Friday 25th December
Wishing all the followers of our blog a Merry Christmas and all the very best for 2010.
Thankyou for traveling along Stuart's road to recovery with us and sharing in his rehabilitation. We look forward to keeping you up to date with his continuing progress through 2010.
Janet and Stu
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wobble Board Fun
Tuesday 20th December
I went to physio with Stuart today. Marcus certainly has him working hard. Started the session by walking down to the gym area on one crutch. He then did a circuit before coming back to the mini tramp to do some balancing and touching his toes. He then walked over near the plinth where Marcus then started to throw the swiss ball at him.....more balance /core strength stuff. I had Stuart trying to bounce it over Marcus's head. Then they had a game of catch with a rather flat rugby ball.
Stuart then got onto the wobble board, his legs did spasm a bit at times, it looked like hard work. He then got on the plinth for some release massage and stretching before Marcus applied the electro stimulation machine.
I went to physio with Stuart today. Marcus certainly has him working hard. Started the session by walking down to the gym area on one crutch. He then did a circuit before coming back to the mini tramp to do some balancing and touching his toes. He then walked over near the plinth where Marcus then started to throw the swiss ball at him.....more balance /core strength stuff. I had Stuart trying to bounce it over Marcus's head. Then they had a game of catch with a rather flat rugby ball.
Stuart then got onto the wobble board, his legs did spasm a bit at times, it looked like hard work. He then got on the plinth for some release massage and stretching before Marcus applied the electro stimulation machine.
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Work/physio/work- getting into a routine
Friday 18th December
I was back to work again today. I've have been really enjoying the challenge of work and loving the projects that they have got me working on. Who knows I might not want to go back to the hangar floor.
I was meant to go swimming in the morning but after my long week with heading to Sydney on Monday and back to work Wednesday, 4:30 was just a little bit to early to get out of bed. Once I get used heading back to work I should be fine to make it to the early morning physio sessions. I'm sorry it's been a while between posts, my days are getting rather busy now. But I will try to get some words up once a week.
Stu
Thursday 17th December
Stuart and the girls had a quiet morning at home before heading off to physio. I went to collect him and again was too late to see him in doing his physio routine. Had finished his workout and was on the plinth with the electro stimulation working away on his back. Will be there on Tuesday to catch some of the action. He has been standing on a wabble board. I am looking forward to seeing that as it is an exercise I find quite difficult.
I was back to work again today. I've have been really enjoying the challenge of work and loving the projects that they have got me working on. Who knows I might not want to go back to the hangar floor.
I was meant to go swimming in the morning but after my long week with heading to Sydney on Monday and back to work Wednesday, 4:30 was just a little bit to early to get out of bed. Once I get used heading back to work I should be fine to make it to the early morning physio sessions. I'm sorry it's been a while between posts, my days are getting rather busy now. But I will try to get some words up once a week.
Stu
Thursday 17th December
Stuart and the girls had a quiet morning at home before heading off to physio. I went to collect him and again was too late to see him in doing his physio routine. Had finished his workout and was on the plinth with the electro stimulation working away on his back. Will be there on Tuesday to catch some of the action. He has been standing on a wabble board. I am looking forward to seeing that as it is an exercise I find quite difficult.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
First Day at Wgga Wagga Office
Wednesday 16th December
Off to work, first day here in Wagga Wagga. Stuart was up and ready to go with his packed lunch at 9.40. Had a shirt to wear today!!! What a hot day to start.
Stuart has got the stowing of his chair in the car down pat, am not sure that I would have the strength to lift it up and over myself and onto the passenger seat. He had already removed the cushion and was sitting on it before I started taking the photos. He then took the wheels off, dropped the back rest and lifted it in. Will have to get some of the whole operation in reverse.
Off to work, first day here in Wagga Wagga. Stuart was up and ready to go with his packed lunch at 9.40. Had a shirt to wear today!!! What a hot day to start.
Stuart has got the stowing of his chair in the car down pat, am not sure that I would have the strength to lift it up and over myself and onto the passenger seat. He had already removed the cushion and was sitting on it before I started taking the photos. He then took the wheels off, dropped the back rest and lifted it in. Will have to get some of the whole operation in reverse.
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Back to Work
Tuesday 15th December
Sleep in today for Stuart. Was a little tired after his big day. First day a work plus the return flight to Sydney. A big day out.
Got a script sorted for my medications and then went to physio. Marcus has a set plan which has been working for the sessions lately. Begins with some balancing on the trampoline which tires me out rather quickly. Followed by some one crutch walking or stretching which ever is needed. I then stand up with out support and we bounce a swiss ball between each other which really works my core. I was rather tired when I got home so it was a quick dip in the pool and then off to bed.
Stu
Monday 14th December
All excited about Stuart's first day back at work tomorrow. Yet another milestone along his road to recovery. Will give him some independence, and be great to be back with his workmates. Reckons it will be better for him as he will be in an air conditioned office and not the hot hanger.
Little bit of tension in the house late Sunday evening as he could not find his work uniform!!!! It had been in a bag that came from the flat and they can all remember sorting through them. Luckily we found them later in the day.
I caught the 10:00 flight to Sydney but it was delayed a bit so it was not until midday that I got into Sydney. I was picked up from the Terminal and taken to Head office which is sort of just across the road from the Airport. But there are a lot of roads to cross so it was easier and safer to be collected.
I'll be helping out the Technical Support Engineers with a few projects that they don't have time to do. Which will keep me busy for a while. After my days work in Sydney I headed home on the 7:00 flight. Had a feed and then went to bed and slept really well!
Stu
Sleep in today for Stuart. Was a little tired after his big day. First day a work plus the return flight to Sydney. A big day out.
Got a script sorted for my medications and then went to physio. Marcus has a set plan which has been working for the sessions lately. Begins with some balancing on the trampoline which tires me out rather quickly. Followed by some one crutch walking or stretching which ever is needed. I then stand up with out support and we bounce a swiss ball between each other which really works my core. I was rather tired when I got home so it was a quick dip in the pool and then off to bed.
Stu
Monday 14th December
All excited about Stuart's first day back at work tomorrow. Yet another milestone along his road to recovery. Will give him some independence, and be great to be back with his workmates. Reckons it will be better for him as he will be in an air conditioned office and not the hot hanger.
Little bit of tension in the house late Sunday evening as he could not find his work uniform!!!! It had been in a bag that came from the flat and they can all remember sorting through them. Luckily we found them later in the day.
I caught the 10:00 flight to Sydney but it was delayed a bit so it was not until midday that I got into Sydney. I was picked up from the Terminal and taken to Head office which is sort of just across the road from the Airport. But there are a lot of roads to cross so it was easier and safer to be collected.
I'll be helping out the Technical Support Engineers with a few projects that they don't have time to do. Which will keep me busy for a while. After my days work in Sydney I headed home on the 7:00 flight. Had a feed and then went to bed and slept really well!
Stu
Friday, December 11, 2009
A house full
Thursday 10th and Friday 11th December
Friday 11th December
Stuart was up and away before anyone woke for his 5.30 pool session and physio. Was pleased with himself as he has been walking in the shallow water, up to his knees and balancing with one hand only.
The young ones went go cart racing before Jess had to go to work. Alex was the fastest, with Jess a close second. Stuart had to drive with one hand on the wheel and the other was used to lift his right leg off the accelerator. Only managed 2 races but he is glad that he knows he can do it.
Stuart had a quiet afternoon, well they all did before heading out to the movies after dinner
Thursday 10th December
Another busy day, Stuart was up and about in time to drop Maggie at work and then meet a mate for breakfast.
I dropped in to see Stuart at physio. Marcus was giving his lower back and gluts(his little butt) a deep massage. Stuart had not done much walking this session as his legs were feeling the effect of his few days away. I left him resting with the Fes working on his lower back.
Stuart then had an appointment with Emma(work options) at REX. Just to make sure that the workplace was OK for Stuart to return eg access to toilets, ramps for his chair etc. All was good and he will start work on Monday. Stuart was very excited. Initially 18hrs per week-Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He will have physio Tuesdays and Thursdays plus a pool session early Friday if he can manage it.
We had a full house, Julie, Greg and Alex from Tailem Bend(SA) plus Jess's mate Tom and Dan(from the UK). I think the final count for dinner was 14 as 3 of Stuart's school mates called around as well. The more the merrier I say.
Friday 11th December
Stuart was up and away before anyone woke for his 5.30 pool session and physio. Was pleased with himself as he has been walking in the shallow water, up to his knees and balancing with one hand only.
The young ones went go cart racing before Jess had to go to work. Alex was the fastest, with Jess a close second. Stuart had to drive with one hand on the wheel and the other was used to lift his right leg off the accelerator. Only managed 2 races but he is glad that he knows he can do it.
Stuart had a quiet afternoon, well they all did before heading out to the movies after dinner
Thursday 10th December
Another busy day, Stuart was up and about in time to drop Maggie at work and then meet a mate for breakfast.
I dropped in to see Stuart at physio. Marcus was giving his lower back and gluts(his little butt) a deep massage. Stuart had not done much walking this session as his legs were feeling the effect of his few days away. I left him resting with the Fes working on his lower back.
Stuart then had an appointment with Emma(work options) at REX. Just to make sure that the workplace was OK for Stuart to return eg access to toilets, ramps for his chair etc. All was good and he will start work on Monday. Stuart was very excited. Initially 18hrs per week-Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He will have physio Tuesdays and Thursdays plus a pool session early Friday if he can manage it.
We had a full house, Julie, Greg and Alex from Tailem Bend(SA) plus Jess's mate Tom and Dan(from the UK). I think the final count for dinner was 14 as 3 of Stuart's school mates called around as well. The more the merrier I say.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
A Marvel-lous trip to Sydney
Monday 7th -Wednesday 9th December
Wednesday
Bit of a mix up with the address the taxi driver was given, so Stuart and I rolled down the hill towards the Putney shops. After a couple of phone calls we found each other and were on our way to RNS.
Took ourselves up to 7D to see of we could leave our luggage there and said hello to some of the staff. We then went around to OT to find Alanna and Dave. Alas Dave was sick and Alanna on the ward. We would have to wait til lunchtime to show her the chair. The gang in physio were pretty impressed with the chair. All of them having a go, with Damien even making a step that he could try the suspension on. Don't think Jayne and Alex were that game.
I went downstairs with the physio team for smoko and Stuart went to X-ray for his test.
All went well and he can continue to pass urine as he needs and catheterize once or twice a day. It is good for him to go to bed with an empty bladder.
Found Alanna in OT and yes she to had a go in the new chair, lots of the other staff had a look as well. Am thinking the chair has been pulled apart at least 4 times already this morning. Stuart got a new pair of gloves of Alanna before we headed down the hill to catch the train from St Leonards into the city.
Stuart walked up the steps into the plane for our return trip to Wagga Wagga. There were plenty of Rex staff around to give him loads of encouragement. Well done mate.
He also walked down the steps onto the tarmac-for the first time in over 6 months and once again the Rex team were there to cheer him on.Rob even having a sit in the chair, being a mountain bike rider he was interested in the suspension. He is continuing to amaze us all with his determined progress.
Tuesday
Got a lift up the hill to Moorong at 9 with Alison's Mum. We were sitting out the front chatting when Ray arrived with the Marvel.
Took them a while to get it put together( to much talking and looking) before Stuart pushed it into the gym to fit /set the chair up for him. The width and length of the seat were changed to suit Stuart's current cushion. The height and angle of the backrest can also be changed with the turn of an alan key. The suspension can be turned on and off with the flick of a button. Am sure Stuart will be making many more fine adjustments over the next few weeks.
There was lots of interest and Stuart was itching to get in it and get outside to try the chair in the rough, test the suspension.
Took the chair outside with Viv and Ray to try the suspension on a gutter and some rough pavement.
Had our lunch on the verandah with Melissa and Serg.
Stuart then was told there was a spot at RNS tomorrow at 10 for him to have his bladder ultrasound and since we were not flying home until tomorrow evening we could do it. Yippee that means one less trip to Sydney. Stuart had a have a ward urinalysis test to make sure he had no urinary tract infection prior to tomorrows test. Result was negative so no antibiotic cover was needed.
Spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with the others still at Moorong and of course Stuart showing the chair to as many as he could. Shannon and Bill(peer support) were pretty impressed. Had some afternoon tea with Graham.
We were then picked up by Linda old friend(from living in the UK) and went across to Croydon for tea. We had not seen each other for about 4 years. They have only just returned from Qatar where Butch had been driving a crane. He also has a couple of old motor bikes that he is working on, he and Stuart spent sometime in the SHED.
Monday
Physio before lunch today, got a morning appointment as we were flying to Sydney later today.
Stuart and I caught the 1.30 Rex flight to Sydney. Good trip, just a little rough as we came in to land. Was a hot day in Sydney. Took as a while to get off the tarmac as a few of his Sydney based workmates came over to say hello.
Dropped Stuart at the Putney shops and I went up the hill to check into the Village(RRCS Accom) and then walked down to hill to meet Stuart and get some milk etc for our breakfasts. Not allowed to use toasters so just cereal and fruit for breakfast. It was quite a long push back up the hill. We were both rather hot and sweaty by the time we got to the top...I had been pushing as well!!
Spent the evening with Tristan and Meaghan.
Wednesday
Bit of a mix up with the address the taxi driver was given, so Stuart and I rolled down the hill towards the Putney shops. After a couple of phone calls we found each other and were on our way to RNS.
Took ourselves up to 7D to see of we could leave our luggage there and said hello to some of the staff. We then went around to OT to find Alanna and Dave. Alas Dave was sick and Alanna on the ward. We would have to wait til lunchtime to show her the chair. The gang in physio were pretty impressed with the chair. All of them having a go, with Damien even making a step that he could try the suspension on. Don't think Jayne and Alex were that game.
I went downstairs with the physio team for smoko and Stuart went to X-ray for his test.
All went well and he can continue to pass urine as he needs and catheterize once or twice a day. It is good for him to go to bed with an empty bladder.
Found Alanna in OT and yes she to had a go in the new chair, lots of the other staff had a look as well. Am thinking the chair has been pulled apart at least 4 times already this morning. Stuart got a new pair of gloves of Alanna before we headed down the hill to catch the train from St Leonards into the city.
Stuart walked up the steps into the plane for our return trip to Wagga Wagga. There were plenty of Rex staff around to give him loads of encouragement. Well done mate.
He also walked down the steps onto the tarmac-for the first time in over 6 months and once again the Rex team were there to cheer him on.Rob even having a sit in the chair, being a mountain bike rider he was interested in the suspension. He is continuing to amaze us all with his determined progress.
Tuesday
Got a lift up the hill to Moorong at 9 with Alison's Mum. We were sitting out the front chatting when Ray arrived with the Marvel.
Took them a while to get it put together( to much talking and looking) before Stuart pushed it into the gym to fit /set the chair up for him. The width and length of the seat were changed to suit Stuart's current cushion. The height and angle of the backrest can also be changed with the turn of an alan key. The suspension can be turned on and off with the flick of a button. Am sure Stuart will be making many more fine adjustments over the next few weeks.
There was lots of interest and Stuart was itching to get in it and get outside to try the chair in the rough, test the suspension.
Took the chair outside with Viv and Ray to try the suspension on a gutter and some rough pavement.
Had our lunch on the verandah with Melissa and Serg.
Stuart then was told there was a spot at RNS tomorrow at 10 for him to have his bladder ultrasound and since we were not flying home until tomorrow evening we could do it. Yippee that means one less trip to Sydney. Stuart had a have a ward urinalysis test to make sure he had no urinary tract infection prior to tomorrows test. Result was negative so no antibiotic cover was needed.
Spent the rest of the afternoon catching up with the others still at Moorong and of course Stuart showing the chair to as many as he could. Shannon and Bill(peer support) were pretty impressed. Had some afternoon tea with Graham.
We were then picked up by Linda old friend(from living in the UK) and went across to Croydon for tea. We had not seen each other for about 4 years. They have only just returned from Qatar where Butch had been driving a crane. He also has a couple of old motor bikes that he is working on, he and Stuart spent sometime in the SHED.
Monday
Physio before lunch today, got a morning appointment as we were flying to Sydney later today.
Stuart and I caught the 1.30 Rex flight to Sydney. Good trip, just a little rough as we came in to land. Was a hot day in Sydney. Took as a while to get off the tarmac as a few of his Sydney based workmates came over to say hello.
Dropped Stuart at the Putney shops and I went up the hill to check into the Village(RRCS Accom) and then walked down to hill to meet Stuart and get some milk etc for our breakfasts. Not allowed to use toasters so just cereal and fruit for breakfast. It was quite a long push back up the hill. We were both rather hot and sweaty by the time we got to the top...I had been pushing as well!!
Spent the evening with Tristan and Meaghan.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Revisiting the crash site
Saturday 5th December
Stuart, Iain and I went for a drive this morning out to the spot where he came off his bike on the 6/6/09. A little confronting for all of us, but something I think we had to do. Stuart has been charged with negligent driving and has to appear in Junee Court in January next year. We took a few photos and called in to see Tony and his wife , who came to his assistance after Alanna had found Stuart. It was nice to be able to say thankyou.
Friday 4th December
Early dip again this morning for Stuart...with hydrotherapy at 5.30. He managed to walk in water that was only knee deep. When he is in deeper water the spasms in his legs seem to be more frequent and make it harder to walk.
Followed up by another productive session with Marcus back in his rooms. Then off to the bike shop to help Rob out again for half the day.
Stuart, Iain and I went for a drive this morning out to the spot where he came off his bike on the 6/6/09. A little confronting for all of us, but something I think we had to do. Stuart has been charged with negligent driving and has to appear in Junee Court in January next year. We took a few photos and called in to see Tony and his wife , who came to his assistance after Alanna had found Stuart. It was nice to be able to say thankyou.
Friday 4th December
Early dip again this morning for Stuart...with hydrotherapy at 5.30. He managed to walk in water that was only knee deep. When he is in deeper water the spasms in his legs seem to be more frequent and make it harder to walk.
Followed up by another productive session with Marcus back in his rooms. Then off to the bike shop to help Rob out again for half the day.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Meeting my GP
Thursday 2nd December.
I meet Stuart at physio today. Marcus was sitting on an exercise ball stretching his hamstrings prior to his one crutch walk. Was most impressive, Marcus had to remind him to walk tall and not lunge with his right foot.
He then did some balance stuff on the trampoline before doing some work on the leg press. Finished off with some deep massage and the FES on his lower back and hamstrings.
Stuart then had a meeting with Emma(work options) and his GP to get his certificate for returning to work.
Had a puncture in a wheelchair, called past Morgan St cycles and the boys fixed it for him.
Stuart collected Jess from the airport at 6pm, it is nice to have another driver in the house.
I meet Stuart at physio today. Marcus was sitting on an exercise ball stretching his hamstrings prior to his one crutch walk. Was most impressive, Marcus had to remind him to walk tall and not lunge with his right foot.
He then did some balance stuff on the trampoline before doing some work on the leg press. Finished off with some deep massage and the FES on his lower back and hamstrings.
Stuart then had a meeting with Emma(work options) and his GP to get his certificate for returning to work.
Had a puncture in a wheelchair, called past Morgan St cycles and the boys fixed it for him.
Stuart collected Jess from the airport at 6pm, it is nice to have another driver in the house.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Afternoon at Morgan st
Wednesday 2nd December
Drove to physio, well hydrotherapy at WWBH, left home at 9.10 for a 9.40 start. Was still driving around at 9.30ish trying to find a park. Not able to park on the road as it is to hard to safely get the chair out, back together and then transfer myself with traffic going past. Finally parked in a no parking zone and had my fingers crossed that I was not caught. Had a really good session in the pool. Walking in the shallow end, water up just above my knees.
Had a few hours helping out in the bike shop after physio.
Mum and I then went out for dinner, Gary Cheney was 50. It was a surprise that was not a surprise. We had a good feed for $10.00, steak, chips and salad.
Drove to physio, well hydrotherapy at WWBH, left home at 9.10 for a 9.40 start. Was still driving around at 9.30ish trying to find a park. Not able to park on the road as it is to hard to safely get the chair out, back together and then transfer myself with traffic going past. Finally parked in a no parking zone and had my fingers crossed that I was not caught. Had a really good session in the pool. Walking in the shallow end, water up just above my knees.
Had a few hours helping out in the bike shop after physio.
Mum and I then went out for dinner, Gary Cheney was 50. It was a surprise that was not a surprise. We had a good feed for $10.00, steak, chips and salad.
Work Options meeting
Tuesday 1st December.
Call from Viv first thing in the morning I have an appointment for next Tuesday at 11.30 with a seating specialist who checks your seating, cushion suitability etc. I can't wait. Mum and I will probably fly up on Monday afternoon.
Had a meeting with Emma Carroll at Work Options, their office is conveniently located in the same street as the physio. A friend of mine also works in the front office, its a small world. The meeting went well. We are going to see my new GP on Thursday to get a fit for work certificate.
Then rolled onto my physio session. Did some trampoline work, steps but my leg was wanting to spasm, we finished off with the Fes giving my lower back muscles some stimulation. Mum arrived just as I was getting wired up to the fes.
Home for lunch, am really enjoying my food again and eating well.
Had a little rest and then gave my remote car a bit of a run.
Call from Viv first thing in the morning I have an appointment for next Tuesday at 11.30 with a seating specialist who checks your seating, cushion suitability etc. I can't wait. Mum and I will probably fly up on Monday afternoon.
Had a meeting with Emma Carroll at Work Options, their office is conveniently located in the same street as the physio. A friend of mine also works in the front office, its a small world. The meeting went well. We are going to see my new GP on Thursday to get a fit for work certificate.
Then rolled onto my physio session. Did some trampoline work, steps but my leg was wanting to spasm, we finished off with the Fes giving my lower back muscles some stimulation. Mum arrived just as I was getting wired up to the fes.
Home for lunch, am really enjoying my food again and eating well.
Had a little rest and then gave my remote car a bit of a run.
Monday 30th November
Off to physio at 9, so much easier when I can take myself. Physio sessions have been similar each day. I would start off with some balancing work on the mini tramp and then move onto some strength work be it squats or leg presses followed by some massage of my bumb and lower back.
Got a call from Raymond the Marvel chair is ready to trial. He is most impressed with the chair and had already had someone from Brisbane come down to have a look at it.
Then had a call from Viv at Moorong to sort out when I could get back to get seated in the new chair.
Off to physio at 9, so much easier when I can take myself. Physio sessions have been similar each day. I would start off with some balancing work on the mini tramp and then move onto some strength work be it squats or leg presses followed by some massage of my bumb and lower back.
Got a call from Raymond the Marvel chair is ready to trial. He is most impressed with the chair and had already had someone from Brisbane come down to have a look at it.
Then had a call from Viv at Moorong to sort out when I could get back to get seated in the new chair.
First weekend home alone!!!
Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th November
Iain and I were both away and it was great to be able to leave the kids home. Comfortable that they would all work together and Stuart had their support.
I had a great weekend cycling, wining and dinning near Myrtleford and Iain was in Adelaide for a coaching clinic. He too was enjoying himself.
Iain and I were both away and it was great to be able to leave the kids home. Comfortable that they would all work together and Stuart had their support.
I had a great weekend cycling, wining and dinning near Myrtleford and Iain was in Adelaide for a coaching clinic. He too was enjoying himself.
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