UPDATE ON NATALIE

Hi Gals, It is Saturday evening 8.00pm. Amy and I went down to Sydney on Thursday morning leaving at 7.30am. We got to the place where we were staying about 9.30 and we, Nat's parents and another friend all had an update on Natalie and then walked to the RPA (Royal Prince Alfred Hospital) which was only about a 10 minute walk.

We sat in the waiting room along with many others - only 2 people were allowed into each ICU bed. When it was my turn I went in as Amy had already gone in. To walk through the ICU cubicles, to say the least, was very confronting and I had tears in my eyes before I even go to see Natalie.

As I said in my earlier post she was swollen around the eyes, but as of today all that swelling has gone - and her speech is improving out of site. Amy kept on asking her questions and she was answering with the right things. She still has her great sense of humour, so we left with positivity. Later in the afternoon she had an Angiogram, but unfortunately they had to stop it not long after starting as she started to Vasospasm. The doctors had to remove the coil that had been placed in her groin through the Femoral artery, but it was in long enough for them to see there was another small Aneurysm - they saw that the first one has taken 100% and the next one can be done just through the Angiogram. They will not worry about fixing the Aneurysm on Monday, but will just do an ordinary Angiogram. They reckon also that she should be able to go up into a ward once this is all done.

When she finally gets to come home there will be lots of sleeping, resting etc. and small steps to improve herself. We don't know when she will be able to go back to work etc. So it's just a time game now.

Julie and Mark were moved to tears when they read all the prayers you have offered. I printed them all out after I took out my comments - and there were still 8 pages of prayers. They are a lovely family and Mark often broke down with us girls whenever we were together. Julie has been amazing but very teary as can be expected. All of Amy's friends raised $1000 just to give to Julie so she could put it towards her accommodation down in Sydney and even got her another $150 gift voucher for a hairdo. She was adamant she didn't want it, but the girls were very persistent.

I just wanted to let you know that all of the prayers, support and thoughts have been so overwhelmingly tangible and I cannot express my thanks. You are all wonderful, love and blessings Chris