Trip to A & E

Over this last week Pete has had a bit of pain in his left hip, not too bad but enough to make it uncomfortable for him. When I mentioned it to Claire we decided it was probably caused by his left side working harder to compensate for the pain in his right leg, a bit too much strain on his left hip. Yesterday he complained it was bad and throughout the day it seemed to get worse, going from his hip into his stomach area. In the end I decided the only answer was to go to A & E as I wasn't sure quite what was going on - he couldn't tell me exactly what it was all about and the more I asked about it, the more confused and angry he got. I was really worried he would be admitted as that would be a big problem for him with the aphasia. (The stroke unit understood all about it of course, but on an ordinary medical ward they would find him very difficult). Anyway we got there just after 5pm and were actually called through quite quickly - the triage nurse was very good with him and we went through to a cubicle not long after. She gave him a couple of strong painkillers. It was a struggle getting him on the bed and then into a hospital gown, but then nurses came to take a urine test, take blood for a blood test and do an ECG. The pain seemed to be easing then. Eventually a doctor arrived and did examination etc. with lots of questions. She came to the conclusion it was most probably muscular as his stomach muscles were extremely tight so prescribed a strong muscle relaxant whilst she waited for the blood results. All the results were fine with the exception of the ECG which showed a slower than usual pulse, but she wasn't worried as he had no chest pains. Anyway she said as long as Pete felt he was able to get around at home then we could go, armed with strong painkillers and 6 muscle relaxant tablets. She would also arrange for someone to come in today to see if there was any help with mobility he needed. We got home at about 8.30pm which wasn't too bad as quite often you can spend days in A&E (yes, slight exaggeration, but you know what I am saying!!!)
Today a nurse (?) from the Pathfinder Team came but apart from a strap for him to lift his leg onto the bed, we really have everything we need. She also advised to lay off the physio exercises for a few days (which the dr. also said last night), sit on a higher chair than the sofa and to have a walk around every hour or so to stop the muscles totally seizing up. The pain has been kept under control with the pain killers today, but there are only so many you can take a day, and when it gets bad it does seem to help to walk around. It has been a nightmare time for us both, for him dealing with the pain and for me trying to control his intake of tablets - he would be taking them every couple of hours if he could and it is so hard to say no he can't have them. He then either gets very upset or very angry. Desperate times - possibly the worst so far.
Consequently, I have not been to work today nor can I go tomorrow, this is not too good. I am seriously having to think about the future on this front. Decisions will have to be made - either by me or, hopefully not, for me!!

Jack of all Trades! That's me!

First of all, the main thing, our heating was fixed yesterday! Thank goodness! The Heating Engineer came, did a bit of twiddling and, hey presto, the boiler was resuscitated!! He has shown me how to get it going in an emergency - enough to keep us warm until he can get here and find the problem. It involves removing the cover, removing a cap and then twiddle and push! I am beginning to feel like a Jack of all Trades (but master of none of course), you need a bit of physio, a bit of speech therapy, a bit of engineering - then I'm your man!! (Or lady!!). Call me!!
We have heard from Adrian about the Edwyn Collins gig at Rise, Bristol on Monday night. He said it was absolutely Rad (means good I think!). He was lucky enough to have a few words with Edwyn and his partner Grace Maxwell and was mightily impressed with them - said they are such a nice couple. Edwyn is doing fantastically well and still shows improvements even now 8 years on. He has got Pete and I a signed print, we can't wait to get it. If you can get onto Facebook, Rise, Bristol have posted a short video, on their Facebook page, of part of the gig, we have watched it - more tears from Pete!!! And they raised £100 for stroke and aphasia charities which was fantastic.
Speech therapy yesterday and today and also physio with Claire today. Claire came this afternoon so I was here to see her. She loosened up the calf muscles and has emphasised his pain is definitely only muscular (nothing more sinister) and we must persevere with stretching exercises and do walking to work them - I must admit we haven't done too much lately but we have to change that. I have managed to get a photo of Pete on the exercise bike, it's not that good but you can get the idea.
Pete has also had another visit from the amazing Jane from Connect. She calls in for a social visit with him which is really good for him. I did ring her Monday night and said we had no heating so not to come, but she said she would come and wear a thick jumper! I think they played dominoes during the chatting.
The thermos pump-pot is working well, I fill it before work, take it into the sitting room and then Pete is able to have a cup of tea in comfort. Definitely the answer - thanks again to my sister.
Finally, a bit of sympathy for me please!! I have got the worst cold - I've not had one as bad as this for several years. It's typical that I get back to work and then start picking bugs up! I hope it starts easing up tomorrow, I'm fed up with sneezing and sniffing now!

Cold!!!

Our central heating has died on us! On its back, legs in the air - dead as a dodo!! Brilliant, just when the weather has turned bitterly cold again. It packed up on Saturday, luckily we were offered the use of a couple of heaters which is fine for the sitting room, but it is jolly cold in the hall, kitchen and bathroom. The engineer is coming tomorrow afternoon so hopefully he will fix it and we will be snug again!
Yesterday we were out all afternoon at Martin and Mel's where we had a lovely roast lunch. The eggs at Ella's school are hatching well (photo below), but we were all rather disconcerted when she announced 'if they are boys we will have to kill them!' I think she may have slightly got the wrong end of the stick there - I hope so! But apparently it is because they make a lot of noise in the mornings! Then she said perhaps a farmer somewhere will have them. Apparently they are going to keep them in a special house and run in the school.
Also yesterday we took possession of an exercise bike for Pete. He has been on it this afternoon just to try it out, but it is a bit of a feat to get off it for some reason! Anyway, I was amazed at how well he uses it, so definitely worth getting. I hope to take a photo at some point of Pete actually using it.
Vista Class this morning which, I assume, went ok. There is no class next week as it is Easter. Already!!
And that is it for today. Pete's leg hasn't been too bad but has given a bit of grief, but the stronger painkillers seem to work.
Keep warm everyone - at least we haven't had snow!

New Equipment!

Today and yesterday Pete's leg has been aching but not too badly, thank goodness. He has been sitting with his foot up on the chair a lot which he says helps. No exercises today apart from sit to stands which we do quite a lot, Pete uses the perch stool in the kitchen so does some nearly every time we go in there. He has also had a hot water bottle on his foot during the evenings just to ease it and warm it up. It still gets icy cold at times.
So, new equipment!! Two items. The first is that we have purchased a Thermos Pump Pot so that Pete can have cups of tea whilst I am at work! We couldn't find anything that did not leak when he was carrying it, but, thanks to my sister (who is a mine of information!) this is a 2 litre thermos that I can fill in the mornings before I go and put on the table in the sitting room. All Pete then has to do is press on the top of it and, hey presto, it comes out a spout on the side straight into a cup! (Photo below - if I remember!) This is excellent as 6 hours is a long time to go without a cup of tea - he could make it and drink it in the kitchen but that isn't very comfortable for him.
The second is an Exercise Bike! We haven't actually got it yet but it is almost definitely sorted. Ages ago Suzanne said it would be good to get one, but there weren't any around. But today a friend has messaged she knows who has one for sale and negotiations are almost complete!! When I said to Pete we could probably get one now there was vigorous head shaking - No! But after some thought he changed his mind! He uses one in the gym so obviously is a good piece of equipment to have. Fingers crossed it works out - if Pete doesn't use it no doubt I can!!
I have also been to the pharmacist and got advice on stronger painkillers, so hopefully these will help Pete when pain strikes.
Tomorrow we are off to Martin and Mel's for lunch - a roast. Mel does a fantastic tasty roast so we are both looking forward to that. Also lovely to have the kids around. By the way, the eggs that Ella's class were looking after have hatched - just in time for Easter holidays! I don't know who is looking after them in the holidays, probably the teacher has to go in every day! No doubt we will hear all about it tomorrow from Ella.

More Health Checks

Yesterday Pete had speech therapy with Bev and Claire. I'm not totally sure what they did apart from practicing the first letters of words again. But, presumably it went alright.
Pete's leg was still causing problems and so we decided I would come home again on my break from work just to check he was ok. We have got into a bit of a routine first thing in the mornings, with him not getting up before I leave. Today I didn't come home mid morning as he had Physio at 11am so his morning would be broken up anyway. Suzanne and Claire did some different exercises to try and sort his leg and they took some photos on the iPad so I could see what they had done - I hadn't thought to do that but it was a good idea as I know the new exercises now. His leg seemed to be fine after they went but is painful again tonight.
This afternoon there have been two health checks - one with the community rehab nurse and one up at the drs surgery. The community nurse asked him lots of questions about how he is doing and how he is feeling and also took his blood pressure. His blood pressure was slightly higher than it should be but nothing to get too concerned about. He has also been losing a bit of weight but just have to keep feeding him pies and cakes!!! Anyway, she was very pleased with his progress and has discharged him from their care, with the proviso that we can always ring if we have any concerns. She was particularly pleased with his general demeanour which is always good. Sometimes the personalities of stroke survivors change quite a lot but Pete remains the same person he has always been. The only difference is his emotions which are much harder for him to control - he can get extremely angry quickly and is still very affected by any sad or happy events or stories. But this we can live with.
The health check at the surgery involved blood pressure check again, and this time it was fine. She said we probably hadn't really needed the appointment as the community nurse had done one - yet when you say he has other appointments on the phone they always say they are totally different! She was pleased with his progress as well and won't need to see him for a while now. His blood pressure is kept under check as he has it done at Vista every week at the moment. So all is well at the moment. We seem to have spent nearly all this week attending appointments here and there!
You may remember I used to talk about 'the book' we were reading concerning Edwyn Collins and how he recovered following his stroke. It was written by his wife Grace Maxwell. Well, small world, Edwyn Collins is doing an in-store gig at the record store where Adrian works in Bristol (Rise) on Monday 25th March. Adrian has done a poster for the gig, had it approved by Edwyn Collins and Grace Maxwell, and is going to do prints to sell in the store with all profits going to Stroke Recovery and Aphasia charities - we think probably Bideford Stroke RehabilitationUnit. Adrian is hoping to have a chat with Edwyn Collins and Grace Maxwell, so we are looking forward to his report on the event. More exciting times.
Quiet day tomorrow with no work and no appointments - hurray!!!

Busy, busy days!

Yesterday Pete went to Vista at the gym as usual, even though his leg is still a bit painful. I am going to have to leave a note for Suzanne on Thursday. Then in the afternoon we went back to the hospital for his venesection. We only had to wait a few minutes before he went in (has someone heard me complaining???) and although the nurse didn't seem to know he had had a stroke she was really lovely and after I said he had aphasia she asked him for his date of birth but then looked to me to answer, this was brilliant as she spoke to him as normal but didn't look at him waiting for him to answer. At last, someone who knows what aphasia is and knows how to treat the person with it. She chatted away to Pete all the time with conversation that only required him to smile, laugh or say yes. Fantastic, she was a star.
Today it was back to work for me!! I was very worried about leaving Pete and left with my heart in my mouth! He was going to get up at the same time as me, but decided to stay in bed instead! He says he got up just after I left at about 7.30am. I came back on my break to find a cup of coffee ready and waiting. He was fine and had the phone in his pocket. The only problem had been a cup of tea - the thermos had leaked as he carried it through, so I'm not sure what to do about that as he says he doesn't want a kettle in the sitting room. I spent a lot of time checking the signal on my phone (yes, I did get permission to have it in my pocket) and it seems to be strong everywhere I go, so hopefully, if Pete does ever need to call me then I will get it straight away. I finished work at 1.30pm and again came home to find a cup of tea waiting. He had got himself some lunch (soup) and then washed up afterwards. Then I was out again at 2.00pm for a driving lesson and then this evening we have been to Lidl for a big shop. I am absolutely shattered!!! I am thankful the first day of leaving Pete is over and that there were no major problems, he had even straightened up the bed so that at least it looked presentable! When I came home at 1.30 he was standing at the door and the half-step was out - he had been out again!!!
Tomorrow it is speech therapy with Bev and Claire which will break the morning up for him. I don't know yet if I will come home again on my break, I will see what he wants me to do in the morning.

Leg Problems!

After Pete's leg being so bad on Friday, yesterday he woke up with no pain at all. This lasted just about all day but in the evening he again had pain, but not so bad as Friday. We had done a lot of exercises during the day and he had also done a fair bit of walking around the house. So why does it keep stiffening up? My sister has given me details of other stronger painkillers which I shall enquire about at the pharmacy when next I go to town. I have to be careful as to what medications he can mix. I bought some Deep Heat cream to try but, on reading the insert, it said it couldn't be used if you are taking anti-coagulants. Why not? The physios didn't know so I asked the Boots pharmacist and she said that anti-coagulants make the skin extra sensitive, so it can be used but only very sparingly.
Today the leg is giving a bit of pain but not unbearable. Pete hasn't taken any paracetemols which is a good sign. We have done a few exercises but not too much. It's difficult to know whether to continue whilst the pain is there, but we do some if only to try to loosen the muscles. This afternoon we were going to go out but Pete didn't want to because of his leg, so I went out with Martin to do a bit of practice on gear changing. This is quite good as Martin can't shout at his mother!!! Anyway, when we got back I found the half-step was out at the door - this meant Pete had been outside ... On his own! Naughty! In the sitting room was a vase with daffodils in - he had been out and picked them - against all instructions! But they look really nice and Pete was pleased with himself and what he had done - so you can't be cross can you?!?!
As I go back to work on Tuesday I have been making the final preparations. Bev and Suzanne both know I won't be there for sessions so they know where the diary is to make their appointments (I have to make sure it is always right up to date) and I have got the communication book ready for messages. More importantly, we have set up the phone with the SOS button with Mel as a back up number if mine doesn't ring. We have tried it out and worked out the procedure to follow. I think! The bed doesn't need to be made, but if Pete is up before I go ( which he says he will be) then I can make it, and he will use a thermos to take tea into the sitting room. Sorted!!
My main instruction to him - DON'T FALL OVER!! Oh yes, and he wants me to come home during my break just for the first day. So, fingers crossed, it will all be fine.
Tomorrow it's Vista Class in the morning and then the venesection in the afternoon. No doubt that will be another long wait!

Pain and Misery!

Today has been a write off really as far as Pete has been concerned. His right leg has caused so much pain today and nothing has relieved it. He woke up (after having a very wakeful night) with it already aching. Despite taking paracetemols during the night it hadn't eased and any he has taken during the day haven't touched it. We have tried massage and exercises and heat - but nothing has loosened the muscles. It didn't really help that Pete wanted to get up at 8 am and then spent the rest of the morning doing nothing but think about the agony. This made me get a bit cross as I thought if he did something (eg jigsaw, music, tv, modelling) it would take his mind off it, but no, he just wanted to sit there moaning. (I probably won't be reading that last sentence out to him!!!). After lunch we had a few cross words and he stomped off to the bedroom, so I left him to it and when I checked about half an hour later he was asleep. He slept for about an hour and when he came back he seemed in a better mood but his leg was still bad. This evening the tv has kept his mind off it a bit but he has indicated he will be taking a sleeping tablet tonight. He has got into the routine of having a tablet on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays (the four a week he is allowed) so tonight will be an extra, but, to be honest, I am in no mood to stop him and face a long sleepless night.
Yesterday Pete went to the drs surgery for his blood test at 9.45am and I was expecting the usual long wait - but no, we had just sat down when he was called in. The nurse was not aware of his aphasia and gave me a look when I answered her questions as to date of birth and address, so had to say AGAIN he has no speech! Anyway, we were home again by 10am which makes a change.
It was a lovely sunny warm day yesterday, a real spring day, but today back to cloud and heavy rain at times. Ella and Robbie had to dress up for Comic Relief Day at school - Robbie went as The Cat in the Hat and Ella as Hello Kitty. Photo below! At least that made Pete smile when I showed him the photos.
It is days like today that make me really feel down and on my own. I can't discuss the situation properly with Pete and I hate myself for getting annoyed with him. There is no-one to talk about it with who could suggest what to do. Sometimes the load seems almost too much to bear, but no doubt I will get over it and move on.

Hospital Appointment

Yesterday Pete had an appointment in the Haematology Dept at the hospital. He has Polycythemia which is a bone marrow disorder and, basically, it means he produces too many red blood cells. The upshot of this is that his blood has to be checked every couple of months and sometimes he has to have a pint taken off by venesection. Anyway we arrived for the 10.30 am appointment and sat there, and sat there and sat there! Eventually I asked what was happening at about 11.15 am and was told the 10 am appt. hadn't gone in yet! What! To cut a long story short we were eventually told at about 11.30 that the dr didn't actually have to see Pete but he needed a pint taken off within the week. Why were we there if he didn't need to be seen? We said we were going home but were rushed in to see dr quickly who explained his levels were a bit high so had to make appointment for a venesection within the week and then another appointment to see them in 4 weeks. So the appointments have been made - will I get Pete back there in 4 weeks? Only with a fight I fear!!! We have been assailed with appointments in the last couple of days as there are two at drs. surgery, two at hospital and also another one for the community rehab nurse to come for her regular visit. Busy, busy, busy!!! Then, to top it off and rub salt in the wound, Pete is sneezing and sniffing today with, I suspect, a cold he must have picked up at the hospital probably on Monday! So, he is not a happy bunny!!!
Also, first thing yesterday morning he decided to fall over - backwards!!! It was his own fault because he was going to sit in the w/chair but hadn't put the brake on so it skidded off with him in hot pursuit! It was ok because he manoeuvered himself back to the bed and then pulled himself up. Just a bit shaken up luckily. I'm not much help because I just watch it happening going 'ooh Pete, ooh, ooh, ooh, are you ok?' !!!
Physio and speech therapy today - good sessions all round. Pete has indicated to Bev that he likes writing to communicate, writing the first letter which is still going well. I won't be seeing them that often now as its back to work next week! I am going to miss them as they are always cheerful and upbeat. I have a diary by the phone for all appointments so they are going to look at that and put in when they are coming - I must make sure it is always up to date!! I am also going to leave a Communication Book for them to write in anything I need to know. Suzanne said she will probably also draw stick figures to explain any new exercises!! A new one today is to stand by the sink (again!) and put his weight on his right leg whilst side stepping over a rolling pin by his left leg. It's a good job no-one can see in our kitchen window or they would think I have him tethered there all day long!
First of the appointments at the drs surgery tomorrow morning for a blood test - will he have any blood left by the time they have all finished I ask myself!!

No Speech - problems

First of all, yesterday's lunch of roast beef went well - I didn't cause Pete too much grief! The only thing I did wrong was put the Yorkshire puddings in too early, but amidst much shaking with rage, Pete did manage to rescue them and they turned out alright.
Today was the third Vista Class for Pete and I determined I would have to ask someone what he had done. It makes me feel a bit like a pushy mother asking what her child has done in school that day!! I wish I could just ask him and he could tell me about it - but that is obviously not possible. As luck would have it, Suzie, who used to come to do physio, was there so I nabbed her and asked her how he was doing. He goes on the exercise bike a lot and they do exercises to stretch his arm. She said the main thing is that they also have to build up his stamina. I asked Pete if he enjoyed these sessions and he nodded 'yes' with a smile, so that is a relief.
Speech Therapy today with Bev and she brought someone along with her who was also called Bev!! (Everyone who comes is called either Suzanne, Suzie, Claire or Bev!!). I'm not too sure who this other one was but it all went well apparently with lots of communication. Bev said that Pete wrote a first letter of a word, which is the first time she has seen that. Yesterday Pete wanted me to get the washing for the machine and wrote an M, then laughed and wrote the appropriate W!! At least he can laugh about his problems! Also today he has started to write the letter on his leg with his finger, or on the wall with a finger, depending where we are, so that is helpful if the pad and pen aren't near. No full words today, but plenty of correct first letters.
His right leg was ok yesterday, with no pain he said, and I think it has been alright again today. He didn't use the ankle brace much yesterday so I'm not sure if that is part of the problem - again I so wish he could talk to me and explain it all. Today he put the FES on for the first time in days. I don't know what made him put it on but it seemed to be working, he kept it on for most of the day, took it off late afternoon and hasn't used anything for the rest of today. I don't know if he will put it on tomorrow or not, just have to wait and see.
Lastly, I had a phone call from the doctors surgery today asking to speak to Pete, I said no and asked if I could help - was told to get him to ring them!! Yet again, I then had to say he has had a stroke and has no speech so they would have to go through me. This, apparently, could be a problem but eventually she decided she didn't have a choice!! Really??? It was only to make an appointment for him to have a blood test (yet again, I'm sorry doc, you are keeping to schedule re blood tests) - but why are they not aware of the situation before telephoning? I hate having to say again and again that he can't talk on the phone. You would think that, of all people, the doctors surgery would be aware.
Tomorrow Pete has another hospital appointment in the Haematology Dept. so, no doubt, I will have to go through it all again. I think I may just say he has severe aphasia and see how they react as I bet half of them have never heard of it! Says me who had never heard of it before last July!! But then I don't work in medical departments!

Clue Letters

Pete's ability to give me the first letters of clue words continues apace! This is absolutely marvellous and doesn't seem to be diminishing which is what has happened in the past with what I think are major breakthroughs on the communication front. Yesterday I got a F for what to have for tea - guessed fish straight away. It's much better than running through options one by one. Anyway, after having written F and established fish, Pete then went on to write the whole word! He had to think about each letter before writing it, but he got it right. Today he wanted to go out for a walk (I got this by guessing what his arm waving was about) and I asked for the first letter and he wrote M, not as bad as it seems as basically he just got the W upside down. If we continue like this with him getting the letter, and occasionally the whole word, I feel we may be onto a winner. Fingers crossed it doesn't all fall apart!
The weather has been really warm the last couple of days with some sun, so have been out just for walks around the garden. Got to take advantage when we can as it's forecast to turn cold again with the possibility of snow! Pete has been having a bit of a problem going down the half-step with his right foot swinging right around instead of going down straight, but this is improving again.
Yesterday we did all the exercises to try to get the right leg taking some weight and working again, and it went well. But today the pain seemed to be back with a vengeance for a while, but after some paracetemols it did ease. He has been sitting with his leg up on a chair a few times and we have done some more exercises but not as much as yesterday. Still, a little is better than nothing.
Cleaning was on the agenda again today and Pete did all the dusting in the sitting room, which is by far the worst room to do with all the bits and pieces to be moved. I did all the hoovering but I'm thinking Pete may be able to do some of that. He finds it hard to get it to start by pushing the button/pedal with his foot, but I think if he pushes it with his hand it may work, although we have yet to try it. He has no problem now in doing the dishes, both washing and drying and then putting them away.
Tomorrow it is roast beef for dinner with Yorkshire puddings, so only hope I get it right and don't cause him too much grief!!!

Baking!

Yesterday Pete had speech therapy with Bev and her student, and again it went well. I think Claire (the student) is quite enjoying the challenge - she does a lot of preparation work before she comes and researches the subjects that interest Pete (eg Sculptors) so that she can bring them into the session and keep Pete on his toes asking questions and trying to get his opinion.
After they left I had to go to town and when I came back I found a rack a freshly baked fairy cakes! (Photo). Pete had got the recipe out, got all the ingredients, done all the mixing and then cooked them - all without help!! This is a big step indeed! The first time we did cooking after he came home he chucked the complete egg into the bowl (dyspraxia) but obviously that didn't happen this time and how he managed to break the eggs with one hand is a mystery to me. But I haven't found any bits of shell so it must have been okay. He had also done all the washing up - bonus!!!
Pete is still having pain in his right leg so today's physio session was devoted to finding out why and what to do about it. His calf muscles and hamstrings are really really tight and this is because he is not transferring his weight over into that leg enough. The brain finds it easier to let the left leg do the work when it can, and unless Pete makes a conscious effort to transfer the weight it doesn't happen. When Suzanne had finished with exercises to transfer the weight Pete said his leg was much less painful, so we have been given some exercises to do to help this process. One is to stand up from a chair with his left leg more forward than the right, this forces his right leg to take the weight and physically work to get him up, then sit down slowly. This has to be done about 10 times in a row. Also stand in front of the sink (so he has something to hold onto) and have his right leg back and then slightly bend his left knee forcing the right leg to stay straight and take the weight. When he is just standing still he automatically lets his left leg support him, so he has to sway slightly to get the right leg to take some weight. Does that make sense - I'm not sure anyone would understand all that - but I know what to do!! Another thing is that if he is sitting for a while he has to put his right leg up on a dining chair and let it stretch, keep it there for 15 to 20 minutes, then down for a while, then up again, and so on. Not the most comfortable thing but has to be done.
We have been to Tesco tonight for a big shop and had a totally new experience!! We (should probably say Martin!!) used the self scanning thing (what is it called, I don't know) and packed everything into bags as we went. The only blip was that we were selected for a random check (typical) which held us up a bit, but otherwise it is a big time saver. Pete and I picked things off the shelves, passed them to Robbie and Ella who passed them to Martin to scan and pack!
Off to bed soon, no sleeping tablet tonight but I think Pete is quite tired so shouldn't be too bad a night. At the moment he is filling hot water bottles - yes, he can do that but it is too scarey for me to watch!!!

Oops!

Forgot photos - here they are!!

Good Times

Pete went to Vista Class again yesterday, I don't know what he did there though!!! I'm pretty sure he was on the exercise bike again but that is all. They take his blood pressure every week so that is quite reassuring to know that it is ok. Pete has had a letter from the surgery to go for a blood pressure check (so I was wrong, the doctor is keeping a check) but I have rung them and explained he is having it done weekly at the moment and they asked that I write in and let them know the reading from yesterday, which I have done, and that saves a trip to the surgery.
Adrian arrived yesterday for an overnight visit and we both obviously enjoyed seeing him and catching up. He has gone home today to do loads of work that he has lined up! He sorted a few technical problems that we had with the iPad - this is always one of his tasks!! Anyway he is home safely now and we look forward to the next visit! He took a couple of photos of Pete and myself (see below) and I took one of him with Pete (also below).
Today has been a beautiful day, sunny and the temperature up to 14 degrees. Pete went out this morning for a walk around, up the steps with no problems, and then he ventured onto the grass for the first time, it has been too wet and slippery until now. There were no problems and he may as well have been walking on the pavement so confident was he.
Speech therapy with Bev this morning and they did trying to make sounds/words, etc, which we just have to keep bashing away with. Then I think they were having a conversation about food, Bev asked Pete what fruits, vegetables or snacks he liked. He had to answer by drawing them and then I was called in to see if I could identify what he had drawn (Bev already had). I did recognise most of them so they had had a reasonable conversation. Before she arrived Pete had indicated he wanted to say something about her, so I asked for the first letter of a clue word and he wrote T, so guessed straight away I was to offer her a cup of tea, then he wrote a C, so again guessed I had to offer tea or coffee - correct! (We don't normally offer but for some reason Pete wanted to offer one today, and she said she would normally say no, but had been at a meeting for most of the morning so was going to say yes, how odd is that!). Earlier Pete had done some vague arm waving towards the porch/front door, so asked for a letter and got an F. Thinking what was out there and eliminating 'front door', I guessed freezer - yes! I had to get some chicken out for tea! I really feel we are beginning to get somewhere on this side of things. It certainly helps to have a clue rather than just try to guess a subject!
So, good times over the last few days.

Loosening Up

Yesterday Pete's leg seemed to be so bad all day, he hardly did anything. He had a hot water bottle by the calf muscles and kept a fleece blanket wrapped around it to try to get some heat into it. This seems to have paid off because today he says he has no pain! I felt the muscles and that iron rod seems to have disappeared and they are so much more relaxed. Thank goodness for that, but obviously his leg has to be kept as warm as possible all the time to stop it happening again. Perhaps invest on some Long Johns!!!!!!
We haven't done any exercises over the weekend but, now his leg is better, we should be able to get back on it tomorrow.
Because he has been in pain, Pete has been quite short tempered at times - but not too bad on the whole. It has mainly been when trying to do something and it hasn't worked very well, then he loses it. Then he gets careless and ends up spilling things, etc. and this makes it worse. But today he has practically made a cottage pie entirely on his own. I chopped the onions but he did all the rest regarding the meat, jamming the pan handle against his side to stop it spinning when stirring it. He also did all the potatoes - to drain them he tipped them Into a sieve over a bowl (we normally just drain by holding the pan lid at an angle) and then, having tried the potato masher, he found it easier to mash them using a large fork, again jamming the pan handle against his side to stop it moving around, spooned the mash over the meat and then used a fork again to get some peaks. And into the oven - brilliant! He also did some peas (frozen) with it - so this is the first meal he has really done almost entirely on his own. I feel really pleased for him.
Last night I was out with the lovely ladies for a meal and drink, which was as fantastic as usual. I so enjoy these meet-ups and we are going to continue them in the future - I am so grateful to Mel for arranging the first one. Ella said Grandad had behaved himself so that was good! Martin gets in fish and chips for them and then they watch a film, so I don't have to worry about Pete at all. I just worry that Martin is alright being there for him!!
Saturday afternoon was absolutely beautiful, lovely and sunny. Cold in the shade but fairly warm in the sun. The days are really drawing out now which always makes us feel better.
Vista class again tomorrow and then Adrian should be arriving early afternoon.

1st March - St. David's Day

Another month gone, I can hardly believe it is March already! Today is St. David's Day, an important date to everyone who is Welsh, and as Pete was born and brought up in Cardiff, he definitely qualifies! There is just one clump of daffodils out in the garden - but they are a lovely sign of Spring (photo today, which I took whilst the sun was shining before it disappeared for the day at about 11am).
Pete is still having a lot of pain in his right leg. Claire, the Physio, checked it over yesterday and as far as she can tell it is muscular as his calf muscles are really feeling quite solid. She told me where to feel them and how to compare them to the ones in his left leg and it feels like he has a solid iron rod in the leg! She showed me how to massage the muscles to try to relax them and also said to try applying heat, and although this helps for a while they soon tighten up again so I'm not sure what the answer is. Despite this we have tried to do some exercises and Pete has done some walking around, but it isn't going too well.
On the positive side, we do seem to be finding it a little easier to communicate for some reason. I seem to be able to guess what he wants to talk about a bit quicker - bit of mind reading perhaps!! Also Pete has started to hold up his fingers to indicate a number - a positive move on the gesturing side of things.
Another fantastic thing is that Claire told us that the Vista Class has been nominated for some award for the work they do - they have to go to London to do a big presentation on what they do on the course, so fingers crossed they win it! It shows that they must be doing something more than other areas so I think we are lucky that Pete is able to attend the class.
I have had to make arrangements to go back to work as my 6 months' leave is almost up, it has to be done I'm afraid as the coffers need refilling!!! My employers have agreed to me dropping one day a week and I go back in the middle of this month. I will be very nervous about leaving Pete for the first few days, but when I suggested I could come home during my break, he very emphatically shook his head! So that is that - he will be on his own to do what he likes! As long as he doesn't fall over he will be fine.
I have also bitten the bullet and had my first driving lesson! It went a lot better than I expected so perhaps that will all work out ok. The next one is next week.
I am looking forward to the next few days as tomorrow I am out again for a meal and drink with the lovely ladies, and then on Monday Adrian is hoping to come down for an overnight visit. Also, at school, Ella's class have got some eggs and are going to watch and care for them until they hatch, she is very excited about this and has explained it all to us in great detail. Today they very carefully placed them in the incubator, and the next thing is that they have to very gently turn them regularly.
Exciting times indeed!!