He's Home!!!

Sorry I've been very bad at updating everyone. Been a bit busy over the last few days. Neil came home from Gatwick Park Hospital on Monday afternoon and we are adjusting to being at home together alone. We have had lots of visitors already and this has helped us but the evenings are the worst. We are being strong for each other.

Neil has been making steady progress. He is walking around on his crutches, weight bearing still only 30% on his left side. He can get up and down the stairs with no problems and we have even managed a walk to the end of the road and back. He's not quite so out of breath but his lungs still need more expansion before he can cope with more exercise. It's going to be a gradual thing and he's taking it easy. He has a special breathometer, which he is supposed to use every hour, to build up his lungs.

I bought a decent shower mat so that Neil could have a shower safely but he decided he wanted a bath! He's now had two baths and can get him in and out with not too much difficulty.

Weekend update

Neil has been a bit up and down this weekend. He's frustrated with himself and just wants to be able to be back to normal as quickly as possible. He's had quite a few visitors which has been lovely - he does like to chat, which tires him out but you just can't shut him up sometimes!! Both days we've taken him outside in the garden to get a bit of fresh air. Pushing him in the wheelchair we have sat at the table wrapped up in our coats and blanket and drunk hot chocolate. We've watched the wildlife in and around the pond - the ducks follow each other around and the squirrels chase each other up and down the drain pipes of the hospital. Unfortunately Neil's TV at the hospital doesn't have Sky so he wasn't able to watch the Carling Cup Final, Chelsea -v- Tottenham - just as well maybe!

Neil's due to be re-assessed tomorrow (Monday) to find out how much longer he might have to stay at Gatwick Park.

Thursday and Friday's Updates

Thursday Neil was told he could weight bear a little on his left leg, but only 30%. He had physio morning and afternoon. Walking between parallel bars and learning to put his feet down correctly so his walking was steady, turning at the ends and walking back again. He also learnt to walk up and down a few steps. He is getting very good on his crutches. We took him outside in a wheelchair and walked along the path to the pond where we sat and had a drink of hot chocolate (this is his first time outside in over 5 weeks!) He loved it.

Friday was a sad day - it would have been Luke's 15th Birthday. I went to the treehouse in the morning with family and friends and met loads of Luke's friends there. I rang Neil on the way. We sang happy birthday around the tree. It was lovely and so nice to see lots of his mates. I took photos to show Neil later at hospital. I went to see Neil early afternoon and he was looking good. He had been walking up and down earlier in the morning. We took him outside again and had more hot chocolate. He was pushed in the wheelchair but walked from the hospital entrance to the seat we sat on. I helped him shower later in the evening, which went well. (we're getting pretty slick at the showering business now!) We opened a present from my friends at work - they have had a star named after Luke - so sweet. He was our star and it was a wonderful idea.

Wednesday Crutches Day

Neil was a bit out of breath when we arrived as he had been charging down the corridor on his frame. The consultant popped in to see him and said he would have more scans taken of his pelvis and left leg today. He had many visitors today which was lovely as people just dropped in for a short while. The physiotherapist, Jackie, and her colleague turned up and explained to Neil how to use some crutches instead of the frame. She said he would probably only be able to stand today but once he gets used to them would be able to walk slowly. Neil took no notice and dashed off and was out the door with them following behind. He came back a little while later and was puffing a bit. Then a wheelchair arrived to take him to have his scans. More visitors came and went and Neil was very chatty. The physiotherapist told him she may start him on weight bearing a little on his left side tomorrow but the consultant would need to see him first to discuss the scans.

Tuesday Haircut Day

Neil was allowed a 'lie in' this morning - he was woken at 7.30 am instead of 6.30 am!! (That's private hospitals for you). I turned up to see him at 11 ish and met Yvonne, a friend who works there, just calling in to see Neil. Later he went for a 'hop' along the corridor and dashed backwards and forwards at great speed looking into each room and saying hello to everyone. I was walking behind him ready to catch him if he fell! He was quite tired when he got back to his room. Tina called in at lunchtime, as she only works down the road. Simon dropped in after lunch and sat and chatted with Neil whilst I nipped into Tescos down the road to buy a few bits. My sister Diane arrived just as Simon was leaving and in the afternoon helped me get Neil into the bathroom so I could cut his hair. He then had a lovely shower (the second one in 5 weeks). It was a lot easier than the first one he had and he felt great afterwards. I gave his feet a massage with some cream and then replaced his sexy stockings. Neil's physio, Jackie, came in and went through some exercises with Neil and checked his mobility. She was going to see him again tomorrow once the consultant had seen him to begin . Neil's cousin Norman came by to say hello and stayed for a while chatting about football (yet another footie fan). His Mum and Dad arrived in the early evening with Tina and Brian and his Mum stayed with Neil whilst the others went to watch football. The consultant dropped in very briefly to say hello and said he would return tomorrow to discuss things further.

Monday Moving Day!!

Yes, finally the day has arrived. Neil was transferred from Royal London by private ambulance to Gatwick Park Hospital. Thanks goodness. Much as we thought the care and treatment he received at Royal London was fantastic, the journey there and back each day was not. To be 20 minutes from home is a relief to us all. The ambulance journey was smooth and we arrived at Gatwick Park around 4.30 pm. They gave us a warm welcome and Neil was wheeled to a private room overlooking a garden and a pond, his own ensuite bathroom and TV - luxury! Mr Campbell is due to see him tomorrow and physio will start then. They have the use of a hydrotherapy pool nearby, which will be of great help to Neil's recovery. The nurse took Neil's dinner order and at 6.00 pm his mackrel pate appertiser followed by a medium cooked steak and chips with all the trimmings and cheese and biscuits for afters arrived. (I think his sickness has disappeared today). I helped him with the mackrel pate, which was delicious. Tina and Brian dropped in for a while and then Neil's Mum and Dad appeared soon afterwards. Nikkie called in to collect me and I left about 8.30 pm.

Sunday Update

I did not go up on Sunday to see Neil but Simon and Rose went and arrived about 2.00 pm. He was being sick and felt awful. They stayed with him for a couple of hours and he just felt terrible the whole time. I rang and spoke to him and he did sound bad. He didn't want to eat anything and the nurses gave him anti nausea tablets, which didn't work. Tina and Brian turned up about 4.30 pm and Simon and Rose left after that. Tina convinced Neil he should have an anti nausea injection and Neil reluctantly agreed. He was not keen and when he saw the size of the needle even less so! However, soon afterwards he became much brighter and managed to eat a bit of dinner. I rang again at just after 9.00 pm and the nurse told me he was asleep - so I asked her to wake him up to tell him I had rung (only kidding!)

Friday and Saturday's Update

I arrived bang on 2.00 pm having been driven up by my boss, Chris. Neil was looking good. Alan hadn't long gone and Neil was, as usual, pleased to see us. Bradley (the Senior House Officer) came to check him out and try to extract a bit of blood. Neil hates having blood taken and couldn't look. Bradley couldn't find a vein in his arm after trying for a while so had to take some from the back of his hand - ouch! He checked out the lump on Neil's leg and explained he would need a scan and possibly an operation. The trauma consultant at Gatwick Park Hospital had gone on holiday for two weeks leaving another consultant in charge. Fortunately that consultant is a Mr Campbell who Neil knows well, as he has operated three times on his knees over the past 15 years - the most recent of which was last year. Mr Campbell said he remembered Neil and accepted him as a patient. If all is ok with Neil's heart he could be transferred Monday afternoon. Chris spoke to James, the hit-and-run patient opposite Neil, and explained he might be able to help him with his accident (he is a personal injury solicitor!) Poor guy he's in a bad way, still unable to eat solid food but alive and making slow progress. Neil's Mum and Dad arrived at 4.00 pm and we filled them in with today's news. Neil was really pleased and is now looking forward to being transferred Monday but realises this may happen if his heart still has fluid around it. Chris and I left at 4.30 (really good time - not - took us an hour to do two miles!) I wanted to get back earlier so I could come home to Glenfield Road. My sister, Nikkie, was coming to live with me for a while so I can get used to being back there. She bought and made me dinner (such a sweetie) and is looking after me really well. Neil's friend from work, Colin, dropped in to see him later that evening.

Saturday I was collected by Simon, who chauffeured me, my sister Diane and my Mum and we arrived at the stroke of 2.00 pm. Neil was ok and had been moved to the room before his old ward right by the window which he was pleased about. A new part of the hospital is being built and the view from the grubby window by Neil's beside is over the garden courtyard and lovely building works outside. He had been hopping around the corridor on his zimmer this morning and went on a further hop shortly after we arrived with Simon. He was pretty exhausted afterwards and felt a bit sick. He wanted to watch the Man United and Arsenal game and hopped to the day room with all of us at 5.00 pm. He settled down in the chair with a couple of pillows and had only watched about 20 minutes when a consultant arrived to discuss the x-rays of his knee. He had to hop back to his bed and unfortunately missed two goals in the process!! The consultant explained the lump on his leg was due to the trauma received and that bone had begun to grow within the muscle tissue. Neil needs to see how well he rehabilitates and whether this growth will cause any restrictions. If it does they could operate but it could be tricky, as it may damage muscle tissue. He suggested we speak to Mr Campbell at Gatwick Park Hospital, who is a knee specialist and could probably give a clearer diagnosis. Neil was disappointed with this news and began vigorous exercise immediately!.

Friday is Fish day

I couldn't get there until about 1pm today and he proceeded to tell me how the fish and chips wasn't all that good he had finshed. Good to hear him moan again! He was in good spirits today and has obvioulsy been listening to all that is going on in the hospital. He proceeded to tell me about the guy across from him who was in ICU for 92 days, a victim of a hit and run, who had just got out of bed for the first time that day. He seems to know all the staff and is obviously enjoying being near the staff reception area. He has become the Harrison Ward gossip!!!

He went for a reasonable hop/stroll around the ward in the morning and was planning his next excursion for 2:30. He said it wears him out but he's determined to keep pushing himself. Good see that determination again. He was still waiting for confirmation of the move but not before the weekend.

Anyway I'm going on holiday so look forward to seeing updates from others. Hopefully on my next visit I'll be taking him some champagne to celebrate the mighty Blues victory in the Carling Cup

Shower Time!!

Went in to see Neil at 2.00 pm with Simon. He was quite chilled out and was pleased to see us. My sister Nikkie arrived and we all chatted around the bedside. Neil gave me a lovely Valentine's Card which some very special words in it and a big red heart to hang up. (He must have popped out to the shops at some point 'cos I don't know where they came from!) I gave him a Valentine's Card too (a homemade one!). Nikkie left and Simon escorted her back to her car so we could have some time alone. When Simon returned he was with my other sister, Julia, who he had picked up in the entrance!

He walked (shuffled) with the aid of his frame, to the toilet with my help and back again and was exhausted when he reached the bed! Julia and Simon went off for a romantic Valentine coffee together whilst Neil went and had a shower. With the help of a lovely male nurse, we wheeled him into the shower room. He had to sit in a chair which was hoisted over the bath and then he showered. Bless him - this is the sort of thing disabled and elderly people use and he looked helpless. He will get stronger once he can put weight on his left side.

Neil enjoyed his tea at 6.00 pm of cheese omlette, mash potato, carrots and beans! (weird combination I know). He has another 'stab wound' room mate, who has been put in the same bed as his previous 'stab wound' friend. The Brazilian lady opposite looked a lot brighter today and she has now been transferred to St Barts.

We left Neil with a puzzler magazine and I will check how much he has done tomorrow!

Valentines Day Rescue

Neil was sitting in the chair next to the bed when I arrived today. He had a T-shirt on that his mum had bought him which made him look more like himself. He told me he had been walkies all the way along the corridor already, he's getting more confident about moving around and is making good progress. He said that he has some fluid on his heart but apparently it's not that unusual.He was a little bit down again today , he's got too much time to think about things. He perked up after a while though and I established that he didn't have a valentines card. Tina had got one for him but we anticipated that he would be in Gatwick and so she hadn't been able to get it to him. I didn't want to see Sal put him back in intensive care so I nipped down to the hospital shop and got him one.

It appears that the earliest he could move is Sunday but it still needs the consultants to talk before he can go. Now Charlie Gaspants has moved in I think Neil is pretty keen to move out! Hopefully for his travelling fans he can move soon.

When I left he was looking forward to seeing Sal and Simon.

Wednesday Morning update

Dr Self here! I went to see Neil this morning, obviously took my gas mask in case Mr Smelly decided to have some more fun. He was pretty good and managed to hop with his 'zimmer frame' about 10 metres and then also perform various exercises, like squatting, for a while. He was a bit breathless but did very well. I was with him for about 1.5 hours which was good and he was very chatty. He was told that he would have a scan on his leg at 14:15 which pleased him. A nurse came to take blood and I have never seen someone panic so much!!! He absolutely hates it. In the end she couldn't get any and gave up...although I have to admit I hate needles also, so much so that I couldn't watch. A nurse did actually ask me who I was today after an hour and so I think I have been rumbled. She didn't chuck me out though, has anyone got a stethoscope?

Sal rang me at 2:45 to say he'd gone down for the scan but the bad news is that Gatwick Park is full so he can't go there. They were seeing if there was an alternative. Neil taken the news well but for all those travelling up to see him it's disappointing. Hopefully Sal may have some better news later.

Monday and Tuesday's Progress

Monday Neil was quite emotional in the morning when Al saw him. The Chaplain paid him a visit and talked to him for a while. I arrived with Neil's Mum and Dad about 2 o'clock and Neil was fairly bright. He hadn't wanted to do the physio and felt very tired and lethargic. He managed to eat most of his dinner but was keen to get things moving so he could be transferred to Gatwick Park Hospital. He was waiting to be checked over by the cardiologist to be given the all clear to be transferred. The cardiologist unfortunately didn't arrive and they told Neil it would have to wait until Tuesday. We noticed a solid lump which has appeared at the top of his left leg which needs to be scanned and checked also. Neil's friend Lee, who was in the bed opposite, was discharged and he said goodbye to us all. He had been stabbed by a 'friend' a few days earlier. He and Neil and talked a lot about 4 am most mornings.



Tuesday morning, once again Al did his doctor impersonation and sneaked in to see Neil before visiting hours. He was better than the day before but still having low times. His sister Tina rang him on his personal line to help while away a bit more time for him. I arrived with my Dad at 2 o'clock and he was very pleased to see us. He had done his physio and had hopped a few steps using a frame, which he was delighted with - but totally shattered. When we first arrived there was the most disgusting smell coming from the bed next door and poor Neil was gagging and couldn't escape - I closed the curtains and fetched him a sick tray. His retching could be heard around the ward! I have to admit I was retching too - it was revolting. We later found out this patient was an elderly gentleman called Charlie who saw Neil and thought he was George Graham! (or is it Graham George?) The cardiologist eventually turned up and gave Neil the all clear. He has taken him off the heart tablets and is very happy with his progress. He still awaits the scan on his left leg before they will allow him to be transferred. A patient opposite Neil arrived yesterday (a hit and run victim) who has badly fractured her pelvis and leg. Poor lady she couldn't understand much English as she is from Brazil. The Roman Catholic Priest at the hospital (who is Brazilian) came to see her today. Whilst he was explaining her forthcoming operation to her he went an ashen shade when one of the nurses walked past with a couple of bags of blood and then fainted and had to be carried off by two doctors! It was all happening today!! Jerry Hamilton texted me to see if we wanted a lift home as he was working nearby. He popped in to see Neil and cheered him up and then drove us home in comfort. Hoping Neil will have the scan tomorrow and that he can be transferred to Gatwick Park Hospital asap.

Message from Julia from Sunday

Neil was pleased to see Sally when she arrived at 2:05pm today byt immediately complained that she was 5 mins late! He had been bored all morning and had watched the clock continuously from 6:30am, when the lights were switched on, until 2pm when visitors can arrive.
No physio today as its Sundaybut he's been moving his arms and legs a lot in bed and performing various exercises to try to strengthen his muscles.
Yesterday he told Sally he really fancied a nice salad to eat so she popped to Sainsburys before she went to see him, to but him one. When she arrived , 5 minutes late, and produced it he quickly announced he really fancied a 'Big Mac' today. Simon, who had driven Sally to the hospital, quickly obliged and rushed to the Macdonalds over the Road. Neil really enjoyed a 'Big Mac', fries and large coke! He then ate Macoroni Cheese and carrots when they brought tea round later so he seems detemined to put his weight back on ;-)
He has had a check on his heart and needs the results of that before he can be transferred so hopes to know tomorrow.

Ju (Sal's sister)

Feeling hungry!

Well Neil was certainly a lot brighter when we visited him on Sunday. When I arrived he said he was bored, so bored, so very bored - he'd been waiting for me to arrive since 7.00 am and watched the clock pass each hour! He doesn't want to read the paper or watch the TV (I know exactly how he feels - nothing seems important now). I haven't got a clue what's going on in the outside world at the moment. I went up with my Mum and Simon Tonge and we popped to Sainsburys first to buy some lunch. Neil was keen to have a salad the day before so Simon bought him a lovely chicken salad. However, when we arrived and the salad was produced he said what he really fancied was a Big Mac, chips and coke! Simon went straight out to McDonalds and bought it for him - he stuffed his face and enjoyed every mouthful. Physio grinds to a halt at the weekends and so nobody had been around to see him but he was doing his exercises for most of the time we were there and was cross with himself that he couldn't do more. Mum and Simon left and Neil and I had some time alone. I popped up on the bed with him and nearly dozed off! My sisters Julia and Nikkie turned up an hour later and disturbed the peaceful atmosphere! One of Neil's ward mates is a lovely guy called Lee who was stabbed a few days ago - they chat together in the mornings and the evenings when visiting times are over. Neil ate his macaroni cheese and carrots and we left shortly afterwards. He was in fairly good spirits but said he was now going to be bored until my next visit!

Neil didn't feel too great when I arrived today and you could see the discomfort in his face. He was sitting in a chair but wanted to get back into bed. I asked the nurses and left him to get comfortable. As there was a few people there Chris and I decided to go to the pub! The Good Samaritan...Guiness was good. We went back and he looked a lot better, or maybe my eyes were blurred!!. We stayed for a while with everyone and chatted. He is having a couple of checks, one on his heart and the other urine to see if he can move to a local hospital. It's hoped he may move on Tuesday to a more local hospital that will be a lot more convenient for the family visits. He still doesn't feel up to seeing lots of people at the moment. That's all for now

The Latest from Royal London

Been to see Neil today. He was in pretty good spirits. Obviously had a few down moments but is very positive. He wants to be able to jump out of bed and run around the ward! He is disappointed he cannot do this. It is going to take time and he has come to realise this now. Neil is very alert and has a prime position in the ward, watching all the comings and goings along the corridor (he's always been quite keen to watch what's going on). He is having physiotherapy every day and was able to stand briefly today and sit in a chair. His room mate keeps going for a wander and has to be returned back to his bed - poor chap - he's Polish and cannot understand what they are saying to him. Back up to see Neil again tomorrow so will update everyone then.

Neil saying hello to everyone

This video was caputured today by Doug on his mobile phone. Still making superb progress. As you can see he now has no tubes in him and looks his normal self. Apparently he tried to get a bit of the nurses chinese last night! I'm sure they'll want him out soon. He may be moving to a more local hospital early next week. This will be good for the constant stream of visitors, except me as I work in London!!! Did a little bit more physio work today but as he can't put any weight on the left side it's very hard. I only popped in for a short while so hopefully others can put more on later.

This was taken on the Sat 2nd Feb. Neil has had the tubes removed now. I'll put a new pcture up soon.
Today he had to get out of bed and balance on his right foot whilst leaning against a zimmer frame. He managed to stand for a few seconds, I think he said 30. He said it was very hard work and he was sweating trying to do this. He has been given some exercises to do, basically moving his ams around, to start building himself up again.

Site to provide updates on how Neil is getting on

To save on emails, phone calls etc we will endeavour to post an update every day on Neil's recovery for all to see.

I saw him yesterday and he has been moved from ICU. I saw him in the high dependency unit and he looked well. He's obviously lost some weight, his face looks a lot thinner! He has had the tracheochtomy(?)/ventilation removed and is talking very well. I understand he was moved onto the general ward later that day. The pain killing drip is no longer in place and he is just taking pain killers at regular intervals. He had an x-ray on his hip which I assume is to see how much physio he can attempt today.