Settling In To The New Pad
by markm, under Updates by Mon
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
July 31st, 2008 on 5:55 am
Dear Mike & Mon
Great to hear you’ve moved to the re-hab. Just want to let you know that I am following your progress daily from over here and thinking of you! Hope things run smoothly and the new routine is in place and moving with great progress.
Love Stacey
July 31st, 2008 on 4:02 pm
Gday Forbsey & Mon,
We’re thinking of you both, and will be into visit you next week. Thanks for the updates Mon, it’s fantastic to see the determination is strong.
Love Matt and Caz Norden
July 31st, 2008 on 4:12 pm
Monica
We have a perfectly good fridge available – a small kitchen fridge bigger than a bar fridge. Let me know if you want it and I’ll have it delivered tomorrow. Ph 0407810642
July 31st, 2008 on 8:54 pm
Hi Forbsey,
Julia and I have been following your progress closely and love the positive and determined way you’re moving forward. It must feel like a huge step to be moving out of the hospital. Congratulations on moving into your new pad.
Lots of love,
Brett, Julia & the boys.
August 1st, 2008 on 8:35 am
Hi My name is Heather Collins (Morris) and I am a teacher at Sturt Public School in Wagga Wagga. I have recently heard (from the Baker family) of the accident that has shaken the Forbes’ family. I am not sure if Michael went to Sturt but Pamela Nash and I certainly have fond memories of Pete and Sally and of course his folks. We just would love it if you could tell them we are thinking of them all at this time and send our very best wishes. I believe if anyone can combine and overcome such a horrid thing it will be the Forbes’ family. When they were here in Wagga they showed a united front and a tight family bond! We wish we could help in other ways but perhaps just a positive note to all of you at the battle front is enough! Good luck Michael, we simply can’t imagine what this must be like but want you to know we are thinking of you!
Very best wishes from Pam Nash and Heather Collins
P.S. What a wonderful thing modern technology is and how great of you all to rally around and support Michael this way!
August 1st, 2008 on 8:52 pm
Forbesy, Rousey her mate. The kids and Shari are tracking your awesome progress even from here in China. I promise to come by next time I am in town. Take care cobber and see you soon.
August 4th, 2008 on 7:28 pm
Dear Mike & family, My name’s Emma Gee and I was forwarded your site by a friend. I am a 28 year old, who underwent brain surgery in 2005 to remove a malformation in my brain. Unfortunately I stroked during the procedure so as an Occupational Therapist, avid long distance runner, the path that followed was tough. However, after rehab (learning to speak, swallow and move again) I am now living alone, am writing a book, do professional speaking (see my website) and have started my masters in OT. I will never run again and life now is so so so different. But you’ll be ok Mike! You obviously have amazing support, which makes a huge huge difference. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. Many thoughts, Em
August 4th, 2008 on 7:34 pm
By the way, I was at Talbot throughout my rehab!