Get That Man A Big Mac

Mike, that's my much better half and I were able to make the journey to Middlesbrough today to see Mark. So I can give you the low down first hand.

John was waiting for us at the front door of the hospital. I didn't know quite what to expect. I thought seeing Mark might upset me but I was wrong..... seeing him inspired me.

Even before we had chance to say hello Mark’s big beaming smile greeted us. A warm and genuine welcome that spoke volumes about the quality of the man.  Instead of us helping to lift Mark’s spirits it was he who lifted ours.

Clearly he is doing well. He may not be totally pain free but he is certainly not making any complaints. He was in the first bed on the left and although he was laying almost flat he was able to move his head, shoulders, arms, hands and some fingers.  He was just as chatty as ever and there is nowt wrong with his sense of humour.

He is hoping to be transferred to the Spinal Unit in Southport soon,  not I might add for his own benefit, but to save everyone else from making the long journey. It was a good visit and if what I saw today is anything to go by Mark Swift is a force to be reckoned with.

On a very positive note, it’s not often that I get the chance to hug a good-looking, half naked, younger man laying stretched out in bed.... so naturally I seized the opportunity and then I planted a big kiss on his cheek too!    I’ll be back for more!

Meanwhile: Mark and Jenna have asked me to post a special thank you to the Air Ambulance Service and all the Doctors, nurses and staff at James Cook Hospital for everything they have done for him.

P.S. Will someone PLEASE.... Get That Man A Big Mac!
The hospital food is good but today Mark said he really fancied a Big Mac ......erm, on second thoughts, don't!!! Not until we've appointed a BigMacMan to control the deliveries. I can just image the local MacDonalds selling out and the ward filling up.  Then we can get BigMacMan to work alongside Rotaman.

Finally thanks for visiting and thanks for leaving your messages too.
I can't tell you how much they mean and how much they are helping. 

Betty the Blog

From The Man Himself

And now...what you've all been waiting for:- 

A Message From The Man Himself
(dictated to Jenna) 

Where to start! ....

Firstly, I'd like to say a HUGE thank you for all the kind words, messages, visits, cards, emails etc etc it really does mean a great deal and gives the old spirits a massive boost. Any prayers and positive thoughts / voodoo medicine are greatly appreciated too, I'll take anything really!!!

So, as for where I'm up to, the operation was a success (as far as I'm aware not actually met the surgeon! ) and I've moved from intensive case to high dependency and then to the ward, all steps in the right direction (well kind of steps anyway ;-) )

Started some light physio in the past few days and itching to do more... but mostly it's a big case of fingers crossed, touching wood and waiting really, trying to remain as positive as possible!.... Also hoping to get transferred to Southport asap to save everyone the 5 hour round trip to Middlesbrough!

Jenna and my parents have been amazing so an extra special thanks to them. and also a big thank you to Betty for setting up the blog, who has done a great job.

Trying to see the silver lining.... the Euros have started, I'm getting to lie in bed plenty, getting waited on hand and foot and the hospital food ain't too bad surprisingly!

Oh and if anyone is interested in buying a mountain bike give me a shout!!

Again thank you all so much, keep praying.

love Mark. x

Eye Candy

Today's update is brought to you by Jenna.

Hi everyone,  Mark had a really good day yesterday, laughing and joking with his friends, him being the butt of the jokes most of the time. I only joined in a little.

It was a good day for me too, my friends arrived yesterday so last night,  after visiting we all went out for a little drink and we had a toast to Mark.

He's in good spirits today and is about to be bombarded by my friends. I think all the men in the ward will appreciate their visit too ...... I have so many 'hot' friends there will be plenty of eye candy for them!

No tilting bed today as they are being very careful about some redness on Mark's lower back but other than that his great progress continues.  We'll have to see what his temperature is like after the girls have been in.
Love Jenna.

Footnote:
You need to be so careful who you trust to upload the photos on the blog....

Who's A Little Tonic

Hi Everyone.

Here’s your morning update.

Mark’s Xray yesterday was to see how his neck was healing after his surgery.  They were just checking that everything was as it should be, and......IT IS!

He does have several titanium pins and plates which will only add to his already magnetic personality.

He’s now wearing his own clothes, smart casual I bet.  The tilt bed worked out fine and they adjusted to 10 degrees yesterday. That’s a great start because after laying on your back for two weeks you have to take it steady. It won’t be long before he’s using it as a see-saw.

Mark had another restful night although he had an increase in temperature. The nurses pampered him with nice, coo,l damp towels and brought it down to normal again.

Alan and Rachael visited yesterday and they brought little Alfie with them. He was a tonic for everyone especially his Nan and Grandad.

Medical Update

John has been on with some more news.

This morning Mark is going for an Xray, he’s not exactly sure on what or why but it’s certainly a welcome activity.  Also, Mark is going to get dressed in his own clothes and they are going to put him onto a tilt bed.  It’s going to be a busy day.

Considering it’s only about a week since his surgery (his neck must still be healing) he is amazing. John said "Everyone who sees him is just blown away by him. He’s reading the newspapers, using the ipad, throwing and catching his balls and....... getting the odd snuggle with Jenna." 

Finally, our John is a bit of a snitch, he tells me they were all on the quiz team but they thought they should let the staff win! 

Oh yea right!

Jubliee Quiz

Hello Everyone,
All the excitement of the Jubilee is over and I am delighted to report that team Mark and Jenna did well in the Jubilee quiz!  They didn't say exactly how well or how bad so perhaps I should spare their blushes.

Yipee, Jenna was allowed and extra half hour visiting and stayed till 10.30 p.m. That was a real bonus because they were able to relax and just have a chat.  As always she sings his praises and today Jenna said  "He is doing well, its been tough but he has stayed positive and been Mark throughout. I'm very proud of him".

I think that goes for all of us Jenna.

Playing Catch

According to Jenna, all going well today - apart from the limited access to the patient that is. The nurses make sure Mark is "protected" and that he gets plenty of quality rest.

They are doing a great job and everyone admires them but they don't care who they kick out the ward - even the Champion paper boy!

Actually, I'm wondering if Mark might be a bit pleased about it on the quite...... I bet there have been times he wished he could have chased the paperboy too!!

Apparently some of his visitors (no names no pack drill) have taken to playing the good old fashioned game of catch! As you might expect Mark is showing what he's made of,  he couldn't quite manage it on Sunday and by yesterday he was catching like a pro! Way to go Mark!

The ward Jubilee party starts at 3 today - jelly and cakes anyone?

Planning A Visit? You Need Rotaman!

Meet Rotaman!

Allow me to introduce you to Steve Parr. I’ve never met him myself but I know Mark and Steve are very good friends.

There are so many of Mark's mates that want to visit him that the joke John made the other day about issuing Crowd Control Tickets is almost a reality!

The number of friends Mark has made and kept over the years is remarkable (pardon the pun) and proves what a very special person he is. And, even though seeing his mates is really important and of great help it can be overwhelming - hence we have Steve (now also known as Rotaman). He's going to do his best to help co-ordinate visits. I think he's going to be kept pretty busy!!

They are trying to keep it to no more than eight people a day and want to give everyone a time and date that fits in with their lives, work and travel plans.  So, before you make that long journey please contact Steve on 07788 587163

Thanks
Betty

Sandwich Anyone?

John's morning update.

Not much to report today -  Mark did have a slight temperature but thankfully he had a restful night again.  John tells me they moved him again - only slightly, he's still on the same ward but they needed space to prepare for the Queen's Jubilee party tomorrow.   I ask you... who's more important around here?

John and Jenna said that most frustrating thing now is not being able to sneak in for a quick visit. Visiting times are tightly controlled. Everyone would love to be with Mark all the time but we know we're only getting in the way.  The nurses have a job to do and in the long run we know it's best for Mark.

Nevertheless, Jenna tried it on this morning but she got her marching orders. And Jenna's excuse......  "I'm just popping in to deliver a sandwich." Guess what? That didn't work any better than John trying to deliver the paper!

Evening Update

Evening update.

Good news! Mark has been moved from the High Dependency Unit to the main ward which is great. Jenna is a bit miffed as he is opposite the nurse station which means she might not be able to sneak in to see as often as she has been.

Crowd Control Tickets

John's been on with his morning update.

He sounded brighter himself and tells me that Mark had a great nights sleep. In fact, he was so deeply asleep that the nurses didn't think he knew a thing about it when they went in to turn him.
Rest is good, sleep is a healer.

John said that yesterday Mark had a good physio session - it's the start of a long road.  At this stage it will be difficult in many ways not least because it will highlight more of what he can't do than what he can do. But Mark is strong and positive and we know he'll be determined to get on with it.

The visit from his mates yesterday was another tonic. It's a real comfort that so many people are rallying round, new friends, old friends, friends from far and wide.  John said there are so many people wanting to visit that they are going to start issuing crowd control tickets! There are 14 coming in today and he was sorry that another six couldn't get in!