Every cloud has a silver lining

[Hdo115]

Another update about Barry - He has been on one of the neuro wards and although they have taken good care of him on this ward our aim has been to get him a place on the neuro rehab ward at the same hospital. I went to see him on Monday and found one of the HCA shining a torch in his eyes. He then said "oh look Barry mum and dad is here to see you". He tried to get up but was unable to and he was very jittery. I immediately went to see the nursing staff to see what had happened, as the day before when he was laughing and walking with the aid of an arm (just in case) and communicating really well with his mates. At first they said that he was constipated and that was causing the change in him. I said that if he had a urine infection I could see the point, but not constipation. I then asked why the HCA was shining a torch in his eyes and was informed that he was doing obs - I then asked if he was qualified to do this and why had I never seen them do this in the last 5 weeks of him being out of ITU, then the sister told me that Barry had slipped and fallen and that the HCA could not catch him in time.

We left the hospital that night very upset at seeing the deterioration in Barry. The next morning I phoned the hospital for an update and was told he is good and had eaten his breakfast and was the same as yesterday I then said I had hoped he was not the same as yesterday, as he had appeared to be going backwards and I was then informed that a place had been found for him on the neuro rehab ward.

We popped to see him last night in the new ward and he was refusing to eat and looked really scared and worried but after reassuring him and explaining that this is the ward that will really help him he agreed to have some supper.

Our hope is that now he will get the intensive rehab that he needs to give him a better quality of life and for him to regain his skills.

[Hidden]

Lucky that you were there. How sad it is for people who don't have family to keep an eye on what's going on.

Do hope Barry makes good progress from now on. Lots of good wishes to you all.

Jan

[19KMcG87]

All the best forwards xxxxxx

[razyheath43 in reply to 19KMcG87]

A move from ward to another can upset the balance if you like,of a paitent with B.I my husband used to quite distreesed when moved,as long as the staff on the re-hab ward understand this,Barry should be more settled in a couple of days.All the best

[cat3]

Change can be disorientating after a brain injury, especially when there's been a period of coma. I remember the feeling of uncertainty on being moved to the recovery ward (funny though, when I remember nothing of ICU)

And after my catheter was removed, a nurse lowered the safety rail to help me onto a commode. She turned away for a few seconds, telling me firmly not to move, and I was out of the bed like a shot and in a sprawled heap before she could stop me. Other staff came and helped to lift me, but a big issue ensued and a formal enquiry followed.

I felt so bad about the poor nurse, and made it clear that it had been entirely my fault. But her back turned for just a moment was all it took for me to do something stupid.

I'm sorry that Barry had a setback with the fall and then the move but, as you said Helen, he has a far better chance of progress now, on the neuro ward. I hope he settles soon, and that he'll start to look like the Barry you know a little more each day.

All best wishes, Cat xx

[peaches2]

Hopefully Barry will perk again like he was previously, although yes the change will probably knock him back a bit at first. It's such a long journey the road to recovery but fingers are crossed for you. xx

[TiredNan]

I hope that Barry goes from strength to strength on the new ward, he is so lucky to have you there to support him.

It must have been so upsetting for you regarding his fall. It is really poor that they seemed to try to fob you off before they actually said what happened.

Best wishes to you and Barry and all x

[Elenor3]

Hi, so sorry to hear about your set back - hoping it all bounces back in the new ward with the correct intervention. I'm all too familiar with the torch shinning in the eyes routine. I blame my inability to sleep now (after having been brilliant at sleeping well all my life pre bi), on the routine of round the clock light torch shine in my eyes every four hours. The rehab ward will no doubt get him on track. Good luck

[Hdo115 in reply to Elenor3]

It must have been awful for you and after seeing what Barry has been through I think that all BI patients are the most bravest people on the planet - so give yourself a cheer. I went to visit him last night and he was completely different and more like the old Barry laughing and joking and looking for a fire escape door to get out - I feel so much more confident that we will get him back as he is receiving the right type of therapy.