Come on Down (under)...

...and get a new car!! (like Price Is Right gameshow).

Yeah, Dad is back home in Oz and I think he had a positive experience travelling to Germany.

Now back home he has got his new car. Its slightly modified for one arm driving and I will have to describe it further once I'm home in a couple of weeks and have tried the car myself ;-) (That is of course if I'm allowed to.)

Until soon....

Germany

Dad decided that since there was no particular progress with his treatment he would take a trip to Germany and visit me, and use his frequent flyer points which would otherwise expire at the end of the year.
So far Dad's been here a week and a half, and its good to see he's still as stubborn as always. What I find unfortunate is the defeatist attitude he has. Rarely is there a positive word. Perhaps I just try to think too positive, or don't understand how things work.
In any case I do think it is doing Dad a world of good, particularly mentally, to be out and about doing something (rather than sitting at home moping about). I'm hoping that by the time he's back home, he'll be better able to go about his daily life.
Here's hoping!

License to drive, without a car....

Its been a while (again), and there's good news, and not so good news.

The good news is that Dad has had a driving test so he can drive an automatic transmittion car, with a steering ball/knob on the wheel (so he can steer one handed). He passed this test last week with flying colours so is now allowed to drive an automatic car, but with a catch. There needs to be this ball on the steering wheel, AND all the switches (lights, blinker, washers etc) need to be on the left side of the steering column....which basically means a modified car is needed. That should be paid for by TAC, but that will take time.

The not so good news is that I am feeling rather helpless here in Europe knowing things are not going so great back home. Dad was meant to have had an appointment with all the doctors about two weeks ago, and that time passed without going ahead. Unfortunately the doctors office didnt ring Dad to make a time, and Dad didnt ring to find out what was happening. I am really hoping that he's not being forgotten, and that all his mates are rallying to keep his spirits up.

New toys

Just a quick update...Dad has received some new toys for around the house. For example a special board where you can slice bread, and butter (or other spread) bread with one hand and the bread doesn't slip away.

A few appointments coming up in the next week or so. So hopefully there'll be some good news to follow.

EEG scan - nerves

Dad had an EEG scan this week. This was a scan of the Brachial Plexus - a junction point of many nerves near the shoulder. The very initial look at the scan appears to show that the nerves from the spine are not damaged as much as first thought, although its still pretty much a mess. So there may be some hope of upper arm function.

As for the lower arm, it appears there are no funtioning nerves. Of course that basically means no use of the hand or wrist.

This is of course only an initial look at the scan. A much more in depth discussion will be had early September with the docs, surgeons and rehab people. Wait and see what outcome they can report.

Finally some movement at the station...but not much

Dad saw the doctor/surgeon last week, and he was very surprised he hasn't had any rehab or counselling up until now. It doesn't appear very hopeful that the arm can be repaired. So looks like an amputation is still likely at some stage and probably some sort of prosthetics.
The doc has scheduled a few tests in the coming weeks that will hopefully reveal some good news. Neurological (ie nerves) tests and I think some other scans will be done to check and see if there is a chance the nerves can be repaired. The main problems are that Dad isn't the youngest chap (which goes against the chance of nerve repairs); the muscles in the arm are either gone or damaged leaving little to make the arm work; the elbow is pretty much destroyed and would require lots of operations to try to repair; and the is little to no chance of any function in the hand. So not exactly a great prognosis, but at least we have an idea of where we stand. Tests may reveal something different.
This week Dad went to the rehab centre for first time, and they were also astonished he hadn't been referred sooner. Just goes to show you need to keep on top of things yourself - it's too easy to get 'lost in the system'. Anyway, Dad was able to see the possibilities with prostethics, and begin the rehab process.
An Occupational Therapist (OT) is coming next week to see what can be done around the house to make things easier for Dad.
I am really disappointed that I can't be there to help Mum and Dad through this. I think Dad needs his friends around him, so a visit every so often from his buddies out there would be really great! It'll help keep his spirits up.
Keep thinking positive.
I'll add another entry in a few weeks, when there's some further news.

Next appointment - came and went

Well, Dad went to see the doc yesterday (Thurs) and of course the doc didnt have access to the files from the hospital because the appointment was in the docs consulting rooms near our home. VERY disappointing!!

So another appointment is due next week in the hospital....wait and see what that reveals!

Next appointment

Again, not a lot to tell.

Dad has an appointment with the surgeon again in early July to discuss the next steps in the healing process. Hopefully that will reveal some direction.

In the last weeks Dad's strength has improved well. He can walk no problems now, and even does the odd trip into the city with the bus/train with Mum. After a long day out or a long walk it is a bit tiring so needs to rest, but it's good to know he's out and about.

Thanks for the encouragement from everyone - that's helped to keep his spirits really positive. Not the best for me to try to be encouraging from the other side of the world.

Slow progress, but progress nonetheless

You’ll notice that I haven’t updated this site for a while….for two reasons. First, not much has changed, and second that I haven’t got the ready access to the internet in Germany as I thought I might (there are internet cafes but they cost money and people smoke in them!).

Since Dad’s arrival back home he has been improving very well. He goes for a walk each day and is gradually building up more and more strength. He can walk around the block without any trouble. Although it does become quite tiring for him so he does need to rest a bit throughout the day. The wound where the infection was (see blog entry on [insert date]) is slowly closing up and when it is fully closed Dad will consider going in the pool :-)

Last week he went for a visit to the doctors who basically saw him for five minutes and said all looked fine….see you in a month’s time. So basically not much will change in the next few weeks.

Home again

Dad has now been home a couple of days, and it sounds like things are not going too badly. Of course things are different at home - no nurses to call on 24 hours a day ;-)

Mum is of course helping with things too, but I know its quite tough to get used to doing things a little differently. Its nice though that Dad is back home, and can sit on the balcony, in the rain, with the dog and watch the beautiful view outside.

Still not sure what the MRI scan revealed, but I'm sure there'll be more to tell after next week's appointments back at the hospital....but this time as an outpatient :-)

Day 52 - nearly home again

It's been a while since the last post because I have gone to Germany, and so have had to wait to settle a little before updating the blog.

Not a lot changed though. Dad has started to walk more around again, and has been moved into a room with another roommate. Last I heard they were at loggerheads over the curtains - Dad wanted them open, while the other person wanted them closed. So Dad just goes out to the lounge area to get the bright sunny rays.

On Saturday (I think) Dad had an MRI scan so we are still waiting for the results - I guess the docs need to get together to discuss...which could take a little while.

Apart from that, I believe Dad is going home tomorrow (Tues). So hope things work out at home.

Day 45 - bed sores + new bed

Today was pretty uneventful, except for the discovery of developing bed sores on Dad's back due to him lying on his back so long. Let's hope it doesn't develop further as it seems this could become another source of infection! He has received a new bed with a special air matress which helps with the circulation so that should help relieve the sores developing any further. This bed also works....the last one broke and didn't want to go up or down anymore.

On a different note, my car decided it didn't like the engine timing belt and that karked it! Not great timing when I have so many things to do before heading overseas on Thursday. :-(

Day 44 - recovering

In a way, it was a bit of a good thing that Dad had to go back to hospital on Friday because it fast tracked the next operation.

Yesterday (Saturday) he was in the operating theatre again. The source of the infection was treated - a cyst had formed at the site where an artery was taken from to use in the repair of his arm on the day of the accident. The cyst had become infected and over 500mL of fluid was drained/cleaned out! At the same time, the scaffolding (officially called "external fixators") was also removed, which has made the arm look better.

He has some tubes attached to him again, but they are due to be removed in about two or three days. So, it's not quite so bad this time.

Dad is recovering quite well from this surgery actually, having a slightly different view from his hospital bed this time. His skin grafts are growing more all the time, and it is looking much more like normal skin again.

Day 42 - ...and back again...

At 4pm today, Dad was taken by ambulance back to The Alfred. His body temperature rose to 39.7 degrees C and he became weak and had no appetite. It appears an infection has once again reared its ugly head.

Since Wednesday Dad has enjoyed being at home with the good food, and Chloe (the dog) and of course Mum and Oma to help look after him. However I think it was pretty tough having to carry his arm around (with the metal fixtures still in place) and not having his full strength back yet. I think getting around the house was a little more difficult than Mum and Dad had expected.

For now Dad will stay in the hospital, and tomorrow he is scheduled to have the metal scaffolding removed from his arm. He will also have a clean up of an inflamed lump where they took a donor artery in the first surgery (for his arm) on Day 1.

Day 40 - Home sweet home :-)

40 Days and not quite so many nights and Dad is finally going home. At 4pm today he was transferred from The Alfred to home.

He is by no means recovered, but there is no need for him to remain in hospital for the time being.

I'm sure this will be a much better environment for him to recover in. There will be special equipment given to him to help deal with everyday things like going to the toilet, washing and moving about the house.

Further surgery is still required but that will only mean a short stay in hospital (hopefully anyway) on those occasions.

I'll put more news up at a later stage about his experience coming back home. I'm sure the ambulance ride home will be interesting :-)

Day 37 - The rash you have, when you don't have a rash

You may be thinking I'm getting slack not updating this blog everyday, but there really hasn't been anything to tell.

Since the vacuum dressings and vancomycin has been removed (last blog entry) Dad's skin grafts are healing and the wounds are therefore closing. The place on his leg where the skin grafts were taken from are also healing. Dad says it feels like having a gravel rash, like when you fall off a bicycle.

We have been waiting now for a few days to hear what the orthopaedic surgeons want to do with the scoffolding in his arm. Hopefully tomorrow we'll hear something.

Day 33 - Off with her head!

"Off with her head!" said The Queen of Hearts (of Alice in Wonderland fame), and so too did the doctors about the vacuum dressings and drip for Dad. Well, not quite in those words but essentially the same meaning.

Dad's vacuum dressings are off.
Dad's vancomycin drip is off.
The rash will go away.

The skin grafts are looking healthy and good, so now he has a normal gauze and bandage on his arm. They should heal nicely and close the wounds over the coming weeks.

Dad was so excited to have the machines off him. Standing up he felt a bit faint, so had a bit of a rest, then moved on again to walk to the toilet, and begin the onward journey in life.

Now that Dad is a little less 'anchored' down (with no machines to cart around) he will be able to concentrate on walking and moving around more.

The next step is to talk with the orthodaedic surgeons about the scaffolding on his arm, and what they want to do with it - leave it or replace it with something more comfortable. He may even go home very soon :-)

Day 31 - A rash! ARGH!

Just a quick entry today.

Well, it's officially one month since Dad's accident and he's still in hospital. We were hoping he'd be home by now. But I think it's better that he's healing slowly than not at all.

Over the last few days Dad has been getting bored and lonely, only to be occupied by an annoying rash the nurses call "Red Man Syndrome". This is coming from the antibiotics he's getting to combat infection. Basically, he's getting a red rash all over his body which is irritating and making him very uncomfortable. Not to mention there's a bit of a heat rash happening on his back from lying in the bed all the time.

Tomorrow they will look at his skin grafts, so we may have a better idea of what the future holds.

Day 30 - No more chocolate!

Well, it's been a stressful couple of days - that's why I requested no visitors for a few days, but please feel free to visit again :-)

Let me give you a run down of the events over the past few days.

Last Wednesday night, Dad was told that on Thursday he would be going in for another operation. This time it would be a very significant one - amputation. This news came about 10 minutes after we (Mum, sister and I) had left his bedside, so we turned around and went back to comfort him. As you can imagine this news was pretty sad and traumatic for us all. Mum stayed overnight to keep Dad company - he was very anxious.

Thursday came around and the docs came to chat about the procedure and what would happen. We discussed an amputation just below the elbow, but would all depend on what the surgeon decided after looking inside Dad's arm. The surgeon looking after Dad is one of the top surgeons in Australia, if not the world!! So that's pleasing. That was about 10am, and they said about an hour until Dad would be called to the operating theatre. After 4 hours had passed, I thought we could ask what was happening (had they forgotten about Dad?). As it transpired, another patient on the ward had a life threatening situation arise and had to be rushed to surgery delaying Dad's procedure. After several more hours, and an absolutely starved Two Wheel Rosella, the operation was postponed until the following day. This turned out to be a bit of a relief because it meant Dad could eat again for a while.

On Good Friday morning, Dad was taken to theatre (about 7.30am) however due to another emergency case coming into the hospital (I think it could have been a car accident that morning) Dad was delayed again and taken back to his room. There he waited anxiously until about lunchtime when he was taken to theatre again, and this time his operation was undertaken.

Sister and I went to Federation Square for a beer to kill time until Dad was in the recovery room. We returned when the time came and saw Dad in the recovery room, expecting to see slightly less of a man. To our surprise Dad's arm was still complete, with a splint and different bandage around it. Later the registrar surgeon came to explain that during the operation the surgeon had found the flesh to be quite pink, and not as bad as first expected (although still "shitty") so skin grafts were done instead to try to close the wounds. By mid week we should find out if they have taken hold and what the next steps will be.

This is a most positive sign and perhaps there is hope yet that some good will still be to come.

Now the biggest problem (in my opinion) is the lack of 'positiveness' Dad is exuding. He has a nasty rash all over from the medication he's on which can be irritating at times. So he is complaining a little about this (combined with a heat rash on the back from the crappy sheets left under him after surgery) as well as complaining about being in the hospital and being bored and everything takes so long, and not getting help when he needs it. This is putting a lot of pressure on the family to be there, but of course this isn't physically possible with normal lives to lead as well (ie work, households to maintain and some time out).

I'm just hoping we can all pursuade Dad to be positive and think about how he can help himself. I've tried bringing him things to keep busy - puzzles, games (which are in the drawers next to his bed if anyone wants to play), books, magazines, music. But he doesn't want any of these - which I am finding extremely disappointing. Nevertheless we will press on helping and encouraging him to be positive. I hope you can too.

This has been a very long entry, so let me just finish by saying that Dad isn't a big chocolate eater, so don't bring anymore - I'm gaining pounds eating if all for him!! ;-)

Day 25 - To scan or not to scan...

Today was very disappointing in terms of hospital service.

Dad was supposed to have a scan done on his arm to see what could be seen about the nerves and blood vessels and the like. This was supposed to happen about 11.30am and requiring Dad to fast, ie not eat, for 4 hours.

As the time came closer the hospital realised that Dad can't turn on his stomach so they cancelled the scan! I'm sure he could lie on his tummy with some help!! Very narrow minded thinking if you ask me.

Other than that, Dad has walked further today - going through the corridors with my sister, right around the ward. Being stuffed after that effort, he was ready for a good sleep.

Day 24 - Weekend news

It's been a couple of days since the last update because I was in Sydney catching up with some great friends of mine. It was nice to get away for a bit and rejuvenate a little. Don't worry - although we did walk along some of the coast (Bradley's Head and South Head) we weren't affected by the tsunami (it was only 15cm by the time it reached Sydney).

Over the last few days, Dad has been regaining strength and can walk up and down the corridor. It's still quite exhausting but at least he's up and about. The nurses and doctors are saying he is one of the better patients actually, and with such a positive attitude that he'll be out in no time.

On Sunday morning another small operation to change the vacuum dressing occurred, and I must say the arm is looking cleaner and more healed each time I see it.

My sister came to town on Sunday for the week which is great. Dad has been looking forward to seeing her for two weeks!

Day 22 - Success!

Dad has made it to the toilet for the first time, on his own, and getting all excited about actually doing his business there.

Still no docs verdict on the arm, so it's still a waiting game. I don't think there'll be anything happening this weekend.

Day 21 - Steps forward

A sombre mood today. Frustration setting in. Achievements made.

This morning Mum and I were at the hospital at 7am to support Dad when the docs came to check him out again. When they finally came (all dozen of them!!!!) they poked a little, got him to move a little, hmmmed and aahhhed a little, said very little and then disappeared a couple of minutes later. Apparently they were to go and have a conference all together to determine the best options for the arm.

We were told the docs would return about 9-10am to advise of their thoughts. 10am came and went, and by 11.30am I had to go back to work.

After work I visited the hospital again, thinking to myself as I walked in that it is becoming like a second home. I asked "have the docs been yet?" with the expected response "nah". Perhaps they will come back tomorrow - late/delayed in typical public hospital fashion.

There were two significant steps forward though!! Dad was able to walk to the toilet/bathroom just outside his room - WITHOUT ASSISTANCE. He was ecstatic to be able to do that, even though the docs have stipulated two nurses must be there just in case :-) Everyday he gets stronger and can do more. He has vowed to eat only when sitting in the chair, which means he is now moving in and out of the chair all day, further strengthening his legs and body.

The second breakthrough was his memory of the day of the accident. He has begun to remember things from the early part of the day like dropping off a letter at a postbox that morning.

This is good news.

Day 19 - Some results

Well, where to begin?! There has been a few significant steps taken today - some good, some not so good.

GOOD:
* The urinary catheter has been removed, requiring Dad to move more and be more independent.
* He has had the drip removed too, which means there's only a 'central line' and vac dressings remaining attached to him.
* Dad was sitting in the chair for the first time when I arrived. This means he's well on the way to his goal of walking to the shower and toilet by the end of the week! It was awesome to see him sitting there when I arrived - a sight he wanted me to see. I'm so proud!

NOT SO GOOD:
* The docs have seen that the elbow is dislocated/severely out of place.
* Nerve damage in the arm means practically no chance of function in the right hand.
* Muscles in the lower arm have pretty much turned to mush.

All in all, it appears a sad prognosis for the arm. On the bright side though, Dad appears to be very positive about the forthcoming change in his life. He's such a brave man to be accepting an almost certain (now) fate, and thinking of all the positives for the future.

Keep thinking those positive thoughts and you will go far Dad!!

Day 18 - More movement

We see a little more movement happening today - getting up and walking that is. Over the last few days Dad has been exercising his muscles in the legs, stomach and back to get up and moving again. Now he can get to the point of sitting up for a while on his own, and getting out of bed, with some help from the lovely nurses of course.

The aim is to be able to walk to the shower and toilet by the end of the week, even if it is with some help. A positive step in the right direction I think!

Yesterday some x-rays were taken to gather more information about the bones and structural parts of the arm. Hopefully that means the docs are considering the options - maybe, just maybe, there's a very positive option being investigated.

Day 17 - Brighter skies

Coming from the operating rooms at just after midnight saw the beginning (literally) of a brighter day.

Dad's operation went quite well, and I went back into the hospital around midnight to be there when he was brought back to the room. I decorated a little more with some pics of our dog, which Dad loves. When he can get up and walk then we might even let the dog visit the hospital (out in the street of course). After settling Dad back into his home for the near future (the hospital ward bed) I left just after 2am for some of my own shut eye.

In the morning Mum visited and said Dad was in much better spirits. He has finally eaten some decent food - Oma food! They were leftovers from lunch yesterday, so not quite as good as fresh, but oh soooo much better than hospital food :-)

I visited in the evening and Dad was still in a pretty good mood (a little more grumpy though - probably from tiredness, which I'm suffering from majorly too). The doc came to explain that a biopsy was taken during last night's operation to test the muscles' viability. Hopefully we'll get the results in a few days.

To Dad's delight he is also able to eat and drink all foods. He has been told to keep it up and drink like a fish (ironically that was also the menu for dinner - fish!) so they can remove the drip.

Movement in the legs is improving too. Dad is able to stand (with help) and marched on the spot for a few minutes today....a couple of times. A good sign, so hopefully he will be able to get out of bed easier very soon.

Day 16 - Decent food - NOT

After a hearty meal at Oma's place, we went for a visit...with a mission - to bring Dad some wholesome, home cooked, Oma food!! Oh so delicious!!

PROBLEM: Dad isn't allowed any food!

WHY: Because he's having another operation today....which means no food beforehand.

So our intentions did not get executed as planned, and Dad was feeling VERY hungry by the evening. After an anxious few hours waiting, Dad finally got the call for the operating theatre - relief! Often it's the case that the staff will say something is going to happen, only to find out some hours later that it isn't for one reason or another - very much a long waiting game. We need A LOT of patience.

At about 7.30pm tonight Dad went to the operating theatre. The procedure? A change of dressing, debridement, and a close look inside the arm to see what damage there is. This time they are particularly looking at the nerve and muscle damage. I'm hoping it's not as bad as it has been made out to be - please let there be a miracle.

Day 15 - Two weeks

It has now been two weeks since the accident, and having been lying in bed all that time is starting to show. Of course, not being able to move or go anywhere means the muscles start to disappear and so Dad needs to build the muscles in his legs and arm again.

Attempts were made again today to stand, and although unsuccessful - it was much easier than yesterday. This means that the legs are slowly coming back!

This is positive progress, so keep the encouragement rolling. Thank you everyone for being so supportive.

Dad now has TV in the room too.....it is soooooo very boring otherwise! Thanks for getting that sorted.

Day 14 - Tiring day

Hi there! Today there isn't much to report.

The drugs would appear to have worn off so Dad is making a lot more sense which is nice to see. He is still on antibiotics, but less and less so the infection appears to be going away.

Of significance, was Dad's first attempt at getting up out of bed. Although not quite getting there today Dad is determined to get there, and tomorrow is a new beginning :-D

For me, it makes me really happy that Dad has the determination to do what he needs to, to help himself get better. Big cheers for big efforts today! With the efforts today, Dad should have a great night's sleep :-)

Day 13 - In the Ward

Yesterday was a day full of excitement! Dad's waking saw a whole new energy within the family. We were all so happy to see that he is still alive and can talk - and boy can he talk! Even with a croaky voice (from the tubes) he can still jabber away. In fact, the drugs had an interesting effect.

You see, Dad was under the impression he was only asleep for a few days, and had some funny stories to tell (including some wonderful trips to Colac, the Rialto helipad and the races - the Formula One race was on last weekend).

As interesting as the stories were, Dad is much more normal today. He has now been moved to a ward where he is allowed visitors. I'm sure he will be happy to have a few visitors every now and again. If you want to visit come before 8pm and ask at the reception desk on the ground floor which ward he's in.

At least he's awake, not in any pain, and still in good spirits.

Day 12 - Wakey wakey!

Dad has been woken this morning and extubated so he's not on the ventilator anymore. Woohoo!

He's still being treated for infection and that seems to be getting better.

He can't do anything with his arm yet though, but at least he's moving in a positive direction.

Day 11 - Clean up time

Finally, Dad has had an operation on his arm! It was originally supposed to be Sunday night, but got pushed back to Monday, and then delayed three times on Monday, so finally today (after one delay) he had a small operation called debribment. Basically a procedure of about an hour or so to remove bad tissue (eg infected bits). So the arm now has new vacuum dressings on it, and the wounds look cleaner. The scaffolding is still there to keep the arm still, and he is still on the ventilator.

Before the operation, the surgeons/doctors had to wake Dad somewhat to see if he had any movement in his damaged arm. They think he might have some sensation in one of his fingers, but it was not conclusive - a slightly positive sign I guess. What was REALLY pleasing was the fact that Dad (somehow) was asking for Mum!! So we went in together tonight to see him....and of course he was sleeping :-)

Tomorrow they will try to wake him and take the ventilation tube out. I'm hopeful that this will be successful, but it could take more than a day (or more than one attempt) to make it work.

Dad's temperature has dropped since yesterday, so it would appear that the infection is being fought off - fingers crossed.

Hopes and prayers for Dad.

Day 10 - identification!

Today, the infection has been identified so at least they can treat it more directly. Let's hope they can get to it.

He was supposed to have some surgery to clean out the arm, but alas that didn't eventuate. Apparently a bit of a mix up with the operating theatres (I think they overbooked!).

Day 9 - Bit of infection

Today we were told that Dad's infection (which we knew was present for the last couple of days) has been getting worse in the last day or so. One of the surgeons and one of the doctors spoke with us about his prognosis, saying that he will most likely have to have some surgery in the next 24 hrs to clean his arm because it appears that's where the infection is most likely coming from.

We all need to think positive thoughts and hope that they can get rid of, at least, most of the infection so Dad can start the healing process.

Day 8 - Waking up, 2nd time - slow process

Firstly, I'd like to thank EVERYONE for their nice thoughts and well wishes! It is so wonderful to know that there is a big circle of friends and family that are thinking of him, with positive thoughts to help us all through this.

Today, Dad was meant to go into the Chamber again for his daily dose of oxygen. The Chamber (as I've dubbed it - based on the nurses use of the term) is actually called a Hyperbaric chamber, also known as a decompression chamber, where 100% is breathed to help the healing process. The pressurisation helps keep the swelling from the injuries under control. Unfortunately he didn't get to go in today, but they will try again tomorrow.

They tried again this morning to wake him but again he wasn't waking very well. They need him to obey their commands for coughing, and deep breathing. Dad is not the sort of person to obey commands so it will be interesting to see how they go over the coming days! :-)

The aim is to get Dad off the ventilator and today they moved it so it goes in through the nose rather than the mouth. Dad was biting on the tubes too much. The doc says that if he doesn't wake in the next few days then they may need to do a tracheotomy.

Everything seems to go sooooo sloooowwwwly, which is a little hard. So there really hasn't been a lot of change and there won't be a lot of change from one day to the next. Maybe tomorrow he'll wake nicely so we can move forward.

Day 7 - Waking up, first attempt

The first attempt to wake Dad was made today, where his medication for sedation is turned off. It can take some time for the medication to wear off, so may not really wake until 24 after the meds are turned off. After a couple of hours without the meds Dad became aggitated so they put him back to sleep. At least he's getting plenty of rest :-)

Otherwise his vitals are good, and there is less fluid being drained from his injured arm which is a good sign. It means his body has started the healing process for his arm in terms of muscles, blood vessels and bones.

Visitors won't be allowed until sometime after he has moved into a general ward - we'll let you know! That could potentially be sometime later next week, but that's only a maybe.

Day 6 - detail on condition

Today's visit to the hospital shed a little light on the road forward. The doctor explained to Mum and I what the situation was: basically Dad's arm is a big mess.

The damage to the arm is consistent with a high velocity impact, into his armpit. The bones are shattered in his lower arm, but the arm is being kept still with some scaffolding (big metal bits on the outside of his arm, but joined to the inside bones). His shoulder is also a mess with many framents.

The arteries were repaired to a degree - not perfect but enough to get blood flow they're happy with. I noticed though that his fingers are getting darker today which is probably not a good sign.

The worst part are three nerves that have been ripped out at the neck and are the ones that operate the lower arm.

At the moment we basically have to wait for the surgeons (vascular, neuro, and orthopaedic) to decide what can and can't be done for Dad.

Amputation is looking to be a high possibility, although the doc today said that it may only be at the elbow, because the nerves to the upper arm aren't so bad.

Hopefully tomorrow we will hear from the doctors about the possibilities for Dad and his arm. Think positive!

Day 3 - update

Today Dad is in intensive care and being constantly monitored by the nurses - 24 hours a day by a dedicated nurse. He is breathing on his own now (without the help of a machine) and his blood pressure is very good (no more drugs needed to help that). However, he is still hooked up to a lot of machines and monitors to make sure he is ok. He is being kept asleep to help with the pain and because he still has a tube in his throat. But he is responding well to voice commands like opening his eyes and squeezing your hand, but he won't remember it later because he is on a lot of drugs. I think it will be about a week before he is out of intensive care and put into a normal bed in the hospital.

The accident

Dad had a motorbike accident this morning and was taken by helicopter ambulance to The Alfred hospital (Melbourne's leading trauma hospital for road accidents) and had emergency surgery on his right arm. He is generally ok, except for his right arm which is a big mess, and there is a chance he could loss the arm altogether.