23rd August: Home Again

Simon had his second home visit today, out for around four hours including the taxi rides. Much easier today knowing what to expect and how to deal with the ramps at our house, we even managed to get up onto the front veranda. Simon sat there in the sun and watched me mowing the lawn, cheekily pointing out where I'd missed a bit. He listened to some music, watched an episode of the librarians and generally chilled out. The cat is still being a rotter, he comes to within just arm's length of Simon and lets him stroke him, but nowhere near enough for the cuddle that Simon so desperately wants with his cat. We took a stroll along our street this afternoon and met a much nicer cat that we are thinking of adopting!

On arriving back at the hospital we were pounced upon by a professor/consultant who wanted to speak with us privately. I was worried we were going to be told off for something. However, it turns out she wants to trial Simon in a new procedure using journals. She plans to expose Simon to all of the metrics that are being reported by the various therapists: speech, physio, occupational therapy, also the clinical reports. She has selected Simon because he is highly intelligent and thinks that by being giving data about himself he will begin to analyse this and make important connections. It was obvious that Simon had been particularly selected. Essentially they will create a journal / scrapbook, the opening page will be a CT image of his stroke (which I have seen but it will be new to Simon). The Professor herself looks quite whacky - jeans and mad hair, but I think she is very smart, and am pleased that she is taking an interest in Simon. There may be some wheels within wheels at work here, some of our connections may be paying off.

We may have to produce our blog as research data for Simon's medical team. Hmm.... any lawyers out there who might tell me how much they can sue for all the libel here? and what kind of sentence can I expect for aiding and abetting a car-park flasher?

Despite being very tired after his home visits, I think that they have done Simon the power of good. We are hoping that we can do this again next weekend, and soon to arrange a gathering of friends and colleagues at our home.

Simon had a disappointing end to the day. They brought him exactly the same dinner that he had for lunch - cheese salad. He was outraged, especially since the couple opposite had take-away fish and chips. This is not going to happen again, I will find the kitchen supervisor tomorrow. Don't worry, I won't be nasty. I know only too well what happens to people who complain in restaurants.....

The photo I took of Simon today didn't come out too well, so I offer you this picture of our very bad cat, Skippy. He is shameful, but does he look it?

Love Marian xx