Hi all,
I'm starting to feel excited that it's only 2 weeks until I have my first trip back to Toowoomba since the 19th of July. It's the longest time, in my 46 years, I've ever spent away from home. I'm wondering how things will have changed; and I look forward to being close to all my family and friends once again.
Although, I do need to return to Brisbane to attend the transitional house where Julie and I can trial living away from the hospital semi supported; this will take us up to Christmas where I hope to return to my own home for good!
I had my first experience in the hydrotherapy pool this week. I enjoyed floating around, but scared myself when not being able to correct myself due to my nonexistent hand function, as I was attempting to right myself when face down. Future water experiences I’m sure will be accompanied by a fixed floaty to keep my head up, as for one day I hope to paddle my surf ski with the girls.
I look forward to seeing everyone, lots of love.
Flyan Bryan...
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Monday, November 23, 2009
Monday - memories and mateship
Hi All,
Hung out with Dad today at the spinal ward. It is really starting to feel very normal now! I can remember when Dad first got moved down into the unit, it just felt like such a dull and gloomy place, but now spirits are much higher and a its become a very homely place. Part of the reason is because we know that Dad will be going home soon and its only giant forward leaps from here.
There are a few guys that we have become good friends with and having that company is such a boost. I think it makes Dad's day go so much faster when he has someone else there to chat to about what they are going through and to push each other along.
Dad did pressure mapping on his chair in physio today. If any of you have seen the cool boards you stand on when you get fitted for runners at athletes foot that show you the different pressure areas - it was a little like this. The lady placed a gridded mat on his push chair which Dad then transferred onto. She had a laptop set up connected to the mat that displayed a colourful image of the different pressure areas. This can than give the physios an indication of what size cushion would suit.
Tonight after dinner I took Dad and Jason, one of Dad's roomies, down to the shopping centre. The guys had fun burning around the shops and acting like school boys. It is awesome to see Dad with a huge grin on his face :)
Dad is booked in for the pool on Thursday - that should be a bit of fun.
Update you again soon
Rebecca and family xox
Hung out with Dad today at the spinal ward. It is really starting to feel very normal now! I can remember when Dad first got moved down into the unit, it just felt like such a dull and gloomy place, but now spirits are much higher and a its become a very homely place. Part of the reason is because we know that Dad will be going home soon and its only giant forward leaps from here.
There are a few guys that we have become good friends with and having that company is such a boost. I think it makes Dad's day go so much faster when he has someone else there to chat to about what they are going through and to push each other along.
Dad did pressure mapping on his chair in physio today. If any of you have seen the cool boards you stand on when you get fitted for runners at athletes foot that show you the different pressure areas - it was a little like this. The lady placed a gridded mat on his push chair which Dad then transferred onto. She had a laptop set up connected to the mat that displayed a colourful image of the different pressure areas. This can than give the physios an indication of what size cushion would suit.
Tonight after dinner I took Dad and Jason, one of Dad's roomies, down to the shopping centre. The guys had fun burning around the shops and acting like school boys. It is awesome to see Dad with a huge grin on his face :)
Dad is booked in for the pool on Thursday - that should be a bit of fun.
Update you again soon
Rebecca and family xox
Friday, November 20, 2009
From the Horses Mouth
Hi All,
I’m going to gloss it up a bit and tell you how spoilt i am here in my 6 star accommodations. Where else can you stay and not even have to put yourself to bed. Progress is a great thing and until yesterday I was powering ahead to the point of being able to finally transfer from wheelchair to bed without the use of a hoist just using my new learned skill of self transferring. Unfortunately a small mishap occurred while transferring landing me knees first on the floor. I quickly directed the assisting nurse to get help and with the push of the emergency button 10 or more nurses arrived on the scene in seconds. I was getting into bed to go for a kidney xray at the time, the doctor after this incident organised xrays to be taken of my knees as well (no reports back yet). If there was anything wrong with my knees which I’m confident there is not, I’m sure the staff would have advised me.
All that aside my health is progressing well allowing me to meet goals set for me to go home. We, Julie, Rebecca and myself had a meeting with the Doctor, Ot, Physio, etc to discuss a discharge date, this will see me home for Christmas all going well.
Home reno’s are taking place and the pressure will be on family and friends to have our home ready for my return, this is a big ask as the work has only just begun. Julie’s brother John Fitzgerald is building and co-ordinating the reno’s and many thanks to John, family and friends that are giving their time and resources to get the job done.
It still blows me away the amount of support and generosity my family and I have and are receiving from all. Upon my return I hope to repay in some or form.
Love to all
Flyan Bryan
I’m going to gloss it up a bit and tell you how spoilt i am here in my 6 star accommodations. Where else can you stay and not even have to put yourself to bed. Progress is a great thing and until yesterday I was powering ahead to the point of being able to finally transfer from wheelchair to bed without the use of a hoist just using my new learned skill of self transferring. Unfortunately a small mishap occurred while transferring landing me knees first on the floor. I quickly directed the assisting nurse to get help and with the push of the emergency button 10 or more nurses arrived on the scene in seconds. I was getting into bed to go for a kidney xray at the time, the doctor after this incident organised xrays to be taken of my knees as well (no reports back yet). If there was anything wrong with my knees which I’m confident there is not, I’m sure the staff would have advised me.
All that aside my health is progressing well allowing me to meet goals set for me to go home. We, Julie, Rebecca and myself had a meeting with the Doctor, Ot, Physio, etc to discuss a discharge date, this will see me home for Christmas all going well.
Home reno’s are taking place and the pressure will be on family and friends to have our home ready for my return, this is a big ask as the work has only just begun. Julie’s brother John Fitzgerald is building and co-ordinating the reno’s and many thanks to John, family and friends that are giving their time and resources to get the job done.
It still blows me away the amount of support and generosity my family and I have and are receiving from all. Upon my return I hope to repay in some or form.
Love to all
Flyan Bryan
Saturday, November 14, 2009
The First Weekend Away!!
Hello all Rebecca here!!
Im am on holidays as of Saturday, so I will be able to keep all the bloggers regularly updated.
The weekend away was a great success!!! We have noted a few things for next time but overall there was no major dramas or worries. Dad got in and out of the car, with only a little assistance and with his slide board. We sat around the pool for a bit then a big group of us went over into the park across the road for a BBQ.
When it was bed time we just wheeled Dad in his chair one step at a time up to my unit. He didn't get alot of sleep last night but that was expected being in a new place for the first time in a while. Mum and I had nurse duties this morning which also ran very smoothly.
Spent the rest of the day out by the pool, having some drinks and prawns for lunch. Mum and Dad have just left now (4pm) headed back to Brissy.
Here is a couple of pics of the weekend:
Love Rebecca and Family xoxo
Friday, November 13, 2009
BBQ
The BBQ we are having this afternoon (14th Nov) will be across the road from Blue Waters Apartments in the park along the Broadwater. Its BYO and will start about 4pm with a few drinks.
Love the Flemmings
Love the Flemmings
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Weekend Away
Hello all,
Just a quick note to say that Dad will be coming down to the Gold Coast this weekend to stay with me and the family in our apartment. It will be his first overnight stay outside the hospital and we have done a lot of preparation!
So just in case anyone was planning to visit this weekend Dad won't be at the PA but soaking up the sun down on the coast. For all those who live close by we are having a BBQ in the park along the broadwater on saturday afternoon/evening, if you are interested in coming along just let one of us know.
Dad has had a really good week this week, no dramas to report. He has been working alot on his transfers, in/out of his hospital bed and our car. We ordered his push chair last week (Dad knew exactly what he wanted) so hopefully that won't take too long to be processed.
Will post again after the weekend to let you know how it all goes.
Love and Thanks Rebecca and Family xox
Just a quick note to say that Dad will be coming down to the Gold Coast this weekend to stay with me and the family in our apartment. It will be his first overnight stay outside the hospital and we have done a lot of preparation!
So just in case anyone was planning to visit this weekend Dad won't be at the PA but soaking up the sun down on the coast. For all those who live close by we are having a BBQ in the park along the broadwater on saturday afternoon/evening, if you are interested in coming along just let one of us know.
Dad has had a really good week this week, no dramas to report. He has been working alot on his transfers, in/out of his hospital bed and our car. We ordered his push chair last week (Dad knew exactly what he wanted) so hopefully that won't take too long to be processed.
Will post again after the weekend to let you know how it all goes.
Love and Thanks Rebecca and Family xox
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