This is what we like.
Quiet days.
Pete is of course finding being in bed all day rather awful.
He likes his Physio.
Long chats with doctor. General health better which is good.
Things are stable.Looking to get seats in direct flight to Brisbane.
Feel a bit like marking time but Pete is feeling stronger and is a better colour.
Cant wait to get home.
Around the middle of the day the nurse asked how he was feeling and Pete replied with his usual smile. ‘It’s the best day ever’ the nurse giggled and he corrected himself and said ‘ since I came to hospital’.
He had a good nights sleep, woke up feeling quite good and continued to doze all day. He needed to catch up on sleep and start to heal.
The epidural continues to work and allow him rest.
We bought him a roller massage glove and El gave him a beautiful massage on his legs and back. He loved it. Staying on his back is taking its toll.
Steve got jealous so I gave him a back massage then gave El a long massage. Her back, shoulders, legs and head. She really relaxed and she really deserved to.
Then Camilla arrived. She’s a gorgeous Swiss girl living in PP with Randy, a lovely Australian guy, a journalist, who helped Steve in PP.
The day passed and then it was 4.30 and they came for Peter for his next operation. This one was to clean and assess the wound. To see about circulation.
Nurses and El checking machines
To pass the 3 hours he was gone, we went to the Marriott Hotel’s 48 th floor open air bar to have a cocktail and watch the sun set. A little R&R was much needed, but when we’re away from him we miss him. So we mostly chatted about him telling funny stories and wishing he was with us.
Bangkok sunset
Tomorrow we meet the doctors to hear about today’s cleaning and assessing, perhaps moving closer to a decision about toes and flying home.
Thanks for your ongoing messages of support.
Today a better day.
Steve arrived and Peter liked seeing someone other than his loving fiancé and loving mother!
He’d had a terrible night last night but today is much better. The epidural is still working and the management of his pain, was explained very well by Dr Nu the pain specialist, who walked in on her Valentino high heels. She’s very chatty but tough. She told him he had to stop pushing the pain button as the epidural was working. If he wanted to get home asap then he had to pass the aviation airlift rules and morphine was not allowed on a commercial flight. ??? Tough love.
Now she wants to come to their wedding!!!!! Could be handy having a doctor there.
Anyway his case manager came today and we had a long chat. They will do another op tomorrow to clean out the wound again! and assess the arteries and the extent of the dead tissue and how far down the foot they have to cut. Originally it was the tips but now it’s further. If that is extent of the lose after this terrible injury then we are lucky.
I was shown the photos so they could explain things and I can tell you they are not for the squeamish. Truly terrible. Our doctors are miracle workers.
So the Doctor said that after tomorrow they will make a decision and perhaps we could get passed for an avaiation medivac airlift approval for Peter to fly within the next week or two.
No promises but that is the loose plan.
The insurance people are making arrangements between the hospital here and where we will go in Brisbane.
He has a low level private insurance but not for this type of thing, so it will have to be the public system which proved wonderful for Rob. So in major things, public is good.
We think Peter needs to be where there is a bigger support group. I think he’s still suffering PTSD and who wouldn’t when he remained conscious and saw what happened to his leg . In fact he said he closed his eyes to block it out but he could still see out of one eye as it had a cut in the lid! He had 6 stitches and it is healing well. He also broke his eye socket and has a very sore jaw and can’t chew – not that he is eating much , no matter how much we try to tempt him. El makes him up protein drinks several times a day and he’s having that.
The physio was in today to make him do exercises on his arms, good leg, knee of bad leg etc Peter liked this and in Maitland competitive style did more than he needed to!
Thanks for all your loving support.
We Maitlands are tough!!!!!!
Lucky because we are being tested.
A short blog tonight.
Moral of the story. Never let your guard down.
Sat with Pete this morning in his new 16th floor room.
Finally they came to get him for the operation and he was in quite a bit of pain.
So off he went and so did El and I. We returned a jumper and El bought a few new things trying to cope with the cool hospital room.
Peter came back about an hour after we returned , so 4 hours later, and was singing and trying to dance. Pain reduced by drugs!
So far it was looking like the epidural was working.
The doctor arrived and we discussed what had happened in the operation.
The arteries are pumping / the big one in the back of the foot is working well. It was a severe crush injury and the one supplying the front of the foot isn’t getting enough blood to the first 3 toes. He said he would give them another go till Sunday then a decision would have to be made and he would probably have to take the 3 off. We were originally told just the tips but it looks like the whole toe.
The bones are still ok and the nerves are still a problem.
But the epidural block seems to work and he is pain free.
So El and I left him to sleep and went for a walk.
We got back from having something to eat and drink and I went back to the hotel and El to the room. Then I heard from her that he had woken and was screaming in pain.
Not sure why. The nurses are dealing with it and the drugs are flowing.
Poor Peter.
So I’m not sure what tomorrow will bring. It’s a marathon.
🙁😰😢😭
Tonight it is one week since our lives and particularly Pete’s life changed.
He’s already sick of the bed as well as being on the roller coaster that accompanies having a severe injury.
As El and I walk down the road each morning we wonder what we will find. A pain racked Pete or peaceful Pete after the morphine has kicked in.
Pete posted on Facebook yesterday and it was a little hazy as he wasn’t his usual quick witted self.
This morning was a bad one. He was tired , in pain and begging to go somewhere other than ICU with no window . The Doctors were worried as were El and I, but it resulted in the Doctors deciding he could move to a private room and Elena could stay with him.
So it’s up on the 16th floor, a big room with a view. El has a lounge to sleep on and it looks more like a hotel. Better for his morale.
The medical team here are doing a good job – I think, I hope, though today Peter insisted on the Doctor calling in as the bandage covering the still open gaping wound was proving to be too tight and was causing even more pain.
The sweet nurses, in their little purple nurses hats, would take a look and say ‘it look alright’. But he insisted , the Doc came, did a fiddle with the bandage and drain and out poured all this blood that should have been draining away into a bottle! Poor Pete. He immediately got some relief.
I guess that better than in PP though where they forgot to hook up the drain at all! We finally commented on why wasn’t there any blood draining ? The doctor went ballistic.
So you do have to keep an eye on things and I wish I had some medical training.
People have been trying to offer help. I met someone from NIB health insurance. He called into see if we had any needs. The Australian Embassy phoned Peter to offer assistance and Peter suggested they might arrange his marriage to Elena, who he introduces as his wife as they don’t seem to understand the word fiancé ! When the pain is under control he’s funny.
His team of doctors include Dr Nu the pain doctor, an anesthetist. I told her I had a friend who was also an anesthetist at St Vincent’s in Sydney and she asked me to contact her and to see if she had any other suggestions for Peters pain management.
My friend Liz ( who we met on our first swim trek) immediately conferred with her team and was in touch with Dr Nu. Liz also confirmed that we had a great team looking after Pete. She said they were trained to Australian standard and we were receiving the best care we could over here. Reassuring to say the least.
So this afternoon Peter had a sleep and I took El to some shops to quickly buy a few clothes so she was warm staying in the cool hospital. She had packed so quickly she had only brought a few things from Kampot and had to borrow from me! But now she has a few things from H&M.
Tonight Pete wouldn’t eat much despite the warning from the Doc that he needs good food and lots of it to aid healing. El had to boss him!
Tomorrow Friday, surgery again at 2pm. Last chance to get some blood flowing to the toes and to repair the nerves. His foot is numb and his 3 big toes are almost black. Very worrying though I’m still trying to be hopeful they can be saved.
So fingers X things go well. It’s so touch and go and I’m almost frozen with fear.
But he’s alive.
Steve comes from PP tomorrow and we hope the compensation meeting with the bas*+***d family goes well. We miss him.
Catherine with Elena’s mum in Genoa
I miss you all and have no real idea when I’ll be back.
My sister Catherine was meeting Elena’s mum today in Genoa!
Tuesday
When there is major trauma you look for good news where you can.
It came today when the Insurance company came through and made arrangements for us to fly to Bangkok.
Poor Pete was in a lot of vascular pain, spasms hitting frequently and the nurses not alway quick to up the medication.
They were getting him ready to fly so no food or drink in case he had to be incubated.
We got on our way at 6.30. I’m glad we were in any more urgent hurry because no one here moves for an ambulance even with the siren.
Got to the jet and they loaded him on board. It was cramped with 2 pilots , 2 doctors , a nurse and Elena and I. He was in quite good humour till the pain hit as the pressure mounted. He did complain of being a shelf! All the gear and monitors were loaded around him.
Then to the hospital on arrival and it turned out to be Bangkok International not the Bumrangrad Hospital we thought we were going to. That is the one that Peter went to before when he was airlifted out of Laos with dengue and Malaria. He doesn’t hold back in life! That upset us initially.
Anyway we waited for the doctors. It was 11.30 and they took him straight to a cat scan and he was desparate for a drink, but again no way as he might have to have surgery.
The vascular doctor arrived at 3.30 am and made the decision to do an emergency compartment surgery to get the circulation flowing. It was mind numbing.
We went to the hotel nearby at 4 am and El got back to the hospital by 9 when Pete had returned from surgery. News was slightly better. The blood was still circulating and chances of saving his foot increased a little.
The next two days are vital.
Today he is resting and has charge of his drip to administer the drug as he needs. His body needs rest.
The team here seem to be completely onto the case after being in touch everyday with the one doctor in PP.
Wednesday
I’ve been talking to the insurance company and they are aware we want second opinions when we feel we need it and their medical person talks daily to the doctors here about Peter. We want to get him back to Australia but that can’t be considered while the circulation is not steady.
Think of us.
How do we adapt to change?
How do we face a challenge? I was about to find out.
I was busy preparing for a trip to Italy with my sister Catherine, leaving this Tuesday. We were doing a language course in beautiful Rapallo, visiting Elena’s mum in Genoa and my niece Roberta in Lerici. We were so excited.
Then early last Friday came a message from Elena, Peter’s fiancé, from Kampot in Cambodia. Pete had been hit by a car on his bike in Phnom Penh where he is teaching.
Elena rushed up to find a very seriously injured Peter. The news for his right leg wasn’t good and by Friday afternoon our plans had changed.
Italy was off and we were flying out to PP Friday night.
Peter was in ICU. They cleaned the crushed leg and foot and reattached his severed artery. Things were not looking good.
We just needed to get to the hospital the Royal International Hospital of PP. We hoped they were good as he can’t be moved.
Our arrival was very emotional. He was in extreme pain and had just come round after surgery two.
His Doctor explained the injury to us and it’s incredibly gruesome. His tibia is shattered m, as is his fibula. Nerves , muscles, tendons all broken and an artery severed.
They had repaired the artery and thank goodness it was repumping. Circulation started.
But the wound is still dirty and there will be daily operations to clean and try to avoid infection.
We moved into a small hotel owned by a friend of Peters from the AFL team. What a supportive group they have turned out to be.
We picked up Simpson their sausage dog and he is living with us in a family room! Steve’s loving it! But he’s adorable.
Fast Forward to Tuesday. I should be on a plane to Italy with Catherine. But here I am.
We are on tenterhooks waiting for confirmation from Peter’s insurance company that we can leave for Bangkok, hopefully this afternoon.
They can’t do any more here. The surgeon is not experienced enough. We’ve just been hoping for no infection ( there is!) a good blood count for flying – it’s just about right thanks to the generous A- donations by friends and pain management for the plane.
Stay tuned for my next instalment.
Please pray for us.
Waiting………
Then there will be months of bones fusions, reconstruction and skin grafts. But he’s alive.
View from the hospital
Woke late to the sounds in the Mairie outside my window. Today was spring cleaning day in the Place.
The Council were having their meeting today at 11 and there was action in the space in front. This happens to be the space in front of the Brannock’ s house.
There were sweepers sweeping and waterers watering and Policemen coming and going from the Council Offices in the Mairie.
I took the opportunity to put my head inside this Council building that always seems so closed up. It was rather lovely.
Staircase inside the Council’s Mairie building.
Susanna, the fun lady who manages the Brannocks house for the group of owners, happens to be on the council, so had asked could she call in for a chat before the meeting.
Margaret and I went for coffee beforehand at the lovely cafe opposite. It’s such a special little place and holds special memories as I’ve eaten there each visit I’ve had and love the little outdoor terrace.
It’s the cafe behind the flags!
I wanted to wander the streets of the village one last ( well almost last) time.
I saw so many things this morning , afternoon and evening. You would love it.
We walked down past Bar Marigny and saw the crowd that hang out there. They nodded. Or called Bojour as we we passed by. We went to a little shop at the end of town near the Happy Tree – which has the cutest felt stars hanging in it.
More stalls appeared. Different every evening.
The little boutique has lot of clothes and there was a mother with three daughters trying things on and looking great in everything. There are quite a few Norwegians and Swedish staying in the area. In fact someone commented that they are ‘very big and take up lots of space in the cafes in their big groups with lots of children!’
Margaret and I descended to the cave below with its cushions, lamps,, bolts of fabric, glassware, beads and a cupboard of clothes, Tout – 50%. That sounded good. So after much wriggling in the little dressing room I bought a lovely mustard linen top.
Back out side we walked along the Grand Rue, past Mirabeau where I bought some wine to thank John and Margaret for having me and to wish them a happy joint70. They have friends arriving in Sept for a cruise then a stay in Cotignac to celebrate.
Then it was a general wander and observation of the locals and the tourists. This village is beautiful and it’s becoming a little seasonal with the tourists. It’s a shame for the locals if they find the work so seasonal they have to move away in winter.
We sat in a cafe by the four seasons fountain and watched a drama unfold.
A young woman driving a small car suddenly stopped and jumped out. Her large dong sitting on the front seat saw a likely playmate. Another big dog. So he leapt out of the window.
She left the car, with about 5 people waiting patiently behind her and took off after the dog. He was in dog heaven. Now he had two playmates. He chased the dog and she chased him. There were calls from the crowds , waves from all, until a young man grabbed her dog. She carried him back to her car – now really blocking the narrow street and dumped him in the front seat. She hurried around to the drivers side to calls of ‘ wind your window up!’ She did, she waved and drove off with the dog looking out from his view on the front seat. Drama over.
Sitting by the 4 seasons fountain
We saw tables being put along on the road then realised the road was to be closed. There must be a party tonight. We’ll have to come back.
After siesta we moved our aperitif hour to outside the house. It’s a great spot to watch the world go by or to catch up with neighbours as we did.
NEGHBOURS,, English couple Peter and Lyn
We just had to go back to the Grand Rue later that evening to check out the events. And there they were, dancing in the streets. There was a disc jockey spinning lots of favourites and the dances moved from line dancing to waltzing to swing to modern bopping and the old favourite YMCA. Young, old, big and small. All together. It was such a festive occasion.
Even the gorgeous dark haired girl from the cafe – with the amazing smile , got up and danced with her mum between serving drinks.
It gave a taste of summer in a village. It was great fun.
Try and get here I can promise you’d love it.
Last night we were invited to a wine tasting. Hosted by Shane Fankhauser.
Yes. That’s his name and anyone from Adelaide, Australia may remember him. He was an ABC news reader.
Well these days he has left that world behind and lives just outside Cotignac overlooking a vineyard. He has started to develop tours of the area. Primarily targeting women of a certain age! That puts them over 50! But he would take any group willing to pay.
He has 4 Australian women at present and they are staying at his house. Hence the invitation to a wine tasting. It was hosted by Jeany Cronk. If you saw the video on a previous post you would know that she and husband Stephen started Mirabeau wines a few years ago.
It was a very professional tasting and Jeany is charming. The Aussie ladies were good company as were the other few French guests.
Shane is not quite what I expected ( cool and debonair ) but he was busy cooking us all dinner and was flat out entertaining his tour guests. But his Elvis impression was very good!
It was a fun night with French and English being swapped around – improving as the wine flowed.
Mirabeau has some very good Rose and Jeany announced they have just secured a contract with Dan Murphy. So I can recommend it. Look out for it at a Dan Murphy near you!
No, we didn’t go into the pool though we were told there would be swimming!
Late late night.
My journey through some more of the villages of this Var region continues with my No 1 driver Margaret.
This time we headed north and then west. Check it out on the map from the last blog.
I’m always excited to be heading to new villages. Will they contain a surprise? Will they move me in some way? Or will they be too touristy?
So as we drove along I thought of the features that make these villages so………French.
We headed out on road D 22 toward Sillans. Or it’s full name Sillans la Cascade. It’s a pretty drive and you come upon it quite quickly, around a bend and you have to stop at the traffic light. These lights only allow one way traffic through the narrow part of the village. This is where we came for the Saffron Festival. It’s reached by walking up a little hill which circles the area containing the cafes. It’s not a ‘Place’ like the ones found in many other villages, so this one is slightly different.
Sillans has little winding streets, a bell tower and some colourful pots on doorstepS and at windows. And lots of stone walls.
Further down the D22 we reached Aups. I’ve been here before. It has a lovely entrance and lots of winding streets and it has the beautiful clock tower with its campanile. It has a rather large memorial to those lost in the war. It was a stronghold of the French resistance. It is also well known as a truffle centre.
On we went along the D9 to Moissac- Bellevue, a hill town. There aren’t as many hill towns in this area so this stands out. It’s beautiful colours – all muted pinks and terracotta and as you wind up you arrive at a little Place ( or piazza as they are called in Italy). It has a very large fountain, another feature of all French villages.
This fountain dominates the small Place
It’s clock tower and campanile is once again beautiful and as we sat we heard its bells.
The bell tower in Moissac
I’m becoming a little addicted to the iron work on these bell towers. Such a feature in each village as we arrive. This village is small and very well looked after. There would only be about 200 occupants and they look after it well. It was very quiet as we walked the few little streets that make up the village.
Only the birds to keep us company in Moissac
We had a cafe creme in the only little restaurant in the village and there was only one other little business which was also the Office de Tourism.
The view from the lookout near the fountain across the bouleadrome, was wonderful
The War Memorial, with its small list of names, sat proudly with a bird sitting on the cock at the top. Quite a sight.
Along the D271 and five km later we entered Regusse. It’s little Grand Rue was lined with about 4 cafes. There were shady trees and a great view of the church, the Notre Dame de la Misericorde with its glazed bell tower.
Once again the clock tower and its iron work bell tower is lovely.
We wandered the streets and saw some children enjoying a game.
We saw a man working on his jeep and it reminded me of Steve and his jeep.
We continued west and drove slowly through Tavernes. Not the prettiest of villages but it had the features I’ve been talking about.
The campanile was lovely.
We arrived at Varages and parked near the Domaine Huile which we visited and spoke to the beautiful young girl who was reading an English book. The olive oil products were many and varied and showed how important olive trees are in this area.
This village is not touristy, so it had a very local feel. People stopping for their bread – double parking, while they run returning with a baguette under their arm. Waving to or double kissing their friends in greeting.
Another thing that distinguishes a French village. The boulangerie.
Off to the Cafe for a cool drink and to watch the locals interact. The campanile rang out 12 bells and the businesses started to close.
The florist came over to the fountain and submerged a big potted fern and carried it back to his shop.
The memorial stood tall and acted as a roundabout. Part of everyday life. Yet a constant reminder.
The heat of the day slowed people down.
What would they be doing during the siesta?
So ….. What are the features that are common to all the villages I have been:
A campanile with beautiful iron work
A main fountain and lots of little fountains.
A war Memorial
Blue shutters
Colourful potted plants
A boulangerie – often with a queue.
Pretty cafes with coloured umbrellas.
A bouleadrome
frans travel tales 