[easterhay]

Hi all,
I just wanted to say hello and point out what a great place this is (as if you didn't know that already!)

I have a friend who was in a car wreck in December 07. She's paraplegic (sorry, don't know what level of functionality yet) and only just starting back on rehab as she had to have surgery a couple of weeks ago.

She's in Buenos Aires and I live about 1400km away. She's an ex-student of mine, but we have a great friendship. She knows I really care about her and we've kept in touch. I'm going to see her next weekend as I suddenly got very worried about her emotional well-being. She says she can't be bothered with doing much. She's even stopped plugging her laptop in, which was what worried me most, as though she's disengaging from the world a bit.

I didn't want to turn up and spout a load of uninformed nonsense, and I wondered what might be helpful in terms of keeping her motivated. I've read a lot of good advice on other threads, but wondered if I'm right to be worried about possible apathy and disinterest. Oh, and I'm going to take her food and movies. Any other suggestions? She's 18.

Thanks again for the great forum and all the useful info.

EDIT: Ok, so clearly not the most successful msg I've ever posted on a forum, but not important! I've found loads of really useful answers on other threads and wanted to thank everyone again. This has been very educational for me, and has helped me a lot with formulating an appropriate attitude for this weekend's visit. I will also mention this forum to my friend should she want to put herself in touch with people here who can help her. Cheers

This post has been edited by easterhay: 10 June 2008 - 03:49 PM

[qbounce]

Hi Easter,
You pretty much covered ALL the bases regarding what to bring, and how to act. just listen to her and being there is the best medicine, by far . . . and I'm sure the food'll be a hit also.

[easterhay]

He He - I was thinking chocolate and...ahh...chocolate. Thanks for the reply.

[qbounce]

No no no, my friend . . . I thought you meant FOOD! Not just a filler. Call her in advance and ask her what she's CRAVING for. I remember the hospital food after one month, being less and less desirable, and craving more outside foods, even a GOOD burger!

[easterhay]

Yeah, cocked up a bit on the food there. Couldn't read your reply before traveling due to the forum downtime. Anyway, she's not into food at all at the moment. Absolutely craves a Big Mac but isn't allowed. She's still got problems with her intestines and a lot of pain and spasmodic nausea. Appetite a bit of a mess. I'm never taking food again! Trashy mags from now on.

Still, we had a good time. It was father's day here on Sunday, and I got stuck in BA due to general political mayhem. Couldn't be with my kids, but I spent it with my friend, which was great as she couldn't be with her dad as he is also in hosp, only somewhere else in the city. We watched a movie and talked about fate.