Blog for Andrew McMillan aka Mcgee

Home for Good

2009-11-01T15:30:00.000-08:00

Andrew is now home for good! His rehab at Lochgilphead hospital finished on Friday. On his last day at Lochgilphead Hospital he did a sponsored walk for breast cancer in which his challenge was to walk a mile. He completed his walk in a time of 2 hours. This was an amazing feat and a big achievement for Andrew, as we were told that he would never walk again!! How wrong they where!!

On his first weekend home for good he also enjoyed dressing up in a pimps costume for a night out alone with his friends at a Halloween disco.

Andrews total time spent in hospital was 2 years and 7 months, after his accident on the 13 march 2007. At the start he was not expected to live but look at him now he is back home with family and friends.

In a fortnight Andrew will be moving into his own home in Tarbert, which is something he is really looking forward to. The last few weeks he has spent shopping for things for his new home and the house is nearly ready for him.

Andrews will still continue with physio at Lochgilphead hospital with his cousin Jessica three times a week.

Andrew can now look forward to the future, and decide what he wants to do with his life. There is still lots of improving that he can make to his own body but he will work on that himself. Before the accident he used to go to football training, perhaps now is the time for him to set himself a goal of getting back into that routine and try to get himself fit again. Its all down to him. The last 2 years he has made a remarkable recovery its been his hard work that has done it with his sheer grit and determination. Doctors wrote him off at the start but how wrong they where!!!

On January the 13th, 2010, Andrew will go back to the Southern General for a short stay to have the part of his skull replaced where the damage was made from the accident, although it will be a metal plate that will go in, this for Andrew, will make him feel back to normal, feeling his head and feeling that its all there will make him alot happier.

Onwards and Upwards Andrew...you are just simply PHENOMENAL!!!

With his good friend Stuart and staff

2009-08-10T12:32:00.000-07:00

With staff and friends from Murdostoun

2009-08-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Walkin out the Rehab centre

2009-08-10T12:20:00.001-07:00

With Jo

2009-08-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

2009-08-10T11:13:00.000-07:00

Moving On

2009-08-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Andrew has now left the Rehabilation hospital in Wishaw. His time at the centre came to an end last friday and he is now in Mid Argyll Hospital in Lochgilphead. This was the best option available to Andrew as his rehab will continue, there he will get physio every day of the week from his cousin Jessica and also he is only 15 minutes from home. Andrew still will go home on a friday night and back to the hosptial on a sunday night. Other options available to Andrew at Lochgilphead are Hyperbaric oxygen chamber which we are currently looking into also Jessicas assistant is qualified for Mid Argyll swimming pool which he hopes to go to twice a week with Jessica and her assistant. Also available is access to Mid Argyll Sports Centre where it is hoped Andrew will go for a workout. Unfortunately our plan for Andrew to work with a personal trainer in Glasgow never materialised as rules and regulations put this to bed but it is now hoped we will find a personal trainer in Mid Argyll to work with Andrew. We are also currently looking for a reflexologist to work with Andrew in Argyll as he has moved now he will no longer be able to work with Louise who over the last 28 months has been incredibly loyal to Andrew travelling a two hour round trip, once even twice a week to work with Andrew. We will all miss her especially Andrew who over the last 28 months became very close friends.

For anyone wishing to visit Andrew he is in the Glassary Ward in Mid Argyll Hospital.

Safely back at the centre with Colin

2009-06-08T15:46:00.000-07:00

Andrew cutting his birthday cake

2009-06-08T15:44:00.000-07:00

Dancing with cousin Jessica

2009-06-08T15:42:00.000-07:00

With Auntie Fiona & Uncle Donnie

2009-06-08T15:37:00.000-07:00

Andrew with AJ, Nikki, Malcolm & Janette

2009-06-08T15:31:00.000-07:00

Antie Kate and Andrew

2009-06-08T15:20:00.000-07:00

Both Andrews and Antie Kates Birthday.

Jamie and Donnie

2009-06-08T15:14:00.000-07:00

Jamie and Donnie

Andrews Reflexologist

2009-06-08T15:12:00.000-07:00

Andrew with his Reflexologist Louise.

Recent updates and New goals

2009-06-08T14:12:00.000-07:00

The last two months Andrew has been continuing to work hard. He is still at Murdoston Castle rehab centre in Newmains.

Andrew goes home every weekend to spend time with family and friends and recently held his 20th birthday party at the West loch Hotel with friends and family which is his first birthday at home in two years.

Andrew now can walk slowly on his own for short distances. This is hoped to get better with more practice and his confidence will grow. Throughout the day Andrew is continuing to receive therapies from the rehab staff and is working hard with them all. It is thought that since Andrew has been going home, he has found a new motivation in himself to work even harder. Sometime in the fortnight Andrew will receive 7 fenial injections into his right arm which is still giving him trouble, this is hoped to loosen Andrews muscles further. Andrews reflexologist who has been working with him for the last two years has been delighted with his progress in his arms and legs as she saw Andrew when he was at his worst and has seen Andrew improve so much this is also down to her hard work. Again over the next fortnight we have hired a Personal Trainer to work with Andrew for him to gain more strength and confidence.

Even after two years and three months, we as a family refuse to give up and we are now seeing the benefits of this with Andrew being home every weekend and starting to walk again. This again is down to the village of Tarbert and surrounding areas for their help and support. Thank You .

On Way Home

2009-03-29T15:09:00.000-07:00

On my way Home with my brother.

Emergency Dance

2009-03-29T15:05:00.001-07:00

with Mum and lynn at dance in Tarbert village hall.

Mothers Day

2009-03-29T15:01:00.000-07:00

With mum at home on Mothers day.

Emergency Dance

2009-03-29T14:49:00.000-07:00

With ian smith and james MacNab

Walking his way to a full recovery

2009-03-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Over the last three weeks Andrews progress has yet again been great. Each day Andrew has been walking small distances on his own with a walking stick and at physio has been practicing walking up stairs on his own which shows the amazing progress that he has been making. Over the last three to four weeks Andrew has been going home every weekend, which is a massive boost for him. It has been two years since the accident and for him to be getting home very weekend, is a great comfort for him, doing normal things that he would have been doing, like hanging out with his mates and sleeping in his own bed.

Recently Andrew attended the Emergency Services Dance in Tarbert Village hall which was in aid of the Scottish Air Ambulance and emergency services. This meant a great deal to Andrew as he wouldn't here today if it wasn't for the emergency services and the Royal Navy Helicopter in which they all played a major part in saving his life. As a thank you to Lynn McArthur, Andrew presently her with bouquet of flowers and a £300 donation to the charity. Andrew had a great night meeting and catching up with his friends and the people of Tarbert. This was a great night out for Andrew.

This weekend when Andrew was home, Andrew walked up 19 steps at his home himself, which will be a massive boost for him knowing that he can now do it and will be a relief for the family not having to lift him up all the time. This is hoped that it will also strength his legs as this is good exercise for him.

It is now planned that Andrew will be going home every weekend from the Friday to the Sunday. This is a great boost from his family seeing him home. The major part of this is seeing Andrew walking for the first time in two years with a walking stick, all be it small distances but during his continual rehab during the week, Andrew is hoped to progress further in his walking ability.

During rehab in the hospital during the week, Andrew has some sessions in a hydro-therapy swimming pool in which he has been walking himself and even swimming on his back. Andrew is now even more determined than ever that he will not give up and along with the whole of Tarbert he is fighting hard and determined on a full recovery.

Thank You lynn

2009-03-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

A big thank you lynn

In the Frigate

2009-03-01T14:01:00.000-08:00

With Everyone in the frigate

In the cafe

2009-03-01T13:57:00.000-08:00

With Anggy and mhairi in the cafe

Andrew and mum

2009-03-01T13:53:00.000-08:00

Mum and Andrew at home.

MUM AM HOME

2009-03-01T13:38:00.000-08:00

Andrew at the living room door at home.

Cheers

2009-03-01T13:36:00.000-08:00

Andrew and his grandfather enjoying at drink together during the football

Home At Last

2009-03-01T13:18:00.000-08:00

Andrew made a surprise visit home on Saturday for the first time in two years. He wanted to surprise everybody and surprise them he did, including his grandfather. It was a long day for Andrew, starting at 6.30am and getting back to the hospital at 12.30am, but he managed this superbly and is seen as another huge step forward.

The day started with meeting the local football team that Andrew used to play for before they set off for their game in Glasgow. Andrew encouraged them to win in what was a crucial game for Tarbert and they dually did it by winning 2-1 against the league leaders. It was then on to breakfast at home with mum and dad and then to his grandfathers for a couple of hours, where he listened to the Rangers game and also had some lunch, then it was time to visit his pals. After visiting his friends it was on to the local pub The Frigate where he was joined with more friends and family. Andrew also meet Lynn the paramedic who played a large part in saving his life at the scene of the accident. This was Lynn's first time seeing Andrew since the accident. After the Frigate it was out and about in Tarbert meeting more local people and everybody was amazed and delighted to see him and amazed at his progress. After that it was back home for dinner and a much needed rest, but this wasn't possible as Andrew was joined in his bedroom by two of his old pals which was a great laugh for him.

Before setting off for Glasgow, Andrew visited his grandfather again to say cheerio where he was meet by more family and friends. Andrews long journey back to Glasgow lasted three hours but again managed superbly and on arriving back at the hospital was still full of life.

Andrew would like to thank everybody he met for the encouragement and support they gave him and will see them all again on his next visit home on the 14th of March. See you all then.

Walking Frame

2009-02-27T15:38:00.000-08:00

The walking frame that was bought using andrews fund at a cost of £1500

Andrew on walking frame

2009-02-27T15:36:00.000-08:00

Andrew using walking frame and standing on his own!!

Rangers game

2009-02-27T15:32:00.000-08:00

At the dinner table in ibrox with family and friends

Rangers game

2009-02-27T15:30:00.000-08:00

With Willie Henderson

Rangers game

2009-02-27T15:27:00.000-08:00

Andrew and JD with Andy Goram

Rangers game

2009-02-27T15:24:00.000-08:00

Andrew with Alan McLaren

Rangers v Ac milan

2009-02-27T15:19:00.000-08:00

Andrew at the Rangers game.

Walking Tall and Recent Updates

2009-02-27T14:43:00.000-08:00

Over the last 4 weeks again Andrew has improved immensely. Firstly we went on a visit to Ibrox and watched Rangers V's A C Milan. This was a great night out for Andrew and the first Rangers game he had went to since the accident. After his four course meal he meet ex-Rangers players, Alan McLaren, Andy Goram and Willie Henderson

During the last month, Andrew has had his peg tube removed which is a massive boost for Andrew. This means all medication and food will be taken orally now, as before everything went through he peg tube. Andrew is now eating everyday food, although he can not manage fizzy drinks, his diluted juice has to be thickened for him.

The walking frame that we purchased from Andrews fund he is now able to use this independently and can transfer from his wheelchair to the walking frame himself. Over the last week Andrew has been walking with the frame with no other support, before a physio had to assist him with this, but now he can manage this on his own. This is now a crucial stage of Andrews rehab, he must now practice walking with the frame everyday to help his balance and his muscle strength. Last night Andrew showed us that he can stand up from the wheelchair himself with no assistance which means his muscles in his legs and his balance is still improving. Andrew also transfers from the wheelchair into the chair himself which has to be seen to be believed, giving that this time last year Andrew could hardly even lift his arm. Lately Andrew has been enjoying trip out of the hospital in his own car which brings a bit of normality back to his life.

Andrews right arm is still quite weak, this is the only part of his body that he struggles with, although over the last 3 weeks this has greatly improved and he can now move it with more ease.

Andrew has achieved all these goals through his own grit and determination and is putting 110% of his energy into everything he does and is an inspiration for us all NOT TO GIVE UP!

Me and my brother

2009-01-30T14:47:00.001-08:00

Brother's till we die!!

chilling oot

2009-01-30T14:45:00.000-08:00

Chilling out on the laptop!!

Fish and chips

2009-01-30T14:40:00.000-08:00

ahh fish and chips just as good if not better than the last time a had it!

Steps To Recovery

2009-01-30T13:46:00.000-08:00

The last 3-4 weeks has seen an amazing improvement in Andrew again!! Last week we bought him a walking frame at a cost of £1500. This was purchased from Andrews fund. Although only having had this for a week, so far he has managed to walk ten yards with it. This is hoped to build up Andrews confidence and ability to walk. He is still learning how to use this, hopefully soon, he will be able to walk unaided, of course this would not be posssible if it wasn't for the generousity of the people of Tarbert and surrounding areas who have been raising and donating money to his fund. Andrew, himself thanks each and everyone of you and so do we.. THANK YOU AGAIN, totally overwhelmed.

Andrew is also able to eat and drink normally as before he was only getting peg fed. We hope the peg feed will be out within the next two weeks. Andrew is also taking his own medication orally now. This is a huge step or even leap forward for Andrew, getting back to eating normal foods again. The other night he had a fish and chip supper and the following night he had his favourite dinner of scampi and waffles. Andrews weight has now stabilised at 12 stone 5 pounds. Andrews speech has also improved as it is now a lot clearer and the tone of his voice is a lot louder. This helps Andrew communicating with people even over the phone.

Andrew is not as tired as he was before. Previously he would get tired at around 6 or 7pm, now he goes to bed at 10pm and is still awake to 11-12pm. Andrews mood lately has been fantastic, why this is,..I dont know, but possibly, he is now seeing himself improving and knows now what he can achieve.

We had a progress meeting on Thursday of which in the last eight weeks, Andrew was set 16 goals in which he achieved all of them. The reports Andrew got from all his re-hab staff where as good as any of the time he has been at the centre. The only downside to this is that the Centre Manager thinks it is time for Andrew to move on to a lesser grade of rehab facility, one that will now concentrate on Andrews daily living tasks, such as cooking and washing for himself. Although we know this stage has got to come at some point, we feel Andrew can achieve even more in this re-hab centre and we have asked a doctor to re-assess Andrew to pro-long his rehab at this centre.

Andrew has came so far, we are so very proud of him and are certainly not going to give up on him at this crucial stage and hopefully his progress will continue for the next five to eight weeks. The next meeting is in five weeks.

2009-01-02T15:06:00.000-08:00

New year Dinner Steak pie and mashed potatoes!

2009-01-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

New years day with the boys.

2009-01-02T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy new year to all !

2009-01-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

Having a laugh!

2009-01-02T14:40:00.000-08:00

Brothers in Arms!

2009-01-02T14:36:00.000-08:00

A family christmas

2009-01-02T14:32:00.000-08:00

Mum and Andrew enjoying her home made soup!

2009-01-02T14:30:00.000-08:00

Andrew enjoying christmas day.

2009-01-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

Andrew with his family on christmas day.

Xmas and New year updates

2009-01-02T13:55:00.000-08:00

Over the xmas break andrew has been in good form. On xmas day we took him out for the day and had dinner at a friends house which andrew ate soup,turkey and mashed potatoes,2 bowls ice cream, 5 ice lollys and 4 cartons of apple juice!! This is what andrew has improved on in the last month and his swallowing is still getting better. He has soup at least twice a day and then his dinner at night along with about 4or5 ice lollys during the day!! Although he is still getting peg fed aswell its only now for a couple of hours a day. Hopefully he will get rid of the peg tube soon this will be another huge step forward for him. Also andrew has been out ten pin bowling alot over the break with family and friends which he really enjoyed and it got him out of the hospital for a few hours each day. New year for andrew was better than last new year as he was able to take a drink, all be it apple juice but its better than nothing!! andrew took the bells in the hospital with family and friends again, he was able to talk to us which he was unable to do last year this shows you how far he has come with his rehab. Theres still no word back about andrew going through HBOT so hopefully we will find out soon . Over all andrew has done really well over the festive break which for him it must of been harder for than the rest of us but we are all really proud of him for that and hes still doing and trying his very best for that its all we can ask of him!!

Another kick in the teeth

2008-12-13T16:36:00.000-08:00

Last week was another progress meeting and another kick in the teeth, After all andrews hard work and good progress his rehab team came to a descion that they could not do any more for him! this is another massive blow for andrew and us as we , and so does he feel that he is making progress slow but still progress his swallowing is getting better by the day but the phyiso's said that they are only maintaning him now which i dont belive at all. the next meeting is on the 29th of jan then we have to find somewhere else for him.As local people from tarbert no there is no where in tarbert that is suitable for him at the moment but we are not going to give up we still belive andrew will walk again and i have been doing some research on the internet and found that in america they use HYPERBARIC OXYGEM THERAPY for treating brain injuryed people so weve taking steps to see if andrew can use the HYPERBARIC CHAMBER in glasgow's MS centre so we hope to hear soon about that.(Any body that is intrested in finding out more about HBOT can type it into google) For now we have still got to belive in andrew which we do and keep our heads held high and try and do our best for andrew because he needs us now more than ever with xmas coming up. His mood has been prity low the last couple of weeks but he is strong and with everybodys support and help hopefully he can get through this even though this is now the second rehab hospital to give up on him and we all no what happened after the first hospital gave up on him he started doing things they said he would never do again!! TALKING FOR ONE!!!!

Progress Meeting - updates

2008-11-30T15:48:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow sees another progress meeting, hopefully it will all go well.At the last meeting the unit manager said that it was time for andrew to go home!! but this is what we dont understand why would we want andrew to go home while he is still improving? We would love for him to come home but we just dont see the point when hes doing so well and still improving. The last two weeks andrew has been very busy he got a video x-ray of his swallowing and we where told that its improved alot so much so that hes been getting bread and butter, apple juice and ice lollys!! Last week andrew had his operation on his left ankle , all went well and his ankle has not been as sore as the right one after the op! The surgeon had a look at the right ankle and was pleased the way it has turned out! Andrew was very down in the dumps last week we think the problem was his right arm it has been very sore and tight, the arm goes into a spasm and somtimes and is really painful for him. He had a feenal injection 2 weeks ago and this is hoped to relax his muscles in the arm. Today andrews mood is alot better and we had him tenpin bowling which he really enjoyed and got him out for a while! Hoping all go's well tomorrow we hope andrew will be in rehab for another 8 weeks contuing all his hard work which he gives 110% all the time it would be criminal to stop his rehab at this stage!!!

Lots Happening

2008-11-16T15:09:00.000-08:00

The past couple of weeks and the next couple of weeks has and will be a very busy time for Andrew. Last week the physios had andrew taking small steps with a walking machine although he did very well,. we don't think his legs are strong enough yet. He had trouble straightening his knees. Also last week andrew got his cast off his right ankle which he has had on for the last 6 weeks, he now says his ankle feels good but still abit sore when standing on it. On the 25th of this month andrew goes into Paisley hospital again for his operation on his left ankle although this will not be as severe as the right ankle operation he still has to get it done. This coming week sees Andrew using the hydrotherapy pool to help his muscles get stronger. This is a heated pool which is very hot and its weightless so the patient can move more freely. We hope this will help to build up his muscles again, its the first time hes been allowed to use this because before they said his swallowing was to poor, so this must be improving as he can now swallow 6 or 7 spoonfuls of ice cream per day. A video scan is hopefully due soon to let us know if it has improved. Finally this weekend as part of andrew goals we where able to take him out for the weekend on saturday and sunday, we managed to find a self drive disabled car (which was not easy i might add!) which we took him into glasgow both days and on sunday took him to see the nurses in the previous hospital. The nurses saw a huge difference in him since when he left there he could only move slightly and now hes close to walking!! So it was good for him to see them and he could even remember all their names, which even i have trouble with!! So over all its been a busy time for him and this is leaving him quite tired at night but hes still got a long and busy time ahead of him in which we are right behind him all the way and with all your support we know he can get through this hell journey for him!!

Final total from charity day

2008-11-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Final total raised on the 13th of september at the charity day was £14.640.90p. This money was raised by the people of tarbert and beyond for andrews rehab. Andrew has been overwhelmed by the amount raised and would like to thank everybody for all donations received towards his rehab. He would also like to thank local joiner Duncan mcgregor for all the effort and hard work that he has put in towards organising the triathlon and charity day.
Andrew is seen here pictured with Duncan and a powered cycling bike that has already been bought from the funds raised. This is hoped to strenghten andrews legs again.

Another kick in the teeth

2008-10-16T14:02:00.000-07:00

At last weeks progress meeting we expected good news, what we got was another kick in the teeth from the centre manager. She said that andrew has not got it in him to get any better and as far as she was concerned it is as far as he will go in his recover. This is because during the last eight weeks andrew was giving 19 goals to reach but only reached 13. I can not describe my anger at the centre manger as 13 goals is still huge progress! But in this hospital you must achieve all your goals to stay in there.The day before the meeting andrew mood was the best I have seen it since the accident, we were having a great laugh, But after the meeting his mood was very low and he was gutted at hearing that it could be over for him. Its been another very hard week for all of us but for andrew it must be twice as bad what we must do now is pick our selfs back up of the floor again and try and encourage andrew again because hes been pretty down this week.
One thing is for sure is that we will never give up!!!!

Andrew standing

2008-10-08T14:33:00.000-07:00

Andrew was standing again at physio today.

Andrew standing

2008-10-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Andrew standing

GREAT NEWS

2008-10-06T14:41:00.000-07:00

Great news today, andrew was standing on his own two feet today with help of a standing frame but he did manage this on his own and its the first time he's stood up in 18 months!!! This is massive progress after his ankle op last week which went well although his ankle was very sore for 2-3days after words this early after the op he's done well. His right ankle is now in a cast for 6 weeks. The only down side is that during last week when in the paisley hospital the surgeon said that his left ankle would probably need operated on as well, But back to todays exciting news we must remember not to get carried away but its hard not to when he can already stand up for 15mins so soon after the op! Tomorrow the physio's are going to try a different standing frame where andrew will have to do more himself again but after today's progress there's no stopping him! This week will see another progress meeting on thursday so hoping there's good news after what has happened today!!
STAY POSTED!!!

Ankle Operation

2008-09-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow see's Andrews long awaited ankle op on his right ankle, today he has settled into the royal alexandra hospital in paisley, the op will start around 1-2pm and will last 1hr 30mins.
Andrew will have an epidural which is a jag in his spine and will make his legs numb for 24hrs so he will be awake for the whole op but wont feel any pain, it also has the best chance of a recovery.
hopeing all go's well andrew will have a cast on for 6wks and hopefully he will get out of paisley and back into his rehab hospital in wishaw on friday.
Stay posted by the end of the week and will let you all no how things go.

Charity day and recent updates

2008-09-24T10:57:00.000-07:00

Chairty day was a huge success thanks to all who took part and to those who helped during the day, special thanks must go to DUNCAN MACGREGOR who frist came up with the idea and who organised the whole day. Money raised from the triatlon,bowls and the dance at night will go towards andrews rehab, we first plan to buy him a powered bike that he can use in his wheelchair hopefully that will get his legs stronger, although the powered bike costs about £4000 we plan to hire it for three months at a time for £700 and pay it off that way were hoping the bike should be here within the next three weeks.
The final amount that was raised has not be reached as of yet,as people are still handing money over which is amazing and we hope to get a final figure within the next 1-2 weeks so stay posted and i will keep you up to date with that also there was people on the day of the triatlon taking photos there are quite alot of them so again i will try and post them when i can.
The last week has seen andrew get a powered wheelchair which he can operate him self so thats more progress as one of his recent goals was to came out of his room more often before he couldnt because he had to get someone to push him but now he can do what he wants when he wants to.
Next week see's a massive week for andrew proberly the biggest for sumtime hes going into paisly hospital for an ankle op to straighten his right ankle as he cannot stand on both his feet so hopeing all go's well in the next 2-3weeks the physo's can get him standing on both legs by that time hopefully the powered bike will be here to help him futher so the next 3-4weeks will be a very busy time for him.
The next progress meeting is on the 9th of octber so hope there will be good news after that.

Andrew McMillan Charity day 13th september.

2008-09-09T11:28:00.000-07:00

This saturday 13th is the ANDREW MCMILLAN chairty triatlon which there is 17 people taking part,people can sponser them to raise money for andrew. The triathlon is a 6 mile run of island of gigha.a kayak from gigha to tayinloan 3 miles and cycle from tayinloan to tarbert which is 18miles. there is also a charity bowls compation and a dance to Eriskey lilt at night in the tarbert bowling club. The triatlon starts in gigha at 10am(weather permiting) The bowls starts at 9am,And the dance starts at 9pm.

Trunk inprovment

2008-09-04T09:09:00.000-07:00

The last couple of weeks has seen andrews trunk getting stronger,this has been because of the work the physo's are doing with him before when the physo's sat him on the edge of a bed he could not hold his balance long enough to hold him self up,he would just fall to either side, but now with all his and physo's hard work he can hold him self up and his head as well for 20mins which is a great inprovment on before. This also helps to move his postion in his wheelchair as when his bum gets sore he can use his left arm on the arm rest and lift him self up!! last weekend i asked him to move forward and see if he could get out of the wheelchair to my shock he nearly did if it wasnt for the seatbelt on it he would of!!! but because of the right ankle he would of just fell onto the floor as his ankle is still in a bad postion. The op for this ankle to get straight into the correct postion is on the 1st of oct, this is what is holding him back as the physo's cant get him to stand up right because of this as they said that he will never walk again how do they know that just now when his ankle is like that!! just wait until after the op and he will prove all the people that wrote him of WRONG!!!!!!!

Another set back

2008-08-21T16:56:00.000-07:00

This week andrew has been for a video scan of his throat( x-ray) to see if his swollowing is any better,as for the last 17months or since the accident he has been peg feed into his belly, in other words he has had nothing to eat for 17months!! he does get sips of water somtimes just to see if he can swallow but not very often. The scan showed that andrews swallow had improved a bit but still not good enough to start eating,this is yet another blow for him and it would be for any one,being told that u cant eat would get anyone down but for andrew this is very depressing for him and his morale is taking another battering.Some days andrews trim is very good this could be because he can start to see himself slowly getting better but other days when he suffers a set back like today understanderly his mood is very low.The next scan is another month away and until then the speach people will be working with him during that time to improve it even further,but they did say that they dont no if andrew will ever regain his swallow enough to eat normaly things,only time will tell.

progress slow but sure

2008-08-16T14:13:00.000-07:00

we had a progress meeting during the week, this is to meet with andrews physio's , speech thearapist, occuptional thearapist, physcolgist and head nurse to determine how he has done during the last 8 weeks. the past 8 weeks has seen andrews progress complete 19 of the 20 goals set for him to reach, his goals are set every 8 weeks and he must achieve these to be kept in this rehab hos. these goals are simple for the likes of you and me but for andrew they are huge steps forward and 1 step closer to recovery. for example 1 goal for him is to sit in the wheel chair with his head held up for 5mins with no head rest which he can now do for 1 HOUR!! another is to wash his upper half of his body him self with no assistance which he has just managed to do. these goals are set every 8 weeks as long as he reaches them he will get more to try and achieve as long as we get funding!! this has been 1 of the most frustating things as that andrew only gets funded for 8 wks at a time! we are currently trying to abtain funding from the NHS but as one of there so called rehab doctors has already said he will never walk or talk again we dont no where we stand with the NHS! this doctor said he will never talk again so he has been proved wrong there so who no's what will happen in the months to come! andrews speech started on his 19th bithday when he said 3 words yes,mum,dad. since then he has now been able to speak in sentances although its a little bit mumbled we can still clearly understand him , after 14 months with no speach who cares what it sounds like as long as he can communicate!! for him this is another huge step forward not being able to tell anyone that you need the toilet must have been unbearable who no's what he was going thourgh then and still is! We are currantly waiting for andrew going into another hos for 3 days for an operation on his right ankle as this has dropped into a postion where he cant stand up! this is what is holding him back as the phyiso's are restricted in what they can do! his date for the op is the 1st of octber still to long away but thats the NHS for you dont you think he has been waiting long enough!! olso at the meeting was a social worker as they have to be seen to be getting in place andrews own home in tarbert if he doesnt walk again he will have to have 24 hr care and as you will no there is no where in tarbert for that!! we are not even thinking of that as when andrew comes home we want him to be walking and we will not give up on that, thats for sure!! for andrew there is months and years of rehab left thers no dont of that his injurys where so severe that we where told he would be in a persistant vegitive state. we now have to look forward and help him back to a life that any 19 year old should have this will take time but hey we have a life time to do it!