Tuesday, 2 March 2010

Time's up

So, it's almost here ... and I've been so busy I've neglected my updates slightly ... I promise I'll be back when the honeymoon is over :) Until then, keep everything crossed that my feet stay well ...

Wednesday, 24 February 2010

All systems go

It's celebration time today ...
The feet feel great (touch wood!) and with nine days to go until the big day that's a massive deal.

Now all we have to cope with is this blasted weather.
Can I ask nicely that the snow clear up PLEASE.

And in case you didn't know, I'm getting married next week!!
Yes, I know, you haven't heard that yet ....

Wednesday, 17 February 2010

A weekend to remember

So, it has been a few days, but wedding details have taken over! Anyways, the hen do was, as I said before, unbelievably amazing. I think my chief bridesmaid should start giving classes on how to be a brilliant bridesmaid - I know I'll be taking tips from her if I ever get the role.

She organised a night on the West End, including a scrummy meal, Dirty Dancing live on stage and our names on the guest list of a cool club that also played cheesy music and was therefore perfect for boogie-ing on down til the wee hours. We continued the party back at the hotel with a sneaky bottle of rose and an even bigger bottle of vodka - oops!

Next day was pretty much wrote off for most of us as the hangovers started to set in but I was whisked off all the same to a very sumptuous hotel - you know, the type you would want to live in if you had the money, filled with blooming flowers, Laura Ashley style interiors and plush bathrooms - in short, beautiful.
It was here that I was treated to a champagne afternoon tea, complete with small triangular sandwiches, cup cakes, strawberries and cream and fresh, still hot, scones. The girls then raised their glasses and gave me a short toast which brought tears to my eyes and I know I've said this before, but I felt very loved.
Every one of them has been completely supportive over the past year, beyond my wildest dreams and I could never have gotten through all that MS has thrown at me without them.
The toast was a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, having friends who care is priceless.

Next on the agenda was pizza and more bubbles in our room but they weren't letting me off so lightly. They had requested I wear a pink dress and I had duly done so, while the rest of them were wearing black dresses with a hint of pink on their attire - lovely touch I thought, not too tacky, just nice. Boy was I in for a shock when 'chief' produced a bright pink feather boa, long black gloves, a 'bride-to-be' sash, 'L' plates, a mask adorned with even more pink feathers and the icing on the cake, a headband complete with pink willies! But I took it all in good humour - nothing else for it really!

They then started a round of Mr and Mrs - with a twist. They asked me questions and once I had answered they produced a lap-top with J giving his answers on a video camera. The amount of effort they had gone to was unbelievable. Thankfully we didn’t do too badly – proof that we are really made for each other J

A comedy club followed, where I hid at the back and hoped the comedians wouldn’t pick on me, and then another reserved area in the club. Again we danced til our feet hurt and I went home with a huge smile on my face.

I had braved my high heels on night one but gave them up for comfort on night two – a wise choice as my feet survived quite well! Now back home, it’s just over two weeks until the ‘big day’ – how that came around so quick I’ll never know – and I’m trying to pace myself. My feet were a bit sore on Monday but that’s because I didn’t stop all weekend, and I’ve learned a sore and sorry lesson. This weekend you’ll find me laid up watching films and taking it easy!

Wednesday, 10 February 2010

I blame 'brain fog'

The big hen do extravaganza - as my chief bridesmaid called it - is now officially over. Technically it was over on Sunday but with all the reminiscing and chat it sort of only feels as though it ended today!
It was one hell of a weekend - completely amazing and totally unforgettable - but not without its traumas either.

To start with, I left my handbag on the plane - with my phone and purse safely tucked away inside it. And while I said I wasn't going to mention MS through the preparations and wedding itself, I feel I sort have to here.
Reason being, I think MS is to blame! Honestly, there's a thing out there that MS people call 'brain fog' and I completely 100% believe that it is 'brain fog' that has me forgetting stuff and leaving things behind me.

Once I discovered the loss I missed a heart beat, followed by a mad dash to an airport telephone where a lady on the end said she could do nothing to help me - typical. The woman at the easyjet desk was even less helpful, with her aggressive 'arms across the chest' stance and withering look.
So, once I realised there was nothing I could do, I accepted my fate and rounded up the rest of the posse to catch the train.

A year ago this sort of fiasco would have had me reduced to a blubbering mess, frustrated at my inability to look after myself. This year, I have a new approach. I couldn't fix it and the withering lady wouldn't help, so I got on with it, not a tear to be seen. My late grandmother used to say, 'Don't cry over what money can buy' - and never before have I taken her advice so literally.

The weekend was just about to start .... and those stories will be posted later, promise.

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Off to London town

Tomorrow is day one of my hen weekend .... and I can't wait. As I've said before, I have an amazing crowd of friends who are brilliant every day but I know they're pushing the boat out for me this weekend and that means SO much.

There's 19 of us in total hitting London town - I know little about what's happening because my bridesmaids (and my chief in particular - she knows who she is!) have kept it all under wraps which makes it all the more special!!

They've also taken the 'stupid feet' into consideration so hopefully I'll be able to enjoy everything without much problem. To be honest I'm going to try and completely forget about MS for a while - not just this weekend but for the next two months, through my wedding day and honeymoon - and hope that it doesn't make me remember.

Wish me luck :)

Saturday, 30 January 2010

Keeping fit ... and rest too!

So, aside from everything MS related, my life is pretty hectic at the minute. Our wedding is less than five weeks away and while the majority of the organising is finished, there's still 'stuff' to be done!

As I write my intended is partying in Barcelona with a bevvy of his mates and I'm taking the chance to catch up on some rest and take it easy. It's no surprise to find that I'm holed up at my parents ... no better place to chill out.

But on a serious note, rest is something I have to take seriously. Fatigue is a symptom of MS that raises its head when you least expect, or need, it. With my own hen weekend starting on Friday and the honeymoon just over six weeks away I want to be in the best possible shape so that I can enjoy everything wedding related - and the big day itself of course :)

Thankfully, my feet are almost back to 100%. I have no difficulty walking at the minute and aside from some sensitivity they're behaving okay. I'm also going part-time at work on Monday which will be a real help in keeping any tiredness at bay.

I've also started working out at a gym. My instructor has helped devise a plan that allows me to keep off my feet for the majority of my 40 minute workout and I'm actually really enjoying the process. It's true that keeping fit is something everybody needs to consider in order to keep healthy but with MS playing a role in my life now, it's something I've decided to prioritise. After all, if I look after my body the best I can when it's well, there's a chance that I'll be better placed to keep on top of the MS in the long-term too.

Monday, 25 January 2010

Not so scary MS guy

So, today was the all-important MS specialist appointment. I was a bit anxious this morning, couldn't really eat (that'll help the diet!), felt on edge etc etc. For some unknown reason I had Mr MS guy boxed away in the scary corner, someone to be feared - but I shouldn't have worried. Yes, he was to-the-point and precise but his straightforward approach was exactly what I wanted - no bullsh**!

Again, there wasn't much more to add to what we already knew. But before we start looking at the drug options I have to have a lumbar puncture done - that's that horrible procedure where they stick a needle into my spinal cord and remove some fluid. That fluid will hold the definite, definite information they need to allow me to go a waiting list for the medication.

It's not something I'm looking forward to, but I understand the need too. Basically the drugs cost money - and whether we like it or not, money makes the world go round - so before they start anyone on them they have to be double sure that there's a need. Thankfully the puncture won't be done until after the wedding - which is now just over five weeks away - eek!

On that note, some of my family and friends took me out for dinner at the weekend, sort of a pre-hen hen do! Was great fun and I wore heels for the first time in twelve weeks - and while my feet burned just a tad, they were bearable - proof that the 'stupid feet' are getting better. Made me nice and tall again too - I've missed height :)