Manchester for Carolyn's birthday

The end of November arrived and my uncle was home from Canada and it was my cousins birthday, so I missed a game of football, I know how kind of me. Watford we will meet again!

So I packed and off we went up Manchester way. With a stop off to say hello to uncle Andy! Then getting stuck on the M6 .. Oh how long did that feel, probably longer than it actually was!!

We made it to the hotel to check in, we've stayed here a few times it's really nice. We were very surprised but happy to be given a penthouse! 

After taking pics and unpacking, we went off into Manchester to the Christmas markets and superdrug! Carolyn got the girls some lovely tree decorations with there names on and a bag each.

Then back to the hotel and get dressed time to go for birthday meal at rosso's! It was a nice meal but we got sad after hearing our nan was very ill in hospital and family rushing to the hospital, we debated going home but we decided nan would want us to stay and enjoy our evening.

So as we were leaving I asked if there was any glasses in the lost property for a friend, there wasn't but I did ask.

We decided it was chilly so we'd go in the first pub we came to, It was only a man city pub LOL easy to see with the mufc clock on wall and mostly city fans! I nearly got coveted in beer as glasses (plastic glasses) fell towards the bar lucky saved and I didn't get wet!

Then we went to a nice quiet pub and before long back to the hotel, to admire Manchester skyline, a quick chat with Peter on FaceTime then bed!

We got up early and went straight home as we was worried about nan and Carolyn had to get the girls ready for dance presentation. It was really hard for me my joints are not 6am kind of joints!

Crystal palace away

So we reach the end of October and it was time to visit crystal palace!

I probably shouldn't have gone as pain was exceptionally bad that day and everyone seemed to want to pat my shoulder!!

I ended up getting a train to Watford and then being picked up and then car to palace, which seemed to take a long time, what's with traffic!

The game ended as a draw. But I got to see Peter and finally give him his cigs from Portugal, how he got them into the ground I'm not sure! I saw Gordon to! Also Eric who was a bit miffed with what was going on on the pitch and let's face it who wasn't! 

When I arrived at palace I had to collect my tickets that was at the ticket office, which was fine, but I couldn't speak to them as the window level is designed for standing people! Then they had a ramp one side but with drops to each window! Come on palace sort it out!!

I didn't know how to get in so just got the attention of someone who let me! Getting in was easy! The wheelchair area was great in some aspects but I mean why let others stand in the section, I don't care if they crnt see from seat, I crnt see because your stood in front of me!

The journey home was horrific. I was dropped at Watford in pain, on my own trains cancelled. Eventually got on a train, thankfully a virgin train, I always feel looked after on there trains. Arriving at Birmingham new street at first no one was there to get me off thankfully with passenger help we alerted someone and I got off, in tears but I was at least back in the Midlands. I then had to get a black cab, the man was useless I eventually made it home gripping onto my wheelchair all the way home.

After arriving home, I had a good cry and was ready for my next game.

Thanks to Lydia for trying to arrange a pre booked taxi even though they wouldn't let her because it was from a train station! 

Manchester derby!

I was very lucky to have tickets for the derby match. Lydia had stayed so she could come with me! After a very unsettled night sleep, the bed was so uncomfortable. 

We met Andy at the hotel who had parked his car as he was taking me home, thank you!

We made or way to old Trafford, meeting friends on the way having a chat. We then waiting while Lydia got her program, I don't buy them any more! I met Andys friend, had a little chat! Then saw my pal Gordan for another chat! It was so good to be at old Trafford and seeing my pals, chatting away!

We went down to the entrance and the dog had a sniff of my wheelchair, all clear we were off In! We sat in the ability suit for a while, I chatted with Ann Marie briefly.

Then we were off to our seat! The game ended as a draw, it was an entertaining Derby!

The journey home well took is an hour to drop odd Lydia at Piccadilly, thanks for a great weekend !

Then we got stuck in more traffic so Andy decided to go the back roads, before I knew it we was on our way and I was home! Was great to have cuddles with Ben the dog!

MUDSA annual dinner 2015

It was the day I'd been waiting for, the MUDSA annual dinner, time to dress up, see friends away from the terraces! 

The day started badly have u ever tried to get into a Kia Sportage with only one leg?! Well with a struggle we got in, my first thought was I've got to get out as well!! But we was finally on our to Manchester me and Carolyn that is!!

We eventually arrived in Manchester yay! Then we drove around the block a few times trying to find the car park for hotel football! We eventually found it, YES! But oh no we have to get out now! With a fling into my cousins arms I was out, not in an elegant way either!! We dropped off our bags and headed to Piccadilly to meet up with Lydia, yay!

We wanted food and decided we'd just go back to the hotel, after much debate and a couple of beers we decided and then Carolyn got the wrong order LOL 

We got told our rooms were ready yippie! We had a view of old Trafford my favourite place, I decided to have a nap as it was going to be a long night! So Carolyn and Lydia went for a drink while I napped! I'm so rock and roll!!

Before I knew it they were back and it was time to get ready, I was really upset to find out the hairdresser wasn't arriving, had a few tears, I just wanted to feel good! Then my friend said he wasn't coming either, he'd missed his flight, so that was disappointing. We eventually all got ready, lucky for me Lydia let Carolyn use her bathroom, she needs time and space with her lotions and potions! 

I arranged to meet everyone downstairs in the bar. So off we went down stairs and slowly my pals arrived and I saw Zoe and Richard so that as nice! Then another friend pulled out, he had an emergency, I was feeling disappointed but got to keep going!

Next stop the annual dinner! We had such a good laugh, some got drunk, we ate, laughed and was a little rowdy! We had a q&a fro, Byron Robson and I got my photo taken with Quinton fortune, unfortunately missed out on robbo and sir Alex. On a plus my mate won the signed shirt, yay!!

My friends Jon and his brother Nigel and there dad came to say hello, Ann Marie also came over and said hello and I finally meet Ashleigh!

After we all decided Togo out in Manchester well Andy took some persuading! So two cabs and we were off to Lola's haha! We danced laughed, got more drunk! I think we got in between 2-3am!!

I tell you one thing the beds at hotel football are extremely comfy! 

Thanks to those that came and for the laughter and great memory! Until next year!!

Xx

Everton away 15/16 season

October came and it was another trip up to Liverpool, we were due to face Everton at goodison park!

Now I had a bit of a problem, my normal pals were unable to attend due to various reason plus some had tickets too, how did that happen, tickets and busy .. This was a new experience! 

So after asking around friends of friends, my pal suggested I put it out there in the mufc group I'm in and luckily to my relief, a kind man called Ivan and his pals had room for me in the car, plus they were redditch reds, they run the branch, perfect!

So I waited on the morning of the game for them to arrive, my brother and dad to just to be safe haha! They came and before I knew it I was in the van front seat and on my way to pick the other two men up!

So here I am in a van with 4 lads I didn't know on my way to Liverpool, well it was actually really fun, we had a chat, I had a listen to there conversations, typical Vicky! Turns out one of the lads dad has rheumatoid to, so he understood to an extent!

They managed to get me out the van safely and we were off to the ground! I was outside the ground while Ivan went to see pals at the away end entrance, and my friends Jon and Alex came to see if I was ok! As I'd told Jon to check on me lol!

In the ground we went, brief chat, Eric came to make sure I was alright and Peter texting to see I was alright! 

Before I knew it the game was over, we had won and I said "glad I didn't miss that" and laughing they said I came come again must be lucky!

The drive home was talkative about the game, the relief we had won! They dropped me home and said hello to the dog and dad arrived 20 mins later!

Thanks so much redditch reds Ivan and friends much appreciated.

Before I forget I played spot the ball again at Everton and those toilets are way to small!! 

Portugal 2015

At end end of September, I was off to Portugal with my cousin and her mate, finally some sun, it felt a long time since I'd had any sun! The day before me and my brother had been into redditch to get some of my last min bits, I managed to get a lovely skirt and some spray bottles. We were only taking hand luggage and I'd brough my sun lotion so thought I'd transfer it to 100ml bottles! My brother helped me pack and so the bottle swap! I didn't sleep well that night because I knew I was going to be traveling early and I was worried I'd sleep through my alarm, so I decided to go have a few hours early evening then stay away til 1-2am .. Who's bright idea was that lol!! 

2am arrived and a tired eyed Carolyn and ang arrived, time for me to get ready to leave which didn't take long. Then just as we pulled off I remembered I'd forgotten my sunglasses so we went back for them!! Then journey to East Midlands wasn't to bad apart from one wrong turn which I did say about lol!! Oh and going on holiday with Carolyn will always cheer u up at security ... 2/3 bags of lotions and such even the security guy got fed up of trying to limit the bottles lol

The flight was interesting as we were getting ready to take off Carolyn needed the loo so she had to hold it in for a while lol!! Made me chuckle! We had arrived in Portugal and thought it was cold! We'd pre arranged a transfer which was there up on arrival and before we knew it we was off to our hotel yay! 

The hotel was little apartments, so we had a bedroom, bathroom, a living room with sofa to etc and a single bed and then a kitchen! Then the large balcony!

We had a really good holiday lots of drink and Food, lots of laughter too. Some of my highlights were, Carolyn and ange playing water polo ... Hilarious, the beach .. Carolyn doesn't like water but went down to the sea to get her feet wet well the current was strong and she ended up on her ass LOL and lost her glasses, luckily I got it all on film haha!! Finally the karaoke now it was about to finish and I pushed myself down the front quickest Ull see me move ... How I laughed neither can sing but it really cheered me up no need!! 

One negative was, we went for a night out on the strip lol we were all drinking happily, then I needed the toilet! Let me tell you Portugal isn't good for wheelchair toilets! I did get in the loo eventually it just took, seven women to get me in lol! I can laugh now, I wasn't at the time though! 

Really was a superb holiday, bar getting flu! Great to meet new people, the couple from Manchester we had a great chat, the lads from France, whom I was glad to hear were OK from the French terrorist attacks and the lads from the Netherlands! 

Thanks for a great weekend, where shall we go in 2016!!

Not just arthritis

I don't really know I want to start with this blog, so I thought I'd start by saying that, simply because it's often harder to say it than it is to hear it.

I've lived with rheumatoid now for 7 years and three months, it's been a really tough journey. I started off as a 23 year old with my life ahead of me. I started getting pains after my mum died and I was told it was likely to be grief but it turned out it was rheumatoid. 

Now fast forward to being 30 years old! I never thought my life would be where it is today, I recently said to one of my team "for the first time I feel like I have real friends and I'm to sick to enjoy that feeling!!" 

You see at 30 I should be able to do simple things like get my coat on but I crnt which is really annoying, I should be able to dance with pals in a nightclub but I crnt instead I sit people watching.

I should be able to get from a to b with ease but it's not nothing is easy, not even getting up or falling asleep.

You see people rheumatoid is NOT just arthritis it affects your whole life, mentally, physically 

If I had one wish .. It would be for people to see past the rheumatoid and see the person

Xx

Gary's mum

There are two certainties in life, death and taxes.

On the 10th of November, my dear old mum passed off this mortal coil. I suppose reaching 93 years of age is an achievement, although her mind was as sharp as a tack, her body let her down. Mum was healthy up until the age of 80, then things started going wrong health wise. Things that affect westerners, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, type 2 diabetics.

However, the big thing that really decimated her mobility and quality of life was Osteoporosis; first diagnosed at the age of 85 when she broke her hip, and had a hip replacement. Then at the age of 89, another hip fracture, this time of the Greater Trochanter. 

Following this fracture, Mum wasn't able to walk without the aid of a zimmerframe, in addition, if she needed to go anywhere, it would mean using a wheelchair, which was very heavy, in addition to "transferring" from the car to the wheelchair and back again, proved very difficult. 

This really does show how debilitating osteoporosis can be, like many forms of arthritis. Largely ignored by primary healthcare professionals, and unfortunately accepted as a "natural" part of growing old; although, there are a large number of [cheap] pharmaceutical available which can help reduce bone loss. 

With people living longer, are we really in a position to address the issue of osteoporosis which has such a detrimental effect to those live with the condition, more people will be affected with it with increased life expectancy?

Thanks to the staff of A&E and Ward 5, Princess of Wales Hospital; for making my mum's last few hours comfortable and pain free. In addition to providing her with a dignified passing

Vicky says 

Gary has become a friend and I was very sorry to hear of his mums passing, I offer my condolences 

Fiona

The first time I met Fiona I was fierce teenager and what can I say pretty mad! I had just been transferred from Birmingham children's to Birmingham QE (which was a traumatic event and I was the first one too!) I never liked the QE I couldn't get on with them and I was real mad when they told me I needed open heart surgery, can you Imagine my shock, my children's team had told me I was good to be transferred, well I didn't believe them and demanded a second opinion, of course I did the mouthy teenager that I was! 

That was the first time I met Fiona, I was at London heart hospital, shy but determine for answers. She greeted me with a smile and said welcome to the clinic and if I needed anything let her know. I then saw the cardiologist who agreed with me no surgery needed, so I told her there and then I ain't going back! 

So Fiona and professor deansfield became part of my life from the formidable teenager, we have been through a lot the three of us, break ups, death of my mum, eating disorders, rheumatoid, depression, anxiety and even a few full on breakdowns on the phone!

We have talked for hundreds of hours about things, without Fiona and prof I've no doubt I'd be dead. Why? They know me so well I could ring them for a chat about anything even my eating.

Then today November 24th she rang me up and told me she was leaving the unit, I cried after we spoke for a while, she's not just a nurse she's a friend and someone that I trust.

She said she felt she wanted to ring me rather than just going and I appreciated that. She sats it's not the end, it's not goodbye for ever. But it's broken my heart ...

So professor deansfield don't you be getting no ideas your the only one I have left now from my original team and you rock!

Thank you Fiona and good luck for the future 

Xx

Southampton away 15/16

What a pain, my second trip to st Mary's! Train works going on left me having to spending a weekend in Southampton!!

So I met Dan on Saturday, in redditch to get the train to Birmingham. Then off we went down Southampton! It was a long trip and people didn't make it easy for me! With seating and luggage and so forth!

Eventually arrived in Southampton, then had to put the sat nav on my mobile to get the hotel, poor Dan had to push me up a massive hill!! We made it to the hotel checked it, dropped stuff off, charged phone then off to show Dan Southampton by night! Was lovely to go down by the boats.

Staying at the jury's inn Southampton, the room was ok for the wheelchair but it took a lot to get into the toilet, not the biggest, although gave for some laughs! 

The next day, after about 45 minutes that's how long it takes these days to get a wheelchair taxi and we made it down the the grand hotel Southampton. They customer service was exceptional. The room was fantastic with views to the harbour.

We had lunch at the hotel as didn't fancy the walk into Southampton after all it was cold and time limited, plus we had to go to football! 

Lucky we managed to get a taxi to the ground, Dan had never been before so we took some pics outside, before finding the away end.

Now I've been to Southampton  before I also find the stewards really helpful and supportive and today as no exception. We found out seats and I chatted with some of my friends the  game began and it was a good!  

After the game we ended up walking back to the hotel and my legs were really hurting it wasn't the best, but we got there!

We had an early start on Monday and two trains. I was glad to see my dad and brother on Monday as I was really tired! Thanks for coming Dan great weekend down in Southampton :)

It's been a long road

Seven years ago I was diagnosed with a condition that I'd never heard of, rheumatoid arthritis, seven years ago I didn't know what it was or how it was going to affect my life.

At 22 I had my whole life in front of me, a career, a partner, a life ... High heels, coats, shoes and more clothes than I probably needed.

Then my mum passed away of cancer, it was the worse thing you can imagine, I lost my mum, my best friend. But I also lost my rock.

Then I got rheumatoid arthritis and my life fell apart, suddenly I'd lost my support, suddenly I'd lost everything I knew.

It wasn't just rheumatoid, it was the depression, the anxiety, the eating disorder the loss of my self esteem and confidence.

As the condition deteriated my phone stopped ringing, the texts stopped buzzing. Friends were gone, they no longer wanted to be part of my life. It hurt it was so painful.

I spent two years alone, scared to go outside because I was ashamed of me, the condition, I tried to put a smile on my face but it wasn't easy todo that alone and no one understanding. That's when I started my blog to help me get things out.

Then my life changed again, friends came back, they became true to me once more, not the same people but new friends in my life, I won't name you because you should know.

Then my life changed again, I got this confidence that I'd forgotten I had for so very long, I went back to football, something I loved but I didn't think I'd go back to. My life got better because I had a purpose again football was my purpose.

With that, came new friends, more confidence, traveling up and down the country in my wheelchair, with my new friends, meeting them at away grounds, or chatting on Facebook, I thank them for that because they don't know what they did for me.

Now I'm in a different place to what I was, I'm not better, I'm not ever going to be better or the same person I was at 22, for a start I crnt wear heels. But I can say that life is different, it's a new life a life I never expected.

Take care of your friends they will help you through the difficult times, new ones are always there waiting for when your ready, they may not be physical but online buddies are just as good 

Xx

Manchester with the little kids!!

So when we went to Lego land at the start of the summer holidays, I told the girls I'd see them before they went back to school. So in the first week of September, I took my cousin and the girls to Manchester! Now as you probably know if your a regular reader, I'm a man united fan ... So what did I do ...

I took them on a tour of mufc! We went round the museum first, the oldest was loving the trophies! Then we went on the tour, youngest didn't like it for some reason, but the oldest loved it, I'm sure she's a red now! We had lunch in the red cafe and the oldest wrote Rooney on her menu! The food was nice!

We then checked in to the hotel. I had a little nap as I was tired!! The girls were happy music on dancing around the apartment!

We then went for some food down stairs! Chatting and the girls dancing! Was funny!! Day one done!

Woke up early the next day! Then off to legoland adventure centre at the Trafford centre, which was good for the kids, lunch at McDonald's! Then a little show of the Trafford centre! They even got to ride on a ride outside! They had a great time!

Back in the car and homeward bound! We got stuck in a traffic jam and ended up going through the lanes! That was an experience I tell you! 

Eventually home and lovely cuddles with pets!

Thanks for a great weekend girls, love you both lots and my lovely cousin of course xxx

Sorry no pics ... Protecting the girls 

Swansea away

So unfortunately I've fallen behind on my blog as I haven't been feeling too well with the flu and on top of that I've been following my club Manchester United!

So as Uve  previously read I went to Brugge and a few days later I was back off on my travels! First I had a few days in Kent, although I basically slept those days away! I did go out on the Saturday and visited the front for a little walk to get my postcard and magnet. In the evening we went to see the fireworks! Well that was funny it was beautiful to see over the sea but as the last one left the air the rain came die, I got soaked!

Sunday morning came, I had to get up early ready for the trip across to Wales! Pack the car get ready and we were off back on the road! My joints were hurting and I wasn't feeling the traveling!

I started to need the toilet and we had to come off and I swear we went about 10 miles out of way, sorry! I used the toilet and was annoyed to find out I couldn't use the cash point or get any white chocolate! The new bridge was closed so we had to go over the old bridge!

The traffic going through Cardiff was an absolute nightmare in fact most of the trip in Wales was a traffic jam, or that's how it felt, when I was still quite tired! We eventually arrived at the Liberty and found some parking. Partly my fault because I'd forgotten to book parking with the journey to Brugge and the planning involved it just didn't come up in my head until Friday morning!!

Anyway after parking and walking well being pushed across to the liberty! This was my first trip to the liberty! We had to walk around the ground to the away end.

Upon arriving at the away end we were greeted by lovely stewards who pointed us in the direction of the disability steward. She took the tickets and scanned us in, we then went into the stadium she told us when to get th lift. We went straight up and another steward accompanied us then another met us at the top and showed us to our space and seat. Fantastic view, see below,

The lady from the entrance came up and said that at ht she would Come and get us drinks if we wanted anything. During the first half she came and said there wouldn't be any drinks as they were closing the bar! 

At half time, I used the toilet which was a good size not the best layout but not the worse I've seen in the premier league! 

The game wasn't the best as we lost. However I have to admit the ground was superb for disabled fans, one of the best in the premier league in my opinion.

The journey home was really long because my joints were really hurting and i just wanted to get in my own bed!

I got home and I was really happy to see my dad and the dog! It was a really great week and thanks to Andy for helping me and making it possible.

Xx

Acceptance and friendship

Apologises everyone, I meant to blog yesterday but I spent the day at the docs and a bit grumpy after seeng off a nasty chest infection and the flu I have acquired tonsillitis .. You could not make it up!

Anyway two blogs in one today that kind of interlink so keep reading to find out how ( the explanation will be between the both!)

When I was diagnosed with rheumatoid in 2008, I didn't realise the severity of how fast it was going to change my life, I was 23 don't forget! I guess I was a bit Nieve as well, I mean what was this? And arthritis but my nan and dad have it and they are ok! Was some of my Initital thoughts .. Well after I had stopped crying and got off the pavement, that I'd decided I'd fall on to with my tears flowing.

The thing is I didn't understand what rheumatoid was, what rheumatoid could do, I wasn't give these tools by any of my medical team, I just knew they felt bad for me! I wasn't ready to ask questions because I was still in a state of shock after loosing my mum and then getting sick, I mean come on these are major life changing things going on!

So it took me a long time to accept I was really poorly with another chronic illness when j say along time I don't think I've accept this disease party from lack of info at the Start, I think if you are informed properly you will no doubt accept it easily.

7 years on ... I have more information and understand the disease and have many pals with rheumatoid and other types of arthritis. My top tips for acceptance

1. Ask questions from medical personnel 

2. Reach out to arthritis charity's like arthritis research uk and some have specialist disease based charities like national rheumatoid arthritis society. 

3. Talk to your family

4. Talk to your friends 

5. Seek out other suffers who will understand your worries, have been through the medication journey and will understand not being able todo what you use to!

My brain still thinks it can do everything 23 year old Vicky could without arthritis, but it crnt nasty brain trying to trick me haha!! 

 So what has acceptance and friendship got to do with each other. Firstly your arthritis pals will understand you and have to a level accepted this disease which helps you to keep going at times.

But then your "normal" friends need to understand the disease and also ACCEPT you are the same person who laughs and jokes with them but also realise your body isn't what it was and you may need to sit down more while out or need pushing the wheelchair, but that's a whole other level of acceptance for both of you! 

Friendship, let's face it we all need friends. I've a mix bag of friends lol from many walks of life male and female.

The thing is though my friends are all relative NEW friends well some are 7 year sting now! Why is that I hear you ask? Because people couldn't adjust to me suddenly needing the wheelchair and not being as independent as I use to be (even though I travel most weekends to the football lol) it was hard for them to seeing the person they knew changing but of course I was changing j was suddenly motherless and arthritis was here. Then the wheelchair came along and people disappeared even more, it was deverststing.

However on a good point, it's not all bad, I have some great friends who I have met because of arthritis  and life long heart friends, I guess us sick people stick to each other!! I won't name names but you know who you are! 

Then I have my other friends who have other chronic illnesses who get that frustration, of being too ill to go out on a night and sitting at home watching the pics on social media, while your sat with your hot water bottle and thinking wish I was there but oh this is so warm, it's cold out there, love you guys!

Then we have my normals LOL who have accepted the mouthy Burnett with her crazy dog and annoying joints lol! We just get by one way or another! 

Then there are my football family! Who have accepted me as me wheelchair and arthritis and all, we laugh joke, shout at the game, and keep in touch, we enjoy a chat a good laugh. But they have accepted me for me, even if we do disagree on players performance because that's the thing about football it's about opinions. Plus I mean we have all had some laughs from Cambridge away to Liverpool to Newcastle and Brugge and everything in between! I know they have always got my back which is a good feeling

So I'll finish off here, by saying learn to accept your new body's limits and remember it's not just you trying to accept the change it affects you all. I'm lucky I've managed to get a new group of pals and others have managed to keep hold of there old pals and extended! 

Acceptance is a big thing with arthritis but so is friendship.

Have a good day girls and guys xx

The facts

So I thought I'd start Arthritis week with some simple facts about me about my arthritis journey

Name... Vicky

Current age .. 30

Age when diagnosed .. 23

Diagnoses .. Rheumatoid arthritis 

Year I start using my wheelchair .. 26

Why they think I have rheumatoid .. Because of the stress of loosing my mum which happened in August 2008 I started showing symptoms shortly after 

What doctors first said to me

Cardiologist .. "I think you have rheumatoid arthritis Vicky, I hope you don't"

GP ... "I really hope you don't have it because you have enough on your plate"

GP ... "I'm sorry you have rheumatoid arthritis, it's going to be a long journey"

Rheumatologist "you have it, live with it"

Recently

GP "Uve had a bad hand delt Vicky"

Responses of family .. What is it? it crnt be that bad?

Friends ... What is it? 

My response " why is this happening to me, I have my whole life in front of me"

Thanks for reading part 1

Check out arthritis research uk this week for stories of many other suffers 

Club Brugge away

So here we go again! 

This morning was manic, I had to pack, get ready, go to the vets and the pet shop oh and do some baking! Some lovely cheese scones for my trip! 

Eventually I made it on my way with my brother and dad in the car, we were off to Birmingham international! We made it in good time and I managed to go toilet before they left, as a wheelchair user train toilets are an absolute nightmare! I was really pissed off for the second ti,e today, first because my prescription hadn't come in so no meds, secondly because I'd paid for a first class ticket and the lady told me I had Togo to the platform with 40 minutes to spare! Anyway I wasn't happy but went anyway, bye bye warm first class lounge! I had a nice chat to the guy who turned out to be a Birmingham City fan! 

The train arrived and as I'm writing this I'm on my way to Coventry! Will have to ring my friend at Watford to find out his location before I know it I'll be on my way to Kent ready for my second journey early tomorrow on the euro tunnel ... Here I come Brugge! 

Well the London leg as per usual took longer than it really should have! After getting off the train eventually! The man decides he couldn't push me and Carry my bags .. I only had 4 and 1 was on my lap and another on my handles!! So had to call for someone else to help!! Then a man came in a golf buggy with my friend!! Then the fun started first having to walk across to kings cross, what is with Euston sort it out your a main line station! Then onto the tube, Victoria line to green park making sure you get on the right bit of platform or you won't get out! Then onto a packed green park and then locating lifts to get on the jubilee line! Then a really packed train to Greenwich! That journey took over an hour .. We got to Kent quicker lol!!

I was excited and nervous going to sleep Tuesday night, my first European away as a wheelchair user and not knowing what to expect or how the rheumatoid would cope .. Lots of unknown!

So I set my alarm for 4:45am which meant I was getting about 5 hours sleep!! I woke up feeling a bit apprehensive and my body not liking this early morning start!

So on we go to Folkestone to catch the euro tunnel another new experience for me. I got really annoyed as was booked on the 9:20 and wasn't allowed on it because they had low capacity even though it had been paid for! So ended up on the 9:50 train to France. The tunnel was quicker than I expected and didn't take long so that was nice!

Next to stop getting off and remembering we was on the other side of the road always throws me!! The drive to Brugge was a lot quicker than I expected it took about 1 and half hours going through France and Belgium! Getting lost once it seemed they had put a roundabout in and it threw the sat nav! Eventually making it to Brugge we then spent a while driving around trying to find the stadium after going through a wood and encounting two police barriers we made it to the stadium yay!

At the stadium we was told that we had to go into the centre of Brugge, so off out in my wheelchair, we decided to go on the concrete instead of loose stones and the police man shouted at us think he though we were going in the stadium! It took I don't know 30 min to walk into brugge at a steady rate!

Brugge is a beautiful place, the market centres, the waterways, the buildings and the shops! I brought myself a magnet and a postcard! Then I got dad some Belgium chocolates, I'm sure he will enjoy them! Had a drink at a bar with United fans every where! Spirits where high, singing loud, best experience I've ever had, I have to admit!

We walked back to the stadium ahead of the police March with the united fans as advised to. Then it started raining so I sat in the car! We were aloud Togo into the stadium early as it was raining!

Well point one, the toilet was leaking rain water so careful if u want a pee u may be rained on lol! We went to see the disabled area and we just laughed it was a big wall in front of us lucky we had gate!

Now I'll tell you first about the torrential rain and we feared we wouldn't even see the game as it was that bad and the wheelchair section isn't under cover, so the club kindly supplied us with blue pac a macs (yup I laughed too!!) then when the rain had eventually gone it seemed we would make it through the game!!

So the wheelchair section .. Well we couldn't get food or drink or even a program so that was a bit disappointing. But then the big yellow door that kept is in didn't seem that safe and the ramp access shall we say wasn't that stable!! However the wall in front of us was the worse, lucky there was a gate so me and others sat there too see the match! 

Was lovely to meet Andy, Scott and Zoe. Also great to catch up with the lady I meet in Southampton last season who I don't remember her name and Alex Jon and his brother. There was I think 7 of us altogether was a fab atmosphere in our little section we even got a match tactical sheet!

The game it's self was fantastic we won 4-0 and our captain Wayne Rooney scored a hatrick yay! Oh and my friend up in the away section was whistling me to get my attention I waved hehe!! 

After the match I needed the toilet which ended up with us being locked in the toilet cage hehe!! Then it was back to the car and waiting for the United fans Togo past us, they seemed happy haha!! Then it was back onto the road we got a bit lost in France near the port lol!! We then got a much earlier train so got back earlier, I was in bed and asleep by 3am!!

Fantastic away match, so greatful to experience these matches

Xx

LegoLand

So the start of August we decided to go on a day trip to legoland, well me, Carolyn, Matt and the littles ladies ended up going!

The journey down wasn't as long as expected so that was ideal, although getting up so early wasn't my favourite thing todo, I hate getting up early!

The day was fab, I was taking lots of pictures on my camera which I haven't uploaded yet, sorry people! My cousin, Matt and the girls were on and off rides they looked like they were having a fantastic time, the girls loved the log flume and getting wet, lucky for us it was a warm day!

My day was spent swatting wasps and flying ants with the legoland Map haha!! 

I loved seeing the model area with Big Ben and such really impressive I did enjoy the Glastonbury bit hehe!!

We left Legoland and my knee was really hurting :( but I thought well we will be home soon! Then the real adventure started!!

We got onto the motorway and though won't be long til we are home now! Then the car stopped on the hard shoulder it just lost power! So had to ring recovery next thing we know there's road traffic behind us as a wheelchair user I couldn't get out the car! So I got to sit in the car while Matt spoke to them next thing rac arrived.

Unfortunately they wouldn't take us home instead leaving us at a hotel for a tow truck! So we ended up getting a taxi from the Oxford area all the way back to our home town about 80 miles my knee is bits but still smiling for the girls! 

We got home very late and I went straight to bed took a few days to recover.

But I'd do it all again to spend time with my family making precious memories

Xx

Update health

So this blog is the hardest out of my three tonight, I guess your wondering why, because this blog is personal to me, my health, the last few days, hopefully you'll understand the pain and why I've not been blogging much, but I will try and blog more!

So where to start firstly might as well start at the top! Unfortunately my jaw has been flaring a lot causing my eating to be random as it depends on the jaw how or what or when I can eat, not great to be honest with you.

Down to my neck which now seems to have gotten rheumatoid and makes things difficult with simple things like turning your head mainly bad first thing in the morning. This is also affecting my eating but I'm trying to work through it.

Then down to my shoulders wow have they got bad, it seems like they are moving in towards my chest, they hurt loads, worse time of the day is night and in the morning because if the lack of activity.

Elbows and hands are also bad, it's getting harder to get tops on now cuz my clothes are catching on my elbows.

But the good news is, my GP tells me my hip movement is excellent haha!! Unfortunately I do need my gel or that area swells at night at its just not nice at all.

My knees are well, my left one has retracting to before physio, so that's really disappointing for me. My left one has got worse but I'm still getting to transfer.

My ankles and feet are also worse but I guess that was bound to Happen.

The good news is I am still able to transfer and I'm still smiling, the bad news is it's getting worse and less bare able .. Life really does suck at times.

My heart appointment was cancelled and I now don't know when I'll see my consultant, I'll have to chase them up.

It was my mums 7 year anniversary this week. Mum I miss you so bad I just wish you could give me that hug and tell me it's going to be ok. 

Well that's my update, I'm going to do some more blogs after my trip to Brugge 

Take care everyone

Keep smiling

Live your life to the fullest

Love me xx