Hello family and friends,
My apologies that it’s been over a month since I last wrote and updated you on how Dad’s progressing.
Things have been very busy – as well as a little up and down – as we’ve settled back home here in Sydney. Obviously our lives have changed.
We’ve spent two or three weeks packing up Dad’s things at home and organising all that needs to be done while he is in hospital for the next few months. My brother and I are now in a routine with hospital visits: we work together to have nights off and we’re convinced that being back at work is a positive. Again we thank everyone at Blackmores and Sunrice for being so supportive.
Life at Prince of Wales Hospital
During our first few days back in Sydney, the medical team’s attention was not solely focused on Dad’s spinal injury, but also on the infection in his chest and his risk of developing pneumonia. He was put on antibiotics and had constant physiotherapy to review the infection and assist him with coughing up mucus created by the infection. His oxygen levels fluctuated during this period, so the one-on-one, 24-hour nursing care he received was of great comfort to us all. After a few days the infection cleared. The antibiotics were working.
Eating and feeding
Dad has been on a nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube) since the accident happened. The medical team in Sydney performed a swallow test – there was a concern with Dad’s gag reflex and the potential damage caused by the accident, or by a previous medical treatment.
The ultimate aim was to get him eating solids as soon as possible. We needed him to exercise the muscles necessary to eat and swallow solid food.
Moving to the spinal unit
When he was no longer deemed an ICU patient, Dad awaited a bed in the spinal unit. A bed became free and he was transferred out of one-on-one care. We noticed a change in his mood. He was happier being around people rather than being isolated in a solitary room.
The focus was now on writing up and beginning a rehabilitation program, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, pathology and dietetics. His ‘support’ team also comprised spinal consultants, neurologists and senior nurses - quite overwhelming, but a team this size is necessary in order to review all aspects of a spinal injury and to help work towards reaching the best quality of life for Dad (within his limits).
It has been a tough few weeks for us all, especially for Dad who has to work harder than ever, physically and mentally.
No matter how slow this rehabilitation process is or how long the road ahead of us is, we now seem to be moving in the right direction – forward!
The initial concern about his chest infection was managed well, and a couple of weeks ago he came off the antibiotics.
Small wins
The team were happy enough with the spinal fusion surgery done in Bangkok, and after reviewing post-surgical scans, they allowed Dad to take off his support collar.
Dad has overcome concerns about his oesophagus, and for the last couple of weeks, he’s been eating solids. Just a few spoonfuls to begin with! But now he is eating good portions of each meal (although it's all puréed). Dad is still being fed by the NG tube but they are looking to ween him of the nutritional supplement as he eats more and more over the next few weeks.
During the last three weeks, they have moulded him forearm and foot casts and also begun work on his electric wheelchair.
Erratic blood pressure is an issue for Dad. It stops him from getting out of his bed and into the wheelchair. But this is now being managed and Dad is able to sit in it for up to one hour a day. However he still doesn’t have his learner’s licence for the three-speed front wheel drive!
The family have a meeting with Dad’s team every three weeks or so (our last one was over the weekend). During these sessions we review his short term/long term goals, which keeps us focused on the future. No matter how small the above goals may seem, they have each been a positive for us. They stop us from looking back.
I hope to keep updating you all over the next few months.
Thank you again to everyone and best wishes to all of you.
Love from Tan.
My apologies that it’s been over a month since I last wrote and updated you on how Dad’s progressing.
Things have been very busy – as well as a little up and down – as we’ve settled back home here in Sydney. Obviously our lives have changed.
We’ve spent two or three weeks packing up Dad’s things at home and organising all that needs to be done while he is in hospital for the next few months. My brother and I are now in a routine with hospital visits: we work together to have nights off and we’re convinced that being back at work is a positive. Again we thank everyone at Blackmores and Sunrice for being so supportive.
Life at Prince of Wales Hospital
During our first few days back in Sydney, the medical team’s attention was not solely focused on Dad’s spinal injury, but also on the infection in his chest and his risk of developing pneumonia. He was put on antibiotics and had constant physiotherapy to review the infection and assist him with coughing up mucus created by the infection. His oxygen levels fluctuated during this period, so the one-on-one, 24-hour nursing care he received was of great comfort to us all. After a few days the infection cleared. The antibiotics were working.
Eating and feeding
Dad has been on a nasogastric feeding tube (NG tube) since the accident happened. The medical team in Sydney performed a swallow test – there was a concern with Dad’s gag reflex and the potential damage caused by the accident, or by a previous medical treatment.
The ultimate aim was to get him eating solids as soon as possible. We needed him to exercise the muscles necessary to eat and swallow solid food.
Moving to the spinal unit
When he was no longer deemed an ICU patient, Dad awaited a bed in the spinal unit. A bed became free and he was transferred out of one-on-one care. We noticed a change in his mood. He was happier being around people rather than being isolated in a solitary room.
The focus was now on writing up and beginning a rehabilitation program, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychology, pathology and dietetics. His ‘support’ team also comprised spinal consultants, neurologists and senior nurses - quite overwhelming, but a team this size is necessary in order to review all aspects of a spinal injury and to help work towards reaching the best quality of life for Dad (within his limits).
It has been a tough few weeks for us all, especially for Dad who has to work harder than ever, physically and mentally.
No matter how slow this rehabilitation process is or how long the road ahead of us is, we now seem to be moving in the right direction – forward!
The initial concern about his chest infection was managed well, and a couple of weeks ago he came off the antibiotics.
Small wins
The team were happy enough with the spinal fusion surgery done in Bangkok, and after reviewing post-surgical scans, they allowed Dad to take off his support collar.
Dad has overcome concerns about his oesophagus, and for the last couple of weeks, he’s been eating solids. Just a few spoonfuls to begin with! But now he is eating good portions of each meal (although it's all puréed). Dad is still being fed by the NG tube but they are looking to ween him of the nutritional supplement as he eats more and more over the next few weeks.
During the last three weeks, they have moulded him forearm and foot casts and also begun work on his electric wheelchair.
Erratic blood pressure is an issue for Dad. It stops him from getting out of his bed and into the wheelchair. But this is now being managed and Dad is able to sit in it for up to one hour a day. However he still doesn’t have his learner’s licence for the three-speed front wheel drive!
The family have a meeting with Dad’s team every three weeks or so (our last one was over the weekend). During these sessions we review his short term/long term goals, which keeps us focused on the future. No matter how small the above goals may seem, they have each been a positive for us. They stop us from looking back.
I hope to keep updating you all over the next few months.
Thank you again to everyone and best wishes to all of you.
Love from Tan.
