Hi.
I'm still struggling with my fractured femur which was operated on to insert a titanium rod and 'nails' on Monday 17 July 2023.
I spent a few weeks of rehabilitation in Jubilee Ward in Upton Hospital, Slough. Prior to my discharge, the OT's provided me with some assistive equipment at home: A walking frame, a toilet frame, a commode, a bathroom stool, and a bath 'swivel' seat. (We later sent the commode back as I had no need for it.).
The first few days at home were a bit difficult, getting used to a new 'disabled' routine and lifestyle. I had quite a lot of difficulty getting up and down between the sofa and the walking frame. I decided to invest privately in a 'rise and recline' armchair:
It has proved to be invaluable and only cost £319. It took quite a lot of searching to find a chair that was reasonably priced and did what I wanted it to. It also had to fit in the available area. I finally settled on this one from amazon.co.uk (Amazon 'title': HOMCOM Power Lift Chair, Fabric Electric Recliner Sofa Chair for Elderly with Heavy Duty Motor, Remote Control, Side Pocket, Grey).
Since arriving at home, I've been exercising through walking - starting with short walks and increasing the distance each day. Simon follows me with my wheelchair in case I suddenly to sit down. I alternate the route each day between walking outside the front of the flats and walking around the communal garden. Some days I do an additional walk from the patio to the bench where I meet my friend and neighbour Ann for coffee.
The pain relief I had previously been prescribed is Paracetamol and Codeine Phosphate. This week I was also prescribed 'Oramorph', which I had been using in the hospital. This certainly helps relieve the pain but has 'weird' side effects including hallucinations amongst others.
Last Friday, I was assessed (at home) by a physio who looked at what I can currently achieve and who gave me a set of exercises to complete four times a day. At first, they were excruciatingly painful, but since I started are becoming a little better each time. My leg also hurts a lot between exercises.
That more or less brings me up to date with my 'medical' details.
While in hospital, my article on Eliot Best and his assistance dogs was published in 'Dogs Today' magazine and soon a similar article will be published in 'Able' magazine. Also coming out in 'Dogs Today' is my article 'Newfs in Action'.
This week, I'll be researching possible outlets for articles in magazines by using the 2024 editions of 'Writers & Artists Yearbook' and 'Writers Handbook'. I'll also be writing an article 'Ghosts on the Waterways'.
Thank you for reading thus far. Watch this space!
