A Newport man shares his struggle for support post-surgery, feeling neglected and alone in his recovery journey
Newport: A man named Andy Webster is really struggling after a diving accident left him with serious injuries. He had surgery in August to help him move better, but he feels like he’s been left to fend for himself. It’s been a tough road since the operation, and he’s feeling pretty hopeless.
Andy says he’s been “wasting away” at home without the support he needs. He can’t cook for himself and hasn’t eaten properly in ages. It’s like a nightmare for him, and he feels like no one is listening to his cries for help.
He got hurt back in 2014 while diving in Thailand, and things have only gotten worse since then. He’s been using a scooter to get around for the last few years. After the surgery, he thought things would finally change for the better, but he’s only had a few visits from a physiotherapist and feels completely alone at home.
Before the surgery, he was worried about how he’d manage, and now those fears have come true. He had asked his consultant for proper physiotherapy and support, but it seems like he’s been left hanging. The consultant mentioned that while physiotherapy was a go, support was uncertain, which is just not what Andy needed to hear.
His experience with physiotherapy has been hit or miss. The first therapist came when he was too sick to get out of bed, and after that, things haven’t been scheduled regularly. He’s had to reach out to the health board himself, which is frustrating.
While he appreciates the help he got from Newport City Council before, he’s now feeling lost. A care agency did come by, but they could only offer limited help, like making sandwiches during quick visits. It’s just not enough for someone who’s struggling to cook and get by.
Andy is really upset about being left alone and feels like he’s fading away. He’s not getting regular visits from carers, which adds to his distress. In response to his situation, a spokesperson from the health board said they can’t discuss individual cases but assured that they assess all patients needing rehabilitation support. They encouraged Andy to reach out directly to discuss his concerns.