My Visit to Paul - 27th April

On 27th April I visited Penny and Paul in Feldkirch, Austria. He had had his skull replacement surgery that morning. When Penny and I arrived at ICU at Feldkirch hospital that afternoon he woke up to Penny's conversation, which amazed me. It was fantastic to see him, and though he was constrained by lots of tubes and wires (post surgery), it was clear from his expressions, not least when Penny tried to feed him some banana yoghurt, that Paul was very aware of us and his environment.

On Tuesday morning we visited him again, and we spent a short time with him as he was being organised to return to his High Dependency Ward at Rankweil, where his bed was waiting for him, along with Dr Elier and his team. This is a short 12 kms drive from Feldkirch.

Once back at Rankweil, we read to him and Penny was able to open and show him some of his post. He was able to hold and look at the newspaper and postcards. Penny and I were shown the scans by Dr Elier. The progress is clear and the medical staff pleased with his recovery to date.

My overriding impressions were that Paul is in a very good place in terms of the quality of the medical team and the facilities. He is very fortunate to have the strong support of Penny and close family and friends. His accident was very severe and he is very lucky to be alive, let alone to have made such progress. He is very early on the road to recovery however, which will take many many months.

Paul's character is coming through and he clearly enjoys Penny's company and smiled at humour and understood what was read to him.

His determination to recover is very apparent and whilst I was there he took on board the medical advice to exercise and use his right arm. All postcards,letters or visits are much welcomed and I would urge those who know him to send messages of support. He will see and appreciate them.

Russell Duckworth