We've all quickly fallen into the routine of hospital visits. But its definitely not a cause for complaint because everyone's desperate for some signs of progress.
I think we are all willing Martin to defy the odds and bounce back quickly, but the reality is that it's unlikely.
What I do know is that Martins determination will give him the best chance of a good recovery as soon as possible, with huge support from all his family and friends.
During the early stages it's very apparent that it's a case of bad days and not so bad days. Night times seem to be especially difficult at the moment as he constantly pulls out the line from his nose which allows medication and other liquids to be given.
It seems like he's getting quite agitated, possibly it's the discomfort of the tube, or perhaps it's pain associated with the way the disease is attacking his nervous system. What's really distressing is not being able to understand him when he tries to tell us how he feels and what he wants.
Because Martin is in a critial care unit visiting times start from 6.30am till 9.30pm and so far most of the hours in any one day are being covered by either friends or family. It's strictly only two visitors per time at the bedside so a lot of time is being spent in the family room talking, laughing and having a good cry together when we need to. Anything to help support each other.
As everybody comes back from spending time with Martin we listen hopefully for the next small sign that there is a change in his condition, that he's reached the bottom and has started his recovery.
Small things like a nod or shake of the head, a yawn or even a laugh. Or even 'who scored' when he was told Tottenham were winning 1-0.
He's had a radio playing most of the time which hopefully we can tune to let him listen to the Ipswich Town game tomorrow evening...or perhaps not, it would probably give him a relapse. A bit insensitive...not really - it made him laugh!!
If there is anything that keeps us filled with hope and confidence that Martin is being given the best possible chance of good recovery it's the professionalism and dedicated care of the nursing staff in the unit. It doesn't get any better than that.
Let's hope this is a crucial area of the NHS left well alone.
I think we are all willing Martin to defy the odds and bounce back quickly, but the reality is that it's unlikely.
What I do know is that Martins determination will give him the best chance of a good recovery as soon as possible, with huge support from all his family and friends.
During the early stages it's very apparent that it's a case of bad days and not so bad days. Night times seem to be especially difficult at the moment as he constantly pulls out the line from his nose which allows medication and other liquids to be given.
It seems like he's getting quite agitated, possibly it's the discomfort of the tube, or perhaps it's pain associated with the way the disease is attacking his nervous system. What's really distressing is not being able to understand him when he tries to tell us how he feels and what he wants.
Because Martin is in a critial care unit visiting times start from 6.30am till 9.30pm and so far most of the hours in any one day are being covered by either friends or family. It's strictly only two visitors per time at the bedside so a lot of time is being spent in the family room talking, laughing and having a good cry together when we need to. Anything to help support each other.
As everybody comes back from spending time with Martin we listen hopefully for the next small sign that there is a change in his condition, that he's reached the bottom and has started his recovery.
Small things like a nod or shake of the head, a yawn or even a laugh. Or even 'who scored' when he was told Tottenham were winning 1-0.
He's had a radio playing most of the time which hopefully we can tune to let him listen to the Ipswich Town game tomorrow evening...or perhaps not, it would probably give him a relapse. A bit insensitive...not really - it made him laugh!!
If there is anything that keeps us filled with hope and confidence that Martin is being given the best possible chance of good recovery it's the professionalism and dedicated care of the nursing staff in the unit. It doesn't get any better than that.
Let's hope this is a crucial area of the NHS left well alone.
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