h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I don't intend to write too much here but I did want people to know that life is not too good at the moment. On Saturday while I was taking my daughter and her family to see a formal garden in NSW I received a very distressing message from a close friend in the UK. He told me that my wife had fallen downstairs and sustained a serious head injury. He told me that the doctors had said that I needed to be at the bedside asap.

I booked a flight straight back to the UK.

I am now in the Walton Centre at the Aintree Hospital in Liverpool. My wife has been in an induced coma since Saturday. She underwent significant surgery to remove a clot and her brain has swollen. Until the pressure goes down they will not wake her up. When she awakens we will know if there is any permanent damage.

Vestie. I cannot begin to understand how you must be feeling.

But. I was married to a neurosurgeon for many years, and this sort of thing happened now and then. They will indeed keep her sedated until the pressure inside the skull drops nicely, and the inflammation from the trauma goes down. That is the normal treatment for it, as I remember. Of course I don't have any statistics or prediction for how it will turn out for your wife, but this is the way that has the best outcome.

Be with her, and keep talking to her, even when she is asleep. I believe that it will make her dreams better, if nothing else.

Thinking of you both, and sending wishes for health,

Hi Vestboy

I am terribly sorry to hear this, all I can say is that I hope you have good news soon.

Lanzababy

I can't begin to imagine what you've all been going through, Vestie. I can only send my very best wishes and keep you in my thoughts.

Dear Vestie,

I've been following this since the weekend, and send you and your family my love

Walton is one of the finest neurosurgical hospitals in the country, their staff are the best.

Thinking of you.

lil x

Vestie, glad you were able to fly straight back and be there

Can't imagine what you're going through but best wishes and keep your spirits up

I'm thinking of you all.

VB

Just found this thread, Let me wish you and your wife the very best.
Sometimes we think we have problems, and then we find out what trouble really is is.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Take care, and my wife, who was a nurse for many years, will agree, keep talking positively to her, even if you think she can not hear you.


FS

I have been updating my FB page to let people in the family know how things are progressing. Two days ago my wife's sedation was stopped and she is now partially breathing for herself. This is good news. She has moved both her legs and her right arm. We are hoping that she will move her left hand soon. She opened her eyes for a few seconds yesterday and she has opened them a few times today (8 Sept). I don't know if she sees me but seeing her open her eyes gives me great hope.

They have checked the rest of her over (including x-raying a bruised hand) and there does not seem to be any other damage that needs to be dealt with.

I can tell that this is going to be a long haul thing. I am reminded of Lady P's cousin in America.

Thanks for sharing knowledge, experience and kind words.

My thoughts are with you and your wife, Vestboy.

That's great news! Really pleased to hear that she's making progress

Here's to her having a speedy recovery


lil xx

My wife is now in a hospital within 15 minutes walk of our home. This means that I can sleep in our own bed and get support from friends which is great. She's doing really well but has some blips with short term memory and some facts (how many children we have etc.)

Sounds encouraging.

Best wishes to you both.

MMF

She will feel much more relaxed knowing she's not far from home, Vestie

Having familiar people around her will also help improve her memory.


lil xx

Thanks for letting us know. I was wondering if there was any more news. I am glad you're closer to her.



Lanzababy

Don't look around for the answer - say it out loud:
Q1: What is the date today?
Q2: Take 7 from a hundred. Now take 7 from the answer. Keep doing this.

Did you get them both right?

Jane (my wife) got 28 out of 30 right. The only two she got wrong were the questions above.
The Neurologist said that she had done very well and that when she is strong enough to walk and to eat well she could be out of hospital and going in as an outpatient! This could be within the next two weeks.

I'm over the moon.

That's the best news I've heard for a long time

Oh, and I got the first question wrong too. I'm still going on the second

This is such a relief to hear. I am delighted for you both. I got the date wrong too.

I bought one of those easy to use mobile phones for her and put in names of friends who know her well - no work contacts! This means that if she wants to speak to someone she can and they will understand if she gets a bit confused during the conversation.
She phoned me at 7.30 this morning (Sunday)... I wonder if I can set it to only work during office hours!!!