Winning Gold Back Here in Oz
by markm, under Updates by Mon
Ash and I back at Elwood …. Mike has his New Computer – Nearly back online
Ash and I are back at the blue house in Elwood. It is very hard being so far away but I think Ash is liking being home. At the moment Mike is much more stable so it is probably a good time to head home and get Ash back to a slightly more normal life. Lots of driving which is tiring but I think Charli and Russ are happy to have us home again.
This will probably be my last posting for a while, Mike has received his new computer which Tim has setup with the voice recognition software — a massive thanks to Tim (and his family for putting up with him working on this stuff for the past two weeks – thankyou!!).
Mike has been doing a bit of training with it over the past couple of days and we think he sent an e-mail tonight (it was to work to see if they have the software licence for Dragon!).
I think his aim for tomorrow is to post a message himself.
We are going to try to get a consultant in later this week who specialises in the voice recognition stuff to get him fully operational on the new machine.
Next target is a voice recognition phone — even though he assures me is fine to use skype. Telstra has done some investigation for us (thanks again Virginia) and recommended a couple of phones to try so will endeavour to get on to that this week.
Mike spent lots of time in his chair today which is great. We need to talk to the physio’s about how to manage his posture as his left arm is clearly heavier than his right and he gets a bit of a lean going which in turn hurts his back and neck. It is a miracle that he can drive it — I took it for a whirl last night and nearly took out my knee-caps on the wall (and I have hands and forearms that work!)!
We are still on operation “fatten-up” and he has another couple of appointments this week with the speechie to hopefully get the OK to eat most foods. Thankfully chocolate, muffins and biscuits are all considered ‘soft’ so they are OK!
On Friday the lovely OT ladies built Mike a splint for his left hand so that he could hold a pen or texta. He drew his first ‘humpty dumpty’ (bit of a standing joke with Ash). Anyway, it is up on his wall and we are hoping to post a photo of it with some video of him eating sometime tomorrow — please be warned … neither the drawing or eating can be considered pretty but we are very, very proud!
When asked whose humpty’s were better Ash just laughed/snorted and said hers were — I think she is probably right but she isn’t trying to draw them with her shoulder!
We are very excited about a delivery due at Talbot this week – a FES bike. It uses electrical stimulation to the legs (and possibly arms) to turn the pedals. Will see how Mike goes … I am almost convinced that his legs will just know what to do all by themselves!! This is one of the items on the projects list so it will be great to see how it works before we try to raise some funds to buy one. I am hopeful that he will be able to use something like this to do a bit of fitness work and to keep a bit of muscle tone for when those miracles turn up.
Will post the details of Mike’s schedule for this week sometime Monday (yeah, yeah – I forgot again. …. something about being a bit tired and having a few things on my mind??). He is quite busy tomorrow and Tuesday but we are trying to get him up in his chair each night for an early dinner with Ash so feel free to drop in then. Will see how he goes with some back-to-back therapy time over the next few days.
Thanks for the continuing messages of support and for his visitors – he really enjoys the interaction (I think I am getting boring!). Will be calling on a few folk to be in with Mike over the next few weeks as I need to spend some time with Ash and I need to get moving on the house cleaning and house mods.
August 11th, 2008 on 10:34 am
Certainly sounds like there has been some “gold medal” winning performances not only from MIke but from all of you!
August 11th, 2008 on 4:44 pm
I got your Skype activate message. Fanatstic. Perth contingent are primed and ready to talk, although Teggers is just eyeing off the microphone to eat it!
Lawrie Lawrence has nothing on you and your girls and you make every Olympic event look like a toddle in the park!
Hope the FES is a success. Oh, do you think you could handle a batch of weetbix slice?xxxx
August 11th, 2008 on 4:47 pm
Hi Mike, Mon and Ashie,
Firstly I would like to thank ash for her beautiful drawing mum brought over with her, it is stuck up next to my bed… I love it!
I am very happy to hear that muffins and choccy are on the ‘ok’ list – they are the best foods anyway!
I am back in 10 days and am going to help with ashs routine and house cleaning and can’t wait!! I have missed the “blue house” and my ash so can’t wait to get back!!
Love to you all
Love Jacquie
August 11th, 2008 on 5:12 pm
Another inspiring posting – we think Mike’s feats are fantastic.
Much love
The Clarkies and Grandma
August 11th, 2008 on 5:22 pm
Hi Mike, I’m a retired triathlete who tries to stay fit by swimming at Barker under Bruce’s expert guidance and I wanted to send you my best and the thoughts from all of us. I got to interview a guy once who conquered Everest and I asked him how he did it and he replied ‘one step at a time’. Mike, like Everest there’s a lot of steps ahead but the reward that’s waiting will be huge. Good luck and stay strong.
Mike Duff.
August 11th, 2008 on 5:46 pm
What great news on many levels, Ash must love being home, like getting back after a very long holiday, only not! Please let us know when you need a hand with anything, we are not too far away. Very interested in seeing the bike machine thing, I am sure Mike will set records on it, as he is on everything else he tackles. Thanks for the update again, don’t know how you fit it all in Mon, but we do appreciate them. Hope to see you again tomorrow or Friday.
Love Lorraine and Simon.
August 11th, 2008 on 9:16 pm
Hi Mike, Moni and Ashley. So pleased the progress continues. It will be great when that Dragon software is fully operative. I worked with a guy previously who used it, and he used to get some laughs at the occasional funny selection of words it made, but it was good. I suspect it won’t be long before you’re faster with it than the rest of us with the keyboard!
I know you’re looking to be fattened up, I wish I could help with that, as I could spare a bit for you!!
Hope to get in again soon to see you.
Moni – thanks for the updates – much appreciated.
Love Rob,Fran and kids.
August 12th, 2008 on 5:24 am
hi mike,
i heard about your news thru a mate and want to wish you all the best and a speedy recovery. it sounds like you are an extraordinary guy and a now you have a new challenge to conquer that i am sure you are capable of. hang tough mate and show that winning spirit.
pat
August 12th, 2008 on 10:25 am
Hello Mike,
A mate of mine told me about this amazing guy called Mike Forbes who’s doing it a little bit tough at the moment but who’s going to get through it and come out ten times stronger. We all believe in you mate.
Anh
August 12th, 2008 on 10:34 am
Mike,
great to see you last night. And really inspired by your progress. I have no doubt the “Forbes Factor” is re-definiting the concept of rehab at Royal Talbot.
Keep up the hard work mate and will see you again soon.
Woodsy
August 12th, 2008 on 1:44 pm
Hi Michael,
I am sorry to hear about your accident and wish you well in your recovery. It is quite inspirational to read some of the comments by Mon on your fighting spirit and attitude. As medical science continues to advance in these areas i’m sure it will only be a matter of time before the ‘miracle’ arrives.
Best wishes
Trish (MAHS 1990)
August 12th, 2008 on 4:30 pm
Hey Mike,
Mike Duff filled me in on your story. I wanted to drop you a line, say Hi and wish you all the best in getting better. My thoughts will go with you in the future. I look forward to dropping into the website and checking your progress. Anything I can do to help just let me know.
Best wishes and keep a positive attitude!
Guy Leech
August 12th, 2008 on 8:11 pm
Dear Mike,
Your words at your granddad’s funeral were wonderful. You have his heart and his spirit and you have inspired Tom and me. We intend to make every day a corker.
Love Lib
August 12th, 2008 on 8:40 pm
You guys continue to inspire and amaze. I am hoping to say g’day on Sat arvo after 4pm if that is ok…
August 12th, 2008 on 9:24 pm
Hi Mike, terrific to see both you and Mon in good spirits last night. You’re a formidable team.
August 13th, 2008 on 5:55 pm
Hi Mike Mon and Ash,
Didnt get to say goodbye as Mike was rushed off to Royal Talbot but just wanted to say good luck with Rehab. It was great working with you. I have no doubt you will be doing great things with your recovery just remember to give it time.
Happy to hear you are eating and starting to feed yourself. Hope you have shared your fruit platter with Ash.
Great meeting you all
Hope it is only steps forward and no back.
Ilana (speech path austin)
August 13th, 2008 on 9:02 pm
Mike, I am a very “recreational” cyclist and runner and was surfing the net for a good road bike when I came across your story through CBD Cycles. Mate, I pray that it will go well for you and your precious family. Keep strong ’cause you are all inspiring. God bless, Mal
August 13th, 2008 on 9:14 pm
Hey Mike, Mon and Ash. sorry it has been so long my house is still down with the flu.. I still read your progress notes all the time am are always truly amazed at how well you all are…. I feel very proud just knowing you….Wish I could visit, been hoping Brad gets a job down there so I can see you guys… take care you are always in my thoughts Rusty xxxx