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