Motobility Scheme

First of all today I would like to update you about Katie who had a double lung transplant.  She is doing amazingly well, with no signs of rejection and today she had her first lung function test - it is up to 50% which is fantastic as it was at just 16% before the transplant.  You can read the blog Katie writes about cystic fibrosis at www.misskmgammon.blogspt.co.uk.  I will also put up 2 beautiful photos that Katie's lovely Mum, Angie, gave me permission to do.  There is one of them together after the transplant, happiness personified, and one of Katie taken two weeks after the transplant.  As her mum says, this girl rocks!!!

Now, the Motobility Scheme - we decided to go ahead with this about 3 months ago as I am learning to drive an automatic car and ours at the moment is manual so we would have to get a new car.  Also, if Pete can ever drive again (unlikely) then it would have to be automatic.  This scheme, contrary to what a lot of people think, is NOT free.  Pete has to give up half his Disability Living Allowance each month, but in return we get a brand new car, taxed, insured and with all repairs paid for.  This suits us as it means we won't be suddenly faced with unexpected car bills.  The car is replaced every 3 years.  Martin and I looked at quite a few and, in the end, opted for a Vauxhall Meriva as this ticked all the boxes we need.  It has height, so Pete can get in and out easily and has plenty of space for his wheelchair and any shopping.  It is also easy to get in and out of the back seats and has grab bars already in place.  We have named Martin as the driver and can add me when (and if) I pass my test.  So, all good, and we collect it next Tuesday.

I spoke to Pete's GP yesterday and he has upped the dose of nerve blockers as Pete still has quite a bit of dysesthesia, not as bad as before but still there.  He also gave me the results of the blood test and that is ok so no venesection needed for at least 3 months.  Good news!  We also discussed a couple of other issues and everything is now sorted.

Pete has been walking outside a lot, even going in and out on his own again.  The painkillers are down to 4 most days but sometimes 6 but this is ok.   He is still doing well in the kitchen - a big help!  And he is singing to himself - no words yet, but we live in hope.

The only down side at the moment is pain, and we hope to eliminate that in the next few weeks, and aphasia.  The gestures are not going at all well, Pete just cannot process to use them.

Probably no blog now until Sunday as it is another lovely ladies night on Saturday which I am looking forward to so much.