The last I wrote was when Grant had just had his op and was still in hospital -
but he has been home for a few weeks now and a lot has happened since then.There have been many challenges and changes and still many more to come but we have made it this far and we're still slightly sane so we're plodding along slowly.
Since the op Grant has not had the use of his legs and so is a "paraplegic" at the moment.
He may still get the use back but they can't say for sure.
We're not waiting to find out because that can take months, we're just rolling with how it is right now.
Our house is not set up for permanent wheelchair use, Grant was always on his crutches around the house so it's been quite frustrating negotiating doorways that aren't wide enough, cupboards that are out of reach, a bathroom that is too small for even the able-bodied and many more things that most people and even us have taken for granted up until now.
Getting dressed is a challenge, going to the toilet is a challenge, brushing teeth is a challenge, everyday things that usually require very little thought need to be plotted and planned and take MUCH longer.
Time is a huge factor, everything takes so long. You've heard of the 3 point turn, well he probably does a 23 point turn to get in and out of most rooms!
But, other things are positive like being upright instead of reclined, you are less unusual that way. Most people don't give a wheelchair a second glance these days but in the reclined position he got lots of staring eyes and comical expressions and even some strange and inconsiderate comments.
Also, we've been able to more easily sit and eat as a family at a table. Not that it wasn't possible before, just difficult and we'd got into a bad habit not doing so and the girls have been enjoying setting the table and having supper together.
Another area that was a problem was the stairs. We have 3 stairs at our front door. These were never much of a problem because Grant could manage with them on his crutches, but not anymore.
Getting in and out became a HUGE issue. Fortunately he hasn't needed to go out much, but there have been doctor's appointments and a few "outings" that were unavoidable. This meant that 4 people had to help to carry him down the steps in his chair. That's a total of +- 150kgs!! BUT, Grant's uncle, Ken is a good guy to have around!! He has done a number of "handy-man" jobs to help Grant like grab rails in the toilet and bathroom, a few adaptations in the office and most importantly making a brilliant set of ramps!
They arrived in style!! Bruce, Grant's dad had to sit in the boot to hold the door down while Ken drove. He looked very funny!!
Ken fitting the ramps.
These have been such a help, and allow Grant to get out with just 1 helper and he can therefore get into his office too so he has been able to get a little bit of work done.(we've since changed to going down backwards as the gradient is quite steep and I was scared he would fall out of his chair!)
We have had so much help and support from so many people.
Family and friends have been amazing. We have had meals delivered, my parents arrived one evening with a new microwave because ours had died and a generous, anonymous donation arrived in my bank account!
And also just so many other things, babysitting, lifts for the girls...the list goes on.
So many people have helped and continue to help in so many ways.
We are still waiting for his new wheelchair which should arrive this week, he has hand controls fitted to his car but is yet to try it out - it's not as simple as it looks, after driving with your feet for 20 odd years to now get your brain to tell your hands to accelerate and brake is quite tricky.
So, many new things await us and first times to do things or go to places.
We are still hoping that he will regain the use (or some use) of his legs but we will have to see what happens. Please continue to pray for that.
This post took a couple of weeks to get done but at least it's finally done, I'll try not have such a long gap next time!!!
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