On Monday when I visited, Colin was most uncomfortable lying on the bed, complaining of being stiff and looking very unhappy. I had already phoned earlier in the morning to request a meeting with the neuro-physio and when I arrived was promised they would ensure that would happen. In the meantime I was lucky to be able to speak with one of the doctors on the ward about Colin's condition which was extremely useful and was able to remind him that Colin had been a long-distance cyclist, rambler, rock climber and marathon runner, and so was not used to doing nothing just lying in a bed for weeks on end! I also had a very useful and reassuring discussion with the physio and I'm certain she understands the problem and has a plan to tackle it. Colin will have physio every day, and hopefully a different more supportive patient chair, all with the planned end result of getting him out of bed for most of the day, if he feels like it.
Those who have visited will have noticed that Colin is sleepy - I now know that this is related to the medication he's being given. He is awoken for blood pressure checks and medication etc., and at that point sort of stays awake enough to have a chat. He is also eating his meals although he has been feeling nauseous for a few days - and is now being given an antiemetic to help with this.
Will see what the next few days bring - it's almost a re-run of Easter 2012!!
Jane.