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.