring for Julie insofar as her ability to be able to speak rather than just mouth words.

 

I had decided not to do an update today, but then thought some of you might worry that things had taken a turn for the worse.  I'll close with thanks to all of you who have spoiled us: Angie, whose Mum baked us a beautiful carrot cake with the most delicious icing, and Angie's sister who made us some healthy but also delicious muesli slices (we do still have the containers, and will liaise with you Angie, to return them);  so many of you who waited in the ICU waiting room, and at times didn't get to go in to see Julie at all; those of you who sent flowers and other goodies: the nurses tell me Julie has the best selection of skin and hair products that they have ever seen, and this is thanks to many of you who provided them for Julie; Norm, I'm sure, would want me to send special thanks to Margie's sister Annie, who included Fantales and Minties in her box of goodies for Julie (Annie, guess who sampled quite a few of them!  (IF I have the wrong person here, my apologies, but I think it was Annie.) Russell and Colin,who have provided beds and cars; and the rest of you who not only offered the use of a car, but even offered us your houses!  A very special thank you to Fleur, who has loaned us your Dad's car, given a lovely Mothers diary to me, and supported us in so many ways: you are your Mother's daughter - and that's the best praise anyone could give you!  Harry, who is making so many great suggestions of areas for us to pursue.  Harry, when I am back at home for a few days, I hope to get myself into gear and pursue your suggestions.  Then I mustn't forget Peter Curtain, who has been in twice to see Julie and encourage Julie, but sadly she was not awake either time (perhaps 3rd time lucky, Peter?).  Peter had a similar tragic accident 30 years ago; was told he would never walk again, but he proved them wrong and even travels to PNG on business on regular occasions.   There are so many others I should have on this list, but I've got to leave soon for my long overdue haircut.  Russell and Colin, you should have dialled *51 in the waiting room yesterday afternoon.  If we had known you were there, Ron and I would have left so you could have time with Julie.  I understand you waited for an hour!  I'm so sorry I didn't think to mention to you to dial and ask for Julie's nurse - please please do so next time. 

 
I am off to get my haircut.  Meant to walk the 45 minutes to get there, as I made an appointment in the shopping centre across the road from the Hospital.  However, I have run out of time, so it looks as if I miss my exercise again (could my inner lazy self have planned it this way???)  Ron has driven out to the airport to pick up Darrel.  I know Julie will be so pleased and happy to see him.  It's a shame it can't be before 11 a.m.

Love and many thanks to all of you who are helping Julie just by being there and sending your positive vibes and thoughts in so many different ways.   Val