Journey

Sometimes small things can become very large, indeed (Rick Riordan)

We are always on the alert for small things with Rory.  Sometimes they are so small you thought you imagined them or they seems insignificant so nothing to worry about.  However, when they reoccur or grow in size you know you something has to be done.  Invariably the small things can becomes very large, indeed.  Rory has been experiencing reduced hearing with his left cochlear implant for the last couple of weeks.  I am feeling a bit anxious about it.  I have spoken with the Southern Cochlear implant programme, and we have tried their suggestions, but with no success.  Rory has an appointment in mid-November to review the implants and his hearing.  I hope it is fixable and not a deterioration in the nerves in his left inner ear.  When he watches a movie in his room after dinner the volume is up so loud you can hear it throughout the house.  Rory is struggling more with the co-ordination of his feet.  He regularly kicks the wheels and frame of the walker with his toes causing damage.  His feet are already purple due to neuropathy (poor circulation).  When his toes are damaged they take a long time to heal.  We have purchased some Crocs for him to wear in the house to protect his toes. 

This week school and WITT resumed for Term 4 so Rory returned to his normal weekly plan of activities.  In addition he had an assessment by an ACC Doctor to determine if he could do the jobs the Careers Assessor said he had some of the skills for i.e. Wood Trades worker, Animal Attendant, Recycling sorter.  He had a physiotherapy session with Josh from ACC and I had a phone call with Jez, Rory’s case manager.  Today he spent the day with Support Carer Jo.  He enjoys a walk around Pukekura Park followed by a mocha at the kiosk.  Today they visited Pouakai Zoo to see the animals but were disappointed as it was run down.  Sean, Colt and I slipped away to walk the York Road track, across the lower slopes of Taranaki maunga to the Maketawa Stream, then out to the park boundary.  Unfortunately we made a wrong turn so had to do some bush bashing and stream wading.  It added a couple of challenges and some extra time to our adventure!