Christmas and New Year have come and gone, and Callum is still at Frenchay. They had their first Covid case on Christmas Eve despite their best efforts; the staff sounded gutted with disappointment and worry on the phone. More positive cases among both patients and staff continued to be diagnosed after that first case, even with extremely stringent protocols in place. Scary. Callum tested positive also, in early January, despite being confined to his room, like everyone else, since the beginning of the outbreak.
A few anxious days followed, but Callum The Indestructible rose again, and miraculously, he had very few symptoms (headache/fatigue) which passed quickly. Two positive things from his being ill: if he had to get Covid, much better that he got it while at Frenchay with bells and whistles medical care, rather than back in Hay; and now he has had it, he should be brimming with antibodies and so at much less risk, at least in the short/medium term, when he does return.
There has been a continuing trickle of positive cases until quite recently, and each time that happens, the quarantine period at Frenchay gets re-set to zero.
The Care Agency staff appointed to support Callum back in community, need to shadow Frenchay staff before being signed off as competent, and have been waiting to hear when they can go in. The last I heard, Frenchay had not had a positive case for about a week, but are not rushing into allowing external professionals to enter, until they feel more ‘Covid secure’ than at present. That is entirely understandable, even while it is frustrating. At least all the staff have received their jabs now. We will check in again in two weeks, as the situation is under regular review. We are exploring alternative routes, as everyone involved in his care would love to see him home, but it remains to be seen if any of those paths are viable.
So we are in a holding pattern for now and must be patient. The house is nearly ready to receive Callum- and thank all of you who have contributed so generously, either in contents, transport, or practical help, to making it into a home for him. I think he will cry with happiness when he finally steps through that door!
He is in relentlessly good spirits. He said recently that if the delay is weeks rather than months, he can bear it. And if he can, then we certainly must.
More soon.
Stay well and safe, lovely people!
Sue xx
Callum stay strong we love you from Tobago
Jeanell porridge shaq derricia amar and adele ❤🧡💚💗
Thank you so much, Team Tobago!
I will share your beautiful message with him. On the final home straight now, I hope. He is in such positive spirits every time I talk with him, he astounds me. He tells me he is so grateful to the nursing staff at Frenchay. All the people who have supported him on this journey- incredible. Maybe the next update will see him back! 🙏🏻💫🙏🏻
Sending Callum ( and all his fam too) all the best vibes from magical Cusco.
Everything will be BETTER soon
Much love ❤️
Meca
Thank you so much Meca
Callum will be amazed to hear from you, and that he still has a place in your heart from that magical trip he made.
Can’t wait to let him know that you have been in touch.
Suexx
Wow Sue, what a journey, what a relief that it is nearly over. Although a new one begins at home it will all be far less hard for you (than all the traversing the country you have done). Words are not enough.
Extraordinary indeed, Jules. Thank you for your message. I cannot WAIT for him to be home and to be able to do ordinary things with him like share a meal, go for a walk, watch a movie. Structuring his day as he chooses- my god! It will be a massive transition from the Frenchay fair. But a wonderful one.
Suexx
Thanks for this Sue. I haven’t been keeping up-to-date on Callum’s recovery these past 6months as things have been pretty difficult at my end, but on catching up I am delighted to read all of this progress. I was at uni with Callum (I was a year or two above him in Geography) and we bonded after I found out he had links with Newburgh – I grew up not far away in Cupar. We shared a memorable field trip to the Czech Republic which always brings a smile to my face. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much over the course of 5 days! Sadly, I won’t be catching up with Cal anytime soon as I now live over in France, but I think of him often and look forward to, hopefully, reading more of his continued recovery and re-immersion back into life. Tell him I said hello (or maybe put on a Sottish accent and try “awright pal?” Haha!). Sending love to you all and thanks again for providing the updates. Ryan