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

We have just been advised that Mike is definitely moving to Royal Talbot tomorrow. Unfortunately he goes back to a shared room — which is a bummer but a great step forward to be out of ‘hospital’ and off to re-hab.

Mike is hoping to be in a position to type you all a couple of word message (with pointers obviously) in the next few weeks.

Visiting hours at Talbot are 11-9 but I will see what his schedule is like there and we will set up some rest time for him each day. Tomorrow probably best to let him settle in. Not sure where Ash and I will be?? Hopefully he will be very busy.

I am going to try to organise some extra pool sessions for him but not sure how possible this will be.

Trying to get two sessions a day in the chair now so between that and eating the days are getting busy. He is having a nap now but will be off in the chair this afternoon to take Ash downstairs for a baby-chino.

A HUGE thankyou to all the staff here who have been amazing – we will certainly miss everyone.

Also, a massive thankyou and plug for Telstra – I am now online here and will be at Talbot thanks to their generosity in getting us a 3G card – it is super … and even I can use it!!! We cannot thank them enough for this — lots of late night research happening! Also, to Marcus who gave up his Saturday afternoon to head to the hospital to set it up for me …. amazing – thankyou. Way above and beyond the call.

Finally, a big thanks to the fund-raising committee. I have been asked lots of questions about fund raising and just to let you all know – there are lots of things in hand. More info will be forthcoming over the next few weeks as we get this up and running. Obviously it is very important to Mike that there be complete transparency around what is happening and any monies spent and to ensure tax deductibility for anyone who can donate.

On the physical front – Mike is doing really well eating and drinking … although I think if I try to give him any more vitamin supplements he might just work out how to use his arms to clock me one! I know there have been mentions of triceps that Mike was trying to work on during Cadel’s time trial but the party-pooping physio’s and OTs have told Mike that there isn’t anything there – in very promising news it looks as though he is getting his posterior deltoids working. This is first muscle group of any sort to the back of his body so this is great. It is giving him more control in his driving to the point that he progressed to speed 2 on the chair!

Thanks as always with your ongoing support, Mon.

Hi Guys

A good day followed by a bad day and night. Food is going well. Still on restricted diet but we are trying to get lots of the good juice in to him. Apparently the nurses are getting ready to do a nandos run!

A huge thankyou as usual to the hospital staff for all their work with Mike, particularly the wonderful speechies (who have been so fantastic about getting Mike on to food again and a step closer to re-hab ….. or as Mike is calling is calling it “6-9 month boot camp”); the ‘physioterrorists’ who are pulling out and dusting off all sorts of equipment to challenge Mike; the spinal staff who are being so supportive of the complementary therapies we are trying with Mike and who are fantastic.

You will all be pleased to hear that most patients refer to the physio’s in the spinal area as ‘physioterrorists’ but Mike looks forward to their visits and requests extra sessions. The lovely Jack and Lisa have pulled out the ‘electrocution’ machine, as Jack calls it, to try to get some contractions in Mike’s quads and abs. The batteries ran out before Mike’s quads tired …. but apparently they were just old – he is taking credit for wearing them out!
Anyway, all good stuff.

As I wrote the above, we have been told that Mike has caught a bug. The good news is that he gets a private room – he is now in bed 23. No doubt Mitch or Sammy will be able to set my mind at ease and provide you all with a better explanation. Hopefully he fights it off well.

Thanks,
Mon.

WOW!!  Mike just passed the scope with flying colours.  He is allowed to eat a modified diet.  Mike has to concentrate when eating and no talking, so if he gets hungry while you are visiting, be prepared to be kicked out.  I’m pretty sure he will choose food most times   Mon

Hi All,

Apologies for the lack of comments in the last few days…. a couple of good and busy days, but a little set back today.

The swallow seems to be coming along OK but with the gastro last night / today, the scope test to give an official verdict has been delayed until tomorrow.

Mike had a good day yesterday with two sessions in the chair. He drove the chair by himself and will graduate to his own chair tomorrow so hopefully will spend some more time upright.

Most importantly Mike managed a “whizzy woo” spin around in his wheel chair — the smile on Ash’s face was worth a million dollars.

A huge thankyou to Telstra for organising a 3G card to get me online at the hospital which is fantastic.

Also a big thankyou to Sam and Jenny Bailey. You might remember their Australian Story episode. I have struggled to put the copy of ‘Head over Heels’ down since it arrived.

Finally, the usual huge thankyou to all the staff at the austin – you are all amazing and we cannot thank you enough.

Tomorrow will be quite busy with the scope and kinesio session – will give update tomorrow when we see if he keeps any “food” down tonight.

Thanks to everyone for your messages of support, for the visits that keep Mike’s spirits up and for respecting when he just needs to let his body heal itself.

Thanks,
Mon.

Hi.  Mike really sick today.  High temperature, lots of tests.  No visitors today please.  Thanks Monica