Day 126-130. March 20-24th

 Going Home🙂

This week it finally happened! After nearly fifteen months of hospitalisation I got to go home....


An emotional experience as I left everyone behind in Roehampton, was loaded into the back of an Ambulance and whisked northward to be delivered to the comfort and safety of my own home 🏠 

Not quite the triumphant march off the unit I had envisaged or the bold stroll through my own front door I had been dreaming about,  but exactly what you saw in the video. Me being transferred from one team of caring and dedicated people to another, my family🙂

The unfortunate truth is that my wounds continue to cause issues and I am going to require daily dressing and treatment along with long periods of resting on my sides in order to get them in a good enough condition to be able to put the skills I’ve learnt in Roehampton to their full use. The good thing is that I can now do that at home.

Now home. You would think that would have been a huge relief wouldn’t you ( heaven knows that’s what I expected!) Back to my old life. Back in familiar surroundings...But let me explain to you the reality of it and can I emphasise, Reality.

It has been wonderful to be back home with my loved ones and the gifts, cards and messages of support have been overwhelming and I can’t thank everyone enough. But the reality is that this may well be my old home, but I am not the old me. It doesn’t fit the way it did. I don’t sit in the same seat. I don’t sleep on the same side of the bed. I don’t use the same bathroom.

Yes, I know this will all become my new normal and I know that we will find new ways of doing things and yes, I know it will all take time. I am 100% committed to embracing that change and making it happen but the reality is that coming home also puts into stark perspective just how much change is required. 

Thank goodness that through the help I’ve received so far and with the care and support on offer to me going forward, that change can and will be achieved🙂🦾🦿

So this post is by no means meant to be a sad or pessimistic one. Instead I wanted to paint a picture of how very far I have come but also just how much of a journey still lies ahead.

I can’t thank the NHS enough. From everyone in ICU at North Tees, to the teams in ITU, HDU and Ward 35 at James Cook along with the ward staff and therapists in Queen Mary’s. To the wonderful surgeons who invested so much time in me and the countless Doctors, consultants and specialists who have worked with me throughout.

And to everyone who has followed this blog and my journey so far. Your messages of support have been overwhelming and I hope you continue to follow me in the next phase. They say rehabilitation doesn’t really start until you go home. I’m so looking forward to starting mine 🙂

Comments

  1. Sam BarwellMarch 28, 2021 at 3:37 PM

    We are so happy to have you home. We are with you for every part of your journey, take your time and be proud of what you've achieved so far 💖

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMarch 28, 2021 at 3:50 PM

    As I said when we spoke Allison you have always had and always will have an army of people who love and care for you with you every step of the way
    Jump on that chariot Boudicca warrior queen because you and us your own army mean business 💕💕

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownMarch 28, 2021 at 4:35 PM

    Aye, good to have you back home with Dave and the family. It's bound to feel strange at first I guess but give a few weeks and you'll get into the swing of things. A long road ahead for all of you..... but the good thing is you're on that road. Looking forward to seeing you whenever you feel like visitors...... Love from King Slonzirelli and Anita xx

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hazel & LongyMarch 28, 2021 at 6:17 PM

    So lovely to speak to you today Allison, you have been amazing throughout and with time, things will fall into place and the new version of you will evolve. We are your family and we are here to support you on this epic journey, just remember you have been and will continue to be UNSTOPPABLE 🦾🦿🥰💜xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  5. ccquadMarch 28, 2021 at 7:35 PM

    Yes, I do know what you mean. I've taken to thinking of this as my second life. It is a life I might not have had and I am very grateful for it - but it is very different and, like you, I am in a process of adjusting to it. So much has to be done differently now. So, know that I "get it" and am here if you want to talk. I recommend the support from the uk sepsis trust too.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tina MorleyMarch 29, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    Bloody hell, I found that so emotional to watch, so can only imagine it must’ve been a very overwhelming day for you, Dave and the family.
    Take it one day at a time. I love you my friend and am here whenever you are ready if you want to talk. xxx

    ReplyDelete
  7. JulieMarch 29, 2021 at 8:23 AM

    Congratulations Allison, this certainly made me cry, how wonderful for you to be home with Dave and your family and start your next chapter. You have done so well and am sure will be even more inspired now that you are home, there is nothing you cannot achieve and like all of us you will have good and bad days and there is nothing wrong with that. You have an amazing group of friends and family around you and they will inspire you too. I hope one day when I am on a visit north that I can come and meet you. Enjoy lovely moments in your house and enjoy being back with Dave 100% now. Sending love and best wishes xxx Julie

    ReplyDelete

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