Everyday is a new day, new challenges and sometimes new problems. Yesterday, though was a milestone. Yesterday Mark did his first un-aided transfer. It's a huge physical and psychological achievement and we're really proud of him. For him it's a boost to his mental well being as transferring is key to his independence. It also shows just how much his strength is returning, those legs are not the lightest to lift!!
He also got his full leg compression stockings yesterday, how the nurses managed to actually get them on is a wonder. They look like 100 denier hold up stockings. Who said Mark never let his feminine show - suspender shopping tomorrow! They should help enormously with preventing fluid settling in his legs and feet which will help with training the bladder which will hopefully wean him off having to be catheterised so often. They should also help with blood pressure by preventing blood pooling in his legs. Once his blood pressure is under control he can spend longer in his chair each day.
Yesterday was also interesting as we had visitors (Janet and David from Lefkas - great to see you guys) who haven't seen Mark since before the accident and it was interesting that although they weren't sure what to expect when seeing Mark, they were surprised and pleased that he looked better than they expected. Although I have tried to describe Marks continuing improvement I obviously haven't really been able to express how he is beginning to look like his old self, albeit a tad slimmer. His hair is nearly at it's summer crew cut length, his face has filled out, his hands are steady and very very clean and regaining strength every day. His biggest complaint is his 'baboon belly' as he calls it. All the muscles around his abdomen have collapsed and are not likely to return but apart from that he looks almost as he always has. I think it's time to put some pictures up so watch this space ......
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