Douglas does seem to have turned a corner over the last week, whether due to his own efforts or the influence of anti-depressants we're not entirely sure, although I believe the former.
He has been undergoing a steady reduction in his trachy size and is now using the smallest size and tolerating it very well! It does also seem to have brought about an improvement in his chesty condition. The docs have done a sputum sample a couple of days ago and appear to have found nothing that needs anti-biotics which is very good news. This has been confirmed by a chest Xray. Unfortunately all this upset Doug quite a bit. Hardly surprising really 'cause is has always been the case that when a doctor comes visiting and Xrays were done it was because something was wrong, whereas, on this occasion, it was all to confirm that NOTHING was wrong!
He has been much more externally focussed than before - watching DVD's, listening to his Talking Books and having a concern for the well being of not only his friends but also others in the ward (and their visitors!!). As a measure of this, the other day a chap was admitted who was not at all well and, at the end of visiting time, several of his family stayed behind. Douglas signed to us that we should give out chairs to the family and not just take them away. Brought a lump to my throat I'll tell you.
He still has a tendency to turn night into day - awake all night and asleep much of the day! Mind you, if the right physios are on duty, he still gets popped into his chair for a couple of hours and taken down to the gym for walking practice!!
The plan is to start him using the 'talking valve' as soon as the docs believe he'll be able to cope with it - hopefully this week. Mind you, the results will doubtless need a lot of work on his part since he hasn't really used this ability for quite some time!! However, you never know .......
All in all, a week of progress, all in the right direction.
Mind the usual caveat applies to visiting ........... if he hasn't had a good night you could end up staring at a recumbent body draped over the bed!! But please - don't let this put you off visiting.
When he hears anyone other than Sheena and I he pretty soon wakes up :-)
Predictions ? Not much given to these after 4 months on a roller coaster but ... possibly end September for the rehab phase might just about be reasonable (God willing)
Iain
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5 comments:
All sounding pretty positive up there with you Dougie, fantastic news!! I am going to be coming up to Scotland next week so will hopefully be visiting you Thursday or Friday. Really looking forward to seeing you.
Love Rhea
xx
Hey Barks!
Great to hear that you are doing well. We're both thinking of you each day and hoping the "Vibes to Barks" are getting through... :-)
We're off to see Dave, Meesh and Isla soon, so looking forward to that. I am looking forward to doing some serious off-roading with the fat boy :-) [Hi Dave! - that will make two of us then... ;o)] I will report back on the terrain...
After the success of the Edinburgh Moonwalk, Sarah tells me we are now to do the Boston Marathon in April! Time for the Old Glory bra instead of the crosses of St. Andrews and St. George. We'll bring the photographic evidence if we get accepted onto it.
Anyway - listen - keep up the positive vibes from your end too - nice one...
Laters from da Feeksta and Missy Saz.
'dup.
Hi Doug, I am so pleased that you are on the up. I have thought a lot about you as I have been on my travels, seeing and doing things I know you would love, particualry in Whistler. You can go to the top of the mountain and bike all the way down - double black runs but hey. All in a days work for you if you get better. Small steps I know, but if I can go round the world on my own, you can get through rehab!
I will be leaving for Australia tomorrow and staying with Graham, and I aim to get down to Tasmania and say hello to Dave. If you want me to give him a personal message let me know via email.
Lots of love from your old but adventurous cousin, Mhairi
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hey you guys! Great to see that there is definate improvement in the air and that your combined moods have correspondingly improved.
April , Willow and I are still following the blog and our thoughts are often with you.
Its been ages since we last saw you, but we will make some time to get in and see you soon.
Willow is two (already!)tomorrow ,so we'll eat some jelly and icecream on your behalf !
Big hugs from us all
hi dougie, so frustrating but every positive step so worth it. i have been experiencing the nhs from the other side of the fence too, not much fun. Came off the bike in ireland and rearranged my face again, obviously not good at learning from past experience, not an improvement either. 3 weeks in hospital in belfast, more surgery in 2 weeks. Am thinking of coming north next week. Will try to see you if you re up for it. Thinking of you lots, love Peta
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