Haywood Hospital

Over the last week, Mark phoned and said he was feeling a bit down. I don't think that things have happened quickly enough for him!!

He is obviously frustrated that he hasn't been given his training plan. He has been assessed and whereas he had hoped to join the team for The Bimbel Solent Swim in the water, he now feels this may not be the case.

The Bimbel Solent Swim was made up of 4 swimmers last year, Mark, Carol, Sarah and myself. We had a great support team around us. This year we are adding two additional swimmers Rachel and Oliver.

Carol and I discussed the scenario if Mark was unable to swim. It is a daunting task in good health, so it would be very risky to take someone across who was not 100% fit. Mark understood the dilemma we would have and agreed that he would have to undertake a 5km swim prior to doing The Solent.

Having said that, we knew the possibility was high that Mark wouldn't be able to swim on the day. So there will be a major role for Mark to play in the crossing, depending on his abilities at that time. We wouldn't dream of crossing without him there.

Mark has become much more positive and his progress in the last week has included being able to get dressed himself and shave himself. He also has control of his bladder.  For approximately one to two minutes he was able to stand holding onto a rail, but with his weight on both legs. All of this is excellent news and just goes to show how much of a mammoth task, these simple things we take for granted can be.

He hasn't been sleeping too well and coupled with the physio he is now receiving he is very very tired!

The swelling on his brain has gone down considerably and when touched it feels very watery inside. Mark will behaving a titanium plate fitted at a later date! He said his forehead will then be ageless...no botox for Mark then!!

He still spends a lot of time in bed. But he has interacted with others on his ward who are zipping around in motorised wheelchairs. It's Marks aim to get into one of these as quickly as possible. Being mobile will bring him on, leaps and bounds!

The following photos are displayed with kind permission of Mark.

Looking Good Mark!

 

 Photos of the brain swelling which is now non existant

 

You can barely see the scar!