Saturday: This was a slow day for all of us. Chris was quiet through the night and still very sleepy when Steve reappeared. He had had a good night’s sleep at the hotel and a cooked breakfast so he was in good spirits. Sally, our lovely nurse, took over again in the morning and was very pleased with how well Chris was doing. His pain scores were really low – 1 and 2 – and he is managing to turn himself onto his side using the rails at the side of the bed.
He also managed to eat a piece of toast for breakfast and is drinking lots of water. His biggest problem is not the pain, but feeling really sick – even watching the TV makes him feel ill – so he is really just lying there quietly with his eyes closed. Mr Conlan and Mr Crawford also came in to see how Chris was doing and were very pleased with all his hospital notes and vital signs.
Today the physio also came to see Chris and like most physios she was a force to be reckoned with – giving Chris lots of encouragement to move more and to try sitting up on the side of the bed. He did really well and with her help he managed to sit up with his feet on the floor. Then he managed to stand up for a couple of seconds but felt so sick that he had to sit down again quite quickly. But she was really pleased with how well he managed to move and said he would definitely be walking tomorrow!
This evening I am going to go back to the hotel and Steve will stay with Chris so that I can catch up on some sleep.
Sunday: Both boys had a good nights sleep and once again the nurses are all really happy with how Chris is recovering. I slept really well in the hotel – in fact I was in bed and asleep by 9.30pm! Mr Frear the anaethetist came in to see Chris again this morning and as he is coping so well and hardly using the pain pump he has said that Sally could remove this IV line today. She is also going to remove the fluids IV line as Chris is also now drinking lots of water. This is a great step forward as it will make it easier for Chris to move around in bed and also means that his body is returning to normal and able to regulate itself again.
The physio returned and Chris managed to sit himself up on the side of the bed with very little help. Then he stood up and I was able to see just how much he has grown as a result of the surgery – he must be about and inch and a half taller than he was!
With a lovely smile on his face Chris then walked round the bedroom holding onto the physios arms. This was an amazing moment and once again I had a lump in my throat but this time the tears were tears of joy and happiness – he looks so tall and straight – I just can’t believe it. It is such a huge relief to see him looking like this and even managing a smile!
After lunch I took Steve to the station to catch the train home so that he can see Anthony and go back to work on Monday.