My Life being Disabled 02/12/08

This morning I got up at 07:00 because we were going to Barnsley to the Co-op bank to open a new current account. My current account with Alliance and Leicester has been closed while was in hospital and they can't open it. But yesterday afternoon somebody from Alliance and Leicester phoned to say there were going to create a new current account for me but I didn't get the rest of the details.
We set off at 10:30 after one of the life skillls co-ordinator had bent down and fixed me in the mini-bus. We arrived in Barnsley at 11:15 and three residentd went shopping while I went to Co-op bank where I opened a current account. The person who help me told me I would get a debit card, cheque book and a paying in book but it would take about 3 days to arrive.
While I out one of the life skills co-ordinators told me we could go back on Saturday to pay in a cheque. Also they told me to find the opening times of the Thackray Medicial Museum. (It opens every day from 10:00 - 17:00) and costs £5.50 with parking at £1.
We got home at 12:50 and had our lunch but the kitchen didn't have any apples.

My Life being Disabled 01/12/08

This morning I sent an ebirthday to a carer. I sent via Email to see if I could send it free but her birthday isn't until 04/12/08. Yet I programmed it to be delivered at 01:00 that day. If this works I intend to send all my Christmas cards that way.

My Life being Disabled 30/11/08

Yesterday I went to watch Grimethorpe Rugby League team it was suppose to kick-off at 14:00 but it nearly 14:45 because the away team from Silsden, which near Skipton, were late. Grimethorpe won easily 46 - 8. I still enjoyed it and there were about 100 spectators.

Last night while watching a movie called 'Enemy of the State' starring Will Smith I remembered that before my stroke when I worked for British Telecom as Duty Manager of the North and Midlands. I use to liaise with MI6. They were not known as MI6 but everybody knew who they were. Every Xmas they would visit us, take us out for a meal, we could eat and drink as much as we wanted but the bill was always settled in cash ! I can't remember what the duty managers did for them but obviously it wasn't always legal.
Later we went to the Christingle market in Barnsley. It was very busy and one of the residents got a chracture drawn by an artist in the middle of the market. All the carers bought a hot sandwich to eat because all of them were hungary. There were all of German market stall most of them selling food. We stayed for 2 hours and then came back for our Sunday lunch.

My Life being Disabled 29/11/08

This morning one of the life skill co-ordinators asked me if I wanted to go to the 'Christingle' in Barnsley tomorrow at 13:00. I said I wanted to go but I didn't know what a Christingle was. I look it up on the web and found:

The Christingle has its origins in a Moravian children's service held in a castle in Germany on Christmas Eve in 1747.
The bishop conducting the informal service gave each child a lighted candle, tied with a red ribbon, in memory of the Saviour's coming which he said has kindled a flame in each heart which keeps burning "to His joy, and our happiness".
Much later, this simple candle was replaced by a more elaborate Christingle which is rich in symbolism.
Our modern Christingle consists of:
an orange . . . representing the world
a red ribbon, tied round the orange . . . representing the blood of Jesus
fruits and sweets, skewered on 4 cocktail sticks which are pushed into the orange . . . representing God's good gifts - the fruits of the earth and the four seasons
a lighted candle, pushed into the centre of the orange . . . representing Christ, the light of the world

I look forward to tomorrow !

One of the carers told me he is taking me to the rugby league match this afternoon. Grimethorpe are playing Silsden Park Rangers are playing at 14:00. Silsden are the bottom team in the 5th Division of the Pennine League but Grimethorpe are next to them at 10th. So it should be a good match.

My Life being Disabled 28/11/08

I am paralysed on my right, I have no short term memory and suffer from spontaneous panic attacks. I have decided to BLOG my complaint with my bank. This occured when I was in hospital from 13 Nov 2008 to 22 Nov 2008.

When I was in hospital my bank decided to close my current account. I did not BLOG this because I thought it was just a simple mistake ! BUT I phoned them last Sunday and told them I did not respond to their letter because I was in hospital. They said they could not deal with it on a Sunday but they would deal with it on Monday.

On Monday at 15:30 because I had not heard from them I phoned again and eventually spoke to someone who said I was with the wrong department, they were the Closure Department but not the Voluntary ! I asked to speak to a manager but they said all the managers were at a meeting and one will call me back later. At 17:00 ( I was in the dining room - noisey) A female manager contacted me and told me she was dealing.

On Tuesday by 12:00 I had not heard from my bank so I raised a complaint using the banks procedures :

On Sunday I read my mail for the first time since I went to hospital on 13/11/08 because I'd been in hospital. I got three letter from you, my current account monthly statement, a letter telling me that you were going to close my current account and a cheque from you. I phoned you but my telepin did not work because mine is 4 figures and it should be 5 figures but luckily I had a number for your security team. I told them what had happened and although they could not deal with it today they said they would deal with it tomorrow. I told them I needed cash because I had to pay my Care home. I had over £100 in my Onile Saver Issue 2 account. I asked for my telepin but they would not give it to me.
I waited until 15:43 when I phoned again to find out what was happening eventually, after about 30 minutes, I was told that you can't reopen my account and can open another account which I can use. I asked if my debit card would work and said no. I explained my situation, once more, and asked to speak to a manager. You said there were no managers available but one would call me back later. Somebody phone around 17:00 to tell me that she was dealing.

This morning o(25/12) after checking my accounts on the web there is no change but I am escalating it to you.

On Friday 28/11/08 I ESCALATED TO THE GROUP CUSTOMER RELATIONS

Group Customer Relations,
Unfortunatley I only have the Email address of the customer complaints team and I can only communicate via Email or written form. I am relying on the customer complaints team to forward this complaint to the Group Customer Relations team as step 2 in your complaints procedure. I prefer to use Email because I am paralysed on my right, I suffer from spontaneous panic attacks, I have no short term memory and Email is the greenest way to communicate.
I have had no response since I started my complaint on 25 Nov 2008 at 12:01. Nobody has contacted me by any method. Yet my current account has been closed when I was in hospital from 13 Nov 2008 to 23 Nov 2008.I am desparate for some money. I have a cheque from you for over £100 but I can't cash it and I need cash to pay my Care costs.

I asked my nurse if I could go to the local rugby league match tomorrow at 14:00. Grimethorpe play their matches at the end of road. She said she will ask the life skills co-ordinators.

Later on I heard a nurse on the telephone about one of our residents who was in Barnsley hospital but they wanted to send her home because they were conducting a deep clean of the ward she was in. (sounds familiar). I asked the nurse which ward she was on but she didn't know. Anyway she told the hospital that if our resident goes for 2 days with sickness and diarrheo she can come home. The hospital wasn't very happy.

I have to become a Blood Doner but first I will have to ask my nurse.

This afternoon my catheter was by-passing. This means my urine its't flowing to my catheter bag. I told my carers who put me onmy bed and found the catheter pipe was twisted. They changed my shorts and my pad.

Later on I went to computer room and I got this response from my bank

'I have passed this to the appropriate area in order that this may be investigated and a response sent to you.'

My Life being Disabled 27/11/08

This morning one of the Life Skills asked me if I wanted to go to a pantomime in the local community centre ? I said Yes it on 14/12 at 16:00. I am really busy this December with

04th My favourite carer's birthday
09th 12:00 - 15:00 Xmas lunch at the Marquis
13th 12:00 Xmas Fair
14th My brother visiting
14th 16:00 Local panto
23rd 15:00 Xmas show

My Life being Disabled 26/11/08

This morning I saw my G.P., she already knew about Panic Attacks and the hospital had already prescribed 2 drugs which she said take about 4 weeks to take effect.She also told me to breathe into a paper bag if I start a Panic Attack. I've got a paper bag but I don't blowing in it when I'm moving round the Care home. So nobody is aware when I start a Panic Attack. If a Panic Attack gets bad while I'm in my home I'll use the paper bag which I'll keep in my bedroom. If I'm out I can't use it.

My Life being Disabled 25/11/08

Because I didn't have a good experience in hospital I decided to complain. I Emailed the patient liaison team and reqested the Email addresses of Complaints manager and the Cheif Executive with following Email.

On Thursday 13/11/08 at around 13:00 I was suffering from breathing problems and a bad headache. The nurse at my care home took the following action. After speaking to my doctor, the nurse phoned 999 to call for an ambulance. I was taken to Barnsley Hospital with my Hospital Transfer Form. This document provides hospital staff with all relevant details of my needs. I was taken into A & E, had a brain scan and Ward 20. In this time the document went missing and nobody felt it was useful. Although it contained all my medecine information. The outcome of this was:-
a) I forgot that I had bladder washes and on Monday my catheter was by-passing and required to be changed. I got it changed on Tuesday and suffered with wet beds for two days ! (If I had been at my care home it would have been changed by one of the nurses). b) I use 4 different creams, Athelete's foot, catheter entry, legs, groin which were not used whilst in hospital.
c) I have dermititus especially on my head and need a shower/bath every day. While I was in hospital I only got one bath.

On Friday I was told that I have MRSA and that I it had before I came in. I should have been seperated with my own rooom but you did not have one until Thursday 20/11/08. On Friday my severe migrains had stopped.

On Monday I was discharged only to be informed that because there was a lot of sickness and diarrheo on the ward I couldn't go home. Eventually I went home on Saturday 22/11/08. Because I was staying longer I decided to purchase a card to allow me to watch television. BUT there is nobody who works at the hospital who can buy one. It is your policy to NOT deal with patients money.

On Wednesday I ran out of clothing so I contacted my care home and they came to see me on Thursday. They brought me my powerchair to allow me to move around but on Thursday afternoon I was put in a room by myself. They bought me a card so I could watch television and I had these problems.
a) every screen I used (3, on ward, big room and room 13) the headphone socket was loose and the sound was poor.
b) room 13 the telephone does not work.

It was your fault that I could not go home therefore you should pay my expenses which are:-
a) trolley £3.70
b) television/telephone £10

TOTAL £13.70

I received this acknowledgement

I acknowledge receipt of a copy of the complaint sent to Sandra Taylor and Julian Harris I am sure that this will be investigated and responded to under the terms of the NHS Complaints procedure. Should you require any futher assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

I also received this acknowledgedment from the cheif executive

Thank you for your e mail complaint. I am very sorry to hear of your experience and will ensure that your concerns are investigated thoroughly. As soon as this is completed I will ensure that I respond formally and within the required timescales to the issues you outline.

Yours sincerely,

My Life being Disabled 24/11/08

After my last BLOG I have been in hospital, since Thursday 11/11/08, suffering from migraines but while I was in the doctor diagnosed I had 'PANIC ATTACKS' probably 'SPONTANEOUS PANIC ATTACKS'. I realised that I have been suffering from these since I had my stroke in March 2003.The doctor could not cure me because he deals with Strokes but he recommended that I see my GP. I was discharged but the ward was isolated because of sickness and diarrhea and I didn't leave until 22/11/08.

This morning I read about Panic Attacks on the web and the cure is to eliminate Panic Attacks symptons by addressing the underlying cause, the anxiety itself. In my case is BEING DISABLED ? Reading on it says I might be suffering from Generalised Anxiety Disorder which is Sufferscof GAD feel anxious most of the time their bodies anxiety thermostat has become reset at a much higher level. I am due to see my GP on Wednesday but already I feel much better.

This afternoon I went to the library and change my book to Amid Khan biography and I turned my powerchair so it went much faster.

My Life being Disabled 11/11/08

On Saturday I went on my computer in the morning and I watched Rugby in the afternoon. On Sunday I watched television all day. On Monday I stayed in bed all day because I had a very bad headache.

My Life being Disabled 08/11/08

On Thursday afternoon I spent the afternoon watching a video about World War 2. After dinner I watched television until 22:30. On Friday I stayed in bed because I had a headache again. I was suppose to go to the cinema to watch the new James Bond film but I didn't go. Some other residents went and they said it was a good film.

This morning the Life Skills co-ordinator told me he would take me to the cinema later. I booked a seat at the restaurant for our Xmas lunch. It's called The Marquis and it is booked for 09/12 from 12:00 to 15:00.

My Life being Disabled 06/11/08

On Monday night I was feeling poorly so I went to bed at 21:00 but I didn't get to sleep until about 03:00 and I didn't awake until 10:30. I felt sick so I stayed in bed all day and all night but I didn't fall asleep. On Wednesday at 05:00 I had a very bad headache and at 06:00 the nurse gave me some painkillers but it would not go so she called my doctor because I sometimes suffer from these. The doctor came at 12:30 and he decided I had a cold so he prescribed some other tablets. I can take these every 4 hours, if I want to. On Thursday I woke up at 08:15 and decided I need a shower so I got up.

My Life being Disabled 03/11/08

My physiotherapist did not see me on Friday afternoon but I don't know why. On Saturday England were beaten 52 -4 by Australia in the Rugby League World Cup. I got up at 08:15 this morning and after breakfast I came into the computer room. I got a letter from my councillor this morning saying the Post Office were closing more Post Offices in Grimethorpe but she is trying to stop them.

My Life being Disabled 31/10/08

On Wednesday afternoon I went to Nettos and I bought, shaving cream, bath bubble, tooth brushes, Xmas cards and some batteries. When we got back I did my excercises and watched a DVD. On Thursday I got up late and had my breakfast followed by my lunch. After lunch I did my excercises, saw my physiotherapist and watch a DVD again. This morning although I called my carers at 08:15 I didn't have my breakfast until 10:30 because my carers were not use to my care plan.

My Life being Disabled 29/10/08

On Monday night there was an Elvis night although I don't like Rock n Roll music I enjoyed myself. Yesterday I didn't get up until 10:30 and I stayed in my bedroom until I went into the cinema room after tea. This morning I asked the nurse if I could go to Nettos after lunch and she said it would be O.K..

My Life being Disabled 27/10/08

Yesterday my brother came to see me and we talked about our family tree. I asked the carers if I could go to Nettos but we didn't go. In the afternoon I stayed in my bedroom doing my excercises and reading my library book. At 15:15 I went to the cinema room to watch Rugby League on television. It is the World Cup and England beat Papua New Guinea 32 - 22, France beat Scotland 36 - 18 and Australia beat New Zealand 30 - 6. This evening there is an Elvis tribute night.

My Life being Disabled 24/10/08

I continued building my family tree today and started a new blog called 'My Life' where I am going to recall my memories.

My Life being Disabled 23/10/08

I went to the library yesterday afternoon but while I was crossing the road outside Nettos my powerchair got stuck again. It must be something wrong with the gradient on the ramp ? I changed my book to a book by Sheila Hancock called 'The Two of Us' describing her partnership with John Thaw. I read the first chapter which describes where she lived when she was a young girl. It reminded me I should make some notes of what I remember of when I was growing up in Hunslet, Leeds. Having searched on the web for sites on historic Leeds I found one titled 'Discover Leeds' produced by Leeds City Libraries. http://www.leeds.gov.uk/discover

My Life being Disabled 22/10/08

The person from Remploy came to see me yesterday. I told her that when I went on my work experience I did not feel confident because I didn't have any support with my medical needs. The first day my catheter was by-passing and the day after it had to be changed. I signed form saying I wasn't persuing it anymore.
This morning my carer told me that I have Athletes Foot on my right foot and the nurse will see the doctor today. I asked the nurse if I could go to the library and she said it will be O.K..

My Life being Disabled 21/10/08

I didn't get up until 10:00 this morning and by the time I'd eaten my breakfast it was lunchtime. After lunch I went to the computer room and one of the life skills co-ordinators told me they were having a residents meeting this afternoon but I told him I am suppose to met with Remploy this afternoon so I probably won't be coming. I worked on my family tree searching the Marshall branch which is my grandmother's Tillotson. I found that this side originate from Bradford on the 1861 Census.

My Life being Disabled 20/10/08

This morning at 08:15 I called for my carers but they couldn't open my door because they had lost my key. At 08:45 they found it. After I had a shower and got dressed somebody was using the hoist and I had to wait again ! On my family tree searching for my TILLOTSON branch I have got back to 1815 James Tillotson through Census reports. He is the fifth James. I am going to search my Grandmothers branch 'Marshall'.

My Life being Disabled 19/10/08

On Friday evening I kept by-passing but I couldn't tell the carers because the call button in the cinema room does not work. I told them when I went to bed but it was O.K. then.
On Saturday when I was getting up the carer got my urine bag caught up in the quilt and it pulled it !@(it is attached to my bladder). I started by-passing again so the nurse investigated and put a pump on my bladder attachment. This seemed to clear the problem. The call button was not working again.

My Life being Disabled 17/10/08

Yesterday I didn't get up until 10:00. In the afternoon I noticed a pain in my paralysed side but it kept going so I didn't ask the carers to investigate. When I got undressed they spotted that my clothes were creased and this was causing me problems down my paralysed side. It left me with a red mark on my leg. Also my bowels had opened and it was all over, including my sling. But this morning the carers found my sling in my bathroom because the night staff had forgotten to take it to the laundry. I had to use another sling but this one does not fit.

My Life being Disabled 15/10/08

On Monday I put my support stocking to get washed in the laundary but I didn't get it back yesterday. When my carers looked for it they couldn't find it in the laundary. They asked the laundary staff this morning and they found it after some searching. My shower didn't drain properly this morning and I told the handymen who looked at it.

My Life beng Disabled 14/10/08

On Sunday I asked to go to Nettos but the life skills co-ordinator suggested we go to the pond and feed the ducks as well. So after lunch 4 residents, 3 carers and the life skills co-ordinator went to the pond at the bottom of Grimethorpe High Street, opposite Sash's warehouse. An accident nearly occured when I was going past Nettos. My powerchair got stuck on the pavement which is lowered to allow wheelchairs and pushchairs to cross the road. I wasn't trying to cross the road but because the footpath drops my powerchair decided to go on the road. Luckily the traffic stopped ! It took several attempts to get my powerchair back on the footpath. I've noticed that these places are always difficult when using a wheelchair or pushchair and wonder if they have any specification ? It took us about 15 minutes to get to the pond where we fed some of ducks. After 30 minutes we came back but I went in Nettos to buy some toilettries.

My Life being D isabled 10/10/08

On Tuesday it was my birthday and I was 54. As soon as I called the carers I knew they were doing something because although they didn't answer my call I could hear them outside in the corridor. When they came into my room they all sang 'Happy Birthday'. At dinner I got a Birthday cake. During the day my catheter by-passed twice and my nurse changed it because she thought it was blocked. I kept thinking how I would cope if my catheter by-passed when I are working.

On Wednesday I awoke at 06:30 because my catheter was by-passing again. The carers came to change my bed and because of this problem we decided I should not go to Work Experience today. The nurse decided I should stay in bed to see if it occurs again. He came back at 07:45 and I was wet again. They changed me again and I stayed in bed. My carers told Remploy that I couldn't go to the Northern College. I stayed in bed thinking about working and why I am trying to work. In the afternoon I decided I should speak with the person from Remploy because I felt this was causing my catheter to by-pass and worry. I told her what my thoughts were and why I felt this way. We decided that I should stop my work experience immediately and should stop looking for work.

On Thursday I didn't get up until 11:00 and stayed in bedroom all afternoon reading.

My Life being Disabled 06/10/08

I woke up at 08:00 and called for my carers at 08:05 because I was going to Northern College for my Work Experience today. When my carers came they said they were still getting their handover but they would come when it is finished. They came at 08:30 and I went in the bathroom to clean my teeth and get a shave then I went in the shower. I finished at 09:00, got dressed and went to the dining room to have my breakfast.
The taxi from ACE taxis at Barnsley came at 09:50 and we arrived at the Northern College at 10:30. I met the lady & the gentlman who gave me the interview when I came before and we went through the fire alarm procedures. They showed me where my desk is (the office behind the reception). While they were showing this the fire alarm sounded and we evacuated the building. After 15 minutes we were told it was all clear but we went to another building where I was given an induction course. This was, mainly, a video about Northern College.
After I went back to my desk and someone came to tell me my initial task which is to develop a Email directory for CLP contacts.
They told me I could finish at 13:00 and they told the taxi firm to pick me up then. When I got home I noticed my trousers were wet because I must have been by-passing. When my carers investigated they found that my wheelchair seat was wet through. They had to change my trousers and put my seat cover into the laundry.

My Life being Disabled 04/10/08

Yesterday afternoon I went to the library. I got 'Extreme' the autobiography by Sharon Osbourne. In the post I got a copy of my grandfather's (Tillotson) birth certificate.
I got a phone call from Remploy to tell me my Work Experience at the Northern College starts on Monday. The taxi will pick me up at 10:00 and will pick me up at the Northern College at 14:30.

My Life being Disabled 03/10/08

Yesterday we went out for lunch. We went to Mile Lodge near Doncaster. We set off at 12:10 and arrived at 12:30 but when we got there we thought it was closed because there was hardly any cars in the car park. When we went in there was only one family eating. We sat down at a massive table because there was 3 residents, 2 carers and 1 life skills co-ordinator. When we tried to order we were told that they only serve carvery meals on a lunch time.
I had turkey carvery and it cost £3.95 plus a drink which was £1.80. I ate everything but I just had enough room for treacle sponge and custard. This cost as much as the carvery ! We wanted to go shopping in Doncaster but one of the carers was from the JobCentre and he had to finish early so we went home.

My Life being Disabled 01/10/08

This morning I Emailed the Registation Office because on 20 September I order my Grandad Tillotson's Birth Certificate and it has not arrived. (see below)GQFrom: mick tillotson (http://by111w.bay111.mail.live.com/mail/ApplicationMain_13.1.0132.0805.aspx?culture=en-GB&hash=809829260#)Sent:01 October 2008 09:50:45To:col.admin@ons.gsi.gov.uk.ExternalClass .EC_hmmessage P{padding:0px;}.ExternalClass body.EC_hmmessage{font-size:10pt;font-family:Tahoma;}I ordered a Birth Certificate for my Grandad, Harry Tillotson,your ref. COL309941/2008 on 20 Sept. but I have not received it. Can you tell me why ? Mick Tillotson.

I got the reply the same afternoon:-
This Office is experiencing a significant increase in certificate applications, which we feel has been mainly attributable to the BBC "Who Do You Think You Are" series and this has had a serious impact on our service delivery targets. Consequently, we are currently receiving very high volumes of both written and email correspondence relating to certificate orders. Please be advised that it may take up to 15 working days from the initial date you emailed into the office to respond to your enquiry. The delay in our response is sincerely regretted and we will endeavour to investigate your complaint or enquiry at the earliest opportunity. Your sincerely Certificate Services

My Life being Disabled 29/09/08

On Friday some of the residents(4) went to Butlins at Skegness. I went in a disabled apartment with a nurse. After unpacking we went for our dinner and I had chilli-con-carne. After watching the television we went to the disco for a drink. It was very noisy and it was packed out but we just got a table. I stay until 22:45 but I was tired so the nurse took me back. When I got in my bed I realised it wasn't adjustable so I would have to sleep without any support for my back and my neck. I woke up at 02:30 with a pain in my paralysed side and ask my nurse for some painkillers. I could not go to sleep again and the pain got worse. At 05:15 I called my nurse again and told him that I felt rotten. He decided to get a carer to move me onto my side. When they tried to move me the pain got worse. The nurse called the security office who sent someone to see if they could help. Everyone decided that they should call an ambulance. A paramedic arrived and took my blood pressure, ECG and other tests and decided to get an ambulance to take me to hospital. I was taken to Boston to the Lincolnshire hospital. It took 30 minutes to get there but during that time the pain got a little better. It was 07:00 when I was put in a bed in the A&E and a doctor came to examine me. Although she couldn't find anything wrong with me she said I should have some X-Rays. They gave me some more painkillers but at 11:00 they decided that since the pain is getting better I should go home. I told them where I was staying but they said I would be better going to my nursing home. They didn't have a contact number for my nurse but I gave them a number for my nursing home. They prescribed some painkillers.
At 12:00 they decided to move me to the observation ward and at 13:00 my nurse came to take me home.

I stayed in bed on Saturday and Sunday but I only took one painkiller.

My Life being Disabled 24/09/08

This morning Remploy phoned to tell me they think I can start my Work Experience on 06/10/08 but the taxi firm can't take me home at 15:30 because of other commitents so tey will take me home at 14:30. Later I am seeing the doctor about my creams. At 15:30 the dentist is coming out to give me a check-up.

My Life being Disabled 20/09/08

On Thursday I went to the library and I changed my book for Peter Lorimer's autobiography. We tried to visit an exibition about Spanish food but my wheelchair was too big to get in through the entrance ! On Friday the chiropidist visited our Care home and she cut my toenails. We have to use a chiropidist because our Care home manager says so and she charges £19 to cut my toe nails.

My Life being Disabled 18/09/08

This morning after my bladder wash I asked my nurse if I could go to library. She said I could. On my computer I am trying to find my Great Grand parents.

My Life being Disabled 17/09/08

This morning I phoned Remploy to find out what is happening to my Work Experience because 3 weeks ago I went to Northern College and they said they would give me 30 days of Work Experience. They have been in touch with Remploy to tell them they are looking for an offfice with a desk that is suitable for me.

My Life being Disabled 16/09/08

Over the weekend I used my computer, read my book and watch television. Yesterday I went out to get some money because the chiropidist is coming on Friday at 10:30. I went to the ATM near the Co-op which is the nearest one. We went through the park but on the way back we came down a busy road near the church. I should have seen my physio but because we went out I missed her. This morning she asked me if I was available this afternoon.

My Life being Disabled 12/09/08

Yesterday I went to Nettos to buy some mints.
Today I'm using my computer all day.

My Life being Disabled 10/09/08

Yesterday I went to Meadowhall shopping for some clothes to go on holiday. I bought some trousers and a suitcase. We had our lunch at Harry Ramsden's in the Oasis. We spent most of the day in Meadowhall but before we went we had to take some clothes to a resident who had to go to hospital.

My Life being Disabled 06/09/08

I was weighed on Thursday 90.6 kgs and my blood pressure was 122/80. I spent most of Friday & Saturday reading my book. The life skills co-ordinator asked me if we could change the day we go to Meadowhall to Tuesday. I am going to review my Care plan this afternoon

My Life being Disabled 04/09/08

This morning I emailed the representative from Remploy of my proposals of what I am doing when I start Work Experience.

I have spoken to my nurse and we have decided that on Mondays, Wednesdays and Friday when I go to the Northern College for work experience it will be easier for all people involved to follow this procedure:-
1. I get up at 08:05.
2. Clean my teeth, shave and shower.
3. Get dressed and hoist me in my powerchair.
4. Cooked breakfast and medicine.
5. Ready and downstairs at 10:00.
6. Taxi to Went Worth Castle by 10:30.
7. Taxi from Went Worth Castle at 15:30.
8. Return Dearnevale 16:00.

The Work Experience will last for 10 weeks and the starting date has yet to be decided.

I also arranged to go to Meadowhall to get some new clothes next Wednesday.

My Life being Disabled 02/09/08

I went to the library yesterday afternoon and changed my book to Laid Bare by Gail Porter. Last night I asked to go to bed at 21:45 but it wasn't until 23:30 when I finally got to bed ! I slept all night until 07:00 when I woke up because my day bag was full. I realised that the nurse hadn't put my night bag on last night. I called my carers to empty my bag.
I found out this morning that ITV are filming in my Care home today.

Later on one of the Life Skill Co-ordinators asked me if I wanted to watch Jamie Oliver on 13th September. Somebody has sent us some tickets

My Life being Disabled 01/09/08

On Saturday I watched the Rugby League Challenge Cup between Hull and St Helen's. It was a good match and St Helen's won 16 - 28.
This afternoon I've arranged with my nurse to go to the library.

My Life being Disabled 28/08/08

Yesterday I got up at 06:30 because I had to go to the Northern College to see if it was suitable for me to get some Work Experience. I went with someone from Remploy. The taxi came at 10:00 and we arrived at the Northern College which is situated in Went Worth Castle near Barnsley at 10:40. We met with two people who discussed what I would be doing and we walk round the castle and met the people in the various department where I will be working. We agreed that should start after the person from Remploy comes back from holiday(after 10/09/08).

The significant dates since I started looking for work are:-

Contacted JobCentre November 2005
Meet with Disabled Employment Advisor February 2006
Occupational Assessment April 2006
Work Preparation Course July 2007
Work Experience ????

My Life being Disabled 26/08/08

I didn't go to Nettos yesterday so I asked the nurse again this morning. I also asked her if we could review my Care plan but she said she was busy this morning but she'll try this afternoon. I phoned Remploy to find out when the taxi is coming tomorrow to take me to my interview at Northern College, Wentworth Castle near Barnsley. It is coming at 10:15.

My Life being Disabled 25/08/08

On Saturday afternoon we went to Grimethorpe Gala. There were some rides, some stalls and a majorettes contest. On Sunday I watched the closing of the Olympics with the handing over from China to Great Britain.
This morning I asked the nurse if I could go to Nettos again. I asked her last week but they were too busy. She said I might be able to go this afternoon.

My Life being Disabled 21/08/08

Yesterday, one of the life skills co-ordinators asked me if I want to go shopping before we go to Butlins at the end of September. We're planning to go to Skegness for four days. I said I would to go to Meadowhall to get some new clothes before we go to Butlins. She said she'll arrange it.
In the afternoon somebody from Remploy phoned to tell me I've got an interview at Northern College on 27th August at 11:00 and she'll arrange the taxi. I asked my carer if I could go to NETTOS because I wanted some more deodarant but later on she told me because they were short staffed it wasn't possible.

This morning the Tissue Viability Nurse came to see me. She said she was coming at 08:30. At first the carers on nights thought I was going to hospital last night. At 06:45 they woke me to have a shower and get me dressed to see the Tissue Viability Nurse but I told them she probably wants me undressed and in my bed. At 08.40 she came to examine me because my paralysed leg was swollen and some of the skin around my ankle was broken. She measured both legs and took my pulse in both legs. She was going to prescibed some bandages to take down the swelling. Once the initial swelling has gone she will prescibe a sock to keep the swelling down.

After she had gone my nurse gave me a bladder wash then she changed my catheter. After I cleaned my teeth, had a shave, had a shower and got dressedit was time for lunch. I saw the life skills co-ordinator and she asked me to remember to take my sling with me because Butlins charge £50 for one.

My Life being Disabled 15/08/08

This week there has been more residents for the carers to cope with. On Wednesday night I wanted to go to bed at 22:00 but it was 23:30 before I was in bed ! Yesterday I went to Pinderfields Hospital to have my Baclofin pump filled up again. My next appointment is on 15th January at 13:30. On Tuesday we went to the library where I changed my book to the auto biograhy of Graham Norton.

My Life being Disabled 11/08/08

I have not blogged for a while because I have not been doing anything. This Thursday I have to go to the hospital to have my Baclofin pump filled up. We had a Residents meeting last week and I found out that there is a strong possibility that I am going to Butlins at Skegness next month.

My Life being Disabled 19/07/08

Last Saturday I didn't get a bladder wash because the nurse did not order any.

Last Wednesday we went to The Deep although some residents had been to The Deep the week before. I was fed up of hearing residents say how many times they go out. Manchester Airport, The Deep, Bridlington etc. but for us in wheelchairs who are restricted. Our minibus is only set up for one wheelchair but it is possible to take 4 wheelchairs.

My Life being Disabled 04/07/08

Yesterday when I was in my bathroom my call alarm did not work. When I was having a shower the fire alarm went off so I couldn't call for help. After 5 minutes it stopped but my carers didn't come to get me out of the shower for about 30 minutes. I was very cold. They had been having a fire practice ! The electricians had to come out to fix the call alarm later. In the afternoon I watched Wimbledon on television.

Today I went to the computer room in the morning and after lunch I went to my bedroom to do my excercises. I went with a Life Skills co-ordinator to the library to change my book from Don Revie, a biography to William Roache, Soul on the Street, autobiography. When the librian booked it out she said "that was quick". I explained I had a short term memory but I'd picked this book because it was new. When we got back it had only taken 25 minutes ! After that I watched Wimbledon until dinner time. My physiotherapist should have treated me but she never came ? When I tried to call my carersthe call alarm in the computer room didn't work but luckily I carry my mobile with me so I had to phone the nurse on duty and she told my carers that I wanted to go to my bedroom.

My Life being Disabled 02/07/08

Yesterday I went out for 30 minutes to Grimrthorpe Park with one of the Life Skills Co-ordinators.



Today I was due to see the Physiotherapist on the plinth but the physio came to see me because another resident is using the room and she thinks it is her office.

My Life being Disabled 30/06/08

Over the weekend I was bored because I didn't have anything to do.

My Life being Disabled 27/06/08

Yesterday I got a phone call from PALS to tell me that my powerchair will be delivered on the 09/07/08 p.m.

My Life being Disabled 25/06/08

Yesterday the call alarm was not working and the electricians were working on it all day but they didn't mend it. Last night the nurse had to use a baby alarm so if I wanted anything I had to shout unless I lost my voice !

This morning I told my nurse about the call alarm and she said the electricians were still working on it.

My Life being Disabled 23/06/08

This morning my wife phoned me to tell me my son was injured playing Rugby League for Dewsbury Rams. He had got 25 stitches around his mouth and he might be out for the rest of the season. This afternoon I went to the library where I changed my Dickie Bird autobiography to an biography of Don Revie.

My Life being Disabled 20/06/08

This morning I phoned Clark & Partners to find out why they hadn't delivered my powerchair this week becaause the person from PALS(Patient Advice and Liaison Service) said it would. They told me they havn't received the parts yet and didn't know when they were being delivered. I emailed PALS agained.
Also I had to put £10 on my mobile because with my O2 Pay and Go account if I top-up every month I get 500 minutes of free calls if I use it within my post code area. Being disabled and not getting out very much I tend to use my mobile in my home and with 500 minutes of free calls it is cheaper that having a normal phone.

My Life being Disabled 18/06/08

One of my son's bought me a book called 'Service Crew' for Father's Day. It is about holiganism at Leeds United. I've read the first few chapters and it appears the author has done her research but there are some obvious mistakes because I was a skinhead that followed Leeds United in the early seventies.



Yesterday three of the residents went out for a pub lunch. We went to the 'Marquis' in Rotherham . I had fish & chips with mushy peas for £5. Everbody enjoyed it because it was nice to go out.

Today I emailed the manager about the charges the Chropodist makes because the fees for cutting my toe nails have gone up to £19. My email read:
Having heard that the fees for the Chiropodist have increased to £19 can you tell me why I have to use a Chiropodist just to cut my toe nails ? At other Care homes, run by Exemplar, the nurses have cut my toenails. Also, £19 seems expensive.

My Life being Disabled 16/06/08

On Sunday, Father's Day, my wife and one of my sons , came to visit me.

Today my physiotherapist told me she was at a meeting today but she will visit me tomorrow.

My Life being Disabled 13/06/08

Yesterday afternoon I had a meeting with the Jobcentre and Remploy about my work experience. They told me it would be easier for me if I waited for my powerchair because they have found me two suitable places. Both are in education are in the Barnsley. Once I have my powerchair I will be able to go and visit them.

My Life being Disabled 11/06/08

This morning somebody from PALS(Patient Liaison Services), who I had complained about my powerchair, phoned me. They told me that the manager of Wheelchair Services had found out that my extended footrests are out of stock but should be available next week. If they are, they will organise an emergency visit to deliver my powerchair. Also I got my new reading glasses.

My Life being Disabled 10/06/08

On Monday morning I sunbathed in the garden and after I had seen my physiotherapist, it was very hot.

Today my nurse told me I haven't any bladder washes. The opticians phoned to tell me my reading glasses will be ready tomorrow. After lunch I went out for some fresh air with a life skills co-ordinator. We went to the new NHS site in Grimethorpe which is where all the GPs are, then we went through the industrial estate to the lake and came back via Netto's. After the person from Remploy phoned to tell me she and my DEA from the Jobcentre is coming on Thursday at 14:30.

My Life being Disabled 06/06/08

On Wednesday my GP prescribed some paracetemols after my visit to Barnsley hospital, last Thursday, where the doctor told me my nerve ends of my paralysed (right) side were workng again after 5 years.
Yesterday, I didn't have a bladder wash because my nurse forgot to order them and I ran out. s.

This morning I went to the opticians in Cudworth to get my eye tested and to get some reading glasses because they have broken. My eyes have not changed and I ordered some new reading glasses which will be ready next week. There is just enough room for a wheelchair.

My Life being Disabled 03/06/08

Yesterday after waiting all day for the contractors from Wheelchair services to come. I phoned them at 16:00 and was told that the parts that Wheelchair services had ordered were incorrect. This is the second time so I'm going to speak to Wheelchair services to try and find out whats going wrong.

This morning I asked my nurse if I could have an appointment with the optician. Later on she told me it was arranged for Friday at 10:10. I also asked if I could go to the library and I went with one of the life skills co-ordinators. I changed my book to Dickie Bird's autobiography.

Wheelchair services told me they are going to speak to Clarke and partners to find out what's happening.

I've not heard anything so I've complained to PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

I would like to complain about my powerchair.
I contacted Wheelchair Services when I moved into this area in October 2007 as my records had already been sent from Wakefield Wheelchair services. My powerchair had broken in the move and I wanted it mending. When Clark and partners came out they couldn't mend it because you don't use this type of powerchair. At my first appointment with Wheelchair Services, in January, they proposed for me to have a new moulded seat, a new wheelchair and a new powerchair. I got another appointment to measure me for a moulded seat. My final appointment with everything ready was on the 2nd April but during this appointment we found the footrests were wrong on the wheelchair and powerchair. To save time you organised for Clark and partners to deliver them to me and you said it would take about 3 weeks. Last Friday, 02/05/08, Clark and partners told me they were coming out on Monday. After waiting all day I phoned them to enquire if they were still coming but they said they couldn't come because the parts you had ordered were still incorrect. This morning I phoned Wheelchair Services to find out what's happening. I left me mobile number and stressed I wanted to know as soon as possible. I've not heard anything since.
The reasons why I need my powerchair are, my independence and my manual wheelchair is very heavy and there are only a few people can push it so I don't get out as much as I like. I am trying to go back to work and the JobCentre(Remploy) are in the process of giving me work experience but they have told me to wait until I get a new powerchair. I know Janet White from Remploy has been chasing this issue as well.

My Life being Disabled 01/06/08

Yesterday after lunch we went to Grimethorpe park. It is about a mile from our house but it was warm and sunny. We had difficulty getting our wheelchairs in the park because there are obsticules to prevent motor bikes getting in. In the park we went round the lake, the were some fishing. When we got back it was time to watch Rugby League on BBC 1. It was the Carnegie Challenge Cup quarter final between Leeds and Wigan. Most of the Rugby League is shown on Sky but cup matches are shown on the BBC. Leeds won 23 - 16 and today my favourite team Bradford Bulls are playing Hull FC and this match is on BBC. But they lost !

My Life being Disabled 30/05/08

Yesterday after having my bladder wash I began feeling pain in my right. This was most unusual because my right side is paralysed ! The pain started in my face, round my mouth, then down my arm and my leg. The nurse was with me and she said I should stay in bed for 30 minutes. But when she came back the pain was still there. She was going to call my doctor.
Later on she came to tell me my doctor had called an ambulance. At 12:30 the ambulance came and took me to the casualty department at Barnsley hospital. The nurses took my temperature,blood pressure and I had a EGC with everything O.K. After a hour the pain had become pins and needles. At 15:15 the doctor came and I told her what had happened. She was going to talk with my neurologist. When she came back she said it could be my nerve endings working again after 5 years. She told me to speak with my GP and he will prescribe something to null the pain. I got home just in time for dinner.

This morning after breakfast I decided to phone the conctrators who are delivering my powerchair. It was suppose to come at the end of April. When I asked they said it will be delivered on Monday ! I told my nurse.

My Life being Disabled 28/05/08

Yesterday my nurse reviewed my Care plan with me and the changes we made were :-
Care plan 3 Supra pubic catheter to be changed every 8 weeks
Care plan 4 Bath Named Nurse and Key Worker to try and find out information about Mick having a bath that Mick can fit in.
Care plan 8 HC2 form, Mick has registered with a HC1 NHS for the benefits decribed on the HC2 but this MUST be completed every year.
Care plan 11 Activities, to include the list of activities I gave to the life skills co-ordinators.
Care plan 11 Activities, to try to get Mick out in the fresh air more.

Today, after lunch, a life skills co-ordinator took me out to the lake which is about 1 mile away from Grimethorpe. Although it had just been raining it was very warm. We walked around the lake but we had to turn back because the footpath was very slippy on the hill. We went to Nettos where I bought some deodarant. We got back at 14:00, it was nice to go out and get some fresh air. The life skills co-ordinator said we'll go out again this weekend but we'll go to the other side of the village.

My Life being Disabled 26/05/08

I went to the computer room after breakfast and I loaded DIVX, Real Player and I reapplied to the Dell Support Centre with Model: INSPIRON 1720, Service Tag: BM9QB3J, Express Service Code: 252-912-055-51. Everything went well. The physiotherapist was working even though it is a Bank Holiday.

My Life being Disabled 25/05/08

Yesterday I didn't get my breakfast until 11;30 because we only had two carers with a nurse. Usually we have four carers. After lunch my catheter began by-passing again and when the nurse investigated she found a lot of truama(blood clot) in my urine. She decided to change my catheter even though it was changed last Thursday when I had a blood clot in my urine. After my catheter was changed I decided to stay in bed until dinner time. After dinner time I watch television in the cinema lounge.

This morning I got up at 08:30 and after my breakfast I went to the computer room at 10:30. When I was inputting my blog I noticed that my computer was running slow. Sometimes it did not run on the internet. On investigation I suspected a virus from the internet so I RESTARTED my computer and loaded the Dell Factory Image again. I always keep everything in my Hotmail so I don't lose it.

My Life being Disabled 23/05/08

Yesterday I went to NETTOS to buy some shower gel.

Today I spent most of the day in the computer room.

My Life being Disabled 21/05/08

Yesterday the Disabled Employment Advisor from the Jobcentre phoned me to ask where my job experience with Remploy is going ? I told her I have to phone Remploy when my electric chair arrives but I didn't know what difference this will make because I'm not sure whether I can use it outside. She said Remploy have look into this and they say I can. I said I don't know when it will come but I'm prepared to wait.

Today I've spent most of the day in the computer room.

My Life being Disabled 19/05/08

I asked my nurse if somebody could take me to the library. A life skills co-ordinator took me in the afternoon and I changed my book to Dawn French's biography. Going to the library and coming back I noticed that the footpaths in Grimethorpe are getting worse. I've already complained to Barnsley council about the footpath outside our Care home but they have not repaired it. I filled a form to find a building society account which I had in 1975 but I lost the book for. It is called 'mylostaccount' and it might take 13 weeks.

My Life being Disabled 18/05/08

On Friday afternoon my physiotherapist had to go a Health and Safety meeting but she came later and stretch my paralysed arm and leg in my bedroom.

On Saturday I watch the FA Cup final between Cardiff v Portsmouth in the cinema lounge. I'm glad Portsmouth won because I don't know why Welsh teams can play for an English cup?

My wife came to see me today and she looked very tired. I think it is because since I had a stroke she has to work full time to pay for my Care services. Even though the National Health Services are suppose to be free ! We have to pay over £200 a week. BUT if I lived in Scotland it would be FREE. IS THIS RIGHT ?

My Life being Disabled 15/05/08

On Tuesday in the afternoon I asked my physiotherapist if she could look at the second toe of my left foot because it was paralysed. She said she would treat it and began by moving it. I completed a questionnaire from the Commission of Social Care Inspectors about my views on Dearnevale. Usually they send questionnaire out before they check on the Care home. I said I will speak to them on their visit. I also put that I can't get in any baths at Dearnvale and I am discriminated because I'm in a wheelchair.

On Wednesday we went to Cleethorpes even though I said I wanted to go to Bridlington but the Life Skills co-ordinator said the weather forecast for Bridlington was for rain. On the way I checked and the BBC said Brid Cloudy 13, Cleethorpes 12. When we got to Cleethorpes most things were closed but we parked about 1 mile away from the centre. We went to the town and found a Fish and Chips cafe had our lunch. We went to the amusements then we went back to our mini-bus. When I was getting undressed to go to bed my carers noticed my catheter bag had blood in my urine. My nurse came and gave me a bladder wash and said she would check it throughout the night.

This morning my nurse said she was changing my catheter because the last time recorded was in January. It should be changed every 8 weeks. After it was changed there was a lot of truma. I asked my carers to the Life Skills co-ordinator I wanted to go to the library but they said there isn't a Life Skills co-ordinator working today.
I got a reply from the Labour party about Care charges which I thought it was the Labour's policy but they have reffered me to the Dept. of Health :-

Harriet, An email I sent to my MP. The major thing on my mind:- Dear Jeff, I am writing to you to complain that although the United Kingdom operates a free health service. When I had a major stroke in March 2003 and when I got out of hospital I have had to pay more than £200 per week in Care charges.I have to stay in a Care home and require a nurse but in Scotland this free. I can’t understand this. Can you please explain this to me. Mick Tillotson........

Dear Mr Tillotson Thank you for your email. I suggest that you contact the DOH about this matter at: Department of Health Richmond House 79 Whitehall London SW1A 2NS 020 7210 4850 www.doh.gov.uk Regards, Ben Nicol Membership & Communications Unit The Labour Party

I raised it because it is LABOUR PARTY POLICY ! but the Communications Unit won't answer perhaps The Communist Party want a member.

My Life being Disabled 13/05/08

On Friday because it was very sunny I spent most of the day outside in the garden and read my book. On Saturday we went to Cottonwood shopping. On Sunday because it was sunny again I spent most of the day outside reading my book. I had my blood pressure taken it was 130/78.
This morning I phoned Wheelchair Services to find out if my powerchair is ready but they are still waiting for my footrests and they don't know when they will be delivered.

The government are looking into 'Care Services' and the charges. I sent a email to Ivan Lewis the minister for Care Services about charging for care services and volunteering my services. After lunch I did my exercises using my weights then I went in the garden to finish my book. The physiotherapist didn't stretch my paralysed arm and leg because she had something else to do. She said she will see tomorrow and I told her that I'm going to Bridlington on Wednesday. She said she will see me on Thursday and Friday.

My Life being Disabled 08/05/08

When I was having my bladder wash I asked my nurse when my catheter was due to be changed. She told me she will find out. After breakfast one of the Life Skills co-ordinators took me to the library. I got a book out about Wimbledon F.C., called The Crazy Gang. We went to the chemist to buy some sun tan cream as well. After lunch I went to my bedroom to do my exercise then I went in the garden to sit in the sunshine and to read my book

My Life being Disabled 07/05/08

This morning, when I was getting up the nurse told me to stop tensing the muscles on my paralysed side. I explained that I was paralysed but she said I could tense my muscles anyway. After breakfast, I ask the nurse if I could see the doctor because he comes every Wednesday. Last week he said he was going to take some blood from me. Also I was having problems with my bowels. The nurse said he came yesterday without telling me ! He said he was going to take some blood next week. I told the nurse that my reading glasses were broken and she said she will take them to the Optician's to mend.
After lunch a carer took me out for a walk to the Co-op then I went to my room and did my excercises using my weights. My physiotherapist did not see me because she was covering care duties. Because it was very sunny I read my book in the garden. At 15:45 I realised my paralysed leg was red so I came in. After dinner I went in the computer room

My Life being Disabled 06/05/08

Yesterday I didn't get up until 10:30 because it was a Bank Holiday. After lunch I went out on the patio because it was sunny. I read my book until I'd finished it. I went inside to do my excercises at 15:00 but getting out of the lift I noticed my reading glasses were broken. The screw on the frame was missing. We found it in my clothes. After dinner I watched television.

This morning it is sunny and this afternoon we are going to have a BBQ.
The person from Remploy phoned to tell me Barnsley Margistrates can not alter thier disabled toilet so I can'tbhave any work experience with them. She also requested that when I get my powerchair I should contact her to let her know.

Just had a BBQ but it was not as sunny as forecast. Hardly any residents came and there was plenty of food.

My Life being Disabled 04/05/08

This morning I woke up at 08:15 because my catheter was by-passing. I called for my carer who said she would call for my nurse. My nurse investigated and found my day bag was full and my night bag was empty. She decided to change my day bag and then I got up. After breakfast I went to the computer room ane sent an email to my MP.
I am writing to you to complain that although the United Kingdom operates a free health service. When I had a major stroke in March 2003 and when I got out of hospital I have had to pay more than £200 per week in Care charges.I have to stay in a Care home and require a nurse but in Scotland this free. I can’t understand this. Can you please explain this to me.
After lunch I went to my bedroom to read my book and to excercise then I went back to the computer room.

My Life being Disabled 02/05/08

This morning I had my haircut before I went in the shower. After breakfast I went to the computer room. After lunch I went to my bedroom to excercise using my weights then I went to my physiotherapist to stretch my paralysed arm and leg. I came back to the computer room where I finished downloading a CD for my son. After dinner I plan to go into our cinema lounge to watch television.

My Life being Disabled 01/05/08

This morning I did my excercises using my weights as well. At 14:30 I went to the computer room I answered all my emails.

My Life being Disabled 30/04/08

Yesterday I read 3 chapters of my library book David Blunkett's auto biography.
Today I have just seen my doctor to tell him both legs are sore. He is prescribing some cream and next week he's going to take some blood. The doctor comes to our Care home every Wednesday. This afternoon I have had my excersise session with my physiotherapist and I read 2 chapters of David Blunkett's autobiography. He descibes the same feeling when a stranger talks to your carer rather than talk to you.

My Life being Disabled 28/04/08

After lunch I went to the library, I got David Blunkett's autobiograhy. We went to Nettos to get some shaving gel and some soap. I saw my physiotherapist to have my excersises on my paralysed arm and leg. At dinner time there was an arguement between two residents.

My Life being Disabled 26/04/08

Last night when I saw my nurse she told me she hadn't sent me an email but had left a comment on my Blog. I got up this morning at 08:30 had a bladder wash but we had no nurse on our unit so a nurse from another unit did it. I asked my carers if I could go to Nettos today because I want some soap, shaving gel, shower gel and some extra strong mints. They said we could go this afternoon. After breakfast I went to the computer room. After lunch I went to my bedroom where I did my excersises. At 15:00 I went back to the computer room. I didn't go to Nettos but I'll ask tomorrow.

My Life being Disabled 25/04/08

Yesterday I got up at 10:00 had my breakfast then my lunch and read my book until I finished it. I did my excersises with my weights and had my dinner. I went in the cinema lounge to watch television until 22:30.
Today I got up at 08:30 and had my haircut, cleaned my teeth, had a shave and had a shower. After getting dressed I had my breakfast and went to the computer room. My nurse told me she had sent me an email (it's the first time she's used emails). After lunch I went to my bedroom to check my CD and to do my excersises with my weights. My physiotherapist asked me to go to her room and she stretched my paralysed arm and leg. After the was a Residents meeting were I volunteered to assist with any interviews with new staff and become a resident that will go to meetings. Other topics were having dinner later because16:30 is too early. More choices on the menu. Day trips, this years holiday.......
After dinner I went to the computer room to check my email but I didn't get one from my nurse.

My Life being Disabled 23/04/08

This morning I awoke at 07:00 because I had an interview with Barnsley Magistrates to get some work experience. The interview was at 11:00 and the taxi would collect me at 10:15. I was ready at 09:45 and the taxi came at 10:15. The person from Remploy came with me and we arrived at Barnsley Magistrates at 10:40. We had to go in through a fire exit because the main door doesn't have a ramp. Going through the building I got my paralysed foot caught when we went through a door. The person who was giving the interview read my CV and ask me a few questions. She said she has some computer work for me and the finance dept. has loads of work. I said I couldn't work on the desk because it needs to be higher. The person from Remploy said she would deal with that.

We agreed that I should attend on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:30 to 15:30. I asked her about the disabled toilets and she showed me them but I couldn't get out without a struggle.

In the end she said she will look at all the problems I face and decide what to do. She will let Remploy know within a month.

My Life being Disabled 21/04/08

This morning, not putting on my alarm, I didn't get up until 10:00 so I didn't go into the dining room until 11:30. When I finished my breakfast it was time for my lunch. I ordered soup and an apple but I got soup and treacle sponge and custard. After lunch I went back to my room where I excersised using my weights then read my library book. At 15:00 I went to the computer room.

My Life being Disabled 20/04/08

Yesterday I went in the computer room and after dinner I watched Rugby League on the television. It was a good match between London Harlequins and Castlford Tigers. Harlequins won and they are in the next round of the Challenge Cup.
Today, there is another match between Salford Reds and Wakefield Wildcats at 17:15 on BBC2. This morning I went to Morrisons at Cottonwood with another resident, a carer and a life skills co-ordinator. I only bought some mints. We got back in time for lunch. The carer who went told us her dad has a pub at Penistone so the life skills co-ordinator asked us if we wanted to go next Sunday for our lunch. We all said 'yes'. After lunch I went in the computer room

My Life being Disabled 18/04/08

Yesterday I continued working on my family tree. This morning I got a phone call fron Remploy saying they were coming to pick me up at 10:15 next Wednesday to go to Barnsley Margistrates. I should be back at 12:30 and they have told my nurse. I spent the rest of the day in the computer room where my physiotherapist gave me my excersises. After dinner I plan to go into the cinema lounge.

My Life being Disabled 15/04/08

This morning I got an Email from my sister which told me the birthdays, wedding days and deaths dates for my dad, mum, grandads and grandmams. I entered these on my family tree which is a program on Genes Reunited.

This aftenoon I went to Cottonwood at Asda I changed the money in my money box. There was £7.80 then we went to Morrisons where I bought a new wet shavor called Gillette Fushion. It is powered by a battery very useful if you've only got one working arm. On the way home the life skills co-ordinator asked me if I wanted to go to Bridlington for the day and said "YES PLEASE".

Later on Remploy phoned to tell me Barnsley Magistrates want to see me next Wednesday but they will speak to my nurse first. At tea my nurse came and told me I was going to Barnsley Magistrates next Wednesday providing I didn't want to go to Bridlington. I said I'll prefer to work for Barnsley Magistrates

My Life being Disabled 14/04/08

I didn't do much over the weekend. Most of the time I read my book. My sister came on Saturday and when I told her I was creating a family tree she said she has some certificates(birth, marriage and death) that will be useful. I Emailed her to ask her for these dates. I went to the physiotherapist this afternoon and did my excersises on my arm and my leg.

My Life being Disabled 11/04/08

Yesterday I slept in until 10:00 and I went to the library after lunch. I got Boy George's autobiography. I stayed in my room until dinner time. After dinner I watched television and went to bed at 22:00. My bladder washes had arrived so I had one.
This morning I had a very bad headache so I took 2 paracetamols at 08:00. I stayed in bed and 2 more at 12:00 After lunch I decided to get up. After having a shower I went to the computer room. I looked at the tidal charts for Bridlington for tomorrow because my nurse asked me. I looked to see if Grimethorpe Warriors Rugby League were playing at home tomorrow but they don't have a match. When I checked my Email I found I had a £5 gift voucher from GFK for answering a survey. After dinner I plan to go back to the computer room until 19:30 then go to my room where I will put on my splint. I'll watch television until I'm tired.

My Life being Disabled 09/04/08

I called for my carers at 08:15 to ask if they had recieved my prescription for my bladder wash They asked my nurse who said they hadn't. I used my new electric shaver before I went in the shower. After breakfast I went in the computer room to finish the CD's I'd promised for my youngest son. After lunch I phoned him and he said he would come over tonight. In my bedroom I read my instructions for my new shaver and posted the guaratee. I did my excersises only on my arm because my leg hurt when I excersised it. I started to go to the computer room but my physiotherapist asked me to go into her room to stretch my paralysed arm and leg.

My Life being Disabled 08/04/08

This morning I called carers to tell them I was ready for my bladder wash but they told me we've run out so the nurse has my doctor for another presciption. This should ready tommorrow then the nurse has to fax it to 'BOOTS' who bring the medicine to my Care home. After my breakfast I and two other residents went to Cortonwood shopping. I went Argos where I bought an electric shaver. At Asda I bought a water bottle then we went to McDonalds for lunch. After lunch we went to Morrisons.
When we got home stayed in my bedroom to excercise with my weights. The senior physiotherapist examined my paralysed leg and we decided to let my physiotherapist begin excercising it again. At dinner I had a jacket potatoe and baked beans plus ice-cream. After dinner I watched television until 00:05. I enjoy watching Shameless but it is the last one in the present series next week.

My Life being Disabled 07/04/08

I woke up at 07:30 and called for my carers at 08:30. I got hoisted into my shower chair and went into my bathroom to clean my teeth, shave and get a shower. I got hoisted back onto my bed and got dressed. I got hoisted into my wheelchair and went to the dining room. I had my breakfast then I went to the computer room. At 12:30 I went for lunch where I had soup and an apple. After lunch I went to my bedroom to do my excercises with my weights. My physiotherapist came to stretch my muscles in my paralysed arm. She is seeing her manager tommorrow and she is going to ask her if she can start excercising my paralysed leg again. She stopped when I went to hospital because my leg was very swollen. After the physiotherapist left I went back to the computer room. I went for dinner at 16:30 then I came back into the computer room. Tonight I plan to go to my room at 19:30, put on my splint, take off my shoes and go to the cinema lounge to watch the television.

My Life being Disabled 06/04/08

I woke up at 07:00 and called my carers at 08:15 because the day shift starts at 08:00. I cleaned my teeth, shaved and showered. I got dresssed and went to the dining room for my breakfast. I had weetabix and cranberry juice. One of my carers asked me if I wanted to go out, I said yes. Two carers took me through the park, past the Co-op, alongside the Shute Rugby pitch and back to my home. It took us about half an hour and it was very quiet. A lot of people have gone to London to watch Barnsley playing Cardiff in the FA Cup semi-final. When I got home I went to the computer room to download for my youngest son. At lunchtime I had Curry soup and an apple.
I went back to the computer room where my son came at 15:00. I gave him the CD's and gave him 2 DVD's. He went home at 15:30 and I went to my bedroom to excersise using my weights until 16:30.
After dinner I went back to the computer room and tonight I plan to watch the television in our cinema room from 19:30. I want to watch Gavin and Stacey and Hughie Green

My Life being Disabled 05/04/08

I woke up at 08:30 and asked my carers to tell my nurse I was ready for my bladder wash. After that I cleaned my teeth, had a shave and a shower. My carers put me back on to my bed and I got dressed. I went to the dining room and had bran-flakes and cranberry juice. I normally have a movicoil but my nurse told me I've run out and my prescription should be ready on Monday. She asked me what I wanted to do as she has other medicines she can give me but I said if I become constipated I'll tell her. After breakfast I took my laptop into the computer room. To bring up to date my blog.
At lunch I had soup followed by an apple then I went to my bedroom to excercise with my weights for an hour. I went to the computer room again and at 16:30 we had dinner which was pizza and I had ice-cream. I went back to the computer room one of my sons phoned me to ask if I could download any recent R & B CD's and after I intend to take my computer back to my room, put my splint on my paralysed arm and take my shoes off. To watch TV in our Cinema lounge

My Life being Disabled 04/04/08

I didn't wake up until 09:15 and after getting a shower I went to the dining room for my breakfast at 11:00. After breakfast I stayed in the dining room and read the Argos catalogue to look for a new rechargeable shaver. I saw one that I like and asked the life skills co-ordinator if he would take me to Argos sometime.
While I was in the dining room my nurse told me Wheelchair Services had phoned to tell me they would bring my moulded seat, my manual wheelchair and my powerchair to me when the footrests arrive. Also they will do a stability test on site.
I had fried fish and mushy peas followed by an apple I went to my room where I used my weights and watched 2 movies on my laptop. We have dinner at 16:30 and I watched television after in our cinema lounge all night. If I stay here I'm considering getting either cable TV or SKY TV so I can watch Sky Sports to watch Rugby Leage because before my stroke I use to be a season ticket holder at Odsal watching Bradford Bulls.

My Life being Disabled 03/04/08

I woke up at 08:30 and asked for my bladder wash. I cleaned my teeth and had a shave then I had a shower. I had an appointment at Barnsley Hospital for 13:40 to have another scan to check that I did not have a DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis). I had a scan last week when my leg was twice it's normal size but it was O.K. but the scan stops at my knee. I had to have another scan if the thrombosis was below my knee and was moving upwards. The ambulance came at 12:40 but the hospital had booked it for me to travel on a stretcher. I asked the ambulance driver if I could go in my wheelchair but he said there was space but another person is using it. I had to be transferred from my wheelchair onto the stretcher. We went to pick the other person up but she said she didn't want to go. We got to the hospital at 13:20 and I went straight in for my scan. After 5 minutes they said I didn't have a DVT so I could go home. The ambulance men said they were going on another job but they will be back. I was put in a corridor to wait for them. After about a hour somebody rang the ambulance control to find out where they were ? They were told the ambulance men were busy but they were coming soon. At 15:10 they came and I get home at 16:00. I was put on my bed and my carers transferred me to my wheelchair.

My Life being Disabled 02/04/08

My plans for last night did not work because I had to get a shower last night. This morning there were several respite residents who had to get up at 05:30 that the night staff were too busy to shower me. I got up at 07:00 got dressed and went for my breakfast. The ambulance came for me at 09:00 and took me the Mobility and Specialised Rehabilitation Unit at Sheffield Northern Hospital. My appointment was for 10:20 and we got there at 09:40. I tried my moulded seat, my manual chair and my new indoor chair but the footrests on my manual chair and my power chair were not right. The person in charge told me she had booked my appointment for an hour but it had been change to 30 minutes so they would not be able to give me stability test. She said my new footrests would take about 3 weeks to come but she will try to make an appontment as soon as possible. She also said she will try her engineers and asked them if they can do a stabilty test and fit my footrests on my new wheelchairs. When we went to the office she told me my next appointment would in May or June but she will speak to her engineers first. The ambulance came for us at 12:30 and we got home at 13:30. I was dissappointed that I hadn't got my indoor powerchair and it might take until June. I was more dissappointed that I had not got my independence through having a indoor powerchair which would allow me to move around my home without assistance from the staff.

My Life being Disabled 01/04/08

I got up at 08:30 had a bladder wash which takes 20 minutes. I had a shave and cleaned my teeth. I had a shower then got dressed. I have to be hoisted back on my bed to get dressed.
I was hoisted into my manual wheelchair and went to our dining room for breakfast. I had branflakes because I am constipated and cranberry juice because it is good for my waterworks. I went back to my bedroom where I made a DVD from a movie I got from Limewire called 'AWAKE'. I didn't understand the ending but is quite a good movie.I make DVD's because I prefer to watch movies in our cinema lounge rather than on my laptop. While I was making the movie I used my weights to keep fit. They are 2 ankle weights ( which I use on my normal ankle and a hand weight (4kgs). At lunch I had soup because I'm on a diet. So far I've lost 9kgs in 6 months from 95kgs to 86kgs.
I went to our computer room after lunch.

Later one of the carers asked me if I wanted to go to the lake. I said yes and I wanted a first class stamp and an envelope. We went(2 carers and two residents in wheelchairs) to the Post Office but it was closed and it started to sleet and became very windy. The high street at Grimethorpe is on a hill so we decided to go home. Going back to our Care home the pavement very worn and it is very difficult to push wheelchairs.

This is the latest correspondance:

I refer to your recent e mail sent to Jeff Ennis MP concerning the above.

Can I first apologise that you did not receive a detailed response to your e mail sent to the Highways and Engineering Service on the 29th October 2007.

I can now inform you that this location has been inspected and some sections of footway have been identified for repair. These repairs will be carried out as soon as resources allow.


If you require any further information then please contact me on the e mail address below.


thanks

Stephen John Gibbons
Group Engineer, Highways & Engineering
Environment Directorate, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Tel: 01226 772017

At dinner we had Chilli-con-carne , I didn't have any potatoes and ice cream. Then I went to the Computer room again. I plan to go to my bedroom at 19:00 where I put on my splint which I wear on my paralysed arm to straighten my arm and fingers overnight. To the cinema room to test my DVD and to watch 'Shameless' on channel 4 at 22:00 and E4 at 23:00.

In the morning I have to get up early because I've got an appointment with Wheelchair Services at 10:00 to get an indoor powerchair, wheelchair and a moulded seat. So I must be ready for 08:00 for the ambulance.

My Life being Disabled 31/03/08

I went to the library this afternoon and got a book out about Sid James then we went to Nettos. Later in the afternoon my physiotherapist came but she only excersisedv my arm until the hospital does another scan for any DVTs.

My Life being Disabled 30/03/08

I've had a cold and not been very well. I just watched television yesterday. I found three hotels for Disabled people, two at Blackpool and one in London

My Life being Disabled 26/03/08

I had to go to hospital because of my paralysed swollen leg. After having scanned my leg they suspected a DVT. I came home and stayed in bed for the next two days. I got an appointment for another scan on the 03/04 13:40

My Life being Disabled 25/03/08

I didn't go on my computer yesterday. Most of the day I read my library book and it was snowing. Today it is the residents meeting at 15:00. My physiotherapist ask me if I wanted a session because I did not have one yesterday it was Easter Monday. I said yes, she excercised my paralysed leg and my paralysed arm before the Residents Meeting. At the meeting we discussed where we could go to on holiday. I volunteered to look on the internet to find siutable hotels that are recommended for disabled people who use a hoist and a shower chair. One resident would like to go to London and I said would go as well. I also volunteered to look on the internet to find places to visit on day trips because our mini-bus is available every day now. The Life Skills Co-ordinator told us management intended employing two more Life Skills Co-ordinators.

When I looked at hotels for disabled people who use a hoist and use a shower chair. I couldn't find one in London but I easily found two in Blackpool.

My Life being Disabled 23/03/08

Bored again. My Care home gave me an Easter Egg.

My Life being Disabled 22/03/08

Last night the Chiropodist came to cut my toenails. I knew she was coming but nobody told me it was today. I didn't have enough money so she said I could owe it.

My Life being Disabled 21/03/08

It's Good Friday and I spend most the day watching movies via my computer. I had a session with the physiotherapist. I read my letter from the assistant manager,again, but she quoted the second week my activities were monitored were from 11/02 to 21/02 ?? Ten days = 1 week ?

My Life being Disabled 20/03/08

I went to Nettos after lunch to get some shower gel and some cotton buds. It was a year since Nettos opened in Grimethorpe so they were having a party. I got a reply from the assistant manager about my complaint that I wasn't getting enough therapy time when I should be getting 3.5 hours/week. Her answer was they documented it for two weeks and for the week commencing 03/02 it was 5.75 and for week commencing 10/02 it was 4 hours.

My Life being Disabled 19/03/08

I spoke to my nurse this morning and she is going to have my Care Plan review today or tomorrow because she is absent for 9 days then. This afternoon I had a session with my phsiotherapist and she said my paralysed arm and leg were much easier to handle. I had my Care Plan review after dinner and I questioned Part 7 tissue viability - the ointment that I use for my face causes my skin to go red. My nurse advised me to use Dipro instead. Part 11a to document my activities for 2 weeks, what is the outcome ? Part 11 I got a letter from the Life Skills Co-ordinator asking if there is anywhere I want to go or anything I want to do after Easter and was this part of my Care Plan ? She said it was because he had just been made my Life Skills Co-ordinator. Part 11a what was the outcome of this "to document my activities for two weeks from 30/01. She was going to ask the assistant manager.

My Life being Disabled 17/03/08

This morning I went for my appointment with the Occupational Therapists at Pinderfields. They assesssed my splint and decided to renew it because my hand was more flexible. I told them that I was seeing a physiotherapist who was excercising my paralysed arm and leg. They said I must monitor my splint and let them know if it doesn't fit. I told my physiotherapist what they said and she was pleased. The handyman told me that the computer room was closed tomorrow because the are modifying the desk that I use to enable me to get my legs under.

My Life being Disabled 15/03/08

Today to relief the boredom I decided to draw a family tree. Looking on the intranet I found that 'Genes Reunited' do one.

My Life being Disabled 14/03/08

Used the T-Roll again last night and it was O.K. I asked my physiotherapist if I could extend my usuage for more than 1 hour but she said to leave it for the moment. Also, last night, my nurse had to lock me into my room because another resident keeps trying to get in other residents rooms. She suffers from 'short term memory loss' but I can't move from my bed so the staff must lock me in my room.

My Life being Disabled 13/03/08

I used the T-Roll last night for a hour. A female (Janet White) from Remploy phoned to tell me Barnsley Council are meeting today and will decide if they have a place to give me some work experience. Barnsley magistrates are still dealing with my request but because her father's died she probably won't phone me next week.

My Life being Disabled 12/03/08

When I had my excerise session with my physiotherapist she gave me a T-Roll positioning roll to try when I go to bed. I should use it for the first hour. The T-Roll is used to control position of the body in supine lying. Also I must support the feet to relieve pressure at the back of the leg.

My Life being Disabled 11/03/08

Somebody else from Remploy phoned me asking me if I was interested going on a training course run by BT in Doncaster. I said I was interested but they should consult with my Care home as well.

My Life being Disabled 10/03/08

I went to the library and changed my book today. My new book needs changing by 31/03/08. I got a letter telling me I have an appointment at Wheelchair Services on 02/04/08 10:00 to get my moulded seat, my indoor powerchair and my wheelchair. Remploy phoned me to tell me they are sending my CV to the Magistates Court because they are interested in providing me some work experience.

My Life being Disabled 09/03/08

bored

My Life being Disabled 08/03/08

I got a letter from the life skills co-ordinator telling me he's on leave for two weeks but asking me to give him details of where I want to go. I want to go swimming, the Thackray Medicine Museum in Leeds, to watch Huddersfield v Bradford at rugby league on 6th July and to watch the Rugby League Cup Final at Wembley on 30th August

My Life being Disabled 07/03/08

This afternoon I went to the dentist to clean my teeth. Although my appointment was at 15:30 my nurse told me to be ready at 12:00. The ambulance came at 15:00 and I was back at 16:20. This morning I had a bacon sandwich because I had to be ready by 12:00 and for dinner we had bacon sandwiches ! The peson from Remploy phoned me to tell me she is dealing with my search for employment. On 19th February she told me she wouldphone me every week but this is the first time she's phone me. She's been in touch with BT trying to get me work experience working from home

My Life being Disabled 06/03/08

This afternoon I went to Pinderfields hospital for my appointment to fill my Baclofin pump. It has to be filled every 5 months. The ambulance came at 13:10 but my appointment was for 15:30 the driver had my appointment as 14:30 ? When we got there at 13:50 the nurse in charge told me to go to a bed in Ward 1. The doctor came and filled my Baclofin pump and told me it would run-out on 17/08/08. The nurse in charge gave me my next appointment which was on 14/08/08.

My Life being Disabled 05/03/08

I didn't get up until 10:00 today. This afternoon I had an excercise seesion with my physiotherapist.

My Life being Disabled 04/03/08

I phoned my Disabled Employment Adviser this morning to complain that the person from Remploy has not contacted me since 19/02/08 when she told me that she will phone me every week to tell me what progress she has made in her search for an organisation who will give me some work experience. My DEA was interviewing and I left her a message. I had a excercise session with my physiotherapist this afternoon because I'm at the dentist on Friday. The life skills co-ordinator asked me to join in a lottery club where we pay £1 per week, pick 6 number and the first person who's number are picked in the lottery wins. My DEA phoned back and I told her I wasn't happy with the woman from Remploy. My DEA said she would speak to her manager and let me know the outcome.

My Life being Disabled 03/03/08

I went on the plinth for my physiotherapist who excercised my paralysed arm and leg. Because I'm going to my dentist on Friday and going to the hospital on Thursday we agreed to have my sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday this week. My Social worker called for me to sign my Care Plan with Wakefield MDC.

My Life being Disabled 02/03/08

I got up at 06:30 this morning because 4 residents, 2 carer and the life support co-ordinator were gonig to Cleethorpes. We set off at 10:30 and arrived for a pub lunch at 12:00. We went to Cleethorpe market then we went for a walk down the front. We had a cup of coffee then we walked back. It was quite warm and sunny. We got back at 17:30.

My Life being Disabled 01/03/08

I reviewed my Care Plan today with my nurse but the only item we changed was in my activities where we changed from "going to the Fitness Centre every Wednesday" to "because I've bough some weight my Carers to assist me with them everyday.

My Life being Disabled 29/02/08

At 17:30 I went to Leeds to watch the Carnegie Club Callenge Final between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm at Elland Road. It took us a hour to get there and we parked in allocated, disabled parking space opposite the stadium. We were sat in the East stand close to the try line. The weather was appalling and even though we were under cover we got soaked. It was a great game of Rugby League and Leeds won 11 - 4. There was a great crowd of about 35,000

My Life being Disabled 27 & 28/02/08

My Social Worker phoned this morning to arrange to see me on Monday 03/03/08 at 14:00.My shower that has been faulty since Friday was fixed this morning. Yesterday I couldn't get into the computer room because the corridor was being painted. I got weighed this morning and I weighed 87.4 kgs and my blood pressure was 140/88

My Life being Disabled 26/02/08

This morning I had my catheter changed. It is the first time it has been routinely (8 weeks) changed for over a year because usually it's changed when it becomes blocked with grit from my bladder.

My Life being Disabled 24 & 25/02/08

Yesterday I played with my computer and read my book. Today(Monday) the new life skills co-ordinator took me to the library, told me who was taking me to the Carnegie Club Challange Final at Elland Road on Friday, I could start going to the Fitness Centre again and told me I could go to Cleethorpes on Sunday.

My Life being Disabled 23/02/08

This morning I didn't get a shower because the drains from the shower were blocked. Yesterday when I had a shower the carpet in my bedroom was wet through. I tried to go in the bath but it is too small for my extended paralysed leg. Once this leg becomes relax I can't fit in the bath. I have raised it at the resident's meeting but it has never been resolved. Tomorrrow I'm having a shower but in the communial bathroom.

My Life being Disabled 22/02/08

I didn't get up 09:30 then when I came out of my shower I found that my shower had not been draining. My carpet in my bedroom was soaked ! My carers have reported it to the plumbers.

My Life being Disavbled 21/02/08

I went to Cottonwood, the local place to go shopping, this morning. Firstly we went to Argos and I bought some ankle weights to strengthen my leg muscles. We went to McDonalds for our lunch then we went to Morrisons to buy my toiletries. I also bought some blank CD's so I can download music. When we got home the senior physiotherapist ask me to go on their new plinth. She advised her assistants what excercises I could do with my legs and she will put it in my Care plan. At dinner time one of the women residents started hitting another one. Although the carers stopped it they didn't report it ?

My Life being Disabled 20/02/08

I phoned Wheelchair Services this morning to find out what is happening with my moulded seat, my indoor powerchair and my wheelchair. They told me my moulded seat and my indoor powerchair were ready but my wheelchair isn't butvwhen it is they'll make me an appointment. I passed this on to my Social worker.

My Life being Disabled 19/02/08

I met with Remploy this afternoon. They are getting me some job experience. But, so far, they can't find an organisation but they thought my specification was only Communication but my original specification was Computers or Communication and I expanded this to include Call Centre work. We agreed that Remploy would give me feedback every week on what they are doing.

My Life being Disabled 18/02/08

Very boring weekend. I phoned Remploy this morning because they said they were meeting me last week but it never happened. Today they said they will meet me tomorrow at 14:00 to discuss my work experience. My physiotherapist didn't attend today and she didn't attend on Friday

My Life being Disabled 15/02/08

I got a reply from the manager of my Care home about my complaint. It read "I am in receipt of your letter that you are not receiving your 3.5 hours of activities per week. Your nurse is going to update your Care plan regarding your social time. We are going to document this for two weeks from 04/02/08 - 17/02/08 so we can ensure that the correct levels of therapy time is being used." I got my tickets for the World Club Challenge between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm on 29/02/08 at 19:30 in Elland Road, Leeds.The physiotherapist didn't give me my execises today.

My Life being Disabled 14/02/08

We had a Valentine's Day party this afternoon and we used it to bid farwell to the life skills co-ordinator who is leaving tomorrow.

My Life being Disabled 13/02/08

The only item to blog today is the physiotherapist came to do my excercises on my paralysed arm.

My Life being Disabled 12/02/08

We had a Resident's meeting this afternoon. The items on the agenda were:- Carried over from the last meeting, Domestics, Carers, Nurses, Administration, Management, Life Skills and Any Other Business. We discussed the process for getting clean towels, leaking showers, putting clothes back after they've been to the laundry, new life skills co-ordinator, expressing our thanks to the life skills co-ordinator who is leaving, residents holiday and the use of our mini-bus after March.

My Life being Disabled 11/02/08

I saw my Social worker this morning and we met with my nurse and the new life skills co-ordinator. We agreed that the life skills co-ordinator would take me to the fitness centre every week and would take me to the 2008 Carnegie World Club Challenge on 29th February at 19:30. This is held at Elland Road Leeds. The new Life Skills Co-ordinator starts on 18/02/08 and we'll discuss my visits to the Fitness Centre then.My Social worker told me the decision to allow me to stay at this Care home is still undecided. I booked my tickets for the World Club Challange and it only cost £17 which included my place, my carers seat and a parking space.

My Life being Disabled 10/02/08

After a very boring Saturday when I went for breakfast my nurse asked me if I wanted to go out for a Sunday lunch ! At 11:30 4 residents, a life skills co-ordinator and 3 carers went to a pub called The Norman Inn at Monk Bretton. I had my usual lunch from the Curry Club menu, Chicken Jalfrezi, Rice, Naan bread, Popodoom and chutney plus a drink J20 for £4.95. Everyone enjoyed their meal and the pub was very busy with people going out for Sunday lunch. We also called at Asda and Comet on the way home.

My Life being Disabled 08/02/08

Every Friday I get my haircut by my carers. I got an email from South West Yorkshire Mental Health NHS Trust about the assessment I did on Monday. I asked for a copy and she sent me an email of the form I have to complete(Data Protection Act 1998). My physiotherapist did my exercises on my paralysed arm.

My Life being Disabled 07/02/08

My Social worker phoned this morning and we arranged a meeting on Monday 11/02 at 11:00m to discuss my future. The physiotherapist finished my Care plan on my stiffness in my paralysed right arm and what she is doing to ease this(Care Plan Number 12).

My Life being Disabled 06/02/08

Went to the library at 11:00 changed my book from biography "coleen" to biography "cash" which is due back on 27/02/08. In the afternoon I went to the computer room to use the internet. My physiotherapist did my paralysed arm excercises and said it is getting easier.

My Life being Disabled 05/02/08

I phoned Janet White from Remploy this morning to find out if she has an organisation who will provide me with some job experience. She has been in touch with several and is waiting for them to get in touch. She's planning to come and see me next week. From 13:30 until 14:00 we had a keep fit session with our physiotherapist. At 15:30 I went to the residents meeting but at 16:00 I found it was cancelled and rescheduled 12/02/08 at 15:30.

My Life being Disabled 02/02/08

A boring day, the local Rugby League match was postponed. Some residents went to the Social club but no-one went in a wheelchair.

My Life being Disabled 04/02/08

My carers woke me upat 08:00 to tell me I had assessment with a person from Mental Health at 10:15. I had a shower and had my breakfast. I met her and she told me that she had to assess me because my Care costs might be split between Wakefield MDC, the NHS and me. Afterwards I told my nurse I wanted to go to the library, I wanted some more Movicol and my "MARS" sheets are incorrect. I went for my lunch then I went to Pinderfields Hospital Wakefield to the Orthotics to get my new shoes. When I got back it was dinnertime but two of the residents from our patch "Darbyshire" had gone out for their dinner with a life skills co-ordinator.

My Life being Disabled 03/02/08

Had a bladder wash this morning because I didn't have one yesterday because my "MARS" chart said I should have a bladder wash on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. My nurse is going to check this tomorrow. I didn't have a Movicol because my presciption is not ready.

My Life being Disabled 01/02/08

I didn't get up until 09:00, I had my haircut before I went in the shower. Another boring day. My blood pressure is 140/87

My Life being Disabled 31/01/08

Bladder wash. Very bored with nothing to do except go on my computer.

My Life being Disabled 30/01/08

This morning I gave my complaint to the assistant manager. She proposes to log every activity I do in the next two weeks from 4/02 - 18/02. After this we'll have an idea how much activity time I'm spending. My nurse is going to review my Care plan. We completed this in the afternoon with changes to my Activity Care plan. My physio gave me some excercises for my paralysed arm, which I do on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. I get some referrl pain in my head but I don't complain.

My Life being Disabled 29/01/08

I woke up at 09:00 this morning because I watched a movie on television which started at 21:00 but did not finish until 00:40 this morning. I had a successful bladder wash and two new carers put me in my bathroom. During my breakfast I complained to a nurse that I was not getting any activity time since one of the life skills co-ordintors has gone sick. A life skills co-ordinator asked me if I wanted to go to Argos this morning. One of the new carers went for a break but didn't come back, he just left ? I found out they were from the Jobcentre. We went to Argos because I had a £5 voucher to spend but I didn't spend it. After lunch I prepared for my presentation. The assistant manager asked me to put my complaint in writing so I sent her an e-mail.see below:-
You have asked me to put this complaint in writing, this is my complaint.

When I first became a resident of Dearnevale I was told that with my “costings” I was allowed 3.5 hours of activities per week. But since one of the life skills co-ordinators went sick my weekly activity to the Fitness Centre has stopped. Recently activities like visiting a museum or going 10 pin bowling have also stopped.


At 14:40 one of the carers came into the computer room enquiring why my presentation had been postponed. I didn't know.

My Life being Disabled 28/01/08

I got my HC1(SC) FORM and an appointment to fill my Baclofin pump re-filled on the 6th March at 15:30. I returned my HC1(SC) form and I reviewed my Powerpoint presentation.

My Life being Disabled 27/01/08

A boring weekend I watched several films and tidied my powerpoint presentation because I will be showing it on Tuesday.

My Life being Disabled 25/01/08

The person in charge of the physios came to see me this morning with 2 of her physios. She moved my paralysed arm and noted how much it moved. She decided to tell her physios that they could see me 2 or 3 times per week to move my paralysed arm because the movement will be benificial. She asked me if I was given another presentation. I said on the 29th, she is planning to come. The Unit physio told me I could see her on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays after lunch for Passive Movement. On Tuesdays she is holding an Active Movements class.

My Life being Disabled 24/01/08

I had a successful bladder wash this morning although I didn't get up until 09:30 because I was watching The Negotiator on TV until 01:00 this morning. I got a reply from the DWP about my DLA:
Dear Sir

Thank you for your email, it has now been forwarded to the operational area that deals with your claim.

Regards

Lorraine
Central Admin Team
Warbreck House
Blackpool

I ordered a Video to DVD burner from LOVEFILM it should be delivered in 4 weeks.

My Life being Disabled 23/01/08

I phoned Remploy again this morning, again there was no reply so I phoned my Disability Employment Advisor at the Jobcentre and she is going to deal. I emailed the Dept. of Work and Pensions (DWP) to tell them I have not recieved my Disability Living Allowance which was reinstated on 21/11/07 when I terminated my contract with Motability. I designed a party invitation for the life skills co-ordinator who is leaving. I asked her if I could go to Argos, she said she would take me next week. At 15:30 Remploy phoned me back, she had not found me some work experience but she had spoken to their people from communications and they might be able to give me some work experience. Next week she's coming out to see me.

My Life being Disabled 22/01/08

I had a bladder wash this morning. I went to the library and changed my book which is due back 12/02/08. The life skills co-ordinator told me she was leaving my care home and moving to another care home with an increase in salary. The other life skills co-ordinator had already resigned with management advertising for both posts.
I phoned Remploy this afternoon to find out if they had found me some work experience but had to leave a message for the person who is dealing with me.

My Life being Disabled 21/01/08

I got a £5 voucher for Argos for filling in a customer survey, this morning and I got a leaflet about the 2008 Carnegie World Club Challenge between Leeds Rhinos and Melbourne Storm on 29th February at Elland Road, Leeds. I told my nurse that I would like to go to the library. She said I should tell the life skills co-ordinator but she is out so I told the team leader to tell her. At dinner I asked the team leader if she saw the life skills co-ordinator ? She had but the life skills co-ordinator was very busy because residents who go to day school had been sent home early because of the floods in the area.

My Life being Disabled 19/01/08

I had a bladder wash this morning. I asked if I could go to watch Grimethorpe Warriors Rugby League club this afternoon but the nurse said they were pretty busy because they have a lot of respite people in but she will try. I got an email from CLUBPREM explaining why I had joined their club. When I ordered a memory card for my mobile from Vistaprint included in the package was a leaflet about CLUBPREM giving me one months free membership. But if I didn't want it I had cancel it. I have now cancelled it. I got another email from Barnsley Council telling me they are dealing with my complaint via my MP about the state of the footpath outside of our Care home.

My Life being Disabled 18/01/08

This morning I went to my new dentist in Barnsley. She gave me a check-up and some X-rays. I got another appointment to see her on 07/03/08 at 15:30. I spent last night watching television in my bedroom because the TV in the cinema room wasn't working correctly and the TV room was full.