Got My Fridge
by markm, under Updates by Mon
A huge week. Mike has a fridge so thanks to all for offers.
Thanks to Elwood Children’s Centre for the fund-raising tonight – it was fantastic.
Tough week for us with the move to Talbot. Settling slowly but OK, hopefully a better weekend and here’s hoping Mike will be busy next week! He is rearing to get going.
A big thanks to Physio Mel for fitting Mike in for some sessions this week and giving him so exercises to practice — I’m sure if he has dark hours overnight or in the morning waiting to get up and going he will be practicing! He spent his first time today on a special table that elevates him slightly in a lying back but standing position – he did OK on it today and probably got to about 30-35% before head spins. His new chair is fabulous (now that he has the hang of it) and he has been playing chasings with Ash around the kitchen area!
It has also been a very tough time over the last few days as Mike has remembered more and more details of his accident. It is very distressing for both of us, particularly for Mike. We have a few people helping us try to get any video footage still available which will confirm his memory beyond any doubt. Mike remains in a pretty good frame of mind but I would still ask that we try to follow Dr Mitch’s earlier advise – Mike will talk about the accident if he wants to, otherwise he would rather focus on the future and positive thoughts.
I am extremely grateful that his skill as a rider means that he is still with Ash and I. We will have a different life but I know it will still be a great life.
Thankyou to everyone who is doing so much for us and for all your thoughts and prayers …. although those damn miracles still haven’t arrived!!
Please ride safely and wear all your protective gear (I am sure Mike’s helmet saved his life).
We have already targetted a number of projects that we want to champion once Mike is out of re-hab to further the safe cycling message and to make beach rd a safer place to ride.
I forgot to bring his program home tonight in my rush to get to the bogan bingo night so will publish details of the times he is out of action next week sometime tomorrow or on Sunday.
Cheers,
Mon
August 2nd, 2008 on 4:00 pm
just reading previous postings and catching up on Michael’s progress. I contracted VRE and became VRE-positive when I underwent a Bone Marrow Transplant at RMH in December 2007. It affects my life in no way whatsoever and I’ve been told that it i will suffer no long term side effects. The medical staff “gown up” because they deal with immune system compromised patients on a daily basis and dont want to transmit it to other patients and do so as a precautionary issue only. If anything it guarantees me a private room at hospitals. Vancomyacin is a very common antibiotic used in oncology patients and I’ve had it several times as precautions prior to medical procedures. Vancomyacin can be replaced by heaps of other hospital grade anti-biotics without concern (I use Ciprofloxacin tablets when i get sick usually – stronger than GP prescribed amoxocillan). I was told that I probably contracted it from a hospital toilet seat at some stage (yeah passed that way) or an infected nurse (what can you do if they dont know themselves?). Most medical staff probably have the bug in their system, but never know unless they are tested. So to any visitors worryed about contracting VRE and its effects. Wipe Michael’s b*m and there’s a risk. Hug and kiss him to your hearts content (whether he likes it is for him to decide) without worry or issue. You’ll probably find that you may have contracted it yourself from using shopping centre toilet seats without EVER knowing you are a carrier (or positive). You won’t grow hairy palms, die early or infect young babies (unless you deal in ‘that’ matter). If anything I’d compare it to having the Epstein Barr Virus (15,000,000 aussies are carriers but most will NEVER show effects or even know they are carriers). Trust me… DON’T BE AFRAID OF VRE, a paper cut is worse and more painful. Keep up the postings… don’t know michael personally but read this website regularly, as a fellow cyclist.
August 3rd, 2008 on 11:17 am
Those miracles will happen… I truly believe it! Keep those thoughts and prayers coming everyone!
The 3 of you are the most amazing people/family I have ever met – watching your family unit over the past 3 years and knowing the amazing bond you all have gives me no doubt in my mind that although your life will be different to before it will still be amazing and you will continue to create the most wonderful memories. There is so much love in the Forbes household it will get you through anything.
Can’t wait to see you all in a few weeks – been missing you heaps!
Keep up the great work Mike!
Love Jacquie
August 4th, 2008 on 2:08 pm
Mike and Mon – it was really great to catch up with you both today. You’re both inspirational and your senses of humour are brilliant. Mike – once you are let loose in that chair, I will be avoiding Ripponlea station!!!!! I look forward to our Bombay by night girl’s night at Royal Talbot