I’m on my way ......

A very full week since since my last post, that found us speaking to countless people. I had an extremely interesting and helpful talk with Oliver, one of the support nurses for the Sepsis trust.Oliver was able to help me understand some of the challenges of being a Sepsis survivor and the ongoing effects it can have on your day to day life. I remember very little of the first eight weeks of my illness, as for the first three I was in a coma and from then on I was on huge doses of tranquillisers and painkillers. My first clear memories are only from after my arms were amputated. Amputations and operations took up all of my attention and focus from that point on and I never really thought about how close I had come to dying. Talking about it now and exploring that period is quite sobering and a little uncomfortable but I want to understand it more. The more I learn about Sepsis the more I realise that there needs to be a greater awareness of the warning signs and actions that should be

 Well the dust is finally starting to settle and we are finally starting to see some kind of routine ( I use the term loosely) emerge. The OT, Physio and District nurse teams are working hard to find just what exactly it is that I need and we are making some fine progress in the healing of my wounds, building of my strength and the learning of new skills. Their patience and kindness has been mirrored throughout the week with countless offers and messages of support. On Tuesday Elena and Sarah from Koalaa ( see their link in the sidebar)arranged a video call with the incredible Alex Lewis  https://www.alex-lewis.co.uk/   Alex’s no nonsense, truthful but good humoured insights into the life of a Post-Sepsis Quad amputee made so much sense. During our conversation with Alex we discussed Sepsis and this couldn’t have been more timely as both David and I have been reflecting on the time last year, prior to my amputations,  when my battle was with that. In the time since we have researched,

 Well every week seems to have an underlying theme to it and it appears this week is no different. Almost everything I’ve done or felt has been affected by confidence. I know that may sound obvious but let me explain. When I was in hospital my day was governed by routine. I woke up, had breakfast brought to me, was washed and dressed then transported to the gym, did exercises and rehabilitation, came back to my room, had lunch, had a lie down, maybe a chat with a specialist on the afternoon before dinner, tv with the family then bed. Yes it felt a little like Groundhog Day but it felt predictable, familiar and safe. Now, the days are just whizzing by in a jumbled blur! It seems like a constant round of home visits, meetings and phone calls whilst trying to fit in washing, putting legs on to go to the toilet, remembering to take medication, squeezing meals in where we can, (hopefully you get the picture), and it can feel a little unnerving. I see David zipping around the house, putting

 Before I say anything about what I’ve done this week, I have to start with what you have all done.You have overwhelmed me with your support and generosity! Can I thank each and every one of you who has donated or shared the Gofundme page kindly set up by Sam. To raise the money it has in such a short time and , just as crucially, generate over 500 shares is phenomenal and I am truly grateful. The sharing has allowed me to connect with other amputees and Sepsis survivors, which in itself opens up another tier of support and shared experiences.  So in comparison, what have I done?...Well after 9 days I finally emptied my bags and suitcase from the transfer home. Admittedly the clothes that were in them did spend another day or so on what I’m informed by my stepdaughter is a Floordrobe but it’s a start 🙂👍 It’s been a hectic week with a constant round of daily visits by the district nurses, meetings with OT, Physiotherapy and my Social worker, reconnecting with my local GP surgery and t