Life at the Trappenberg
Life at the Trappenberg is pleasant. It feels great to be amongst other severe cases. At the hospital I was a 'back patient' though I knew very well I was a cancer patient in an advanced stage. By the time I had left the hospital I felt like a jigsaw puzzel, chopped into pieces. (One back, one leg, another leg etc. etc.)
The coordination of my case (between the different departments) at the VU hospital was literaly killing and I was so fatigued that it took me over a week to reboot and get back on track.
On tuesday 14 August I had a meeting with Dr. Gerritsen, the doctor who had done my 2nd opinion at the VU hospital. I told him that I wanted him to be in charge of my file from now on and then proceded to tell him about everything that went wrong in the hospital. I also told him about all the situations that were potetially hazardous that I was subjected to and after a meeting of more than an hour I was granted my wish. I was lucky to be in the VU hospital because the level of knowledge is grand. But being at the Trappenberg is a major relief as communication seems to be one of their strong points.
A day at the Trappenberg is geared at progression. I have different types of therapy ranging from ergo therapy, to psychotherapy, to hydro therapy, to physical therapy, to activities etc. etc.. The best part is that the therapy which I am receiving is just like the therapy I would have prescribed myself.
The only down side here is that the food is terrible and that meals are obligatory. Today, for instance I was in the middle of an inspiring art (therapy) session when I had to stop for lunch. Argh....
In the picture you can see two of my table mates. We are actually appointed a place where we have to sit during our meals. It puzzles me which criteria they apply whilst deciding on our seating. Somehow they seem to have placed me at the "Enfants Terrible" table, which is a blessing after all as we do have fun. At least I don't have someone across me that pukes after every other bite.
The coordination of my case (between the different departments) at the VU hospital was literaly killing and I was so fatigued that it took me over a week to reboot and get back on track.
On tuesday 14 August I had a meeting with Dr. Gerritsen, the doctor who had done my 2nd opinion at the VU hospital. I told him that I wanted him to be in charge of my file from now on and then proceded to tell him about everything that went wrong in the hospital. I also told him about all the situations that were potetially hazardous that I was subjected to and after a meeting of more than an hour I was granted my wish. I was lucky to be in the VU hospital because the level of knowledge is grand. But being at the Trappenberg is a major relief as communication seems to be one of their strong points.
A day at the Trappenberg is geared at progression. I have different types of therapy ranging from ergo therapy, to psychotherapy, to hydro therapy, to physical therapy, to activities etc. etc.. The best part is that the therapy which I am receiving is just like the therapy I would have prescribed myself.
The only down side here is that the food is terrible and that meals are obligatory. Today, for instance I was in the middle of an inspiring art (therapy) session when I had to stop for lunch. Argh....
In the picture you can see two of my table mates. We are actually appointed a place where we have to sit during our meals. It puzzles me which criteria they apply whilst deciding on our seating. Somehow they seem to have placed me at the "Enfants Terrible" table, which is a blessing after all as we do have fun. At least I don't have someone across me that pukes after every other bite.
Tomorrow I will be getting my own room in a wing for the more independant rehab patients. I had complained to my psychologist that I did not rest enough because I felt like I was a burden on my room mates. (3 old ladies that sleep before me and wake up after me). I relax when I call my friends and I could not do this while they were trying to sleep in the daytime.
I will now be moving to a darker but more private room which suits me well. Hopefully nobody will be joining me for the time being, as it is officially a room for 4 people.
When I came here I told the rehabilitation doctor that I expected to be here three weeks. Everybody laughed when they heard this. I have worked hard though, and he believes that I am moving on to the next step. Going home.
I think I will be here for another 2 weeks or so....from then on I will remain in rehab but come here on a daily basis and be at home with Kiara at night.
That way at least her life will return to a normal situation.
The power of thought is truely amazing!
I will now be moving to a darker but more private room which suits me well. Hopefully nobody will be joining me for the time being, as it is officially a room for 4 people.
When I came here I told the rehabilitation doctor that I expected to be here three weeks. Everybody laughed when they heard this. I have worked hard though, and he believes that I am moving on to the next step. Going home.
I think I will be here for another 2 weeks or so....from then on I will remain in rehab but come here on a daily basis and be at home with Kiara at night.
That way at least her life will return to a normal situation.
The power of thought is truely amazing!
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