STROKE and BEYOND blogg 7

My wife, my lady and our two,2, children (adults) had to sit in meetings with the Medical staff discussing my possible decease, or worst, if I was allowed to continue on Life Support. The Medical outlook advice was poor and it was doubtful if I could survive. Sharyn, my wife, felt that I was being under-estimated and should be allowed more time, more opportunity to recover. It was felt if I did survive, that as a result of the injury, I would be severely brain damaged.

Sharyn refused to believe this and requested for me to be given more time.

I.C.U. (Intensive Care Unit) I was placed into an induced Coma, with Life Support, heaps of tubes and such. Because of the time I was in the Coma (I wouldn’t/ couldn't respond, or come out/wake up), for a couple of weeks I wasn't given much chance of coming out ok, or even sort off ok. Two (2) weeks later I awoke to the pain of a nurse squeezing my fingernail, followed by more noise and sharp pain. I fell asleep again. A nurse recognised I was trying to speak, asked to be placed next to a window. She organised it, I don’t remember this happening though I am thankful. Our daughter knew of my love of music and suggested making up a compilation on a MP3 which I could listen to, maybe this was a help to me. Must have awoken to consciousness satisfactorily as I was soon stabilized and transferred to the ICU Stroke Ward.

ICU Stroke Ward I had awoken to the discomfort of my nose being messed with. Found a tube was inserted in my nose, so I started carefully pulling it out. Almost had it out, I could feel it in my chest now, - a Nurse checking on me saw what I was doing. ‘’Now you can put it back in!’’ she directed me in a Matron’s, ‘don’t mess with me’, Nurse’s voice tone. Off-course I had it out by then, ‘’Put it back in, swallow it, it will go down, just keep on swallowing’’ I was instructed firmly.I did as I was told. No more pulling tubes out!

My wife was actually requested by her employer to provide a Medical Certificate as she had to take time off from her work to be with me. Human Resources, HR, are interesting.

I was progressing nicely, asked if I could have my wife escort me downstairs for a view and fresh air. It was agreed that this would be beneficial to me; not to eat food though; I was a choking hazard. Into the wheelchair, strapped the drip on, along with my catheter; and off we went. Downstairs, I managed to ‘sign’ for a cigarette, the sweet taste of nicotine. Not quite what they had in mind for me.

Whilst recovering at the ICU Stroke Ward we were approached by the medical staff for me to be assessed for transferring to the Rehabilitation Hospital.

A Physiotherapist tried to get me to stand; I managed to, sort-of stand, by leaning my legs against the bed. Everybody took their hands off me once I appeared to have supported myself, abruptly I fell over! We had forgotten about the balance! I passed the Assessment and arrangements were being made for my transfer to the Rehabilitation Hospital, and goodbye to the ICU unit.

An ambulance transported me to the Rehabilitation Hospital, on a stretcher; I was asleep for it all. Woke up in my new ward.