BL473eRfD!~~_7.JPG "dame-moo-pk"){kind=avatar}
This thread is dedicated to my Mother and her recovery.
On Monday the 4th June 2007, while holidaying in the UK with my Father, my Mother was struck by a van while crossing the road.
Mum spent 88 days in various UK hospitals before finally being brought home back to Australia on the 30th August 2007.
She is currently in The John Whittle Nursing Facility with brain damage
I have set up this thread to keep you all updated on her condition and her improvements and hopefully one day, Mum will be able to read it.
On Monday the 4th June 2007, while holidaying in the UK with my Father, my Mother was struck by a van while crossing the road.
Mum spent 88 days in various UK hospitals before finally being brought home back to Australia on the 30th August 2007.
She is currently in The John Whittle Nursing Facility with brain damage
I have set up this thread to keep you all updated on her condition and her improvements and hopefully one day, Mum will be able to read it.
27th Oct 2007
Spoke to dad last night. Yep, Mum had the xray on her arm yesterday. Results will be back On Monday.
She was also off her oxygen for 7 hours again yesterday and coped really well.
Getting a new Doc has been put on hold at the moment because the original Doc seems to have woken up to himself.
He organised the xray, fixed Mums latest chest infection and is looking into getting another brain scan done.
Now Mum is getting off the oxygen, she should be able to be wheeled outside and to group activities.
Dad has to buy the wheel chair for that. He is going to check around Dubbo and i'm going to check around here in Adelaide.
Its not a normal wheelchair she needs. Its a big padded thing.
-----------------------------------------------------------
29th Oct 2007
Am home from the Doctors.
Well i thought today was a good day for my emotions until i started talking to my Doctor, then i just let it all go.
She has put me on a mild course anti depressants to help me cope and has given me some tips and advice.
I have another appointment with her in a fortnight.
-----------------------------------
30th Oct 2007
Spoke to Dad last night.
Yesterday Dad was going to go price some wheelchairs for Mum. Well the head nurse at the home heard Dad was looking and had been told a few days earlier of a wheelchair in a 2nd hand shop so she went to have a look at it.
It is exactly what Mum needed and had only been used twice and all they wanted for it was $350, so she bought it.
She took it up to Mum and Dad and Dad was thrilled. He was ready to give her the $350 but she suggested that the hospital buy it, it is used only by Mum and stays in her room and when the day comes that she doesnt need it anymore, it stays at the hospital.
Dad is fine with that.
So that saves Dad about $3000 - $4000, as thats what a new one would of cost.
Dad is hoping today to be able to wheel Mum outside for a little while.
Spoke to dad last night. Yep, Mum had the xray on her arm yesterday. Results will be back On Monday.
She was also off her oxygen for 7 hours again yesterday and coped really well.
Getting a new Doc has been put on hold at the moment because the original Doc seems to have woken up to himself.
He organised the xray, fixed Mums latest chest infection and is looking into getting another brain scan done.
Now Mum is getting off the oxygen, she should be able to be wheeled outside and to group activities.
Dad has to buy the wheel chair for that. He is going to check around Dubbo and i'm going to check around here in Adelaide.
Its not a normal wheelchair she needs. Its a big padded thing.
-----------------------------------------------------------
29th Oct 2007
Am home from the Doctors.
Well i thought today was a good day for my emotions until i started talking to my Doctor, then i just let it all go.
She has put me on a mild course anti depressants to help me cope and has given me some tips and advice.
I have another appointment with her in a fortnight.
-----------------------------------
30th Oct 2007
Spoke to Dad last night.
Yesterday Dad was going to go price some wheelchairs for Mum. Well the head nurse at the home heard Dad was looking and had been told a few days earlier of a wheelchair in a 2nd hand shop so she went to have a look at it.
It is exactly what Mum needed and had only been used twice and all they wanted for it was $350, so she bought it.
She took it up to Mum and Dad and Dad was thrilled. He was ready to give her the $350 but she suggested that the hospital buy it, it is used only by Mum and stays in her room and when the day comes that she doesnt need it anymore, it stays at the hospital.
Dad is fine with that.
So that saves Dad about $3000 - $4000, as thats what a new one would of cost.
Dad is hoping today to be able to wheel Mum outside for a little while.
2nd Nov 2007
Well Mum had a big day yesterday and has an even bigger day today.
Yesterday she was put in her wheelchair and Dad took her for a walk all around the home, inside and outside.
He says her eyes were open the whole time and she was looking around.
Yesterday her arm xray results also came back and it seems there is a problem. Something like a fracture or break thats healed wrong.
Today at 1pm she is going to be having a CT scan on her arm and also a brain scan. At 11am she is going to be wheeled into the group sing-a-long.
So, a brain scan today. Hopefully get the results next week and hopefully they will show signs of improvement.
--------------------------------------
3rd Nov 2007
WEll i talked to Dad last night and, as usual, we had a set back. Seems the paperwork for her brain scan got "lost" so it didnt happen.
But she did have the CT scan on her arm so at least thats something.
She also went to the group sing a long.
Dad says that yesterday she seemed to have a spark in her eye. Something he hasnt seen before. He says that she even seemed to start drifting in her blank stare and would then kinda snap out of it and become more alert.
He says, at times, it looked like she was smiling.
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6nd Nov 2007
001kim100 (104)
She may not need stitches, but if she the wound isn't healing easily, I would get in touch with www.awma.com.au
They are an Australian wound care association and will be able to point you in the right direction to have someone in your area look at her wound. It's important a wound like that is clean an is healing properly. This can easily be done with the assistance of the right active wound care products. There are so many on the market, and a wound care expert will know how to treat the wound in the most efficient way.
Remember, wound care experts are not doctors. Doctors usually aren't up to date with wound care technology, they will usually be a registered nurse that specialises in wound care.
Look up in the yellow pages and there may even be a local wound care clinic that will send someone out to the home your mum is at.
I know that while all the staff at your mums residence are probably really good at their job, due to funding etc, a place like that won't have someone with top notch expertise in woundcare.
Don't worry about stitches, Im sure she doesn't need them, but what you want is something on there that will help speed up the "epithilisation of the skin" which means something to "promote" tissue healing. These sorts of things are readily available.
Also, make sure that the person looking at the wound knows how to identify "necrotic" tissue. Which is tissue that starts to turn black and is technically dead. (don't worry, this is not harmful, and quite common, but it does need to be removed. Not buy surgery or anything invasive, there are wet dressings out there that can do this quite easily.)
You also don't want anything too moist as this masceration (like when you have been in the pool too long and your skin goes wrinkly) can prevent new tissue from growing.
Wounds can take time to heal, so long as it is infection free, and the skin looks healthy (if you can see flesh, then it should be red).
If all the factors are in the right place, the wound will close and heal over time.
Well Mum had a big day yesterday and has an even bigger day today.
Yesterday she was put in her wheelchair and Dad took her for a walk all around the home, inside and outside.
He says her eyes were open the whole time and she was looking around.
Yesterday her arm xray results also came back and it seems there is a problem. Something like a fracture or break thats healed wrong.
Today at 1pm she is going to be having a CT scan on her arm and also a brain scan. At 11am she is going to be wheeled into the group sing-a-long.
So, a brain scan today. Hopefully get the results next week and hopefully they will show signs of improvement.
--------------------------------------
3rd Nov 2007
WEll i talked to Dad last night and, as usual, we had a set back. Seems the paperwork for her brain scan got "lost" so it didnt happen.
But she did have the CT scan on her arm so at least thats something.
She also went to the group sing a long.
Dad says that yesterday she seemed to have a spark in her eye. Something he hasnt seen before. He says that she even seemed to start drifting in her blank stare and would then kinda snap out of it and become more alert.
He says, at times, it looked like she was smiling.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
6nd Nov 2007
001kim100 (104)
She may not need stitches, but if she the wound isn't healing easily, I would get in touch with www.awma.com.au
They are an Australian wound care association and will be able to point you in the right direction to have someone in your area look at her wound. It's important a wound like that is clean an is healing properly. This can easily be done with the assistance of the right active wound care products. There are so many on the market, and a wound care expert will know how to treat the wound in the most efficient way.
Remember, wound care experts are not doctors. Doctors usually aren't up to date with wound care technology, they will usually be a registered nurse that specialises in wound care.
Look up in the yellow pages and there may even be a local wound care clinic that will send someone out to the home your mum is at.
I know that while all the staff at your mums residence are probably really good at their job, due to funding etc, a place like that won't have someone with top notch expertise in woundcare.
Don't worry about stitches, Im sure she doesn't need them, but what you want is something on there that will help speed up the "epithilisation of the skin" which means something to "promote" tissue healing. These sorts of things are readily available.
Also, make sure that the person looking at the wound knows how to identify "necrotic" tissue. Which is tissue that starts to turn black and is technically dead. (don't worry, this is not harmful, and quite common, but it does need to be removed. Not buy surgery or anything invasive, there are wet dressings out there that can do this quite easily.)
You also don't want anything too moist as this masceration (like when you have been in the pool too long and your skin goes wrinkly) can prevent new tissue from growing.
Wounds can take time to heal, so long as it is infection free, and the skin looks healthy (if you can see flesh, then it should be red).
If all the factors are in the right place, the wound will close and heal over time.
13th Noz 2007
This is the latest Doctor drama.
OK, so Mums Doc had booked Mum in to see a Neurologist in Dec who comes to Dubbo once a month.
Dad knew the date but had forgotten the time so he sent my sister to the office to get the time of the appointment off them.
Well, they knew nothing of the appointment and the Doc that Mum was meant to see....doesnt even exist
But they do have a full time neurologist on staff but he is booked up till March.
My sister told them Mums story (which they knew of due to newspaper articles) and explained to them about all the stuff ups we've had and started crying.
So they fiddled the appointment book around and got Mum in next month.
Now as far as the idiot Doctor is concerned, we have to keep him as he is the referring Doctor for this appointment but after the appointment he is gone.
-----------------------------------------
17th Nov 2007
Dad got the tests results back on Mums arm and there is a problem with it.
Something to do with fluid and blood in the elbow.
He has given the results to Mums new Doctor and Mums physio and they will decide what to do
This is the latest Doctor drama.
OK, so Mums Doc had booked Mum in to see a Neurologist in Dec who comes to Dubbo once a month.
Dad knew the date but had forgotten the time so he sent my sister to the office to get the time of the appointment off them.
Well, they knew nothing of the appointment and the Doc that Mum was meant to see....doesnt even exist
But they do have a full time neurologist on staff but he is booked up till March.
My sister told them Mums story (which they knew of due to newspaper articles) and explained to them about all the stuff ups we've had and started crying.
So they fiddled the appointment book around and got Mum in next month.
Now as far as the idiot Doctor is concerned, we have to keep him as he is the referring Doctor for this appointment but after the appointment he is gone.
-----------------------------------------
17th Nov 2007
Dad got the tests results back on Mums arm and there is a problem with it.
Something to do with fluid and blood in the elbow.
He has given the results to Mums new Doctor and Mums physio and they will decide what to do
20th Nov 2007
Yesterday the staff from Lourdes rehabilitation came to see Mum. They were with her for 2 hours to see how she had improved and whether she was ready to be moved to rehab.
She failed most of their tests
She didnt open her mouth on command. She didnt put her tongue out on command. She did however open her mouth when a cold spoon was put on her lip.
At this stage they do not want to see if she will swallow anything. It would be dangerous to try in case it goes down the wrong passge.
They are going to do an xray on her at the same time they put some liquid in her mouth. This will show if she swallows properly (lets the liquid go down the right passage).
------------------------------
27th nov 2007
Spoke to my Dad and my sister last night.
Dad says Mum is still not reall good. Has a chesty cough and is back on oxygen. She is also needing to be suctioned regulary.
On wednesday there is going to be some big meeting at the home about Mum. Dad knows none of the details but has been asked to attend.
Lets hope its not a bad meeting.
I got very upset the night my inlaws arrived and ended up going in the bedroom and sobbing.
I was happy to see them. Happy my kids were so happy they were here but it just made me sad that it wasnt my Mum.
I talked to my MIL about how i felt the next day and she was very understanding.
-----------------------------------------------
6th Dec 2007
Morning all,
I had an emotional day yesterday.
What triggered it?
Well i went Chrissy shopping and decided to have a hot choc break at a cafe and the people sitting next to me were a grandmother, a mum and a daughter and they were so happy.
And, well, it just upset me
I talked to Dad last night and the meeting went ahead.
There was the woman Doctor, 2 physios, 2 nurses, 2 staff from the rehabilitaion centre and Dad.
New physio exercises were planned, swallowing training was planned and any issues Dad has were discussed.
They also talked about the coma awakening pill and as they dont know much about it, it was decided that it would be talked about with the Neurologist when he sees Mum in a couple of weeks.
So, it was noting major but it's good to know they are all on the same page as far as Mums treatment goes
Yesterday the staff from Lourdes rehabilitation came to see Mum. They were with her for 2 hours to see how she had improved and whether she was ready to be moved to rehab.
She failed most of their tests
She didnt open her mouth on command. She didnt put her tongue out on command. She did however open her mouth when a cold spoon was put on her lip.
At this stage they do not want to see if she will swallow anything. It would be dangerous to try in case it goes down the wrong passge.
They are going to do an xray on her at the same time they put some liquid in her mouth. This will show if she swallows properly (lets the liquid go down the right passage).
------------------------------
27th nov 2007
Spoke to my Dad and my sister last night.
Dad says Mum is still not reall good. Has a chesty cough and is back on oxygen. She is also needing to be suctioned regulary.
On wednesday there is going to be some big meeting at the home about Mum. Dad knows none of the details but has been asked to attend.
Lets hope its not a bad meeting.
I got very upset the night my inlaws arrived and ended up going in the bedroom and sobbing.
I was happy to see them. Happy my kids were so happy they were here but it just made me sad that it wasnt my Mum.
I talked to my MIL about how i felt the next day and she was very understanding.
-----------------------------------------------
6th Dec 2007
Morning all,
I had an emotional day yesterday.
What triggered it?
Well i went Chrissy shopping and decided to have a hot choc break at a cafe and the people sitting next to me were a grandmother, a mum and a daughter and they were so happy.
And, well, it just upset me
I talked to Dad last night and the meeting went ahead.
There was the woman Doctor, 2 physios, 2 nurses, 2 staff from the rehabilitaion centre and Dad.
New physio exercises were planned, swallowing training was planned and any issues Dad has were discussed.
They also talked about the coma awakening pill and as they dont know much about it, it was decided that it would be talked about with the Neurologist when he sees Mum in a couple of weeks.
So, it was noting major but it's good to know they are all on the same page as far as Mums treatment goes
13th Dec 2007
I've had a good cry overnight (have puffy eyes and a headache to deal with now) and today I am back to having positive thoughts.
I spoke to Dad last night. He said he and Mum went to see a school group of carol singers yesterday and tonight they go on the Chrissy light bus tour.
He says one of Mums teeth are starting to go black so hes getting a dentist in to see her.
Mondays neurologist appt is still all go. The ambulance is booked to take Mum to it.
The Chrissy cards that some of you have sent have started to arrive
He takes them up to Mum and opens them with her
Thanks โฅ
-------------------------------------------
17th Dec 2007
Just got off the phone to Dad.
Mum had her Neurologist appointment today.
He said the Doctor was really good, a young guy in his 30s.
He said Mum did everything he asked her to do, like follow him with her eyes and open her mouth. He says she did it cause the Doc was good looking
The Doctor is going to write a report on Mum and compare his report with previous reports and then he will discuss Mum with his collegues in Sydney and write another report which will be sent to Mums Doctor advising of what needs to be worked on.
He was not negative at all, which was good for Dad.
Dad seemed really happy with how it all went.
-----------------------------------
20th Dec 2007
I'm angry.
Really angry.
My nan (Mums mum) is in the same home as my Mum at the moment. She is up there on a 2 week trial.
She has been round to Mums room ONCE.
She can get wheeled round to visit Mum but she would rather go and play bingo.
Dad wheeled Mum round to Nans room but couldnt fit Mums chair through the doorway so Nan just let them sit in the hall while she stayed in her room.
What is wrong with this woman?
It's her daughter.
My Mum has done so much for her and my Pop over so many years. So much.
Why doesnt she care about her daughter?
--------------------------------------------
22nd Dec 2007
Morning everyone,
Well, i have to eat my words about my MIL.
Seems on Thursday they dropped a basket of fruit over at Dads house (during the day so they knew he wouldnt be there). Well Dad rang them that night to thank them and he was on the phone chatting with them for ages.
Well, that made my MIL change her mind about going to se Mum, so on Friday morning she went to see her.
She called me last night to tell me how it was.
She said she was alone with Mum for about an hour.
She says Mum was awake and seemed to not know who she was at first but then her expression changed as though she suddenly clicked who it was.
MIL sat with Mum and told her all about me and the kids.
She says Mum seemed to be sad through some of it but then would brighten up.
She says she held Mums hand and is sure she felt Mum squeeze her hand back.
I was in tears on the phone while she was talking.
Finally she said to me
"Amy, i was all prepared not to really see your Mum. I was prepared just to see her body and not really see her soul, but, i did see your Mum. In her eyes, i saw her emotions and her love for all her family. Your Mum is in there. She hasnt gone. She is there and she loves you so much"
i'm crying while i type this.
My MIL has given me a great Christmas gift.
I've had a good cry overnight (have puffy eyes and a headache to deal with now) and today I am back to having positive thoughts.
I spoke to Dad last night. He said he and Mum went to see a school group of carol singers yesterday and tonight they go on the Chrissy light bus tour.
He says one of Mums teeth are starting to go black so hes getting a dentist in to see her.
Mondays neurologist appt is still all go. The ambulance is booked to take Mum to it.
The Chrissy cards that some of you have sent have started to arrive
He takes them up to Mum and opens them with her
Thanks โฅ
-------------------------------------------
17th Dec 2007
Just got off the phone to Dad.
Mum had her Neurologist appointment today.
He said the Doctor was really good, a young guy in his 30s.
He said Mum did everything he asked her to do, like follow him with her eyes and open her mouth. He says she did it cause the Doc was good looking
The Doctor is going to write a report on Mum and compare his report with previous reports and then he will discuss Mum with his collegues in Sydney and write another report which will be sent to Mums Doctor advising of what needs to be worked on.
He was not negative at all, which was good for Dad.
Dad seemed really happy with how it all went.
-----------------------------------
20th Dec 2007
I'm angry.
Really angry.
My nan (Mums mum) is in the same home as my Mum at the moment. She is up there on a 2 week trial.
She has been round to Mums room ONCE.
She can get wheeled round to visit Mum but she would rather go and play bingo.
Dad wheeled Mum round to Nans room but couldnt fit Mums chair through the doorway so Nan just let them sit in the hall while she stayed in her room.
What is wrong with this woman?
It's her daughter.
My Mum has done so much for her and my Pop over so many years. So much.
Why doesnt she care about her daughter?
--------------------------------------------
22nd Dec 2007
Morning everyone,
Well, i have to eat my words about my MIL.
Seems on Thursday they dropped a basket of fruit over at Dads house (during the day so they knew he wouldnt be there). Well Dad rang them that night to thank them and he was on the phone chatting with them for ages.
Well, that made my MIL change her mind about going to se Mum, so on Friday morning she went to see her.
She called me last night to tell me how it was.
She said she was alone with Mum for about an hour.
She says Mum was awake and seemed to not know who she was at first but then her expression changed as though she suddenly clicked who it was.
MIL sat with Mum and told her all about me and the kids.
She says Mum seemed to be sad through some of it but then would brighten up.
She says she held Mums hand and is sure she felt Mum squeeze her hand back.
I was in tears on the phone while she was talking.
Finally she said to me
"Amy, i was all prepared not to really see your Mum. I was prepared just to see her body and not really see her soul, but, i did see your Mum. In her eyes, i saw her emotions and her love for all her family. Your Mum is in there. She hasnt gone. She is there and she loves you so much"
i'm crying while i type this.
My MIL has given me a great Christmas gift.
27th Dec 2007
I;m not strong tonight
I'm a mess again.
Ive just torn the house apart looking for a photo disk i made 4 years ago. I remember there is a photo of me and Mum on it.
But i cant find the disc.
I need to find that photo.
It would be the most recent photo i have of me and Mum together.
I wont sleep until i find that disc
----------------------------------------
29th Dec 2007
Talked to Dad last night.
Mum is no better, but also no worse.
Yesterday and optomatrist (? eye doctor) went to see her.
When Mum is watching TV she shuts one eye so Dad wanted her eyes checked.
He did some tests on her and gave her a trial of some stronger glasses and Mum opened her other eye to watch TV.
Today he is going back to put some dye in her eye so he can see behind it and see if there is any damage from the accident.
----------------------------------------------
31st Dec 2007
2007 is over.
It's been the most miserable year i have ever had.
I know , I know 2008 is going to be better for us.
It has to be.
I love you forever Mum.
I miss you so much my heart hurts.
please let 2008 be better.
i need to talk to my Mum. my kids need their Nan back.
please please let 2008 be better.
i am not a religious person and i dont prey but tonight i will ask someone, anyone, if there is some higher power, please bring my Mum back to me this year.
Good night.
Happy New year everyone
I;m not strong tonight
I'm a mess again.
Ive just torn the house apart looking for a photo disk i made 4 years ago. I remember there is a photo of me and Mum on it.
But i cant find the disc.
I need to find that photo.
It would be the most recent photo i have of me and Mum together.
I wont sleep until i find that disc
----------------------------------------
29th Dec 2007
Talked to Dad last night.
Mum is no better, but also no worse.
Yesterday and optomatrist (? eye doctor) went to see her.
When Mum is watching TV she shuts one eye so Dad wanted her eyes checked.
He did some tests on her and gave her a trial of some stronger glasses and Mum opened her other eye to watch TV.
Today he is going back to put some dye in her eye so he can see behind it and see if there is any damage from the accident.
----------------------------------------------
31st Dec 2007
2007 is over.
It's been the most miserable year i have ever had.
I know , I know 2008 is going to be better for us.
It has to be.
I love you forever Mum.
I miss you so much my heart hurts.
please let 2008 be better.
i need to talk to my Mum. my kids need their Nan back.
please please let 2008 be better.
i am not a religious person and i dont prey but tonight i will ask someone, anyone, if there is some higher power, please bring my Mum back to me this year.
Good night.
Happy New year everyone
