No 5am IV but no lay in either, All up and ready to go at 6.10, Arriving in plenty of time to sort out the bits and pieces needed for Leo's operation today. Not for us the luxury of a private waiting room just a private cubby but it had a telephone and a power point for the laptop. Joanne and Nanny Mandy were called through to the preparation room where Leo was again given the fish PJ's to wear. Everyone came in to see . Leo and l mean everyone, The nurses, Dr's and Anaesthetists all came in and introduced themselves,We were called through shortly after and Leo was given the loopy juice through his PICC line. This worked so quickly but not as deeply as the staff were hoping so they gave him an extra couple of mm as he was upset when they tried to take him to theatre. Once Leo had gone we went back to the cubby to wait. The receptionist stuck his head round the door and advised us there were coffee and doughnuts in the family room which we sampled and enjoyed. The two hour wait flew by for some reason we were a lot more relaxed about this operation. The phone ringing made us all jump and it was Dr Dobbs just letting us know it was all done and Leo was en route to the recovery room and that we should be able to see Leo within the next 20 mins or so. When the nurse called us through they would only allow 2 people through so Joanne and Farthy went in to see Leo wasn't to much longer before we were also called through as Leo was on the way up to the ward and we met them at the lift. Leo was wide awake and chatting away asking for apple juice. He could not be more different than when he came round from the SDR. He was in no pain at all in fact anyone would think he was on the way into the theatre not on the way out.
This time Leo was on the 10th floor and once again his nurse Jessica introduced herself as did her assistant Wendi. Leo was settled into his bed and was still asking for his apple juice so Jessica gave him some, Then he complained he was hungry so Jessica gave him a couple of packets of crackers which he wolfed down !!
Leo stayed awake and after a couple of hours said he wanted to walk so Jessica checked with the doctor and was told if he wants too then its OK. So we got Leo up and he did try but l think he was just a little too scared so we took him to the playroom instead where he got to meet three of St Louis Ice Hockey players who gave him a poster and some playing cards. The doctor came in and said if Leo wanted to go back to the hotel then it was OK with her...guess what Leo did want to go back to the hotel so that's what we did . There is now one tired little boy determined not to go to sleep
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Tuesday, 7 December 2010
Monday, 6 December 2010
Dr Park revisited..
Well Leo received his last 5am dose of IV antibiotic and Joanne is so looking forward to not having to wake up quite so early and Leo is looking forward to his arm not being thirsty. Angie (the dining room hostess) is back from her sisters and was really happy to see the improvement in Leo, I guess it must be really noticeable now especially to people that haven't seen Leo in a while.
Today Leo really did work hard at physio eager to show nanny and farthy just what he can achieve, He managed 5 minutes walking backwards and 2.5 walking sideways both to the left and to the right, One thing that was missing was the sound of Leo scraping his second foot, Maybe one thing l should make you aware of is before St Louis Leo could NOT walk either backwards or sideways as his muscle tone wouldn't let him but post SDR he now has the flexibility and the strength to do it. Even Michael noticed he was picking his feet up on that exercise. Then onto the leg press where again Leo was able to straighten his legs holding an American football between his knees (Michael explained holding the ball between his legs makes his muscles work even harder) There was very little playing around today and Leo was rewarded with a bike ride through the corridor to Dr Parks office ready for his catch up appointment with the man himself.
Dr Park came in and Leo surprised him by walking to him on his sticks, Dr Park and Nicole (his second mate) were impressed by the improvement in Leo. Dr Park then asked Leo to follow him out into the corridor so he could watch the way Leo walked, Of course in the corridor is the stickers station so Leo made Dr Park stop and hand out stickers. Dr Park then asked that Leos trousers socks and shoes were removed and then went through a series of requests like sitting with his legs in front of him (Leo's knees are still off the floor but Dr Park said this will be solved with tomorrows operation). He was impressed Leo could now sit cross legged and raise his arms high so the balance is definitely there. He then examined Leo's feet and said he had no doubt Leo WILL walk independently and sooner rather than later, In fact he has said now is the time to start practicing just holding the back of Leo's waist as often as possible. All in all a day of good news.
Because Leo had worked so hard he went to see father Christmas this afternoon and was actually happy to see him...no tears this year..
Well bath and bed tomorrow Leo has to be at the hospital at 7am for his surgery so l guess Joanne will have to wait another day for her lay in.. aw well she will survive !!
Today Leo really did work hard at physio eager to show nanny and farthy just what he can achieve, He managed 5 minutes walking backwards and 2.5 walking sideways both to the left and to the right, One thing that was missing was the sound of Leo scraping his second foot, Maybe one thing l should make you aware of is before St Louis Leo could NOT walk either backwards or sideways as his muscle tone wouldn't let him but post SDR he now has the flexibility and the strength to do it. Even Michael noticed he was picking his feet up on that exercise. Then onto the leg press where again Leo was able to straighten his legs holding an American football between his knees (Michael explained holding the ball between his legs makes his muscles work even harder) There was very little playing around today and Leo was rewarded with a bike ride through the corridor to Dr Parks office ready for his catch up appointment with the man himself.
Dr Park came in and Leo surprised him by walking to him on his sticks, Dr Park and Nicole (his second mate) were impressed by the improvement in Leo. Dr Park then asked Leo to follow him out into the corridor so he could watch the way Leo walked, Of course in the corridor is the stickers station so Leo made Dr Park stop and hand out stickers. Dr Park then asked that Leos trousers socks and shoes were removed and then went through a series of requests like sitting with his legs in front of him (Leo's knees are still off the floor but Dr Park said this will be solved with tomorrows operation). He was impressed Leo could now sit cross legged and raise his arms high so the balance is definitely there. He then examined Leo's feet and said he had no doubt Leo WILL walk independently and sooner rather than later, In fact he has said now is the time to start practicing just holding the back of Leo's waist as often as possible. All in all a day of good news.
Because Leo had worked so hard he went to see father Christmas this afternoon and was actually happy to see him...no tears this year..
Well bath and bed tomorrow Leo has to be at the hospital at 7am for his surgery so l guess Joanne will have to wait another day for her lay in.. aw well she will survive !!
Sunday, 5 December 2010
Deep in the heart of The Texas Tenors
OK so you all now know about the 5am drugs so that was done again and that's all l have to say about that!
Leo received a phone call today at the hotel that made his smile a mile wide, JC Fisher (from The Texas Tenors) is arriving at 10.30. Leo has been looking forward to seeing JC for weeks if not months and he had a huge surprise for him. Well Leo was not the only one with a surprise because when we received the call to say JC was in the foyer and we went down to see him JC had arranged a surprise of his own with the help of Marcus and John with special assistance from Leah Haynes (a Tenor fan that has been enormous support to Leo) JC arrived with a bag full of gifts including a hat for Leo, a guitar and many many other things. Now JC had no idea of the progress Leo has been making recently and the last time they met Leo was in his wheelchair, Today as JC was waiting by the desk Joanne went ahead and told JC to look around the corner and when JC spotted Leo walking towards him using only his sticks well the big man definitely had tears in his eyes, Just a good job Marcus wasn't with him or the wet floor signs would have been needed!! JC took a ton of pictures and was just speechless at Leo's ability and his balance and just how confident Leo was on his sticks. Leo gave JC a bag of gifts as a token of thanks for his family. Unfortunately The Texas Tenors are performing tonight at Branson which is 4 hours away so couldn't stop as long as both he and us would have liked. However before he left he did give Joanne a cheque towards the additional hospital fees Leo has had. We are so very very grateful.
After we waved goodbye to a very happy and still shocked JC we got into the car and headed out to spend the day discovering the local sites......
Leo received a phone call today at the hotel that made his smile a mile wide, JC Fisher (from The Texas Tenors) is arriving at 10.30. Leo has been looking forward to seeing JC for weeks if not months and he had a huge surprise for him. Well Leo was not the only one with a surprise because when we received the call to say JC was in the foyer and we went down to see him JC had arranged a surprise of his own with the help of Marcus and John with special assistance from Leah Haynes (a Tenor fan that has been enormous support to Leo) JC arrived with a bag full of gifts including a hat for Leo, a guitar and many many other things. Now JC had no idea of the progress Leo has been making recently and the last time they met Leo was in his wheelchair, Today as JC was waiting by the desk Joanne went ahead and told JC to look around the corner and when JC spotted Leo walking towards him using only his sticks well the big man definitely had tears in his eyes, Just a good job Marcus wasn't with him or the wet floor signs would have been needed!! JC took a ton of pictures and was just speechless at Leo's ability and his balance and just how confident Leo was on his sticks. Leo gave JC a bag of gifts as a token of thanks for his family. Unfortunately The Texas Tenors are performing tonight at Branson which is 4 hours away so couldn't stop as long as both he and us would have liked. However before he left he did give Joanne a cheque towards the additional hospital fees Leo has had. We are so very very grateful.
After we waved goodbye to a very happy and still shocked JC we got into the car and headed out to spend the day discovering the local sites......
Saturday, 4 December 2010
The sun shines and all is well
5am drugs done and dusted without Leo even waking up. Nanny and Farthy arrived last night and the smile on Leo's face was a mile wide. First thing today is to sort out the car as the car hire company called and there is an issue with the card so we have to go sort it out.
Well farthy is an excellent driver even with all the assistance from the back seat ! So we set out on a voyage of discovery and discovered Walmart. Managed to finally get some lucky charms and assorted sweets to bring home and Leo received his Evil Dr Pork Chop for those of you uninitiated to the wonders of Toy Story Evil Dr Pork chop is a plastic pig. So we now have one very happy little boy and one more thing to pack to bring home!!
Dinner today was at Applebees and again baby back ribs were enjoyed by all. Going out to eat back home is never going to be the same !!
Well we are back at the hotel and Leo is going to be spending the next half hour or so walking and playing football.
Tomorrow is a big day J.C Fisher from the Texas Tenors is driving over (a short 4 hour drive) to come and see Leo and we are really really looking forward to seeing him.
Well farthy is an excellent driver even with all the assistance from the back seat ! So we set out on a voyage of discovery and discovered Walmart. Managed to finally get some lucky charms and assorted sweets to bring home and Leo received his Evil Dr Pork Chop for those of you uninitiated to the wonders of Toy Story Evil Dr Pork chop is a plastic pig. So we now have one very happy little boy and one more thing to pack to bring home!!
Dinner today was at Applebees and again baby back ribs were enjoyed by all. Going out to eat back home is never going to be the same !!
Well we are back at the hotel and Leo is going to be spending the next half hour or so walking and playing football.
Tomorrow is a big day J.C Fisher from the Texas Tenors is driving over (a short 4 hour drive) to come and see Leo and we are really really looking forward to seeing him.
Tour de St Louis
This morning started as usual with the 5am wake up session on Leo's IV. Going to be weird on Tuesday when all this stops! Physio again was amazing Leo walked with his sticks and Leo took 2 steps UNAIDED dont know who was more suprised Leo or Michael ! and then spent 20 minutes playing football with Michael using his frame, running about, kicking the football, changing direction and using his frame to block and change the direction of the ball. Obviously Leo won 5-2. Leo then got on the bike and cycled around the hospital dept, stopping and starting the bike himself.
Once we got back to the hotel the nurse came over to check the PICC site. Lucky she did because Leo has developed a sore under his arm caused by the tape rubbing. The PICC line wasn't moved but the tube was just put to one side and re taped so it doesn't interfere with Leo's arm movement and its now nowhere near his armpit.
We have arranged to hire a car for when Leo's Nanny and Farthy arrive so are waiting for it to arrive.
Leo has settled down to life in the hotel and is loving spending time with Findlay and Jack. Its so nice to hear Leo's Laughter ringing out again
Once we got back to the hotel the nurse came over to check the PICC site. Lucky she did because Leo has developed a sore under his arm caused by the tape rubbing. The PICC line wasn't moved but the tube was just put to one side and re taped so it doesn't interfere with Leo's arm movement and its now nowhere near his armpit.
We have arranged to hire a car for when Leo's Nanny and Farthy arrive so are waiting for it to arrive.
Leo has settled down to life in the hotel and is loving spending time with Findlay and Jack. Its so nice to hear Leo's Laughter ringing out again
Thursday, 2 December 2010
And the beat goes on
Another 5am dose all finished with barely a murmur from the little man himself. Leo has physio today with Michael. He hasn't seen Michael since Wednesday when Michael noticed how uncomfortable Leo was and had a word with Dr Park on our behalf leading up to Leo being examined by him later that day. I think he will be impressed with just how different Leo is and by how much Leo has caught up and by his attitude to the physio, (just watch Leo will play up and refuse to do anything today now). Would not have believed this time last week when we were sitting in the emergency room how much better Leo is today. This time last week we couldn't even touch him because he was in so much pain. Really looking forward to him working out with Michael. Physio is at 9 ! Jo changed the dressing on Leo's back and noticed the skin around the scarring is redder than it was last night so will mention this today.
Well Physio went really well eventually. On arrival Leo was really excited to see Michael but unfortunately didn't calm down and basically just wanted to play. For those that haven't met Michael you will not truly understand when l say Michael really is as mad as a box of frogs, However he takes Physio very very very seriously, Leo walked from the entrance to the physio dept to the Gym (about 40 steps) with his sticks but all the time wanting to play and not really trying and it wasn't long before Michael and Leo had words! Once that was over Leo worked really hard and actually walked on the treadmill forwards for 5 minutes, sideways to the left 2.5 Min's and right 2.5mins and backwards for 5 Min's, Leo then went and did Leg presses and did them so well Micheal made it one stage tougher by lifting the bench to make Leo work harder, because Leo wouldn't co-operate when we first got there he missed the chance on the bike today. Michael has told him if he works hard he can get to ride it again tomorrow.
After Physio we popped into Dr Parks office and asked to see one of his team about Leo's back, Nicole came through (we met for the first time at Leo's assessment day but she has also seen a lot of us in the hospital) She examined Leo's back and agreed it did look a little inflamed so gave us some antibiotic ointment to put on it just to be on the safe side.
We got back to the hotel in plenty of time to administer Leos drug and had a pizza delivered and a lazy afternoon. In the early evening we met up with two of the other families out here and had dinner at TGI Fridays. Nice food and Leo got to meet Superman (a street performer who is Superman's double) but the restaurant was freezing cold as they had an issue with the heating.
We then popped to the local supermarket for some supplies an headed home for a quiet evening in the room.
Well Physio went really well eventually. On arrival Leo was really excited to see Michael but unfortunately didn't calm down and basically just wanted to play. For those that haven't met Michael you will not truly understand when l say Michael really is as mad as a box of frogs, However he takes Physio very very very seriously, Leo walked from the entrance to the physio dept to the Gym (about 40 steps) with his sticks but all the time wanting to play and not really trying and it wasn't long before Michael and Leo had words! Once that was over Leo worked really hard and actually walked on the treadmill forwards for 5 minutes, sideways to the left 2.5 Min's and right 2.5mins and backwards for 5 Min's, Leo then went and did Leg presses and did them so well Micheal made it one stage tougher by lifting the bench to make Leo work harder, because Leo wouldn't co-operate when we first got there he missed the chance on the bike today. Michael has told him if he works hard he can get to ride it again tomorrow.
After Physio we popped into Dr Parks office and asked to see one of his team about Leo's back, Nicole came through (we met for the first time at Leo's assessment day but she has also seen a lot of us in the hospital) She examined Leo's back and agreed it did look a little inflamed so gave us some antibiotic ointment to put on it just to be on the safe side.
We got back to the hotel in plenty of time to administer Leos drug and had a pizza delivered and a lazy afternoon. In the early evening we met up with two of the other families out here and had dinner at TGI Fridays. Nice food and Leo got to meet Superman (a street performer who is Superman's double) but the restaurant was freezing cold as they had an issue with the heating.
We then popped to the local supermarket for some supplies an headed home for a quiet evening in the room.
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
And a star is born !
Another early start because of Leo's 5am IV. But luckily managed to administer it without waking him up today. Leo also managed to eat fruit loops, banana and apple juice for breakfast and was soon ready for physio. Today Erica from America (this is what Leo likes to call her) had Leo walking on his frame up and down the physio room then Leo got onto the bike and for the first time managed to power himself chasing his mummy, He then went on the treadmill and would still be there if Erica hadn't pulled him off he then got to stand in front of mirror and draw on it with shaving foam. He also had to stand to a bench and pick up the pieces to pay connect 4 very much like the jigsaw exercise of yesterday. He did all this willingly and in really good humour hard to believe its only his second day out of bed since his discharge from hospital Monday.
Of course by the time Leo got back to the hotel and had eaten his lunch,it was time for the nurse from Coran to call to take blood, Leo wasn't really concerned with her drawing it from his PICC line but really didn't want the finger stab, Unfortunately its the only way they can check that the drugs he is receiving are still at the correct level so it really is a necessary evil. However once the stab had been done Leo was quite content to sit watching Tom and Jerry while the blood was drawn.
The nurse left and once the 1pm IV had been done and because he had been so good we decided to take him to see the new Disney film Tangled in 3d. Leo loved this film and the sound of his laughter filled the cinema. He managed to eat a hotdog and a corn on the cob for dinner tonight. Unfortunately Leo couldn't play with his friends tonight so we came back upstairs to the room where he is currently receiving his 9pm dose snuggled up on the sofa watching the Grinch.
Of course by the time Leo got back to the hotel and had eaten his lunch,it was time for the nurse from Coran to call to take blood, Leo wasn't really concerned with her drawing it from his PICC line but really didn't want the finger stab, Unfortunately its the only way they can check that the drugs he is receiving are still at the correct level so it really is a necessary evil. However once the stab had been done Leo was quite content to sit watching Tom and Jerry while the blood was drawn.
The nurse left and once the 1pm IV had been done and because he had been so good we decided to take him to see the new Disney film Tangled in 3d. Leo loved this film and the sound of his laughter filled the cinema. He managed to eat a hotdog and a corn on the cob for dinner tonight. Unfortunately Leo couldn't play with his friends tonight so we came back upstairs to the room where he is currently receiving his 9pm dose snuggled up on the sofa watching the Grinch.
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