During August dad began physiotherapy, we have since been told that he has ataxia, which is a neurological issue that can be caused by a trauma or can just occur in some people. We believe this has been caused by the bleeding which happened when he was biopsied. It has been suggested that if he had received physiotherapy within three months of receiving this injury he may have made some progress towards recovery, but since over a year has passed it is unlikely that he will 'get better' and the best we can hope is that he will learn how to cope with his disabilities. Not long after his biopsy he became seriously ill so may not have managed to undertake an physio, but it is still disappointing that his problems now not only stem from the treatment he received, but that he may not have been so seriously ill had they then done something to counter the issue they caused.
It has become clear to me that disability caused by a biopsy undertaken in the brain seems to be a serious and relatively common side affect and although my dad signed a disclaimer, which mentioned this, I'm not sure he felt like there was any real chance of it happening.
So where do we stand? Dad has been very fortunate that the physiotherapist he saw at the little local hospital arranged for him to have daily physio for 6 weeks at home, but if I'm honest, he doesn't seem to have made any significant progress, although he is a little more stable. We must face the reality that dad will never be independent again since a trip to the bathroom needs someone to accompany him in case he falls. This is a terrifying prospect as I am 300 miles away, Pete has just moved to Bristol so is 200 miles away and to make matters worse Lucy's husband has been posted to Lincoln which is 350 miles away so all 3 of dad's children are now too far away to be any real support. He is looking to get a companion to live in to help out and, while he is grateful to have survived an illness that should have killed him, the future is not nearly so positive as we had all hoped.
Once again both dad and I would like to thank you all for your positive comments and kindness throughout his illness and subsequent recovery.
15th September - the aftermath
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13 comments:
My daily thoughts and best wishes are with Bill, Catherine and family, as you deal with the aftermath of the brain tumor. Thank you Catherine, for keeping us informed.
After the recent fantastic news that is really a shock. So sad that he will not be able to make a complete recovery. Do hope that you manage to solve your logistical quandary. Please pass on our vey best wishes to Bill, Peter and Pauline Bartlett, Munich
Catherine and Bill,
I am so sorry to read this report, after all you have gone through. Somehow it doesn't seem fair... but then as those who came through the Great War knew, life isn't always fair.
Please do keep us advised from time to time; we know and love you and want to stay connected.
How can we ever thank either of you enough for all the work you have put into this blog? Harry would be so proud of you both...
Linda H-F
Daly City, California USA
(near San Francisco)
very good post
all of our thoughts and prayers are with all of you
I, too, was saddened to read this, as the previous round of news was so hopeful and promising.
Please stay strong. My thoughts are with you, and I am very proud of all of you.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Catherine,
I'm very sorry to hear this, please pass on my best wishes to your Dad. I had written a more personal message but it got lost in cyberspace and I haven't the heart to begin again.
I've checked in on the blog because I previously brought to Bill's attention a similar blog based on the WWI diary of a German soldier, Dieter Finzen. There's a link to that blog on the left hand side of Harry's blog.
Dieter survived the war, and was called up again in 1939. Any of Harry's followers who also followed Dieter's diary may wish to know that he kept a similar diary in WWII, and it is being published in the same way on the anniversary of each entry. The story picks up again in August 1939.
Here's a link to the relevant entry:
http://dieter-finzen.blogspot.ie/2012_08_26_archive.html
Regards, and best wishes in this very difficult time,
Roger
Catherine and Bill.... I have been thinking.... I have a good friend who is combating ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) and there is a lot of stuff in terms of computer and communications equipment that is able to be used by people with disabilities these days. Has anyone looked into whether any of that might be usable or of interest for you, Bill? It has re-opened the world for my friend, and might be something you would like to at least try. If there is interest, post that on the blog and we'll see about getting you some info. Thoughts & prayers follow you....
Linda
Nice article, thanks for the information.
Still thinking of you, and still grateful for all your work on this history, Bill. You & Harry are not forgotten.... nor are you and the rest of the family forgotten, Catherine. Please check in from time to time if you wish and let us know how you both are getting on. Lovingly,
Linda
Still remembering you and your gift of your grandfather's letters, Bill. Thought you might be interested in this story of recovered love letters that were returned after Hurricaine Sandy...
http://news.yahoo.com/video/sandy-aftermath-lost-love-letters-235900777.html
A few more months, and still you are remembered and loved, Bill, and hopeing you had a good holiday season, and wishing you all the best for this new year. Gratefully, Linda
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