DCNR

[Stephen Wolstenholme]

I have had PPMS for over twenty years so I am fully aware of the
progressive nature of my illness. My disability gets worse in a very
predictable way. No relapses and no remissions, just a gradual
worsening. About five years ago I started using a walking frame to get
around my house. Then, about two years ago, I had to get a wheelchair
to maintain any mobility at all. It was not so bad really because PPMS
is so easy to predict. I sort of just get use to whatever it through's
my way. Then, last September, I got a urinary tract infection that
completely zapped me. I was in bed for 12 weeks and had four lots of
antibiotics before the UTI got better. One of my physiotherapists told
me that I needed two weeks of intensive physiotherapy to get back to
my pre UTI state. She pulled a few strings and along with my GP I
finished up on the waiting list to get into The Devonshire Centre for
Neurorehabilitation. Because I was so ill I finished up in the DCNR
quite quickly. The two weeks physiotherapy became four months but it
was marvelous.

The DCNR is a NHS unit but it is much better than any private hospital
I have used. It only has 20 beds available so it is not very well
known. Every patient has 24 hour cover. There are two consultants,
numerous young doctors having a break from Stepping Hill hospital,
four charge nurses, about 10 staff nurses and about 40 HCAs. The
reason for such a large staff level is to maintain the 24 hour cover.

The four months I had in the DCNR got me to the point that I could use
my walking frame again. I still use my wheelchair sometimes but that
is more for convenience that necessity.

The DCNR is an excellent place to be. I made lots of new friends and
it did me so much good that leaving the place was quite sad.

The patients I got to know varied from others with MS to some with
very serious brain injuries. It was almost a magical experience to see
patients progress from near coma state to walking in just a few weeks.
Steve

[Stephen Wolstenholme]

through's ? Spell checker didn't catch that. It should be throws.

Steve

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