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.
31 March 2007
30 March 2007
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.
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.
28 March 2007
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!!
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!!
27 March 2007
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.
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.
26 March 2007
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.
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.
25 March 2007
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.
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.
24 March 2007
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.
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.
23 March 2007
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 :-)
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 :-)
22 March 2007
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.
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.
21 March 2007
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.
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.
20 March 2007
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.
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!).
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!).
19 March 2007
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.
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.
17 March 2007
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.
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.
16 March 2007
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.
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.
15 March 2007
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!
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!
12 March 2007
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.
10 March 2007
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.
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