Yesterday was a mixed day. I’d definitely made progress when the physios came, but I was still very unsteady, taking much longer to get my knees vaguely under control. The second time they came I tried walking with two sticks, and that was better. I need to focus on leaning a bit more forward on the sticks as well or I start falling backwards, then I tense up and it all goes pear-shaped. Remember to breathe is also recommended by the experts! 🤦♂️
The pain was fluctuating a lot, and tramadol and/or oxicodine have become regular features. Not unexpected though until the device is switched on and giving its benefits. That is scheduled for 25th June.
I’ve had continued success with the commode, but then I’m on just about every combination of laxatives I think they have. A small price to pay for being comfortable both in terms of stomach and being able to take the stronger pain meds. It doesn’t take long on the commode to get increased neck pain.
Rough night
The poor guy next to me doesn’t seem to have any clue where he is and why he’s here. He spent most of the night complaining about needing the loo, despite the nurses trying to demonstrate that they were holding bottles for him etc. Unfortunately their attention on him meant I was waiting for 1.5 hours for pain relief, and when all I was brought was paracetamol, I’m not sure I demonstrated much in the way of gratitude. 😌 “where’s the good stuff” might’ve been what came out of my mouth. Sorry to the lovely nurse who was trying to help. A dose of oxicodine later and I was ok until 5.30 obs.
Therapies advice
I had a chat with one of the occupational therapists this morning, and she is going to organise a couple of interim aids for home to help with recuperation. She will also refer me to the Southampton wheelchair advisory service, although she did advise it could be 12+ weeks for that. I subsequently spoke to the physiotherapist who also advised a couple of other routes to explore such as the continence support group – getting something sorted for when out and about in the chair would be great – and also the spinal cord injury association for a lot of advice about equipment, who else can help etc. She did also advise that the OT hasn’t worked in Hampshire for long, and her estimate of 12 weeks is probably wildly optimistic, and I should expect it to be 6-12months for a wheelchair assessment. Hopefully the spinal cord injury association can help in the meantime. Whilst any financial contribution toward equipment would of course be welcome, for me it is much important that I get the right sort of advice before taking the plunge on spending potentially £8k-£10k on a powerchair for example.
Going home
The big positive from the physios was that they were happy that my mobility is heading in the right direction for getting about the bungalow, and they are happyfor me to be discharged provided the doctors are ok with me being discharged on something like oramorph to manage the pain until I’m switched on. This afternoon I’ve had that confirmed, and my discharge paperwork is being prepared. It’s likely to be early evening before I can leave because of the need to prepare controlled drugs, but that’s fine by me – being home is the primary goal.