Monday, March 07, 2005

Bedside report 7 March

Thank you for all those jokes and anecdotes, we will try them on Mike tomorrow. Big thanks also to Paul (Fonterra) for lots of motivational talk today about the weekend's Ironman and anecdotes of amazing recoveries from serious head injuries. All Mike's mates seem to have done extremely well.
Mike made more progress today. The physiotherapist (Kylie's very impressive friend Araminta)had Mike sitting upright on the edge of the bed this morning fighting manfully to get his neck to lift that concrete head of his into a fully vertical position. You could see him working hard to do it and he managed a few centimeters. I got the sense that the challenge interested him.
His eyes are opening more, when he is not exhausted, but are not obviously taking anything in yet. He smiled again (the third time since his accident) when his Mum told him that his Dad was meant to be helping but was distracted by a new number puzzle game "Sudoku" in the Herald (page A10, they were right that today's one was easy). I think his swallowing and coughing is getting stronger, but not enough yet for them to risk taking out his "trachy" as they call it. His right hand, which has been pretty passive and entirely easy going up to now, was clenching strongly today. To put your hand into either of his now may feel like putting your hand into a clam. Maybe he is dreaming of Indian wrestling.
We are still trying to train him to signal 'yes' or 'no' by tapping. Notwithstanding his opening of the eyes etc, he is still out to it.
We were told today that he might be moved to Wellington early next week. Apparently ACC contract the management of head injury cases like Mike's to a firm called Cavit that has units in Auckland and Lower Hutt. They would fly him down in a special plane (sponsored by NZ Post). If you can forgive the excrutiating pun, will keep you posted on this.
Mike's Dad

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lee, Bryce, TJ, Mike and Phil - we are with you every inch - probably that should be centimetre - of the way.
Lee and Bryce - I will be away by the time you get back to Wellington but I'll keep checking Mike's progress as often as I can and my thoughts will be with you all.
Love and hugs
Fleur

Anonymous said...

Hi Wilkinsons ... I think Mike's involvement as Project Coordinator for the 2005 Stunts Committee attack on Jo & Grants house is sure to raise a smile ... Mike appearing at the crack of dawn armed and dangerous with wrapping paper, party poppers and 315 pink elephant stickers!!

See you all in wellington soon ... Lots of Love ... Cuzzie Katie xox

Anonymous said...

Hi Cuzzie Bros,

You know it's taken me a week to realise I can comment directly here on the blogspot - how geriatric is that?!

Am currently in Turkey (you guys these parts very well!) but following all the news with great hope, confidence and familial love.

My very best to Mike,

David W.

Anonymous said...

Dear Lee and Bryce and family
Carol Stigley kindly sent us this url. We send all our love and to you all. Don't forget to take care of each other during this traumatic time.
Barbara and Don

Anonymous said...

Mike - Great to hear you're making so much progress since I last talked to you.

The catch phrase for the capital is "Absolutely positively Wellington", so might be the best place for you to get back on the bike.

We might even have to organise a boys trip down there!!

Kia kaha
Tim McD

Anonymous said...

Dear Bryce and family... I don't know Mike very well, but have come across him occasionally in the CRA office in Wellington. I have not seen Bryce for several years now, but recall our meetings well. I have been following Mike's progress through James from CRA and the blog. Having been through a similar (but different)experience with my daughter five years ago, I feel like I understand some of the rollercoaster ride you are going through....My thoughts and hopes are with you.

Lee Wilson

Anonymous said...

Bryce, Lee, TJ and Phil,

We are thinking of you and Mike everyday. Look after each other.

Love and regards from Plimmerton
Dave and Irena

Anonymous said...

Kay and Hallam say
We look forward to having you back in Wellington,Wilkinsons all and easier for you Lee and Bryce to have your own home as a base.Tracy you will feel you are really home.
Thinking of you all constantly.

Anonymous said...

Kay and Hallam say
We look forward to having you back in Wellington,Wilkinsons all and easier for you Lee and Bryce to have your own home as a base.Tracy you will feel you are really home.
Thinking of you all constantly.

Anonymous said...

Lee and Bryce.....Just Brenda of Hodders here. We have been reading your news and are cheering Mike all the way. Every step of progress is wonderful and hopefully our positive thoughts and wishes are winging their way across town. Our very best wishes to you all.

Anonymous said...

hey, good to read mikes progress is going fantastic, hope to catch ya soon mike, dwn wgtn
pete w
mikes family: thanks for all the updates its been great just knowing how things are going is good to hear,

Anonymous said...

Derek and I are following Mike's progress and thinking of you all every day.We know its a long slow climb but feel sure that the huge love that surrounds Mike will help achieve a good outcome.
thank you so much for providing this web site. Many thoughts and love from the senior Broadmores.

Anonymous said...

Hi,
Happy birthday to Mike for the 10th. He is a top bloke and here's wishing all the best for the recovery. The website updates are great for seeing Mike's progress. Good luck for the move to Wgtn.
Cheers,
Zubin, Chch