Penny's Update - March 24

As I had mentioned this week, the plan was to return Paul to London by the end of this week. This is now not happening, and I cannot go into the details other than private medical insurance and neurological injuries have strict limitations and criteria. We have to bring Paul back into London through the NHS.

I have managed to put myself back together in under 24 hours after what I can only describe has been a massive disappointment and blow for me and our children.

The good things are that Paul is currently is in a neurological rehabilitation hospital out here in Rankweil. They are closely linked into the main Feldkirch hospital where Paul spent 4 weeks in ICU. He is being beautifully cared for medically and I cannot fault what they are doing. The initial step down from ICU to a High Dependency Neurological open ward was difficult for me to digest. This is a very new world for me, and I am having to learn fast.

So this is where we are today. I met Dr. Eiler briefly, who is overseeing his care. He was kind and reassuring to me. We can speak every day on the phone. The liaison between the London and Austrian hospital will now start for his repatriation. Fortunately, that is not my job to oversee. There are various medical reasons currently for keeping Paul here in Austria for the time being, due to a piece of his skull they removed in the emergency cranial surgery to save his life, and can be replaced here, when the time is ready. This to me makes alot of sense, and as Dr Eiler said to me this morning, London and Austria are all part of the EU (i.e Gordon Brown).

I have had to take a very very deep breath since yesterday afternoon and move forward. My priority is to get back to London tonight, get myself better, and be back in London for when William comes home on Monday from his D of E Silver and we get on with his Easter holidays. Charlotte is back on Wednesday.

Paul is getting 24 hour care. I am not. I told Dr Eiler I didn't need to end up in the next door bed to my husband! I need to look after myself and be there for Will and Charlotte.

The best for Paul, currently, is to keep him here in Austria. I cannot dictate the time. It is up to the doctors between London and Austria to decide.

I have not been able to see Paul for a week, but I was able to see him through the glass windows today. Dr. Eiler is pleased with his progress. This is a painstakingly slow process and again it is all about time.

I have been very blessed to have Antony Martens, Carrie Pryor and Keith Falconer, all in succession over the past 10 days and they have been able to visit Paul, talk with the doctors and are encouraged by not only the care Paul is receiving, but the very small steps of progress.

This message comes with my deepest thanks for the ongoing love, prayers and messages of support that continue to flow in.

PENNY XXXX