BEACHED WHALE meets Breechers Buoy !

Now, over a week into 2007, this 'blog' follows on after "Hit The Ground . ." of last year. Since then, it seems, other events had taken over. We must, therefore, go back seven weeks to pick up the thread !

Just like a 'beached whale', there I lay unable to move ! Weakened legs caused two 'failed transfers' as those previous 'blog pix' show.

My first 'fall' - in nearly a year - resulted in a 999 'ambulance' call out. To lift a 17 stone disabled person off the carpet there is no other way. Within a short time an ambulance crew arrived.

Although HQ 'control' were told of 'the problem', as was necessarily our address, any 'lifting gear' remained at the station. However the crew, a man and a woman, soon had me 'lifted' (all 17 stone) back comfortably in my wheelchair. They used a method called "top and tail", lifting together on the count of three. Excellent team work !

Before departing and completing paperwork, they explained their new "Falls Team", to whom I would be referred.

Several days later a young nurse named Tracy, called at our home, to see how 'falls' might be eliminated. We discussed the nature of MS, 'falls', the LCC, the NHS, and took several leaflets Tracy offered. Details of our Social Services, Doctor, District Nurse were taken before Tracy left.

The following Sunday, whilst attempting to get 'out of bed' another fall occurred. Again '999' was dialed - "17 stone man on floor", explained - and another ambulance soon arrived. A lone woman the only crew member, the 'Manga lifting aid' remaining at the station. A quick decision was formed. With next door neighbours Stew and Wally, a hasty explanation of 'top an tail' shown, soon I'm back in my wheelchair again. No blood, no injuries, no need for A & E - perhaps its 'third time lucky' for a hospital visit ?

It was clear that Tracy (the 'falls' nurse) and Dorothy (the OT) had been speaking (since the TV broadcast perhaps ?). As a new 'hoisting and tracking' system, plus installation engineer Colin, appeared on an early December Monday morning. Within 45 minutes I'm 'out of bed' and safely sitting in my wheelchair. That evening Wendy, alone, helped transfer me back into bed - in just 8 minutes ! Six weeks of 'hoist transfers' later, both time and stress have been greatly reduced. No further 'falls' have occurred.

This 'hoist and transfer' system is named "EasyTrack FS" and is made in Canada. Not unlike two free-standing 'Acro props', with a 'RSJ' between, its concept hardly revolutionary. Only the lightweight alloy materials and quick assembly fittings, distinguished its purpose. A 'battery pack cum hoisting engine' runs along the 'RSJ' (better called an 'EAB' : Extruded Alloy Beam), under which a sling and the Patient, patiently dangles ! Indeed, a 'sea to cliff rescue', a "breechers buoy" comes to mind.

Other 'systems' are esencially 'mobile workshop engine hoists' - as supplied by Machine Mart for the motor trade. Rather than painted 'danger red', for the 'disability market' are coloured 'clinical white'. Otherwise identical, except twice the price !

Perhaps 'disability equipment' (good or bad) is issued via a different LCC budget, than that which 'home care' is ? Hopefully no 'rental charge' invoice arrives upon my door mat - so I'll stop typing now, just in case a member of that 'Gang of Nine' is reading this Blog and gets itself a bright new idea ! 'Tool Hire' and 'Wheelchair Rental' a real possibility.

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FRIENDLY FIRE ?

Without any help from 'Government Health Warnings', when age 17, in the early 1960s, I took up smoking. A packet of 10 then cost about 'Two Bob'. By age 20 the habit was increased to a '20 pack' each day. Over the next 15 years - with mortgages, children, self-employment - it dominated my daily life. It reached upward of a regular '60-a-day' - perhaps costing between £3 and £4 a day, or £25 a week, by 1980 ?

A '1982 New Year Resolution' was made, and kept - so now that habit, like that trendy 60s cap, is just a distant recollection.

Hopefully, your own particular "monkeys" are successfully dispelled over these following months and years. If challenged by a similar resolution, Good Luck and keep yourself focused and strong willed.

Meanwhile, just for Christine Talbot and Tony Pike's benefit - here below is a suggested '2007 resolution' for themselves.

'We shall try not to believe "Red Imp" (nor Richard) wishes us, nor the Nation, any real harm' - especially not with an old flintlock musket, a toy cap pistol or a cigarette lighter.

'Happy New Year All' and Jolly Good Luck !

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