Simon ate well today, he polished off everything that he was offered, and even had a go at feeding himself left-handed. He is also able to indicate when he needs the loo, and was almost independent about that. Vast progress really. Where we are standing still is on his breathing. The mask is on almost 24/7 which impedes his ability to communicate verbally, and they still tie his hand down to stop him pulling the mask off. When I am there, I release his hand and just keep it away from the mask but it requires permanent vigilance. I spoke with a doctor who explained everything that was happening - there are improvements to BP, and diabetic conditions, and with good progress he may be able to go without the mask in a few days (except at nightime). Because he is very sleepy, he is not sufficiently alert to be left to breath alone during the daytime.
Simon had a visit from one of his students this afternoon, he recognised her and seemed to follow her conversation. This evening he asked to watch TV. You have to get this piped in at enormous cost ($25 for 3 days TV!), but I am hoping that they will switch it on this evening.
Some flowers arrived from colleagues at Cranfield (thanks guys). We passed on all of your best wishes and messages of support. He is recognising all the names, and does respond with a smile to some of the cheeky comments e.g. not trusting him with all those nurses....
Moira, Simon's secretary, came to the house this morning to back-up his computer. I have been worried about our old PC falling over and him losing all his work, not to mention his stash of music. So was able to reassure him that it is all backed-up and safely archived.
I got a cuddle, a squeeze and a suggestive wink today. I have an idea what's on his mind....
Marian x
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Good to hear Simon is improving? Is he up for visitors (Ive dealt with stroke victims before) as I live in Adelaide and its only an hours train trip. If not, can I have first call on his brain for future use in our A.I experiments?
ReplyDeleteJelina also says Hello, she can't visit because of the plague.
Peace
Hi all
ReplyDeleteI'm one of Simon's colleagues and I've just returned from visiting him briefly this evening.
I explained to the nurse on duty that Simon's alias is 'Dr Who'. Simon confirmed this in his own inimitable way and the nurse understood perfectly.
By good fortune I recently managed to get hold of a 'sonic screw driver' and presented this to Simon. His face lit up and I can report that he is focusing on 'regenerating' into the new Doctor as soon as possible. Cheers Heather Brown (alias Donna)
Re: visiting. Yes, Simon is open for visitors within reason i.e. no one who is going to stress him out. Visitors must also not be squeamish or easily repulsed by bodily functions. He enjoys a good yarn, and will chatter away to you in his own way. Enjoyed hearing about Heather's inspired gift. I want one too!
ReplyDeleteMarian x
Irie Marian, fantastic news, so good to hear how he is progressing, and getting such pleasures as can be given in such a difficult situation. And now he has a Sonic Screwdriver!
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that aome visitors are finding it difficult to post to the blog so I will add a comment on how to do this as easily as possible, and then one on how you can link to it in your next posting
Sorry to have missed ya tonight, Simon and my old friend, Pete Danziger is staying and I mssed the moment. Pete sends lots of love (as does Mitch)
xxx
asher
To post a comment to this blog you have to have a recognised account with one of the major online services (to prevent spam advirts). So, if you do not have an account, you will need to create one. This is quite simple, free, does not mean giving away much information, and has some benefits, such as gettng a google email account.
ReplyDeleteSo, at the top right of this page is a link
saying "create blog". This takes you to a page where you:
* give your email address (you need to be able to cofirm you are 'real' BUT, your email address will be kept private if you request)
* create a password (make a note of this)
* suggest a screen name (this is what will be shown, and can be whatever you like)
* prove you are not a robot, by typing in a word displayed in an obscured way, which requires inelligence! But, if ya get it wrong, don't worry, you can retry!
* check terms and conditions and perhaps uncheck the 'send me offers' boxes
* click next
On the next screen, if you don't really want a blog, just an account, to post to SimonsRecovery, then click on 'continue' and you are now registered with google and should be able to select 'google account' from the 'Comment as:' link below you comments on this page!
I hope this makes some sense, and this posting will be proof as I have created a new 'asherros' account for this exercise
love
asher
Marian, to link to my ramblings about how to post a comment, you need to tell people to read the entry "15th July: Raining cats and dogs in Adelaide" and scroll down to the comments, looking for the long boring one, with the asterisked list :-)
ReplyDeleteMuch love
asher
I'm so glad that things are steadily improving.
ReplyDeleteI have to confess that I am checking regularily for any news.
Cheers,
Matt
Hi Marian, Charlie asked me to send this message:
ReplyDeleteDear Marian
Thanks so much for phoning to let us know about Simon - and telling us about your fabulous blog. We've read it all in chronological order and all the posted comments. So much love and good wishes in the world!
Really pleased to hear about Simon's progress so far. And thank you for the blog (the first time we've ever read one - tell Simon that and maybe he'll smile in recognition of his old friends' luddite tendencies, and we weren't even able to post a comment ourselves but needed Asher's assistance).
Oddly, just before we'd received your news, Simon had come into Charlie's head twice for unrelated things in the past week because of music he'd made for us and general Oz news.
Please squeeze his hand and send him our love.
Will read your blog daily for updates.
Love to you both - and hi to Shirl.
Charlie and Jo (Orbit)xx
love
asher n mitch
Hi Marian,
ReplyDeletewhere is the illustrious man at the moment? I would like to visit even though I probably wouldn't get a cuddle and squeeze.
My alias could be winterorbit or the antipope, which would Simon prefer.
Remind him also that regeneration for the Dr takes 16 hours (thats T.V. time).
I've put this link on my blog http://0logic.blogspot.com
I hope to see him soon.
Malcolm
Hi Marian, Terrific news about the latest steps in Simon's recovery. I'm posting this just to send cheery greetings ... and because I can - thanks Asher.
ReplyDeleteLove
Tom ... and Jill too
Hi Marian,
ReplyDeleteGood news about Simon's progress. Like Tom, I, too, am posting this becasue I can. All good wishes.
Jenny
Hi Simon and Marian
ReplyDeleteIn the times I have spoken with you and visited you there has been a great improvement in Simon. It was good the other day when I took Nina there, he recognised her and was polite..Adam finished his visit and left. It was good to see that Simon knew when he was getting tired as he asked us to leave. It was excellent when he counted his fingers and showed us how he was getting a bit of a sensation fromn the 3-4-5 fingers..and that his vision in the right eye was still iffy..it was great to hear him communicating with me. I will pop in again next week, I don't want him talking of work when he sees me, he seemed to get a bit excited and I could understand some of what he said but not all-it was a good visit. Nina and I both were amazed when he said Records management..what a mouthful!
Love Moira
Hi Simon
ReplyDeleteGlad to read what you are up to - can't keep a good man down you know. (not for long anyway)
I can't come and see you for awhile as I was off last week with the flu and still not right and don't want to set you back health wise. i did ask Chris to explainn why I hadn't been in just in case you missed me!! (big joke you are probably enjoying the rest).
will catch up soon when I am well enough.
cheers
Moira