15 weeks and powering on

Hi All,

The last week has seen no extra issues to contend with. Bryan had another ultrasound on Thursday to examine the clot in his right calf, and some good news when they said it had reduced in size. Hopefully next time it will be completely gone. The pressure marks on Dad’s feet are also very slowly healing. It has taught us a valuable lesson about skin care and how diligent we will all have to be when checking pressure areas.

Our second trip to Southbank was a little less stressful this time round. Both train rides ran smoothly and the power chair was fully charged. Nan and Pop came along and we met up with Carmel and Grant, Mark and Kate for a lovely lunch at the Plough Inn. Dad even got to watch some Moto-GP racing!!

This week Bryan had a visit from Ellen, Stacey and Troy Morgan (from Vision Health and Fitness). Troy, being a personal trainer, gave Dad some professional advice in the Physio gym. They worked on Dad’s weight lifting technique, to strengthen his shoulders and arms.

Dad continues to have visits from friends and family, which he tells me, keeps him sane.

Tuesday being the Melbourne Cup, the Spinal Unit has organised wheelchair racing. Bryan, and his competitive nature will be champing at the bit, lined up on the start line. Mum is going to the function that USQ is holding in their refectory.

Mum and Dad are going to come down and visit me at the coast in 2 weekends time for my birthday. This will be Dad’s first overnight stay outside the hospital. But before this can happen we must first tick off a checklist of “things to take/ do”. For example we will need a portable hoist, shower chair, mattress, slide board, etc. There won’t be any room left in my apartment!

Uncle Derek and his friend Russel came to visit yesterday and motivated Dad to put out a hard session the gym.

Dad, Mum and I ventured down the road to Stone’s corner for some lunch today. It is about 1km away so Dad was in his power chair.

This week Bryan will be working on transferring into a car. This is the next step to being a little more independent. On the 17th of November the staff in the spinal unit will be having another meeting with us to discuss a possible discharge date.

Bye for now, keep you posted

Love always Rebecca and Family xo