And Fibro Comes To Stay.......

Apologies that I have not posted for a few months. It has been a trying time for us in the Manning household as we learn to live with the things that have joined us in our journey of life.

So! The new knee is doing good! There is no grinding underneath my right knee cap which is AMAZING! I can't remember a time when my blasted knee cap didn't get stuck, or sounded like I was walking on gravel with hob nailed boots on. Unfortunately there is still pain in the medial compartments of the joint but I was prepared for that as they haven't replaced those bits. My surgeon and physioterrorists are happy with my progress and I am on the waiting list to have my left knee partially replaced which should be sometime in March. I am never going to be free of arthritis and success for me would be getting around with a walking stick instead of crutches and a wheelchair.

My GP FINALLY agreed to send me to see a rheumatologist, he suspected Lupus and sent me to the Lupus Clinic at St Thomas' hospital in London. The consultant there doesn't suspect lupus, thank goodness, but Fibromyalgia instead. He sent me to have a full blood screen to rule out anything else. The Vampires took 10 viles of blood and practically drained my arm dry. I get the results on 8th April 2014...yes it's a long wait but hey ho!

The day after I saw the rheumatologist I was in agony, no energy, extreme fatigue and severe tingling, pins and needles which caused enhanced pain. I didn't know what to do with myself. I had taken my full dosage of tramadol and paracetamol and NOTHING was helping. I was at my wits end when I phoned NHS 111 at 7pm. The young lady went through my symptoms and advised that she would be sending an ambulance.........the ambulance arrived at 10:55pm......

Once at the hospital I was given morphine to help the pain, which it did but I still had the tingling. I saw a registrar who was surprised I hadn't been tested for MS.....I am now starting to panic. I'm on my own in Queens Hospital which isn't known for it's competencies. He advises that they are keeping me in so at least they can start the ball rolling with trying to help me. I'm wheeled off in my bed to have a CT scan at 2am......I chuckle to myself and ask if they found a brain. The young radiographer smiled back and said "of course". I'm settled into the medical assessment unit. Settled is not really the word for it. There is a young woman on the ward who is clearly distressed and having the screaming heebie geebies and spent the next 5 hours screaming until they moved her to a side room. There is no mobile signal on the ward so my contact with my Rock, Paul, has ceased. Now it's a very lonely time. No windows to look our of and only artificial light. Luckily the lady opposite me has a wicked sense of humour and we hit it off immediately.

I am assessed by another 2 doctors/consultants. There is weakness on my right side including my right lung. A chest x-ray is done at stupid o'clock which shows by chest is clear. The tingling is still intense but the pain is under control. Both doctors perform the trigger point test which sends me through the roof. I react to all 18 trigger points and the doctors give me the diagnosis of Fibromyalgia. SHIT!, this thing doesn't get any better. I am prescribed gabapentin to help with my tremor which has been most noticeable today. They write a note to ask my GP to refer me to physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy to help with mobility and flexibility.....Guess what my GP said?....NO!....he said that if the hospital say I need it then they can refer me. I've kept the note for future reference as basically it all comes down to budgets and my GP hates making referrals....it's not just me, other people who have the same GP say the same about him. The hospital also informed me that they have referred me to their rheumatology department so they can assess if I need to be referred to a neurologist to be checked for MS. I am also waiting for EMG's Nerve Conduction Studies to check the extent of the nerve damage which is causing the extreme tingling. General consensus is I need to have tests to rule out MS which they can't do through A&E.

SO! I don't seem to be having any side effects with the gabapentin. It helps with some o the pain along with the tramadol but it doesn't help with the tingling which is hindering my mobility along with the pain. I feel as though I am walking on dead legs. I stumble more and I struggle getting around. Along with all the other fibro symptoms.....pain, swelling, fatigue, tremor, dry eyes, dry mouth, forgetting my words and struggling with speech amongst others.

All in all it's been a lot to get my head around as we play this waiting game for appointments again.

Woohoo!!! The Festive Season is upon us!!!! I love this time of year. Seeing the magic in my children's eyes makes all the pain worthwhile.

I made our festive cake.....in stages. 

It is rather yummy! fruit cake covered in marzipan, chocolate fondant and white fondant with holly decorations.

 The key to surviving the festive season is by pacing yourself and getting as much help as possible. My wonderful friend Stacy sent me a spoon so that I will always have a spare if I need it!

I was so touched! It certainly made me smile. To have a friend who understands exactly what you are feeling and going through are worth their weight in gold........or Spoons!!!

 

Jobs are divied out between the kids so that we can get the house sorted for when Paul's mum, sister and aunt come for a family gathering.

They did a fantastic job setting our festive feasting table!

Even Arthur Bear got in on the act! In the new year I am going to have to get him a mate, Duchess Fibro ;-)

 

Well! I survived Christmas Day with the help and love of my wonderful family. Boxing Day is going to be spent relaxing...I've written this blog post and that is the most I am going to be able to do. The pain is increasing but the tablets will beat that into submission. Unfortunately I have to live with the extreme tingling and pins and needles as the doctors said they probably won't be able to get rid of it. 

 

Paul is still amazing. Sitting on the sofa last night the tremor in my hands was particularly bad so I put them between my legs so Paul wouldn't notice, but he did....in fact he notices everything. He gently takes my right hand in his and holds it. He doesn't care about the tremor, he just loves me for me. I know he finds it difficult and he doesn't like to see me in pain or struggling but I know he would do absolutely anything for me.  We took this selfie last night .......it's us telling Arthritis and Fibromyalgia that they are NOT going to win!

 

Hope you all had a wonderful and pain free Festive Season.

xxxxxx

Operation Get New Knee Commences!

Apologies that it has taken longer than expected to get this blog post out. I did write a post while I was in hospital and tried to post it but it has disappeared into the ether and I can't open the draft which is on the application on my phone.WARNING ***Photographs of after knee replacement surgery included***

So Friday 11th October is going to be the BIG day! I didn't sleep a wink on Thursday night excitement and worry all going around in my head. My bag is packed, my parents are here to look after the kids and do the school run. I am as ready as I will ever be! The alarm on my phone breaks the silence of the night at 5:15am. There is no time to hit the snooze button this morning and snatch another 5 minutes in the warmth and comfort of my own bed. We are up and at 'em. Washed and ready to go. I creep into the kids room and kiss them each goodbye on their heads. Not one of them stirs and I don't want to disturb their innocent slumber.

In the car we head for the M25 in the early morning traffic all we see is lorries and I'm not in the mood to be counting Eddie Stobart trucks. Pulling into the hospital I take a deep breath and steady my nerves as Paul finds a car parking space near the out patients department which is the home of the admissions lounge. I'm booked in and asked to wait as I need to be seen by one of the admissions nurses. It seems a long time but is only about 20 minutes. I've brought the Ferrari so I'm comfortably seated. Paperwork and consent form signed. I meet the consultant for the first time. Tall and friendly with firey red hair....and cold hands! The procedure is explained and I am asked if I still want to go ahead....the answer of course is yes! The consultant draws an arrow on my leg to remind him which leg he is operating on!

This one please!

 

 

With everything signed and sealed I am on my way to Ward 4 to find my bed which will be home for the next few days. The corridors are cold and breezy but this is an old hospital made out of what look like Nissan huts and semi permanent buildings linked by a corridor on a hill!

 

I have got my own room! Room 9 , Isolation Room. I have a little chuckle to myself....Has my reputation preceded me?! The room is small but it has a window and a TV so I am thankful for that, and I will have more privacy here than in the main ward. I start to settle into my new home.

 

The waiting game now begins. A steady stream of people come by making sure I am ready. I am fitted with my sexy TEDs in a very fetching shade of dark green. The nurse, also called Catherine brings a large as she has spotted my rather long legs. After measuring my ankle and calf I need a size SMALL I have not been a small since I was kid, this has pleased me. I am changed into my hospital gown and netting panties to be wheeled down to theatre at 3pm. Its been such a long day and a week of limited or no sleep and its taken its toll on everyone especially Paul, my wonderful rock.

 

The porters knock on the door, check my wrist bands and check my name and date of birth. I give Paul a kiss goodbye and head for theatre. The porters are jovial characters trying to make me feel more relaxed. The anaesthetic nurse meets me at the anaesthetic room. In the corner I spy a cupcake...this is torture for someone who hasn't eaten anything since 8pm the night before. My stomach is protesting! Monitors are applied and cannulas fitted. The anaesthetist, a lovely lady with a kind smile administers the drugs. My arm feels cold and my eyes feel heavy. The next thing I know I'm recovery with something massaging my legs and the bear hug blanket keeping me warm by blowing warm air over my shivering body. The anaesthetist comes to check on me and give me a shot of pethedine to counteract the anaesthetic shakes I am suffering from. Once my stats have come back up to where they should be I go back to the ward.  

 

The rest of Friday is pretty much a blur of drug induced fog. I have a big bandage on my right knee with a drain attached. My left leg has a mechanical cuff thing massaging my leg to prevent blood clots.

 

Saturday....OH MY!! This is NOT fun! The pain is unbelievable. Today is the day I am supposed to be getting mobile and out of bed but all I want to do is cry, scream and climb the walls. The physio comes and takes one look at me and says I will bleep the doctor, hands me a sheet of exercises and informs that she will be back tomorrow to discuss physio and getting out of bed. The doctor comes and adjusts my pain relief so I have a long acting one and a quick acting one. Both are controlled drugs but I am thankful for them. Saturday goes by in a drug fog and pain. Paul is unable to visit until about 7pm as Harry has football and a Beaver Scout event in the afternoon. It was important for me that the kids did not suffer and miss out on anything while I am in hospital.

 

Now when you have had surgery they want you be able to pass water as quickly as possible. On Saturday morning I have tried 3 times on the bed ban and sat on the commode for 40 minutes with my leg propped up on the bed trying to p. I am getting more and more uncomfortable and at this point distressed that I can't do the simplest of tasks that even a baby is able to do. As a last resort I am given a catheter....instant relief!

 

The Consultant visits, perching on the side of my bed he explains that they don't like to do joint replacement surgery in younger people, but this operation was justified. When they opened my leg up they found that the underside of my kneecap was extremely ulcerated and this would not heal. The operation had been a success and he was happy with the fit of the new knee cap and how it was running along the joint. I am relieved, happy and waiting for my next dose of morphine to send me back to the fog and eliminate my pain which is starting to return with a vengeance.

 

In between bouts of extreme pain I receive a message from my friend from school saying he and his girlfriend are in the area and want to pop in. What a lovely thing to do. Sid drops by and the first thing I say is "you're  not seeing me at my best" to which he replies, " Cat, I have seen you much worse" bless him. It was lovely to see him and he brought me chocolate.....always welcome!

 

Paul arrives at just gone 7pm and give me the best hug ever. I am SO pleased to see him. The nurses change over and I get a bubbly Italian nurse. She's lovely. Explains that she will help me get on top of my pain so I don't have to suffer. Visiting time finishes at 8pm, the bell rings and my heart sinks. The friendly nurse pops her head in through the door, smiles and explains that Paul does not have to leave just yet. These little acts of kindness make such a big difference when you are feeling low. Paul sits in the chair next to the bed with his arm round me. It's nice. At just gone 9pm Paul leaves to make the hour and a bit journey home to the kids and my parents.

 

 

Sunday morning and I am determined to get up. My catheter is removed and the big bandage and drain in my knee is removed at about 5pm.

 

I get my first taste of freedom with a new knee and it's slow! The physio brings a walking frame, explains how to use it and we do a slow and steady walk on the ward. I return to my bed to enjoy the morphine and await a visit from Paul. I am now mobile enough to hobble to the washroom and toilet on my crutches.

 

 

As Monday is a busy day for the kids and Paul as he has his placement in school it was agreed that Mum and Dad would visit instead. The pain is still there but as long as the pain meds are taken on time and at regular intervals to prevent breakthrough pain it is manageable. Now don't get me wrong, it still hurts lots.... Mum comes in first and brings lunch! Cottage pie and chips, I'm hungry and thank for something nice. We chat, the physio comes to check my movement. It is explained that I need to get the bend of my knee to 90 degrees. It doesn't sound a lot does it? but when you have just had major surgery on the bendy part of your knee you feel every one of those degrees as you try to move it. The physio explains that if I can't get the movement progressing to the 90 degrees I will be put on a machine that bends your leg for you. The is NO WAY on the earth that I am going on that machine. I KNOW it hurts like nothing else so I am doing my exercises and bending that knee! Mum and Dad change over (they have the dog with them and he can't come into the hospital) we chat for a while be he has to leave. Monday night is pretty lonely laid in my room with the TV for back ground noise. I speak to the kids. George cries down the phone that he misses me and he wants me home, my heart breaks. Harry excitedly tells me about his school trip to the transport museum and Moo tells me about her day at school. I speak to Paul a couple of times throughout the evening...just because I need to hear his voice.

 

I actually had a good night sleep because the pain is under control and there is also the promise that I could be going home the next day.

 

Tuesday is a Good Day! it is eviction day! All xrays have come back good. My dressing is changed and I get the first glimpse of the registrars stapling skills! All 28 of them!! 







 

 

Discharge papers are signed, drugs delivered, explained and anticoagulant injections explained and demonstrated. Stairs assessment completed and passed. Paul arrives to take me home and for the first time since Friday sees me standing with support. Getting into a Ford Mondeo is interesting. I'm in the wheelchair, the car seat has bee pushed as far back as it can go and the door is stretching to it's full opening width. I gingerly ease myself into the car and we head to the M25 to go home to my sofa, my bed and more importantly my kids. 5 days since I left home to get a new knee I am returning to continue to heal in comfort.

 

The kids were at school when we got back. I navigated the stairs to the bathroom to freshen up and get changed then relaxed on the sofa. There were big grins and even bigger hugs when my babies came home from school! Its good to be home!

 

I have a list from the hospital of things that need to be done....wound check on Friday 18th and staples out on 25th. I have a letter for the district nurse. I phone the GP to book an appointment...they don't do wound checks and staple removals. I phoned the walk in centre. Yes they do what I need doing but there are no appointments for either day. I explained my situation to be told I can come as a walk in patient and wait which can be up to 4 hours, or go back to the hospital I had the surgery at. GP is phoned and the practice manager writes off to the Single Point of Contact people to request a District nurse. Roll on one painful night spent snuggled up with my rock and the cat who seems to have missed me as much as the kids have missed me. I call the single point of contact centre who assure me they have received the referral and to contact the relevant clinic giving me the phone number. After a number of phone calls it is confirmed that the District Nurse will visit me at home. Another sigh of relief.

 

 

So here I am Wednesday afternoon. Mum has taken the dog for a walk, Paul has taken Moo to dance class, George is playing in a tank he has made out of boxes in creative time at school, Harry is playing patience (card game) with a deck of cards he has been given. I've done my exercises and am about to redo them to make sure I get the optimum movement out of my new metal work.

 

Until next time, keep safe and painfree. 

10 Things You Didn't Know About Me! National Arthritis Week!

It is nearly National Arthritis Week!! and I am proud to be dedicating some of my blog posts to NAW!!

I thought I would start with a "10 things you don't know about me!" so here goes!!

1) The condition I have is called Osteoarthritis. The common misconception is that only older people get OA. I am living proof that this condition can affect anyone at any age!

2) I was first diagnosed and treated at the age of 12. Very young I know. I had my first arthroscopic surgery when I was 12.

3) My condition affects every aspect of my day to daylife. Imagine struggling to get out of bed, having a raised toilet seat because you can't get on and off the toilet otherwise. Needing help to shower, dress, cook dinner, make a cup of coffee. Not being able to do the school run without help or do the shopping. That's my life.

4) Since my condition has progressed to this stage I have taken up blogging and trying to raise awareness of all forms of arthritis especially how it affects younger people.

5) Living with arthritis has taught me to value the small things, the little achievements that most people take for granted. To listen to by body on what I can and can't do. It has also made me realise who are my true friends and that my family are everything to me.

6) My advice to other people living with osteoarthritis would be do your research, get support medically and emotionally. Listen to your body! You can still have fun and enjoy life!

7) A gadget I couldn't live without...my laptop/smart phone! When pain is so bad I can't get out to meet up with people or just get some fresh air I am able to log onto the internet and chat with like minded people on support groups. It means I am not so isolated as living with arthritis can be very lonely.

8) Apart from my pain medication, my supportive hubby and gorgeous children get me through a really tough day. Just a gentle hug and an understanding smile can mean a lot.

9) I am very lucky as I have a very supportive husband who helps me in almost every way. My parents live in the Highlands and are making the 18 hour drive down to where we live to help me and look after the children while I have my right knee replaced next week. I have some wonderful friends I have met online too one especially has turned out to be one of my very best friends. Cara, has RA and a number of other autoimmune conditions. She is always there at the end of the phone or email or support group to chat about anything and everything. Having friends who understand are worth their weight in gold.

10) This National Arthritis Week I would like to say thank you to: My Husband Paul, for everything you do for me and your unconditional love and support. To my Mum and Dad for dropping everything to come and stay with us while I am in hospital. To Cara Davidson, for being Cara, for making me laugh and for just being an awesome friend. To the Doctors and Staff at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital.

The Countdown Begins!

It's been a few weeks since I have last sat down to put something on my blog. Life and arthritis have run away with me or got in the way. Whichever way you look at it I just haven't had enough minutes with a clear head to be able to write anything coherent. I don't know about anyone else but pain and brain fog can encompass my whole being and I can't see past that day, hour, minute or second.

September has been a busy month. Hubby had a birthday followed the next day by our gorgeous twins turning 5. The twins also started full time school in the reception class at the local primary school. Football training, dance classes and Beavers all resumed normal service of filling up evenings and weekends. Parties have been had and attended, cakes baked and eaten. Spoons used, borrowed and used again. In the background of all the madness and family life the countdown to the first of my knee replacement surgeries, which will hopefully mark the start of me gaining more mobility and a less pain filled existence has begun, slowly ticking away in the background.

Sometimes I wonder if my GP clutches at straws, or I get him on a day when he is tired and jumps at the first thing that comes to mind. I went to see him about some other symptoms I have, mainly: pain, extreme tiredness, tingling sensations that are not pins and needles, double vision, the cool breeze feeling on my eyes like I have got too close to the pot of vick, and dizziness. My GP's diagnosis......Depression. I filled in the questionnaire he gave me and I scored 5 because of the tiredness. I do not have feelings of failure and wanting to harm myself. 10 days later I go back to see the GP again with the same symptoms because they are steadily getting worse and I feel he didn't listen to me the last time. The diagnosis this time round......Migraines. Needless to say I was rather confused.com when I left. I have had double vision since I started secondary school and I wear glasses with a prism in them which sorts out the double vision. I wear glasses for distance vision and reading glasses for doing just that....reading! As a last resort I made an appointment at the opticians for my 3rd eye test this year. The result of which I have been referred back to the hospital as there is a massive difference in my prescription. The optician is concerned about the double vision and the dryness in my eyes. She filled in the referral form which I then gave to my GP. This was Thursday, with a bit of luck I will get a phone call from the GP surgery to pick up the choose and book form to make an appointment at the hospital soon. Fingers crossed this will give me some answers.

3 weeks today I will have a new right knee. I have 14 working days left, 6 of those are in the office in London so that is 12 long taxi journeys left and 8 more days working from home before operation get new knee commences. I am excited. People just don't seem to understand why I am. Of course I am nervous and apprehensive, this is a big operation with pain and a lot of physiotherapy afterwards. But...I have spent too long in pain, not being able to sleep, not being able to get about, using crutches and being pushed in a wheelchair. I am 33 not 83 and I am pinning all my hopes that these surgeries will put an end to these days and bring back a degree of normality to my life. I want to be able to open a door and walk through it. Go shopping and be able to pay for my shopping without straining to see over the counter and reach the chip and pin machine. Walk down the street holding my kids hands. Run in the park with the kids. Walk down the street holding Paul's hand instead of him pushing me in the wheelchair and me avoiding the pittying looks people give him. The other month George got a bit upset when we were shopping in Romford. He grabbed my hand and said "Mama, people keep looking at you." I gave him a hug and said "It's ok babba, they are just jealous of Mama's red wheels, ok?" I don't think people realise they are staring and the hurt that can be caused by staring at someone who is a little be less fortunate than themselves. I'm a strong person, I have to be, but I have an amazing family supporting me too who don't care that I need the sticks and the wheelchair. Who just want me to be pain free.

The countdown continues......

Community Spirit, Introducing Arthur!

That's it! I've had enough! I can't take anymore! I am completely and utterly fed up of being in pain, hurting, aching, not being mobile and being exhausted all of the time. Arthritis is trying to break me and at the moment it seems as though it is winning. I keep blaming all my other symptoms on Mr OA but after talking with friends on an online support group I am getting myself checked out by my GP tomorrow morning just to make sure there isn't anything else going on or if the medication I am currently taking is just not suitable for me anymore. I'll talk quite bluntly about this as there maybe someone out there who may be able to offer some helpful comments or advice. Apologies if I offend anyone!

As you all know I have stage 3 OA in both my knees and suspected in my hips although I have only had an x-ray which showed borderline for the hips. I am exhausted ALL of the time. I do something and I then need to sit down or even better lay down for a while. I can fall asleep at any point during the day but continue to struggle to sleep at night waking up in extreme pain every couple of hours through the night. My right hip is especially painful and nothing seems to help fully although I am using the tens machine more and more on my hip and lower back to take the edge of the pain. I ache all over and my arms and legs feel weak. I suffer with double vision and have done since I was a teenager and I wear glasses with a prism to help this, but now I am struggling to control the double vision and the optician says my prescription is suitable. Finally....I need to pee lots! and when I go I don't seem to empty my bladder fully and end up needing to go again shortly after I have just been. And don't get me started on brain fog and not being able to remember things! This is all very frustrating for someone who has limited mobility and is fighting pain on a constant basis. I am hoping there is a simple explanation for this and I don't have to battle something else. With a bit of luck my GP will be able to shed some light and put my mind at ease.  I suppose one of the better side effects of the tramadol is that I don't have a big appetite anymore, in fact I don't have an appetite and I have lost 1 stone 3 lbs in under 3 months...which is good for my figure! ;-)

I hear people say 'Community Spirit doesn't exist anymore'. I have been humbled by the number of people who live in our street who stop and ask how I am doing, if I need anything just to knock and ask, and people who just stop and say hello. I don't even know the names of some of these people. I know roughly where they live and I am now making a concerted effort to get to know them better...starting by learning their name, hopefully I will remember their names! So that's the physical community of the street I live in. Also there is community spirit in the online community. I am a member of a number of support forums and an admin on one. The support that people from all walks of life and from all over the globe give people is heart warming. Just to chat with someone who is going through what you are going through and who understands really helps. I have made some lovely friends online. Also I have some long standing understanding friends. I am very blessed to have the support I do, and of course I have my rock too, Paul xxx

When I go into hospital for big/major surgeries I get a new teddy bear to keep me company! I'd like to introduce you to Arthur Ritis, my new Hospital Bear!

Arthur will be going with me to hospital on 11th October to keep me company. The kids love him and helped make him at Build a Bear!

Until next time. Keep safe and hope you all have a pain free day xxx

Spoons Used & Borrowed.

The Spoon Theory is a well known theory and it really is a good one for explaining to people who don't understand what it is like to live with chronic and debilitating conditions. It also is like a special language used by those who do understand to explain how they are feeling without having to go into details. I don't know about you but sometimes I just can't be bothered to explain yet again that I have osteoarthritis and yes I am aware that I am young, and no a little bit of exercise won't make everything better and losing weight won't get me out of the wheelchair and allow me to run around with the kids. I'm not overweight, although I have been in the past and I have lost 8 stone....and put on 1 since being immobile but it is frustrating to be told by complete strangers with no medical knowledge  "just lose a bit of weight and that will sort out your joints" I'm sure I am not the only person who is asked "what have you done?!" or "have you been ski-ing?" and when you reply with I have arthritis get the reply "oh are you sure? You're a bit young for that" or "I have a touch of arthritis" I really wish it was only a touch of arthritis and I could take the odd pain killer or anti inflammatory when I get an ache. Only the frustrating reality is I'm allergic to NSAID's (non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenic so I can't treat the inflammation. I have to take tramadol which is an opiate based painkiller and co-codamol just to get out of bed in a morning and control the pain. Unfortunately there are days when Mr Tramadol and Mrs Co-Codamol can't beat the pain into submission and it takes everything I have internally not to break down, pull the duvet over  my head and cry, believe me there are days when this is probably all I can do. I don't want my kids to see me give up. I still want to be the fun and loving mum I was the other year. I also want to continue working, earning money to provide for and keep the roof over my family's heads.

In the attempt to keep working and not be signed off permanently I was successful in my application for an Access to Work grant and they fund the taxi fares to and from work. I work in the office in London twice a week and the remaining 3 days a week I work from home. I am very lucky to be able to do this. I found a local taxi firm which was cheap as work had agreed that I would pay the fares and claim the money back through the grant myself. Tuesday was my first day back in the office and I was nervous...just like starting a new job. The taxi driver picked me up at the agreed time and helped me with my laptop bag, opened doors and made sure I was ok. The same driver picked me up at 5pm. The journeys are long but London traffic is notorious. So when Thursday came around I was confident everything would be ok. Oh how wrong was I?! It was a different driver, he picked me up at the agreed time but when he reached the destination he told me the quote I had been given was incorrect and wanted me to pay more than I could. There had been a mix up with the postcode of the office but I couldn't pay more than the agreement with the ATW people and what the taxi company had provided. All these details had been going backwards and forwards from the grant people and the taxi company but the mix up had not been picked up. The taxi driver had pulled into a side street and locked the car doors and shouted abuse at me for nearly 20 minutes. Now, he is aware that I am disabled and unsteady on my feet and unable to walk unaided so what did he think he was going to achieve by locking me in the cab....I can't walk so I'm not likely to run off. The vile piece of work of a taxi driver only let me out of the car when I said he was intimidating me. I paid the amount that had been quoted and agreed and the driver spat at me while shouting "we won't be picking you again" This driver had just lost the taxi company an account which would have been used on a regular basis and would have generated a lot of income. I was now shaken, extremely upset and stranded in London as I am unable to use public transport alone. Work were fantastic, very supportive. A formal complaint has been made and the taxi driver reported. I have been in contact with ATW and my grant has been amended. Work are setting up an account with another taxi company and I will not have to pay upfront as they will be handling everything for me. Fingers crossed from next week I will be back in the office and being driven by a reputable and understanding taxi company who don't verbally abuse and leave stranded vulnerable disabled women.

Paul was my knight in a blue Mondeo! He drove to London with the kids in tow and picked me up when work finished. The journey home was LONG! It actually took over 3 hours from central London to our home in Hornchurch. The kids were really good, I couldn't be more proud of them. Its not fun being cooped up in a stuffy car in traffic going at snails pace and they get bored. Luckily 2 of them went to sleep as it was past their bedtime when we eventually got home. Once the kiddies were safely tucked up in bed, Paul held me tightly while I sobbed. All the fear, stress, shock and upset just had to pour out. I had to get all the 'what ifs' that were running round in my head out and banish them for good because I knew I would still have to make the journey to work in a taxi another day.

Thank goodness for Bank Holiday Weekends! 3 days of not having to worry about work or travelling! Saturday was wet....very wet! I saw pictures that friends were posting on Facebook of the flooding that was happening in Southend and Canvey Island. I couldn't quite believe that we had gone from hot and dry to hot and wet over night. It was a bit monsoonlike because it was still humid and muggy and very soggy! I was secretly hoping for dry weather for the Sunday as we had arranged a Lamb Roast in the woodland that is Ravenswood to finish off my birthday celebrations....and keeping my fingers crossed worked because Sunday was warm and most importantly DRY!!

Woodland poses challenges for those who are unsteady on their feet, suffer with painful legs, hips and backs. The ground is uneven...its a woodland! But I was determined to have a good time. I needed to be in the tranquil surroundings of Ravenswood to relax and just be. The Ferrari isn't suitable for the forest so it would have to be a crutches event and plenty of sitting down. We arrived later than we would have liked due to people not driving with due care and attention on the M25 and were caught up in the tail back of traffic caused by an accident involving 3 cars. When we eventually pulled up into Ravenswood a feeling of calm washed over me and I felt as though I had come home and the woodland was giving me a 'hello, welcome back hug' This kids immediately started playing and having fun in their 25 acre natural playground and Paul set to work lighting a fire and getting the spit ready for the lamb. People started to arrive, tents were put up. The canopy was filled with laughter, the sound of old friends catching up and new friendships being born. The smell of cooking lamb and rosemary wafted through the air. Our lovely friends brought their 2 week old baby boy and I got to have a cuddle with the incredibly cute Morgen. The lovely Koren looked beautifully radiant, motherhood certainly suits her even with the sleepless nights a newborn brings. Around the fire people sang songs and one couple even had a dance. I felt really blessed to be surrounded by such good friends.

I wanted to share some pictures with you of the forest and this weekend.

Cooking dinner!

Carving!

 Serene

 Beautiful, we just love this place

 

Paul wanted to bring back an old jeep body from the woodland which he has been storing there for a few years so that he can get on with restoring it. When opening the glove box we found a family of Gliss Gliss (edible dormice) Gliss Gliss are protected and only found in something like a 10 mile radius. Paul had to gently rehome the little furry creatures only a few feet from where they were found. I think you would agree they are rather cute!

 

I used up ALL of my spoons and I used a fair few spoons borrowed from the coming week. I hurt from my head down to my toes with my lower back and hips being the most painful and the worst they have ever been before. When we got home and the kids had been bathed and put in clean clothes Paul lifted me into the warm bath he had run for me. I lay in the warm water letting my body relax and wishing the pain to go away. Topped up on painkillers I curled up on the sofa unable to do anything else, had a visit from a good friend and her daughter who don't care that I wasn't dressed and only wearing my dressing gown. Unfortunately I had to leave Paul to unpack the car and tidy up. Was it all worth it?! Oh yes! I used all my spoons and some, to enjoy myself and spend quality time with my lovely family. A few days on and the nasty Mr OA is still making me pay for a day/evening of enjoyment.

 

 

Friday this week brings my pre-op assessment at Stanmore for the first of my knee replacements and the reality that something is going to be done to help me is just round the corner. 

Birthday Laughter and Adventures!

Wow! What a birthday week! The best news ever arrived! The date for my right knee replacement is going to be 11th October. The left knee will be done shortly after if all goes well. FINALLY I feel as though I have been taken seriously by a consultant who has managed to look past my age, which now has another year notched onto it as I reached the grand age of 33 last week. Having a confirmed date makes a world of difference. To know that something is going to be done to make my life easier. Yes the initial pain is going to be hell by all accounts but that pain is going to be worth it. To be able to go out with just a stick instead of the wheelchair will be fantastic until both knees are done! I'm looking forward to being able to hold my kids hands, and of course Paul's hand when we go out.

We are members of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Official Club and we decided that we would take a bit of a diversion on our trip to Scarborough and have a look around the BBMF Visitors Centre and have a guided tour round the hanger at RAF Coningsby. The kids were on count down, counting the sleeps. They each have their own individual favourite planes and it is wonderful to see their enthusiasm towards iconic planes that played an important role in our country's history. The Ferrari was packed into the boot of the car so I used my sticks. We had a wander around the visitors centre and looked at some of the displays before our guided tour with Gordon round the BBMF Hanger. We knew the Lancaster, one of the Spitfires and a Hurricane were on their way back from Blackpool and we were keeping our fingers crossed that we would be lucky enough to see the flight come home. And yes we really were in for a treat. Gordon guided us round the hanger and engaged the kids as well. We learnt about the aircraft and their history. By the time we got to the end of the hanger the Spitfire flew over head, appearing out the dark clouds that had just finished giving a heavy downpour. The kids were so excited...and so were we! The Spitfire landed followed shortly by the Hurricane. Big smiles all round! Duncan Mason was flying the Hurricane and came over to speak to the group of bystanders that had gathered at the end of the hanger. Harry was very pleased to get his picture taken with him!

What a genuinely nice guy! He even gave my Harry monster his flight map, which we have laminated for Harry.

 

The plane that everyone was waiting for came into sight. The powerful sound of the Lancaster's engines filling the sky.

 Awesome!

 

 

The hanger and visitors centre is disabled accessible, you need to use a manual wheelchair in the hanger and they do provide wheelchairs and chairs to sit on throughout the tour. We thought they had thought of everything! A trip back to the shop to buy some souvenirs and treats for everyone and we were on our way to Sunny Scarborough with a wish to visit the BBMF again! They are on Facebook so please have a look at their page to see where they are flying, interact with other people and find out how to become a member! https://www.facebook.com/BBMF.Official?fref=ts

 

So we were now 3 hours from our destination and travelling in the car certainly does have an impact on Mr Arthritis. Joints seizing up and painful back, but I didn't care, I was one my way to see my family to continue my Birthday celebrations which have certainly got off to a flying start ;-)

 

We check into our 'usual' B&B in Scarborough, The Cordelia. It's not the easiest of B&B's as far as a disabled person is concerned but the stairs are shallow enough but there are a lot of them. The breakfasts are worth it. We've been going to this B&B for a number of years and it didn't occur to me that I would struggle. The stairs were the main issue and it took me 10 times longer to get up the stairs using my sticks than the rest of the family but such is the old the person my body has turned into.

 

The kids played on the beach while I watched from the side lines in the wheelchair. Mum, Dad and Grandma got to see me for the first time in the wheelchair. Dad HAD to get a picture...I don't think it was a good one! Catching up with everyone was great and the kids had a whale of a time. Harry even went on a 3 mile walk with his Grandma and Shadow.

 

One the way back  home we made another diversion to meet up with the lovely Cara. We have been speaking for years now and have never managed to meet up. We have so much in common from Twins to Arthritis. What fun we had! We raced the Ferrari!

The lovely Cara trying out the Ferrari!

 Friends for life! xxx

Laughter Therapy!

Me and my wheels!

 

I think the pictures show we had a lot of fun! Arthritis is painful, debilitating and depressing but if you let it run your life you miss out on so much. I see the chair as a positive thing, I get to meet friends, get out and about. It is Just a mode of transport. If people can only see the disability and the wheelchair it's their problem not mine!

 

I've spoken to a number of people on various forums about having children and not being able to do things with them anymore. My personal experience is you have to adapt. We do lots of crafty things at the table....baking, decorating cakes, drawing, painting. We play catch...I sit down the kids do the running around. They build castles and dens with blankets and cushions and I make up stories to tell them. Am I a fun mum? Yes I hope so. Am I am mum that can go off to the park, play football and do lots of active things.....No, but my kids don't miss out on mum time.

 

My actual birthday we were home for. I had previously booked tickets for everyone to see We're Going on a Bear Hunt at the Lyric Theatre. I used ALL my spoons and a few from the next couple of days. The London Underground is Hard Work! even with help from Paul I struggled BIG TIME. The theatre was ok, not too many stairs and plenty of leg room, which is what I need!

 As you can see we had a fab time.

We had to take everything slowly, but then that is another key. Taking things slowly and listening to your body.

 

So, now I am going back to work. I have been granted help from the Access to Work Scheme and will be going into the office 2 days a week by taxi. I am apprehensive, I've been off  so long it is like I am starting a new job with all the nerves and worries that go along with that. I'll be working from home the remaining 3 days a week. This is for the next 7-8 weeks until I go into hospital for my surgery. I've met a lovely lady called Michelle and we have become friends. Michelle is going in for her knee replacement on 10th September and we have exchanged numbers to keep intouch and keep each going through the pain and physio. I have noticed that I some friends have dropped off the radar. They don't call, or text anymore and when you bump into them they say "Oh I'll pop round for a cuppa and catch up", that never happens. But while some 'friends' drop out of you life, other friends appear and I am thankful for that. There are however loyal friends that keep in touch and visit from time to time. In fact it's not about the visiting but the occasional text, message, call or email just to say "hi" It is a 2 way street and I am as bad as the next person about picking up the phone....I am getting better at it though!

 

So today is Monday and I still have some spoons left which will be used up no doubt getting school uniform for the kids in Tesco this evening!

 

 

 

The Light at the End of the Tunnel Shines a Bit Brighter!

I didn't sleep a wink on Tuesday night. I was pinning ALL my hopes on my appointment the next day. I know Paul didn't sleep either. We were both worried that the answer was going to be no, or wait and see, or maybe we should try....

We were up and at 'em at 7am. The kids were fed, watered, washed, dressed and delivered to our friends house to play her kids. We set off for the M25 keeping our fingers crossed that it wasn't going to be the car park that it is renown for. I kept doing my breathing exercises to combat the nausea the tramadol causes when travelling in a car. We gave ourselves 2 hours to get the hospital. The M25 behaved itself and we got to the hospital in just over an hour...impressed! The only parking at the RNOH is for disabled blue badge holders. We found a parking space which couldn't be any further from where we needed to be! I got into the Ferrari and went to find a coffee to settle my nerves.

Coffee drunk, we headed to the outpatients department. The hospital is old and I feel like I am bein wheeled through time. There is a lot of UP!...steep slopes which Paul threatens to let go of me on to see me hurtling to the bottom! I know he was just trying to take my mind off things. On arrival I am sent off for x-rays. X-rays done we wait to see the consultant in the clinic. We chat to a lovely couple who as it turned out actually only live round the corner from us! We are called into the room. The consultant has been called away to an emergency so we see one of his team. This time it's not someone who looks like he has just left school so that's reassuring. He reads my notes, looks at my x-rays and all the MRI results from my previous hospital. My knees are examined...really gently I have to say, and his hands were warm! The doctor umms and arhhhs and my heart sinks, I'm trying desperately not to cry. I explain that if someone offered to cut my legs off above the knees and give me artificial legs I would take them up on the offer because I would be in a better position than I am now.

After more umming and arrhhing and looking again at my MRI results and the report from my last arthroscopic surgery in March he turned to us both and explained that a full knee replacement doesn't have a great success rate in the under 50's....I'm 32...33 next week. My heart sinks a bit further. But he is prepared to do a patella femoral replacement which is a partial knee replacement giving me a new knee cap and new top bit of knee. He explains that this hopefully will buy me a bit of time until I am a more suitable candidate for a full knee replacement. The partial replacement lasts about 20 years which will make me 53 (eeeck!) I asked if I could have both done at the same time but it looks as though the right will be done first and if that's ok then the left will be done. If the right doesn't take then they will consider the full knee replacement. Doctor man informed that he needs to have a chat with Mr Carrington to get his final approval and that I should be getting my first new knee in about 3 months time. So! a great result all round. The news is a very welcomed birthday present and the knees will be a fantastic xmas present!!

I just wanted to share with you all a picture of me from Sunday all dressed up 1950's style for a Buddy Holly evening at our theatre. I got SO many compliments I felt great!

 My rock xxx

Vintage, Spoofs, Towers & Spoons!

I'm sat here in my cool front room with the windows open, a thunderstorm rumbling along in the background, the children playing in a makeshift castle they have made with cushions and blankets and thinking about the last couple of weeks. I've got the end of my first full week of not working, not logging on checking my work email and not attending any meetings via telephone conference. It has been pleasant but is not something I could do full time. Don't get me wrong, I love my family and I love spending time with them but this is about being useful and being able to provide for the children we chose to bring into the world. Work is looking at options for me and I have filled in the forms for help from the Access to Work Scheme. My boss has been in contact and advised that he is keen to get me back to work and that he is more concerned with options at the moment rather than cost. This makes me feel a valued member of the team. I do truly enjoy my job so I am very lucky in that respect. I know that many people do not have this support from their employers and have had to give up work due to their arthritis are reliant on the over stretched benefits system and the red tape they have to get through. This is where schemes such as the Access to Work Scheme come into their own offering help, advice and grants. Charities like Arthritis Care and Arthritis Research UK offer a wonderful source of advice and support. They also have support groups on social media sites like Facebook which can reach out to vulnerable and isolated people.

I posted my blog on a page on Facebook only to get a comment asking if the blog is s spoof blog! I'm not quite sure what the person meant and a few of my friends have suggested a number of translations which actually made me feel quite insulted. The person who made the comment chose not to elaborate on their comment so I am non the wiser. My personal opinion is that you don't have to read it if you don't want to, it's personal choice.  I know I have made quite a few entries on my blog so people may not have read the first entry. I started blogging to help me with the changes and challenges my osteoarthritis is presenting to me. Its a way for me to get all the thoughts and feelings out of my head without having to constantly bombard and unload onto the people I love the most. If the blog can help people also going through similar experiences to mine, showing that they are not alone, that they perhaps can identify with what is happening to me then that can only be a good thing.

I love vintage clothing of the 1940's and 1950's. I love the music of the era too. Now true vintage clothing is rather expensive so I buy vintage style! My mum bought me a lovely 1950's style dress for my birthday (which is in 2 weeks so it's an early birthday present) I have bought a petticoat to go under it to give it a full look. Here is the dress (without petticoat) and a picture of me and my gorgeous hubby on our night out with some friends at the local Chinese. I even got to wear the beautiful pendant Paul made me.

 

We, like many other people shop at Tesco and collect Clubcard vouchers. We exchanged some vouchers for Days Out Vouchers and eating Out Vouchers for Ask. We ended up with £60 worth of vouchers which thought would cover the entrance for the Tower of London plus £40 worth of Ask vouchers to treat the kids for dinner after our trip to the Tower. When we got to the ticket desk we were informed that we couldn't get a family ticket using clubcard vouchers. This in fact worked in our favour! The twins are 4 years old so got free admission as under 5's. I was eligible for a concession and showed my Blue Badge and certificate of entitlement to DLA as my proof and Paul was given FREE entrance as my carer!! So all we had to pay was £26 for myself and Harry. What a result! You don't get change on the vouchers but that's not a problem. We still have £30 worth of Days Out Vouchers so will be going to the Zoo, we have exchanged some more clubcard vouchers to cover the cost! My recommendation to those who are registered disabled or have a blue badge, read the small print. You may be able to get a concession ticket and get your partner or friend in for free or a reduced price as your carer!

 

I didn't take the Ferrari to the Tower of London. I used my sticks which enabled me to get around parts that I couldn't with the chair but I was very slow and in a lot of pain. I had lots of sit down breaks and got to people watch...which if you have never done it, it is a fun and interesting pass time, I recommend it! Everyone should spend some time sitting back and observing the world.

 this is me and my gorgeous girlie xxx

 

We stayed at the Tower for about 4 or 5 hours before heading over to Ask Italian for a very late lunch and to use  our £40 vouchers!

 

I'm not sure if some of you are aware of the Spoon Theory... Have a read http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/wpress/articles/written-by-christine/the-spoon-theory/

It is an excellent way of explaining to those that don't understand about living with a disability or illness. The lady who wrote it has Lupus but it can be applied to those with Arthritis or any invisible illness. I use it!

 

Now our trip to the tower has used up all my spoons for that day and I borrowed spoons from the next two days! Consequently I have been in a lot of pain where the pain meds don't really take the edge of it. It is SO frustrating that to enjoy ourselves with our families the arthritis makes us pay big time afterwards. I can guarantee that I will have some 'interesting' dreams thanks to Mr Tramadol and Mrs Cocodamol but this is the price I pay for making the summer holidays memorable for the kids.

 

The 1st August marked Lammas which is the Pagan festival celebrating the first cut of the harvest. Paul and the kids made bread.

We ate lunch and dinner in the garden which was lovely. Sadly today is a wet day so we won't be enjoying the garden today.

 

I made a cake last week for the family. I called it "I love My Family" it got devoured!

 

This Sunday Paul and I are going to the Queens Theatre in Hornchurch to see a Buddy Holly tribute act...I can't wait!! I have another 1950's style dress to wear and Paul is going to wear his suit and trilby hat! I don't know about anyone else but I HAVE to have something to look forward to, to get me through the bad and painful days. We have had these tickets for a couple of months now and it's a pre-birthday treat! The Queens Theatre is accessible for disabled people so I know I don't have to worry about getting in there and moving around the place. The staff are also wonderful and helpful.

 

Wednesday next week is my appointment at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore. I suppose I am pinning all my hopes on this appointment and the skills of the surgeon. I am hoping he can do the replacement surgery I desperately need. I am not naïve I know what the surgeries entail but I NEED to be able to move around without a wheelchair and crutches. The Ferrari is nice as far as wheelchairs go but I long to be able to walk with my children and hold their hands before they grow up and don't want to hold their mama's hand. I want to walk hand in hand with my hubby like other couples do that are in love. Fingers crossed I will be able to do this in the not too distant future.

 

I was reading a post on a social network page about husbands/partners and family not being understanding of the challenges and the pain people go through. I am SO lucky with Paul. He literally does everything for me and he doesn't complain. He tells me everyday that he loves me, he holds me gently when I cry because of the pain, he let me vent and shout with the frustration of not being able to do simple tings that others take for granted and he doesn't take it personally. He is wonderful and if I could clone him so others could have someone in their lives that is loving and understanding I would. Does Paul read my blog? No, he says he doesn't need to because he lives this with me and he knows I tell him everything. Would I like him to read it?...maybe, but only so he can read how much he means to me. Infact, I'm going to tell him right now...again

 

xxxx 

 

Heat Waves and Thunder Storms!

Hello lovely people.

Wow! Summer has finally arrived bringing hot days and muggy nights. I hear people complaining of the heat and smile to myself because in about 4 months time the very same people will be complaining of the cold and wet and possibly the snow! I like the changing of the seasons and the different types of weather they bring. I love the summer and being able to wear nice summery dresses and clothes. I love the autumn which brings the cooler weather and the changing colours of the leaves on the trees. I love the winter and being able to snuggle up under warm fluffy duvets watching films and I love the spring which brings new colours and snippets of colour after the winter months when everything has died back.

July has brought the arrival of a new Royal Baby and we saw the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with their bundle of joy. I've been waiting to hear from 2 sets of friends who have also been waiting for their little bundles to arrive. Baby Brawn was safely delivered by c section in the wee small hours of this morning. I am now waiting to hear that Baby Leaves has arrived safely. The circle of life can be a very cruel thing. A family who are neighbours have had a very trying time over the last few years and this year has been no different. They have celebrated the birth of 2 babies but have also had to mourn the loss of a much loved brother/uncle at the same time to cancer. I really hope that this lovely family is given a break now, they are lovely people and if they are reading this they know we are thinking of them and holding them close in our thoughts.

On the arthritis side of things, many people say the weather affects their pain levels and the warmer the weather the less pain they are in and the more mobility they have. I really wish this were true for me. Because I have bone on bone the pain is as it always is....bloody awful! My back pain has been aggravated by the recent thunderstorms so part of the rumour must be true.

I had a phone call from my boss yesterday advising me that HR have decided that I am now to be fully signed off and not working until I have seen my surgeon at the RNOH. Luckily for me the appointment is on 7th August and I have a weeks annual leave which has been agreed I can take from 12th August. The Workplace Adjustments team have been in contact about whether I am eligible under the Access to Work Scheme for a taxi to and from the office. This would be fantastic if this was agreed. Working from home is great but you do miss the social interaction with your team members and colleagues. Also you miss out on support. My boss informed me that the office the team is being moved to in September does not have disabled access. As the building was converted prior to a certain date it is at the landlords discretion whether to have disabled access installed. The building is not owned by the company like other buildings so unfortunately nothing can be done which leaves me in a bit of a pickle. IF they agree to a taxi to and from work I can use my crutches and struggle up the steps into the building but if they say no to the taxi I will need to use the Ferrari to get into London and then I wont be able to get into the building :-/  Anyway this is in the hands of the workplace adjustments team and hopefully they will be able to sort something out.

Didn't we have some spectacular thunder storms the other night?! I nearly fell out of bed with a huge clap of thunder which was overhead. Harry monster woke up scared which is understandable. The twins however slept right through the storm. Paul, Harry and Myself sat in the bedroom window watching the lightening show, which was amazing! and counting waiting for the thunder. Making the storm into a game relaxed Harry and he was no longer frightened. He eventually went back to sleep in his own bed!

Tomorrow night Paul and  are going out for dinner with some friends of ours and I can't wait! We are going to a lovely Chinese restaurant in Hornchurch and I have a nice new frock to wear and a beautiful pendant Paul has made for me!

Aren't I a lucky lady! Its a beautiful hand made gold heart pendant with peridots and white sapphires. My birth stone is the peridot and Pauls is sapphires. He has chosen white sapphires as they compliment the peridots. The piece is stunning and I am looking forward to wearing it! Paul has been working on his website for his jewellery and that will be going live soon! In previous posts I have put up his Facebook page for his jewellery so have a wander over and a look at some of the pieces he has made.

 

July also has brought the end of an era. George and Amelia have finished the nursery class at Hacton Primary School and are ready to go into the Reception Class. They finished their year at Nursery with a little concert which we went to watch as very proud parents!  Harry got an Achievement Award at school for his hard work and progress in Speech and language. All 3 of my kiddies got wonderful school reports making me one extremely proud mama!

 

Back to the Arthritis bit! My DLA claim was re-evaluated and I have been awarded the higher mobility rate! The lady who phoned to do an over the phone assessment was wonderful and very understanding and I have my GP to thank for the report he sent in about my challenges and condition. On the whole July has been a positive month and fingers crossed I will get some positive news from the workplace adjustment team soon. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed me for my appointment at the RNOH on 7th August! I will be sure to let you know how I get on.

 

Keep well and relatively pain free everyone and enjoy the warmer weather....it will soon be gone :-)

 

 

 

Randomness!

Its been over a week or so since I last sat down to blog. Much has happened and lots of things I want to tell you all about are running round in my head, so lets start!

As you all know I use the Ferrari to get out and about as it makes it a lot easier and the arthritis doesn't hit me with pain when I am enjoying family time or shopping. Have you ever noticed that the chip and pin machines are so high up?! I've always taken it for granted that I buy something, put card in machine and enter PIN. Some shops the machine is moveable so I'm able to enter the details. I went to Boots to hand in my prescription and the pharmacy part has an incredibly high counter. I was sat there for a good 10 minutes before the assistant noticed me. You may ask why I didn't speak up, but I wanted to prove a point and waited to me noticed. If I was stood up then they would have noticed me almost straight away. When I was attended to I wasn't able to sign my script as the pen is on a chain to prevent people from pinching them. The assistant eventually came out from behind the castle wall and handed me her pen to sign the script. In future I think I will be letting Paul pick up my prescriptions as the high street chemist is certainly not disability friendly.

While I am on my soap box about accessibility. Doctors surgeries!...mine has steps up into it and if you get an appointment with the GP upstairs there is no lift. In fairness the surgery is held in a converted 1930's house but still I would have thought there would be a ramp to get into the building. To be honest I wouldn't be able to get the Ferrari into the doctors room as it is a standard doorway. I have to be driven to the surgery and use my crutches to get in and out. I'm lucky because Paul is able to take me to my appointments and also take the children to theirs if they need them.

I think I mentioned in my previous post that my GP had signed me off for a further 8 weeks which takes me up to 14th August which is in the middle of my weeks annual leave. Boss man has been very understanding but had to consult HR who advised I should have an occupational health review with their 3rd party external OH consultants. Not a problem as far as I'm concerned as I have nothing to hide and I am keen to keep working. I am currently working from home which has helped a great deal with managing Mr OA. The Occupational Health Consultant phoned and did the review over the phone. It lasted just over the hour so I am glad that they phoned me ;-) The chap was very helpful, very understanding and I didn't feel as though I was being accused of anything or that they thought I was lying. I had already signed a medical disclosure document but they advised that they didn't need to request a report from my GP or Specialist. They have agreed that I should continue to work from home until I can have reconstructive surgery. At that point they will request a report from the surgeon and agree a phased return to work. I'm now waiting for the report to be written up and forwarded to my boss and wait for his and HR's decision. Fingers crossed they take the HR advice.

Moo is doing really well at her dance class, at the moment I haven't had chance to attend, Paul the wonderful Hubby takes her. Moo is now practicing for her first dance exam which is the Samba! Watch out Strictly, here comes Moo! :-) Harry Monster is still enjoying his football and played another tournament this weekend. All the boys at Tigers White Socks played very well. George has finally decided that he would like to try Karate so we have now found him a class!

Saturday afternoon was Family time and we took the kids to the cinema to see Despicable Me 2. Such fun! It was the first time we have taken then to the cinema and I wasn't sure if they would sit and watch the film all the way through or keep getting up to go to the toilet. To our amazement they watched the whole film. I recommend the film, I was chuckling all the way through!

Quite late on Saturday evening I received a friend request on good old Facebook. I had no idea who this person was and because the notification came through on my phone I decided to wait until the morning to check it out. Now FB has a messaging system and if someone is not on your friends list and they message you the message goes into your 'other' inbox. ...confusing I know! Well I noticed that this person had messaged me saying they had seen pictures on my Prom and was it the 28th June that I had the palominos booked for. Even more confusion on my part.....I'm 32 not 16 and when I was at school we didn't have a prom.....should I feel as though I am missing out?! LOL! The woman had not only sent a friend request but had subscribed to my FB profile and was now following me...Oh Dear God, I thought to my self, I've now got a FB stalker!

Well, as it turns out my lovely sister in law does horse drawn weddings and funerals and this family had booked her and the palominos for the 28th June, however one of the horses is ill, has gone lame and is unable  to work. They were offered a beautiful pair of Greys (White Horses) for the day but this was declined and they received a full refund. It wasn't a last minute decision as they were informed a good 2 weeks prior so a replacement could be arranged.  Natasha was working on her page and put up some pictures from a prom done last year. A good picture and a good bit of marketing. I naturally liked the picture and the stalker jumped to conclusions and assumed that it was my prom and that Natasha had cancelled their wedding to do the Prom. Then decided to be low and start sending private messages to people. The woman then posted comments on the page that could be taken as defamatory. These comments were naturally removed. She didn't respond to my reply to her message explaining that it definitely wasn't my prom but she is still following me!

Have a wander over to her page...she has two...a group and a page. Please select like and share! She does wonderful day experiences as well as proms and weddings! She did our wedding nearly 3 years ago and the horse and carriage certainly made me feel like a princess in a fairy tale! https://www.facebook.com/pages/AM-Carriages/131608063688265?fref=ts is the link to the Page A M Carriages, https://www.facebook.com/groups/104844142891286/ is the link to the group!

 This is my Dad and me on my wedding day!

I've been cake baking again! ...this time it was a mojito cake....very yummy and light, perfect for the summer! I've not got a picture available for the blog but there is a picture on my cake page Cake Anyone....have a look! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cake-Anyone/497115613651635


Hope everyone is enjoying the summer sun, lets hope it hangs around for a while.

Until next time stay safe x