Frank has had a better day today. At lunchtime he was dining at the table sat in his new set of wheels. He was hoping a steering wheel and engine would appear this afternoon so that he could build his own motorised wheelchair! Unfortunately (or fortunately) when he returned to bed the wheelchair was taken away from him.
He received progress reports from today's translator, Laura from the Embassy. The Doctors are still pleased with the progress he's making. The weakness, shortness of breath, lack of confidence regarding his walking and the lack of sleep, are all symptoms they would expect a patient to experience after an operation of this kind. The chest x rays are being taken because Frank has some air on his lungs. The Doctors are monitoring this, but are not overally concerned.
Christopher consulted with the British Heart Foundation who also confirmed that everything Frank is thinking and feeling is quite normal in these circumstances. Frank was relieved to hear this from both Italian and UK sources and as a result this seemed to give him a boost. The UK Doctors don't use the "Inspirational Device", so now Frank thinks he can teach them something new!
Sunday, June 7, 2009
Saturday, June 6, 2009
A Little Hiccup...
Frank started this morning by working with the Physiotherapist on his walking. He's coming on but is lacking in confidence and so not walking unassisted at present.
He then had a visit from the Rev Kingsley Joyce, Chaplain from Naples. He brought Communion for Dad which he enjoyed. Frank had been looking forward to the Communion Wine - a break from just drinking Adam's Ale for the last three weeks - but was disappointed as only bread was offered.
Frank is back on oxygen to assist with his breathing after his exercising this morning. He feels that his lungs are not as they should be and has had chest x rays. We are awaiting the results.
On a positive note, he's been having ECG'S on a daily basis and the results are good. The nurses are trying to take regular blood samples as well but we think his blood has dried up in the Italian heat!
After all the excitement this morning plus the lunchtime visit from Beryl and Elizabeth, Frank was very tried. He's got into the routine of having a siesta each day and feels he will miss these when we return to the UK. During his spare moments he has now started planning on how he can incorporate his siesta into his busy daily schedule!
Friday, June 5, 2009
One Day At A Time
Today Frank was feeling a little down to begin with. From his perspective he feels he's not progressing as quickly as he thought he would. This was after an hour of blowing on the "Inspiration Device" and a short walk. He found the walk too tiring and returned to his bed a little annoyed with himself. A visit from Beryl and Elizabeth shortly afterwards helped to put things in order.
He's now finding it easier to complete the "Inspirational" exercise (where he blows into the tube and three balls which are weighted differently and raised to the top of the test tubes). He's spending more time on this device than two days ago and is continuing to strengthen his lungs and heart.
He was quite pleased with his appearance when he checked himself out in the mirror. The Hospital Barber had visited earlier and had tidied him up. He thought he looked quite well considering what's happened over the last three weeks.
Frank came to the conclusion that he has been pushing himself too hard and too soon. He's decided to take a step back and take one day at a time. Frank's realised that a breakthrough will come but has to be patient...not something he's very good at being!
So by the end of visiting hours, Frank was a lot happier and relaxed. Plus a phone-call from Christopher helped as well!
He's now finding it easier to complete the "Inspirational" exercise (where he blows into the tube and three balls which are weighted differently and raised to the top of the test tubes). He's spending more time on this device than two days ago and is continuing to strengthen his lungs and heart.
He was quite pleased with his appearance when he checked himself out in the mirror. The Hospital Barber had visited earlier and had tidied him up. He thought he looked quite well considering what's happened over the last three weeks.
Frank came to the conclusion that he has been pushing himself too hard and too soon. He's decided to take a step back and take one day at a time. Frank's realised that a breakthrough will come but has to be patient...not something he's very good at being!
So by the end of visiting hours, Frank was a lot happier and relaxed. Plus a phone-call from Christopher helped as well!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
One Step At A Time
Frank had a busy day today and was quite tired this evening. He has been encouraged by the Physiotherapist to be more active - this is not easy after being bed ridden for three weeks. Frank being Dad wants to "get up and go" straight away. He's finding it difficult after always being so active and never being this poorly before.
He's trying to start a new trend by wearing his dog collar around his chest. He'd have us believe that this is to support his wound and to prevent him splitting his difference...although we think he's trying to impress upon the largely Catholic medical team how forward thinking and innovative the Anglican Church is!
This is fitting (excuse the pun) as Frank had a visit from a local Anglican Minister today or as Dad called him, a "Sky Pilot". We're sure that Dad isn't ready to be measured up for a while, but when the Physiotherapist heard via the interpreter about the visit he immediately produced a tape measure and a big smile. It's just a shame we can't understand him as we're sure the banter would be priceless.
We've left Dad with pen and paper as (nearly three weeks in) everyone has realised they can understand more if Dad scribbles down words and pictures. Their understanding of written English is better than spoken, so all being well this should simplify matters going forward.
Frank has been encouraged to sit in his chair for longer periods of time. Not easy when the chairs are not designed for comfort. He is also walking now using a "trapeze". To our disappointment this is not the same trapeze found in a circus, but a walking frame designed to support his weight. That being said I'm sure it'll not be long before he's walking the tight rope once again!
He's trying to start a new trend by wearing his dog collar around his chest. He'd have us believe that this is to support his wound and to prevent him splitting his difference...although we think he's trying to impress upon the largely Catholic medical team how forward thinking and innovative the Anglican Church is!
This is fitting (excuse the pun) as Frank had a visit from a local Anglican Minister today or as Dad called him, a "Sky Pilot". We're sure that Dad isn't ready to be measured up for a while, but when the Physiotherapist heard via the interpreter about the visit he immediately produced a tape measure and a big smile. It's just a shame we can't understand him as we're sure the banter would be priceless.
We've left Dad with pen and paper as (nearly three weeks in) everyone has realised they can understand more if Dad scribbles down words and pictures. Their understanding of written English is better than spoken, so all being well this should simplify matters going forward.
Frank has been encouraged to sit in his chair for longer periods of time. Not easy when the chairs are not designed for comfort. He is also walking now using a "trapeze". To our disappointment this is not the same trapeze found in a circus, but a walking frame designed to support his weight. That being said I'm sure it'll not be long before he's walking the tight rope once again!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Get Up And Go
Frank was again in good spirits today, especially when Elizabeth arrived to see him (bringing today's newspaper on time...for the first time in three weeks!). He has improved so much in the past 24 hours that he's now had all the medical equipment removed, which is a fantastic sign.
He's still weak (one of the problems of being in bed for three weeks) although the medical team and physiotherapists are working on this. He's being encouraged to get out of bed, to sit in a chair and walk around the ward. He's also been given breathing exercises to help strengthen his heart and lungs.
One of the toys he's been given is designed specifically to improve his lungs inhale air. This device consists of three test tubes that each contain a different coloured ball. The balls are weighted differently and the object is to inhale with enough force to lift all the balls to the top of their respective tubes. Amusingly, this device is called an 'Inspirational Exercise Device' so with a bit of luck this might help his sermons as well as his heart and lungs!
Assuming Frank continues to improve I will be returning to the UK on Friday leaving Elizabeth and Beryl here to hold the fort. She (Elizabeth) will be updating the blog in my absence although I'll still be contactable via email (see above) or by phone (07712 890470) for any of you who would like updates but don't have access to this blog or the Internet.
At this time I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you all again for all the love and support you have shown us over these past few weeks. It is humbling to hear such kind words, thoughts and prayers from so many of you. We are printing your emails and blog comments out daily for Frank who has been overwhelmed by your response - thank you.
Chris
He's still weak (one of the problems of being in bed for three weeks) although the medical team and physiotherapists are working on this. He's being encouraged to get out of bed, to sit in a chair and walk around the ward. He's also been given breathing exercises to help strengthen his heart and lungs.
One of the toys he's been given is designed specifically to improve his lungs inhale air. This device consists of three test tubes that each contain a different coloured ball. The balls are weighted differently and the object is to inhale with enough force to lift all the balls to the top of their respective tubes. Amusingly, this device is called an 'Inspirational Exercise Device' so with a bit of luck this might help his sermons as well as his heart and lungs!
Assuming Frank continues to improve I will be returning to the UK on Friday leaving Elizabeth and Beryl here to hold the fort. She (Elizabeth) will be updating the blog in my absence although I'll still be contactable via email (see above) or by phone (07712 890470) for any of you who would like updates but don't have access to this blog or the Internet.
At this time I'd like to take the opportunity to thank you all again for all the love and support you have shown us over these past few weeks. It is humbling to hear such kind words, thoughts and prayers from so many of you. We are printing your emails and blog comments out daily for Frank who has been overwhelmed by your response - thank you.
Chris
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
A Room With A View
After five days in intensive care Frank was moved today to a standard (post cardiac surgery) ward. This was great news as it shows he's making positive steps on the road to recovery. He's been unplugged from the monitoring equipment with only a drip and nasal cannula remaining. He was able to sit in a chair and stand today, tomorrow the physiotherapist will be re-introducing him to walking which will be a big step forward (excuse the pun!).
He's now in a room with one other chap (and a TV). Sadly the other gentleman and television are both Italian so there's little there in the way of entertainment for him. On the plus side we are able to visit him more frequently, without the need to get scrubbed up, which makes things easier.
He was again bright and chirpy today. He's not lost his sense of humour and although he's not managed to get his full English yet he is now being fed solids. It's just light pasta soup and cooked fruit at the moment although as he gets stronger he'll be fed more substantially. We're under strict instructions not to 'smuggle' anything in to him as his diet is strictly controlled. However we are allowed to bring him a tea as he's missing a good cuppa, the problem is finding one in Italy!
Elizabeth will be joining us in Italy tomorrow which should also cheer him up. It will be nice to have the whole family together to help him get back on his feet.
He's now in a room with one other chap (and a TV). Sadly the other gentleman and television are both Italian so there's little there in the way of entertainment for him. On the plus side we are able to visit him more frequently, without the need to get scrubbed up, which makes things easier.
He was again bright and chirpy today. He's not lost his sense of humour and although he's not managed to get his full English yet he is now being fed solids. It's just light pasta soup and cooked fruit at the moment although as he gets stronger he'll be fed more substantially. We're under strict instructions not to 'smuggle' anything in to him as his diet is strictly controlled. However we are allowed to bring him a tea as he's missing a good cuppa, the problem is finding one in Italy!
Elizabeth will be joining us in Italy tomorrow which should also cheer him up. It will be nice to have the whole family together to help him get back on his feet.
Monday, June 1, 2009
A Breath Of Fresh Air
I'm pleased to be telling you all that Frank was much better today. He is no longer on a ventilator and is able to breathe by himself.
We were able to spend around 45 minutes with him and although he's not quite ready to run the London marathon he was looking good. He's still wired in to all kinds of machinery although the important ones (i.e. the mechanical ventilator and inter aortic balloon pump) have been removed so his heart and lungs are working completely on their own.
He is still weak but was fully conscious and coherent. He was very chatty and even cracking the odd joke - he was hungry and tried to explain to the Italians that he wanted a 'Full English'. Needless to say they didn't agree that double egg, sausage, bacon and beans (with a side of fried bread) was the best course of action. But they did give him something out of a jar which looked suspiciously like baby food. Apparently this is standard practice as he's not allowed any solid food for 24 hours after he's been taken off a ventilator...much to his dismay.
He had no recollection of our visit yesterday although both Mum and I had great delight in telling him about his reaction when we mentioned Elizabeth's name!
The medical team seemed happy with his progress and all being well he should be moved onto a standard ward sometime tomorrow (just in time to reap the rewards of this year's bumper spaghetti harvest! :-)
We were able to spend around 45 minutes with him and although he's not quite ready to run the London marathon he was looking good. He's still wired in to all kinds of machinery although the important ones (i.e. the mechanical ventilator and inter aortic balloon pump) have been removed so his heart and lungs are working completely on their own.
He is still weak but was fully conscious and coherent. He was very chatty and even cracking the odd joke - he was hungry and tried to explain to the Italians that he wanted a 'Full English'. Needless to say they didn't agree that double egg, sausage, bacon and beans (with a side of fried bread) was the best course of action. But they did give him something out of a jar which looked suspiciously like baby food. Apparently this is standard practice as he's not allowed any solid food for 24 hours after he's been taken off a ventilator...much to his dismay.
He had no recollection of our visit yesterday although both Mum and I had great delight in telling him about his reaction when we mentioned Elizabeth's name!
The medical team seemed happy with his progress and all being well he should be moved onto a standard ward sometime tomorrow (just in time to reap the rewards of this year's bumper spaghetti harvest! :-)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)