My apology for not keeping everyone up to date on Jill’s latest venture. It is now 20 days since Jill had her left knee replaced. There have been lots of tears and unbearable pain since the operation. She has been on lots of medication to help with the pain. The rash she had appears to be a reaction to something given to her during the operation. As the nurse said it looks as though she was sun burnt and after our doctor realised what it was and prescribed the correct medication to combat it , her rash has gone along with all the skin that peeled off. Yesterday one of the nurses while making Jill’s bed was surprised by the amount of stuff on her sheets – turned out to be dried flaking skin.
Each day consists of being showered by 9 am so that she can have medication before her first physio which is at 9.30am. The physio collects her and wheels her to the physio room. She walks in the parallel bars, does squats, toe and heel raisers. Then using a stationary cycle she does 2-3 minutes. Then back to room 11. As a reward I have been taking her down to the hospital Coffee shop for a cappuccino. Lunch is served around 1pm and the next physio about 1.30pm. This consists of a group session in the lounge with other patients recovering from various conditions.
The day has lots of visitors, doctors, interns, change of nurses, student doctors and nurses who want to learn more about Jill’s MSA and stem cells. Every few days the orthopaedic surgeon checks on Jill’s condition. Other visitors are the Occupational therapy nurses, Continence nurse, and speech pathology and church volunteers. Finally the cleaning staff, morning and afternoon tea ladies and off course the meal ladies. I don’t think Jill is alone that much. Relatives and finally I usually fill in the rest of her time.
Over the week end there is no official physio so I’ve assumed that role and she tells me I am harder on her than the hospital Physios.
We are unsure when she will be allowed to come home, I think they may release her for Easter if they think that I can manage. I guess the occupational therapy staff will want to check the house again. The physios will also want Jill to be able to transfer from chair to bed etc and will concentrate on that over the next few days.
Our deck and ramp are almost finished and I need to make access into the Gym a little easier.
Well it’s 8.30am and Jill will be anxious if I am late.
More news next week on the net – Have a great Easter Break
?
?
My name is Fiona, and I read your blog which is referred by Christine Gray from Canada. My sister is having the same problem as Jill has and she is now in Shanghai China for treatment. We live in Houston, Texas, USA.
Ruth is on full therapy with Acupunture, physical therapy, and chinese Medicine. Her symptoms seems in control. No major improvement, but not getting worse either. Her overall condition seems getting better with Chinese medicine for sure.
She is on hold for stem cell at this moment while trying gather more information about it. She was planning to go to Qing Dao and had a visit with MDs there. Hope we can in touch with you and as you know the support group is very important.
Hope you are doing better.