Tuesday, September 29, 2009

On my bike!!

Tuesday 29th September
After arriving back for breakfast after his sleepover Stuart spent the morning at Calvary. Went downstairs for a coffee with Sue. He knows more people(staff) around the place than me I'm thinking, as generally there are not many around at night!!
When Jess and I arrived at physio Stuart was sitting on the leg press seat , Marcus on the ball stretching Stu's hamstrings. He then walked back to the plinth to show us what he had been doing earlier this session. A no hands sit to stand. We only got to see one as he was buggared. He did not talk much as Marcus did his deep massage stuff today on his shoulders and hips.
His first challenge today was to sit to stand of the plinth with no hands. Marcus put the plinth back up to 56cm, Stuart had to rock backwards and forwards to get some momentum and then sort of launch himself up. Hard work, had to really concentrate and use quads, buttocks and abs to pull himself up. He then did a lap around the room and over to the leg press machine. A different effort here today as well, he had to push slowly down(out), nearly locking the knee and then slowly let the knee bend and bring his leg up before pushing out again. Really working on his control. Another productive day at the office.
We were heading across the road to Wes's for a coffee when we got the call.....bed available at Moorong on Thursday. Dr Brady was at Wes's when we arrived and had just received her phone call as well. Great excitement, almost not real, the next stage of his recovery is about to begin. After some discussion and a couple of calls we are now going to head back on Monday for an early admission and then physio assessment on Tuesday. Can have the weekend at home and all go to Maggie's last assembly at KHS on Friday.
When we got back to the ward everyone had heard the news already and were pleased for Stuart.
We then headed home, had a surprise visit from Andrew and Leanne. Stuart had a play with Muscles before teaching Jess how to "mono" on the Mtb bike.






He then decided to have a go at sitting on the bike himself. Iain has had a lot of practice at holding kids on bikes so they did it easy, just had to push his long leg over the top tube. Dave had to unstraighten, bend, unlock his left knee a few times to keep his foot on the peddle. Jess reckons we should just put his feet in cleats and let him go down a hill...maybe with s soft landing at the bottom. He had a little roll around the yard, he look on joy on his face was priceless.









There were 8 for dinner tonight, Aunty Di was in town for work and Dave, a Uni roommate of Amy's is staying for the week. He is from Texas and has been studying in Woolloogong this year. Lots of laughs and jokes around the dinner table again, nice to have them all home.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Physio with the girls

Monday 28th September
Early morning breakfast for Stuart today. The girls and I were meeting him at the rooms at 8.45, He was up and walking when we arrived, he and the 4WW were heading to reception. The girls were most impressed, the walking and how much more control he has of his whole body. His inner strength(core) and balance is continually improving. Stuart is still taller than Amy, mind you we all think she has grown as well.




Had great control on the leg press as well and put in a huge effort. The right leg getting stronger, although as Stuart says the left leg does more work when he is walking and is therefore pretty tired by the time he gets on the leg press.



Marcus then got Stuart to kneel in front of the exercise ball and he did some balance work


He then got Stuart to roll right over the ball, there seemed to be arms and legs going everywhere. Once in position he got Stuart doing some push-ups.





Hard work, especially on his hands and shoulders. Most difficult part of this exercise though was keeping his trousers up and keeping his legs on the ball as he started to fatigue.


He was then able to get himself back onto the seat of the leg press, then upright and walk back to the plinth with the 4WW where Marcus worked on his buttocks and lower back. Jess and Amy walked back to Calvary with Stuart and I dropped Maggie at school.
We left him to have chatting to Sue, Luke our friend is a patient on St Annes East at the moment as well. Stuart was going to have a spell before heading out with Alex for the afternoon.

Friday, September 25, 2009

Even better walking again!

Friday 25th September
I spent the morning stretching and warming up for my physio session after lunch. Every day I seem to get that little bit more strength in my legs. Alex met me at physio and I managed to walk from the gym out the back to the reception and back. I was going so well Teala said to do a lap of the gym and then out to the front desk again and back.




I then got onto the leg press again, My left leg was only able to manage 10kg after the massive walking session. The right though managed 10kg again which surprised me as it didn't tire out as much as the left. We then rolled around to Wez's for a coffee and another feed.
Dad picked me up about 4pm and I went home for tea again. It is nice to sit around the table, not on your bed eating off the over bed table. Plus the company is good.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Leg press milestones.

Thursday 24th September
Stuart had spent the morning at the hospital and I called in on him at physio after lunch. Marcus was working on his hips and lower back, finding some very tender spots. He tries to keep you talking and your mind of the discomfort/pain that he is inflicting. Stuart was not participating in the conversation much today. It is worth the pain as the muscles feel relaxed following the deep massage. Marcus says pain is the body releasing weakness... I left him enjoying the electro stimulation on his lower back and shoulder blades. The boys were both pretty excited when I arrived. Stuart had walked to reception and back, this time keeping his head up. Not looking down at the wheelie walker and his feet. He said it felt good and and helped him lift his right leg higher because his body was straight. He also did great on the leg press, pushing 10kgs on the right leg with good control and 15kg on the left. Just so pleased with his progress. Rather tired at the finish and was resting when I collected him from his room at 4pm.
We picked up my prawns from the fish truck in Kooringal and headed home for tea. Nandi and Pa were calling in before a meeting. We really enjoyed our prawns and home-made bread, the non prawn eaters were pretty happy with their leftover pasta(Stu and Mags).
Our neighbours Bevis and Edith came for coffee and to say hello to Stuart before he went home, well back to Calvary to sleep.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

TV shuffle

Wednesday 23rd September
Dad came to meet me at the front of the hospital today as it was still bitterly cold, wet and windy from the storms during the night. I was straight into the pool without any help from Marcus or Dad. My leg didn't kick out like it did last Friday morning. I had much more control as I walked in. Did a couple of laps of the pool, walking along the side and then died. My muscles were stuffed and fatigued. Amazing that each day I get a little more movement, strength and control.
We went back to Calvary for coffee and paid a visit to a couple of friends who are also patients at the moment. Little Elke was looking pretty cute.






Home for tea after doing some shopping in town with Maggie and Mum. We spent the evening moving TV's around. All decided that My flat screen might as well be in use, which meant we did a shuffle. TV's were in place and working when I left, bit of work to be done with arranging the lounges and stuff though. Had another sleepover at Alex's place. Every day is a busy one.


Monday, September 21, 2009

Best walking yet.

Monday 21st September
Made my way down to physio after a nothing morning. Alex met up with me there. After getting up and walking around the room once we decided to go around a second time. This is the longest I've managed to walk yet. I did have break halfway though the second lap but I still made it. We then headed into town to do a bit of shopping then out for dinner at Romarno's, after I stayed the night At Alex's. Good to be out of the hopsital.

Tuesday 22nd September

Today I headed over to Ros's with Mum to check out her new flat in Watermark, very flash and large. I really liked the open bathrooms with access for a wheelchair. I could manage in both, good forward planning. It was easy to roll around in the living area as Ros has not got all her furniture in as yet...There were bits of cardboard on the floor marking out where things might go. I went over the lounge chair and dining table a few times.
Marcus decided to further my walking today at physio. This time he had me walk through the gym, into the reception area and back.



Once I was back he had me do some leg presses. I was able to press 15kgs on the left and 5kg on the left.






Marcus gave my hamstrings a stretch and I was able to stand up from the seat of the press which was 42cms. My best sit to stand yet. I walked across the room to the exercise ball, did some balance work. Finished off with a massage/release on my lower back and hips and finally the electro stimulation. Mum left me dozing on the plinth with the suction cups on my lower back.
Ryan then picked me up in the arvo and took me around for a nice feed and a beer. I got back to the hospital just in time to beat the hail. I haven't seen hail like that in years. It was so loud, we watched from under the drive through at the back entrance to the hospital, lucky his car was under cover.
Dad drove Mum to work in my VL, not wanting to get hail damage to her car!!!

Ardlethan Field and Game

Sunday 20th September
Lazy start to the day after the show yesterday. Dad and I had lunch with Nandi. I enjoyed having the sleep over at the farm, managed in the house OK. It was my first weekend leave since I've been home in Wagga Wagga and nice to spend it with my grandparents.
Dad and I went to the Ardlethan Field and Game shoot after lunch. My Uncle Andrew took me round for a lap of the course. I was a bit unsure of how I would go with the shotgun, sitting in the chair. But after the first shot to get my eye in, I was set and didn't miss many after that. I was not able to get to some of the shooting stations, but it was still nice to be there. The other shooters were very accommodating and made me feel very welcome. I think I've found a new hobby...... I just need a 4WD wheelchair AND a shotgun to add to my collection!!!





I went back to Kauri Pl for tea before returning to Calvary for the night. Another great weekend. Happy with my progress and being able to get around on the difficult terrain at the show and the gun shoot.

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Ardleathan Show

Saturday 19 September
Early start for the show in Ardlethan, Mum came and picked me up at around 10:00am and we headed off for the hour drive. We picked up Nandi from her farm got some lunch and then went to the show. It was a very nice day for the show, which makes it a bit easier when pushing around. We headed into the pavilion first. It was intersting getting in, the steps were just long enough for the chair to fit. I was able to get the front wheels up onto the steps and then pull myself up using the arm rails once inside I was able to move my way around with ease. I then headed down to the Team Penning. A team of 3 riders work together to separate 3 marked cattle out of a small heard of 21. they then get them into a small yard at the other end of the arena. They only have 90 seconds to get them in and the winner has the quickest time.






Jeremy and I then headed up to have a beer and watch the billy boil comp. A competition to see who can boil a billy of tea using a block of wood, axe, billy of water and some matches, in once again the quickest time.

I had s sleepover at Nandi and Pa's. Bit tricky getting on to the house though. Had to get from my chair onto the varandah, lift up my chair and then transfer back into it. Did it no worries. Also managed to transfer into the recliner and put my legs up, which was very relaxing after my afternoon pushing around the show ground. No nice smooth cement paths or pavement to be seen.

Dad came out for the sleepover as well and we had an evening of football...rugby and the AFL.
Stu

Friday, September 18, 2009

Welcome to

Friday 18th September.
Early start for Stuart and I, we were at the hydro therapy pool by 5.20 ready to hit the water...well Stuart. There was no warm up this morning, Marcus had him up out of the chair and walking down the steps into the pool. He was able to go all the way down, his left leg reacting a few times to the water temperature, almost catching Marcus out a couple of times.



He then walked down along the side of the pool to the deep end and Marcus stretched his hamstrings.



He then swam back to the steps and did some squats.




A rather tired Stuart then was able to get back up the steps, out of the pool and into his chair.




I dropped Stuart back at Calvary and we decided to go in through Maternity to see what sort of night Joan and Brad had and weren't we lucky as we were the first to meet Elke Ann Richens weighing in at 6lb 10oz and 51cm long. The newest and smallest baby that Stuart had every seen. He was really chuffed.
Stuart had a quiet morning after the early pool session and after lunch went down to physio. Nandi and I arrived in time to see him do his circuit around the room with the 4WW. She was most impressed at seeing him upright and walking. He was very stiff through his back,gluts and hamstrings after the pool, steps and walking so hence really enjoyed the massage/release work that Teala did today.
We then caught up with the new grandparents, Aunty Marg and Uncle Donald. Nandi and Pa met their new little niece.
Home again for dinner, shared our "spag bol" again with friends. We had a good yarn over a couple of bottles of red with Steve and Anne Taylor.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

It's raining!!

Thursday 17th September
Stuart was showering when I called in this morning, was getting ready to go with Lewis to and check out his bike. Keen to see what needs to be done to get it on the road and Lewis is willing and able to help Stuart make this happen.
He got back to Calvary in time for lunch and have a rest before his workout with Marcus.


It was raining when we arrived at physio, Stuart had been able to get down the hill and keep dry. Marcus did some electro stimulation and stretching on Stuart's legs before his attempt at walking today. It seemed to help, lifted the right leg through a little better and seemed to stand tall. He was rather tired by the time he got back to the plinth and sat down.


He spent some time on the exercise ball before they had another go at kneeling and working on his abs and gluts...trying to keep his balance. This exercise is really hard, he did much better than his first attempt on Monday, although it seemed to hurt his right knee. It is a real challenge.






Marcus than worked on his lower back again and he finished with the muscle electro stimulation, also got a heatpack on his back today as a special treat.
It was raining as we finished so I dropped Stuart back at Calvary where he was met by Michael and Ben, guys he used to ride mountain bikes with. He was quite excited and pleased to see them.
We both are going to have an early night as we are hoping to go to the hydrotherapy pool at 5.30am tomorrow morning.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Busy busy Wednesday

Wednesday 16th September
Busy morning all round for the Hume's. Stuart had his hydro pool session with Marcus at 9.40. He was very excited with his efforts. Managed to get up the stairs from the pool. On Friday he will be walking into the pool as well, no more hoist for him. Will be great when the weather warms up and he will be able to swim in the pool at home. Did some balancing in the pool and worked on his hip flexers Marcus also gave his hamstrings a stretch.
He had a visit from cousin Jeremy after swimming at Calvary. Iain and I then met up with him later in the day at the Sporties pub where we caught up with some friends from Deniliquin.
Iain and I had spent the morning at home with Susan Dinley, a consult occupational therapist and Daniel Simone, project manager and building designer. Both of whom work for LTCS and were here to look at what modifications we may have to make at 1 Kauri Pl in the future to enable Stuart to return home after rehab in Sydney. It was interesting and informative, so many things we can do to make life easier for someone in a wheelchair or with limited mobility. Susan and Daniel had lots of ideas, many options to make our home more user friendly and safe for Stuart and the rest of us. Will be interesting to see the plans on paper and see if LTCS see them as necessary and will approve them. Stuart was home again for dinner, along with Alex and my cousin Malcolm and his wife Eliza. Stuart was happy to see that his hire laptop computer had arrived, so look out folks he's back on line.....internet and a faster computer!!!!

Roast lamb but no Tom

Tuesday 15th September
I met Stuart at physio this afternoon, Marcus thinks he needs a new watch.... has been a few minutes late the last couple of days. Maybe they should just synchronize their watches. Stuart is managing the sit to stand from the plinth at 52cm with ease, it cannot go any lower. He then did a lap around the gym/workout room with the 4WW,every day he looks a bit stronger and seems to stand taller.




Marcus did some deep massage/release work on Stuart's lower back and hips/gluts, painful but very effective. also stretching his hamstrings. He finished off with some more electro stimulation on his lower back and right shin.
We went home after for a lamb roast, but no Tom Cruise. Had a great evening catching up with friends some of whom Stuart had not seen since his accident. Stuart was able to show them some of his wheelchair tricks...dropping down the steps into the dining room/kitchen from the lounge. Stuart and Lewis spent some time working out what they will have to do to get his bike road worthy and sold, seems like there is not much damage.



Monday, September 14, 2009

Monday 14th September
Headed to physio, Monday mornings are not my friend as for everyone I assume, It's hard to get out of bed. I'll need to work on my time management, as after the slow start I was running late for physio. I managed to do a sit-to-stand at 55cm, this is my best yet and around normal seat height. So look out seats my bottom is coming... Dad caught me at physio for the first time in Wagga Wagga.It was good for him to see my progress in the flesh. Did some kneeling today as well, boy was that hard.

Dad and I then headed to the courtyard in the hospital grounds to have a coffee before he headed to work. Alex then picked me up from the hospital and we headed into town to do some shopping. Managed to also get some washing done and helped clean up the house after the party on Saturday night. She cooked me a nice green curry for dinner, most definitely better than hospital tucker after 14 weeks!
Stu

Boating on Blowering

Sunday 13th September
Had an early phone call to get out of bed from a still very happy Alex. We were off to Blowering Dam for the day. To give Matt's boat a run in, and to try out Jess's new wake board. Matt and Jess are friends of Alex's that I got to meet at her 21st. The water was rather cold... but the sun was nice and the company was even better. I went for a spin in the boat, the boys lifted me onto the bow and I wiggled my way into the back seat It was nice to be part of the action not just sitting watching. Going to give kneeboarding a go this summer. After the drive home we relaxed at Jess's house eating left over party pies and sausage rolls.
Stu

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Win for the Northern Jets U17's

Saturday 12th September.
Woke up at around 8ish in the Calvary Hilton, a beautiful sunny morning. I got ready to head to Maher oval to watch my cousin Tom play for the Northern Jets U17's in the Farrar Football Netball League grand final. They played really well against Temora who on paper were the team to win. The final score was 90ish to 40ish short term memory is not the best due to drugs.It was good to catch up with family and friends from Ardlethan too.
Mum and I checked out some car yards on the way back to hospital. I will probably need to change over to an automatic, with maybe even some hand controls. Will wait and see how my driving course at Moorong rehab goes.
I then chilled at the hospital watching some movies whilst I waited for Tim to pick me up and take me to Alex's place for her 21st. I got to meet up with some old friends and made some new ones. I had a awesome time. It was my first real night out in wagga. I slept well that night.
Stu

Stuart had some skin off his right hand and elbow this morning. Had his first stack in Wagga Wagga last night, trying to get in the back door at Alex's. Guess there will be more to come, no real damage just pride.

Physio with the girls

Friday 11th September
I had the morning at home with Maggie and Stuart had a quiet morning at Calvary before rolling down the hill to physio at 1.30.



Jumping the gutter on the back wheels

Maggie, Alex and I met Stuart there. He started as usual with a walk around the room on the 4WW. Today he had a go without the AFO on the left leg and did really well. Managed the circuit without having to sit down, had a couple of stops to stretch. Stuart was pleased as with his efforts, pretty tired by the time he got back to the plinth and sat down. He seemed to look even taller today, maybe it was because he was in shorts and one could see his finely tuned legs. They are certainly long and thin!



They then did some deep muscle work, trying to release the tightness in his buttocks/gluts and down the side if his quads(ITB). Had another go on the elastic working on his muscle control and strength in the right leg. Stuart seemed to go better at this today, could keep his leg more upright and hold it, control the movement for longer.


The girls then got in the picture...while he relaxed with the electro stimulation across his lower back, well bottom.



That brought his first week of physio/rehab in Wagga Wagga to a close. Stuart has progressed enormously in the week, we can see the improvement each day. Standing from the plinth. Trusting himself to push up and forward off the plinth to a standing position, not pulling up on the handles of the walker. The height of the plinth was lowered each day. Started quite high, the final measurement on Monday was 69cm and finished on 55cm today. And of course the walking with the 4WW, went further each day and with more confidence. Who knows what next week will bring.
Maggie and I left Stuart to have stretch and rest before heading out for dinner with Alex and her family.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Schwalbe Marothon Plus

Thursday 10th September
Physio started today for Stuart with a stretch of his hanmstrings and then up and off with the 4WW(he calls it his granny frame). He almost made it around the room, had to stop and sit half way. I arrived to find him sitting on the seat of the granny frame having a rest. he then got up and finished the circuit before returning to the plinth. Marcus then showed him another strengthening/control exercise for his quads using a rubber strap. Finished off as usual with some electro stimulation on his gluts and lower leg.


We then ventured back down to the shops and got a birthday present and the new tyres. Rob had ordered some "schwalbe marathon plus" for Stuart. They fitted them, took a couple of goes to get the writing rolling the right way on one wheel though. Stuart is in heaven, they make the ride so much softer and roll more efficientely. They also seem to grip to pavement better and allow him to corner with style. They also look cool.




It was then home to Kauri Pl for altantic salmon for tea, one of his favourite meals. Cousin Luke called in after work, Stuart enjoyed the chat. Just good to catch up and be doing it out of the hospital environment.

Hydrotherapy at Wagga Wagga Base Hospital.

Wednesday 9th September
I met Stuart at the hydrotherapy pool at WWBH this morning. Marcus helped him into the pool on the hoist chair. He moved to the deep end of the pool and spent some time attempting to walk along the side of the pool using the hand rail. He found it a little difficult as his right knee kept locking and then the spasms decided to kick in as well. Marcus gave his hamstrings and quads a good stretch in the pool as well. Stuart was pretty tired afterwards, there were about 10 other people in the pool exercising at the same time. The movement of the water from them exercising kept Stuart working all the time trying to keep his balance, like being in a wave pool.
Stuart and I went downtown to purchase his internet connection from the Optus shop which will enable him to do some study while home in Wagga.
The Rex hangar was our next port of call. Stuart spent an hour catching up with his workmates before we collected Maggie from school. We took Stuart back to Calvary, Maggie had not seen his room and was keen to check it out.