Dear Readers:
Thank you for all your wonderful and heartfelt support these many months. Your prayers, letters, emails and visits have meant a huge amount to me and Penny, thank you.
I am now back at home making a steady recovery.
Please keep in touch and contact me by my same mobile number (44-78-87-692-917) and via email fphilton@aol.com.
With best wishes, Paul
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Paul and Penny’s Plans to Return Home to London
We are coming to the end of our seventh week at The Schmieder Clinic, Allensbach. Next Friday, after eight weeks, Paul and I are planning a few quiet days back in Feldkirch, at The Hotel Alpenrose, before flying out of Zurich to London on Wednesday 19th August. It will be just 6 months since Paul and William left for Lech for the February half term to go skiing.
I continue to be enormously grateful for the incredible heartfelt support, prayers and love that has been shown to Paul, to me, Charlotte and Will. Without each prayer, letter, card, e-mail, text, phone call, visits and acts of kindness, we would not be where we are today. Each and every one of you who have prayed for Paul has contributed to the enormous strength that has buoyed me up and kept us going. Equipped with this support, we in turn have been able, along with my immediate family, to care for Paul with a sense of conviction and commitment.
The medically led rehabilitation team at The Schmieder Clinic has given us a strong foundation to move forward and continue their outstanding work back in England. We have Dr Eiler to thank for suggesting this leading European Centre of Excellence for Neurological recovery for Paul.
Dr Eiler, in his own quiet way, told me towards the end of April, sitting in the garden in Rankweil Hospital, that Paul would walk out of Austria and on to a plane back to London in four months. At the time, I struggled with his vision. We will always be indebted to him for his calm guidance, and indeed to all the doctors and their medical teams at both the Feldkirch and Rankweil hospitals who guided me through a medical minefield. To have witnessed their wisdom and sense of commitment to their patients is truly humbling. They in turn respond quietly and simply say that it is just their job.
We soon start on another chapter in Paul’s recovery. After awhile in London and then a few weeks in Mull, we will work on our next steps in early September.
And so, as we reflect on all the entries that have been made on this blog after nearly six months, there are only two words that we can use to express to each and every one of you who read this site: Thank you.
Love, Penny xxxx
Allensbach
10th August 2009
I continue to be enormously grateful for the incredible heartfelt support, prayers and love that has been shown to Paul, to me, Charlotte and Will. Without each prayer, letter, card, e-mail, text, phone call, visits and acts of kindness, we would not be where we are today. Each and every one of you who have prayed for Paul has contributed to the enormous strength that has buoyed me up and kept us going. Equipped with this support, we in turn have been able, along with my immediate family, to care for Paul with a sense of conviction and commitment.
The medically led rehabilitation team at The Schmieder Clinic has given us a strong foundation to move forward and continue their outstanding work back in England. We have Dr Eiler to thank for suggesting this leading European Centre of Excellence for Neurological recovery for Paul.
Dr Eiler, in his own quiet way, told me towards the end of April, sitting in the garden in Rankweil Hospital, that Paul would walk out of Austria and on to a plane back to London in four months. At the time, I struggled with his vision. We will always be indebted to him for his calm guidance, and indeed to all the doctors and their medical teams at both the Feldkirch and Rankweil hospitals who guided me through a medical minefield. To have witnessed their wisdom and sense of commitment to their patients is truly humbling. They in turn respond quietly and simply say that it is just their job.
We soon start on another chapter in Paul’s recovery. After awhile in London and then a few weeks in Mull, we will work on our next steps in early September.
And so, as we reflect on all the entries that have been made on this blog after nearly six months, there are only two words that we can use to express to each and every one of you who read this site: Thank you.
Love, Penny xxxx
Allensbach
10th August 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
A Visit From The Comptons
We have just visited Paul and Penny at the impressive Schmieder Clinic in Allensbach, near Konstanz, Germany. Konstanz is on the border of Germany and Switzerland, a fascinating medieval town on the shores of the Bodensee Lake, just over an hour from Zurich. Paul's clinic is a complex of smart, modern buildings overlooking the lake and surrounded by peaceful farmland and fields of alpine flowers. This is not a hospital but a centre of excellence, specializing in neurological recovery. The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.
Paul and Penny come and go as they please. They head out on walks across the fields, take the train to Konstanz to look at the boats, sightsee and eat out. They go to bed early and rise at 6 or 7 every morning.
The day we visited, Paul had been on a bicycle ride for the first time since his accident. He has a vigorous program each day. We sat in on his session with his neurophysiologist and they discussed maps of Konstanz (triggering Paul's short term memory), did word games and Paul spent about half an hour doing computer games: shooting colored balloons; landing a hot air balloon and memorizing patterns. The games required visual and mathematical skills as well as co-ordination. He did extremely well, remembering his previous scores and concentrated hard to beat them. He also corrected deliberate spelling mistakes.
Paul has physiotherapy, handwriting lessons (his brain is working too fast for his hand to keep up - something that requires a new learning technique) and he has other sessions. He proudly showed us baskets he is making in the fantastic arts and craft workshop. He walks everywhere at a good pace; the old determination very evident. One sign of his accident is his walking with a slight stoop and shuffle and he is still very thin and fragile - compared to his old self.
We had lunch in a cafe down by the lake. Paul hungrily demolished steak and chips while Penny tried to avoid the horrible sauerkraut lurking beneath her salad! Paul then took us to see an amazingly colorful patch of wild flowers and Penny showed us her simple accommodation in the relative's wing and took some laundry down to the basement.
We returned to Konstanz for a couple of hours as Paul was supposed to have a handwriting lesson, which was cancelled because the lady was ill. This disappointed Paul as he is keen to get to grips with his handwriting - again showing his amazing determination. Paul and Penny joined us for an early dinner on the waterfront. As the day finished Paul was clearly exhausted, but happy. He had experienced several new things that day alone. He was uncomfortable crossing a highish bridge over a road and a bit confused by the multi-storey car park. He needed the handrail to descend steep stairs. But as we drove them the 12 kms back to Allensbach Paul directed us faultlessly.
Mentally Paul was in good spirits; laughing and joking on occasion, remembering things from the past (except the details of the accident). We were thrilled to see very definite signs of the old Paul but lacking his exuberance still. He tires easily and at times was just happy to sit back and listen to us and Penny chatting. Of course he has bad days, when he does get depressed. This was not one of them.
He clearly has a lot of work ahead but we were amazed at his progress to date. His fitness, energy, drive and intelligence must surely be contributing to his miraculous recovery as of course, with Penny's totally dedicated and faultless care over the past six months.
Paul is not remotely angry or bitter. He just accepts his circumstances and is working hard to try to get back to normal. We came away thinking he is in the best possible care and is trying to move forward with all his might.
We loved seeing him.
Rick and Lucinda Compton
23rd July 2009
Paul and Penny come and go as they please. They head out on walks across the fields, take the train to Konstanz to look at the boats, sightsee and eat out. They go to bed early and rise at 6 or 7 every morning.
The day we visited, Paul had been on a bicycle ride for the first time since his accident. He has a vigorous program each day. We sat in on his session with his neurophysiologist and they discussed maps of Konstanz (triggering Paul's short term memory), did word games and Paul spent about half an hour doing computer games: shooting colored balloons; landing a hot air balloon and memorizing patterns. The games required visual and mathematical skills as well as co-ordination. He did extremely well, remembering his previous scores and concentrated hard to beat them. He also corrected deliberate spelling mistakes.
Paul has physiotherapy, handwriting lessons (his brain is working too fast for his hand to keep up - something that requires a new learning technique) and he has other sessions. He proudly showed us baskets he is making in the fantastic arts and craft workshop. He walks everywhere at a good pace; the old determination very evident. One sign of his accident is his walking with a slight stoop and shuffle and he is still very thin and fragile - compared to his old self.
We had lunch in a cafe down by the lake. Paul hungrily demolished steak and chips while Penny tried to avoid the horrible sauerkraut lurking beneath her salad! Paul then took us to see an amazingly colorful patch of wild flowers and Penny showed us her simple accommodation in the relative's wing and took some laundry down to the basement.
We returned to Konstanz for a couple of hours as Paul was supposed to have a handwriting lesson, which was cancelled because the lady was ill. This disappointed Paul as he is keen to get to grips with his handwriting - again showing his amazing determination. Paul and Penny joined us for an early dinner on the waterfront. As the day finished Paul was clearly exhausted, but happy. He had experienced several new things that day alone. He was uncomfortable crossing a highish bridge over a road and a bit confused by the multi-storey car park. He needed the handrail to descend steep stairs. But as we drove them the 12 kms back to Allensbach Paul directed us faultlessly.
Mentally Paul was in good spirits; laughing and joking on occasion, remembering things from the past (except the details of the accident). We were thrilled to see very definite signs of the old Paul but lacking his exuberance still. He tires easily and at times was just happy to sit back and listen to us and Penny chatting. Of course he has bad days, when he does get depressed. This was not one of them.
He clearly has a lot of work ahead but we were amazed at his progress to date. His fitness, energy, drive and intelligence must surely be contributing to his miraculous recovery as of course, with Penny's totally dedicated and faultless care over the past six months.
Paul is not remotely angry or bitter. He just accepts his circumstances and is working hard to try to get back to normal. We came away thinking he is in the best possible care and is trying to move forward with all his might.
We loved seeing him.
Rick and Lucinda Compton
23rd July 2009
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Trisha's Prayer
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'
So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.
So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention.
By Minnie Louise Haskins 1908
'Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown.'
And he replied, 'Go into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God
That shall be to you better than light and safer than a known way!'
So I went forth and finding the Hand of God
Trod gladly into the night
He led me towards the hills
And the breaking of day in the lone east.
So heart be still!
What need our human life to know
If God hath comprehension?
In all the dizzy strife of things
Both high and low,
God hideth his intention.
By Minnie Louise Haskins 1908
Monday, July 6, 2009
Summer Holidays and Paul's First Two Weeks in the Schmieder Clinic
Penny has been in London for five days this last week having spent the previous week with Paul in Allensbach in Germany. William flew out of London with Penny on Friday 3rd July to spend six days with his Father whilst Charlotte continues her Gap Year. She is in the Far East. Both have a busy summer ahead of them.
The move to the Schmieder Clinic went very smoothly. Paul is adjusting to his new surroundings and daily routine and likes where he is. His room has a magnificent view across to Switzerland overlooking the Lake. The medically led Neurological Rehabilitation Team is still assessing where Paul is and the extent of the brain injuries. They have now structured the first part of their plan to help Paul in his recovery. This plan involves a combination of both physical rehabilitation and neurological retraining. These two elements together are vital at this time given the magnitude of the injuries Paul sustained on the ski slopes.
The current plan is for Paul to return to London during the third week of August. Paul will then have had eight weeks at the Clinic. Both Penny and Paul will stop over for a few days at the Hotel Alpenrose in Feldkirch to touch base with their Austrian Medical Teams before heading for Zurich to fly back home. This return journey will be some six months since Paul and William left on their ski trip to Lech.
What is clear is that in the next few weeks Penny will be guided by The Schmieder Clinic as we work out the next steps for Paul's rehabilitation on his return home. It is too early to form that view. Although he is getting stronger, we must realize that we have only just started with his rehabilitation and we have to accept that it will take many, many months of hard work. Paul, in a sense, has a new job to do. It will also be many, many months before the normal pattern of family life re-emerges.
Penny continues to be touched by the ongoing messages of support for the whole Family, and for Paul in particular, and for the many wonderful and heart warming messages. She is so grateful.
We will try to post updates over the weeks ahead to give you a sense of where we are and as Paul continues to respond to his rehabilitation.
As ever, Charles
Wimbledon Tennis Finals day - 2009
The move to the Schmieder Clinic went very smoothly. Paul is adjusting to his new surroundings and daily routine and likes where he is. His room has a magnificent view across to Switzerland overlooking the Lake. The medically led Neurological Rehabilitation Team is still assessing where Paul is and the extent of the brain injuries. They have now structured the first part of their plan to help Paul in his recovery. This plan involves a combination of both physical rehabilitation and neurological retraining. These two elements together are vital at this time given the magnitude of the injuries Paul sustained on the ski slopes.
The current plan is for Paul to return to London during the third week of August. Paul will then have had eight weeks at the Clinic. Both Penny and Paul will stop over for a few days at the Hotel Alpenrose in Feldkirch to touch base with their Austrian Medical Teams before heading for Zurich to fly back home. This return journey will be some six months since Paul and William left on their ski trip to Lech.
What is clear is that in the next few weeks Penny will be guided by The Schmieder Clinic as we work out the next steps for Paul's rehabilitation on his return home. It is too early to form that view. Although he is getting stronger, we must realize that we have only just started with his rehabilitation and we have to accept that it will take many, many months of hard work. Paul, in a sense, has a new job to do. It will also be many, many months before the normal pattern of family life re-emerges.
Penny continues to be touched by the ongoing messages of support for the whole Family, and for Paul in particular, and for the many wonderful and heart warming messages. She is so grateful.
We will try to post updates over the weeks ahead to give you a sense of where we are and as Paul continues to respond to his rehabilitation.
As ever, Charles
Wimbledon Tennis Finals day - 2009
Monday, June 22, 2009
A DAY FOR REFLECTION AND THANKS FOR A JOYOUS OUTCOME
Earlier this morning, Paul packed his bag and walked slowly from his room in the Rankweil Hospital, down the corridors towards the entrance of the Hospital. He and Penny stopped on their way. They said goodbye to the many members of the Hospital medical team who had looked after him over the last several weeks. They reiterated their enormous appreciation to the many doctors and nurses. They said their farewells. Paul then climbed into the front seat of their waiting taxi, Penny climbed into the back, and they headed out together to join the motorway to drive to the Kliniken Schmieder, in Allensback on the shores of Lake Constance in Germany, just an hour and twenty minutes away.
But Paul now has a “job of work to do” over the next eight weeks, as he regains his strength and manages through the recuperative process. This he will do, with resolve, under the direction of the medical teams at the Clinic. Our current plan is that he will spend eight weeks at the Clinic.
Paul was admitted in critical condition to Feldkirch Hospital on Wednesday 18th February having been helicoptered off the slopes. Nearly eighteen weeks later, he has made an extraordinary recovery from a cruel accident. But he is frail, and we have a long journey in front of us. This we do not forget.
Paul is now settled into a comfortable room at the clinic, It has a small sitting area, with a balcony overlooking the lake. He rang me this afternoon. He has met the lead clinician and he and Penny have set up in his room. “All is going to go well here…things are looking good – Penny has the laptop up – we are making good progress”. He is really pleased to have made this move.
I know I can speak for our community of family and friends as we wish Paul well on this the third stage of his recovery, with the Feldkirch and Rankweil hospital stays now behind him. Penny’s steadfastness and care for Paul we admire, and then too William and Charlotte we think of as well, knowing they are delighted on this important day. We also must express our appreciation to our unsung Blog editor, Ted Pryor, on the eastern seaboard of the US, who has made possible all these many postings which are chronicling Paul’s progress and recovery.
And so, on this happiest of days, it is time to reflect and acknowledge the wonderful medical care Paul has received over these many months. We have been very blessed in every sense.
Last Monday the clinical lead at Rankweil assessed Paul as part of the hospital discharge process. Penny and Paul thanked Dr Koppi for all that he and his team had done. Dr Koppi acknowledged their kind comments. He reflected and then said it “was a joyous outcome”. Slowly he raised his eyes heavenwards and added quietly “…………and a lot of this”.
Each and every day since his accident, prayers have been offered up for Paul’s recovery. We remember that the Rankweil Hospital was once a monastery, and still today, the chapel remains an integral part of the Hospital. Dr. Koppi in his own thoughtful way expressed that Paul’s recovery could not solely be attributed to their medical care and skill, or Paul’s determination and Penny’s devotion, and the love of William and Charlotte, family and friends. He offered up his thanks to our ever present God. We likewise must do the same.
Charles
22nd June 2009
But Paul now has a “job of work to do” over the next eight weeks, as he regains his strength and manages through the recuperative process. This he will do, with resolve, under the direction of the medical teams at the Clinic. Our current plan is that he will spend eight weeks at the Clinic.
Paul was admitted in critical condition to Feldkirch Hospital on Wednesday 18th February having been helicoptered off the slopes. Nearly eighteen weeks later, he has made an extraordinary recovery from a cruel accident. But he is frail, and we have a long journey in front of us. This we do not forget.
Paul is now settled into a comfortable room at the clinic, It has a small sitting area, with a balcony overlooking the lake. He rang me this afternoon. He has met the lead clinician and he and Penny have set up in his room. “All is going to go well here…things are looking good – Penny has the laptop up – we are making good progress”. He is really pleased to have made this move.
I know I can speak for our community of family and friends as we wish Paul well on this the third stage of his recovery, with the Feldkirch and Rankweil hospital stays now behind him. Penny’s steadfastness and care for Paul we admire, and then too William and Charlotte we think of as well, knowing they are delighted on this important day. We also must express our appreciation to our unsung Blog editor, Ted Pryor, on the eastern seaboard of the US, who has made possible all these many postings which are chronicling Paul’s progress and recovery.
And so, on this happiest of days, it is time to reflect and acknowledge the wonderful medical care Paul has received over these many months. We have been very blessed in every sense.
Last Monday the clinical lead at Rankweil assessed Paul as part of the hospital discharge process. Penny and Paul thanked Dr Koppi for all that he and his team had done. Dr Koppi acknowledged their kind comments. He reflected and then said it “was a joyous outcome”. Slowly he raised his eyes heavenwards and added quietly “…………and a lot of this”.
Each and every day since his accident, prayers have been offered up for Paul’s recovery. We remember that the Rankweil Hospital was once a monastery, and still today, the chapel remains an integral part of the Hospital. Dr. Koppi in his own thoughtful way expressed that Paul’s recovery could not solely be attributed to their medical care and skill, or Paul’s determination and Penny’s devotion, and the love of William and Charlotte, family and friends. He offered up his thanks to our ever present God. We likewise must do the same.
Charles
22nd June 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
Penny Returns to London on the 17th June, Back on the 21st June
On the eve of the start of another week, and after visits from Charles, and Peter & Melissa Briggs, both of whom have reflected on their time with us this past week, I thought I should also write a few words.
I have not written much during the past few weeks for the blog. After some unsettling weeks of cerebral spinal fluid leakage, the neurosurgeons in the end elected not to operate. The three weeks spent on the neurosurgical ward at Feldkirch Hospital, undergoing countless tests and procedures to determine the site of the leakage, was difficult for Paul. Having decided not to operate, Paul returned to Rankweil to the wonderful Dr Eiler last Monday for further observation.
We have come a long way in the past month. Paul continues to amaze the medical team here, both at Feldkirch and at Rankweil. His inner courage to beat this injury is very tangible. He has virtually willed himself to be able to get out of bed and the distances covered walking increases daily. His cognition improves weekly, his short term memory is not so good, but that is all part of where we are. His long term memory appears intact.
He is desperately frail. It is going to take a very long time to rebuild him. We have been guided, by Dr Eiler, to a state of the art Neurological & Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic in Germany - The Schmieder Clinic. There are six of them and they were founded over fifty years ago. Paul will be going to the one at Allensbach on the shores of Lake Constance, Germany. Dr Eiler has guided us well, and both Charles and I have been told that it is one of the leading neurological centres in Europe. We also believe that Paul will respond very well to the Clinic’s stunning rural surroundings and its view over the Lake. This is an important part of the rehabilitation process.
I am very much hoping that, once we have completed Paul's stay at the Schmieder Clinic, he and I will return, as guests at the Hotel Alpenrose for a couple of days, enabling us to absorb the joys of this very charming town in the Austrian mountains. The Alpenrose has been very much my home for the past four months and I have developed a strong affection for Klaudia and Klemence and their Grandmother, Granny Alpenrose, and all the staff. They have all seen me through a very tough period and I am truly indebted for their kindness and warmth they have all shown me over the past four months.
We would also like to catch a glimpse of Dr Eiler, Dr Diem and Dr Donat, as after all, it is their three medical teams who have given us back Paul and the chance of a future. I want Paul to see them before he heads back to London in some nine weeks time.
Penny
I have not written much during the past few weeks for the blog. After some unsettling weeks of cerebral spinal fluid leakage, the neurosurgeons in the end elected not to operate. The three weeks spent on the neurosurgical ward at Feldkirch Hospital, undergoing countless tests and procedures to determine the site of the leakage, was difficult for Paul. Having decided not to operate, Paul returned to Rankweil to the wonderful Dr Eiler last Monday for further observation.
We have come a long way in the past month. Paul continues to amaze the medical team here, both at Feldkirch and at Rankweil. His inner courage to beat this injury is very tangible. He has virtually willed himself to be able to get out of bed and the distances covered walking increases daily. His cognition improves weekly, his short term memory is not so good, but that is all part of where we are. His long term memory appears intact.
He is desperately frail. It is going to take a very long time to rebuild him. We have been guided, by Dr Eiler, to a state of the art Neurological & Neurological Rehabilitation Clinic in Germany - The Schmieder Clinic. There are six of them and they were founded over fifty years ago. Paul will be going to the one at Allensbach on the shores of Lake Constance, Germany. Dr Eiler has guided us well, and both Charles and I have been told that it is one of the leading neurological centres in Europe. We also believe that Paul will respond very well to the Clinic’s stunning rural surroundings and its view over the Lake. This is an important part of the rehabilitation process.
I am very much hoping that, once we have completed Paul's stay at the Schmieder Clinic, he and I will return, as guests at the Hotel Alpenrose for a couple of days, enabling us to absorb the joys of this very charming town in the Austrian mountains. The Alpenrose has been very much my home for the past four months and I have developed a strong affection for Klaudia and Klemence and their Grandmother, Granny Alpenrose, and all the staff. They have all seen me through a very tough period and I am truly indebted for their kindness and warmth they have all shown me over the past four months.
We would also like to catch a glimpse of Dr Eiler, Dr Diem and Dr Donat, as after all, it is their three medical teams who have given us back Paul and the chance of a future. I want Paul to see them before he heads back to London in some nine weeks time.
Penny
Peter and Melissa's Visit to Paul on June 11th, 2009
After a quick visit to see the flowers above Verbier and a day on Lake Maggiore, Melissa and I dropped in to see Paul and Penny at Feldkirch. I hadn't seen Paul for a few weeks and his recovery is nothing less than a miracle and, although he is still very frail, he is lucid. I had warned Melissa not to expect too much, but what we found was the old Paul, quite battered, but back with us after just over four months. His recovery at Feldkirch is due, in no particular order, to the skill of the doctors and nurses, the dedication and love of Penny, the support of many friends and relatives, and the power of Prayer. On Thursday evening Penny, Melissa, Charles McGregor and I went out to celebrate Paul's recovery with a few bottles of local wine. We all, fortunately, made it back to the hotel in one piece. The next day we all went to visit a specialist clinic on Lake Constance in Germany. This is only an hour from the doctors at Feldkirch and has views over the lake, a lovely place to visit or stay. Here Paul will continue his recovery and regain strength over the next eight weeks so that he can return to the UK hopefully in good enough condition to be able to return to Mull. Charles has put a lot of work into ensuring that this next move is the right one for Paul. We also spent some time looking for a suitable hotel for Penny as she will have to move from the friendly Hotel Alpenrose. This will not be that easy.
Peter and Melissa Briggs
Peter and Melissa Briggs
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