Whirlwind day today for Mike. He was up in his chair at the Austin ready to head outside to get some sunshine and then fly around the ward to say his thankyous and goodbyes when the transport arrived 1 hr and 45 mins early. Needless to say a pretty frantic hour or so followed and Mike was whisked away without getting to thank the wonderful staff at the Austin for all their help and support. But don’t worry folks – he has talked all afternoon about having a day trip back to see you all to say thankyou properly.

Pretty much downhill from there, he didn’t overly enjoy the trip backwards in the transport and I’m sure travelling along Kew Boullie in the back of a transport as a Quad probably wasn’t up there on his list of favourite ‘rides’. Anyway, it is a huge step to get to Talbot. Unfortunately, despite asking lots of questions it would appear that you don’t “need” to know anything except that we should have brought with us a tele, fridge, clock and tissues! Unfortunately I didn’t manage to glean this information prior to Mike’s arrival so he has a pretty sad looking space at the moment. If anyone has an old bar fridge that is sitting around not doing much for the next 4 months – give me a yell as we would love to borrow it.

The word was that Mike is supposed to settle in until Monday but we suggested that maybe it might be a bit more positive to get out and doing things so had a physio session this afternoon and Mike has his new chair – it is great but very different to steer than the old one at the Austin — so look out!!! He had a quick look around and watched Ash have a big play. We’re hoping that by Friday he is up to having meals out in the common area with us … and anyone who wants to join us.
Hopefully more time in the chair tomorrow and a chance to look around. I believe Thursday is hydro day so I might sneak his cosi / bathers in and try to sneak him in for an extra session!!

Anyway, he is in the spinal unit at Talbot which is on level 1 and he is in the room with beds s9 and s10. I am convinced that his bed is actually in a hallway not in a room and I am also of the opinion that if anyone is thinking of having an accident that they should seriously consider becoming a criminal instead — they get heaps more room and foxtel etc. But enough of my whinging – am very proud of the man and the facilities at Talbot seem fantastic and the staff lovely. Most importantly, he is positive (as usual) and rearing to get in to his rehab.

For anyone planning to visit — and keep it coming, as I said, his little space is quite sad! — you can park on the grounds at Talbot, there is a $2 entry at the boom gate. The spinal unit is in the same building as the main reception so park and head to the reception area, walk thru there and to the lift and down to level 1 then straight ahead (past the little library area) to the spinal wards.
Once his program gets sorted, i will keep the site updated with appropriate visit times but I think until Sunday he won’t have too much on. Give me a ring prior to heading in so I can let you know if he is having some sessions. The weekends seem to be pretty quiet. He still needs his rest so will see if can get a bit of a routine going for weekends so that he has some rest time set aside.

Finally – thanks heaps to Sammy for setting Mike’s and my minds at rest about VRE and also for explaining it so clearly on the website for everyone.
Cheers
Mon