August 2006

26th August   (Posted 28th August)

Life is slowly coming back again - and all I can say is WOW!! Its amazing how I can do things without difficulty now. I went to a gym with Jon and walked up 2 flights of stairs with no cares in the world. Prior to that, I had the oxygen - and even at times crawled up the stairs on my hands and knees puffing with my bad breathing. It is times like that - that makes you realise how wonderful it is to have new lungs, and simply that I'm alive!

My pain is getting less and less, the only thing I would like to happen - is to get sensation back in my chest. The area is still numb and swollen...and I am covered with marks all over...anyone got a pen?.....Because you could do, dot to dot on my chest/back and make a pretty picture - or draw a map (as my Mum said today..he he).

I am still trying to gain weight, the steriods make me hungry all the time....but the weight is slow going on. I am also walking every day up to 30mins - which now I need to increase. I get breatheless walking, as I am re-learning to breathe the correct way again when exercising. You may think it's easy, but for me its hard - as for so long I never breathed the right way - oh dear. But the more I push myself - the easier it will get going through the pain barrier.

I am soon to re- vamp my website...it needs a make - over..he he. So watch this space, and also some more paintings will be displayed - and a photo of the new me - without the oxygen - yay!

Well signing out for now, and speak to all in September for more updates on my health and any news/media campaigns. XX

20 August 2006

Hi there everyone, its been a long time since my last update. Guess I have been adjusting to home life again and normality. Its been great and hard at times - thinking I can do things - but the soreness of the wound prevents this. I have been meeting some friends and have eaten out, also did my first shopping venture today. I bought some winter boots, and 2 hats (for those bad hair days...he he).

I need to go back to Harefield twice a week now (Mondays and Thursdays) for a few weeks to keep tabs on my health and make sure that my lungs do not go into rejection. I am also taking about 40 tablets every day, doing my temperature, weight, and lung function tests; to which I need to do every day for the rest of my life. I am fine with that - it will become a routine - like brushing my teeth (except I will take longer to get ready in mornings..and not because I am taking ages to get ready!!?). I still have 3 infections that I am fighting off, and I really hope that I can clear them and then be totally free of germs and have no worries anymore.

I can't wait until I can be fully recovered and be able to drive again, work (I must be mad!), Hmm....I would ideally like to work from home - painting/selling them, making cards too. I will always continue to campaign for donor and Lam awareness..so keep tabs on the website. My biggest aspiration is to become a TV Presenter..so if anyone knows anyone who knows anyone - please get in touch with me - thankyou.

I realise too how lucky I am to get the transplant - otherwise I would not be able to write this update. I was on my way out, but I got the transplant in time - whilst some people will not. This is very upsetting as I have become friends with lots of people waiting, and I so want everyone to get lucky and also have the gift of life. No one deserves to die - so you can understand why I want to continue to tell my story/campaign to help save other peoples lives - by getting people to become donors.

I am also in shock - if that is the right word...from all that I have been through. It's simply a miracle that I am still alive..especially from my near death experiences. I must be such a fighter in disguise. I am also trying to gain weight again - 1 stone will be great...no food is denting my waistline...I hope I can replace what I have lost..so I don't look too thin.

Well I think that covers the long awaited diary update...I am going to eat a pasta dish now, then get on my exercise bike, and maybe go for another walk later tonight (to help improve my lung function). Cheerio all you lovely people. XX

7 August 2006

Hello everyone, my journey is still a roller coaster - why me? After my freedom at the weekend, and back to clinic on Monday, I was re-admitted as my shingles got worse. I have been here for a week already and may still stay for another week. Oh bar humbug! I feel a bit down now, and I am starting to come to terms with all that I have been through over the last 6months. I can't believe that I have spent half a year in hospital..phew...and its almost as if I am in shock with the whole experience from February until now.

The pain in the chest wound is not very nice - but its worth it for the fact that I can breathe again and everything else. I realise there are still months to go to recover and my fast usual life will have to be in the slow lane for a while.

I am awaiting results to see if I have MRSA still - I hope not - as that will mean a longer stay and more treatments.

The tone of my diary seems a bit down - so I want to up the tone now......Wimpy burger, beauty treatments, going home, wedding to plan, frappucino (s)..he he...all I look forward to leaving hospital....seeing mates over time...having a normal life again and being free of oxygen....yer!!!! I'm smiling now. Byeeeeeeeeee. xx