An Update - From Home 💕
17 March 2020
Well, I’m home!
In total, I spent 49 days in Hutt Hospital - 10 of those in ICU, and 5 of them in an induced coma. During those 10 days, no one could tell my family whether I was going to make it or not. Thankfully, my little beaten up vessel pulled through, and I made it up to the burns/plastics ward where I spent another 39 days.
I was transferred to Waikato on a tennis-ball-coloured air plane. I only spent 16 days as an inpatient at Waikato Hospital, which, actually, would have been a lot shorter had I not fallen over on my very first weekend leave, which landed me back in Whakatāne A&E. Not exactly the way I’d planned on going back to see and thank the team there. Needless to say, my doctor back in Waikato was more than apprehensive about letting me have the following weekend at home. But, we convinced her I’d learnt my lesson, and I was granted the next two weekends home.
A grand total of 65 days in hospital. Plus 14 trips to the operating theatre totalling around 70hrs (including recovery).
I was discharged on February 13th with the idea that I wouldn’t have any unplanned visits from medics until my two week check up back in Waikato. True to form, my body had other ideas. Before my first dressing change at home on the Monday following my release, I passed out in the shower. Twice. In doing so, I skinned my shin and traumatised my family for life (again..). Cue the ambulance, IV line and a whole lot of blood pressure checks.
Thankfully, other than a collapsed jugular vein and some oozy fingers, I haven’t had any other surprises.
Words can’t describe how good it is to be home - my own bed (that doesn’t inflate and deflate randomly), the fresh air, the view from the lounge, and of course, our two dogs. My days are still full of physio, hand therapy, OTs and district nurse visits, but I am home.
Thank you once again for your continued support, love, advice and donations. They really mean the world to me.
Be careful out there, and wash your hands x
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Thumbs up to one amazing young lady. You did it! You absolutely did it!! Still ongoing but you have the fortitude to get there. So very proud of you. 😍🥰😘
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Hi there Kelsey!
Thanks for the update. What a roller coaster for you, I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes and goosebumps. Your poor family and friends, I feel for them with all the scares they've had with your recovery!
Geez bet you're glad being home and out of the way of the blimmin virus!!! You be careful now that you're going from strength to strength. I'm not surprised you pushed it. From you updates you're obviously not one to 'play it safe''.
Ooh you've made my day. I'm so happy with your progress.
Janet
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Tears of happiness for you from strangers in Colorado Springs, Colorado. So happy to read your update and hear that you are home and doing well. We've been thinking of you!
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Hi Kelsey, your update was most enjoyable to read even if it did bring tears to my eyes. You are an awesomely strong person and you have amazing spirit. Go girl. Keep well
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Hello Kelsey, thanks for the update it. What journey it has been for you and your family. You have been in my thoughts often. It's lovely to have received this update today and puts life into perspective. I see you are going from strength to strength which is so awesome Kelsey! Wishing you well for your recovery and welcome back to EBOP! Take care, stay strong. Big hugs x
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Delighted Kelsey xxx you are such an inspiration xx
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Hi Kelsey, wonderful to read your update and know you are doing so well and so happy to be home. Keep on getting stronger each day, all our love and thoughts are with you always. No more fainting or falls, not allowed ;-) We are proud of you xxx
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That's great news Kelsey that you are home and all the very best for your continued recovery. Cheers.
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Kia ora Kelsey
Wow! That's a story within a story. It's wonderful to hear that you have made it home... the best place in the world to be. I hope that you and all your loved ones are keeping safe and well. Thank you for sharing your story... I look forward to reading more updates.
Arohanui,
Vanessa
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Hello Kelsey. I hope your recovery is continuing to go well. Considering all the challenges that the eruption and your recovery from it has subjected you to, you are looking great in the photo.
All the best. Love reading your updates. Stay well.