Second update

Week 8

Dear family and friends,
Thank-you for all for your wonderful e-mails and comments on the blog. They have really kept me going. I wanted to update you on two major events for me this week. The other day, with the help of the speaking valve, on the ventilator, my voice suddenly returned from a whisper to a clear voice. Secondly, my swallowing has returned, meaning that I have been able to enjoy sips of water and, most importantly, nibbles of chocolate! As you can imagine, my life has been relatively transformed by these events.
My arms and legs are still very weak, and I am still requiring the ventilator, so I can see there is still a way to go, but there is now a glimmer of hope on the horizon as things have started to improve. I really wish I could use my hands but will have to wait for that….
Being able to communicate fully with the nurses, doctors and my visitors has changed my world here. The plan is to try and wean me from the ventilator during the daytime, but I am still needing full ventilation at night. I will remain on ICU for the foreseeable future (at least until I don’t require the ventilator).
As soon as I get off ICU I can have more friends to visit which will be fantastic. Until then I’m pretty much stuck here but I’m staying positive, thanks to my wonderful husband, mum, dad and my sister Susannah.
All my love,
Laura