I haven't blogged for a while, because there wasn't always that much to tell, so let me give some updates.
Trevor is now fully off the ventilator and has been for quite a while now. They put the 'talking pipe' in his tracheoscopy and capped it, so he can now talk but his voice is still quite quiet and he's struggling a bit talking because his throat is very sore.
Today the ent came to see him and says his vocal cords are not working correctly yet...personally, I think its because his throat is always so darn sore from the feeding tube which goes through his nose and into his stomach. The good news about that though, is that they are thinking of doing a minor surgery to put his feeding tube directly into is stomach, which means they will be able to remove the tube and hopefully his throat will be able to recover.
Trevor has been asking for a while to get his hair cut and I was hoping to do it when he got to rehab, but seeing as his trip to rehab has been delayed, Seleste contacted a mobile hairdresser she knows and the lady, Cindy came to the hospital today and washed his hair and cut it nicely. LOL he said he wanted a GI Joe haircut and its pretty close, very short, just how he likes it. Thanks so much Cindy, we really appreciate it.
My news is that I passed my learners licence and my drivers test is booked for 26 June. I would have preferred to wait a bit more, but that was the earliest in advance they could give me when I booked it. Not much time at all, but my instructor is convinced it won't be a problem and I'm having quite a few double lessons before then to get ready. My first lesson was today and we did alley docking and it all went well. I didn't hit any poles or even get close to them from both sides, I did it very well and my instructor was quite pleased. :) I was very stressed but I'm sure that as time goes on, it will get easier.
Trevor told me that I must take the St Christoper from our cars keys with me when I drive, but as Matthew is using the car, we didn't want to do that, so today I bought a small silver St Christoper to keep me safe and because its what Trevor wanted :)
Oh...and on Tuesday, I ran 3km for the first time :) Quite proud of myself.
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Wednesday, June 3, 2015
Good days :)
Yesterday, when we went to visit Trevor we found him sitting up in a lazyboy recliner chair and were so pleased. Then today when we went to visit at 3pm we found that they had put the 'talking pipe' into the tracheotomy so that he could actually talk to us. We were all thrilled :D Sometimes he spoke quite clearly and other times a bit softly and it was difficult to hear, but it was just so nice for him to be able to talk to us. What made me most emotional, was when I left and he told me he loves me <3 I always tell him I love him when I leave him, but to hear him say it to me after so long was just so great. He also seemed very pleased to be able to talk to us, even though it was a bit stressful for him. Using that 'talking pipe', is very different to what he has been dealing with up till now, so it will take a while for him to get more used to it, but even in the time we were there, he seemed to get more used to it, although he told us when we left that he wanted them to remove it again.
Good days :D good days :D Even the rain can't dampen my spirits today.
Good days :D good days :D Even the rain can't dampen my spirits today.
Sunday, May 31, 2015
Still the same old Trevor
Trevor's ventilator level has been reduced again and is now on 4 and his physician is very pleased with how the infection is clearing up and how well he is doing, so it won't be long before that ventilator is on cpap and then 'capped'.
Trevor showed today how he is still the same person and we had a good laugh about it. Sometimes he needs to have the saliva suctioned out of his mouth and normally when I'm there, I do it, but today at the one visiting, he told Nicole to do it and she got all ready and as she put the suction into his mouth, he jerked his head and pulled a weird face as if it hurt him and Nicole got all freaked out thinking she had hurt him till she saw how much he was smiling and how we were laughing, because he did it on purpose as a joke :D hahahahahahaha
Trevor recently asked Matthew to tell him about the accident and the rescue and although hearing the details made him very emotional, and made us all emotional, I think its good that he asked, because it will help him to start dealing with it and accepting it. Today he actually asked me how I got to the mountain on the day of his accident, so I told him that Nicole and Kevin brought me there. I think he wanted to know a bit more, but then other visitors came in, so if he wants to know more from my side, I will tell him when he asks.
Its now been a month since the accident and he is still in the surgical ICU ward, but we are hoping that it won't be long before he can go to the general ward or maybe even directly to rehab. Today he watched Comrades the whole day, because he always loves watching it, so that was a good sign too. His sister was running Comrades today, so we were all watching it and it was so awesome to see her briefly on TV :D Congratulations Tracy, you did us all proud and I know Trevor is VERY proud of you.
Trevor showed today how he is still the same person and we had a good laugh about it. Sometimes he needs to have the saliva suctioned out of his mouth and normally when I'm there, I do it, but today at the one visiting, he told Nicole to do it and she got all ready and as she put the suction into his mouth, he jerked his head and pulled a weird face as if it hurt him and Nicole got all freaked out thinking she had hurt him till she saw how much he was smiling and how we were laughing, because he did it on purpose as a joke :D hahahahahahaha
Trevor recently asked Matthew to tell him about the accident and the rescue and although hearing the details made him very emotional, and made us all emotional, I think its good that he asked, because it will help him to start dealing with it and accepting it. Today he actually asked me how I got to the mountain on the day of his accident, so I told him that Nicole and Kevin brought me there. I think he wanted to know a bit more, but then other visitors came in, so if he wants to know more from my side, I will tell him when he asks.
Its now been a month since the accident and he is still in the surgical ICU ward, but we are hoping that it won't be long before he can go to the general ward or maybe even directly to rehab. Today he watched Comrades the whole day, because he always loves watching it, so that was a good sign too. His sister was running Comrades today, so we were all watching it and it was so awesome to see her briefly on TV :D Congratulations Tracy, you did us all proud and I know Trevor is VERY proud of you.
Wednesday, May 27, 2015
28 May 2015
7.22 - I know I haven't blogged for a while, thats because I had been hoping to be able to tell you all that Trevor's tracheotomy was taken out, but that hasn't happened yet. His ventilator was put on cpap, which is when the ventilator just keeps up some pressure in the airways but doesn't actually breathe for him and then later it was switched off and he was breathing on his own totally, but that makes him tired, so it can only be done for limited periods of time. Unfortunately the first night he has some struggle breathing so they have put him on the ventilator again fully.
On this past Saturday, his club, the Telkom Athletics Club did a Pledge Walk for him from the Pinelands Sports Club to the hospital and back. Nicole was with him at the hospital and Matthew with us all on the walk and they were skyping so that Trevor could see the walk and all the walkers all the way. There were TAC members, friends and family and members from other groups and clubs, and people from his work, about 50 people in all and it was an awesome walk. Even the rain held off with just a very light sprinkling during the walk and it only really started when the walk ended. The vibe was so good on the walk and when we got to the hospital, we all waved at his window and then a prayer was said. It really warms my heart, to know that Trevor has such wonderful people in his life and we are so blessed to know them all.
On this past Saturday, his club, the Telkom Athletics Club did a Pledge Walk for him from the Pinelands Sports Club to the hospital and back. Nicole was with him at the hospital and Matthew with us all on the walk and they were skyping so that Trevor could see the walk and all the walkers all the way. There were TAC members, friends and family and members from other groups and clubs, and people from his work, about 50 people in all and it was an awesome walk. Even the rain held off with just a very light sprinkling during the walk and it only really started when the walk ended. The vibe was so good on the walk and when we got to the hospital, we all waved at his window and then a prayer was said. It really warms my heart, to know that Trevor has such wonderful people in his life and we are so blessed to know them all.
The prayer taken at ground level
The prayer taken from Trevor's window
Waving to Trevor taken from his window
Thank you to Derrick and TAC for arranging this event and to ALL those who walked with us on the day, I know it means a lot to Trevor to know that he has this kind of wonderful support and it means a lot to us, Trevor's family too.
There was only one 'sore point' recently and that was to do with the media. I spoke to a Sunday Times reporter who wanted to do an article in their daily paper "The Times" and I had assumed that it was about the Pledge Walk that was done, because that is what they were approached about, but when the article was printed, I was so angry and upset, because instead of making the article about the wonderful support for Trevor after his injury, they sensationalized it and made it all about the 'perils of the mountain' which was only done to sell newspapers Grrrr They took a heartwarming event and just used it...although they never even mentioned the event AT ALL. Not one single word about it. NEVER trust a reporter from The Times!!!!!
However my faith in the media was restored by Brenden Ruiter from our local newspaper The Tyger Burger for his sensitive and heartwarming story that was in yesterday's Tyger Burger. Nicely done Brenden, THAT is the kind of article that I wanted done.
Friday, May 22, 2015
Another day, another surgery
7.14 - Yesterday after a days delay from when we were told they would first operate, the orthopaedic surgeon operated on Trevor's shoulder. He, the orthopaedic surgeon, phoned me after the surgery to say that the damage to Trevor's shoulder was worse than they had thought from the X-rays. All of the tendons had been torn, as well as the fracture, but they repaired all the damage and he was pleased with the result.
Nicole and Kevin picked me up and we rushed through there to have a few mins with Trevor before visiting hours ended and when I said we need to leave because visiting was over he shook his head to say no. I... asked his nurse if we could stay a little longer and she said yes. About 8 mins later I again said would need to leave and again he shook his head no. Nicole and Kevin went to wait outside and the nurse said I could stay a bit longer. About 8.20 I saw he was getting sleepy (the nurse had given him morphine for pain) so I told him that I was going to go and let him sleep and finally he was okay with me leaving.
Nicole and Kevin picked me up and we rushed through there to have a few mins with Trevor before visiting hours ended and when I said we need to leave because visiting was over he shook his head to say no. I... asked his nurse if we could stay a little longer and she said yes. About 8 mins later I again said would need to leave and again he shook his head no. Nicole and Kevin went to wait outside and the nurse said I could stay a bit longer. About 8.20 I saw he was getting sleepy (the nurse had given him morphine for pain) so I told him that I was going to go and let him sleep and finally he was okay with me leaving.
It was so hard to know he didn't want me to leave, but that I couldn't stay indefinately :( He looked good though under the circumstances, and I'm glad that we did rush through there thought, it seems it settled him to see us.
Hopefully this will be the last surgery he will need to undergo. The doc told me it would be a six week recovery period where he won't be able to use his shoulder and thereafter about another six weeks to regain mobility in his shoulder, so its a bit of a setback regarding physio on that arm, but in the long run its a good thing.
Shame :( he was telling us he was hungry last night, but unfortunately had to wait a few hours after his surgery to get fed.
1. 45 - Went to see Trevor this morning and he seemed good. Dr Pretorius came to see him while we were there and seems very happy with how things are going and its possible it won't be much longer before the ventilator is removed. The ventilator level is back down to 4 which means he is breathing better. It had been put up to 8 last night after the surgery to make sure all was okay after the anesthetic etc.
Hopefully this will be the last surgery he will need to undergo. The doc told me it would be a six week recovery period where he won't be able to use his shoulder and thereafter about another six weeks to regain mobility in his shoulder, so its a bit of a setback regarding physio on that arm, but in the long run its a good thing.
Shame :( he was telling us he was hungry last night, but unfortunately had to wait a few hours after his surgery to get fed.
1. 45 - Went to see Trevor this morning and he seemed good. Dr Pretorius came to see him while we were there and seems very happy with how things are going and its possible it won't be much longer before the ventilator is removed. The ventilator level is back down to 4 which means he is breathing better. It had been put up to 8 last night after the surgery to make sure all was okay after the anesthetic etc.
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Life *bleep* sucks :( but the sun sometimes shines
Recently I've had some of those 'life f'ing sucks' moments, but also some things that have warmed my heart.
Trevor's athletics club, Telkom Athletics Club, has arranged to do a support walk for Trevor from Pinelands to the hospital and I had to ask permission from the hospital for the walkers to come onto their premisis. At the time it was weekend, and as I seem to have so much to remember and deal with lately, I decided to just email someone at the hospital, so they would see it Monday when admin staff were on duty. Early Monday morning I got an email saying that they think its a very heartwarming gesture of the club and they gave approval for the walkers to enter the hospital grounds. Originally it was going to be a run, but there are some logistal problems (permissions etc that would be required for roads etc that would take too long to get) so its been changed from a run to a walk (apparently its easier for walkers than runners). The Hikers Network rescue team that Trevor was a part of has also been invited to take part and many others are taking part too. The Hospital has been amazing about it and I'm so thankful for that.
Then came a couple of 'life f'ing sucks' moments. Last night I had invited the kids over for supper and I was trying out a new recipe. All went well, and I cooked the chicken casserole and was cooking the rice to go with it, when my gas ran out (I have a gas hob) :( but luckily we are seasoned campers, so we had a small cadac gas cylinder in the gararge which I could use to finish off the supper.
Matthew had given me Trevor's camera back the other day (he had it after the fall) and I had not looked at the pictures, but last night, after everyone had left, I took it out and looked at the pics. I sat here scrolling through them, my eyes filling with tears to see so much fun and happiness and knowing how it ended and then when my mind focussed on the fact, that the last pic taken, must have been shortly before Trevor fell, I couldn't take it anymore and had to put the camera down and I just sobbed and sobbed for a long time. I know Trevor would have loved the pics and would have been VERY eager to show us all and post them on fb, so at some point, I will upload them and post them, but right now, it just hurts too much :(
Then this morning I had arranged for Matthew to take me to book for my learners test and at the testing station they told me that the first available appt was 24 June :( I had been hoping to be able to write the test in a week or so and when we asked to speak to the management rep to see if I could get in earlier we were told he was on leave. My heart sank, but they said we could try another testing station, so off we went to the next one, only to be told their first appt was 19 June :( but their management rep was there and we spoke to him and although I don't have an appointment yet, there is still a chance I may get one soon, I just have to wait a bit. I've put off getting my drivers licence for so many years and now I regret that, because its now VERY important for me to get driving.
But there is a bright light. I contacted AnKo a gas supplier near me and had awesome service. They arranged to deliver a new gas cylinder to me and I told them more or less when I should be available for delivery and they contacted me just before then to see if they could deliver and they did and hooked it up for me, so that is one weight off my mind and I can now cook again. Thanks AnKo.
When we went to visit Trevor this morning his occupational therapist was there with him so we got to see what she does with him and how his arms/hands are showing improvements. He will also be having surgery on his fractured shoulder tomorrow, which will hopefully be his last surgery, unfortunately, it also has a 6 week recovery period though, in which he will not be able to do his full physio exercises on that arm, only with the wrist and hand, so while its ultimately a good thing, its also a bit of a setback in some ways.
Trevor's athletics club, Telkom Athletics Club, has arranged to do a support walk for Trevor from Pinelands to the hospital and I had to ask permission from the hospital for the walkers to come onto their premisis. At the time it was weekend, and as I seem to have so much to remember and deal with lately, I decided to just email someone at the hospital, so they would see it Monday when admin staff were on duty. Early Monday morning I got an email saying that they think its a very heartwarming gesture of the club and they gave approval for the walkers to enter the hospital grounds. Originally it was going to be a run, but there are some logistal problems (permissions etc that would be required for roads etc that would take too long to get) so its been changed from a run to a walk (apparently its easier for walkers than runners). The Hikers Network rescue team that Trevor was a part of has also been invited to take part and many others are taking part too. The Hospital has been amazing about it and I'm so thankful for that.
Then came a couple of 'life f'ing sucks' moments. Last night I had invited the kids over for supper and I was trying out a new recipe. All went well, and I cooked the chicken casserole and was cooking the rice to go with it, when my gas ran out (I have a gas hob) :( but luckily we are seasoned campers, so we had a small cadac gas cylinder in the gararge which I could use to finish off the supper.
Matthew had given me Trevor's camera back the other day (he had it after the fall) and I had not looked at the pictures, but last night, after everyone had left, I took it out and looked at the pics. I sat here scrolling through them, my eyes filling with tears to see so much fun and happiness and knowing how it ended and then when my mind focussed on the fact, that the last pic taken, must have been shortly before Trevor fell, I couldn't take it anymore and had to put the camera down and I just sobbed and sobbed for a long time. I know Trevor would have loved the pics and would have been VERY eager to show us all and post them on fb, so at some point, I will upload them and post them, but right now, it just hurts too much :(
Then this morning I had arranged for Matthew to take me to book for my learners test and at the testing station they told me that the first available appt was 24 June :( I had been hoping to be able to write the test in a week or so and when we asked to speak to the management rep to see if I could get in earlier we were told he was on leave. My heart sank, but they said we could try another testing station, so off we went to the next one, only to be told their first appt was 19 June :( but their management rep was there and we spoke to him and although I don't have an appointment yet, there is still a chance I may get one soon, I just have to wait a bit. I've put off getting my drivers licence for so many years and now I regret that, because its now VERY important for me to get driving.
But there is a bright light. I contacted AnKo a gas supplier near me and had awesome service. They arranged to deliver a new gas cylinder to me and I told them more or less when I should be available for delivery and they contacted me just before then to see if they could deliver and they did and hooked it up for me, so that is one weight off my mind and I can now cook again. Thanks AnKo.
When we went to visit Trevor this morning his occupational therapist was there with him so we got to see what she does with him and how his arms/hands are showing improvements. He will also be having surgery on his fractured shoulder tomorrow, which will hopefully be his last surgery, unfortunately, it also has a 6 week recovery period though, in which he will not be able to do his full physio exercises on that arm, only with the wrist and hand, so while its ultimately a good thing, its also a bit of a setback in some ways.
Sunday, May 17, 2015
17 May 2015
Today I went to The One Run, because various family members and club members were running in Trevor's honour. My daughter Seleste had balloons in Trevor's club colors tied to her wrist and I had made bracelets with Trevor's initials and his club colours for them all to wear.
I was taking pics of those who were running for Trevor and it suddenly became too much for me and tears started flowing. Seeing all those people so happy to run for Trevor was so emotional for me.
Later we went to visit Trevor and found that his neck brace had been removed, as well as the dressing on the gash on his head, both good signs, so that made me very happy. After visiting Trevor, I had invited the family around, including Trevor's brother (who recently arrived from the UK to see Trevor) Kevin, his wife Linda and his daughter, Jessica (his son James had to stay in England to write some exams). It was a great way to spend the afternoon, eating cake and snacks and chatting with family.
All in all, its been a good day today, even if I did cry.
I was taking pics of those who were running for Trevor and it suddenly became too much for me and tears started flowing. Seeing all those people so happy to run for Trevor was so emotional for me.
Watch the ballons....
Later we went to visit Trevor and found that his neck brace had been removed, as well as the dressing on the gash on his head, both good signs, so that made me very happy. After visiting Trevor, I had invited the family around, including Trevor's brother (who recently arrived from the UK to see Trevor) Kevin, his wife Linda and his daughter, Jessica (his son James had to stay in England to write some exams). It was a great way to spend the afternoon, eating cake and snacks and chatting with family.
All in all, its been a good day today, even if I did cry.
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