Griff - What A Time Of It I'm Having Lately

[BroadAmbition]

Day 9

Update from the magicians:-  internal pace maker fitted and operational, the procedure went well. 

The next step is to reduce his dependency on the ventilator. Another update this evening. 

Btw, they do have medical insurance so we won’t have to sell our hovel 

Griff

[floydraser]

Timely that Google are celebrating Doctor Victor Chang today. Never heard of him before but we owe a lot to him and others.

[BroadAmbition]

Evening Update - No change, Shaun remains stable in a coma.  His mobile family support team will be visiting him tomorrow afternoon

Griff

[BroadAmbition]

Another long day for me again.  Out of house at 0715, got back home at 1945.  Left my clients at 1730, had to go to Donny hospital for my annual eye screening (Diabetes Type 2) then to daughters to collect old skirting / architrave / Carpet I removed Sunday. I was proper grateful she had made me some tea to heat up when I got home. (My plumber mate been to hers - Central heating system now leak free and operational) then off to my farmer mate to dispose of gear into his bio mass burner - Then home

Gotta think about getting gear packed and ready for this weekend afloat, bedding etc for the guests.  Daughter has been round in my absence today and done the laundry, hoovered through etc.  Next door neighbours are getting Purdey out on walks at least twice a day, closing my curtains turning night lights on etc. Our dishwasher isn't gonna get used till MrsG gets home - pointless with just me and Purdey here

This situation would be so much easier if I was retired.  Far too busy to even begin missing MrsG (Don't tell her I said that)  

Besides we've had a life before now with me being away a lot so are kind a used to it, a couple of years ago she emigrated up to Gourock for around nine months to nurse her Mum to her death (She succeeded) so we've had practise runs

Griff

[kpnut]

1 hour ago, BroadAmbition said:

a couple of years ago she emigrated up to Gourock for around nine months to nurse her Mum to her death (She succeeded) so we've had practise runs

You have a certain way of saying things Griff!

Remember you need to take care of yourself too. It does sound like you have a good support network at your end too. 

[BroadAmbition]

Day 10

Docs have been on the blower. 

Shauns lung efficiency has improved substantially.  (I have asked for a percentage figure)They now intend to gradually reduce his dependency on the ventilator. 

His Mobile support team will be visiting him this afternoon, that’s a minimum of a six hour evolution. 

Friends and family are still queuing up to drive them there and back, others are preparing meals for them when they get home - good to hear Shaun’s mobile support unit has its own support group. 

MrsG is holding up well and remains positive- As do we all

Griff

[FairTmiddlin]

Good news Griff

The recovery now hopefully will be steady

[BroadAmbition]

Call from Shaun's son earlier this evening:-

Shaun's lungs are near 100% operational with the aid of the ventilator. The ventilator is operating at less than 40%, they hope to reduce this further

The BIG news is that the magicians have today stopped completely the sedation drug. However he is on many powerful painkillers which in turn make him drowsy. As his family support team departed for home, Shaun has been moving his right hand and arm, neck, head, mouth, tongue, eyelids and eyes (no speech)

A huge step forward and positive. We look forward to tomorrow mornings update

Griff

[Wonderwall]

He is fighting hard the lad. 

Respect and good wishes to all 

xx

[BroadAmbition]

Day 11

Evening update. 
Huge positives today, in no particular order:-
He is conscious but nods off frequently. 
Eaten some jelly by mouth - difficulty in swallowing (Tracheotomy). 
Lungs are improving assisted by ventilator, need muscles in diaphragm and lungs to build themsens up, breathing mostly on his own now. 
Kidneys - Good. 
Blood circulation - Good. 
Pacemaker - Good. 
Calf wound was a vein removal for the bypass. 
In pain - needs to manage that (Jock whimp). 
His position is now in between sitting and lying. 
Recognised his mobile support team.
Responds when asked with movements using eyes / tongue / eyes
He can move 1 x arm and both legs. 

Needs more time to heal but in good hands. We just ‘May’ have got him back!

Big big day, best he / we have had so far

His mobile support team have been asked to give him a rest day tomorrow so are due to visit Saturday 

Griff

[MargeandParge]

Yeah kindest Regards Marge and Parge 

[Bikertov]

Really positive to hear all this Griff

You know everyone on here is rooting for Sean, and do let the family know too so they can all take strength from it !

[MargeandParge]

Griff I must qualify my last post of Yeah it's one of our family sayings when things are more positive. 

Kindest Regards Marge and Parge 

[Gracie]

Brilliant news Griff. I know the magicians are fantastic but Shaun must be putting up one hell of a fight. Well done Shaun

Not only has he got a wonderful supportive family around him, half of the NBN are willing him on too  Just reminds me of what a supportive community we have here too x

 

[BroadAmbition]

Day 12

No news / update today. Mobile support group visiting him tomorrow 

Griff

[Polly]

All the best Griff. 

[BroadAmbition]

Day 13

Shaun remains stable. 
He had an operation today to remove a 450ml blood clot, operation went well, a small procedure compared to what he has endured to date, bit of a set back for him but Docs happy.
He is given an inhaler now and again to combat Mucus build up.   Temp high at 38c but is better than yesterday. 
Yesterday he was OFF the lung machine for 30 mins, today for 45 mins. They will keep increasing this daily in an effort to train his lungs to cope on their own
He’s still facing an uphill battle. His mobile support team said it was not nice seeing him in pain. He seems to be feeling a bit sorry for himself (fully understandable)
 

Griff

[Polly]

I was on life support back in the day Griff. Tell them to speak loud and clearly to him. Read him a book he’d enjoy to stimulate his brain..nothing too dramatic just a feel good text.

Love to Laureen and the rest of them.

[BroadAmbition]

Day 14

Shaun is now Sat more upright. He has fluid build up which they are evacuating. His temperature is falling slowly. He has had more time off the lung machine

Griff

[BroadAmbition]

Day 15

More positive today, he smiled at his mobile support team!
He is now moving both arms and head more. Lungs are improved. Next steps breathing on his own for 72 x Hrs before Tracheotomy can be reversed. He’s also learning how to drink, swallow and eat again. Dialysis no longer needed. He is still tired, sleepy and weak but was brighter and in a better mood / place
 

Griff

[Polly]

In the scheme of things, a tracheotomy is no big deal. He will not however be able to speak until they give him a speaking version when he can close the tube and divert air to his vocal cords.

it doesn’t hurt

[BroadAmbition]

Day 16

The magicians have discussed with Shauns support team they no longer need a morning update by phone which takes their valuable time plus logging details of any conversations, especially when they are due to visit in the afternoons

Right, Shaun is in less pain, they are managing his levels better. On Thursday Shaun will be moved to a lung / Breathing specialist ICU. This is only 40 mins from his mobile support units home, much better for visiting. It’s not a HDU or rehabilitation centre, he’s not ready for that yet. 

Today he seemed happier and was smiling more. Communication each way is proving frustrating especially for Shaun (Tracheotomy) so they intend to do letters etc

The Magicians are pleased and confident with his progression, he remains stable
 

Griff

[YnysMon]

So heartwarming to hear about his progress. Please keep on with the updates.

[andy]

Good to hear he is improving hope it carries on 👍

[BroadAmbition]

Day 17

A good / positive day. General physical movement improved, could scratch his head with both arms, firm handshake, not as tired, he even managed a laugh.

However he has a small blood clot in the pericardium close to his heart. The Docs are trying to reduce it, if it increases in size = then an open chest operation again!  It’s a bit risky and would set him back.   Consequently he will now stay at the specialist Heart hospital until at least Monday

All in all, a positive day

Griff