Room 6

Sitting around Bryan’s bed thinking we should update the blog on this wonderful Monday arvo.

I got to the hospital fairly early this morning just before Dad was going for a shower. Apparently he was keeping the nurses entertain in the shower room by singing a few notes. He looked refreshed and had good colour in his face when he returned. While Dad was in the shower I was setting up his new laptop all ready for him to start training the voice controlled “Dragon” Program.

They popped him back into bed for a brief moment to get dressed and then got him out into his chair for another day out and about. We wheeled out into the sun and found a nice place to set up. We spent about an hour training the new program to recognise Dad’s voice through a headphone/microphone combination. It was amazing that after about 15 minutes of training the computer was able to recognise Dad’s voice and as he spoke it typed into Microsoft Word. Truly incredible technology!

They called Dad inside at about 10.30 to get the last pic line taken out of his arm. So he is now clean skinned, no more cords or devices attached! Phew! Dad could not believe how long the line was when they pulled it out from his elbow. It went all the way to his chest from his elbow and he believes that was causing his shoulder pain on that side.

11am – time for OT!! We ventured off to that side of the building, taking with us the laptop in hopes they could give Bryan a few pointers for his fingers so he is able to type. Emily, his OT was very surprised at what Dad could do with the computer already. She tried some readymade pointers on his fingers to type with, but ended up making some specially to fit his fingers. He is now typing as fast as he used to!! (Dad says: “Don’t say that! They will want me back at work!) Emily is also going to try and chase up a tilt table so Bryan can use the laptop in bed.

From OT we went straight into the dining hall for lunch. Soup and some of my personally made chicken, cheese and tomato toasties were on the menu today. Dad fed himself the soup with the adapted spoon, without spilling a drop! Allan, Donna and Caitlin Dallas came to see Dad while we were at lunch. It was a good catch up with these long time friends who Dad hadn’t seen for a while. They live in Brissy and assured Dad they would try and make some regular visits.

Jeff, Chris and the Boys returned this arvo to spend some more time with Dad. Daniel was flying back to Melbourne this afternoon and they have just left for the airport not long ago. They will be back again tomorrow before they venture down to Sydney.

When we were heading back from lunch, one of the nurses informed us that Bryan had been kicked out of his room. He has been moved out of the Acute section into the “not as cute” area of the ward, where he shares a room with Bill, Peter and Henry. These guys have been in here for a little longer than Dad, so hopefully they will be good mentors and support for Bryan. When we first came into the room, boys being boys, shared all there war stories and compared experiences.

Warmed up in the sun again this arvo before heading in for a training sesh with the Physio. She had him sitting up by himself, balancing using his arms. He lent too far forward and nearly passed out from the smell of his socks. Susie gave Dad’s shoulder a bit of a massage and stretch; this is the first step before he starts exercising.

Not as many spasms today in Dad’s leg but his voice sounds a tiny bit better today. No news on the camera down his nose yet so hopefully they can do it tomorrow.

Quite a big day today, I know I will sleep well and I hope Dad does too.

Love to all
Becca xo