Today was a good day

[Adidrive]

Trekked all the way to the rehab unit at Homerton today, it’s only the 3rd time I’ve managed to get there since my partner was transferred there 2 weeks ago and the 1st time I’ve been on a weekday so I got to join in with the physio......and, for the first time, that I’ve seen anyway, she walked....just a few steps with a frame, and in pain, but nonetheless she walked, 10 weeks and 2 days since her SAH5 and left side paralysis which lasted for weeks. For me, seeing that and the fact that she can sit up and nearly swing her left leg off the bed, and go to the toilet, with assistance, are the best things in the world.

Cognitively her short term memory remains the same and after I left she text and couldn’t remember me being there but that’s ok.

I just wish the hospitals would work out that the numbers they have on the system for me are not correct, this has been ongoing for so many weeks and I keep asking them to change them but they don’t and I find it so frustrating that I’m getting told “oh we tried to phone you but we couldn’t get hold of you”

[cat3]

I hear that's an amazing sight Adi. My son looked stunned when I first shuffled out of bed and insisted on walking unaided to the loo. As I returned to my bed he was videoing me on his phone and very close to tears.…….saying it was the best thing he'd ever seen.

I'm so happy for you both. Yes it'll be challenging and painful in these early days, but it looks like your partner is making promising progress.

Hope you're coping ok otherwise, and managing with your partner's son and his issues ; you have your hands full for sure !

Take care, Cat x

[sue-66]

Take photos or video's when you get chance to, then not only you see the improvements, but your partner won't remember how far she has come and it's a godsend now, for my partner, to look back from then to now, as his short term memory isn't very good either.

[Danger19]

Hello my lovely,

You have taken me back to my childhood, originally from Hackney, East London I used to live in Clifden Road that runs along the back of the Homerton Hospital, on the Jack Dunning Estate which is to the side, just down from Chatsworth Road. Unfortunately I was dragged by my parents to Essex when I was ten but I have good memories of Hackney!

I am so glad to read that your lovely wife is improving. It may seem to be taking time, but physical and cognitive improvement can take time, the body and brain need to readjust. When you think of all the abilities we have that are controlled by the brain, you realise the magnitude that a brain injury has on an individual. My accident caused a SAH as well as other things and when I first regained consciousness my memory wasn't great. I couldn't recognise my children, I got it into my head that I was dead and that was the reason why I couldn't leave the hospital or see anybody. Luckily for me, this only lasted a few hours but don't judge anything by my recovery time because I experienced a miracle. My wish for you and your wife is that my miracle transfers to you both. Honestly, my brain injury was only the 14th of January and by Mid February I didn't look or have any side effects to even prove I had had a brain injury. If I could have one wish, I would wish my recovery to you wife. I have children and I know how difficult it can be to run a home alone so I take my hat off to you for trying to cope at such a difficult time.

With regard to the telephone number problem you are experiencing with the ward your wife is on. If they do not change your number, I would ask to speak to the Matron in charge or PALS which is a patient liaison and complaints department. I know at Colchester General they're called PALS because I have worked at the General. I'm sure it's the same name at the Hommerton. There is no excuse for not updating your contact details, especially considering your wife's condition so if the ward Sister doesn't help definitely try the Matron. The ward can arrange for you to speak to a Matron, don't let them fob you off, as a nurse I know the powers of the dreaded Matron!

I wish you peace, happiness, good health and a whole lot of luck my friend,

Vikki