Highlights and Setbacks

Thursday I went into Pinderfields early to spend time with his OT to learn more massaging techniques for Marks hands. Following that we went to his Physio session and that day he was in the standing frame. Sounds simple doesn't it, get into a standing frame and there you are. No. First Mark has to transfer from his chair to a plinth (a large padded massage looking bench), which took nearly 10 minutes, then he has to shuffle to the corner of the plinth where the standing frame can be pushed close to the plinth. Once everything is in place his feet are placed in the right place on the frame, he leans forward to stretch his arms over the front of the frame to help get himself up, then the Physios give him a shove up at the same time he pulls himself to a standing position - picture below is very similar to what Mark is using. There are many benefits to standing, it prevents the leg muscles atrophying, improves range of movement and circulation, increases cardiovascular activity, helps prevent swelling in the legs and reduces kidney and bladder infections and improves bowel function.

Those are the upsides, however to see Mark standing and looking normal, was very emotional for me and bought a tear or two. It amazed me just quickly I have got used to Mark in a wheelchair, when only 3 months ago he was perfectly normal.

A friend watched him transfer from chair to bed yesterday, that was another first for Mark, so far only staff and Mike and I have watched or helped him do it. It looks a precarious operation when you see it for the first time, but as Mark improves his technique he's getting quicker and smoother with it.

Today, he wasn't so good. He didn't feel well this morning and he was in a lot of pain in his neck and shoulders. Painful shoulders are going to be a way of life for Mark from now on, moving himself really takes a toll on them. Next job for me to learn is to be able to free those muscles off, which is also a painful process for him. So consequently he had large doses of painkillers which made him sleepy. On top of that it seems he has another kidney infection which required antibiotics so he had a day in bed today. These little setbacks are to be expected but they still frustrate the poor guy when they come along.