It has been a while since I've up-dated this as I've been back at work this week.
Sian is doing nearly everything for herself now. She is walking a little bit further each day and has less time between rests. She can get her arms up to brush her own hair. We have been able to loose the equipment she used to pull herself up off the toilet as she can get up from sitting by herself.
She is still not able to bend down however and Jan's long picking-up claw is very helpful making up for this - although she needs reminding that it is not a toy for pinching peoples' backsides!
Sian still has a few dizzy spells and has started on iron tablets as her iron count was still low. The infection is all cleared up and the wound is entirely healed.
I will try to get some video of my new, straight girl walking with no pain this week and post it.
Also - I love your followers picture Chris!
Friday 20 May 2011
Monday 9 May 2011
Tuesday May 10
The last 2 days have been big. We started with the teacher yesterday. She is going to help Sian with maths and English three mornings a week. Poor Sian was a bit dazed by all the questions and having to think again - we are both a bit out of practice with school work!
Darryl left for his trip to the US yesterday afternoon. He arrived in Reno this afternoon to a fresh dumping of snow- the girls and I are not jealous at all.
Today the district health nurse finally arrived and removed all Sian's dressings at last. This meant Sian could have her first real shower in a fortnight (thank goodness - wheeeeww!). This certainly helped her disposition, she really enjoyed washing her hair and claimed it was the best shower she had ever had. Unfortunately she has some infection in parts of the wound so is back on antibiotics. However even though the cut goes from the base of her neck to just above her tail bone it is very fine and should fade quite nicely.
The last 2 days have been big. We started with the teacher yesterday. She is going to help Sian with maths and English three mornings a week. Poor Sian was a bit dazed by all the questions and having to think again - we are both a bit out of practice with school work!
Darryl left for his trip to the US yesterday afternoon. He arrived in Reno this afternoon to a fresh dumping of snow- the girls and I are not jealous at all.
Today the district health nurse finally arrived and removed all Sian's dressings at last. This meant Sian could have her first real shower in a fortnight (thank goodness - wheeeeww!). This certainly helped her disposition, she really enjoyed washing her hair and claimed it was the best shower she had ever had. Unfortunately she has some infection in parts of the wound so is back on antibiotics. However even though the cut goes from the base of her neck to just above her tail bone it is very fine and should fade quite nicely.
Saturday 7 May 2011
Thursday 5 May 2011
FRIDAY MAY 6
WE ARE HOME!!!!
Sian couldn't stop grinning when the surgeon said she could go home yesterday, can't say I was upset either! The ward was filling with more and more toddlers who mistook the place for toddler idol - the winner being the one with the loudest scream!
It is a bit different not having everything on tap, but our own beds are definitely more comfortable, to say nothing of the better food (for Sian) and other 'nursing staff' at home! I must qualify that by saying I had beautiful evening meals supplied by Tracy and Darryl.
Sian is not allowed to go in the car for about 3 weeks, this doesn't surprise me after seeing her distress on the drive home, even though it was the slowest I've ever known Darryl to drive!
I was hoping to give her the first outside walk today but the weather had other plans. We also had to spend 2 hours untangling her hair this morning which has absolutely exhausted her anyway. It's probably just as well she was tired - too tired to care as I kept cutting pieces off!!!%#! Two more reasons why I'm a teacher -cos I'd make a dreadful nurse or hairdresser!
It all starts on Monday with visits from the District nurse and the hospital teacher. Sian has to go back to the sugeon in 6 weeks and will hopefully go back to school after that.
WE ARE HOME!!!!
Sian couldn't stop grinning when the surgeon said she could go home yesterday, can't say I was upset either! The ward was filling with more and more toddlers who mistook the place for toddler idol - the winner being the one with the loudest scream!
It is a bit different not having everything on tap, but our own beds are definitely more comfortable, to say nothing of the better food (for Sian) and other 'nursing staff' at home! I must qualify that by saying I had beautiful evening meals supplied by Tracy and Darryl.
Sian is not allowed to go in the car for about 3 weeks, this doesn't surprise me after seeing her distress on the drive home, even though it was the slowest I've ever known Darryl to drive!
I was hoping to give her the first outside walk today but the weather had other plans. We also had to spend 2 hours untangling her hair this morning which has absolutely exhausted her anyway. It's probably just as well she was tired - too tired to care as I kept cutting pieces off!!!%#! Two more reasons why I'm a teacher -cos I'd make a dreadful nurse or hairdresser!
It all starts on Monday with visits from the District nurse and the hospital teacher. Sian has to go back to the sugeon in 6 weeks and will hopefully go back to school after that.
Tuesday 3 May 2011
WEDNESDAY MAY 5
It's been a week since the operation, and what a difference a week makes!
Sian is up and walking around the ward a couple of times a day. We has more x-rays today which meant getting out in a wheelchair - the change of scenery was very welcome.
One hiccup today is that Sian has developed an allergy to the dressings.
However we may be home at the end of the week if every thing carries on like this.
It has been great seeing everyone up here and Sian has been very spoilt, but she'll come down to earth soon as the hospital teacher starts working with her on Monday.
It's been a week since the operation, and what a difference a week makes!
Sian is up and walking around the ward a couple of times a day. We has more x-rays today which meant getting out in a wheelchair - the change of scenery was very welcome.
One hiccup today is that Sian has developed an allergy to the dressings.
However we may be home at the end of the week if every thing carries on like this.
It has been great seeing everyone up here and Sian has been very spoilt, but she'll come down to earth soon as the hospital teacher starts working with her on Monday.
Sunday 1 May 2011
MONDAY May 2 (Poppa's birthday - have a good one Dad!)
It must be the start of the new term as we had a visit from the hospital teacher today (Lee the old principal of Heretaunga Int!!) Unfortunately it reminded me of work...
Forget the small steps - today has been giant leaps! We had a dreadful night with reactions to pain medication. Unfortunately the drugs used to help stop these reactions had awful side effects of their own and a vicious cycle began...
But despite this the day has dawned really positively with all tubes for medication and fluid removed, only oxygen still remaining and the noisy pumps on Sian's legs.
She is finding it alot easier to get up and moving needing only 2 helpers now, not 3.
I swear she has gained inches in height and fear I will officially be the shortest in the family now!
I would love to attach some photos to show how tall and straight she is now but Sian isn't ready for the world to see the lovely hospital fashion statements, along with the bird nest hair- so it looks like you'll have to wait for the make-over to be complete first.
It must be the start of the new term as we had a visit from the hospital teacher today (Lee the old principal of Heretaunga Int!!) Unfortunately it reminded me of work...
Forget the small steps - today has been giant leaps! We had a dreadful night with reactions to pain medication. Unfortunately the drugs used to help stop these reactions had awful side effects of their own and a vicious cycle began...
But despite this the day has dawned really positively with all tubes for medication and fluid removed, only oxygen still remaining and the noisy pumps on Sian's legs.
She is finding it alot easier to get up and moving needing only 2 helpers now, not 3.
I swear she has gained inches in height and fear I will officially be the shortest in the family now!
I would love to attach some photos to show how tall and straight she is now but Sian isn't ready for the world to see the lovely hospital fashion statements, along with the bird nest hair- so it looks like you'll have to wait for the make-over to be complete first.
Saturday 30 April 2011
SUNDAY:
I had to think what day it is - they all seem the same at the moment.
However Sian improves with little steps each day.
Today she read a magazine for 5 minutes (which meant that was 5 minutes she wasn't sleeping) and she stood up twice. The second time she even walked to the shower!
She is definitely less dozy too.
The evidence?
When her nurse commented that her husband said she snored louder than the lawn mower outside, Sian quickly replied "Of course, cos lawn mowers don't snore!"
I had to think what day it is - they all seem the same at the moment.
However Sian improves with little steps each day.
Today she read a magazine for 5 minutes (which meant that was 5 minutes she wasn't sleeping) and she stood up twice. The second time she even walked to the shower!
She is definitely less dozy too.
The evidence?
When her nurse commented that her husband said she snored louder than the lawn mower outside, Sian quickly replied "Of course, cos lawn mowers don't snore!"
Friday 29 April 2011
Day 4:
The IC unit got worse last night!! They graduated from tiaras to pearls and veils, and then had triangle cucumber sandwiches and scones with tea served in bone china cups! It takes a very special person to work in a place like that, and the wedding antics certainly put smiles on faces - they even got me watching some of it!
We had a rude awakening at 1.30 am this morning to get transferred to the children's ward. While I continue to be sleep deprived, this is a big improvement - quieter, a separate room with ensuite and a REAL bed for me!
But it's not all about me. Sian is still very dependant on her pain pump and this means she is quite dozy.
She is dreading getting up-right again today but I'm sure each day will get a little easier.
She can now have visitors between 2pm-8pm - we are in room 46 ( alot greater than my age!), but she obviously won't cope with too much yet.
If you visit you too can share the 'lovely' view of the gannets flying on our wall - makes tiaras and pearls seem almost okay!
The IC unit got worse last night!! They graduated from tiaras to pearls and veils, and then had triangle cucumber sandwiches and scones with tea served in bone china cups! It takes a very special person to work in a place like that, and the wedding antics certainly put smiles on faces - they even got me watching some of it!
We had a rude awakening at 1.30 am this morning to get transferred to the children's ward. While I continue to be sleep deprived, this is a big improvement - quieter, a separate room with ensuite and a REAL bed for me!
But it's not all about me. Sian is still very dependant on her pain pump and this means she is quite dozy.
She is dreading getting up-right again today but I'm sure each day will get a little easier.
She can now have visitors between 2pm-8pm - we are in room 46 ( alot greater than my age!), but she obviously won't cope with too much yet.
If you visit you too can share the 'lovely' view of the gannets flying on our wall - makes tiaras and pearls seem almost okay!
Thursday 28 April 2011
DAY 3
Last night was not so good as Sian developed a high temperature and has a super fast breathing rate.
Along with that is the fact that Lazy-boy falsely advertise their comfort!
However things have improved over the day and our brave girl managed to stand for a few minutes at lunchtime.
She slept the rest of the afternoon away from the effort though!
We are still in ICU but Sian is allowed to eat now (she managed 2 mouthfuls of bread and butter) and she has a morphine pump so she can manage her own pain.
Our next hurdle is getting over royal wedding fever in the unit! There are many British staff in ICU and they have flags everywhere and are wearing tiaras!
It is a weird coincidence that Sian was born when Lady Diana died so I was forced to spent my nights in the hospital watching that TV coverage,
and here I am over 13 years later in hospital again with her having to watch this royal coverage.
Thanks to everyone for their texts, e-mails and best wishes - they certainly help us keep smiling!
Last night was not so good as Sian developed a high temperature and has a super fast breathing rate.
Along with that is the fact that Lazy-boy falsely advertise their comfort!
However things have improved over the day and our brave girl managed to stand for a few minutes at lunchtime.
She slept the rest of the afternoon away from the effort though!
We are still in ICU but Sian is allowed to eat now (she managed 2 mouthfuls of bread and butter) and she has a morphine pump so she can manage her own pain.
Our next hurdle is getting over royal wedding fever in the unit! There are many British staff in ICU and they have flags everywhere and are wearing tiaras!
It is a weird coincidence that Sian was born when Lady Diana died so I was forced to spent my nights in the hospital watching that TV coverage,
and here I am over 13 years later in hospital again with her having to watch this royal coverage.
Thanks to everyone for their texts, e-mails and best wishes - they certainly help us keep smiling!
Wednesday 27 April 2011
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| Sian's old spine |
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| The new improved model! |
I have one very tired and pretty sore girl, but we couldn't have asked for a more text-book procedure.
Everything went perfectly, no blood transfusions or anything.
We knew she would be okay because as soon as she was on her way to ICU she opened her eyes very wide and said "Can I have something to eat now?!!!"
She is still not eating, much to her disgust, and remains in ICU until tomorrow at least, so only close family visitors at present.
I managed to get a bed to sleep on last night, but am relegated to a lazy-boy tonight.
We can't thank her theatre team and all her care-givers enough, everyone has been absolutely fantastic!
Tuesday 26 April 2011
THE BEGINNING OF THE LONGEST DAY EVER...
The weather is appalling, with lots of people on our coast being evacuated. However the only person who thinks it's great is Sian! Perfect weather for being stuck in hospital!
We meet most of the team working on her today. We are so lucky to have such excellent medical professionals around us. Moppy (the toy dog) is in theatre with Sian wearing her own hospital label.
Thank goodness for drugs - Sian had a sedative very early on which helped with the nerves in the wait, I only wish they'd offered me one or three!
The weather is appalling, with lots of people on our coast being evacuated. However the only person who thinks it's great is Sian! Perfect weather for being stuck in hospital!
We meet most of the team working on her today. We are so lucky to have such excellent medical professionals around us. Moppy (the toy dog) is in theatre with Sian wearing her own hospital label.
Thank goodness for drugs - Sian had a sedative very early on which helped with the nerves in the wait, I only wish they'd offered me one or three!
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| 2 girls all ready to go. Guess which one is on drugs?? |
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| A drowsy Sian with her nurse Katie - her hairdresser's sister-in-law it's a small world in HB! |
Thursday 21 April 2011
So, it's Easter. The weather is beautiful and we are trying to enjoy it as much as we can. However we have to spend time making frozen meals and sorting out hospital requirements too.
Sian has severe scolliosis - curvature of the spine and needs a rod inserted into her back to 'straighten her up!'
Sian has severe scolliosis - curvature of the spine and needs a rod inserted into her back to 'straighten her up!'
The operation is scheduled for April 27 we will know the time the day before - but most likely about 7.30am. as she will be in theatre most of the day and be the only case in that theatre that day.
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| The front view with sloping shoulders - the first clue! |
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| The back view. Check out the convex right side and the concave left side. |
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