Wednesday 10-03-2010

As you can see, I am becoming quite the little techxpert putting photos on the blog.

Simon has basically recovered from his surgery. They put the halo vest on him on Monday and he is slowly getting used to it. There is a wool underlay in it for padding.

After 17 days of lying flat on his back, yesterday the nurses arranged for Simon to have a go in his wheelchair. They mentioned that the first time, you will feel nauseas and they can generally only leave you in the seat for 5 minutes. We got to see how the hammock gets strategically placed under him and the hoist machine hooks in so as to lift him off the bed and lower him into the chair.

It was great to see him sit up, however, he did start to feel nauseas and they tilt the chair back so he can get his vertigo under control. The stomach muscles are not working so it was hard for Simon to sit up without relying on them. He did sit for 5 minutes and take it all in, then was hoisted back into bed. From then on, they have had him sitting up as often as possible.

This morning Simon got to have another try of the wheelchair, with the ambition for 15 minutes, he had to do better than that, and went for 25 minutes. We got to go out on the balcony on the ward and smell the fresh air, feel the wind, see the sky, hear the honking of the horns...and sit alone together.

Now that Simon has recovered from the surgery, he needs to get his rehabilitation started. Shenton Park being full is clearly delaying that process. We hope they at least arrange for some form of rehabilitation to start at RPH. We are waiting to hear about that. Simon has had enough of the hospital and wants to get going with the rehab. He is doing all of his exercises twice more than needed.

We now look forward to taking Simon out for longer tomorrow, and more frequently over the next week to build him up to getting used to it.

Alexandra and Georgia went in tonight to see Daddy and spend some time with him. Georgia showed Daddy her hip hop moves, and Alexandra sang him a song. Got to give him kissy wissy and huggle buggle before saying goodnight.

Keep the messages coming through, Simon is amazed at all the people having a read and leaving messages.