Another day has gone by without progress. Obviously, it is not for want of effort - everyone is doing his best and today Sunil and a new physiotherapist spent a great deal of time to bring about a change. Later. Bela and Ginni visited and another effort was made.
What is the problem? It is hard to say for sure but a few conclusions are obvious. There is an unknown and nameless fear in his mind that freezes him up whenever it comes to standing up or walking. He is mostly alright when he is reclining; indeed sometimes he is usual humorous self, twisting every phrase to produce a funny variant. But come the time for exercise and standing up, his body goes so stiff that he is trembling and loses all control over his thoughts and even bowels.
This is hugely disconcerting, of course, not the least so because we have known to be a largely fearless and strong individual for all our lives. The physiotherapists and the doctors are struggling with us to find an answer, but beyond understanding that there is a psychological block (perhaps carried over from his ICU psychosis) there have been no sure-footed answers.
It is equally clear that his legs are strong and his upper body too is capable of the effort, should his mind allow him to.
We have to take a call on the 7th of April. The doctors will decide if a change in tack is needed or to discharge him so that the familiar environments of home will hasten the recovery. The latter option requires that we first make the logistical arrangements to take care of him in this bed-ridden state.
This very unexpected twist in the story that began a fortnight ago has impacted all of us. Abhishek and Pallavi came in today and met him. Sunil and Anju have been here for the past three days. Neeti and I are, of course, here.
I must add that through this trial Mummy has shown outstanding character. Sure, she has cried on a few occasions but mostly she has been full of humour, cheering us all up and staying back in the hospital for the last two nights, in spite of her own fragile health.
As I said, a final call will be taken on Saturday. By and large, I am in agreement with the surgeon who did the operation that we must not 'push' him against his fears; that might have greater unintended negative consequence. Instead, patience and care might be the key. That is the route we intend to follow.
More tomorrow....
What is the problem? It is hard to say for sure but a few conclusions are obvious. There is an unknown and nameless fear in his mind that freezes him up whenever it comes to standing up or walking. He is mostly alright when he is reclining; indeed sometimes he is usual humorous self, twisting every phrase to produce a funny variant. But come the time for exercise and standing up, his body goes so stiff that he is trembling and loses all control over his thoughts and even bowels.
This is hugely disconcerting, of course, not the least so because we have known to be a largely fearless and strong individual for all our lives. The physiotherapists and the doctors are struggling with us to find an answer, but beyond understanding that there is a psychological block (perhaps carried over from his ICU psychosis) there have been no sure-footed answers.
It is equally clear that his legs are strong and his upper body too is capable of the effort, should his mind allow him to.
We have to take a call on the 7th of April. The doctors will decide if a change in tack is needed or to discharge him so that the familiar environments of home will hasten the recovery. The latter option requires that we first make the logistical arrangements to take care of him in this bed-ridden state.
This very unexpected twist in the story that began a fortnight ago has impacted all of us. Abhishek and Pallavi came in today and met him. Sunil and Anju have been here for the past three days. Neeti and I are, of course, here.
I must add that through this trial Mummy has shown outstanding character. Sure, she has cried on a few occasions but mostly she has been full of humour, cheering us all up and staying back in the hospital for the last two nights, in spite of her own fragile health.
As I said, a final call will be taken on Saturday. By and large, I am in agreement with the surgeon who did the operation that we must not 'push' him against his fears; that might have greater unintended negative consequence. Instead, patience and care might be the key. That is the route we intend to follow.
More tomorrow....
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