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Dave Pegler's page
Created by Lucy
Dave's updates
27 Jan 2022: our beloved Pegs/Dave suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke on the first day of our skiing holiday in Italy - Day 1 of his full retirement. We were just walking to
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22/11/2023
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
The cake for Pegs' early birthday celebration
22/11/2023
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
In the Through Floor Lift - en route to the bedroom
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22/11/2023
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
July 2023. First time at the kitchen table (since Jan 2022)
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22/11/2023
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
The look of a man who's just had his first shower in 7 months!
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22/11/2023
Update
This update is very long overdue but I must first apologise to you all: I’ve received so many mess...ages asking about Pegs over the past months and have failed on numerous occasions to reply. I am very sorry about this. I appreciate everyone’s kind words and it has been very remiss of me not to reply to you personally.
We are now just a few weeks away from celebrating One Year at Home and so much has happened – and mostly positive. Having been told that Pegs would never be able to sit on a stair lift – that he’d never regain sufficient core strength – I’m pleased to report that his determination and hard work during his physio sessions, resulted in him defying (yet again!) the doctors’ prognosis. Of course he can sit on a stair lift! So, it was installed in July and has been in daily use ever since. I may have previously mentioned that our house is a little unusual and on split levels. Consequently, when Pegs first came home, he could only access the dining room (which became our bedroom) and a living room. But getting down to the kitchen and shower room requires negotiating 8 steps. Consequently, until the stair lift was installed, Pegs had to endure bed baths. Oh – the joy when he could have a shower!
I must, at this stage, mention everyone in the Park Lane Big Band, Cliff & Erica of Swingout Swindon, along with the band’s regular followers, plus the Bath Community Big Band. Between them they have raised a phenomenal sum of money, so much so, that the stair lift was funded in its entirety by big band events.
The ability to get down those 8 steps also gave Pegs access to the kitchen and garden! The stair lift has literally been a life changer.
Another improvement at home was the installation of a “through floor lift”. This goes from the lower level up to our bedrooms. “I’m home at last,” he said, when he was wheeled into our bedroom last month! It was a very long time coming for him, but he is so happy to now have access to all rooms.
Pegs’ life will never be the same – he’ll never be “old Pegs”. The stroke has left him with significant brain damage. He has sufficient capacity to realise that he isn’t functioning at 100%, but lacks the insight into the long term prognosis. He often mentions how he “can’t wait to get better” and looks forward to “walking and skiing again”. He has twice weekly physiotherapy sessions, and his current long-term goal is to walk. However, this is unlikely to be walking as you and I know it; the physiotherapist hopes that he’ll be able to stand up (with the help of a standing aid) and to shuffle 1 or 2 paces over to a chair. If his progress doesn’t plateau in the meantime, this is unlikely to be for another 18 – 24 months. The prognosis for his left arm and hand is very sad: no recovery is envisaged. Pegs often talks about being able to play the clarinet and saxophone again. I’ve not told him that regaining use of his left arm isn’t on the cards.
As far as music making is concerned, Pegs has only played the piano on a handful of occasions during the past year. He’s frustrated by the poor quality of his music making and the inability to use his left hand. Consequently, he chooses not to play. What he fails to realise is how far he’s come in his recovery, to even play a tune with one hand. He’s a long, long way from the prognoses in February 2022 of being brain dead, or being in a vegetative state!
Pegs still suffers from fatigue which is so debilitating. However, I try to get him out of the house a couple of times a week, even if it’s a trip to the coast to watch the waves. Another activity is to go to a local park for him to drive his powerchair: he’s getting very good at it! But with the winter on the doorstep, and Pegs being constantly cold, I guess we’ll be spending a lot of time by the log fire in the coming months!
He still says very little, with “conversation” consisting of very short sentences. Life is now very quiet and lonely and I miss our long chats and putting the world to rights. But, on a positive note, his long term memory is incredible and he can contribute to the crosswords we do together, and he still has a wicked sense of humour.
Pegs is very dependent on me for literally everything, as a combination of his cognitive impairment, physical limitations and poor vision means that he can do very little for himself. Just under 2 years ago I was his wife & best friend but I am now also his carer, nurse, physiotherapist, chauffeur, personal shopper, secretary, entertainer, chief cook and bottle washer! (this isn’t a definitive list, but should give you an idea of my days!)
We’re lucky to have some excellent carers who come in 4 times a day. It’s heavy work. But the flip side of this help, is that I we’re bound to be at home at specific times. Once a week a carer has a “social call” with Pegs, enabling me to go out for a couple of hours. However, the remainder of the week sees me unable to leave him, as his anxiety levels are so high.
The Park Lane Big Band remains an important part in Pegs’ life and we travel up to Bath for their monthly gig. It’s the highlight of the month and he really comes alive. More and more people come over to talk to him, and it really means so much to him.
Finally, I’d like to set up an email group to keep everyone in the loop, rather on this website. Can I therefore please ask that you send your details through to me, should you wish to be included. My email address is LucyPegler104@gmail.com and my phone number is 07984 383 416.
PS Pegs turns 66 on Friday. He still loves receiving post so if you’d like to send a card, our address is:
The Old Bakery
6 St Christopher’s Court
Coity
Bridgend
CF35 6DB
PPS He loves visitors and everyone is welcome. So please don’t be strangers – he’d love to see you!
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Paul Salter
31/01/2023
Dave (and Lucy). Still thinking abo …
Marilyn Walmsley
01/01/2023
Dear Dave and Lucy, I’m sending lov …
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chris Guest
24/11/2022
Best wishes for your birthday Dave. …
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01/01/2023
Update
HAPPY NEW YEAR 11 months, 4 days…
New Year’s Eve. 10pm
Pegs is asleep (the evening care...rs usually come at 8pm) and I’m about to welcome in 2023 by the fire, with a glass of bubbles and knowing (from the gentle snoring in the background) that Pegs is safe and Home At Last!
On 1 Jan 2022, with Covid hopefully behind us, I wrote to a friend: “2022 can only be better”. Little did we know that only 26 days later our lives would be changed for ever.
Neither Pegs nor I can pretend that this year has been nothing short of horrendous. But we’ve made it through and 17 days ago The Old Bakery opened its doors to welcome Pegs home. Home in time for Christmas – as I‘d promised him he would be.
I can only sum up the first days in Coity as chaotic, overwhelming and stressful. The chaos has slowly disappeared, to be replaced with exhaustion. None of the above is a surprise and I’m sure that as we get into the swing of things and a new routine evolves, I’ll look back on these early days and laugh.
All the staff at The Dean in Gloucester prepared me for our new life and provided invaluable support in helping get the appropriate support for us. I can’t thank them enough and it’s fair to say that I miss them!
The ultimate support package is for 2 carers to visit 4 times a day. We do have visits 4 times a day, but due to the shortage of carers in the community I regularly step in to help out. But “never say never” – I’m confident that with time we will have the full level of support that’s required, and I can take a step back.
We had a wonderful Christmas, with my daughter Madi and her friend Maxime not only visiting but doing all the cooking and pampering us, whilst the powers of social media enabled us to catch up with family and friends far and wide. Pegs was delighted to make it home in time for the festivities and there were many smiles and even some laughter.
This coming week will see the start of physio sessions at home and Pegs is still adamant that he’ll walk. The weakness on his left side continues to be a massive hindrance and he’s permanently chair- or bed-bound. Only time and willpower will determine how successful he will eventually be in standing and/or walking.
Pegs continues to surprise us with his wit and phenomenal memory. His short-term memory improves daily. His long-term memory has never been in question. When Pegs’ brother Huw came with me to the hospital in Italy on Day 7, the neurosurgeon broke the news to us that they believed Pegs was brain dead (something I’ve not previously shared on this blog). Those were very dark days. But Pegs continues to astound and amaze. He will never be the Pegs/Dave that we knew, due to the extent of the brain damage, and he struggles with his physical disability. I struggle with the quiet house: he doesn’t instigate conversation, sleeps so much and is invariably tucked up in bed by 9pm.
Life is different from this time last year. What a cruel blow the stroke has served us; we’ve both been robbed of our retirement golden years. That said, we must look to the positives and make the most of what 2023, and all the years thereafter, brings us.
Pegs has told me how touched he was with all the cards with messages of support, together with his intention to reply to everyone individually.
This will involve him dictating messages to me to type out but it’s something for him to focus on and may yet happen! I know that it’s on his To Do List.
Pegs also joins me in wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2023.
If you’re ever passing, do pop in for a cuppa! We’ll be delighted to see you.
All love
L x
Never Say Never
❤️ Hoping but not expecting ❤️
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15/11/2022
Update
15 November …nearly 10 months….
Apologies to everyone for my delay in providing an update on... Dave. But first and foremost, I would like to thank all who contributed to the crowdfunding campaign, which ran for the month of September. We are both humbled and overwhelmed with the love and generosity shown: you pledged enough to fund a month of his rehabilitation. It has made a huge difference. “Thank you” feels so inadequate…
At the time of my last up-date we were settling into life at The Dean and today marks 12 weeks at this incredible centre. I stand by what I previously said: bringing Dave here was the best thing I’ve done for him. Therapies continue and yet again he is proving everyone wrong. He works hard in his physio sessions and is striving towards standing. He is still a very long way away from this and is unlikely to achieve a full standing position in the limited time we now have left in Gloucester, but he’s made superb progress in this area. In order to keep up the momentum, finding a good physio local to home, who is experienced with stroke victims and leg contractures, is now a priority. He is still unable to straighten his left leg, which is possibly down to a lack of physio during his time in the hospital in Bridgend. This could ultimately be the one thing that will prevent him from reaching his goal. That said, his determination knows no bounds and he continually tells me that he wants to walk. However, he has to stand first. Managing his expectations is no easy task.
In addition to physio, he has sessions with both the speech and occupational therapists. They all work as a team and undoubtedly have Dave’s best interests at heart. His discharge package is complex due to his needs, but we are both being supported by everyone at The Dean in this move back home.
I have ear-marked Wednesday 14 December as the day this happens. However, it is only today that we met with the social workers, who will now draw up Dave’s care plan, after which carers can (hopefully) be found. With the national shortage of carers, this could be a problem. But he can’t stay in Gloucester, so a solution must be found.
One significant event that I’ve not mentioned is his cranioplasty: this was an operation to replace the part of the skull that was removed in Italy (which was necessary for the neurosurgeon to get to the bleed). The cranioplasty went ahead at the beginning of October (in Cardiff) and is a great success. He now looks like my Pegs again!
There are still many challenges ahead: whilst we can applaud his efforts in physio aided by his determination, he is physically weak and wheelchair bound. The wheelchair is our new reality. He still suffers from fatigue, which isn’t helped by his medication, much of which has sedative effects. And he has, of course, been dealt the ‘double whammy’ of not just a serious physical disability but also with his cognitive impairment: he still struggles to concentrate, has no concept of time, has delayed thought processing, is nearly 100% dependent on me when it comes to technology ( he can still manage to phone me, as mine is the only phone number programmed into his phone and he has (limited) success with the TV remote control), plus his eye condition prevents him from reading.
I miss not being able to text him, as I know he wouldn’t be able to access it on the phone, yet alone read it. However, the saddest thing that he has said is regarding his music making: “what was once so natural and intuitive, is now no longer in my grasp”. He understands only too well what the stroke has taken away.
I now have 2 more requests for you all, please: Nov 24th is Dave’s 65th birthday – a birthday that, back in January, no one thought he’d make. I cannot tell you how much joy all of your cards have given him over the past months: he asks every day whether the post man has been. If you have a moment, could you please send him a birthday card. The address is:
The Dean Neurological Centre, Tewkesbury Road, Gloucester GL2 9EE
And secondly, I know he’ll be thrilled to receive Christmas cards. Our home address is:
The Old Bakery, 6 St Christopher’s Court, Coity, Bridgend CF35 6DB
Heartfelt thanks for all of your support – you are all part of his recovery too.
All love
L x
Never Say Never
❤️ Hoping but not expecting ❤️
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16/11/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Thank you Lucy for this update , it’s good to know that David is making progress and of course long and successfully May that continue. Please send our best wishes to him from Marilyn xx
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01/09/2022
Update
1 Sept 2022 Thursday Day 218 +7 months
I have moved David from the hospital in ...Bridgend and he is now in a neuro rehabilitation centre in Gloucester.
He moved last Tuesday, 23 August. Within 3 hours of arriving, he had been fitted with a wheelchair (currently on loan from the centre until his is ordered) and was out in the garden: the first time he’d been outside for 7 months. The Occupational Therapist who’d initially assessed him in Bridgend told him on arrival: “We are all about quality of life – something that’s been missing from your life for the past 7 months – so the first thing we’ll do is get you out of that bed and into the garden!” And that’s when my first “driving lessons” started. Let’s say that they are still work in progress…it isn’t easy!
He has a ground floor room, with an en-suite shower room but most importantly a large window. He can see outside – again, this is the first time in 7 months.
We have decorated his room with photos and all the cards that continue to arrive are on his wardrobe doors: all of which he can see from his bed. He’s loving the cards – and has been quite overwhelmed by some of the messages (and presents!). So here’s a HUGE THANK YOU and please do keep them coming!
He has a shower at least every other day, whereas he only had 1 shower during the 6 months he was in hospital. The food is great, with a choice of 2 starters, 3 main courses + pud. And that’s for both lunch and dinner!
But the most important change, is the attitude of the carers and therapists: they are dedicated to their work, know what they are doing and treat Pegs with such love and respect.
Moving him to The Dean has been the best thing I have done for him.
Alas, NHS Wales still refuse to cover the costs, albeit cheaper at The Dean than keeping him in hospital. But we won’t be defeated by the system and are covering the costs ourselves. That said, a good friend of Pegs, Trevor Dawson, has set up some crowdfunding and at the time of writing we’ve nearly managed to cover the costs for the first 10 days that he’s been there. My aim is to get Pegs home for Christmas. If, in December, the therapists believe there would be merit in him returning in the New Year, we will consider this. But I’m taking this one step at a time. The Dean isn’t a miracle cure but I’m hoping they’ll help make some changes to improve his quality of life.
Huge thanks to everyone “out there” who’s rooting for him, who have sent him cards and who have given so generously to the Crowdfunding.
If you’ve not yet seen the link, it’s:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dave-pegler
Please forward the link to your friends too – and let’s see how the power of social media can help.
With heartfelt thanks
L
Never Say Never
❤️ Hoping but not expecting ❤️
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16/09/2022
Nicola Parker That is great news Lucy. I'm sure he will continue to make good progress now. Thinking of you both. xx
16/08/2022
Update
16 August 2022 Tuesday Day 202
Here’s the latest update on Pegs’ progress – and he IS m...aking progress, albeit very slowly.
- Pegs continues to enjoy his food, particularly anything sweet!
- His speech continues to improve
- His sense of humour has reappeared and we’ve had a couple of jolly good laughs. As odd as this may sound, I wasn’t sure whether this emotion would return, but it has. And what a delight it is to see him grinning 😊
- He can write. One day I arrived at his bedside to see our address written on a piece of paper – and it was undoubtedly in his distinctive handwriting
- He can shave himself (electric shaver)
- He can use a phone (although it’s programmed to only ring me – he can’t cope with anything more).
- His personality hasn’t changed: he’s still caring and a gentleman
- His cranioplasty is still scheduled for the end of September
On the other hand, therapy is still very inconsistent. He can spend up to 4 days at a time without getting out of bed. He continues to be hoisted from bed to chair and back again. I’ve been told that he will never walk or regain the use of his left hand. Over the past months I have been talking to him about wheelchairs and a “Pegs Mobile” (our wheelchair accessible vehicle), all of which he seems to be taking on board but it is, nevertheless, a huge adjustment for him to make.
One recent diagnosis is his eyesight. It was evident that he’s been struggling with this, but we now know what the problem is. It’s a condition called heminopia and in Pegs’ case he has lost the left half of his eyesight in both eyes. In effect, he has a tunnel vision on the right side. His eyesight will not return. He cannot read and relies on me to operate the iPad (to watch You Tube clips). He can’t read back what he’s written.
That said, he continues to talk about going for walks, going skiing again, driving. His memory recall is astounding. But he has no concept of time, struggles to concentrate on anything longer than 5 minutes (hence why we watch You Tube clips) and still thinks that he can get up and walk. I think it is this determination (albeit misplaced) that ultimately works in his favour.
The hospital has mentioned discharging him, but the process of sorting out his care package will take 3 months from now. I can’t leave him in the hospital any longer. His mental health is suffering. He cries every day. It is so sad and very cruel. I’m therefore moving him to neuro rehabilitation in Gloucester next Tuesday, 23 August. Alas, NHS Wales has refused to pay, so he will be treated as a private patient.
He should be home in time for Christmas.
I think he would really appreciate hearing from all of his friends and to that end, would you all please send him a card with some encouragement.
David Pegler
The Dean Neurological Centre
Tewkesbury Road
Gloucester
GL2 9EE
He will have his own en-suite room, which we can decorate with the cards.
The next time I write it’ll be an update on life at The Dean. I’m not expecting miracles but am hopeful that they'll be able to do more for him, where the hospital has failed.
All love
L x
Never Say Never
❤️ Hoping but not expecting ❤️
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25/06/2022
Update
25 June 2022 Saturday Day 150
It’s nearly 2 months since my last update; 2 months of mo...re ups and downs.
There are many positives: having been told that it was unlikely that Pegs would eat, he is now on a regular diet! The food the hospital served up when he was at “pureed food” level was disgusting. It looked horrible and the smell was no better. I wouldn’t even try it. And I wasn’t going to feed Pegs something that I wouldn’t eat myself! I therefore prepared his meals and went to the hospital twice a day to ensure he had some good, honest home-made food. Within 4 weeks he had graduated to regular food, so is now selecting from the hospital’s menu. From the first day I put a spoon in his hand he has fed himself with 99.9% accuracy. Hurrah! What a milestone.
The PEG tube is still in situ and is used only for additional fluids, to ensure he has his 2.2 litres a day but there is now every expectation that it will be removed.
His speech continues to impress, both in content and quality of sound. Within the last week I have had staff approach me, to say how delighted they are that he is now talking to them. One nurse said it was the first time she had heard his voice since he came onto the ward on 1 March! His speech can still be extremely quiet but that is balanced by the occasions he speaks louder.
However, there is still much confusion. I can’t overlook that he had a very significant brain injury. I have spent the week convincing him that he isn’t Gustav Holst’s grandson, I am not married to Andy (who is Andy !?!) and that my daughter isn’t asleep in the ward next door. Last week he told me that he’d “just driven down from Bath!” These are just a few of his stories. He still suffers from cognitive impairment, struggles to concentrate and at times sees people who aren’t there. He has tried getting out of bed, as he still fails to understand that he cannot walk, no matter how many times I have told him.
I still struggle with the standard of care at the hospital, along with the lack of therapy. There aren’t enough staff to go around and some of their most basic practices of hygiene are questionable.
I believe he will benefit from intensive therapy and requested a referral to a Neuro Rehabilitation Centre, which the hospital duly complied with. He has been assessed and deemed suitable for the services they provide. However, it is neither an NHS centre nor in Wales. I’ve been unable to find a neuro rehab centre in Wales and the hospital has informed me that they don’t exist. Sadly, the placement comes at a cost and the NHS have refused to fund it even partially, even though it would free up their resources. I am looking at alternative ways to raise money but in the meantime the clock is ticking and the sooner has more appropriate help, the higher the chance of recovery.
He has been assessed by the neurosurgeon in Cardiff and is now on the waiting list for a cranioplasty – an operation to repair his skull, part of which was removed during the operations in Italy. This could happen in August but it's more likely that it will be in September.
Our beloved Dave still has huge hurdles ahead of him: he has yet to learn how to use a phone, his laptop, his iPod. YET! How I would love to have a text or a phone call from him. It would be wonderful if he could work the bed controls and chose what position he lies in. However, this week he successfully used the “help buzzer”: the first time a nurse ran to him he ordered toast and jam and the second time he wanted his headphones on!
He remains 100% dependent for everything.
This evening I asked him what his next goal is. He replied: “just to walk a few yards without collapsing in a heap”, adding “I don’t want to be stuck like this for the rest of my life”. We have not yet seen the extent of his abilities and I am ever hopeful that he will come a long way IF I can get him the appropriate therapy. He is all too aware of his disabilities, but his determination knows no bounds. I continue to fight for him and will not let him give up.
Never Say Never.
Hoping but not expecting ❤️
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29/06/2022
erica fowers Keep strong and let me know if you need any help with a fundraiser. I could certainly help with organise a dance!!! xxx
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25/06/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Oops! We are thinking of him and you and hoping for his continuing progress. and all that he needs to aid that. All very best wishes as always from the Devon cousins xx
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25/06/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Lucy, it’s so good of you to give us all a comprehensive account of Daves current situation.
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28/04/2022
Update
28 April 2022 Thursday Day 92
Today is 3 months since Pegs’ stroke.
Progress continues ...but is very slow.
His mood is extremely low but that is unsurprising, as not only is he very aware of his situation but the care at the hospital is below par. The physios struggle to connect with him due to his lack of cognition and fatigue, as do the OTs and speech therapists.
He continues to speak on the odd occasion, but his speech continues to be very quiet and hard to hear. None of this being helped by the fact that the ward can be very noisy. There’s a TV on all day. But there is no remote control, can only play 1 channel and at 1 volume (loud!). Whilst there is a lot of thought behind his words, there can also be a degree of confusion: the other day he asked, “are we still 4 – 2 up?”. My response was “I don’t think Bath City FC have ever been 4 – 2 up, at least not this season”. Maybe it was just wishful thinking 😊 That said, I’ve been told that his language, grammar and articulation is very advanced.
Also on a positive note, I still have my “hand kiss” every day and usually can manage a cwtch too. 💕 I lean over his chest and he puts his right arm around me and pats my back. Very precious moments.
The nurses now manage to get him into his tilting armchair most days and my initial goal is to get him sitting in a wheelchair. And when he’s in his chair, we can play with his new toy, which is a small 49 key folding keyboard: it’s light enough for me to take in every day. I first put this in front of him at the beginning of this month: he looked at it for 30 seconds and then he was off, playing a (recognisable) tune. We don’t play it every day but it’s also proving a good distraction during physio sessions. It proves that “Pegs is still in there!”.
At the beginning of April his NG feeding tube (being fed through the nose) was replaced with a PEG (where the tube goes straight through the stomach wall). He appears to be tolerating this much better.
In the last 2 weeks he’s been introduced to clear liquids, such as water or squash and this week has been introduced to custards and yoghurts.
He is a bay of 6 beds: there have been 2 cases of Covid in the bay this week. The hospital staff are no longer required to do a daily lateral flow test. The first patient who went down with Covid on Monday could only have caught it from the staff, as she has no visitors. And yesterday a second patient went down with it. The likelihood that Pegs has been treated by the same member of (infected) staff is extremely high. As you can imagine, I am far from happy. Pegs is a vulnerable patient and shouldn’t be exposed to these risks.
He has been on Ward 5 for 58 days. 58 days of unsatisfactory care. Pegs recently said “please release me – please sign me out of here”. He hates being in the hospital, and is aware of the lack of respect from the staff, not to mention that he doesn't have an ounce of dignity left. I will get him home as soon as I can. However, I have been told that he’s likely to stay in hospital for “some considerable time”.
He has huge hurdles to overcome with both his physical and mental disabilities, but I won’t give up – and I won’t let him give up either.
Thanks to everyone for your continued support
All love
L xxx
❤️ Hoping but not expecting ❤️
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13/05/2022
Anna Bernard I check regularly and remember you all in my prayers every day. I keep school updated as well. I know that there’s little anyone can do to help but I hope the moral support is at least encouraging. Love to Dave Anna x
Paul Salter
21/04/2022
Hello Dave (and Lucy). Still here t …
2
Trevor Dawson
07/04/2022
I am not alone with our members who …
2
Michael Cockerham
01/04/2022
Hello again Lucy, I keep checking …
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24/03/2022
Update
24 March 2022 Thursday Day 57
Today marks 8 weeks since Pegs' stroke, so time for an upda...te on his progress.
Just over 2 weeks ago I reported that Pegs would be sat up in his chair every day and I could "supervise", to ensure he didn't tip himself out and cause further injury. Alas, whilst the consultant was happy with that solution, the physios have refused to do anything until a helmet arrived. Today, after 3 weeks on the ward, a helmet (that fits) has arrived, so physio can finally begin. At last he will be sat up in a chair, after 8 weeks in bed.
He remains extremely sleepy, which has also prevented the Speech Therapies happening consistently.
The prognosis regarding his physical disabilities hasn't changed since Day 1, when the Italian neurosurgeon said, "there will be some weakness on the left-hand side". It is unlikely that he will gain use of his left arm and leg.
5 weeks ago today we flew home to Merthyr Tydfil where I was told that communication "might be possible by blinking or pointing at pictures or words. Speech was unlikely". However, Pegs has ignored these predictions and has started speaking.
His first words were to the speech therapists who were asking him to open his mouth to clean his teeth. "I will do it" he said, taking the toothbrush and doing his teeth himself. Such a small thing, that we all take for granted, but a giant step forward for Pegs.
But not all days are as good as this, mainly due to his sleepiness, which might be a result of the brain damage. We don't know what the future holds on this front.
His voice is very weak due to the tracheostomy, but I am hopeful that this will improve over time and with appropriate therapy. But when I can hear him (his voice can be quieter than a church mouse) he mainly speaks coherently and in context.
I'm finding it difficult to get consistent and accurate information from the staff - it is exhausting, frustrating and stressful - but I am lucky to have other family members who pick up the gauntlet for me. They play "bad cop", thus protecting me as I am visiting daily.
Whilst there is positive news here, please be realistic: the stroke has left Pegs physically disabled and there is a degree of mental impairment too.
I still live day by day...
❤️ Hoping But Not Expecting ❤️
Al love
L x
PS I still get my daily "hand kiss" Read moreless
26/03/2022
Nicola Parker That is great news Lucy. Thank you for the updates. There are a lot of people praying for you and him so stay strong. Sending love to you both, Nicky Parker
1
24/03/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Thanks for that Lucy, I’m sure you must be very tired too! It’s so good to hear of any improvements and I’m sure he has the will to do more and more. Your unending support and devotion will guide him through. We all hope for as best as ever possible. Lots love Marilyn xx
1
14/03/2022
Update
14 March 2022 Monday Day 47
There are encouraging signs of progress.
A few days ago Pe...gs spontaneously took my hand and raised it to his mouth, and kissed it. He continues to do this at every visit.
I am now sure that he recognises me: both Huw and Jonathan have visited and he didn't try to kiss them!!!
As ever, there are good days and not such good days but medically he is stable. I am, however, grateful to wake each morning without having been woken by a phone call in the middle of the night.
I still live day to day and 3 o'clock visiting can never come soon enough.
❤ Hoping But Not Expecting ❤
All love
L xRead moreless
14/03/2022
Marilyn Walmsley I love that he kisses your hand. Also you have a certain degree of peace at night xx
1
08/03/2022
Update
8 March 2022 Tuesday Day 41
THE KINDNESS OF STRANGERS
Last week I advertised an office ...chair on Gumtree. Asking price £0.
It was collected by a local gentleman – a complete stranger - who wanted it for his daughter – as hers had been stolen (she’s at university)
He asked whether he could give me any money for it and I suggested he make a donation to a charity of his choice instead.
We got talking and we spoke about David’s current plight – so maybe a donation to Mind or Headway would be suitable?
He left and I thought nothing more of it.
Yesterday morning the doorbell rings. And there on the doorstep is the same gentleman with a bunch of flowers for me!
The kindness of strangers
UPDATE ON PEGS:
There is very little to report at the moment. He is still very sleepy – usually when I visit!
The consultant would like him to spend more time in a chair, but due to the craniectomy he would need 1-2-1 supervision – as any fall from the chair and a bump on the vulnerable side of his head, would be catastrophic.
It has been agreed that the nurses will now get Pegs into his chair around 3pm and I will sit with him – so my 30 minutes visiting time has had to be extended. A minor victory for me but more importantly I hope that Pegs will benefit from sitting…
I met with the consultant yesterday who advised that we are still living Day By Day - he is still not completely out of danger.
Huge thanks again for all your heart warming messages of support
L x
Read moreless
08/03/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Thanks Lucy, hoping to hear of more progress as the days go by. You’re doing so well in these such difficult circumstances, hope todays visit has given you some positivity xxx
1
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02/03/2022
Update
2 March 2022 Tuesday Day 35
Pegs was moved to the Stroke/Neuro Ward yesterday afternoon.
...
Visiting is currently limited to 1 family member - and only 30 minutes a day :(
I wasn't able to visit last night and Madi, who leaves for NL this afternoon, was unable to say goodbye.
I can, however, visit later and hope that he's settled into yet another new environment, with yet more strangers behind masks...
All love
L xRead moreless
02/03/2022
laura berman Dear Lucy, I hope Dave has settled into his new environment as smoothly as can be expected and that you got your visit today. Thinking of you and sending you strength. Laura B x
1
01/03/2022
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
Jan 2020 - in Santa Cat (again!) - Madi, Pegs & Lucy
28/02/2022
Update
28 February 2022 Monday Day 33
The last few days have been more days of adjustment for ...me: Pegs is back in Bridgend and is now breathing totally by himself and the tracheostomy has been removed and is healing well. In addition to that, there are no more "lines" into veins etc and any medication is administered via his feeding tube. And this all means that he will shortly be moving to the Stroke/Neuro Ward where he will benefit from specialised physiotherapy.
I spoke with a consultant this morning who explained the outcome of the most recent CT scan that was done in Merthyr 10 days ago. It appears that the brain damage - which is significant - is irreversible and Pegs' future depends on what he can relearn. There is so much uncertainty around this and only time will tell. He is no longer in a coma - and has periods of wakefulness in between much sleeping - but the brain damage means that he is not the same as he was before the stroke. His movement is currently limited to his right hand, with a little movement of his right leg and there is no communication with him. That said, I spend hours talking to him, as he may be able to hear but he shows no signs of recognising me. He is a very different man to the one who flew to Italy with me at the end of January.
Do keep those messages coming in, as they are a great comfort to me. Thank you
Love
L xxxRead moreless
28/02/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Oh Lucy, this is difficult news to hear. I feel for you. Time will help and with the right physical help he will gradually improve. We don’t know each other but if there’s anything at all I can do to help you on this journey I will. Dig deep, you’re probably stronger than you know. Sending love, Marilyn xxx
1
23/02/2022
Update
23 February 2022 Wednesday Day 28
Pegs was transferred down to Bridgend this afternoon, ...which is a huge relief for me personally as my commute time is now only 5 minutes!
There is little to report: he is still in a coma and his eyes open now and again but I don't think he sees me.
He has gone onto an ICU ward but I think he will be moved on quite quickly to a high dependency ward, as he's not been on the ventilator since Saturday morning.
I'll update as and when there is news
Love
L xRead moreless
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20/02/2022
Update
20 Feb 2022 Sunday Day 25
I managed to wangle a visit to see Pegs this afternoon, togeth...er with Huw & Sharon and JP and Gemma.
He was very sleepy but has been off the ventilator since 9am yesterday morning, so is holding his own in that respect.
He is currently in his own little private room but is likely to be moved to one of the 2 ICU bays - each with 4 beds in. It all depends on results of some tests that are due in tomorrow (the hosp is checking he's not brought anything nasty into the country from abroad). Visiting will then be much more restricted as there are only 5 x 1 hour visiting slots available, to share between 8 beds. I will visit as often as possible.
I will continue to update the blog as and when there is any news / anything significant to share.
Thanks for checking in and for caring
All love
L xRead moreless
22/02/2022
laura berman Lucy, I have only just discovered this news. I am so very very sorry to hear what you have been going through. You are amazing to have set up this page and keep everyone updated. i am sending you and all your family strength and the very strongest wishes for recovery and the future. Stay positive and strong. Laura Berman x
1
20/02/2022
Update
19 Feb 2022 Saturday Day 24
The last 3 days have been a rollercoa...ster of emotions, with a long day of travel on Thursday and even longer hours spent in the hospital.
I had been warned that bringing Pegs home from northern Italy was not without its risks, and the trip proved this to be correct. The flight was particularly challenging and shortly after take off Pegs' condition was critical but the repatriation medical team worked hard to keep him going and after 12 long hours we arrived safely at Merthyr Tydfil hospital.
That Thursday evening a doctor prepared me for the worst, and suggested that family and friends should visit sooner rather than later. However, by the time I arrived at the hospital yesterday (Friday) - and much delayed by Storm Eunice - Pegs had rallied and showed much resilience.
Today I met with a consultant and have, for the first time in over 3 weeks, some clarity on the situation. Whilst it was a relief to have everything explained to me in English, is was no easier to hear. Pegs is no longer in such a deep coma. but the long term prognosis is very bleak. Pegs' left side is severely compromised and apart from some limited movement of his right hand I've not seen any other movement. Any hope of a full recovery is completely out of the question and it will be months - if not longer - before we know the true extent of the brain damage caused by the cerebral bleed. Whilst I have known this for some time, I needed an NHS consultant to confirm this before sharing with you all.
I'm sorry I don't have more positive news for you.
Your messages continue to be a great comfort and I read them to Pegs - so please keep them coming (either privately or on this blog).
Thank you
All love
L xRead moreless
20/02/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Love and deep sympathy for this awful situation. Wishing the very best soon and for strength and hope to you both xxx
1
20/02/2022
Sam Pinker Lucy you have been incredible keeping everyone up to date. I truly wish the news was more positive for you, Huw, JP, Tatty and Madi. Xx
1
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17/02/2022
Update
17 Feb 2022 Thursday Day 22
All being well, travel plans will proceed without incident an...d we'll be home in Wales before nightfall.
It's going to be a long day for Pegs...
L xRead moreless
16/02/2022
Update
16 Feb 2022 Wednesday Day 21
TRIP POSTPONED
Having arrived at the hospital bright and... breezy this morning, for Pegs' repatriation, the flight has been cancelled due to the storms hitting the UK today.
We will try again tomorrow.
Lucy xRead moreless
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15/02/2022
Update
WE'RE COMING HOME!
15 Feb 2022 Tuesday Day 20
Apologies for the silence yesterday.
Ma...di left for the Netherlands and I visited David again in the evening (following easing of Covid restrictions here in Italy)
He is no longer on a ventilator and breathing by himself.
But he is still in a deep coma . We're now on Day 20.
The more positive news is that repatriation has been finalised: Pegs and I are coming home tomorrow. I can travel with him. A bed has been found at University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. Alas, the hospital in Bridgend (and closer to home) doesn't have the appropriate neurological specialism.
Thank you for checking in and all your messages of support. The outpouring of love - both here and in private messages - is overwhelming
L x
Read moreless
15/02/2022
Agnes Nairn What fantastic news! Hope the journey goes well and that we can see you soon. Loads and loads of love
2
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Elizabeth Fortin
14/02/2022
Dear Lucy, I am so very sorry to h …
1
Trevor Dawson
14/02/2022
Lucy and Dave. Our thoughts and pra …
1
James Faux
14/02/2022
Hi Dave Was noodling around on the …
1
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13/02/2022
Update
13 Feb 2022 Sunday Day 18
I visited Pegs again today and Madi came too.
Still no n...ews from the insurance regarding repatriation - I'm still rooting for this coming week....
We just have to wait...wait...wait...wait... The days are long and the nights are longer.
Jonathan left this morning. Madi leaves tomorrow. And I hope we'll be following very soon.
xRead moreless
14/02/2022
Michael Cockerham Praying that you may be strong in the meantime and for word soon about Bridgend.
1
12/02/2022
Update
12 Feb 2022 Saturday Day 17
Jonathan and I visited Pegs this morning but I have little po...sitive news to add. He remains in a coma and whilst there have been some tiny signs of progress in the past 2 weeks, he continues to remain seriously ill.
No news yet of an ICU bed close to home - I'm still hoping that there'll be space in Bridgend.
Thank you for checking in
L xRead moreless
4
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11/02/2022
Update
11 Feb 2022 Friday Day 16
Pegs is stable enough to fly home.
The insurance company are... hoping to find an ICU bed in Bridgend. Fingers crossed.
Apart from that, not much to report, alas. There's no significant change in his condition.
L xRead moreless
12/02/2022
Marilyn Walmsley It’s good news that you can both come home, it will be a great comfort all round specially for you. Hopefully he will soon makes improvements xx
10/02/2022
Update
10 Feb 2022 Thursday Day 15
I really do wish I had something new to share with you all,... but this is a long waiting game. In brief: he's in in a coma - stable - life support via tracheostomy - critical.
L x
Read moreless
Katharine Pearson
10/02/2022
It's 12.30am here in Aus, and I man …
6
James Morgan
10/02/2022
Dear Dave, Some of my happiest …
4
Ben Hastings-Sidi
10/02/2022
Hi Lucy, Just a message to say I' …
3
10/02/2022
Sam Pinker My beautiful girl, Dad really does love you very much you don't ever have to worry about that. I love this photo tooXxxx
10/02/2022
Lucy Pegler A beautiful photo - special memories to treasure. You have no idea how much he loves you xxx
10/02/2022
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
Madi's photo: That Smile!!! Santa Caterina 2020
09/02/2022
Update
9 Feb 2022 Wednesday Day 14
It is only two weeks ago tonight we arrive in Santa C...aterina - but it feels like a lifetime. The waiting is hard...
I don't have any more information to add - Pegs' condition remains the same: critical, stable, in a coma, on life support.
I wish I could write something much more positive.
Thanks to everyone for your messages
L x
Read moreless
1
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08/02/2022
Update
8 Feb 2022 Tuesday Day 13
The rollercoaster continues...
The doctors are ha...ppy with how the tracheostomy went today, and despite previous indications it isn’t permanent and can be removed as and when.
Pegs remains in a coma.
Whilst last week’s prognosis from the neurosurgeons was very bleak, the ICU doctors haven't given up. The tracheostomy today meant that the doctors couldn't perform any neurological tests but their intention is to increase this testing in the next couple of days. He is currently showing remarkable strength and today, for the first time, there was the smallest sign of his determination when his eyes fluttered.
We need to stay grounded. These might be the first of some tiny steps out of his coma? But at the same time, may not be.
I am hoping that he will back in the UK before the end of next week – but everything now depends on how he responds to the tracheostomy and being in a stable condition.
The next "excitement" will be Jonathan's flying visit on the weekend.
As ever, please keep sending positive vibes in Pegs'/Dave's direction
Thank you
L xRead moreless
MIkel Pascual
08/02/2022
Dave telling what's for sure a hila …
2
Gareth Williams
08/02/2022
We are thinking and praying for the …
1
samantha Marchesi-James
08/02/2022
Sending you love & praying 🙏 xx
1
07/02/2022
Update
6 Feb 2022 Sunday Day 11
With apologies for repeating myself, but there is no ...change in Pegs' condition: still in a coma, still on a ventilator (life support)
The doctors didn't carry out the tracheostomy today but it is their intention to do it within the next day or two, when the right doctors are in the right place, at the right time.
Keep sending in those good vibes!
Thank you
L x
PS and on a positive note, not only do I have all your messages of support, either here or privately, but my daughter Madi has come back down to help hold me together :) xxxRead moreless
08/02/2022
Marilyn Walmsley It’s good to know that Madi is there with you Lucy. You are holding up brilliantly in these awful times. Love from Marilyn xxx
1
06/02/2022
Update
6 Feb 2022 Sunday Day 11
Another slow news day - no change from yesterday: ...still in a coma - still on a ventilator.
The only thing to note is that either tomorrow or Tuesday, he will have a tracheostomy fitted. Whether that's permanent or temporary is yet to be seen...
So please keep watching this space and sending in those good vibes
xRead moreless
06/02/2022
Stevie Howarth Sending good vibes and cwtches from Merthyr - you are both in our thoughts xx
1
05/02/2022
Update
5 Feb 2022 Saturday Day 10
Another slow day for news, alas.
The hospital co...uld only tell me that he is still in a deep coma.
Keeping sending those good vibes and thanks for checking in on him
xxxRead moreless
1
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04/02/2022
Update
4 Feb 2022 Friday Day 9
We managed to wangle another visit - this time for Huw, ...as it was his last day in Italy. I went along and we both managed to see Pegs.
He is in very much the same condition as he was when we saw him on Wednesday - still in a deep coma, still ventilated and still peaceful.
Having had 2 visits within as many days, another visit is unlikely for about a week, so I'll be relying on my 5pm phone calls for any news. I'll keep you all in the loop. Read moreless
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03/02/2022
Update
3 Feb 2022 Thursday Day 8
Alas, very little to report today.
Pegs remains criti...cally ill and in a deep coma.
The doctors told us that they will keep him sedated and will not be doing any more neurological tests, as there will now be no change from his current condition.
Thanks again for all of the messages Read moreless
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Michael Brotherton
02/02/2022
Dear Lucy, Am so sorry to hear th …
1
Rosy Kearney
02/02/2022
Very sorry to hear you are so poorl …
1
Mel Norman
02/02/2022
David, you hold a very special plac …
5
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02/02/2022
Update
2 Feb 2022 Wednesday Day 7
I would first like to thank everyone who has sent mes...sages of support, either privately or on this site: it is a tremendous source of strength and comfort to me.
No doubt, you have all been waiting for today's update, knowing that Huw and I had an appointment at the hospital.
We met with Pegs' doctors and we also both managed to spend time with him.
He continues to be seriously ill and the prognosis is not good. He is very comfortable and in very good hands, but remains in a coma and on ventilation.
He is extremely ill and we have been prepared (by the doctors) for the worst.
I should be able to visit him again in a few days time.
I'll continue to update when there's news but in the meantime, please keep sending good vibes to him. Thank you xxxRead moreless
Paul Salter
02/02/2022
Dave...You and I go back to being s …
2
John Lancashire
02/02/2022
Words! Where are they when you need …
2
John Lancashire
02/02/2022
Words! W
1
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Katharine Pearson
02/02/2022
Hey Dad I've tried to write on h …
6
Stephen Ravenscroft
02/02/2022
Hi Sis So sorry to hear this new …
1
Rachel Jones
02/02/2022
All our thoughts, love and prayers …
1
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02/02/2022
Update
1 Feb 2022 Tuesday Day 6
A very late update - but still referring to Day 6.
Fol...lowing last night's emergency op, Dave is in a critical condition - still in a coma and on a ventilator.
But he is stable.
Dave's brother, Huw, has arrived and we have an appointment at the hospital tomorrow morning to speak with the head of neurosurgery.
I've also been told that they will make a Covid exception for me - I might be able to see him.
Huge thanks to everyone who has either left a message here or contacted me directly. It is very comforting xxxRead moreless
02/02/2022
Marilyn Walmsley Hi Lucy, I’m pleased to hear that Huw’s there with you. As we all are hoping for good news today. Love and deeply felt best wishes. From Marilyn xxx
1
Gemma Pegler
01/02/2022
David, we are all thinking of you …
3
Kate Melvin
01/02/2022
Thinking of you and sending so much …
2
John Clarke
01/02/2022
Dear Lucy, just to say keep strong …
1
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Charles Wilkinson
01/02/2022
Hello. This is Charlie’s wife Laura …
2
Charles Wilkinson
01/02/2022
Hi Lucy, it’s Charlie here, Sam’s b …
5
Eurwen Richards
01/02/2022
Thinking and praying for you both …
1
01/02/2022
A new photo was added to Lucy Pegler's Album
Pegs - Lake Como Jan 2020 - en route to Santa Caterina
3
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01/02/2022
Lucy Pegler What a lush photo ! That's the Pegs smile we all know so well. Thanks Charlie x
01/02/2022
Update
1 Feb 2022 Tuesday Day 6
I am writing this at 8am. Every second counts.
At 11...pm last night Pegs underwent another emergency operation to relieve pressure on his brain. His third operation in 5 days...
The surgeon told me that it was a life threatening procedure.
Pegs is still with us - he is a fighter!Read moreless
31/01/2022
Update
31 Jan 2022 Monday Day 5
My daughter, Madi, returned to NL this afternoon but ...our friends at Albergo Compagnoni are AMAZING and supporting me as much as possible.
The 5pm update, by yet another doctor, was that Pegs is stable and had again tested negative for COVID. Yet the hospital are still unwilling to move him back to the non-COVID ICU unit. If the third test, tomorrow, is negative then they will consider moving him over.
There were no attempts to wake him today.
A further CT scan tomorrow.Read moreless
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31/01/2022
Update
30 Jan 2022 Sunday Day 4
Not much to report: they had tried to wake him by red...ucing the sedation but had not succeeded., so no coma score today.
He remains stable.
His COVID test today was negative but he remains on the COVID ward. If he has another negative test tomorrow, they will move him out of the COVID ICU
No news on the CT scan - but the only English speaking doctor on duty didn’t have all the details. Hopefully there'll be more news todayRead moreless
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31/01/2022
Update
29 Jan 2022 Saturday DAY 3
A long day before we could call at 5pm for an update....
The doctor advised that they had tried reducing the sedation to try the "coma score" (look up Glasgow Coma Scale for an explanation on this.) Pegs reacted to being pinched on both his right arm and leg.
However, his eyes aren’t open and don’t react when touched.
There is no reaction to voice command.
They will continue to regularly carry out these tests to check the level of coma and see how he is improving.
However, he can’t be out of sedation for long (to do the tests)
There’ll be another CT scan tomorrow to check for any new lesions on the brain. Anything new won’t be a good sign.
Read moreless
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31/01/2022
Update
28 Jan 2022 Friday DAY 2
I received an unexpected call from the hospital at 9:32a...m
A further CT scan revealed that the drain put in during yesterday's emergency operation wasn't doing as good a job as it should. So down to surgery he went to rectify this.
The doctors were pleased with the way the operation went.
At 11:30am the hospital called back again to say that he had tested positive for COVID. But only a teeny, tiny trace. I was able to provide a Certificate of Recovery, explaining that he had COVID back in November. Nevertheless, Pegs was moved to a COVID ward.
Bizarrely enough he had tested negative on Monday, to enable us to fly out in the first place!
Afternoon: my daughter, Madi, arrived from the Netherlands. An emotional reunion on so many levels, particularly as we'd not seen each other for 18 months.
9:30pm Our last call of the day to the hospital: Pegs was stable. An improvement on yesterday's critical status.Read moreless
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