Out of Intensive Care Unit.

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

My Dad has been taken off the critical list and is now out of I.C.U.

 

Even better news if possible, the tube has been taken out of the neck at 12.30 today, he was breathing without added Oxygen too, this was the case up till I left at 3pm to return to work. (The Enebulizer / Trectiotomy was the gadget taken out of the neck) Will phone Mum when she comes out of ward later tonight to find out whether he kept of the Oxygen, after I left.

 

Next two days, just need to check he keeps his oxygen levels above 91, his fingers are in a machine, this afternoon he was on 93-95.

 

He now eats, today had Custard, Weetabix, Hospital Yogurt without the bits, Plain Ice Cream, might not sound a healthy diet, but they have to start him on mushy food, Tea and Orange through a straw.

 

Pysiotherapist wants to get him out of bed tomorrow, that is going to be strange, but he has come on in leaps and bounds.

 

Happy Flag.

 

[The FD]

Class mate, may the good progress continue!

[American FLEET FAN No1]

The steps are getting larger! May they continue to do so!

[Urchin Boy]

The News Is Getting Better And Better !

[Mr Happy]

This is fantastic news. It's incredible to think that not so long ago the future looked very bleak. It just goes to show the power of hope and love.

[Big J R]

Superb News. Just in time to cheer us on in Europe !

[mikef]

Absolutely fantastic.

 

Mike F

<img src="/images/graemlins/chat.gif" alt="" />

[chilled out entertainer]

Outstanding, i am absolutely made up for you and your family.

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

It gets better mate, this week the physio got him out of bed and walked him with her holding his arm and him holding a walking frame to the end of his bed and back again.

 

He is now on solid food too.

 

They say he will leave the hospital if everything goes to plan in a fortnight, first time they have given us any dates in advance since he has been in there.

 

He will go into a rehab place. Pardon my ignorance but I had only heard of Rehab places for alchohol and drugs, as he would not be able to climb the stairs for sometime.

Toilet and Bathroom and Bedrooms all upstairs, needs to be downstairs for hospital appointments.

 

Least he is leaving hospital medically he is better.

<img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[mala_D]

Mark....I'm so pleased to hear the update. Best wishes again.

 

As for the Rehab Unit, look out for your dad when he's there.

 

I've stayed a few times in the Rehab ward of the RNOH in Stanmore and despite it NOT being a drink or drugs-related "rehab", the place was known as "the party ward".

The patients who were nearing recovery and gaining increased mobility used to pop out to the hospital bar with the nurses and come back to the ward pi55ed up.

Pizza delivery men used to turn up at all hours....and the smoking and gambling were sights to behold.

 

Only wish I was going back on that ward this week! <img src="/images/graemlins/whistling.gif" alt="" />

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

Thanks Maladroit, reading the start of your message I went from being overly concerned to laughing and thinking this sounds fun.

 

.......................................

 

Mum phoned, as I did not go to Hospital today she said they took Dad out in a Wheelchair to the Gardens first visit out of a Ward since March.

 

Mum and Dad panicking they will put him in a rehab miles from their home. At the mo mum can stay on site. Just hope they have one in Southend for him to stay in and her to visit.

[mala_D]

I don't know your dad's age, Mark..and if he's retired...but if he is moved somewhere innacessible for your mum, then I'm sure Social Services might be able to assist.

But anyway...I'm sure the health authority will work something out for the best.

 

Glad I made you chuckle!

[Colin, Germany]

Good to hear the great progress your Dad is making, Mark.

 

Rehab is quite normal in Germany after a major operation, and it is a good idea looking after patients who are not quite back to health.

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

Cheers Boys,

 

Maladroit - Dad is 65, Mum is 61

[American FLEET FAN No1]

Dangerous age 65! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[JordanB]

mark i have read your recent posts on your dads progress without reading your intial posts. this morning i took the time to look back and i have read from the first post right the way through to this thread. what a remarkable story and you and your family can all be really proud of your dad and how you have all coped throughout. it is really interesting for me to read what you have been through (luckily, i have not had such an experience).

 

really pleased your dad is really on the mend now.

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

"Hoping to find a cure for cancer", (In March) was the very first thread on this. It has been a rollercoaster, but thankfully it looks like it is coming to an end now. A very happy ending. (11 weeks have flown by)

 

I know my mum is sleeping now and she is relieved. The same goes for my sisters and myself.

 

I just did what you mentioned and re-read through my own diary of events. I am so pleased I kept a record and that it has all turned out better than we could of imagined after he was unconcious.

 

Thanks Pinnacle.

Mark. <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Big J R]

Great great news, Mark.

 

Dad must be a 'fighter' Attitude of mind has a hell of a lot to do with it !

[Mark (Flag) Braintree]

After 92 days (13 weeks) my Dad has been released from Whitechappel Hospital an ambulance picked him up and took both him on a stretcher and my mum to the rehab place.

 

The place is in Thorpe Bay near Shoeburyness and tonight will be the first night for my mum to sleep in her own bed. (Since 23rd March)

 

He needs this build up, liquidized food which costs £ 8.00 a day, we have found out that he can get help paying for this from Social Services, as he no longer has a stomach he needs this 4 times a day, small meals but often is the rule. The rehab is to be a 4-6 week course, to get him used to walking again. As we departed Whitechappel hosp they gave him a bag of this build up to get him through today and other medical bits and pieces.

 

Last week he could walk on a frame un aided from a nurse / physio for the 1st time.

 

Although at times we got frustrated by the staff at Whitechappel Hospital, we do owe them a great debt especially the Intensive Care Unit who were brilliant.

 

 

[Mr Happy]

Mark, more good news. However, what do you mean by him not having a stomach? What does this mean in the long term?