Hi all, Steve here!

Firstly, I'd like to thank Gaz Dewar for stepping in on my behalf to write the last blog for 2010. Most of you may know he's my brother-in-law, and it's at times like this that I'm pleased I managed to persuade my sister to marry him! You see, Sharon's bedroom was bigger than mine and if she moved out, I could move in! So, cheers Gaz! Oh! And Shaz!

My last visit to Wythenshawe Hospital was to remove the webbing between my thumbs and forefingers in order to improve my dexterity So whenever I pick something up, I have a greater chance of holding on to it! I never struggled with a pint of Guinness, but seemed to struggle with other things!

I'd decided prior to the operation in order to get it over and done with, to have both my hands operated on at the same time. This would cause me a problem initially as I obviously wouldn't be able to use either hand for anything! But for a couple of week's discomfort and the inability to do the general everyday things we all take for granted, I felt it was worth it. Plus I have a wonderful nurse in Pauline (she told me to write this bit!).

Before the surgery I had 'pre-op checks' where a nurse took my temperature, heart rate and went through a set of questions - when did you last eat, drink, etc. Now, I'd put my hearing aids safely away as the hospital won't be held responsible for any loss or damage to your property, so this Q & A procedure was difficult for me, because she was quietly spoken and was looking down at her paperwork. So when she asked me "How's your ejaculation been?" I was a bit taken a-back! This wasn't the usual type of question! I began to wonder if they had the right patient! I didn't answer for a moment, thinking, "cheeky young thing!" She then looked up from her paperwork, and waited for my answer. I could see from her that this question was a typical one, so I must have misheard her. Then it dawned on me what she'd said. She'd said "Hows your CIRculation been?" "Ohhh! Riiight! Fine! Fine!" I said, laughing away to myself.

The nurse then left - a bit perplexed as to why I was laughing - and I began to read a magazine that Pauline had bought from the Hospital shop, (the only thing I hadn't packed away safely- there's a point to telling you this!). I read it until it was time to go to surgery, then put it on a cupboard next to my bed for later.

The surgery went well. And when I came round, I had my hands heavily wrapped in bandages with both my arms elevated in padded slings. This was to decrease the blood flow to my hands, an obvious solution just after surgery. I didn't realise I would be so incapacitated and then suddenly my eyes started to itch! Now, with a feat of contortion that almost wriggled me off the bed, I managed to unhook one of my arms, and rubbed my eyes. It was painful on my hand and I was worried that I was undoing the surgeons work, but it would have been torture not to!

There were three other patients in the ward that for the most part kept themselves to themselves. This suited me because, as you know, I didn't have my hearing aids in, and it would have been a struggle to have a conversation. But the man next to me was reading a book, and the truth is, I was bored of my own company - spending 9 months in a hospital room on your own can do that to you - and now I was back! So I decided to strike up a conversation. I began by asking him what he was reading, he told me, and I could see that at some point in his life he'd had a really bad accident. He was wheelchair bound, his legs had wasted down somewhat and his wrists and fingers were contorted, so much so, that I could see he was having difficulty holding the book he was reading. I'd noticed also, that he had to scoop his legs up with his arms in an effort to move himself into a more comfortable position. When he spoke, his speech was slow and slurred. I must admit, I was curious to know his story and asked him how he'd come to be this way.

He told me when he was on a holiday abroad with his friends, that he'd dived in a pool and broke his neck. He was 21 when it happened - he's now 48. He'd lived with his parents up until 5 years ago, then his dad passed away leaving his mum to look after him. She'd passed away 2 years ago now, leaving him on his own and relying on help from social services. He still lives in the house left to him by his parents, and while he was there in hospital, he had builders sorting out his bedroom and decorating it for his return. He was in hospital on this occasion to have skin grafts on his bed sores - which he'd had for 3 years! I myself am familiar with both skin grafts and bed sores, however my experience of bed sores was nothing in comparison. I felt concerned for him, and still think about him and his situation. I often wonder how he's getting on.

It was a stark reminder to me how fortunate I am to be able to stand up and walk out of that hospital. The life I have and lead, however marred by my accident, is still a life with support from family and friends. I'm sure we all realise how fortunate we are, but when next you're brassed off with life's demands - spare a thought.

Now, remember I said earlier that I'd left my magazine on a cupboard next to my bed. It was expensive, it cost £3.95! Well when I came back from surgery, it was gone! I was a bit naffed off! I asked one of the nurses where it had got to? She didn't know! Now, what kind of person would 'steal' a man's magazine? Especially when he's undergoing a 'life or death' operation! Well, maybe not life or death, but I was still having an operation! Now I use the word 'steal' because we Firefighters like to exaggerate, hence the 'life or death' bit. We have this in-built ability to make a mountain out of a mole hill. In fact I even toyed with the idea of a thief dressed in black pants with a black and white stripped jumper on, sneaking into the ward with a bag tossed over one shoulder with the word SWAG written on it! Oh! And he had a black mask on as well! The cad! The rotter! I asked the nurse if she would find my 'priceless' magazine (another exaggeration) and she went about turning the hospital 'upside down!' I was very surprised! Cos all the patients fell out of their beds!!! Anyway it was well and truly lost! Oh! I mean 'stolen!'. I was soooo mad that someone had stolen my magazine while I was unconscious, that Pauline had to buy me the same magazine again just to shut me up!

Anyway, before I sign off I'd like to wish you all a belated happy and prosperous New Year! And special get well wishes to Steve Fisher, Geoff Hatley and Paul Norris.

And also can I say thanks for the kind thoughts from Gary Stredder & the lads on Blue Watch E36 Bury. You're not wrong Gaz, I 'am' fed up with all the operations!

FF Steve Morris

PS Always make sure you have a working 'Smoke Alarm'.