Wednesday 10th April 2013
Jennifer says: On Monday the 18th March, Gerald finally had the part of his skull (bone flap) that was taken out exactly four months to the day, replaced. The operation took about three hours. He went straight up to the ward, which was very encouraging. When we saw Gerald on the Tuesday, it was amazing, he had his voice back, and he was chatting to us without any signs of dysphasia. He still had the weakness in his right arm and leg. He was in very good spirits. We were all very elated and promptly let most people know.
Gerald had some oozing from his head, so he had to go back to surgery to have this re-stitched under a local anaesthetic. Ouch!!! He went back to Hampstead on the Friday. All good!
I received a phone call from Hampstead the next day late Saturday afternoon, advising me that they were taking Gerald back to the RAH for observation only as he was a bit drowsy. At about 11.30 that evening, the doctor telephoned me to let me know that Gerald had a blood clot on the brain and they were going to operate on him Sunday morning. Then I received a phone call at 12.30 to let me know that they were taking him down for emergency surgery as he was getting drowsier and need to operate immediately. At 4.30 in the morning the doctor telephoned me to let me know that the surgery went well and they were very happy with the operation. Gerald was once again in Intensive Care and virtually back to square one!!! Very disheartening!
Incidentally, the two “mothers” knew about the skull replacement but decided not to tell them about the above drama, thought it would have been all too much for them, just in case you happen to talk to them!
This time recovery took a little longer, but each day he demonstrated his resilience and grew stronger. In the meantime, Hampstead decided to give his room to someone else!!! It was just lucky for the Hampstead and RAH co-ordinators that I was unable contact them for four days!!! So over Easter poor Gerald had to remain in RAH. It was very disappointing for us, even more so for Gerald. Not a Happy Easter for us!!!
On Monday 1st April, whilst I was visiting, Gerald got up from his chair and walked over the rubbish bin without his frame. I watched on in disbelief. Gradually, he is gaining more strength in his right leg and now has a grip with his right hand. The dysphasia is very slight. Once again truly remarkable! I can’t believe how having a piece of his skull replaced can make such a vast difference.
Gerald now wants to come home and every time I visit him he asks when he can come home. I don’t think he is quite ready, but if Hampstead don’t move him shortly I think he will just get up and walk out of there.
This morning, Thursday 4th April, received “the phone call” from Hampstead that he was returning today. Thank Goodness. I believe now with the wonderful rehabilitation they have to offer at Hampstead, he will quickly respond and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tiff says: Dad and i have been sitting on the couch watching movies together for the past 24 hours.... a)because i am sick and b)because dad is home on a sleepover visit! A moment i truly cherish! and i cannot belieive my eyes when it comes to dads recovery. He can do EVERYTHING by himself, he has even been looking after me !
I hope he gets to come home for good very very soon!!
Also, anyone from Rotary, could you please contact myself or mum as we would love to bring dad in to a meeting, and make it a special celebration for him. thanks
Gerald had some oozing from his head, so he had to go back to surgery to have this re-stitched under a local anaesthetic. Ouch!!! He went back to Hampstead on the Friday. All good!
I received a phone call from Hampstead the next day late Saturday afternoon, advising me that they were taking Gerald back to the RAH for observation only as he was a bit drowsy. At about 11.30 that evening, the doctor telephoned me to let me know that Gerald had a blood clot on the brain and they were going to operate on him Sunday morning. Then I received a phone call at 12.30 to let me know that they were taking him down for emergency surgery as he was getting drowsier and need to operate immediately. At 4.30 in the morning the doctor telephoned me to let me know that the surgery went well and they were very happy with the operation. Gerald was once again in Intensive Care and virtually back to square one!!! Very disheartening!
Incidentally, the two “mothers” knew about the skull replacement but decided not to tell them about the above drama, thought it would have been all too much for them, just in case you happen to talk to them!
This time recovery took a little longer, but each day he demonstrated his resilience and grew stronger. In the meantime, Hampstead decided to give his room to someone else!!! It was just lucky for the Hampstead and RAH co-ordinators that I was unable contact them for four days!!! So over Easter poor Gerald had to remain in RAH. It was very disappointing for us, even more so for Gerald. Not a Happy Easter for us!!!
On Monday 1st April, whilst I was visiting, Gerald got up from his chair and walked over the rubbish bin without his frame. I watched on in disbelief. Gradually, he is gaining more strength in his right leg and now has a grip with his right hand. The dysphasia is very slight. Once again truly remarkable! I can’t believe how having a piece of his skull replaced can make such a vast difference.
Gerald now wants to come home and every time I visit him he asks when he can come home. I don’t think he is quite ready, but if Hampstead don’t move him shortly I think he will just get up and walk out of there.
This morning, Thursday 4th April, received “the phone call” from Hampstead that he was returning today. Thank Goodness. I believe now with the wonderful rehabilitation they have to offer at Hampstead, he will quickly respond and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tiff says: Dad and i have been sitting on the couch watching movies together for the past 24 hours.... a)because i am sick and b)because dad is home on a sleepover visit! A moment i truly cherish! and i cannot belieive my eyes when it comes to dads recovery. He can do EVERYTHING by himself, he has even been looking after me !
I hope he gets to come home for good very very soon!!
Also, anyone from Rotary, could you please contact myself or mum as we would love to bring dad in to a meeting, and make it a special celebration for him. thanks