22nd October: Shopping trip

Into work early and split up some marking with Raj, commented on some papers, then left my office in a dreadful mess. Decided just to shut the door on it and go back tomorrow with a shovel and a large wheelie bin. Time for a real clear out. Set off to rehab for Simon's lunch. He had been in the gym, and they are reporting very distinct movement in his right thigh, so now it has recovered below the hip. As luck would have it a team of physio students have just arrived on placement at the hospital and are really keen, so Simon is getting extra physio sessions most days. I had arranged to take Simon to Marion Shopping Centre to see the optometrist leaving at 4.30pm. Decided that there was no reason to go back to work, just found a quiet shady garden and got on with my marking for the afternoon. This was remarkably productive, nothing but birdsong and the odd spider to interrupt my thoughts. In fact, I got so much done that I am thinking of setting up a temporary office in the Repat grounds. If anyone is looking for me, I am to be found under the furthest tree on the left behind Rheumatology.
Went back to collect Simon from his ward for the taxi to Marion. The scoundrels let us down badly, almost half an hour late, then the driver started to mess about adding several kilometres to the route. I was quite annoyed with him. Got Simon to the optometrist just on time, this was a good experience. The doctor remembered Simon from his last visit but took the new situation completely in his stride "See you've got some wheels there Simon!". We explained what had happened and he gave us a very detailed explanation of what has been happening to Simon's eyesight. The good news is that he said very positive things about the eyesight returning to near normal after around six months, and that Simon was showing signs of improvement already. He didn't even recommend changing the prescription on the glasses. Simon was really pleased with this news.
From there we hit the shopping centre food court - these are always good value in Australia. He selected a Yiros stall, and we had quite a healthy meal - plenty of salad.
With just a little time left we had a tour around Myers TV and Hi-Fi section where Simon drooled over the wide-screen plasmas. We already have two of these, but that will never be enough.... I have promised him Foxtel when we move to the new house, so I suppose a very good home-movie system wouldn't be a bad idea. Listen to me, falling for this already. From there to JB Hi-Fi where we found a bunch of DVDs that Simon wanted including the first series of the Wire, we have the rest, so now he can begin watching that. His pick for this evening was a series of Stargate Atlantis.
We had intended to do more shopping - smaller clothes needed as he is shrinking quite rapidly. So another shopping trip on the cards next Thursday.
Good taxi ride back to the hospital, and left Simon getting into bed tired but happy with his day. Rushed home to let Skippy out - think he had been crossing his legs for a couple of hours.
We had quite a long chat with the Professor (Simon's consultant) this afternoon. She is a real card and I like her a lot. Simon was negotiating his release date - he is prepared to compromise on six weeks when Asher gets here. She said maybe, but definitely by xmas. Also she was going to try to get Simon some access to the hydrotherapy pool. We asked whether we could use our private insurance in some way. The answer is again, maybe. However, she was very interested that we had private insurance, and with the best company, because it will ensure continued rehab treatment for Simon in the future. While outpatient appointments are limited and not covered by insurance, she can arrange to admit Simon to the hospital for a week at a time for intensive rehab. With this prospect she thought it possible that we could release Simon earlier rather than later. The problem with early release is that it effectively ends the intensive rehab period and, under the public system, it is difficult to restart it unless you have a major incident. This was all very interesting advice. I had wondered why we were paying for all this health insurance, now it seems to have been worth it. I did worry about the prospect of having to admit Simon to the hospital for a week at a time, but it seems it isn't really like that, he can come home at night and that will be easy for me because I work just ten minutes away and can drop and pick him up on my way.
Next Wednesday we have an appointment with the physios to show me how to transfer Simon to and from chairs, beds etc. The truth is, Simon and I have already achieved these things - I admit, awkwardly. It will be good to know the correct way so that we take less risks. Today I found a wheelie shower chair, whoopee cushion, and a 'grabber stick' under my carport - all delivered courtesy of the SA government. I am impressed and grateful.
In all, a busy and interesting day. Thanks for the advice about dogs and cats. It is obvious that dogs are more of a threat to cats than cats are to dogs, but cats are a bit cleverer and have a better sense of self preservation. Then dogs are more loyal and friendly than cats. Oh dear, too difficult. Think I'll get Asher to talk this one over with Simon - he knows about the practicalities of dog management (HND Furry Things, BSc (Animal Behaviour and Dog Mngt), Phd: The application of Pavlovian theory of slaverring dogs to cat behaviour in rural Australia (Fleurieu Peninsula).
Love Marian x
PS can't get photos to work here any more, it tries to blow up my machine at every attempt. Blasted Microsoft downloads are the cause of it....