Two Years and Two Surgeries

To whom it may concern,
Alot has happened since my last operation. My triceps have been exceeding expectations, not only of my own but of my Burwood therapy team as well. Being a grade 4 means I can not only lift against gravity but push a couple of pounds above my head even with my weak arm. Since getting back to Hamlton in October 2010 I've moved into my new pad and settle into a very comfortable routine.

For Christmas most of mums side of the family made it to my uncles house at the Mount. It was an extreme amount of fun. Next on my calender was the privileged event of being invited to Kate and Chris Gilmores wedding. Other than a simplistic New Years celebration in Hamilton with my friend B-rad and Co, and a very successful trip to Auckland for cuz Nickys 21st, not much has been happening up until last week.

On the 17th Jan I arrived at Burwood for a weeks driving and hand surgery. The driving went better than I thought and after 5 lessons I was driving for completely independently. So here's hoping a car won't be too far away.

Then on the 25th there was a terrible series of events. I'm not sure but I think about 3 or 4 guys knocked me out and then stabbed me. It would have been a couple of hours before I woke up only to find myself in hospital with multiple lacerations to my forearms. I'm guessing I was trying to defend myself but I don't remember anything. I've been back home since 31st but am going back down to Burwood on 20th Feb to get both casts off. Then returning to Hamilton after 10 days of hand Physio.

Turns out the attackers were actually surgeons trying to make my thumbs and right wrist work.

So that's all for now. And if all goes according to plan, I'll start my Masters in Psyc afew days before I leave Burwood. Yesterday was 2 years since my injury, and I'm looking forward to progress over this coming third year.

Tim

Cheese tastes good

Cheese selection from the Arts Centre

Ron Mueck Exhibition at The Christchurch Art Gallery

Sept 19th Update

Hard work, exercising my posterior deltoids - new triceps.

Some things never change!!

Hey Everyone,

Things are going smoothly and time is going quickly at Burwood. Tomorrow my wise and intelligent physios will allow me the right to bend my arms to 75 degrees, leaving only one week until I can take my braces off during the day. This will allow me to regain some independence - yum.

The earthquake was pretty wild, with being stuck in bed leaving me no option but to wait and hope nothing would fall on me. Luckily there was no damage or falling debris to take like a champ. I'm pretty used to the after shocks now, but the odd decent one still gives a moving experience.

Its been good seeing cousin Nix and brother Robert and other cuz Libs in recent times.

Stay classy San Diego,

Tim

Tim meets John Key

John Key visited Burwood Spinal Unit on Fri 27th August.

Tim and his room mate Guy Irwin

Click the link below to access the National Party photos.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/nznationalparty/sets/72157624846487802/

And also Alan Bean

Troids Surgery

Trip from recovery back to the spinal unit 10.2.10

Can't fit in the door, so we went outside (9pm!) and through the larger door from the courtyard.

9 days like this

Over 3 days his arms are lowered to his sides

Tims loving spinal unit cat Alfie on his bed!

Day 10 post op, last dressings are removed, arms washed and

physio picks up pace.

Hi Everyone,

I arrived at Burwood on the 8th ready to have surgery on the 10th of this month. I enjoyed socialising with Chris and Kate (Gilmore-ish) in my last moments of freedom before my surgery.

I've been here for 14 days and everythings going well. For my surgery they surgically separated my posterior deltoid and tied it to my paralysed tricep with part of my hamstring. I was in the crucifix position for 9 days. Now my arms are still completely straight, but are by my side, meaning I can mobilise in my motorchair.

Its hard getting reused to being SO dependent on everyone elses help, for things such as scratching, eating, grooming and all computer work. I now know what it must be like to be paralysed from the neck down (C2) - not cool. Its been pretty painful so far but the longterm rewards are going to be awesome.

On Monday they will bend my arms by 15 degrees and will continue to do so weekly for the following 7 weeks up until 90 degrees, at which point the splints will be taken off. I've already briefly felt the effects of my triceps and being able to extend my elbow again is beyond incredible.

I will continue to rehab here for another 4 weeks till the start of November to make full use of my arms. My end goals will be to relieve pressure from my bum independently and transfer myself from chair to bed / car / rugby chair as independently as possible. This troid surgery will also be very beneficial for things like reaching, dressing and punching. I still need more tendon transfer surgery early next year, to develop my right wrist and thumbs.

I'm in here with another C5 friend Guy, with the same surgery a month down the track. Its motivating seeing the improvements he's making.

Its been awesome having Rettykins and Georgyina visit two days after my surgery, Cassinova and Rosco with chocolate fish flowers and thai. I appreciate their diligence holding a bowl under my chin, while I was trying to chuck - from pain relief side effects.

Thanks for all your messages. Sorry I haven't been able to reply to many. Good to receive them anyway.

Bye for now

Tim

Wheelchair Rugby

July 2010 Update

Hi everyone,

Just thought I'd give you an update on how things have been going

just ahead of surgery. A short time after the last post I celebrated my 21st

for the 4th time. It was pretty sweet because this time I wasn't left out of the drinking. Also apparently some of my friends have morals and decided speaking ill of the dead has some similarity to speaking ill of a person on a ventilator in ICU. So this time there were a few more ruthless tales that surfaced.

Since then I've been to every home game on my season pass, and I've completed another 300 level psych paper. I got the mark I was looking for which has opened up the possibility of future study.

In May the olds and Robert flew to Dunaz for my graduation. I made the front page of the ODT (Otago Daily Times) and as a result found myself

involved in conversations with more strangers than I'm used to.

On Tuesday 10th August I'm going back to Burwood in order to receive surgery that will hopefully give me triceps function in both arms. I will be in for 10 weeks, heading back to Hamilton late October. So wish me luck and see you on the other side.

Tim