Dr Mitch on Friday – Update #5
Hi Gang,
Progress! That’s what the world is about! Mike has moved to the Spinal ward which is a half-way home before heading to Royal Talbot for rehabilitation. In reality, it’s a pretty frustrating place to be- because it’s a place where the staff try and ascertain whether there are any road blocks preventing Mike graduating to full rehab, plus where there might be some waiting time for a bed at Royal Talbot (near Kew Bvde), while Mike says, “Let me gooooo tooo Rehhhhaaabbb!”
Physical
Not too much to report at this stage. His biceps are curling nicely, which might allow him to have enough control to scratch his nose, shoo a fly or feed himself. Being able to raise your own hands to your face is very important for self esteem and independence, so great for him to have these muscle groups still functioning.
There was a slight hiccup on Wednesday with his lung function, after he had an absolute gab-fest with anyone who was willing to listen. The reduced capacity of his respiratory system, especially in the context of lying flat for much of the day, plus the effort of weaning from the respirator, meant that he required some time listen and not talk! Funny how they make you have a rest when you’re running on 50% capacity!
Mental
Mike’s slowly coming to terms with the implications of the coming months, and is especially worried about not being able to use his hands. That said, he’s already laterally thinking about how he’ll be able to cope with his usual clarity. He is an impressive individual and seems very composed. He’s going to have bad days where it gets him down, but having visits/rehab goals/family to distract him is vital. He’s also getting some sleep on the ward, as opposed to ICU, so that helps keep spirits high.
The accident is something Mike does not want to talk about at the minute… and maybe he never will. It’s probably best not to discuss the accident in detail, as it’s an upsetting event for him in his current situation. It’s just not a team building issue for Mike at the minute, and he’ll bring it up (in his own good time) if he needs to put details to rest.
Visiting
Monica has mentioned the narrower hours of visiting, so I just want to explain the situation here: 11am til 8pm. It’s still two people at a time, but that’s good for everyone, considering there’s still lip reading to be done at times. It gets a bit rowdy on a ward with four patients if there’s 1 epople in the room! The trach is scheduled for removal early next week, which will mean he’s able to talk/sing/whistle 24/7 (if he wants). There is a heck of a lot of work to be done by Mike and the staff each day. Included in the routine is washing, shaving, toilet, teeth, feeding, sheet changing, positioning, physio, occupational therapy, nursing observations, not to mention the odd doctors visit. Most of this happens before you see Mike, and it probably takes twice as long as you’d expect (shower=45min). He’ll be tuckered out from this for a bit in the short term, but I’m sure you understand.
He is loving seeing people and hearing stories from beyond the hospital- indeed, he’s keen to talk Tour de France day or night. Thanks to everyone sending through words of encouragement- this support is vital, so keep it up. Write a story about how you know Mike, or a tale of his exploits that others might not know and send it through to the site if you get the urge. Check all the updates on www.michaelforbes.org, we’ll try and get some more smiling piccies of Mike and family on there soon.
Best
Mitch
July 11th, 2008 on 9:19 pm
Hey,
best of luck with the transfer to the Royal Talbot when it happens. Its a much nicer setting than icu or a spinal ward. I had a physio student rotation there about 3 months ago, the facilities are quite good, everything is nice and light, clean and quite an open layout. The physio staff, mark, sarah, and bj are all very friendly as is keiran the OT. You should also get a few opportunites whilst there to get down to the fairfield and studley park boat houses for a coffee.
Cheers
Ruley
(ran with you and mitch from south melbourne a few times and prob rode with ya on some of the portsea rides)
July 11th, 2008 on 10:31 pm
I really got to know Forbsy and Mon a bit better in New Zealand at the world triathlon champs. Mike finished 5th in his age group which I was amazed by and he rode the last 5k on a flat tyre. We went on a boogie boarding adventure down a river in NZ, it was freezing, dangerous and awesome fun. Mike and I were the only two who brought our own wetsuits – tri-geek loosers!
Our most recent race encounter was probably Geelong Olympic distance last year where I had exactly the same swim+bike split as Forbsey which was very pleasing for me because Forbsey is always an unassailable competitor. I didn’t put much credence in his pre race claim that his ironman training had slowed his run times down to 4:30/km and I was not surprised when he put a couple of minutes into me with his 3:30/km pace.
Dude you are seriously a strong and talented individual, there is no one else who could have made the progress that you have thus far.
Keep conquering those challenges mate.
Am keen to come and talk Tour with you.
Damon Moloney
July 11th, 2008 on 10:50 pm
Forbesy
Great to hear the progress – even a trache tube can’t stop you talking. Sounds like you’ll be using your hands and arms before you know it.
I’ll check to see if you are up to visitors on Monday – hopefully see you then.
Greg D
And don’t think for a moment that any of this means you are getting out of that bottle of red you owe me.
July 12th, 2008 on 5:13 am
Here is something I wrote to Forbsey last night to his facebook site. I’ve worked with Forbesy since Telstra in 2005 and he recommended me for the E*TRADE techie position I’m now in:
Dear Michael
You have always challenged me, inspired me, helped me. Don’t ever let that change. There are a select few people that influence your life for the better and for me; it is you and my best friend that come to mind. I know your positive and happy outlook rubs off on other people. That gleam in your eye when you mention your family that I can only wish for. Maybe I live vicariously through you, not the opposite. Love you my friend, and thinking of you everyday.
Nikolai
July 12th, 2008 on 10:47 am
Michael, Moni and Ash,
We have all been thinking of you these last weeks.
This site has enabled us to keep up to date without pestering people, so thanks to those involved. It has been great to see that Michael is also getting some rest. We hope that goes for all of you.
Keep up the great work. We are amazed at your progress, but probably not surprised with the attitude we know you each have.
We know that Leslie and Bruce , Vanya and Tim have all been kicking in, and we send them all our support and love as well.
We will epsecialy miss you today for Sebi’s birthday, but will all be thinking of you as he blows out the candles.
Love to you all.
Lesly-ann, Ian , Lachlan, Stacy, Brad and Chloe.
July 12th, 2008 on 7:14 pm
A big thank you Uncle Mike you have made Seb’s birthday with the message.
You have always made us so proud to be related to you with all you have achieved. We couldn’t be more proud of you at the moment.
Moni- you are an amazing wife. You have been there for Mike both day and night for the last two weeks.
Ash is a credit to both of you with the way she has behaved and adapted.
Mike- there have been a couple of ‘King’ arrangements of late that have required someone to step in. Hurry up I need your help!!
Love Lexie, Simon, Lily and Seb
July 12th, 2008 on 7:37 pm
Hey Michael, Great to read just now that you are doing so well. Keep it up and maybe you will be back at work soon..NOT! Take it bit by bit and we will all be here cheering you on. Hope to see you soon, Teresa.
July 12th, 2008 on 7:44 pm
Mike,
I love you. Eyes open or shut, you are in every thought.
I know that you are and will make the very best of this rotten card that has been dealt.
Next trip to the zoo, you have first dibs on the safari cart! I reckon we get El and Ash to pull it too.
Your story, determination and fight will always make the rest of us run a little harder and jump a little higher. Always for you.
Huge hug. Get yourself to rehab – something I never thought I would say to my big brother!
Love Sally, Mike, El and Teg xxxx
July 12th, 2008 on 11:39 pm
Moni & Mike
Its been a while since we have caught up but I know you both as mindblowingly energetic, talented and generous people. I can see by other entries on this website that none of that has changed. It always used to be exhausting keeping up with Mon but she found her match in you Mike.
Mike the progress and fighting spirit you have shown these last few weeks has been inspiring. I smile when I think of you yacking about the Tour de France. I know you guys always planned to come over one year to watch the event. Don’t let that plan change.
Meanwhile Mike keep up the good work. I hope it won’t be too long before you move to the Royal Talbot.
Love Wendy xx
July 13th, 2008 on 10:33 am
Hello Mike,
Only heard of your terrible accident on my return a few days ago from an overseas trip. Spoke with your Mum & Dad yesterday who gave me an update, and also told me of this wonderful web site which your friends have set up for you. My thoughts, hopes, prayers, and best wishes are with you as you work toward achieving the best recovery possible. Special thoughts and best wishes also to Monica, Ashley, and to your respective families.
Love and all the best – Inge, Michelle, Mark & families, Wagga Wagga.
July 13th, 2008 on 10:44 am
Hi to all
As Mike’s parents we are humbled by the responses of encouragement and the love being expressed for Mike and his dear wife, Moni as well as his treasured daughter, Ashley. While it has been an horrific couple of weeks for us all, these thoughts are so uplifting and encouraging. Mike believes he will spend the rest of his life saying thank you and making up for such attention (while his Mum assures him that he has built this up with his life to now). He mostly continues to be very positive and determined and is just learning to go a bit easy to help his recovery. There have been twinkles of promising signs in his improving senses but we know this will require patience. A friend, Harriet gave him a wonderful massage yesterday when he felt some tingling sensation where he had been only numb. We all have our fingers crossed.
July 13th, 2008 on 8:16 pm
Dear Michael,
Your Mum and I went to school together and she has kept me up to date with your amazing achievements over the years. You are obviously a strong and resilient young man who has had an amazing influence on so many people in your life – I believe that you will make a huge difference in this world and wish you the very best in your recovery. My prayers are with you
Love Di
July 13th, 2008 on 10:16 pm
Dear Mike,
We’re sure we always said that exercise was bad for you !
In all the years of living with that amazing determination, stamina, passion and endlessly positive spirit inside you, you surely cannot have imagined you would need it the way you do now.
We are thinking of you as you do some equivalent of kilometre after kilometre of butterfly, and in our characteristic style, we’re cheering you from the sidelines and waiting to drink litres of freshly juiced fruit (and red wine) with you between personal bests.
Whilst we know that there is noone better equipped for the psychological and physical challenges ahead, we love you as an ordinary human as well as the superhero you have proven yourself as and hope that, at least occasionally, you will be gentle on yourself.
Our thoughts are constantly with you, Monica and Ashley and your families. Words are not adequate.
Lots of love from Anne, Julien and family.
P.S. Thanks to all who contributed to this marvellous site.
July 15th, 2008 on 6:09 pm
Cannot believe the huge change from visiting Mike in the ICU trauma unit to yesterday afternoon in the spinal ward, talking, smiling, eating, his positive attitude is so uplifting – a true wake up call to all of us who grizzle about minor aches and pains. That bright smiling face of Monica’s is quite amazing – no doubt a tower of strength for Mike. As for our darling little Ashley – the brightest light at a dark time. Mike, Mon, Ashley, Lesley, Bruce, Avram & Tim and your parents, you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I truly believe where there is life there is hope!!!
I also think this site is a wonderful way for us all to keep in touch.
All my love – Jo (also Peter & Stuart)
July 16th, 2008 on 9:21 am
Hi Mike, Pete from the RACV City Club pool. Watching you swim was awesome and I loved everytime you came in for a quick 4km or so. You were always happy to chat to me about anything even though every minute of chat was wasting precious training time for you. You were my inspiration and now even more than ever! I never came through for you with that permanent locker but I’m still trying… Hi Mon and Ash, love Pete, Fiona and little Amellie.
September 27th, 2010 on 1:32 pm
Very good information, Like the nice layout. Always good to learn something new.
June 23rd, 2011 on 2:02 pm
WARD RACKLEY: This, Bobby, is nutmeg. And we use this spice forBOBBY: Oh, I remember give me a second invincibility.WARD RACKLEY: Resplendent! The spices sit easily upon you.SPICE STORE GUY: Oh, you boys are making a cake?WARD RACKLEY: A cake?BOBBY: Yeah a cake of tremendous power!WARD RACKLEY: Score one for the acolyte!