Early start for Stuart, as Iain and I arrived at 9.30 to get as much of his gear packed as possible before physio at 11. Stuart also had to make up his lolly bags for the spinal team members.
He was keen to show Iain his walking in /on the FASF with the AFO'S. Unfortunately his right leg was rather tired, he had some spasms and he only managed a few steps. So he spent sometime just standing in the frame, maintaining his balance without using his arms and transferring his weight from one foot to the other.
Jayne then shaved a patch behind his right knee so that they could try some electro muscle stimulation. The two J's seem happy with the muscle response they were getting in Stuart's leg.
Iain watched from an exercise bike where he was keeping Alan company.
We then delivered our brown paper bags of treats to the physio and OT teams. Thanks so much guys for all your help , support and encouragement. We could not have done it without you all.
We then rolled around to 7D to catch the morning shift, got Grahame the ward clerk to stash the afternoon and night shifts lolly bags. I know from experience that there is often nothing left but the empty box or packet when night staff arrive.
With a very loaded trolley we headed down to meet Iain in the carpark to load all his gear. We got some looks as he rolled through the hospital....Stuart had collected a serious amount of gear over the 13 weeks he had been in RNS. After waving good-bye to Dad we went upstairs for a cheese toastie before heading to his last physio session as a patient in RNS Spinal unit. It was a busy gym this afternoon with quite a few new spinal patients starting their rehab plus Stuart and the old guard. atuart did some upper body work on the weights and then we got the old room mates together for one last photo. Stuart, Olive , Derek and Grahame, who is off to Moorong on Monday.
Grahame then gave Stuart a tow back to 7D. Boys will be boys, we were thinking we could develop a maddison type event for wheelchairs(the cyclists amongst you will understand) Obviously it would have to be on a flat track and not the veledrome!!!!
It was now change of shift, which meant a few more good-byes. Over the 3 months as a family you come very close to many of the spinal team, fellow patients and their carers and families. One big united family, helped smooth the ups and downs that we experienced along Stuarts road to recovery. Every little milestone along that road is a celebration for all, like moving a toe or wiggling a finger or feeding yourself for the first time... we did it together.
Stuart and I then caught up with Greg(a para for 20yrs), his mate had brought his chair in for Stuart to have a go on. Stuart was very excited as it has mountain bike type components, suspension and all. Naturally this is right up his alley.
Meaghan, Stuart and I then went down to the Forum for our last meal in St Leanards. Went to the same place as his first meal, again we really enjoyed the Indian meal.
The Maddison
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