A Visit from the Boys

By Benjamin and Max

Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still. – Chinese Proverb

Thursday evening saw Benjamin and I arrive in Brisbane for the weekend. After a quick visit to the hospital we were astonished with the progress Mum had made. What a difference a few days make!

When we waved Mum & Dad off at Tyabb airport she was groggy, slurring and complaining of a significant amount of nerve pain “all in (her) left side”. We now believe this was largely due to her medication which had yet to be perfected.

Mum seemed very pleased to see us safely in Brisbane and promised to “show off” at her physio session the following day – she was determined to show us how she could stand!

Friday was a first-hand look at a ‘typical’ day at Prince Charles Rehab.

Starting early at 10am, doctors visit closely followed by an intensive speech therapy session. Mums reading is progressing slowly but she enjoys more challenging and intellectual statements; as she can guess the easy ones!

Physio is twice a day and is challenging and productive. There are photos attached of Mum actually standing (assisted) and “locking” her left knee into place – a small, but important step on the road to being able to walk. She is fast become the master of “Pop! Pop! Pop!” / “Plonk! Plonk! Plonk!” Which sees her bounce from one position to another in her seat.

By Friday afternoon Mum was worn out – both by the physical and mental applications of her rehab. The Occupational Therapy in particular poses challenges even those of us who haven’t suffered a brain attack struggled with!

Mum was delighted to be visited by her longstanding friends Jane and Sally who gossiped away the afternoon and witnessed the unforgettable “fruit tart incident of 2015” – perhaps you had to be there, imagine Mum as “the Cookie Monster” meets an unwitting Fruit Tart. Oh, how we laughed!!

Saturday is a day of rest as far as rehab is concerned – however Mum is insisting on visitors coming to see her as often as possible, both to see her progress and help while away the hours.

Longtime friends, Gail and Martin stopped by for a few hours, including a wander out into the garden for some much needed fresh air and shared stories of travel, friends-in-common, family stories and laughs. Mum really comes alive with company and its easy to see “the old Genny” when she’s holding court from her throne-on-wheels.

Benjamin’s friend Nikolle visited in the afternoon and once again Mum regaled us all with stories from her past, her experience of the stroke and memories of her cruise through the Greek Islands – “some of the most beautiful places she’s ever been”.

Progress is slow and there is no telling which of Mum’s cognitive and physical abilities will fully recover. It’s incredibly reassuring to see the many and varied ways the team at The Prince Charles are tackling Mum’s recovery – electro stimulation, mental exercises and daily physio all seem to be putting her in a significantly better position than a few short weeks ago. We’re seeing strength regained in her left leg and (dare I say it!) a little, (perhaps involuntary) movement in her left hand.

The doctors have given an initial discharge date early in March – although we’re still unsure where Mum will be discharged to. There are discussions of a more ‘transitional rehab’ center in Brighton or even the possibility of a transfer to Townsville Base Hospital! No matter what the next phase is, it’ll be a huge adjustment for both Mum and Dad.

Mum is telling anyone who will listen that she’s planning a C Party (“some people have D-Day – I’m going to be one day earlier!”) for Friday the 13th of March in the Dining Room on her ward. She’s still a little vague on the details – however she intends to invite all the nurses, therapists and specialists who have helped her get this far. It is wonderful to see her planning things for the coming days ahead…