Hi all,

Thank you so much for for the amazing messages of encouragement and support. I really  look forward to them and enjoy reading them. They are a great start to my day and they often bring a smile to my face and a tear to my eye.

I also understand that people often look forward to my blog updates and facebook posts so I apologize I haven’t done one recently. Here is an update on the last few days.

Sunday 25th

I did not sleep well during the night and was woken early by the nurses wanting to check my blood pressure, temperature and give me my morning selection of pills – the usual stuff. However, what I was not expecting was for them to remove my catheter. I’d had it for just over two weeks and it automatically emptied my bladder without me knowing. My concern was would I be able to go on my own? Would I know when to go or would I end up wetting myself?! A few hours later I felt the “urge” and I had to get used to going in a bottle! It went ok and that was another milestone.

The next milestone was for me to sit in my new wheelchair. Something you would normally take for granted and not even think about – moving from a bed to a chair. However, this for me was one of the hardest challenges I have ever had to face. Although this may not sound like a big thing, to me it was a massive achievement which bought a tear to my eye and I felt like I had conquered Everest. I was so proud of myself that I had a big smile on my face – I knew this was a major stepping stone on the road to recovery.  Not having sat up for almost two weeks did send me dizzy, my stomach was painfully bloated and Caroline said that I went green ! I had to quickly get back onto my bed and lie down.

The  highlight of the week was seeing my great friend Gary Baker – who flew from Mexico (on holiday with his family). It took him two flights to get here and a 30 min taxi ride to the hospital. He came with presents and it was great to catch up him. He then flew back the very same day – how awesome is that ! Whilst Gary was with us, Nurse Julia came in and was intrigued with our accents and loved to listen to our conversations. We gave  her daily elecution lessons and her favourite saying to date is ‘cheerio’!!

Monday 26th

It has just been over six days since my back operation and I have not had a proper “bowel movement” so I was feeling extremely bloated. I had only eaten small portions of food . Every day the nurses would ask about my bowel movements and they were giving me stool softeners and laxatives to help. I think most people would agree that going to the bathroom is a very private affair and the circumstances need to be right and most people would also want to go in their ‘own environment’ and would find it difficult to go if somebody was watching or likely to walk in on you. I had been trying to use a bed pan but found these small, awkward and extremely difficult to use.  I was therefore pleased to have the use of a bedside commode.  It took a lot of effort but I finally made it into position and after a few false alarms I managed to go – what a RELIEF !! Another major milestone.

Tuesday 27th

This morning I was back in the wheelchair again. This time I was able to push myself around the hospital for a good 15 minutes. I was definitely making progress, albeit slowly.

In the afternoon Martha who was one of the people who stopped at the crash scene came to visit us with her daughter Nicolette. They had driven over 160 miles (320+ mile round trip) and their visit was very much appreciated.  Martha showed us some photos from the crash scene and explained what had happened. We had a long chat then they went for something to eat with Caroline, Tyler and Summer. After saying goodbye they began their long drive home.

Wednesday 28th

Another day like the others and nothing much to report. However I would like to pay tribute to Caroline, Tyler and Summer who have been here everyday to support me and help me through my daily battles. Caroline has been truly amazing and a real “rock” of strength. I know it cannot have been easy for her to see me like this yet she has stood by me and helped me every way she can. From cutting up my food and helping me eat, to helping me with exercises, she has helped me shave and even emptied the commode. For all of the things you have done, thank you so much Caroline you have been brilliant.

I know this has also been difficult for Tyler and Summer. They should be enjoying their school holiday but instead they are stuck here with nothing to do. I know they are also missing home and friends, yet they have both been so good and supportive. Thanks guys.

I love all three of you very much and I am so sorry for putting you all through this.

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