So this past weekend ive been on one of my adventures which always cheers me up but i felt i should instead of concentrait on the amazing time i have had seeing Olly Murs in concert and seeing my lovely friend .. look at transport in a wheelchair.
So Saturday evening it was 50/50 if i'd be going after the UK had a down pour of snow and we had around 7 cms here couldnt have come at a worse time, not only snowed in but also unsure if i'd get to go!
Sunday morning i was very lucky as my farther managed to get out of his village and drive me to the train station. My first mode of transport, now going in my own car is fine, as its at a good level so easy for me to transfer in and out of which was great an ideal in the snowy conditions also a nice warm car makes me happy! Wheelchair fits perfectly in the back!
Now on to Birmingham New street i went. Now this is were my farther and brother leave me! I got my tickets from the fast machine. You see when you book your tickets you do that as normal but then have to ring the assistance number for in my case virgin trains. So after arriving at new street and getting my tickets said bye to my dad and brother i was on my own, in the hands of virgin and network rail! They were fantastic i sat in the mobility assistance office for a while had a chat with some of the guys working there which was nice, had a giggle to myself about! Then a nice gentleman from Network rail got behind the wheelchair and took me in a lift with a fellow wheelchair user (although electric) and took me down to the platform to await my train. He put the ramps down and helped me to my place on the train and off he went. It was an ok journey saw a lot of snow and got a little bored of the conversation next to me! Upon arriving at London Euston i waited on the train until the mobility assistance guy assisted me off my train and left me as he went to get another wheelchair user. So my friend and her dad came on to the platform and got me! But in all fairness well done Network rail!
Then another car journey which as for the reasons above i enjoy, plus a good chat with my friend and her dad.
We arrived at the hotel it was abit icey and snowy but nothing i couldnt handle with a little help and a good transfer! Lucky the pavements were good by the hotel not sure if thats due to the hotel or the local council but who ever it was good effort!
I then had a nap for a while then as i was tired from my trip and wanted to stay awake for the concert we were off to see. I then managed to get myself ready for the trip adrenalin kicking, i'd pay for this later! My friend and parents arrived back to collect me in the car and off we went to the o2 arena! I found out some facts a long the way to, i just love facts!
Then we had a bit of a mission of a walk into the arena better salting was needed! But luckily it wasn't to bad! We were in a massive que to get in then one of the o2 people fast tracked awesome, thanks to that man! We went in the VIP bit only to the lift though! We went up to the 4th level and then found our seats which were good when you think we got them last minute literally 2 weeks ago! The staff were very helpful but i do love my wembley concerts (sorry O2!!!)
The concert its self was amazing really enjoyed it, olly certainly has a way with the ladies, flirt, love it! Also Rizzle Kicks came on stage for "heart skips a beat" the last song of the evening which was epic! Only thing was a lot of people were standing up in front of me which meant i couldn't see everything but i enjoyed the atmospher and the lovely olly singing!
We left the o2 arena and then had to keep right to head into North Grenwich tube station now keep in mind i have never used the tube before hand as a wheelchair user i was a little aprehensive. In all honesty i thought it was very good! We qued like everyone else until we got near to the front then a london transport assistant saw us and took us through and skipped the huge que thank you! Down a lift which was good, got the ticket for my travel to stratford, then through the wheelchair space! Down another lift and this made us laugh it was like a strict teacher talking to you scary! Then on to the tube its self made sure my breaks were on! The tube was a good experience over all. The only wheelchair friendly tube line Jubliee well done TFL great experience, pat on the back!
Once at stratford we had to use more lifts to get to ground level! Then we walked over towards the buses. Now we waited and waited but the bus we wanted didnt come so we got a 25 instead the bus was clean and fine. Now let me tell you about London Buses now i dont use buses at home because they are a pain in the rear end with about 1 in 3 with ramps makes it a nusence to say the least. But not in london every bus has a ramp and special wheelchair area and they are always good. Mind you after 3 buses and a walk i was shattered well i'm a night owl so couldnt get myself to sleep til gone 2am!
We woke up this morning i eventually got moving i was very stiff and my hands certainly did not want to open i was in a lot of pain but i battled through. Now we were to get more buses the first bus that came along did not stop for us as could not get close enough to the curb for the ramp. Then a second bus came and did manage it however it was slightly funny as we went on the bus backwards the ramp wasnt down properly for some reason and the wheelchair ended up going backwards yet i was on my back and my friend was on the floor as well! We was rescued by an italian (have i mentioned the man on the bus giving me the eye oo he was nice!) we were lucky enough to both be fine and continue with our journey although my laughing did not help! We then did some walking to my friends house as she needed to drop her bag off and i've got to say she did VERY good with the pushing of the wheelchair in the snow and ice, well done mate! Although i will have a little moan and wonder why hackney council had not salted the pavements? I mean it could be dangerous to people! Then we got another short bus jouney! Then the long bus journey now im not one for public transport i get bored and fustrated espically with buses. We eventually got to Euston! Had a bite to eat well i had some garlic bread and a few chips but it was nice anyway!
In summary london buses are free for wheelchair users and all as far as i am aware have a ramp and you have your own button to press so the driver knows to put the ramp down for you to leave the bus, overall i like london buses!
Before i knew it, it was time to say goodbye to my friend and start my journey back home, now as normal the people in the mobility area were very nice and kind! Oh i forgot to mention booking a taxi to collect me from Birmingham to get back home!
Now as i was taken down to my train at euston the guy was told by the train manager that the standard class disabled toilets were not working and i'd have to sit in first class, thank you very much! So i had first class travel all the way home! Ive got to admit it was really nice lol! We got to birmingham new street and they couldnt find me as i was registered in standard so they went but were called back to collect me! They did apoligise and then we took the 2 lifts up the concourse and transfered into awaiting taxi that brough me home and i was so happy to see my dog again! Feeling really stiff and tired tonight but had an amazing time and i am looking forward to my next adventure Disney on Ice in march!
Overall had an amazing time really was fantastic and id like to say a huge well done to the public transport system for this weekend :D
See you in march London
Monday, 6 February 2012
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
OT and me
So today i had the occy health come out and look at the property again. So a few changes are hopefully going to be made.
I forgot to ask her if we could move the plug sockets so they are more easier for me to reach. But my door lips are going to get hopefully flattened sooner rather than later, we talked about possibly widening the kitchen and front room rooms to give me extra room. The kitchen needs redoing so it is more friendly, the bathroom sick needs lowering so it is easier mainly in the morning! Oh and heating needs sorting out i mean my hearing is on 30c all the time and it is still cold! How stupid is that!
She was very sympathetic and could see my worries and concerns about the property.
I forgot to ask her if we could move the plug sockets so they are more easier for me to reach. But my door lips are going to get hopefully flattened sooner rather than later, we talked about possibly widening the kitchen and front room rooms to give me extra room. The kitchen needs redoing so it is more friendly, the bathroom sick needs lowering so it is easier mainly in the morning! Oh and heating needs sorting out i mean my hearing is on 30c all the time and it is still cold! How stupid is that!
She was very sympathetic and could see my worries and concerns about the property.
New Consultant
So i have a new consultant i meet him on Monday and im really positive he has hope that although a long journey a head certainly a journey to take. It will be long painful and i suspect some hard choices to take a long the way but im ready because i believe in him, he's going to speak to my cardiologist so that will help him no properly where the boundaries lie and what he can and crn't do in terms of medication etc.
His aim is to get me out the wheelchair ... my aim is the same
So here's to some hard and challenging times a head ive no dout but lets get on this road and see were it takes us.
His aim is to get me out the wheelchair ... my aim is the same
So here's to some hard and challenging times a head ive no dout but lets get on this road and see were it takes us.
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
My aunty and uncle
I have often refered to them as my second parents because growing up they was always there for me. I didn't know my mum was very sick when i was growing up but i know now that they would have been there for me if she would have died sooner than she did.
Because when my mum was rushed into hospital there was only one person my mum and dad would call my aunty and uncle and they came and i went to the house for my brother because my mum trusted them with her children. I remember asking my aunty on facebook "is my mum going to die" i knew the answer already deep down i knew some thing wasnt right.
But only my aunty and uncle could come and tell me in the kindest and loving way they did, just they had the words to tell me it was horrible to hear but i trusted them that i would be ok. They supported me through that time by pursuading me to see my mum and i thank you for that time and time again because if it wasnt for you i may not have gone and seen my mum which i would have regreted. You took chrage of the funeral arrangements when me and dad could just not have done those things we didnt have the strength you showed, the love and compassion you showed. Of course it didnt end there you helped my mum with the planning to and on top of all of that you stood in the church and spoke for the family which is more i could have done, you were so brave and i really looked up to you and was thankful you could do that for our family, your inner strength that day will always stay in my heart.
But beyond that you took me to university with i think everything but the kitchen sink! You have been happy for me when ive achieved things from school to now. You've taken me places and helped me figure out how to get places. You've given me advise and shown me love and kindness through out my life, you'd take me places with you and your own children. You've come to hospital appointments me. You have in some ways gone beyond an aunty and uncle. I know i can always talk to you that you're there at the end of the phone.
To my other Aunties and Uncles you are all VERY special to me and i love you all and im thankful for the support you have shown me over the years.
When i was young my granddad always told me family was important. I have the best family a girl could wish for xx
Because when my mum was rushed into hospital there was only one person my mum and dad would call my aunty and uncle and they came and i went to the house for my brother because my mum trusted them with her children. I remember asking my aunty on facebook "is my mum going to die" i knew the answer already deep down i knew some thing wasnt right.
But only my aunty and uncle could come and tell me in the kindest and loving way they did, just they had the words to tell me it was horrible to hear but i trusted them that i would be ok. They supported me through that time by pursuading me to see my mum and i thank you for that time and time again because if it wasnt for you i may not have gone and seen my mum which i would have regreted. You took chrage of the funeral arrangements when me and dad could just not have done those things we didnt have the strength you showed, the love and compassion you showed. Of course it didnt end there you helped my mum with the planning to and on top of all of that you stood in the church and spoke for the family which is more i could have done, you were so brave and i really looked up to you and was thankful you could do that for our family, your inner strength that day will always stay in my heart.
But beyond that you took me to university with i think everything but the kitchen sink! You have been happy for me when ive achieved things from school to now. You've taken me places and helped me figure out how to get places. You've given me advise and shown me love and kindness through out my life, you'd take me places with you and your own children. You've come to hospital appointments me. You have in some ways gone beyond an aunty and uncle. I know i can always talk to you that you're there at the end of the phone.
To my other Aunties and Uncles you are all VERY special to me and i love you all and im thankful for the support you have shown me over the years.
When i was young my granddad always told me family was important. I have the best family a girl could wish for xx
My Cousin
Many of us aren't particularly close to our cousins we see them as we grow up to talk to and play games with as i have with other cousins. But i have one cousin who is very special to me, why because we brought up more like sisters than cousins. We spent many hours together, i felt more like a sister than a cousin to her. She understands me without having to say anything. She was there for me through some dark days and some fun days, we have laughed and cried together, even to this day she supports me. Tomorrow i have a meeting with my support team and she's coming a long to support me and i dont know many cousins that would.
She held me tight the day of my mums funeral, she helped me get through that day with a smile and a nod of encouragement. She helped me choose the flower to wear, the music we chose together, we laughed at the memories and the music we choose afterwards. She made me feel like i was safe and it was ok to cry. She reassured me that things would be ok.
When my mum was in the hospice she was there for me, we had lunch together, she showed me round, she held my hand when i first went in because i was so scared. She just knew the right words.
She was there for me when i got my exams results, when southampton happened, when i left for university she made me cry with her kind words on a letter she wrote for me.
My cousin makes me laugh, shes there for me to talk to and for me to occastionally cry on her shoulder, she even does my reiki.
I count you as a sister more than a cousin because you have been there from day 1 the laugher and the sadness you never let me down or make me feel im going on to much. You're the best cousin a girl could wish you.
I love you with all my heart and i hope you know how much you've helped me over the years, life has been tough for me at times but you always make me smile.
All my other cousins i love you all and you have a special place in my heart.
She held me tight the day of my mums funeral, she helped me get through that day with a smile and a nod of encouragement. She helped me choose the flower to wear, the music we chose together, we laughed at the memories and the music we choose afterwards. She made me feel like i was safe and it was ok to cry. She reassured me that things would be ok.
When my mum was in the hospice she was there for me, we had lunch together, she showed me round, she held my hand when i first went in because i was so scared. She just knew the right words.
She was there for me when i got my exams results, when southampton happened, when i left for university she made me cry with her kind words on a letter she wrote for me.
My cousin makes me laugh, shes there for me to talk to and for me to occastionally cry on her shoulder, she even does my reiki.
I count you as a sister more than a cousin because you have been there from day 1 the laugher and the sadness you never let me down or make me feel im going on to much. You're the best cousin a girl could wish you.
I love you with all my heart and i hope you know how much you've helped me over the years, life has been tough for me at times but you always make me smile.
All my other cousins i love you all and you have a special place in my heart.
Claire, Liv and Katy
So this post is to three very special friends..
Claire we have been friends for 4 years now and what fun we have had! U was my friend at the start of this journey when you saw it starting to the point it is today and you have stood by me through it all. You have come to concerts you have stayed in hotels incase i needed help and even helped me get dressed to go out. You have talked to me when i've felt so low i didn't know what to do any more. You really have stuck by me and for that i am forever greatful, you even take me shopping and we do love shopping and it puts a smile on my face you just treat me like vicky not vicky+rheumatoid.i love you as a friend and would be lost know im always here for you. xxxx
Katy we have been friends a long time! From Bournville studying Law .. you saw me full of energy walking about haha never a dull moment, always away at the weekend my suitcase in law every friday! Then you've seen the heart break in southampton, the pain of loosing my mum, the rheumatoid and everything in between, its been a rocky road and you have always stayed by myside and said "your still the same vicky to me" You even wrapped my christmas gifts up for me, your a true friend, even when i couldnt eat we'd joke about eating then babies food! You got me to eat in a public place for the first time, you didnt watch me but you did encourage me. For that and everything else you have done for me i will be greatful forever you are an amazing person, i love you as a friend and would be lost know im always here for you. xxx
Oh livvy we have had some good times we have known each other a very long time now and you have not once gone oh shit even when i've took your dummy off you! Attempted to take me through a shop window even stalling on a major roundabout! You have still been there we have had some fun over the years, you have always said do what makes you happy, you are a good friend and i'll always be greatful. You have even helped me get dressed, washed my hairm, brushed my hair cooked my food so much for me. Its been a rocky road but u've stuck by me. i love you as a friend and would be lost know im always here for you. xx
Wow and who can forget Sarah a friend for life i love you mate and of course sam for just knowing what to say. I love the bones of you to, we should do more together. xxxx
Claire we have been friends for 4 years now and what fun we have had! U was my friend at the start of this journey when you saw it starting to the point it is today and you have stood by me through it all. You have come to concerts you have stayed in hotels incase i needed help and even helped me get dressed to go out. You have talked to me when i've felt so low i didn't know what to do any more. You really have stuck by me and for that i am forever greatful, you even take me shopping and we do love shopping and it puts a smile on my face you just treat me like vicky not vicky+rheumatoid.i love you as a friend and would be lost know im always here for you. xxxx
Katy we have been friends a long time! From Bournville studying Law .. you saw me full of energy walking about haha never a dull moment, always away at the weekend my suitcase in law every friday! Then you've seen the heart break in southampton, the pain of loosing my mum, the rheumatoid and everything in between, its been a rocky road and you have always stayed by myside and said "your still the same vicky to me" You even wrapped my christmas gifts up for me, your a true friend, even when i couldnt eat we'd joke about eating then babies food! You got me to eat in a public place for the first time, you didnt watch me but you did encourage me. For that and everything else you have done for me i will be greatful forever you are an amazing person, i love you as a friend and would be lost know im always here for you. xxx
Oh livvy we have had some good times we have known each other a very long time now and you have not once gone oh shit even when i've took your dummy off you! Attempted to take me through a shop window even stalling on a major roundabout! You have still been there we have had some fun over the years, you have always said do what makes you happy, you are a good friend and i'll always be greatful. You have even helped me get dressed, washed my hairm, brushed my hair cooked my food so much for me. Its been a rocky road but u've stuck by me. i love you as a friend and would be lost know im always here for you. xx
Wow and who can forget Sarah a friend for life i love you mate and of course sam for just knowing what to say. I love the bones of you to, we should do more together. xxxx
facebook friends
What can i say?
WOW my facebook rheumatoid community you are AMAZING i love every single one of you, infact i look up to many of you, the compassion the friendship the love you have shown me is amazing. You have shown me how to keep going when things have got really tough you made me get my ass in gear to get my self going instead of crying my heart out you made me believe i could carry on. THANK YOU
To my none rheumatoid friends thank you for everything for your kinda words, your support your love, your attempts to understand by reading this blog i really do love you lot. I know its been hard for many of you to see me go through this and you will not understand how much it has meant for you to stand by me not just through the rheumatoid but everything else ive known many of you a long time and you have been on this journey with me.
So its a big thank you from me :)
WOW my facebook rheumatoid community you are AMAZING i love every single one of you, infact i look up to many of you, the compassion the friendship the love you have shown me is amazing. You have shown me how to keep going when things have got really tough you made me get my ass in gear to get my self going instead of crying my heart out you made me believe i could carry on. THANK YOU
To my none rheumatoid friends thank you for everything for your kinda words, your support your love, your attempts to understand by reading this blog i really do love you lot. I know its been hard for many of you to see me go through this and you will not understand how much it has meant for you to stand by me not just through the rheumatoid but everything else ive known many of you a long time and you have been on this journey with me.
So its a big thank you from me :)
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