Dave Bryant - Illness

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 07:59 PM

It's sounding more and more like a Carry On film. Dave playing the Sid James role, of course.

Look, Linda, if they were sending him home straight away, you'd be worried they were rushing it, and they might have overlooked something, and you'd feel you had to watch him like a hawk.

If they say six months, that's probably an overestimate than an underestimate. The good thing is from what you say they are expecting a full recovery, like El Greko's colleague, and the bloke who lives mnext door but one from me.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Richard Atkins
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 08:17 PM

My love to Dave and Linda. A long haul but all OK given time. Thanks El.G for that. Mudcat gather in the hospital as Dave can sing. That would confuse the staff :>} In 1939 at Epsom Hospital all the nurses would carry a candle and sing Charols to all the Wards on Christmas Eve. Bugger up smoke alarms today though. Dave will find a way!!!

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 02 Dec 04 - 09:57 PM

Linda, my hubby & I have loads of stuff we've recorded digitally off BBC radio (mostly 4 & 7); there's some great stuff – especially from Radio 7: old series of "I'm Sorry I'll Read That Again", "I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue" and tons more, also (from Radio 4) the latest installments of "Hitch-hiker's Guide..."

We'd be happy to slap 'em onto CDs & send 'em along for Dave to listen to – if he has a CD player. If he's got something that will play MP3s, that's even better, 'cos we can fit way more on each CD, but anyway, PM me & let me know the specs of whatever he's got & we'll send some stuff along ASAP (if you think he'd like it).

Have a folkie friend here in Sheffield who also had a stroke (a few weeks ago) & some of us have been going over to sing with her; the ward seems to cope with it pretty well. We asked if it was OK the first time we went, but since then we just show up & sing and it seems to be OK.

She's got one of these combination TV/radio/phone/net access deals by her bed, which is extremely nifty, but my impression is that they eat money like it was water, so a certain amount of caution might be called for. But if Dave does have access to one of these, anyone wondering what a good gift would be might well consider purchasing a "phone card" (I noticed the vending machines in the hospital, which sell these cards at several different price levels) which pays for X amount of time/usage. Just something to keep in mind...

Sending out warm thoughts to you both.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: greg stephens
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 01:49 AM

Just seen this thread.
Chin up Linda, and send my love to Dave.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 04:05 AM

Giok, the rules concerning the use of mobiles in hospitals has been much relaxed in recent months, In the hospital I work in, we no longer ask the public or staff the turn them off, except for the convenience of others or on certain wards like ICU

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 04:33 AM

That's good Raggy, it was always such a pain getting the telephone trolley brought round when you're bed ridden.
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: freda underhill
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 04:58 AM

Hi Linda and Dave

I have a couple of friends who have had strokes and continued on very well afterwards.

One is a woman who worked in an old housing job that i had once. she was working in the day, studying at night, and also caring for an elderly relative with dementia. in her spare time she worked for an ethnic community organisation. classic case of workaholic.

the stroke was massive and the side of her face dropped considerably. since then, after rehab, she put her relative in a nursing home, finished her degree full time and has worked successfully as a lawyer, including winning a definitive High Court case against the Oz govt, on behalf of the community she worked to assist.

Another friend was the head of a national educational institution school, a surfie, and a very good artist. He wasnt pushing himself too hard but lived an active and enjoyable life. He had a very debilitating series of strokes, and spent a long period in recovery. While he retired from the job, he got a new job in stroke rehab education, continued surfing, and still exhibits his outstanding artwork.

My father had a stroke in his early eighties. he kept his mental clarity, and was able to complete cryptic crosswords, bet on the horses and entertain his kids and grandkids with funny stories for a few more years after that.

hope these stories help - obviously the key is to start a law degree asap! :-)


good luck and best wishes

freda

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: eltham man
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 05:01 AM

Sorry to hear this. Will try and get down to Sidcup and visit dave.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Essex Girl
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 06:05 AM

Dave has now been moved to the stroke ward which is 100% better than the recovery ward he has been to up to now. Only drawback is that visiting is restricted to 4pm - 8pm during the week and 11am - 8pm at weekends. I am trying to find out if there is internet access available, and if so I will take his laptop in. I will also find out if they waould like some music/carols in the run up to Christmas. He has been told that all being well they will let him out over Christmas but I have nothing definite yet. Just keep your fingers crossed. He has a bedside phone so if anyone would like to keep in touch please PM me and I'll give you the number.
Linda

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: DMcG
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 08:23 AM

My wife and I made it to one of your BBQ sessions, but haven't been able to get there since. She starts work next week at Queen Mary's, Sidcup dealing with those people who have special dietary needs.

Get your order in early, Dave!

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Dead Horse
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 08:39 AM

"He has been told that all being well they will let him out over Christmas ....."
Is that dependant upon good behaviour? If so, dont expect to see the old bugger till after Easter!
Are the nurses better looking in the (hm hm) Stroke Ward?

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 11:20 AM

Here's a song I wrote when I was in hospital a few years back for an operation. I think I posted it one time, but here it is again anyway:

The Chestnut Ward
In the Chestnut Ward,
in the middle of the night,
propped up on your pillow
you wait till it gets light.
And though your body's aching,
you know that it's all right, in the Chestnut Ward,
in the middle of the night.

And over in the distance,
in a little pool of light,
there's a nurse, she'd busy writing
all that stuff they've got to write.
But you know that if you called her
she'd be right there by your side
and she'd tuck you in and give you stuff
to help you feel all right,
In the Chestnut Ward...

And all around me sleeping
are a bunch of broken men,
who came here to the Chestnut Ward
to get patched up again,
and we've talked all day about our lives
and the choices that we made,
and it's hard to believe we only
met each other yesterday.
In the Chestnut Ward...

Old men who fought, so long ago,
against the fall of night,
and one who went to prison,
for he wouldn't go to fight.
And one who had a comrade
who was killed by Uncle Sam -
and me, I was a baby then,
in a shelter, in a pram.

Well, it's something like a prison camp,
and something like a jail,
and all of us are frightened men,
though some are tough as nails.
And we all are tired and hopeful -
we're tired of all the pain,
and we're waiting till the morning
when we hope we'll walk again.
In the Chestnut Ward....

But they're closing down the Chestnut Ward,
that's what the papers say.
And the people who have helped us here
will go their separate ways.
There's a cheaper way to so it,
and the Chestnut Ward won't pay
when you're getting back to basics
in the modern kind of way.

Well the ones who'd close the Chestnut ward,
I'd cut them back to size.
I'd cut them into pieces,
along with all their lies.
And I'd leave them lying broken -
and I wouldn't even care.
Still, perhaps they might get mended -
if the Chestnut Ward's still there.

In the Chestnut Ward,
in the middle of the night,
propped up on your pillow
you wait till it gets light.
And though your body's aching,
you know that it's all right,
in the Chestnut Ward,
in the middle of the night.

And over in the distance,
in a little pool of light,
there's a nurse, she'd busy writing
all that stuff they've got to write.
But you know that if you called her
she'd be right there by your side
to tuck you in and give you stuff
to help you feel all right.

In the Chestnut Ward,
in the middle of the night,
propped up on your pillow
you wait till it gets light.
And though your body's aching,
you know that it's all right,
in the Chestnut Ward,
in the middle of the night.

II still think this should be up in the music section - there are people who never open up the BS threads. I call that a but silly, but it could mean friends not getting to know about this.)

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 12:12 PM

Linda and Dave,
Its sounding good news for your friends here in South wales,Keep up with the physio and recovery and we will hopfully see you out and about again soon.
Yas

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Hawker
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 07:45 PM

OH Bugger!
Not logged on for ages, and I find this! Please get well soon Dave, I am thinking of you both and know how hard it is to juggle 'normal' life with visiting hours. Has he had a get well card from Avril Betts? I really enjoyed your company and singing at Miskin and am hoping that all will be well for him to be there again this year.While you are sitting in hospital wondering what to do, how about planning this years April Jape? I so enjoyed last years!
Love and kind thoughts to you both from sunny Cornwall.
Cheers, Lucy

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 03 Dec 04 - 08:20 PM

Hope all is going well.... I know first hand what it's like to wake up with people standing over you holding syringes and trying to shut the monitor up because the alarm is going.....

Make the most of the rest and don't let that Nurse Ratched anywhere near with the bed bath sponge....

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: The Barden of England
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 04:21 AM

I'm shocked!!

Just logged on after a few days and you find that Dave's in hospital.

Give him my best wishes Linda and I hope for a speedy and full recovery for him, and that things are not too hard for you too.

John Barden

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: harlowivan
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 08:04 AM

Been off-line for a while so just seen this. Great to hear things are starting to improve. Good luck to you both & hope Dave's back in full voice soon.

Cheers, Ivan

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: breezy
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 03:49 PM

O K I wont Hi jack this thread, well not on this visit any way.

I have a question, what was Dave doing at the time?

this is purely for research purposes only.

Maybe if he can sing it may free up a few more beds.

Thinking of him and you Linda.

I had my first knee op at St M Sidcup, now I've got Arthur I Tus!!

Moral

Dont let em open your knee.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: MudGuard
Date: 04 Dec 04 - 05:41 PM

Linda, I'd like to visit Dave - but it's a bit far from here.
Could you move Dave to a hospital in Munich? ;-)

Slurred speech? Did he ever speak unslurred? If so, not in my presence ...

Is that Sidcup, Greater London? I will be in London at the beginning of February (due to Loughstock) - should Dave still be there I might be able to visit. But I hope he will be out of hospital by then.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery!

Feel yourself hugged, Linda!

Andy a/k/a MudGuard

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 11:32 AM

Get well soon Dave. You can do it. I suffered the same thing and came through it okay, so will you. All the best. Burl.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Skipjack K8
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 01:35 PM

Dave, sorry, completely missed this as I've been away, and surprisingly don't come south of the line as much as I used to. Get well properly, and loads of love to Linda.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Dead Horse
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 06:34 PM

Dave, if you can read this, RUN!
I just got back from the Mudgather at The Black Lion, Plaistow, and several of the crowd were fixing to come *serenade* you!
If you cant yet manage to run, then change beds, close the screens, and hide 'neath the sheets.
Hang a sign saying DANGER - QUARANTINE outside your door!
Nurse Ratched is preferable to that lot, mate!

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 05 Dec 04 - 07:42 PM

Yes, the rumours are true, we did have a live phone-in link up with the bedriddled Bryant.... he sounded well, not at all slurry, but bored witless!

Enjoy the quiet while you can Dave.....!

Bruahahhaha
LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: GUEST,Isaacl
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 10:14 AM

Best wishes Dave. Hope you're back on form soon. Isaac from the frozen wastes od Scotland!

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: Essex Girl
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 04:21 AM

Yes Liz, I was there while he shouted down the phone, trying to be heard over The Marmite Song. I think the whole ward heard as well. He's doing well here, chatting up all the nurses, and has regained some movement in his shoulder. Thanks for all the positive thoughts, and thanks Bassic fro visiting last night. Sorry you couldn't make it Micca, hope the foot is better. It would be lovely to have some music in the ward, I'll find out the situation this week.
Linda

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: GUEST,Nurse Ratched
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 06:33 AM

Some of you may not be aware that I am an exponent of the art of melodic throat draining techniques. This involves binding the patient to ensure immobility, possibly with a noose if the patient proves difficult, and conducting a number of Guantanamo approved chatting techniques to loosen him up (this art form is better performed on men). While initially difficult, I can play a patients throat like an instrument, and have a wide range of sounds I can extract, according to the level of consciousness of the patient. These include:

Gargles, gurgles, screams, cries, shouts, gasps, moans, grunts, shouts, ululation, axsphyxiation, and oral defamation.

With the right subject, I can perform the 1812 Overture, I Did it My Way, and What are we going to do about Maria.

I can also entice the patient to perform double throated Tibetan head songs, using certain techniques.

I will be coming to Dave's hospital to do a demonstration on him shortly.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 07:52 AM

That bloody Dave Bryant gets all the luck, tied to a bed, by a nurse, that's the things dreams are made of, that and the attentions of amply endowed Avril Betts plus a devoted (if somewhatloonie)missus.

Serves him right if he gets crusty sheets

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 10:53 AM

Well now Raggy, I was just considering what might be involved in Tibetan Head songs, especially if they name things in Tibet the same as they do in the US. ¦¬{>>
Giok

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: The Borchester Echo
Date: 07 Dec 04 - 08:15 PM

Just heard about Dave's predicament tonight at Sharps as I never usually look 'below the line'.    I'm not sure whether to show sympathy... or envy that he's got so much unexpected time on his hands to catch up on music and reading.

Look forward to hearing those not-so-dulcet tones booming out again very soon.

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: JudeL
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 07:19 AM

Sorry I'm another one who hasn't been online much recently & hasn't gone below the line when I did so have only just found out.

Linda please tell the old bu**er to get well soon & give him a hug from me.

             Love Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: GUEST,Folkmob
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 10:38 AM

Why is this thread in the BS section - Dave is a Musician we all know him through being a musician and I'm sure with the thread lurking down here a lot of catters will miss it!

Subject: RE: BS: Dave Bryant
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 08 Dec 04 - 10:54 AM

We thought you'd be able to hear him from upstairs in your lofty abode ;~)
Giok

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 06:15 AM

How's the old bugger doing Linda

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: Essex Girl
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 08:13 AM

I have been to see the physio today, and seen Dave's progress. He is walking with a stick now and has movement in his arm down to the elbow. It is quite probable that they will discharge him in time for Christmas and then take him back as a day patient if he can manage at home. All will depend on his progress over the next two weeks.He's getting impatient now but we've told him not to expect miracles but just take a day at a time. So expect to see him back on Mudcat soon.

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: Bassic
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 08:21 AM

Thats GOOD progress Linda! Even in the last couple of days......a little shrug of the shoulder on Monday and now down to the elbow!:-) Give him my best and same to you. Great news that xmas might be at home. Will do my best to call again next time I get down to London. And tell Dave to start being a patient patient!! ;-)

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: GUEST,Gadaffi
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 08:38 AM

Best wishes, Dave. Get well soon!

Glad to hear the voice is unaffected. My fondest memory is from the early days of the Thomas Clark Quire when Dave WAS the tenor section!
Couldn't hear what line we basses were supposed to be singing with him in full flow, at any rate!

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: Scooby Doo
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 01:33 PM

Great news Linda to have Dave home soon.Give him my regards and we will see you hopfully at Miskin or somewhere later in the year.Please remember to look after yourself too.
Love Yas

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 01:58 PM

It should be up in the music section - but if it encourages a few people to stop being all hoity-toity about coming down "below the line" that'll be a good thing.

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: SINSULL
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 03:15 PM

Impatience is the first sign that he is feeling better. Good news. Merry Christmas to you both!
SINS

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 03:46 PM

This does sound like pretty rapid progress, as these things go (though I don't imagine he'd feel it that way).

Incidentally, would it be the left or the right arm that is affected?

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: breezy
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 03:48 PM

All the best.

Sounds like he's making good early progress.

Can we have his guitar for a raffle prize?

'He was the tenor section' I like that, and all before G4 came into view.

And I've resisted being rude about him.

So far.

Look , no hi-jack -out of respect.

He can get on with cutting his own CD albums of songs he knows, he's got to produce 21 albums with 14 songs on each to beat my total, that'll give him something to do in the new year.

Unless he's got something better to do!, nah not for a while.

Good wishes Linda

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: YorkshireYankee
Date: 09 Dec 04 - 08:59 PM

Truly encouraging to hear he's made such good progress. I think that really is an extremely quick rate of recovery, so fingers crossed it continues & you two get to spend Christmas at home together. Sounds like before too long he may be taking it upon himself to entertain the rest of the folks in the ward...!

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 06:02 AM

Just spoken to Dave, he seems in good spirits, sadly not he alcoholic one's. Apparently he has to squeeze oranges as part of his physio to strengthen his grip, now his nurse is nicely rounded in certain departments ........ guess what Dave is thinking about squeezing !

Hope's to be out over Christmas and is determined to be bloody minded about a full recovery

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: gnu2
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 06:23 AM

Give 'er some Dave !!!

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: Essex Girl
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 09:26 AM

We will not know for certain when they'll let him out for good,but all being well he will be around for Christmas. We will probably know more after the medical team 'conference' on Tuesday. If anyone is in our area in the days following Christmas, please drop in and have a drink. (He might not be able to but we can)!!!!!
Linda

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: Roger the Skiffler
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 10:01 AM

Send that Avril Betts round for his squeezing practice.
Best wishes for continued recovery.

RtS

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: GUEST,old git
Date: 10 Dec 04 - 10:35 AM

just picked up this thread
all the best dave...hope the recovery is soon and full

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: woodsie
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 05:56 AM

Refresh

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: GUEST,Nurse Ratched
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 08:18 AM

If he piches MY arse, he'll regret it.

Subject: RE: Dave Bryant - Illness
From: Sarah the flute
Date: 12 Dec 04 - 08:56 AM

Didn't see this til just today. Get well soon Dave and come back to the sesh in Rochester. Hope the medical conference goes well and you are released by Christmas.!!!!

Sarah