Out of ICU

15 October 2011 Saturday, Day 3

They moved me from the ICUto the Neurosurgical 神经外科 Ward, which was encouraging. They put me in a bed next to Grace’s.  I could not see Grace (as I was laid flat in bed looking at the ceiling all the time) but was delighted to hear her voice and learned that she was in good spirit.  I apologised for putting her through this and she apologised that had she not come to Tasmania, I would not have had this accident.  We both agreed we will not mention this again.

Like me, she was also confined 受限制 to lying in bed all the time.  With no shoulder or arm injuries, she could reach things in the surrounding environment.  I was also able to chat to Sandy, Gilbert and Rebecca and pleased to learn that they were all fine.  Gilbert and Rebecca felt dizzy 头晕 that morning and they both went to the A&E (Accident and Emergency) for a check.  Thank heaven, nothing serious found.

Many health workers came.  I reckon 知道 they specialise in different areas but they all asked similar questions, such as do I remember anything about the accident, how do I feel?  This image emerged: it was a bright sunny day, a flat country, a straight and flat road; all of a sudden, the car fish tailed; I corrected the car; my heart was pounding and the car started to flip; then it was all black.  The next thing I knew is I was lying in the hospital with my husband sitting next to me.

I had a shampoo today.  A nurse came to towel wash me and found my hair really filthy 肮脏 – full of blood, grasses and glass fragments. It was hard work that they washed my hair while I was lying in bed.  Afterwards, they have to change all the wet linen.  I must say I am very impressed with the care offered by the nurses in Tasmania.  Not only that they washed and changed me everyday, they even brushed my teeth daily.

Occasionally when I was awake, I would gaze 凝望 at the ceiling.  I felt peaceful. At one time, I thought it would not be too bad if I got killed.  At least I knew nothing and there was no pain.

I also remember the conversation I had with dad (he passed away in 2006) when he was bed-ridden at the aged care home.  He was a very sad and extremely unhappy man. I told him, as there was nothing others could do to help ease his frustrations 苦恼, it was all up to him to choose what attitude he would have.  I told him, if I were him, I would stay happy.  And, I choose to keep myself happy amidst this accident.  

My situation is different though: my injuries are all fixable and recovery is just a matter of time.  Dad was facing an impossible battle; the sure outcome was his condition would only go downhill.

This is a photo Sandy took on my first day out of the ICU:

God bless you

Wish you all the best!

Bill_Chi 发表于 2014-7-2 10:48
Wish you all the best!

Thanks. I have recovered, though never really fully recovered. Given the severity of the injuries, I am not doing too bad.