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Two weeks in Rehab.
Terry is slightly stronger, the Physio is working on upper body strength and mobility mostly, to enable her to move herself around on the bed, turn over from side to side etc. This would save her from being hurt by the nurses when handled. Small stuff, but a start. She spends every morning in the gym.
They started wheelchair work this week, including assisted board transfers from bed to chair to loo etc., and wheeling herself slowly around the clinic. Also taking breakfast and lunch at the table in the dining room. Great to see her sitting up in a chair, looking like Paralympics material with her new cycling gloves on.
I pushed her out into the garden last Sunday and we had a mini-picnic down by the pool. Beats ICU anytime. They may not allow it so soon, but I'm going to see if I can get her a day-pass this Sunday and take her for a drive.
Had a look at the trachy hole yesterday during a dressing change. It's lost all of it's rawness from the last closure attempt and is healing on the surface. Trouble is, that surface is at the bottom of a 5cm long by 1cm wide jagged canyon. At one end there is a 1.5cm deep crater and at the bottom of this, the hole through into her trachea. This hole is now only about a mm in diameter and I believe it may even close on its own. If this can happen, it will greatly increase the chances of success of the canyon closure operation because she wouldn't be coughing through it and/or depositing infection-prone material behind the stitched flesh. Her other wounds are coming along slowly.
PS: Traffic fines were reduced from R400 & R300 to R200 & R100. Fair I suppose, but I'd be interested to know what it would take to have fines scrapped altogether.
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This is good news Doug. Progress will most likely be slow from now on, so hang in there, I'm praying for you both.
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At last! After months of constantly striking Terry's flint, the spark has finally ignited a fire in her belly to get going. She told the Physio and Occupational Therapists: "Stop treating me like I'm going to break and let's get to work, I'll tell you when it hurts too much and I need to rest." The rehab's Psychiatrist has changed her happy pills and I think that's also allowed her mind to clear and take charge. The old strength and determination has resurfaced and the hypothetical kitten had better just stay out of her way if it wants to lead a long and happy life.
I had a meeting with the rehab team last Thursday and told them their expectations didn't match ours, so they should upgrade theirs. I also told them Terry is tougher than they thought and they should push her a bit harder. Terry is very grateful to me for this... at least I think that's what she means when she says: "Thank you! Thank you very bloody damn much for making them work my *** off!" 
The outride didn't happen over the weekend, the doctor is worried about infections in her leg wounds. We apparently have to complete a leave application form which gets evaluated by the whole rehab team before she can leave the premises. Nevertheless, we had a good 2 days outdoors, picnicking under a lapa in the garden. Terry's reached the point now when she stays in her wheelchair and doesn't have to spend any time in bed during the day, taking all her meals at the dining table. Her mood at the end of the day is tired, but content and proud of her progress.
She's able to talk clearly and strongly again, no longer having to push her fingers into the trachy hole (through the dressing of course), to stop the leak. That's enabled her to use her cellphone freely and call up friends and family to chat whenever the mood grabs her.
Long way to go yet but the mountain is not looking quite as formidable.
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Fantastic news Doug! Really uplifting! I recall your posts around Xmas time, compare those to your post today - you've come a million miles. I'm really pleased for you both. Onwards and upwards! 
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Wonderful news Doug,Glad to hear that things have turned more positive I am sure we will all keep thinking the happy thoughts prayers etc to help you both onward and upward 
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Terry's bored, asks if someone can send her a copy of Silent Hunter 4 when it's available. 
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Great job on all the work you both have done. Every step counts, no matter ow small it may seem.
PS. May have to start a collection to get "her" a copy...
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I've been prayerfully following this thread since just after Christmas. It amazes me the power of the internet to bring people together in their common humanity or to wedge them apart. How many people reading this around the world must have been praying for the two of you. You are a remarkable man and Terry must be a remarkable woman. God bless you both.
