Penny's Update from London

As I mentioned in my last blog entry on Tuesday, I have returned to London. Encouraged by Keith Falconer, it was the best decision I made to get back to our London base and regroup emotionally and physically. I have had a horrid bout of bronchitis, all no doubt brought on by the situation I find myself in.

I have spent the last few days reflecting on what is best for Paul. Unfortunately, we have not yet been able to agree with our private health carrier and how they would cover Paul’s care in the UK on his return, and so I feel it best that we see Paul continue to benefit from the wonderful care he is receiving in Austria. I have regrouped in going forward for Paul's ongoing care. I have now been able to think very clearly. In doing so, I would urge anyone reading this to consider your existing insurance coverage. There are, I understand other forms of insurance that would cover neurological/stroke conditions where private medical may not. I urge all of those who are the bread winners, review and afford it.

On a brighter note, the hospital in Rankweil, and in particular, the ward on which Paul is on, is a specialist high dependency neurological unit, I have realised we are incredibly fortunate as a family to have this facility and care for Paul. I was fortunate to have a brief ten minute chat with Dr Eiler on Tuesday morning before I left. Having met face to face, we now have a much better dialogue and understanding. This is a good thing. These high powered Austrian doctors are very gracious and kind.

I had a very good conversation with Dr Eiler yesterday morning on the phone. He is more than happy to carry on Paul's ongoing care. As doctors, their interest and priority is what is best for the patient. The neurosurgeons are based in Feldkirch whilst Rankweil is their sister unit managing the neurological care. He and I were both able to agree that it was in Paul's best interest to remain in Austria currently.

Having kept the piece of skull they original removed in Paul's emergency surgery in February, it makes sense for this be replaced when the time is right by the team of neurosurgeons who performed the original surgery. We are looking at a time factor of 8-10 weeks. Like all these things, this can change. Then there is the recovery process from that surgery.

Though I was very disappointed that it is not be possible to see Paul return this week, I now realise, helped by others closely involved in my journey, that it is a very good thing that Paul is staying where he is. The stronger and more stable he is before he returns to this country the better.

Having made these decisions, I am feeling a lot more confident and comforted in this very uncharted, new journey that I am travelling along. With the support of the Austrian doctors and Hiscox's, who will undertake the medical repatriation part of this, and who, I have to say, have and are being tremendous in their liaison and hard work, THIS IS WHERE WE FIND OURSELVES.

In all of this, I have learnt that the art of communication and bringing people with one is the key ingredient.

On a more personal note, William and I are heading up to Mull on Friday 3rd for the remainder of the Easter holidays. Charlotte returns to London from Canada on the 2nd April. She will head out to Geneva early next week and meet up with her Uncle Mark and Auntie Catherine (Hilton) who have a chalet in France, and with then they will go over to Austria and Charlotte can see her Dad. Fortunately Charlotte, just 19, is at an age and stage where she is very independent, and we are very blessed to have such a mature and level headed daughter. I am proud of her.

Will is doing extremely well and has managed his school life with great strength. I am very proud of him too. He is getting very organised for his GCSE revision programme over the holidays, and he is very keen to be up at our home on Mull, get on with his revision, and help Carl and Lisa where he can on the ongoing projects and the normal things that are all part and parcel of running a property such as The White House. There is always something to be done. We will spend Easter on Mull and I am sure Charlotte will join us once she has had her fill of catching up with friends in London. We are very fortunate to have this home in London that we have had for years.

There are various friends who, since Monday, have contacted me and wishing to go out to Austria to see Paul. Thank you to all those who can, this means a huge amount. William fforde drove over from Tuscany on Wednesday and visited Paul yesterday and called me with an encouraging description of his visit. Paul has continued to respond to those who spend time with him. William Forsyth from Edinburgh is flying out at the crack of dawn today to be with his long standing friend until Monday. I know one or two of you who are on skiing holidays are going to try, when you can, make a visit. Thank you. There are other trips planned by various friends too.

I could not do all of the above without the selfless and huge support from not only my blood family but Paul's brother Mark and his precious wife, Catherine, my sister in law. They are carrying a huge load in all of this, there are no words to describe my appreciation to them both. Charles McGregor, my brother in law, is a tower of strength and is giving me ongoing support in all our family affairs. All Paul’s many friends, and his business colleagues and all our wonderful Isle of Mull friends and supporters, I thank you for your support, prayers and love. It means a huge amount.

There will be blog updates over the Easter holidays, I will get feedback from the doctors and from the visits of family and friends. My plan as it stands, is to return Will to Harrow on the 19th April and then head out with Charlotte to Austria on Tuesday 21st April. I even made a booking at the Alpenrose before I left on Monday. I looked at Klaudia and Clement and just said, 'I feel it in my bones, I know I will be coming back, book me in for the 21 April'. How right I was.

PENNY XXXX - March 26, London