As the old adage goes, no news is good news. And in this case, no blog post means the new blog post is the best it could be. A lot has happened since the last update, all of it good, full of hope surprise and astonishment.
At the beginning of Callum’s stay at Moseley Neuro Rehab unit, he was assessed using the SMART (Sensory Modality Assessment and Rehabilitation Technique) tool. This provided an assessment of his responsiveness across his senses and allowed a custom rehab plan to be created and implemented by the team of therapists whose care Callum is under. The assessment was carried out over 10 sessions over 3-4 weeks and indicated that he was strongest on auditory and visual senses. The resulting rehabilitation goals and plan would then be used over the remaining 10 weeks to support him in areas that would yield the greatest benefit, the main aim being enabling him to articulate his wishes and needs, and several goals with clearly defined paths on how to achieve them were set up. Another part of the treatment plan included the use of a neuro stimulant called Amantadine, and soon after its introduction, Callum’s responsiveness began to improve on an exponential curve that has left everyone humbled by his determination and progress.
One of those goals was to wean him off his tracheostomy, so he was able to breathe completely independently and unsupported. Its removal would also pave the way for every breath to pass over his vocal cords and thus creating the potential for speech. Over the most recent months Callum when at his most wakeful could be seen mouthing words and trying to vocalise. Before his tracheostomy was removed, this was supported by the trialling of what is known as a “talking trachie”, which was a cap that allowed him to inhale through the aperture, but for the exhale the trachie would close and force the air over his vocal cords and out his mouth. Gradually this was replaced by a totally capped trachie that forced all air in and out through his mouth, as he indicated through his consistent oxygen levels that he could manage very well. This meant that he was soon able to have the trachie removed once and for all. This happened about three weeks ago. Soon after whispered words became audible, and finally the two-way communication that we had all longed for began to be possible.
In tandem with Callum’s speech progress, has been his progress with his physiotherapy. Over his time at Moseley, a number of splints have been used on his legs to gently stretch out his hamstrings, as these have become shortened due to him being so tall, and the beds being just too small. As well as those passive treatments Callum also has regular time in a specially configured wheelchair, which when his trachie was removed allowed him to go back outside in the fresh air for the first time in nearly 6 months. His physio is focused on the areas that he receives the most benefit from. His physio is currently focused on encouraging him to roll, pull himself upright from a lying position, using his arms and legs increasingly, and supporting his upper body without support for longer periods. He also spends time on a tilt table, which allows him to feel upright right down into his feet- very important neurologically for recovery.
Callum’s nutrition was solely delivered via his PEG, where special formula was delivered straight to his stomach via a valve in his stomach wall. Since having the trachie removed, he’s been able to slowly develop his weakened swallow muscles, starting with gloopy lemonade and slowly progressing up to yoghurt, and then last week when I visited he was able to eat a mashed up avocado, his first vegetable to pass his lips since his accident. And not only did he eat it, but he was able to feed himself as well, another first. It was quite astonishing to watch. Since then he’s moved through various fruit, vegetable and hummus. And now this week the removal of the “nil by mouth” sign that has adorned the wall next to his bed since the accident. He is still not alert enough to safely eat outside of therapy sessions, but each day he strengthens. The next milestone will be when the PEG can be removed.
All patients on the Neuro rehab ward at Moseley have a defined treatment plan, and finite time on the ward with estimated discharge dates set after their initial assessments are complete. Callum was no exception and had his estimated discharge date set for early April. What no one could have predicted then was the phenomenal development and progress, with all of the goals that were set for him after the SMART assessment, have been smashed and lie long in his wake. As a result of the scale of this progress, Callum’s medical team have deemed him eligible for an extension of an additional four weeks to his stay at Moseley as it’s clear he would benefit greatly from longer exposure to the intense rehab therapy there.
Every day and week brings something new right now, and it’s been hard to choose and collate all that has happened. Each thing builds on each other, blossoming into something new the following day, or even the following minute. It’s impossible to describe the joy and relief that is experienced when this unfolds in front of you, and the hope for what is to come that quickly follows. These amazing periods of alertness are always followed by times of exhaustion, with everything taking a greater effort to for him to do than any of us could imagine, but his strength and resolve are clearly evident. Just this weekend when Thea visited Callum, he spontaneously went to wheel himself about in his wheelchair and was able to get himself down the hallway, much to the whole ward’s mixture of delight and consternation.
And his therapists remind us that while his progress is astonishing, he still has many periods of confusion, disorientation and exhaustion- all totally normal, and it is still early days for an injury such as his- but which indicate how delicate this process of recovery is for him, and how long. For example, mum tells him every day where he is and what is happening and why; he absorbs it all and understands what she says, but then the next day it is as if he is hearing it all for the very first time.
With all of this recent progress, it is easy to lose sight of what is to come. Callum’s time at Moseley will come to an end in the not too distant future, and soon conversations and a meeting will happen to again assess and discuss where he is at in his rehabilitation and recovery, and where and who will be best suited to continue the support he needs. Always forwards and always upwards, we trust.
I am so grateful for the extension of his time at Moseley and the recognition of Callum’s potential to benefit from the continued care and support received from the medical team there. And my gratitude is extended to all those who continue to hold Callum in their minds, thought, and prayers as he progresses, now more strongly than ever.
As always, please scroll down to leave a comment, or click the share buttons below to get the news out.
Much Love,
Pete
xx
Well done Callum.Sending love from Castara.
This is wonderful news and I can’t brut help feel a shame the days go by, his progression is going to continue to be only extremely positive! I bet he loved that Avocado!! Come on Callum! Love you brother ❤️
This is wonderful news and I you can’t help help feel from reading this Pete – that as the days go by, his progression is going to continue to be only extremely positive! I bet he loved that Avocado!! Come on Callum! Love you brother ❤️
Beautifal words Pete. All our thoughts are with him. He’s a coragous, resiliant and tough spirit. X
Absolutely heartwarming to hear this news, sat her with tears streaming down my face, tears of happiness 💜let my love, thoughts and strength be with you all.xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Beautifully written Pete as always. It’s great to hear about calums progress. Sending lots of love x
Such a wonderful read, good on you Callum xx
I know that I only know Callum by default via Adam but I too read this and had tears of joy. Pete, these progress reports have been so beautifully and thoughtfully written that I am sure all that know Callum can feel the joy of his progress. As a nurse for many years, I am thrilled and overjoyed to hear about his progress and the fabulous care he has received. Please take some comfort from the thoughts of those far and wide who care about your brother. He means the world to Adam and I know what a lovely person he is. Thank you for your update.
So pleased to hear that Callums recovery is coming on in leaps and bounds!. Everything is so beautifully written Pete, looking forward to hearing of all the progress that is to come!. Well done! ♥
Thank you, Pete. Rejoicing here. Your brother is on my mind and in my prayers almost daily, but I confess I feared that no news was bad news. So astonished and happy about this beautifully written report. Hugs to you, your Mum, and Callum!
Celtic Fighting Spirit!! Good Man Callus 😊
Such a gracious piece of writing, thank you Pete. Lots of love to Callum and we hold our breath in anticipation of what he has yet to achieve. Marion and Paul
Thank you Pete for this detailed post. It must be so amazing to witness his determination in the face of such hurdles. It’s inspiring to read and we’re all looking forward to more good news!
thank you thank you pete for a long awaited update. i’m astonished at what you describe and so thankful for the progress so far. i hope callum will continue to amaze us
love to sue and all the family and especially to callum.
christine
How Amazing sending love and good wishes x
whoooooooooo so damn excited by this news!!!! Thanks so much for the update, I am crying with joy !!!!!
Well this is really good news, Callum is constantly in our thoughts prayers and conversations. It is no real surprise that his determination is shining through and although a long journey ahead he will get there. Thank you Pete for all these well constructed blogs, for keeping us all informed and up to date it is so very much appreciated. Give Callum all our love xx
Well done Cal!! Keep it going and sending you all the positive and good vibes we’ve shared through festival fields and into the the rest of the year. xx
So very pleased to hear that Callum is responding so positively from his treatment and rehab. I hope this continues exponentially and that he can gain more and more independence as the weeks go by. As always sending lots of love and positive vibes, not that Callum lacks in positivity xx Pete you should become a writer, always so beautifully and thoughtfully written, thank you xx
Wow what great news and so eloquently written Pete. Thank you for the update. Still thinking about Callum and you and your mum every day. Sending you all lots of love xxxx
Is really good to hear that! Im so happy! Kisses and hugs for Callum from Perú! 😘❤
This is amazing. Thank you so much for taking your time to update us all. Much love! ❤️
Thank you so much for the update Pete and Good on ya Cal’.
Thanks Pete for such amazingly written posts and to the people at Mosely and, Callum, you mighty mighty man, bravo!
Thank you for this elegant and eloquent update Pete. We are so delighted to hear that no news was in fact good news and I too had tears of joy decorating my grinning face as I read this. Your sharing of this journey and your love and care has really strengthened my belief in the power of collective thought and love! We will keep it pouring across the oceans towards you all x Ellian, Lyla and Andre
Fantastic news and so good to hear that Callum is doing better, but doubly good to hear that he’s doing so in such an accelerated way. Keep up the posts and let him know we’re all rooting for him! Xxx
It’s so amazing to hear of Callum’s progress Pete, thank you for this! You are all in my thoughts. Xx
This is such a joy to read Pete. The description of Callum’s progress has so many similarities with our goddaughter’s son who suffered a TBI in a car accident in Ohio in 2015. Every TBI is different but if Callum makes the same progress as Louis he will be doing well. Each day brings something new and is cause for celebration.
Thank you for sharing such a positive update.
Love to you all. Rosy
Go Callum!
This is great news Pete, so happy to hear that his recovery is coming on so well. All my love to Callum, you, Thea and the rest of the family. X
Beautifully written Pete. Amazed at Callum’s progress and determination. A joyful hug for Sue. Huge love and respect to you all xx
💥💫 Callum’s resolve and strength to get through this and heal himself is incredible. 💪 He’s amazing.
Such love and support around him. Sending love and healing. X
So happy to read this. Come on callum, you got this brother! Use that bright sparkly personality of yours and i have no doubt you’ll come out of this laughing! Sending load of love your way dude and to all the family and close friends. X
Such wonderful news, thank you pete and awesome work Callum! x
Queridos Amigo y querido Callum , estas cada día en nuestro pensamientos nos alegramos muchos.por la buenas noticia que publicaste .y te enviamos un gran abrazo marco y giusy y los niños
Just heard about what he said to Sue one of the times when she was explaining where he was and what had happened, such an empathetic response, so moving <3
Thank you Pete. Love to you all, and especially to Callum
xx
So pleased that Callum is making such amazing progress. Says a lot for his determination and also for the wonderful support he is receiving from family, friends and professionals. Love to you all. Especially to Callum x
Fantastic news of such positive progress. Love to you all
Great to hear of the progress, thanks for keeping us up to date, always thinking of you.
I am so so so happy for you, Callum and your family. What an incredible person he is, and what amazing support he has from you all. I have been anxiously waiting for news about his progress, and I am incredibly appreciative for the care you have taken to craft these messages for us. I have taken every detail in and am joining you in the hope that he will just get stronger and stronger over the coming months. Back to the cheeky Callum we know. Sending so much love, light and laughter to Callum. xx
Sweet Callum, I am so proud he is where he is now.. his spirit will guide him and he will arise! You who stand next to him I bent my head! You are all so amazing! Keep up the spirit.. I will hold him in my thoughts and heart.. sending out positive energy! Thanks for keeping us posted ❤️
Very good. Good fella, keep in striving.
Callum, your spirit remains enormous and lights up all around you, always a giver now its time to direct all your spirit and heart to you. We send all our love to you xxx
This is amazing to read. Thank you for writing Pete.x x
Oli told me he was doing well when I spoke to him recently but this update is awesome. I’m so pleased for you all, Callum’s definitely going to read this website one day soon and be really proud of you mate. You have a great family.
Thinking of you Callum! Just wanted to let you know. I hope you are well and that you feel the all love of people who care about you, especially in times you need it the most. Each progress is a Great achievement, No matter if they are slow, little or whatever, it is there and it is good. Sending you love from the netherlands my friend!
This is such a beautifully written update, so emotion -filled that I am a bit tearful reading it. I’m so pleased he is in Frenchay and receiving such wonderful care. Sending all good thoughts to you, Callum and your family with love from Yvonne (Adam’s Mum) xxxx