Where was the Koru Lounge

Posted on by Graeme

So this is what recovering from a brain injury is like.

Looking from the outside it’s sitting in the sun with a coffee, a good book and an amazing vista from the cliff top over to Rangitoto Island.

From the inside, it’s totally different.

Recovery has to start somewhere. For me, although I didn’t realise it at the time, it started the moment I sat up in the middle of the road looking at a smashed up bike and the car that had come through a giveaway, surrounded by traffic, noise and worried looking people.

Recovery at the time was about what has to happen next. Get the bike off the road, get third party details, has someone called an ambulance, the police. I’ll have to ring Ann, she’s getting dinner ready for a quick meal before I have to get to the next meeting.

You think everything is under control until it isn’t.

Seven hours in A&E where you are at the mercy of very qualified Doctors, Nurses and Orderlies.

Your time with them is not dictated by your schedule or even theirs, it’s a process that’s determined by the severity of the incidents that came through the same door as you. It was well-managed chaos.

Yet although this did not feel like recovery it was the initial part of the journey. Somehow the staff managed to x-ray my damaged hand, then chest and back, followed CT scans of my head, neck and back.  They were happy with my blood pressure at 138/75, which is higher than normal for me, but after seeing my heart rate at 49 and confirming I had no pacemaker or wasn’t on beta blockers, a quick ECG was ordered.

So after all the boxes were ticked and I was handed a piece of paper about head injuries we were shown the exit.

Great, I’m almost there. A good nights sleep and I’ll be back into it.

Wrong answer!

In the morning I was sore all over with a headache that was different from the occasional migraines I have had. It was there and seemed to cloud everything I tried to do. I kept falling asleep. I couldn’t concentrate on one thought without something else coming to mind and not completing the original thought. I was not feeling despondent, just frustrated. Frustrated that I couldn’t just get on and do what I wanted to do even if I had a headache. In the past, a couple of Panadol, a bit of a sleep and I’d be right.

After another day of this, I rung the doctor and got an appointment for later in the day. Diagnosis, concussion. The Doctor gave me a very in-depth synopsis of what concussion was and what I would experience in the weeks ahead.

So the realisation that this journey is not like a domestic flight, over and done with before you have time to think about it. It is a long haul flight, where you have to think about how you will fill in the time until you arrive at your destination.

So sitting in the sunshine with a coffee, a book and the great vista is like the first in-flight meal, something to take your mind off how far you still have to go before you land at your destination.

And I didn’t even get into the Koru lounge before the boarding call.

10 thoughts on “Where was the Koru Lounge”

  1. I am so sorry to hear of your accident but so very pleased that you are able to write about it. Praying that your recovery goes well – that you have patience and peace along the way, and that God restores you to full health. Love to you both.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. Thank God you are still here to write it down for us Graeme. We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps.
    Thanks for sharing; we’re travelling with you.

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  3. My prayers for you guys. What an adventure. Glad your able to share your feelings in such a clear and understandable manner. God’s spead on your recovery.

    Liked by 1 person

  4. Hi Graeme, Wow. I’m sorry that this has happened, but it sounds like you are approaching recovery with a great attitude.

    Are you supposed to be reading? I had many students with concussions over the years and many of them weren’t allowed to read or look at screens.

    Hope things continue to heal and you’ll be back in the saddle soon. Thinking of you and Ann. I’m sure she’s providing her usual love and care! Xox Heather

    Liked by 1 person

  5. OMG heckaroo glad your ok G !!
    I was gonna try and be funny and say a man joke first ‘ like oh no !! how’s the bike 🏍?
    But I thought better of it 😉 leave man jokes to the man !!
    Kia Kaha our friend ! Take care
    Thanku Lord your healing
    Amene
    Arohanui
    Raewyn x

    Liked by 1 person

  6. No kidding, I expected it to be a trip journal. Well you might say it sort of is. Goody, we’re so glad to hear you’re recovering! Do take your rest and contemplate on what’s to come: advent is looking forward to our Lord, maranatha! There’s this beautiful Taize song: ‘Wait for the Lord who’s day is near …’. (On YouTube)

    In His Love,
    PieterLoes

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  8. Hi Graham and Ann. Glad to hear that you will make a good recovery. Love your writing….. maybe something you can add to while you have time during recovery. Take care and rest. Cheers Helen and family.

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  9. Wow Graeme that surprise came from nowhere (for you and us). Glad you are in one piece physically however the concussion frustration is something few experience. It sounds good to us for you to take time out and enjoy the coffees, books and views. We must say that the above news, coupled with the joy of sharing in the overseas reports, photo compositions etc indicate a so far hidden talent for creative journalism and writing. Perhaps worth exploring further. We pray God will continue watch over and heal you. Love from Don and Pat.

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  10. Wishing you a restful and good recovery…..don’t worry if it’s not speedy….you tahe it slowly now. Enjoy that view and cuppa teas. Smell the roses and take it easy in every way. Awesome Ann I’m right behind you. Glad that you’re ok … and with us . All the best and heal well.

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