Throughout Callum’s stay on the Critical Care ward, he has struggled with managing the secretions on his lungs and the consequential coughing enough by himself, instead of needing the support of the nursing staff there to aspirate his lungs regularly. Having been placed on the waiting list for a ward bed several times, only to be taken off when his secretions increased again, late this week Callum was given the go-ahead to be transferred onto the Neurology ward. Here he will have access to a nursing team who are much more experienced and specialised in treating patients with injuries like Callum’s.
This move onto the Neurology ward was coupled with much longer periods of wakefulness, sometimes reaching close to an hour. The term wakefulness is somewhat subjective with Callum at this stage in his recovery, with the most consistent peaks in his responsiveness being measured in turning towards voices, stroking a hand holding his with his thumb, and sticking his tongue out when asked. Occasionally Callum will show us something new, like smiling and leaning into his girlfriend Thea’s hand when she visited not long ago, and more recently when our mum asked if he’d like to continue listening to his music by blinking to indicate he would. Thinking it could be a coincidence she asked him again some minutes later to see him blinking again in clear assent to her question.
All of these small, consistent and increasing signs when taken all together show a clear trend when measured against his time in hospital. These moments where Callum reaches closer to the surface are still separated by longer periods where he seems to be deeper in a state of limited consciousness. With that said there is much hope and encouragement to be taken from this, as we all long for these to continue to increase in regularity and significance.
Last week, mum and I spoke with Dr. Tsermoulas, a neurosurgeon whose care Callum is under, and the meeting was an opportunity to discuss possible prognoses. Callum has sustained such a serious injury that there will be ups and downs with his responsiveness as he moves through the early stages of his recovery. And this is just the beginning of Callum’s long road to recovery, with the fullest extent only known after 18 months of rehabilitation.
There are many possible paths forward in terms of the extent of Callum’s recovery, with options ranging from lasting profound impairment requiring ongoing care and support to the other end of the spectrum of an independent life but with the almost inescapable changes to his behaviour which are associated with frontal lobe injuries. Where he will end up on this spectrum is still a complete unknown at this time.
Through the 7 weeks of recovery so far, Callum has shown some positive signs that we can pin hope upon, but not an expectation. Right now we all must be patient and consistent in our support for him through this trying time for us, but most of all for Callum.
Updates have been sparse through Callum’s stay in the hospital, not least of all as they are not easy for me to write. Please be assured that when there is significant news to report, this will be shared promptly. At the moment his progress waxes and wanes every day, and only when taken in longer time contexts can a meaningful update be created.
As always a huge thanks out to all the love and support that is being shared with the family, and most of all Callum.
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Pete
x
It looks like a lot of small positive steps as each day goes by. Can’t believe it’s been seven weeks. Hoping and praying for Callum and all of you. Stay positive. It will take time.
Hello Pete, I’ve commented on the past two updates thinking I was on this update. Sometimes I worry about myself! Look forward to hearing from you regarding your thoughts on a visit to Callum in December.
Thanks x
Many thanks for your update. Since my visit to QE in the first week of Callum’s treatment I have relied on info from James and Tashi. Living in Scotland prevents me from being present more often. I would welcome direct news from you. 2 years ago I bought publications by Norman Doidge namely :- “The Brain’s Way of Healing”…and ” The Brain That Changes Itself” A prescient purchase given the situation. Extremely instructive and describes treatments which are not yet mainstream but very effective in aiding cellular and nerve regeneration. I urge you to read them and discuss with the staff at QE hospital who may not be aware of such procedures. Wishing you and your mum well, lots of love, Dad XX
Hi Peter
Hearing from James and Tashi is as effective a way as any of keeping abreast of developments with Callum. Coincidentally several others have mentioned the two books that you mention, and I have copies. I will check with QE staff, but I imagine that they will have heard of them as the hospital is a centre of excellence for neurology within the UK- thank god- and the consultants that are overseeing Callum’s care are highly competent and thoughtful, and at the top of their game. I thank the universe that he is there. Sue
đź’śxxxxxxxxx always thinking of callum an you all xxxxxxxxxđź’ś
Thank you Pete. I understand how difficult it must be for you to have to write these posts but we do really appreciate them. Our hearts go out to Callum, you, Sue and the whole family. Much love.
Thank you Pete. I understand how difficult it must be for you to have to write these posts but we do really appreciate them. Our hearts go out to Callum, you, Sue and the whole family. Much love.
Pete these updates are so courageous and so valuable. Thanks and love to all of you and most especially Callum x
Querido Peter gracias por lo que has escrito .tengo un dolor fuerte en el corazĂłn y en el alma para Callum vuestra madre y todo vosotros?mi pensamiento van cada dĂa a Dios que se quede acercarse el .os envĂo un fuerte Abrazo de verdadero corazĂłn os queremos Familia
It must be so hard for you, Pete – but you’re doing a grand job in keeping us all updated and we understand that it’s not possible to give definite answers – there are more questions and as you say, there will be for a long time. We’re all here and with you in positively thinking about Callum’s recovery. Take care and give Sue a kiss for me when you see her. xx
Thank you so much Pete for writing these posts. Callum is often in my mind throughout this painful waiting period. I’m off to India and BOdhgaya quite soon and will light butter lamps at the stupa for Callum. I pray for a chance that he may come back to us to live a full life.
Thank you Pete. It is indeed a brave thing to do to write this blog and much appreciated by all who, like me, don’t want to intrude and pester and do the wrong thing but, again, often think of Callum and wonder and hope..love to you all …
Dear Pete thank you so much for sharing this news. Big love to you and the family.
pete,
thank you all for looking after callum and thank you pete, especially, for keeping us updated. your callum page is one of the first i look at every day and helps me to focus my thoughts and prayers for callum.
love to you all,christine
Destrozado en el dolor me ha dejado esta noticia,compartimos poco con Callum y poco nos entendimos por el idioma, pero descubrĂ una gran persona y su sonrisa me ha marcado el corazĂłn, tengo fe en Dios que te volverĂ© a ver sonreĂr mi amigo. Agradezco el valor que has tenido Pete, fuerza a todos sus familiares y Callum es grande y volverá a estar viviendo la vida como siempre le ha gustado.
Pete – thanks v much for taking the time to write this. These updates are of great worth as I’m up in Scotland and not seen Callum in a few years (I met him at uni). It’s really positive to hear Callum is making progress and I send on my love, support and strength to you all.x
fuerzas callum…… por dios… mucha fuerza¡¡¡¡¡¡¡
So grateful you find the strength to write these posts, saves me hassling James or Tashi, hugs to you all and I think about Callum every day, trusting his determination to get well xxx
you are in my thoughts… slow steps.. big hug bro <3
Wishing Callum well for the New Year x
Thinking about you, buddy. – Nick