Day 155 - Friday 30th September

D-Day !

Donny Day !


Marie did the early shift today and arrived at 12pm to find a fully showered kp. She had had her first shower which she really enjoyed. That might take the place from the bath from now on as it is easier for kp. We will see. The nurses had done her hair lovely.

I didn't arrive until 4pm. She was just waking up from a snooze, and was very quiet for a while and I thought she may be going on a downer. But it was only temporary.

Marie, kp and I went outside for a bit of fresh air. Marie took control, which I really appreciated. It's nice to just sit and talk with kp without being responsible for every move required. And then something happened which took my breath away. Marie helped kp sit up on the bed and dangled her legs over the end of the bed, positioning the wheelchair so it was next to the bed. With NO assistance, kp got up and turned and sat in the chair ALL by herself. I am so used to the routine we have for doing that, to see her do this for herself without my help was amazing.

After the fresh air, it was time to go back inside to get beautified for Donny. kp's hair had got a bit ruffled during the snooze so the same nurse came back in (ex-hairdresser) to give kp a tong and curl. Once dressed, I took a picture of her holding a pair of Netty Knickers that one of the physios had given her to chuck at Donny.



We were all set. Marie set off home, we set off through Newcastle (hellish traffic) to arrive at 1 minute before start time. We were greeted by Tony Sagar (kp's ex work colleague) who was very pleased to see kp and vice-versa. He kindly ushered us to our seats. It's thanks to him, that kp was able to go at all. Thanks Tony !!

The show was very good. Donny has a very good voice, and the most important thing is kp enjoyed it.



To see a video of kp with loads of smiles and some Donny, CLICK HERE

He did "Puppy Love" and some other songs I knew in the first half and it was great. As soon as he finished the first half, a chap came up to the barrier right in front of us and said :-

Chap:- David, Can I get you some drinks ?

I was looking good tonight, but I wasn't too pleased I was appealing to someone from the same sex.

Chap:- Tony Sagar said they are on him. He insisted !

Well, that was lovely. One, it saved me opening my wallet, which I always appreciate, but more importantly it was a lovely thought and we were very grateful. It also meant we didn't have to try and push the wheelchair through the hordes to get a drink.

The second half had another song I knew "Crazy Horses", and loads kp knew, but it got all a bit too loud for me and I had to resort to putting some motorbike ear plugs in. I quite enjoyed it muffled.

kp loved every minute of it, but a major bout of Numb Bum Syndrome (NBS) crept in just before the end of the first half. So during the break she stood up for about 2-3 minutes, which was great. I slapped her bum a lot, people probably thought it a bit strange, but it helps, so I do it.

NBS crept back after the break and she started contorting into a variety of sitting/prone positions to ease the discomfort. She stayed the whole show out and was pleased she had.

At the interval, kp said she found some of the songs quite emotional. I thought she had looked a bit tearful at times. When Donny sang "Perfect Moment", I was close myself !

I'll leave this blog entry on an absolute corker kp came up with at half time.

kp:- Eeeeeeee, It's times like these where I am really glad I have a catheter fitted. The queues to the ladies are huge at the interval.

:-)

Day 154 - Thursday 29th September - Part Two

Karen had had a great late night with Jane and Marie, enjoying pizza and garlic bread in the Day Room. The leftover pizza/garlic bread was enjoyed by the nursing staff.

Well, after a 14 hour sleep, I was feeling much more refreshed and ready to tackle kp in all her glory.

We went through blog comments and kp had a few bowel issues which the sister is looking into before we did the bath thing.

Bath over, we went outside to enjoy the glorious sunshine and some tea and fruit salad for kp.

I had a snooze before physio. kp said that one of the nurses nearly had heart failure when she came in to give kp her tablets and saw my feet hanging out alongside kp's bed. I apologised later, but asked her "where was the kiss of life". She laughed, obviously not thinking I was keen for any kiss going from a nurse.

Physio today was great. It involved some strengthening routines and then a walk (with wheelchair in front) beyond the Quiet room to the first nurse's station. She did really well. Her walking is getting better as well. Although the main man was positioning her left foot every step, he commented on how much better the flow of her legs was.

We only stopped because a bed was in the way. I estimate 25-30 steps.

Whilst the main man nipped back to the physio room for something, kp asked the other physio :-

kp:- "Dya think if I ask (MAIN MAN) how long before I am walking, he will tell me straight"
Daniel O'Donnell Fan (Physio) :- You can always ask

When he returned :-

Daniel O'Donnel Fan (Physio) :- Karen has a question for you
Main Man :- Karen, with a question, I don't believe that. This must be a first

Well, we were laughing at that. Karen is known in the family for asking 100 questions where one would do. If there are any new boyfriends on the scene for nieces or sisters, she gives them a full blown interview before they can have a first kiss. Karen and I didn't think she had been too bad and had been very toned down. In fact, we were amazed they had sussed this aspect of her :-)

kp:- So, (MainMan), when do you think I will be walking
Main Man :- 6 weeks

Wahey...................!

kp was very pleased with this, because walking means she can go home. We had thought just before Xmas, and now its mid November.

Obviously, we understand that this is not set in stone, but it's a might sooner than we thought.

As soon as we got back in the sun outside, kp was straight on the phone to my dad to share the good news.

Marie arrived to enjoy the sunshine. We must have stayed out an hour or so before numb bum syndrome set in.

Tomorrow it's the big day. Donny Osmond Concert Day ! kp is really looking forward to it. I am going in for 4pm and Marie is doing the early shift. We are going straight from the hospital.

Should be interesting. I can't wait. Let me try and say that more enthusiastically, "I can't wait !!!!!"

I'll keep working on that.

Actually, I am going to enjoy seeing kp enjoy herself. Last time Donny came to the Telewest Arena, kp was ill and couldn't use her ticket, bizarrely this time, she is MORE ill, and is going. Funny old game, life.

I'll try and snap some shots of kp with a smile. I think there will be plenty of opportunity.

Day 154 - Thursday 29th September - Part One

I was knackered yesterday and I see today that my blog entry missed a couple of funny things out.

So, the following incidents occurred yesterday :-

Sometimes when I am very tired, I find everything goes wrong, yesterday was a prime example.

In the morning, kp wanted to empty her bladder. Essentially, this just involves turning a tap and placing a cardboard urine collector (normally used by men) over the end of the tap. So, I turned the tap and waited for kp to get some relief from a full bladder which took about a minute. Normally at this time, the urine starts coming out more slowly, so to confirm this was the case I pulled the tap slightly out of the urine collector to have a look, only to drip it on the sheets in between kp's legs :-( In my haste to correct this, I tipped the urine collector up the wrong way and spilled about 1/4 pint all over kp :-(

I was f'ing and blinding. I quickly ran over to the other side of the bed to get some new sheets, hitting my head on the TV. More f'ing and blinding.

I then came back to sort out the mess and got some paper towels to dab the end of the tap. I kind of gave the plastic hose end a flicking action with the paper towel only to find a load of urine splatter across my face.

It's funny now, but at the time, it wasn't !

More from the front line later.........

Day 153 - Wednesday 28th September

I picked Angela up today to visit kp. kp was all bathed, dressed and sitting in her wheelchair when we arrived. She looked lovely in her new "I'm a walking miracle" T-shirt.

Angela and kp gassed for ages about their situations. It is very interesting hearing Angela's perspective of everything, as she is back at home now and experiencing life with the lack of mobility (that she currently has) due to the accident.

Time flew and I nipped out for our Fish Supper while they still gassed.

kp wasn't hungry but managed to eat a whole chip buttie, before we returned to the room so she could get rid of her numb bum. I was knackered and just had to sleep (sorry Angela). kp woke me up when it was time to take Angela home AND THAT'S IT for today. Seems like a very short day for me.

kp has more entertainment tonight in the form of Jane Burns and Marie. They are going to be having a Pizza Night. Should be fun.

Day 152 - Tuesday 27th September

Forgot to mention that yesterday, kp had a stitch removed from her stomach. It had been there for months and wasn't coming out by itself like they had hoped, so the doctor put some anaesthetic gel on her and cut it out. It came out a treat, much to kp's delight.

A bright and alert kp greeted me this morning. She was watching daytime tv while eating Rice Crispies from the most awkward of angles.

I had got a bit tipsy last night (ahem!) and kp had me reading emails out to her and I was slurring word after word, so I needed a jugful of water when I arrived to prevent dehydration.

I read out blog comments before she went in the bath. After the bath, she had her buttock wound redressed. It's closing up nicely. Previously, you could have got a strawberry in there with a squeeze, now it's down to a raspberry.

It was a glorious day today, so after the bath, we went outside for some fresh air. We had a cup of tea in our little corner which catches the sun and avoids the wind.

The spigot is working a treat, and kp is doing really well with it. So we are on course for catheter removal next monday.

When we got back to the room, I went for a sleep until physio.

Physio today involved kp getting into lots of strange positions eg Sitting on the bench, but leaning to her right, and lifting her left leg up and to the left and lots of variations on that. I think it was to loosen her left hip.

It is very hard to describe the weirdness of the positions and at the time I started thinking how I was going to describe them in the blog, so I started taking photos of all these weird positions until I got the sternest of looks from kp...........


This is her "Put the BL++DY camera down" look. I don't think I dare publish those photos.

After the strange positions, she did a stand :-



When she stands, her right leg locks lovely, but she doesn't have the sensation in the left leg to realise when her left leg is locked. In the photo about, she probably thinks her left leg is locked, but as can be seen, it's got a bend in it.

After some standing, it was time for walkabout. With wheelchair in front of her..........



she walked about 20 steps. She walked out of the physio room and down the corridor to the "Quiet Room". The main man was on his knees controlling her left leg and making sure the left foot was in the right spot so it could carry the weight as her right leg moved forward. He wanted kp to feel the motion of walking and to get into the rhythm of it. She wasn't far off either, but I don't think I helped matters. The main man was by kp's left leg on the floor, the other physio was on kp's right (for support just in case) and I was in front of the wheelchair making sure it didn't run away too fast, but I think I was slowing it down too much, when really kp should have been pushing it. Anyway, I know for next time.

Physio over, we went outside to enjoy the sunshine and Marie, Michelle and Glenn arrived. Marie is back from her hols and it was good to see her. kp (and I) had been looking forward to it. She had brought kp a T-shirt. It couldn't have been more perfect.



Tomorrow, Angela is visiting kp, so we are looking forward to that.

Day 151 - Monday 26th September

kp was fast asleep when I arrived this morning. She had slept from 10pm until 10am solid. She must have needed it after the restless night on Saturday. She did have a sleeping tablet to help her sleep, but that only lasts for 4 hours anyway.

Before I forget, kp received an email from an old school friend she used to talk to on the internet (David Irvine), she was very pleased to receive it and she will be emailing you at the weekend David. She spent about 20 minutes on the computer but couldn't spend any longer because she couldn't see the screen properly, that's even with my glasses on :-( The consultant is asking the opthamologist (spelling mum ?) to check her out. There must be something they can do to make focussing on things more bearable. Even TV is an effort which it used not to be.

kp had a cup of tea and a bowl of rice crispies followed by a bath (too hot). The nurses had left the spigot in the cupboard for kp so I put that on after the bath. It basically stops the urine from emptying from the bladder unless you turn the tap on. This allows kp's bladder to fill up, so she can relearn when she "needs to go". Her bladder (a muscle) needs to relearn being full, so the idea is we empty it less frequently as each day goes on. She managed a 3 hour stint at first, then 1 hour, then 2.5 hours, so a very successful first day, given the last time we tried it, she couldn't manage any more than an hour :-)

The spigot tucks nicely into kp's pants and I likened it to a penis, but kp wasn't amused when I asked her if she wanted to dress to the left or the right. Christ, I am gonna get it when kp reads this blog in a year's time.

It was a bit chillier today, but we braved the winds to get some fresh air. It's better than sitting in the bedroom all the time. She had a derby scone and a bag of crips plus a cup of tea for lunch. I would have liked her to have more, but she is getting to the stage of detesting hospital food. I am not overly worried, as I bring in the odd meal, and we have our treats.

Before we went to physiol, I had time for 20 minutes of kip before kp needed her bladder voiding (as the nurses call it). Physio today consisted of some stands (for a minute or two at a time) and then some standing on her right leg for about a minute as the physio helped her lift her left leg in the air. The idea is to strengthen her right leg so it can help her left leg follow through when walking. This lasted about 10-15 minutes and then she did some walking.

This was more impressive walking than before. She only did 3 steps, but she wasn't holding the wheelchair this time, she had her right hand on the bench and she had no physios supporting her weight behind or in front of her (although they were there just in case). The main man DID help her left leg move forward to the right position, although kp can move it partly. I was impressed.

He also did some hand work with her getting her to move her left hand to her left knee and right knee, which she pretty much did, needing only a little help.

After physio, we phoned the policeman to find out if they had decided what to charge the driver with. We now have an answer :-) He is being charged with the more serious offence of "Dangerous Driving". We are pleased at this. The hearing will be at Christmas or just after.

Jane and Michelle arrived at about 4pm. Marie is back from her hols but not very well herself so we are looking forward to seeing her again when she is well enough. We had loads of laughs with Jane and Michelle.

Jane and Michelle wanted a fag so we all went outside and braved the elements. kp was cold when she got back and needed warming up, so we wrapped her up in blankets to try and get her warm.



From 5.15pm until 6pm, visitors can't leave the ward as it is protected visiting, meaning all the staff help out with serving dinner. At about 5.20pm, the conversation drifted onto kp's new gadget (her spigot) - fine ! Then to make kp feel better about it, Jane and Michelle started telling kp about all the different places and receptacles they had peed in or into. I wanted out, but shouldn't leave before 6pm. Yikes !! I felt trapped. When Michelle threatened to show us how she could pee into a hospital men's urine receptacle I left the room - promptly !!!

kp will be having a whale of time with Jane and Michelle. Hope she has a good night's sleep tonight.

Day 150 - Sunday 25th September - Part Two

Well, when kp got up, she still was complaining about her bad back and didn't know how she would be able to stand to get to the wheelchair.

But, it turned out that standing helped her back get a bit of relief. kp felt her hair needed washing before mum and dad visited, but she couldn't stick her head over the bath, but she could get it over the sink. Unfortunately the shower wouldn't reach that far.

kp passed me the plastic jug from the hospital that is used to empty kp's catheter bags.

kp:- Use this

I explained why another jug might be preferable

Hair washed, dried and styled, she had a piece of toast with some tea outside.

Then it was time to plant the pansies she had bought yesterday. I did the heavy lifting (no change there), and she donned her plastic gloves and planted 24 pansies.



Followed by watering............



We just had enough time for a cup of tea before Mum and Dad arrived with Meat and Potato Pie (and Red Cabbage :-). Dad had a couple of photos from ages ago with kp in intensive care,

We showed them to kp :-





She has absolutely NO recollection of the events of that day (Day 26), even when dad explained some of the funnier moments.

I explained that I thought that was normal etc....

Dad and Karen sat outside chatting while Mum heated the Meat and Potato Pie up to room temperature ;-)



It was lovely of them to come up AND bring lunch. We were asked by one of the sisters to think about if we wanted to be referred to Durham Social Services for some help when Karen comes home. If we were in any doubt before, we aren't now. It is so draining to care for someone 24/7. By this afternoon, I was knackered from just 36 hours of care, so we will be saying "yes" to any help offered.

It was lovely for mum to take care of the meal and the washing up. The smallest of breaks is really appreciated. Mum, you left some stuff on the table that you didn't clear away. I will leave it there for next time when you can sort it ;-)

I felt a bit sorry for Mum and Dad actually, they travelled the 200+ mile round trip, and I was so tired/drained I could have cried, and kp wasn't that much more wide awake.

It was lovely to see them.

Mum and Dad went about 4pm I think, and we stayed outside for another 30 minutes, before I had to lie down. I got kp on the bed, laid down, and the romantic I am, fell asleep within 30 seconds and was out for a full hour before kp woke me saying she was dying for a pee, which normally means the catheter has a kink in it somewhere.

That sorted, we enjoyed a last half hour outside, before I took kp back. She opted to skip the bath, to give me more "Zzzzzzzz" time, which was nice.

That's about it.

We have both had a CRACKING weekend. We love each other so much, I know we will get through this.

Every moment together is precious.....

Love you kp

dp
xxxxx

Day 150 - Sunday 25th September - Part One

Not as good a night's sleep for Karen last night.

Her pain medication was reduced at the back end of last week. She is on 50mg Fentanyl (morphine-based) patches and 1500mg Gabapentin (nerve-based painkiller). She used to be on 75mg Fentanyl and 1800mg Gabapentin.

I think we are seeing some break-thru pain as she was complaining about a "hurting back" a lot of the night and wasn't too successful finding a comfy position.

She is snoozing now, while I write the blog and then walk the dogs. Hopefully she'll get a good couple of hours.

Mum and Dad coming today bringing lunch, and then kp is wanting to get back to the hospital for a bath as she can't shower OR bath here.

Day 149 - Saturday 24th September - Part Two

Garden Centre trip went fine. Hit the usual obstacle of can't push wheelchair and trolley at the same time, but once I had got 6 hanging baskets to the till, the lady helped me with them to the car.

kp enjoyed her peruse. I used to get impatient with her at this kind of event, but I don't now. I even point things out to her which previously (pre-accident) I hoped she wouldn't see.

Back at the house, we enjoyed the rest of the lovely Saturday afternoon/early evening in the back garden with the dogs before heading in. kp then went for a lie-down as her bum was getting numb ("numb bum syndrome" I think is the medical term for it).

She came back out of the cocoon for pizza which we both thoroughly enjoyed and then we retired.

Day 149 - Saturday 24th September - Part One

I am pleased to report a good night's sleep was had. kp didn't think she had had a good night's sleep, but when i told her about her snoring, she came round to thinking she had slept well, and put the lack of sleep in her mind, down to not getting to sleep until after midnight. She got up at 1.45pm.

Lovely breakfast with me and the dogs in the garden on a glorious day.

That's it for Saturday upto now. Going to the Garden Centre for more plants and stuff and Pizza tonight.

Day 148 - Friday 23rd September

Had to do lots of admin at home today before picking Adele up to do our cleaning/ironing. Thanks Adele.

Arrived at the hospital to pick up a bathed/clothed kp with wet hair ready for Vidal David Sassoon to do his thing. In no time, we were packed off with our drugs stash and heading for Ikea to pick up some lights. It was our first experience of shopping from a wheelchair and it wasn't too bad. Disabled Parking Spaces are closer to the score which is good. They have wheelchair trolleys that fit on the front of the wheelchair which are canny. Feels like you're pushing an articulated lorry.

People are very accommodating and tend to move out of the way if they see you coming especially when kp toots her horn. If they don't move on the first toot, I have a backup air horn which makes them scarper.

After Ikea we went to Harry Ramdens to find it shut :-( So went to Asda to get some weekend supplies. Again a pleasant shopping experience and we went to their cafe afterwards. I couldn't carry the tray from the counter and push kp to the table at the same time, so told the lady at the till I would be right back and she kindly shut the till down and walked over with us with our tray much to the dismay of the people behind us in the queue. :-)

Asda done, we went to the Garden Centre (kp doesn't do things by half). That was a bit more of a negative experience with gravel covering half the garden centre. Makes for very hard going and a bumpy ride. And they don't have wheelchair trolleys there, so we were restricted to buying 4 tubs of winter pansies which kp is going to plant tomorrow.

Back at the house, we had a good natter with Adele, before Adele needed taking back to catch the bus to Middlesbrough. I left kp cocooned in the duvet and unfortunately Adele, when she had said her goodbyes to kp, must have left the door ajar, so when I came back kp was cocooned in the duvet with 3 dogs filling any spaces.

That takes us up until 7pm and the next blog will be tomorrow HOPEFULLY reporting a successful night's sleep.

Finger's crossed.

Day 147 - Thursday 22nd September

Another cracker of a day !

Absolutely gorgeous weather today. Blisteringly hot sun so we spent lots of time outside and kp has a bit of sunburn now (no joke).

Physio today saw another achievement. Today, kp walked out of the physio room (about 12 steps again in total, but with a few turns and twists along the way to get round corners). When she had finished walking into the corridor, she was facing one of the nurses who applauded her when she sat down :-)

I should make it clear that she couldn't have done it on her own yet. She relies on the main man moving her left leg into the right position, but it's early days and this is all reinforcing the feeling of walking which is so crucial for her relearning of this act that most of us take for granted.

Another good bit of news came in the form of Bladder issues. Next week, they are going to fit a spigot instead of a bag onto kp's catheter, so her bladder starts to fill up and she gets the sensation of needing the loo. They tried this a week or so ago and it led to problems in way of infection, but they seem more hopeful this time. A spigot is like a tap. So when she needs the loo, she turns the tap on to drain her bladder.

And then...........a week on Monday, (after a week on the spigot), the catheter comes out. She is really looking forward to that ! My concern was that she won't be able to get to the loo in time, but apparently, she can learn to self-catheterize which sounds like fun (NOT !).

So, kp was over the moon with physio and the catheter side of things.

At about 3pm, Jane and Ronnie arrived in Jane's new beautiful Red Rover MG. They arrived in style and made kp and I laugh our socks off at their rendition of Amarillo.

Here is a video clip of their arrival :-

Jane and Ronnie arriving in Style

Apparently, because kp and I were slow at coming down to greet them, they had been round the hospital 4 times singing the song before we got there.

They got some very strange looks from other people enjoying the sun.

We enjoyed the fresh air and banter, before going in for Pizza, Doner Kebabs and Indian meals that we had delivered. It was lovely. Jane, par for the course, got her curry down her tea-shirt. If she doesn't get at least one breast blessed at every meal, it isn't a proper meal. If that's not her motto it should be.

Jane loves her MG and I decided on doing a little practical joke on her. As Jane took the lift down, I went to get her MG car key and I reparked her MG in a different parking spot (quite a way from her parking spot).

It nearly backfired as they walked right past me as I drove past them, but NONE of them saw me driving the car 15 feet away, they were too busy gossiping.

I parked the car and quickly joined them.

dp:- Here's your key Jane. I picked it up so you could put the lager in the boot
Jane:- Thanks David

Still no inkling

dp:- Here, I'll put the lagers in the boot for you.
Jane:- Thanks (gossip continuing with Ronnie and kp)
dp:- Have you moved your car Jane ?

Jane looked torwards the parking space 15 feet away from where they were sitting and her fag dropped pointing towards the floor, she said nothing and just stared at the parking spot in horror.

A deadly silence pursued. I let it carry on for about 5 seconds. It felt like an eternity.

dp:- It's ok Jane, your car is over there. I moved it.

Relief doesn't begin to describe Jane's feelings. I hugged her, before she gave me a left hook. Cracking note to end a wonderful day on.

We are all set for our weekend at home. Can't wait. Trip to Ikea tomorrow.

Day 146 - Wednesday 21st September

Rip-roaring day today. What a cracker. We have had as much funny as yesterday with the Titters and Lydia mice (as if that was possible !), and some real bonus top of the range physio action. I am still amazed at today. It will become clear later in the blog what I am on about.

"It started with a kiss." (Writer and Artiste for a bonus point)

Beautiful day weatherwise, so we spent quite a lot of time in the lovely sun after bath and tea and toast (cooked by dp). Mean Toast if I say so myself. The key is to eject the toast at just the right speed and to butter with a firm but steady hand, ensuring swift delivery to impatient wife. Sorry, that should just read "wife".

kp and I completely missed a note from the physio saying it was going to be later than planned, so we turned up 15 minutes early only to return to the room wondering "what note". The physio had hidden the note on the front of Karen's door in plain sight on bold yellow post-it note paper. Doh !

Physio today rocked like a rocker rocking on a rocking house, who knows how to rock very hard. It rocked.

We started off with leg strengthening stuff, where kp had to push the main man away with both her legs



She did lots of this with the main man egging her on to kick him against the wall. kp was polite and did the best she could to push him away.

Rest, then more physio kicking.

He then sat her on the end of the bench and worked on her left arm/hand. And this is where I got a bit carried away and got slack with the camera. He asked kp to place her left hand on her left knee. Which she did, albeit slowly. She tried to lift it onto her knee (using her shoulder) and he persuaded her to slide it across the leg. It worked.

He then wanted her to move her hand back to her hip so the conversation went like this :-

Main Man :- ok, now imagine your left hand moving back to your hip
kp (in totally serious voice) :- Imagine it or do it ?

Well, we were in stitches. Karen can be such a pedant. In no time she was laughing at herself which made us laugh more.

ANYWAY, she did it. It then got harder and she had to move it from her left knee to her right knee. She needed a bit of assistance at the elbow, but cracked it.

kp :- Well, I have never done that before.

I was all smiles and very proud. It's something which sounds so simple to most of us, but for kp, it took SOOOOOOOOOOOO much concentration and she cracked it. Whilst all of this is going on, I can't underestimate how much she has to look at her left arm/hand and will it to do what she wants.

But she gets there.

Some more leg work followed and then the finale which absolutely floored me. I was amazed, amazed ! I doubted (if I am honest) that she would be able to do it AT ALL, and certainly not so soon.

The main man got kp's wheelchair and placed it in front of her with the handles facing her as if she was going to push it. She stood up (on her own), and step by step she pushed it forward. She had a physio either side of her for safety and to be fair they helped her left leg/foot along (which effectively she was trying to lift up like her right). But she was trying to get it to move along. Her right leg worked BEAUTIFULLY, JUST LIKE A NORMAL STEP ! Her left didn't flow at all, and if it weren't for the physios help in positioning it wouldn't have supported her weight, but once they help with the fine tuning of its position, it could bear weight !!!

This is a photo took early on, before I got blown away by it all.



I was stunned, amazed, proud, smiling from ear to ear and mouthing to Karen words like "amazing, marvellous".

She couldn't have done it without the physios there, but she will in time, just like a week or so ago, she couldn't stand without them there. It was such an achievement and it just seemed to carry on. I am being conservative when I say she did 12 steps !!! I am sure it was more, but at least 12. At the end of it, she sat in the wheelchair and the main man turned it round to show her how far she had come, probably about 10-12 feet. Very impressive.

On the way back from physio, I couldn't help muttering to myself and kp

"That was amazing, amazing, incredible" etc etc......

"I thought that was about 3-4 weeks off.

kp phoned my dad which she invariably does when she has achieved something big and he was chuffed to bits.

Bit more fresh air followed, still lovely, and then we went back to the room just as Adele and Michelle arrived. They started doing girly talk so that was my queue to lay out my blanket and pillow and have 40 winks. After about 30 minutes, kp's consultant came round on his rounds. I heard him and by the time he was in the room, I was halfway up from lying, basically kneeling on the blanket.

Consultant :- Oh sorry, are you praying ?

I may have been facing Mecca by accident, and the blanket probably did look like a prayer mat, but I can honestly say, prayer wasn't on my mind.

We had a cracking 30 minutes with the consultant who said how well kp was doing and

Consultant :- "Medically, you don't need to be in hospital any more"

Basically, we could do all the drugs she has at home, but all she was in hospital for now was the physio. Good to hear, although we felt this was the case, but its nice to hear it from the consultant.

The care kp gets in Ward 22 is awesome, and although we could possibly get by at home, it's very reassuring to have so many skills so close at hand.

Jane and Ronnie had arrived whilst the consultant was in, and we joined them downstairs for tea/coffees. We were howling laughing at the conversations we were having, and it is so nice to see kp belly laughing again. It feels like she is back to her normal self. Long may it last.

That's it for today.

They don't come much better than the last couple of days, but if we get somewhere close to this, we will all be happy.

Day 145 - Tuesday 20th September

Cracking Day today.

kp has turned a corner mentally thanks to the NeuroPsychologist. She is back to her perky self. We have lots of plans for the weekend which is giving her something to aim for. Lots of visitors lined up for each day during the week and distraction is definately helping her keep positive.

Physio today was leg strengthening, and kp finished the session by asking the main man if she would need a zimmerframe to walk. He said he didn't envisage a zimmer, but she may need a "walking aid" of some description, and hinted at a stick. It wasn't clear if this would be a permanent need or a temporary one, but kp wasn't overly worried.

Deborah (Titters) and Lydia came today and we had SUCH a good laugh. kp was belly laughing on many an occasion. Those two were tittering with laughter sounding like the mice from Bagpuss, which in turn made kp laugh harder. kp was toying with the idea of going home this afternoon, but she was glad she stayed for the visit.

Titters and Lydia are a great double act, and thanks ladies, you really perked kp up !!!

Titters, always check with me before you say ANYTHING in the future about the blog. I nearly got a formal warning ! ;-)

Beautiful day outside today and kp and I spent about 40 minutes outside over 2 visits. I should have got a photo, but I was too busy enjoying the moment.

Tomorrow, we should have Michelle, Adele and Vdfromboro to keep her entertained :-)

Day 144 - Monday 19th September

Karen's spasms of pain seem to have subsided which is good news and her urine has no more blood in it, so good news on that front.

However..........She was very upset this morning, bordering on inconsolable. She is sick of being in hospital, but more sick that when she does go home she can't walk or even stand by herself. She is also concerned that she won't be able to walk again.

kp:- "I don't think I have the strength in my left leg"

It is heartbreaking for her. I can't put in words how utterly demoralised and down she was. There was nothing I could say, nothing I could do apart from listen, but she hardly spoke. All I could do was pass her tissues, which she kept stuffing up her nighty arm (left side).

She wanted the day to continue as normal, so we did the bath routine with tears still flowing. By the time she got to the bath, she had stopped crying, but was very quiet. When her nighty was taken off, more tissues came out than I could count. I don't think she could feel they were there, and she obviously wasn't counting as I passed them to her.

Bath over, she just stayed quiet as she did her hair. When it came to lunchtime, she didn't want any of the soup I had brought in. She just wanted to be quiet.

Today was the psychological tests by the neuro-psychologist lady. As soon as she arrived, she could tell kp wasn't ready for tests and I left the room as the ladies talked through Karen's sadness/upset. After about 45 minutes, I was ushered in for the tests. The lady had done a marvellous job on Karen's upset. She had put everything in perspective and given kp a new angle or two to look at things from. She also gave me some tips as to how to get kp out of the upset if it happens again. Distraction is the key apparently. She mentioned something about coming in in a clown costume and doing tricks, but thankfully she was just joking. Karen's mood was noticeably better in time for the tests.

The tests were very interesting (for me as an onlooker) :-

• The first one was 50 words which Karen had to read out, starting off with things like dog and cat and then going to homily and iridescent and other big words that were hard to pronounce unless you knew the meaning of the word. I think it was some sort of basic IQ test.
• Then it was time to remember a short story and recall as many facts as you can remember. kp did better than I did at this one.
• Then another story with a facts recall
• Then the lady read out letters and numbers and kp had to put the numbers first in numerical order and then the letters in alphabetical order
• The hardest test was when she read out 10 pairs of words and kp had to memorise them (Rose & Paper, Truck & Glass, Bank & Cartoon). She would then read out Bank and kp had to remember what word came with Bank. REALLY hard. She then repeated the list about 5 times to see how better she got at it.
• Then there was a test where she had to say how things were alike. eg Cat and Dog (answer would be animals). All these tests start off easy and then get harder and harder until you fail. Some of the harder ones I can recall were Steam and Fog, Democracy and Monarchy,.
• Then she read out sequences of numbers which kp had to put them in the right order and read out. Easy when its 2 numbers, but when you get to 5 numbers wrong, it's bloody hard.

The funniest moment was when kp was first told about having to read out numbers in numerical order.

Lady NP :- I am going to read you some numbers and you have to read them back to me in numerical order
kp :- ok
Lady NP :- ok, for example 9....7, you would say 7....9
kp :- ok
Lady NP :- ok, let's start............4.....2
kp :- 3

I laughed out loud 'cos she clearly hadn't understand the test. kp was laughing at the fact she had misunderstood it so badly.

The last test went back to the stories she had started with and she had to recall as much as possible about them.

The upshot of all the tests is kp is bright (I was amazed at this), and has an "ok" short term memory, but a very good long term memory. (she remembered more about the stories the second time she was asked (weirdly)). It was a generally positive result, with the exception of 2 things.

She has to think a lot harder to work things out or remember things.
She has a small retention bucket for facts. In other words, if you want to tell kp a story she remembers, she needs to be told it a few times, so she can pick up all the key facts.

I was impressed with how well kp did given she had a Renault ram into her at 60mph. Very proud !

Tests over, it was physio time.

Today, kp wanted to pin the main man down to how long it would be before she walks. He said within 2 months. kp was happy with this and has already started counting the weeks. Week 1 is gone, we are now in Week 2. I hope, for Main Man's sake, she can !

Today's physio was unstiffening kp's pelvis, which the main man did brilliantly (as per). The only downside to this was at the end of the session, he asked her to stand and she couldn't. She normally can stand with assistance, but it was a lot of effort today and assistance from the main man. This was to be expected apparently given what he had done.

Eileen kindly let the dogs out for us, so I could stay until 5.45pm (Marie being on holiday). kp had a bit of Minced Beef and Mash, but the food is very unappetising and I nearly took a photo of the Butterscotch Tart, it was that bad, but I don't think kp will want to be reminded of that again.

I left a much more upbeat Karen I am pleased to say.

Hopefully she will be more the usual kp tomorrow. We have lined lots of things up for the weekend so she has something to look forward to :-)

Day 143 - Sunday 18th September

Arrived at 10.20am at the hospital to find a kp out for the count. We had a little natter when she heard me clunking around. They had fitted a new catheter. Still blood in the urine, but she hadn't had any more spasms. It seems lying on her back is key.

She wanted more snooze, so I joined her for what turned out to be 3.5 hours sleep !!! It was lovely sleep for both of us.

We woke up 5 minutes before my mum and dad arrived. They were taping the Newcastle - Blackburn match to watch when they got home so didn't want to know the score. The Pollard Family are Blackburn fans. It's hard in a Newcastle Hospital to avoid the score of a Newcastle match. The nurses hardly murmured at the time, but unfortunately outside kp's window were some workmen and every so often we would hear a cheer. Either mum and dad chose not to hear it, or they thought Newcastle workmen were generally cheery people (from watching too much "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" probably)

They had brought with them Cottage Pie which we were due to have at home with kp, but alas I will have to eat it on my own.

After they left, we had a bath, which kp was gagging for. We had a few more spasms of pain whilst getting ready for the bath, but she seems to have got the hang of riding them out. After the bath, one of the nurses came in to tell kp the result of her sample test, and it showed no infection, which in a way is a bit worrying, given her pain and blood in the urine. Maybe the doctor will look into it tomorrow. I get the impression it is not something to worry about.

I left about 5.20pm with kp queued up for an evening's viewing on ITV2.

Tomorrow she has a set of psychological tests to determine the extent of the stroke on her brain. Should be fun.

As Dad said, I should bring in a sign for the door saying "Exam in Progress"

That's it for today. Mowing Lawn time for me.

Day 142 - Saturday 17th September - Addendum

Spoke too soon.

When I knew the District Nurses were on their way, I ordered the pizzas thinking it would be some magic wiggle they did and all would be fine.

They examined kp and the catheter and explained that it was situated ok and that they are very hard to dislodge, and the fact it was still draining meant it was ok. So, kp felt reassured and the nurses left. They were very nice and said if she had any doubts to call them back.

Immediately after they left, we started to get kp back in the wheelchair to go through to watch X-Factor with the imminent pizza. But the pain was back and is probably better described as "agony". It seemed to come and go like labour pains. Her whole body would crease up, and her left arm would go very tight into her chest. Her left leg shook violently (which it tends to do after heavy exertion (something to do with the stroke)). It was hard to watch, and all I could do was comfort her.

We called the district nurses back. In between these spasms of pain, I got the oven on a low heat to receive 2 pizzas, knowing we may be a little late by the time the nurses had been and gone.

Pizzas arrived and went straight into the oven.

5 minutes later, the nurses were back with loads of kit from the car. They tried to do a bladder wash, which helps clean out the catheter, but they struggled to get anything in. What little they did get in, came out with blood in it :-(

They suspected some sort of infection and their next step would be to change the catheter and gets some samples for analysis. They also suggested ringing the ward for advice, given they know kp's history etc. The district nurse spoke to the ward nurse and the conclusion of the conversation was that we should Karen back into hospital, so they could change the catheter there and do the tests needed. kp was happy with this, I think she would have gone anywhere they said to be sure she could get rid of the pain.

The nurses went and I frantically packed kp's bag and drove kp to the hospital. She had a few more spasms along the way and was glad to get back to her hospital bed.

She looked exhausted. The night nurse at the ward checked kp's stats, and there was no temperature or anything to worry about. When kp lies down, the spasms don't come. This is how we had managed to wait the 4 hours for the district nurses to come. Now she was back on the ward bed lying down, she was ok again.

By now, she probably has a new catheter in and hopefully with that some relief.

If anyone would like a dried out pizza (choice of "Onion, Garlic & Mushroom" or "Doner Kebab"), please leave your address in a comment and state your preference.

Day 142 - Saturday 17th September

Not the best of days today.

kp had an awful night sleep last night. She wanted turning about 5-6 times during the night to try and get comfy. Each time she tried to sleep before needing turning again.

We had a whole load of ammunition to battle against the lack of sleep :-

• Pillows to prop her up
• Windows to open to keep cool (last week she was too hot)
• Hot Water bottle to keep her feet warm (feet felt too cold last week)
• and the Ace Card up the sleeve was Tamazepam (sleeping tablet)

As the first few hours of the night dragged on, we had employed all tactics but the sleeping tablet. We tried that and even that didn't help.

She said she didn't sleep at all, but on at least two occasions, she was snoring like a trooper.

Of course, this then set the day off on the wrong path. If you haven't had your sleep, you don't feel ready to tackle the day ahead. We had half thought about going to Ikea, but that was quickly knocked on the head as we were both exhausted.

I left kp in bed to try and get some sleep while I walked the dogs. We then got her up (which takes quite a while), and had breakfast (at lunchtime).

We were then both gagging for a snooze. I had some other ideas about getting her comfy and we found one that worked a treat. Basically, kp transfers from the wheelchair to the bed (with the duvet still on the bed, she lies down (with help of course) and then I cocoon her up in the duvet. She has is like a sausage roll wrapped in pastry. This gives her warmth and the security that she can't fall out of bed. I think that was half the problem the night before. She slept best whilst she was in the middle of the bed and not on her side of the bed.

So, fingers crossed, that we have cracked the sleeping thing. I think we may have, but tonight we will know for sure.

Today has been a very solemn day with kp hardly speaking, 50% i believe is down to tiredness, the other 50% is down to the fact she is realising more that she may be home, but it isn't like home used to be. She is 100% reliant on me moving her around the house, getting her out of the wheelchair etc and I know she is fed up of it. I can tell part of her is thinking "Oh, I have to bother David again". I keep telling her it is no bother, but in the middle of night, when I am deep asleep and I have to move her for the 4th time to a different side, I do find it very hard.

But I don't let on.

The last couple of hours have been a bit problematic. kp thinks she has dislodged the catheter and is uncomfortable. She is curled in a certain position which gives her some relief, and I have had a bit of a wiggle to see if that helps, but it doesn't, so we are waiting for the District Nurse to come out.

Hopefully, she will be her soon.

After the nurse has been, assuming all is ok, we will be having Pizza and X-Factor.

I think this will be it for tonight re blogs.

Fingers crossed she sleeps tonight because the days are so much more enjoyable after a good sleep.

Day 141 - Friday 16th September

Had to take one of the dogs to the vet today, gammy leg, but because it was hot chicken day today I actually didn't arrive any later at the hospital.

We had a natter and then did the bath thing. No soak at all today, wasn't in the mood, I think she was excited about going home and wanted to get cracking with the day.

Bath over, chips delivered, we took into our Hot Chicken. kp wasn't in the mood for that either. And I had to eat her chips - hard life. Started to get a little concerned at this point.

Snooze time before physio (1.30pm). It was only 45 mins to snooze but every snooze helps. I was well ready for it. Both out like lights and at 1.40pm kp woke me saying we were late for physio. The main man doesn't work Fridays so it was his assistant who we really like and have a good natter with. Physio basically consisted of 3 prolonged stands while the assistant worked on kp's hands.

Once back in the room, we had some bladder issues where kp was uncomfortable with a full bladder and we couldn't work out why. But it seemed to sort itself out.

No time for snoozes before Deborah J. (one of kp's work colleagues) came in for a visit. She brought some lovely flowers and goodies for kp and we went for a nice cup of tea in the coffee shop. Marie and Glenn joined us before they jetted off to Crete for a week's WELL DESERVED holiday. Thanks Marie ! And Glenn for carrying the weekend's packing (for kp) down to the car.

On the way home, I popped in at Sainsburys for some shopping. kp waited in the car.

At home, the dogs made a nice fuss over kp, not as much as the other day, but kp was happy to see them.

It was a lovely sunny day, but a bit cool but she enjoyed a nice cup of tea outside nonetheless and we had a bit of a natter. kp has started to realise that being home isn't like before and she is feeling quite trapped, being totally reliant on me for pretty much everything.

Her feet were like blocks of ice, in fact, they are sometimes like that even at the hospital, so hot water bottle to the rescue. They took a bit of warming.

Pasta tonight for tea and then an early night I think. kp is very pale and has been delaying sleep for most of the afternoon to ensure a good night tonight. I won't have a problem sleeping for sure.

That's it for today. Just got your blogs Ronnie, going to read them out to kp who is in bed now, trying to get warm.

Will blog tomorrow night, time permitting.

Day 140 - Thursday 15th September - Addendum

Forgot to mention that Karen has decided to come home for the weekend starting tomorrow night (2 nights, 2 days effectively). We have a few defences in mind to counter the sleepless nights that made last weekend so difficult.

So, blogs may be sparse over the weekend.

ALSO, another bit of good news !

Tony Sagar (ex work colleague of Karen) has managed to convert Karen's single Donny Osmond ticket into a wheelchair ticket, so she can still go and see him in concert at the Metro Radio Arena in Gateshead. Last time Donny came to Newcastle, kp couldn't use her ticket because she wasn't feeling well. So, she is over the moon at being able to go this time and a bonus will be that the disabled area is probably very close to the stage. :-) I am going also (yay !) to look after her. But I may well take some Y-fronts and chuck them at Donny in the excitement !

30th September, Donny WATCH OUT !

Day 140 - Thursday 15th September

I arrived at 9.30am this morning so we could have a natter before the psychologist arrived.

She came at 10.15am with a Social Worker, who left early in the meeting explaining that we would need a Durham-based Social Worker given we live in the Durham area.

The psychologist turned out to be a neural-psychologist I think she said. Lovely lady and she explained what she would be doing. Today was basically going to be an assessment. She started by asking kp loads of question to assess what she believed her physical state to be. Occasionally, I found myself nodding and shaking my head to try and tell the psychologist that kp had got something wrong or right. kp said she could sit up by herself, which she can't do yet. She said she can walk 6 steps, but neglected to say she could only do it with people helping her, totally understandable, but I didn't want the psychologist to walk away with an incorrect picture.

She then went on to assess her mental side of things.

This was quite extensive and I probably won't remember everything she did, so I'll just summarise what I can recall of the conclusions.

kp's stroke has affected the mental side of things in the following ways :-

• Inattention - she doesn't give much attention to anything on the left hand side. I think I have mentioned previously how she won't see something on the left hand side of the table, she doesn't eat the left side of her plate etc....
• Loss of words - she can think of something to say, but then will be lost for certain words
• Lack of memory of conversations held - she can remember having conversations but what was said is a mystery. kp used to be sh+t hot at remembering who said what in a conversation. Her "he said, she said" storys are infamous around Middlesbrough.
• Abstract Reasoning - This was an interesting one. The lady said to kp

Neural Psychologist (NP) :- If I said to you Karen "One swallow doesn't mean its Summer", what would you think that meant
kp thought about this for 10 seconds and asked her to repeat it
NP repeated it.
kp :- "If you swallow once, it...... I don't know."

At this, I burst out laughing and then immediately felt guilty. Grrrrrrrrr! I could have kicked myself. :-(

I explained that she meant "swallow" as in a bird.

kp :- If you see one swallow in the air, it doesn't necessarily mean its Summer
NP :- So, what does that mean in a general sense

kp couldn't answer.

Very interesting. This is something I hadn't noticed about kp since the stroke.

The good news is her general memory (long term) is excellent. Her short term memory isn't too bad. And she is ok at remembering future stuff (visitors etc)

Her personality is unchanged. Her patience is a little affected. She is a bit more impatient, but that could just be the hospital enviroment getting on her nerves.

Practical Reasoning - The NP asked kp if she would find ways around problems. kp wasn't sure. I mentioned some examples where she would ask me to pass her things rather than work out she could get them if she really wanted to. This could just be because its easier to ask me to get things, but I had to mention it.

That's about it. The NP also asked me how I was as well, which was nice. I filled her in on my side of things and how this had strengthened me and made me more focussed on the important things on life.

NP (to both of us):- Do you think the accident has brought you closer together
dp :- I wouldn't have thought it could, but it has.
kp :- Yes, I would say the same, I wouldn't have thought it could, but things are definately more close and our love is more intense now

Aaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrr :-)

Well said love.

After the psychoanalysis session, we had tomato soup for lunch and then went to physio.

kp was on her side for most of the session strengthening her muscles with the main man. He finished the session by getting kp to stand. She stood with a physio either side, but this time was a bit different, they weren't helping her legs in any way and were just supporting her hands to make sure they didn't push off the surface. She managed it beautifully, the first time.



He then got her to sway from side to side and whilst the weight was on the left leg, move her right leg forward slightly. No problem. And then back again.

She then sat down for a rest.

He then asked her to stand again. This time the stand was a lot weaker and took a lot longer. She kind of stood up on her right leg, but her left gave way and she squirmed her way up. The main man and assistant were laughing.

kp:- What are you laughing at ?

I think she was totally unaware what her left side had done.

I later did an impression of her stand to Karen and she was in stitches.

That's it for today. Marie and Michelle arrived at 4pm. kp and I were fast asleep. They had brought teas/coffees from Quenellies. :-)

Day 139 - Wednesday 14th September

Tracy and I arrived today to find kp's bed empty. My first thought was she had popped her clogs, and I was frantically looking for clues as to her whereabouts. On the bed in plain sight was a PAT slide, used to slide a patient from a ward bed to a trolley and then I remember the X-Rays she was due. But I had to go and ask to be sure and so I could relax.

It was the X-rays. kp and I waited in the room for a while until we got bored and then decided to go and see kp at the X-Ray department. We got halfway and met her (with porter and nurse) coming back.

We don't know the results of the X-rays yet.

We had a natter and then did the Bath thang.

Marie came in earlier and Tracy, Marie, kp and I went to the big Quenellies for lunch. It was lovely.

We got back to the room in time for a 20-minute bum rest for kp before physio. I didn't go to physio so Marie and Tracy could go. Apparently, it was much the same as yesterday, but kp was tired a lot more quicker.

We learned yesterday that there wouldn't be any physio any Friday from the main man because he works unusual hours etc..kp got a bit down about this as 4 days physio, 3 days rest is very different to 5 days physio 2 days rest when it comes to how quickly she recovers.

She mentioned this today and was reassured that there would still be physio treatment from his assistant. kp gets on VERY well with his assistant, and she really brightens kp's day, but at the same time, they are limited in what physio can be done with only one of them present, so I don't think she was entirely sold. She is going to see how it goes.

Physio over, kp and I had a snooze for an hour until we were woken up by 2 Tissue Viability Nurses who had come to assess kp's buttock wound. They examined kp's buttock wound in depth and discussed a variety of possible dressings that may help it close up. Maggots were discussed as a treatment ( I kid you not !!!), but they weren't appropriate for kp's wound, in the end, they went for Seaweed. (Algenate). I KID YOU NOT. So when they had packed kp full of Algenate Seaweed (it looked like loft insulation to me), they left.

I almost expected them to leave the room chanting "Double, double, toil and trouble;
Fire, burn; and caldron, bubble."

Actually, they were lovely and very knowledgeable.

It was then time for Tracy and I to leave so I could drop her at the airport for her flight back to Southampton. Goodbyes were said and Tracy and I left.

Within 2 minutes of being in the car, Tracy got upset about leaving Karen :-( I think she wishes she was a lot closer. I know she wishes kp didn't have the injuries she has and that she shouldn't have to go through all this pain and suffering.

Tracy was great for Karen and she really enjoyed seeing her. I loved having her around the house. She cooked my meals, dysoned and performed most wifely duties ! :-)

Thanks Tracy !!!

See you soon we hope !

That's all for now !

Day 138 - Tuesday 13th September - Addendum

Can't sleep, so thought I'd trawl through some old photos of kp in various guises. It seems strange now to see her mobile. Seeing her in a hospital bed seems normal now after just 3-4 months.

These photos brought a smile to my face, so hopefully they will do the same for you.........


kp skiing on our round Europe Trip for our 10th anniversary.


kp and great niece Louisa


kp and Goofy at Disney World, Orlando


kp with great nephew Ethan


kp trying to get 3 dogs to sit for a photo on a dog walk.


kp at Cape Canveral, Florida


kp and great niece Abby.

Day 138 - Tuesday 13th September

When Tracy arrived this morning, we had a spy in on kp from a very dark room, and saw Karen's head shining bright, the sunlight reflecting over her VERY shiny head. She had had a good night's sleep but was sweating like a pig (perspiring profusely).

Tracy had a good natter with kp but I was a bit tired after sleeping with the dogs last night (Tracy doesn't like them between her and the loo in the middle of the night). The dogs slept with me, on me, around me, everywhere. They were up, down, barking, wanting to go out etc etc...

So, I was ready for a snooze almost as soon as I arrived. Tracy had kindly brought me a present of a collapsible camp bed (for the hospital). We put it up and I slept for about an hour. Thanks Tracy and Mark. At about 11.30am, it was time to wake up and go for a bath. We collapsed the bed and did the bath thing and then it was time for Fish and Chip Supper.

I nipped out whilst Tracy finished the cosmetic part of the bath routine with kp.

The Fish and Chip Supper was enjoyed thoroughly in the Day Room, a bit more spacious than kp's room which is great for 2, but not for 3 to eat.

After lunch, kp lied down a bit before physio.

Physio today consisted of kp standing from the wheelchair and resting her right hip on the bench



By the way, I have just remembered that I said I would post pictures of the wheelchair that Deborah and Lydia tarted up and I have forgotten. Sorry Lydia and Debs, memory like a sieve. Above is the wheelchair along with wing mirror and more stickers than a formula 1 car saying such things like :-

Drive it like you stole it
Caution : Mad Cow in Wheelchair

Once her hip was on the bench, she had to stand on her right leg (the one that can fully lock) and lift her leg in the air, hold it, and then stretch it out and lock it straight if she cans.



These were very tiring, and if you want to know how tiring, try standing on one leg for a few minutes and then lifting your other leg up, holding it and then lowering it down. It always amazes me how much stamina kp has. By the second time of doing this, she was flagging.

But she did a third.

And then it was time for some left hand exercises. Her left hand/arm has very little sensation and is VERY weak from the shoulder downwards.

The physio lifted kp's left arm upto her right arm (on the bench) and got her to run it along her right arm. At first, he had to help her run it along most of the time, but within a few minutes, kp could gradually move it along her other arm.



By the end of the physio session, he had her left arm down by the wheelchair foot holder and he got her to move the footholder (no foot in it) from back to forward. I was VERY impressed as this arm/hand simply isn't used day to day for ANYTHING. It only gets in the way of other things kp is doing.

Physio over, we went back to the room and kp went straight to sleep.

Tracy and I went out for a coffee.

We should have stayed as while we were out, she had a visit from the orthopedic surgeon who had come to check her buttock wound. His verdict is he is quite pleased with it, but is sending her for x-rays to get it checked out. I get the impression he is not sure if he should suture it shut or not. He is going to send the x-rays to Mr Cross at Sunderland (the guru) for his opinion on how well its doing.

He seemed generally happy according to kp.

That's it for now.

Day 137 - Monday 12th September

This morning I went to pick up Tracy (Karen's cousin) from Newcastle Airport. She is staying at our house for a few days. We went straight to the hospital from the airport and were there just before 10am.

The lights were all out in Karen's room, and if we peeked through the glass, we could just about pick out a fast asleep kp. We entered and kp woke up and said "hi" to Tracey and I.

She took a while to wake up, but was pleased to see her cousin (first time since the accident). Shortly after we arrived and kp was a bit more alert, one of the nurses came in and had us all in stitches.

Apparently, at tablet-giving out time (about 8am), three of them had come in to Karen's room and talked out loud for about 5 minutes about whether they should wake her up or not. She didn't stir. They ummed and arred all the arguments before deciding to leave her at which point they tiptoed out the room.

We were laughing at the fact they had spent so long talking out loud and finished by tiptoeing out of the room :-)

Tracey and Karen caught up with all the news and then I took kp for a bath while Tracey had a cup of raspberry tea in the cafe downstairs.

Bath over, we joined Tracy downstairs for lunch. Sandwiches, Tea and Crisps.

We then went back to the room for kp to get some rest from being on her bum. After 30 minutes, it was physio time, the physios kindly agreed to letting Tracy in on the physio session.

Karen had done some SUPERB stands this morning (and over the weekend), when we transferred from the wheelchair to the bed, and I said "if you can do a stand like that for Paul, I think he will be well impressed".

She did, and he was. So much so he left touching her completely and she was standing completely on her own, albeit much (if not all) of her weight was being carried on her right leg.

She probably stood for 10 seconds without any contact with anyone. I was impressed as was Tracy.

Before the physio session starter proper, kp wanted some to know what the next goals were from the main man. He passed the question back to kp, and asked her what she wanted to achieve next ? kp wanted to go home, but not at the expense of being able to walk normally.

Main Main :- What do you mean by normally ?
kp :- Well, to be able to walk to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, go to the loo etc...When do you think I will be at that stage ?

Being typically and rightly cautious about answering the question directly, he basically said that he couldn't answer the question for sure, but he would estimate she could walk anywhere between 6 weeks and 3 months.

We got the impression that he would be surprised if she wasn't walking by Xmas which of course means that she should be home for Xmas :-) Nothing is set in stone, we understand that only too well, but its something else to aim for. kp was pleased at the news. He also stressed that she should understand that really she isn't properly standing at the moment.

Standing to a turner or holding someone's shoulder isn't the same as standing on your own. So we first have to crack that, before even considering walking.

After her transfer to the bench, much of today's work was done in the lying position.



She did lots of work on her left leg movement and strength which is her big stumbling block to walking/standing properly.

The main mas was WELL impressed with some of her stamina and her strength towards the end of the exercises. At one point, he asked her to push her left leg back and against him back into the wall. The poor chap nearly had a lung collapse.

Main Man :- I won't be asking you to do that again

:-)

She seems to have the strength, but the tricky bit for her is locking the knee and she continually has to be told to lock her knee. It's as if she thinks its locked, when it isn't.

At one point, she was raising her left leg (see photo above), holding it, lowering it. Some of the heights she was raising it too were amazing. At one point, Tracy and I looked at each other and went "Ooooooooooooo" as if to say, how did she do that.

She did very well.

The weekend home definately did kp well, and her strength (with all the transfers) seems to have improved !

I was very proud of her.

After physio, we went outside in the lovely sunshine and waiting for Marie, Michelle and Glenn to arrived. We had a coffee with them at Quenellies and then Tracy and I headed home. Poor Tracy has been up since 4.15am in order to get her flight from Southampton.

Day 136 - Sunday 11th September - Part Two

So, we had a snooze this afternoon, kp didn't sleep, I was out like a light. We woke up at 4.15pm, just enough time to get ready for Dad's arrival.

When he arrived, he joined us outside in the glorious sunshine for a drink or two. kp was subdued and not speaking much. I popped in and out of the house whilst I kept the roast ticking along but I could tell dad was having to keep the chatter going. I felt dead sorry for him travelling so far to be with us when Karen was feeling a bit off. She was feeling fine, I just think she was exhausted from 2 exciting days with virtually zero sleep overnight.

We had the Roast Beef and kp had 2 platefuls which I was delighted at. By this stage, I could tell kp was really flagging, so I dropped a subtle hint to Dad to leave.

dp:- Dad, can you go home now ?

Poor Dad - sorry !! There'll be other more lively weekends I am sure.

Shortly after Dad left, kp and I were sat outside for some last time together before the trip back to the hospital and in no time she was in tears. She was upset about her predicament again.

kp :- Stupid man (referring to the driver who caused the crash). He's made our lives hell.
kp(sobbing) :- I don't want to leave the dogs and you. Why should I have to be in hospital ? What if something else happens to us ?
I hugged her as best I could (in her wheelchair)

dp :- It'll not be long before you're home for good love. As soon as you can walk, they'll let you go and you're so close.
kp (sobbing) :- Yeah, but it doesn't end there doesn't it. Things won't be back to normal. I'll not be able to walk properly.

There are so few words that help. I reassured her as best as I could that it is going to be a long road, but that you have a great family who will help you as much as we can, we've got the bungalow etc etc...

She cried for about 20-30 minutes and it didn't stop when Eileen (ace neighbour) popped her head over the fence to say "hi". Eileen did her best to cheer her up and then Tommy popped his head over. She dried up eventually and calmed down.

But as soon as I got her back in the house, it started again :-(

kp (crying) :- Let's get back to the hospital

Of course, then it was time to say goodbye to the dogs. Very very sad !

We did the transfer to the car (it went fine) and we set off to the hospital. Michelle (one of kp's sisters) phoned and kp could only speak a few sentences before signing off. Michelle sent a lovely long text to kp which arrived just as we arrived at the hospital and that helped make things a little better.

I had been able to keep my upset at bay throughout all of this. All couples out there will know that when one partner is weak, the other is strong and vice-versa. I was in "strong" mode, but I nearly lost sight of "strong" mode as we came to get out of the car. kp had undone her own seat belt. And I came round to start the transfer process unaware that her left (stroke) arm was trapped in the seatbelt. She didn't even know about it. ;-(

I said nothing and just sorted it.

When we arrived back on the ward, kp was greeted very enthusiastically by all the nurses, and the upset began again :-( Poor Poor kp. The staff were lovely !! They made us a pot of tea and brought some cake in for us.

I got kp into bed, tried to get her feet warm (as they were like ice), but couldn't. We had our cup of tea and then I left for the night.

2 minutes into writing this blog entry, kp phoned to check I had got home safely. She was feeling a bit calmer.

dp:- How are your feet ?
kp:- They're still cold

I'll take cold feet anyday, as long as she is settled in herself

With a bit of luck, she'll be able to come home for sometime midweek. We will see.

Day 136 - Sunday 11th September - Part One

kp and I had an awful night sleep. kp much more so than I :-(

She was BOILING hot all night. She can't stay on her side unless she has something to prop her up, the idea was that I would play the role the pillows play at the hospital and be the prop. I couldn't get close to her without keeping the duvet between us (she was that hot), which is not what either of us had in mind. And it is very tricky to get kp on her side, watching her bad arm, whilst getting the duvet between us and getting myself comfy with my pillow.

And when you are changing sides about once every hour in the night, its even harder doing it when you are just woken up and have no energy. We got her comfy each time, but it wasn't enough. She did sleep a bit, but I would say she had about 1 hours sleep all night and she felt utterly miserable this morning. It put a real dampener on such a wonderful Saturday.

We think it is because it is a double bed and not the actual bed itself. In her hospital bed, she can't move too much 'cos its a single, but a double bed allows much more freedom which seems to be a bad thing in hindsight.

As I write this blog entry, she is fast asleep on the sofa and wishing she had gone to sleep last night on it, because she is trapped by the back of the sofa in a comfy position.

I walked the dogs before she got up, and when I got back, I joined her for a snooze in bed. We were woken up by kp's sudden need for a trip to the bathroom, we made it in time I am pleased to say. The transfers are going swimmingly.

All dressed, she looked very solemn, and we sat outside (glorious day) and had a cup of tea. Eileen popped her head over the fence for a natter, but I could tell kp wasn't 100%.

After Eileen went ........

kp:- I think I prefer to sleep at home (she meant the hospital, but interesting that she referred to it as home).

I suggested she ask to take home a sleeping tablet for next week in case she can't get to sleep again. She thought this was a good idea but was unsure if they would give it to her. We'll probably ask before next weekend.

The other option is kp sleeping on the couch, but that's not really an ideal weekend at home.

Whilst we were having our tea, kp said :-

kp:- I need to ask you something, I need some reassurance
dp:- Whaddya mean love ?
kp:- I need to know things are going to get better.

I reassured her that they would and when she was walking, she wouldn't feel as trapped etc... It would be a LONG road ahead, but she would get there with all the family's help etc... She felt better after our chat.

kp:- I am f+cking angry at the driver now (of the vehicle that caused the accident)

For kp to swear is VERY unusual. She hates people swearing, and I can count on one hand times she has sworn before. In fact, I can't recall any time before.

We had a good natter, and within 30 minutes of her being as low as she could get, she was feeling a lot better.

kp:- Let's try a transfer to the car.

We had planned to stop using taxis (£25 a time, £50 there and back) to get us home and we would try a transfer to and from the car before Sunday night, so we would know if we needed to book a taxi.

Both of us thought it would be tricky, with getting out of the car harder than getting in.

Getting out was harder, but I am pleased to report kp managed both transfers and I helped only the SLIGHTEST bit with her stand out of the car. This is a big relief to both of us as it means we are not reliant on others, which is so helpful for one's self esteem.

We sat out the back of the house in the gloriously HOT sunshine for an hour or so, and then kp phoned some family members while I prepared the Roast (Beef) for tonight.

She was then aching from sitting for so long, so I brought her back in and that's where she fell asleep on the couch. Interesting new bit of pleasure for me is when her "bum goes numb" (as she calls it), she likes me to smack it before she transfers to the other seat. It's great to smack your wife's bum (and get away with it), and at the same time know you're helping her !

So, Dad's coming at 4.30pm for a few hours which is very good of him given he has just got back from a week's holidays and been to a Christening this lunchtime. Mum can't come as she is minding the dogs for my sister who has just gone on hols.

I'll do another blog entry when I get back from the hospital later, but for now that's it......

Day 135 - Saturday 10th September

I arrived early ready for "The Weekend Home" :-)

We had plenty of time to spare so I went through all the lovely blog comments left by everyone from the Thursday blog :-)

And then we did the bath routine, and got dressings changed and drugs given with a chart of when kp is to have what.

We booked the taxi to come at 11.45am because we were ready early. Once kp was safely in the taxi, I took the car to arrive before the taxi so I could get the house ready/dogs out.

When she arrived, she was greeted by ace neighbours Tommy / Eileen and their family. kp was really chuffed at this and thought it was lovely that they had come to the fence.

I got kp comfy in one of the recliners and let the dogs out. Within 1 minute, kp was in tears. To blame for these tears was Elsa (one of our German Shepherds). She has a kind of Bambi look to her, big soulful eyes and it set her off.

kp:- Everyone had said I would be upset on my first visit home, but I wasn't, but I think I am now.

kp has always been known for delayed reactions. She had a good cry. We had a good talk and about 15 minutes later and lots of wet tissues, she was feeling a bit better.

We had a cracking afternoon, drinks of tea, inside and out, lots of fresh air. I tried to take a timed photo on my phone of kp and I having a cup of tea outside



It didn't go too well. The phone moved, I pulled my fake smile too soon, and kp misgauged the timer and we had a funny moment about 1 second after this foto was taken when kp put the phone down for a second and did the biggest smile.

dp:- It's already taken the photo love.

Funny at the time.

After the trip outside, she was freezing. The heating was on in the house, and I was sweating like a pig in my t-shirt. kp had 2 layers on and wanted the fire on to warm her feet.



After about 20 minutes roasting gently in front of the fire, she was "warm", I had sweat 2 stone off 9 feet behind her.

We were flagging by about 3pm and went for a snooze. The loveliest of cuddles and tender moments preceded a lovely snooze in each others arms.

We got up and went outside for some fresh air and to thank Tommy and Eileen for the ramp. They were great and gave us some fresh veg from Tommy's veg garden to go with our roast tomorrow night. (Leek and Cabbage). We also got some twigs of Lavender from Eileen's humongous Lavender bush.

Back at the house, we started preparing for the X-Factor in our usual Saturday night fashion by drinking lager. kp overdid it with half a lager shandy, she really knows how to push the boat out !



After this, kp was knackered and we got ready for the bed. She is there now, probably fast asleep.

Earlier, she had said..........

kp:- I hope you won't get sick of all the running around
dp:- No chance love.

We have had the best of days.

dp
xxxxx

Day 134 - Friday 9th September - Addendum

Just had a phonecall from a very upset Karen :-(

Marie and Michelle had had an afternoon of kp mostly sleeping. But when they left, she got very upset.

She told me she feels like she has so far to go and she knows she has come so far, but that doesn't help. There is no quick fix for this. There is nothing I can really say or do apart from sympathise with her. I feel so sorry for her. The first thing I want to do when I hear her crying is go in

kp:- I don't want you to come in, I want you to get a good night's sleep.

She asked me what we were going to do tomorrow and I laid out the itinerary for her and I think it took a bit of an edge of her hurt.

She understands her predicament well now, but I suppose its understandable that she gets upset about the long road ahead. It will be a hard one, but together we can crack anything. The more she comes home, the more she will realise what she can't do, but I know for sure she would rather come home than spend time at the hospital. That's even with Ward 22 being absolutely awesome.

We'll have a cracking weekend, we are going to pace ourselves better. As Karen herself said a few moments ago :-

kp:- "We will only do transfers if they are essential"

I left her still upset, which is very hard, but she was going to buzz for some tissues, and I know one of the nurses is aware that she is upset, so I have no doubt they will look in on her.

See you at 10am love

Love you so much !

dp
xxxxx

Day 134 - Friday 9th September

A bad night for kp last night. I said in the blog yesterday that we would both sleep for sure. Well, I had a lovely night, but kp definately didn't. She has one of these air-mattresses which changes the pressure points on your body as you lie there, to prevent bed sores.

In a nutshell, it beeped every second for the whole night, which drove me crazy for the 20 minutes I was there last night and secondly, it went flat. My first site of Karen this morning (about 10.45pm) was a knackered looking kp in the middle of a trough with 2 peaks of bed to either side. Poor Karen.

She didn't seem to realise it was flat, and felt comfy bizarrely enough.

But, she was definately tired and although we had time to bath before hot chicken and chip lunch, she opted for sleep. I was more than happy to snooze as yesterday really took its toll on me, and I was knackered (despite the good night's sleep).

We slept till 12pm and got up just in time for the hot chicken lunch.

Bath followed lunch.

I didn't flow today. Everything took forever. I couldn't concentrate on the routine and a 75 minute bath routine probably took 90mins+.

I was getting annoyed with Karen's room. The turner was in the way of the wheelchair which stopped me getting past the bed to the sink. The yellow bin is now in the bathroom, the hoist for the bath gets caught on the wheelchair feet etc etc....

But, I managed to keep a lid on it at this stage.

I tried to persuade kp to go in the bath without using the hoist. It involves a few transfers but she just wanted a nice bath. I kept trying to persuade her, but given the state of tiredness of us both, she was right and we did our usual routine doing two transfers along the way as a compromise. kp was a bit weaker than yesterday and although I hardly had to help at all with her stands, I could tell she was a bit stiff after yesterday's efforts.

During the bath routine, kp voiced her concerns that she felt she may be going "down the pan" a bit. She has had some pains when passing water, and she feels she may be turning a corner. By the end of our chat, we had put it into perspective, and although it is probable she has a urinary tract infection, she has knocked them on the head before and I feel sure she will do the same with this one. They have taken a sample to check it out anyway.

As we came out of the bath, the man had arrived to fix kp's bed. One of the tubes inside the bed had come loose, meaning it couldn't get blown up, hence the whinging (beeping).

All sorted now.

Karen then proceeded to cosmetify/hairdryify herself. kp then chatted about things like "Do you think we'll be ok ?". I reassured her that we would. I think there has been some realisation today about how hard living at home will be. Yesterday, the euphoria carried us both through and at the time it felt like a breeze. This weekend will be a good test for both of us. I can't wait for her to come back home again, but we have both said we need to go a bit steadier over the weekend.

Yesterday, it was nearly a case of seeing something kp could sit on, and trying out a transfer to/from it.

At about 3pm, Marie and Michelle arrived, the atmosphere in the room by that stage was a bit strained. I had lost my rag with objects around the room. This makes kp feel awful.

kp:- Are you annoyed with me ?
dp:- No, not at all love. I am just exhausted. I just need some sleep.

Of course, then I feel guilty, but sometimes it is the wheelchair's fault. Why was it designed with 500 bits that stick out to catch legs/hoists etc ?!

The last maneuvre we did, just before Michelle and Marie arrived was a transfer from the wheelchair back to the bed. I hadn't prepared it well enough and the bed was not in the right place, so although it was very safe and kp sat fine on the bed, her bum was too close to where her feet should be on the bed, so that when we did the lying down routine, her feet were touching the footboard and her head was miles from the headboard.

The only way to correct this is to do it again or take the easy option and slide her up the bed by pulling the sheet. kp was exhausted, I was exhausted, so we took the easy route.

So, kp ended up with perfect positioning on the bed, but didn't have any sheet on her feet and had 4ft spare above her head.

At that moment, Marie and Michelle walk in, probably thinking "Nice one David, you've done a really good job of the sheets there !"

But, I was too tired/lifeless to be bothered. I just sat in her wheelchair and rested.

Marie could tell I wasn't 100% and suggested I go, which I did, but I felt a bit bad ending the day on a sour note.

All being well, I will feel right as rain in the morning and we will have a cracking weekend. I am really looking forward to it.

PS - kp isn't keen on releasing the dogs video footage, sorry :-(

Day 133 - Thursday 8th September

The day of transfers (named so, at kp's request)

Be warned this blog entry is long, so now would be a good time to put the kettle on and make a nice hot cup of DRINKOFYOURCHOICE.

What a FANTASTIC day ! I was so excited about today (as was kp) that really we could only be let down, but we weren't. It was everything we wanted to be, and we couldn't ask for more than that.

Where to begin. Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start, if you read you begin with a...b...c, if we sing we begin with do...re...me. All together now. Can you tell I am happy !?!

Arrived at the hospital at 9.30am for bath before departure. kp's buttock dressing was changed just before we went. It's healing nicely by the way. It's not as deep as it was, maybe about 1 inch deep (just over). You could fit a strawberry in there if you push it hard and didn't mind it squelching a bit. Would need lots of sugar on it though afterwards before consumption.

We were then issued with enough drugs to start a pharmacy to last us for the 8 hour excursion. Had a nice small hidden catheter bag, that even I couldn't find later during the day.

One of the nurses had been giving kp a countdown to the excursion, which was nice. kp was really looking forward to it, but in her usual typical fashion, gave nothing away, and you'd have thought we were just going outside for some fresh air.

We were taking the hospital turning device home with us as kp has trained on it and the physios weren't sure if the one we were having delivered would be ok or not. So, we set off home, me pushing kp with one hand, carrying a rucksack and turner in the other. You'd have thought we were going to the Antartic.

I am not used to taking taxis, and when the pre-ordered taxi wasn't there at 12.01pm, I was on the phone to them, but apparently, it's normal for them to be a little late. The taxi we went home in was very spacious and I could sit with kp who was facing backwards in her wheelchair.



2 minutes into the journey I asked how she was finding it.

kp:- ok

5 minutes later (on the motorway), I asked her and it was a different story. She was anxious and was looking at every car behind to make sure they weren't coming in to the back of the car. :-(

kp:- He's on his mobile phone (pointing to a driver whizzing past with phone to ear)

I think it will take a while for her to get ok with being a passenger (and driver) again.

When we got home, I put the dogs out the back so they wouldn't see their mamma was home.

Paid the taxi driver and he went and we were on our own at our house.

We tested Tommy's ramp and it made me question why I had ever deliberated about his offer of installing it. It was fantastic and made life so much easier throughout the day.

Wheeling kp through the front door, she was beaming from cheek to cheek. As planned, I ushered her through to the living room and we did transfer number one from the wheelchair to the armchair. By this time, her back was giving her a bit of gip and she was keen to lie down. The armchair is one of those reclining ones so we could get her horizontal. The transfer went seamlessly and kp's standing was brilliant. I only had to be there just in case, but she did the stand herself and maintained it !

Once in the chair she went horizontal and wanted a few minutes before she met the dogs. I should say before she met my bitches. That sounds a bit more like I am a pimp and a bit more streetwise.

I opened the backdoor and in they bounded. kp was concerned that they wouldn't remember her and that they would be wary of her. I had assured her that they would as had everyone else, but I must admit I was a little concerned that if they saw her in the wheelchair, they may seem frightened (but of the wheelchair). She was in the armchair and we had nothing to worry about. They were all over her. It will be 2-3 days before dog saliva is fully removed from kp's face, even with a deep scouring (or what's that soap with the sand in that women use, can't recall the name at the moment).

They loved kp, and she loved them. They hadn't forgotten her one bit.

I took some video footage of the dogs meeting kp and it is great to see, but I need to get the "ok" to blog it from the Queen.

I can safely get away with a couple of snapshots from the video, but the quality is awful, so apologies. The video is awesome, I will try and persuade the Queen to release it, but she may be reluctant as it shows her stomach scars.




I took sooooooooo much pleasure from seeing kp meet the dogs and vice-versa. A very happy moment.

She was keen to let people know how thrilled she was to be home, and in no time, she was doing what she does best - increasing our phone bill :-



With the dogs reunion over and the phone bill increased, I was sent to the shops for food to make toasted sandwiches. I was a bit concerned leaving kp on her own, but she assured me she would be ok.

When I got back I got stuck in to the toasted sandwiches. I had to go into a cupboard that I never go into. All I visit is the beer fridge (as it is now), the place where my cans of chilli are, and the deep freeze, so the fresh food cupboard hadn't been visited since Karen was at home. I came across an interesting find in the fresh food cupboard. A couple of potatos :-



Not sure if you can tell from the photo, but those two potatoes had they been left in the cupboard a few more weeks, may well have been 4 potatoes. They had nearly sprouted wings ! Click on the photo to see it bigger.

kp wasn't impressed.

The toastie was lovely !!



kp ate the lot with a home-made cup of tea.

Transfer number two followed from the armchair back to the wheelchair and I wheeler her outside for some fresh air. We sat outside for about 30 minutes and loved every minute of it. There would be a full 5 minutes here and there where nothing was said, but everything was said, it's just no words were used.

The sheep were bleating, the cows were mooing, I was doing impressions of both, because they were getting on my t+ts, but kp loved hearing them.

When we had arrived at the house, we had had a delivery of a commode and a turner (as expected). Without going into details, I'll just say we did two transfers to the commode and the whole thing was a total success. We were so pleased with ourselves. I complimented kp on her standing skills and she complimented me on my assistance. I think we were just both so relieved that we could "DO" home visits.

After we had spent some time outside, we went round the back of the house to play with the dogs for a bit. That was a lot more tricky and its not something we will be doing very often as its a long way and involves going on grass, through a tricky gate. We'll have to think about that one a bit more.

After the 2 outdoor visits, I was knackered. We had probably done 4 or 5 transfers to/from the chair. kp wanted a tour of the house. More like an inspection, but a tour she got. She was very pleased with what she saw :-)

She had been sat in the wheelchair for quite some time by this stage, so we went into the front room so she could see if she could transfer to the sofa. This is the lowest chair in the house and although I was confident she could get on to the sofa, I was a bit concerned that I may be taking her back to the hospital on the sofa.

No problems getting on :-



And getting off involved a lot more effort on kp and a bit of assistance from me, but we cracked it and the important thing is we could do it again.

Time for bed !

We were both flagging by this stage, me more than Karen, but she wanted a proper lie-down and she chose the bed - fine by me.

Whenever a transfer is involved, preparation is the key. I have to get the turner (and it's heavy) positioned just right, the wheelchair just right and its not easy at home, because there are things that get in the way, like ornaments, sinks, bedside tables. So it probably takes 2-3 minutes to get set up. Today was a sticky day and I was sweating like a pig before the transfer even took place.

The transfer to the bed was very straightforward. And she was lying down in no time. I jumped in my side of the bed and then for the first time in 4 months, we had a proper cuddle, it was lovely. It took a bit of maneuvering. I had to position kp to cuddle me, she couldn't just do it for herself, which detracts from the cuddle a little, but suffice to say, once the cuddle is set up, the rest feels like a cuddle. And no, cuddle isn't a secret codeword for sex Jane Burns !

It was lovely for me to have kp in my arms and for me to be in hers. I could blab on about "I never thought it would happen again" etc, but I am beginning to sound like a stuck record. It WAS lovely.

We both couldn't sleep and for 45 minutes we just cuddled. Halfway through kp wanted to be on her other side, so we did a maneuvre and fell into the opposite cuddle sides.

After the long cuddle, it was time to start tea. Fillet Steak, Mushrooms, Onions and Chips. It was a 10oz fillet steak and kp ate 90% of it. She did REALLY well ! Bear in mind, she had had 2 toasted sandwiches for lunch, followed by a flake !

Another trip outside followed whilst I washed up :-(

I took a photo of kp whilst I was in and out collecting dishes :-



She looked very content.

After dishes, she wanted to check her email. I wheeled her into the study and she started sifting through 1329 emails. (99% junk, unless you need Viagra, in which case call me).

She couldn't see the screen properly, and found my glasses helped her see the screen. I must remember to mention this to the nurses. I think kp needs glasses now for her good eye (left)



Emails over, kp was starting to feel a bit unwell. Commode time, and sick bowl time. She wasn't sick, but looked as pale as a sheet. I think a 10oz fillet steak was probably too much. It certainly cost too much, but you're worth every penny love. The nausea lasted about 15 minutes and by the time the taxi came, she was feeling fine !

The taxi was a strange one, and kp looked like the pope in his raised popemobile. She was ABSOLUTELY KN+CKERED when she got back ! She couldn't wait to get back to her hospital bed.

A couple of the nurses came in to see kp transfer to the bed. They were pleased to see her stand. Clothes off, nighty on. She will sleep tonight as will I.

So, signing off time.

Cracking Day. It could not have been better. Well, apart from the nausea at the end.

I can't wait until Saturday when we have the next home visit (36 hours). I just hope I have the energy. Roast Dinner Sunday Night !!! We can't wait !