Family and Friends

Some people mistakenly believe that being in hospital is restful. It’s not far from it. Here is the usual routine from my last hospital stay.

2 am Observations
6am Observations
7am Team handover
7:30am Shower
8am Breakfast arrives
8:30 Nurse brings fresh towels
9am Exercise rehabilitation
10am Observations
10:30 am Morning tea delivered to room
11:00 am Menu is delivered for the next day
11:00 am Cleaner comes
11:30 am Nurse changes my sheets
12:00 lunch is delivered
1 pm Lunch tray collected
2pm observations
2:15 Visit from family
2:30pm Afternoon tea
2:50pm Handover to afternoon shift
3:00pm Doctor visits and asks lots of questions
3:30pm Exercise Rehabilitation class
5:00pm Return to room, exhausted
5:30pm Observations
6:00pm Dinner is served
7:00pm Dinner tray removed
8:00pm Tea and Coffee served
9:30pm Observations
10:30pm Handout to Night shift

The thing I realised once I was home was how important all of these people were. The people who delivered my meals were as valuable the nurses. My interactions with the cleaners were friendly and positive.

Then it occurred to me. Me getting well required a multi disciplined team. Surgeons, Doctors, Nurses, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists etc.
as well as numerous auxiliary staff.

When my mental health has needed attention it’s been a variety of people who have gotten me to a place of health. Psychologists, Psychiatrists, Nurses, GPs, Family and Friends, Church leaders, etc.

The common denominator in all these situations has been the acknowledging the need for help. Thank God for so many people willing to help others.

Rehab was hard work this morning. Which is great news. It’s a sign my body is recovering, in fact the readings of movement in my leg showed a lot of improvement in the past 2 weeks.

While exercising I overheard an elderly lady who was quite distressed that she couldn’t go to hydrotherapy at 10:30 instead of 11:15 as the class was full. She had another appointment today so needed the change.

I approached her and offered to swap sessions with her as I have no appointments until 3pm. She almost started crying. Such a simple thing to bless someone.

I used my available time to go to the hospital cafe for a much needed macchiato. The waitress brought me my coffee and said, “I have drawn you in the coffee”. I looked down at the coffee and she says, “That is you, Mr Smiley”.

What a unique and unexpected blessing. Today is panning out so well.

While I was doing inpatient rehabilitation I encountered some people who expressed frustration that I seemed to be recovering faster than they were.

I reminded them that their surgery was different to mine, we have different ages and every person’s journey is different.

I encouraged them to keep pressing on. And there were days when pain management seemed impossible and they would encourage me.

We tend to judge people on their actions and judge ourselves on our intentions.

Comparison leads to misery. We never really know what is going on in people’s lives. Facebook and Instagram tend to focus on the good times people experience so they are a bad gauge of reality.

You matter. You are loved. You are unique and that is absolutely marvellous!!!

Your strongest friends need check-ins too. This year, reach out and let them know they don’t have to hold everything alone.

#MentalHealth #FamilyAndFriends

#Depression #Anxiety #Relationships #FamilyAndFriends #Trauma #MentalHealth

Its been more than 3 months since an accident at a gym upended my world. I am still attending rehabilitation twice a week and need a crutch to move about.

This accident meant I have now had 9 surgeries in the last 3 years. One of the important lessons I have learnt is that when a nurse or doctor is standing in front of me, they cannot read my mind. It is up to me to answer their questions as accurately and honestly as I can.

I recall that after a triple heart bypass my daughter said to a nurse that if I tell them my pain level is 5 then it really is 7. She said to them I will always minimise your responses because I don't want to be a bother.

Sadly she is right. With this latest bout of surgeries I have strived to be as honest as I can. There is no glory in trying to "tough" out pain. After 3 months I am really over pain and restriction but I am being honest with my family and the medical staff about how I am doing.

When we are upfront about our health we are opening ourselves to more appropriate help and greater assistance. You are not a nuisance. You are not defective. You are human, just like everybody else.

Reminder to do one small thing today that supports your well-being.

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #ADHD #Addiction #FamilyAndFriends #selfcare

Reminder to do one small thing today that supports your well-being.

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #ADHD #Addiction #FamilyAndFriends #selfcare

Instead of making resolutions for yourself this year, show up for someone else and participate in our Check-In Challenge! A simple check-in can encourage a loved one to prioritize their mental health.

#MentalHealth #Depression #Anxiety #FamilyAndFriends

2025 has gone. In some ways I am glad. There were so many good things that happened in 2025 but the year ended badly with my accident.

What does 2026 hold? I have a few ideas but that’s all. This morning my Wife surprised me by dragging some outdoor lounges from our front patio and made an alfresco dining area facing our garden. She then brought out a wonderful tray of eggs, ham and chorizo. What a blessing. The birds are singing, there is a gentle breeze.

I have hope that in 4-5 weeks I should be able to walk unaided. Can’t wait. No doubt like most years there will be triumphs and tragedies. There will be disappointments and unexpected surprises that make us smile.

I must focus on the One who holds the future and is also holding me. Jesus, may I never forget or take for granted your mercy, love, protection and grace.

There are some posts you really hesitate making, this is definitely one of them. Today I feel like a fraud. At church this morning I really didn’t want to be there and I really didn’t want to engage with anyone. Yesterday I started to feel very unwell with debilitating chest pain. My Wife asked me if I thought it was cardiac related. Given my recent history of major heart surgery it was definitely a valid question. The truth was I wondered if it was cardiac but the thought of yet another ambulance ride and another hospital admission was more than I could handle. I thought if it is an heart issue then maybe I would get to heaven and frankly that sounded good. It’s been 8 weeks since my accident. That’s 8 weeks of constant pain and my resolve is getting low.

Today my digestive system isn’t keeping any food in. And I am crazy tired. I have been sleeping a lot lately during the day which isn’t normal but I have forgotten what normal is. No one at church realises what a state I am in. I keep carefully prepared walls around me because I know if they did know they would all want to visit, cook etc and I just don’t have the energy to entertain people. Those walls though have created an environment where I am feeling like an isolated fraud. All I can manage now is to lay in the guest bedroom bed. I am too tired to read or watch tv.

I have managed to get appointment tomorrow with a doctor. I don’t know what to tell her. I think I will try and articulate I am scared that I am behind on my recovery and I want a review of my pain medication regime because I don’t think it’s keeping up with my pain levels. I am allergic to some pain medication and OxyContin has no effect on me. I am wondering if my current pain medication is also ineffective. My surgeon is overseas for another 2 weeks, the rehabilitation program is closed until Jan 6. I have no idea what I should be expecting at this post operative point.

Here on The Mighty I am often seen as an encourager. Today I feel like nothing but a fake. I am drowning and I can’t even find myself a life preserver. The physical pain is relentless and I am worn out.

The photo is a view outside the guest bedroom I am staying in. It offers a glimmer of hope.