Nicki has returned from her wonderful two months trip to Europe and she and Jamie had a fabulous time. In her absence some of you may have met Sasha, her very able daughter, who slotted in with great ease after Barbara’s ski binding broke, leaving her with bilateral tibial fractures on the final day of our lovely five day ski holiday with Margie over mid-semester break.

gb-m-roundhill

Thanks so much Sasha, you were a star, and luckily the accident happened the week before Nicki headed off, so a very concise but comprehensive training handover occurred, and we were all able to somehow manage very well despite Nicki’s absence! It’s great to be back into normality again for Barbara, and thanks to you all for your lovely support along the way – the crutches, wheelchair, raised toilet seats, helping hands, swivel shower chair and other paraphernalia that comes with a significant injury have been returned, and I am back to my usual Mercy work – YIPPEE!!!

st-kilda-ride-with-shelley       jen-at-mercy-with-me

It’s an interesting experience to be “on the other side” and experiencing nasty leg x2 injuries, but thank goodness for the Physio Pool, where I have spent each week quietly progressing, and all the wonderful care that has got me to this stage! Thanks again also to you all for your encouraging words, and support when needed – it’s been a long haul, but we are there! So much so, that a celebration is in order and off to Coldplay I go:) Surely that is the ultimate goal of rehab to be able to dance the night away!! Can’t wait now! 

Talking of the Physio Pool, some of you may have seen the ODT article that featured me (and my legs!) trying to make sure this wonderful resource is kept, despite the upcoming possible new hospital build and land swap ideas between the University and SDHB. I have met so many wonderful, courageous people who just could not manage to keep themselves out of hospital without this amazing resource.

odt-pool

All patients are able to access it for a mere $4 a swim if you have a referral from us and you buy a 10 swim concession, so don’t hesitate to ask! It is open 6.45am until 9pm most nights, and both Saturday and Sunday mornings, and really is one of the most cost effective Dunedin assets that exists in this city to progress your rehabilitation and then maintain that gain. It is a beautiful, heritage building that is strong, and its good bones will keep it available for use by all of us as we age gracefully over the next wee bit. We are part of the “Silver Tsunami” that is approaching, so why would we not keep ourselves well using this. It works for injury rehab and fitness building – in fact Geoffrey after recovering from an injury by aquajogging beltless in the Physio Pool ran his fastest ever cross country record winning time, so do get along there and make the most of this amazing resource, and make sure that if any rebuild occurs on this block, that this fine building stays safely in the corner!