Theatre Group
Come along to a Theatre group for adults with disabilities on a Tuesday from 4.30 till 6pm at Rievaulx resource centre Rievaulx Avenue, Billingham. Cost-£1.50
For more information please call 07728382442 or email amy.Stubbs@stockton.gov.uk
Childcare Consultation
Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council has a duty to ensure there is sufficient good quality childcare across the Borough to meet the needs of parents and carers, and their children, and which supports the wider social and economic development of the town.
To meet this duty The Children and Young People’s Strategy Team are carrying out consultation with parents/carers of children with disabilities and/or special needs to determine if there are any gaps in childcare provision and to identify any barriers to take-up of formal childcare.
Questionnaires have been handed out to parents for completion at various events/venues over the last couple of months. Once all questionnaires have been received the findings will be analysed and the results fed back to parents via various channels.
I would like to thank all those parents/carers who have already completed and returned questionnaires.
Childcare Business Support Manager
Phone: 01642 527208
Independent Living
The Council’s Independent Living team have updated their website to include details of different services and groups available as well as a News and Events page. To access this choose I for Independent Living from the A-Z of services. Or for more information contact the Independent Living team on 01642 527056 or email: Independent.Living@stockton.gov.uk
Showing posts with label The skies the limit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The skies the limit. Show all posts
03 July 2009
Disability Advisory Group part two
Information on ‘Fun Sporting Activities for All’
Multi Sport Club-
Date: Tuesday Evenings
Time: 6pm—8pm
Venue: Blakeston School, Junction Road, Stockton on Tees, TS19 9LT
Cost: £2 per session
The club is open to all ages for people with a disability who are wheelchair users.
Football Coaching Sessions 16+
Date: Thursday Evenings
Time: 7pm—8pm
Venue: Northfield School, Thames Road, Billingham, TS22 5EG
Cost: £2 per session
The football sessions are open to adults with a disability or special educational need
For further information on either football coaching or multi-sports club please contact: 01642 528510
Recycling, making it as easy as can be
Do you have a disability that makes recycling in your home difficult?
If the answer is yes, then hopefully we can help. Using the kerbside recycling facilities couldn’t be easier, and we can offer you help if you:
· Struggle to put your box or bags out for collection
· Can’t manage with the current size of the boxes and bags
· Find it difficult to read the literature in the current format offered
· Have difficulty putting your wheelie bin out at the kerbside
Just contact us on the details below for assistance:
Phone: 01642 395919
Visit: Environment Centre, 21 West Row, Stockton, TS18 1BT
Email: careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk
Log on: www.recycleforstockton.co.uk
Multi Sport Club-
Date: Tuesday Evenings
Time: 6pm—8pm
Venue: Blakeston School, Junction Road, Stockton on Tees, TS19 9LT
Cost: £2 per session
The club is open to all ages for people with a disability who are wheelchair users.
Football Coaching Sessions 16+
Date: Thursday Evenings
Time: 7pm—8pm
Venue: Northfield School, Thames Road, Billingham, TS22 5EG
Cost: £2 per session
The football sessions are open to adults with a disability or special educational need
For further information on either football coaching or multi-sports club please contact: 01642 528510
Recycling, making it as easy as can be
Do you have a disability that makes recycling in your home difficult?
If the answer is yes, then hopefully we can help. Using the kerbside recycling facilities couldn’t be easier, and we can offer you help if you:
· Struggle to put your box or bags out for collection
· Can’t manage with the current size of the boxes and bags
· Find it difficult to read the literature in the current format offered
· Have difficulty putting your wheelie bin out at the kerbside
Just contact us on the details below for assistance:
Phone: 01642 395919
Visit: Environment Centre, 21 West Row, Stockton, TS18 1BT
Email: careforyourarea@stockton.gov.uk
Log on: www.recycleforstockton.co.uk
Disability Advisory Group part one
As you may of read a number of posts ago I had become a memeber of the Disability Advisory Group for Stockton on Tees. I am now able to share with you our latest newsletter. I will post it over a number of entries as it is quite long:
Welcome to the latest edition of the Disability Advisory Group newsletter
Access to Cycle Ways
a brief update was provided on access to cycle ways and the use of tactile paving. Towards the end of summer 2009 a survey of all routes will be completed and over the autumn/winter areas for improvement will be identified. Members of the group were positive about the use of tactile paving to guide them along existing routes.
Cleveland Fire Brigade
Disability Advocates for Cleveland Fire Brigade came along to meet members of the group, they explained to the group about home fire safety visits, where a home visit takes place to develop a plan with each person on how to safely get out of your home in an emergency, free smoke alarms will also be fitted if necessary-call 01429 874063 to arrange a visit.
People who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment can get access to vibrating smoke alarms.
Everyone should check the batteries on their smoke detectors, when the Fire Brigade fit alarms they trigger a re-visit in five years time to check the equipment provided. A member of the group expressed their gratitude for the work that the Fire Brigade has done, in particular to the Winter Warmth scheme which they said saved their life during the particularly cold period at the beginning of this year
Disability Advocates for Cleveland Fire Brigade came along to meet members of the group, they explained to the group about home fire safety visits, where a home visit takes place to develop a plan with each person on how to safely get out of your home in an emergency, free smoke alarms will also be fitted if necessary-call 01429 874063 to arrange a visit.
People who are Deaf or have a hearing impairment can get access to vibrating smoke alarms.
Everyone should check the batteries on their smoke detectors, when the Fire Brigade fit alarms they trigger a re-visit in five years time to check the equipment provided. A member of the group expressed their gratitude for the work that the Fire Brigade has done, in particular to the Winter Warmth scheme which they said saved their life during the particularly cold period at the beginning of this year
For more information or advice please contact the advocate’s team using the details below:
Phone 01429 872311
Minicom 01429 874053
Post Cleveland Fire Brigade Headquarters, Endeavour House Stockton Road, Hartlepool, TS25 1JE
Phone 01429 872311
Minicom 01429 874053
Post Cleveland Fire Brigade Headquarters, Endeavour House Stockton Road, Hartlepool, TS25 1JE
Stockton User Representative Group for Employment (SURGE)-Mental Health Issues
A representative came to talk to the group to challenge the myths and misconceptions that surround mental health issues. Some of the facts include that every year 1 in 6 people are affected by a mental health problem at any one time and the Mental Health Foundation estimates that 70 per cent of recorded suicides are by people experiencing depression, often undiagnosed.
SURGE is an independent user group that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues in the area, promote social inclusion and positively influence how mental health services are delivered within Stockton.
SURGE is an independent user group that aims to raise awareness about mental health issues in the area, promote social inclusion and positively influence how mental health services are delivered within Stockton.
If you are interested in joining SURGE or would like more information, please contact us. Telephone: SURGE Office on (01642) 647744 or the Involvement Worker on (01642) 352914 Post: SURGE, Norton Community Resource Centre, Somerset Road, Norton, Stockton-on-Tees. TS20 2ND
The Mind Maze Volunteering Project
Christine Coulman and Paul Christon came along with representatives from the Mind Maze Volunteering Project to let people know of the opportunities available to volunteer as a mentor or get support as a mentee. It was an inspiring session with people sharing what a tremendous impact their involvement in the project has had, with positive and motivating stories.
Working across the Borough of Stockton and Middlesbrough the project supports people with mental health problems and their carers to enable them to make progress in their lives and achieve independence. We do this through the provision of one to one support and structured group activities.
For more information please use the details below:
Phone: 01642 633525
Email: christine.coulman@middlesbroughmind.org.uk
Address: Stockton Business Centre, 70 Brunswick Street, Stockton-on-Tees
15 June 2009
Spent day in hospital
Wow what a mad couple of weeks it has been, as you may have read I have been waiting for my MRI results, well I finally got them at the end of May. It turns out that I am not quite ready for the surgery just yet, and as a result my Consultant wanted to try the conservative routine to start with, to try and reduce my pain. It was agreed that I would undergo a sacral epidural in the theatre. After some discussion I left the clinic and came home to wait for the admission letter. I thought oh well at least this gives me time as I will have to wait a while no doubt. How wrong was I, I saw him on the Friday evening and I got a call on the Monday to say there has been a cancellation, and could I get to the hospital on Wednesday and be on the Trauma Ward for 7.30am.
Well 7.30 came and I made my way to James Cook Hospital, it felt odd getting there at that time of the morning, or was it the middle of the night lol. I arrived on the ward and waited in the reception, only to be told ½ hour later we don’t have a bed for you, and they where going to have to find one on the opposite ward, great not!!! I thought I’m in for a long day. The sister finally came and admitted me and then it seemed chaos from then, we had to complete loads of paperwork and then go straight down to the theatre which I did in my powerchair. It felt like playing monopoly pass go and collect £200 pounds.
I finally reached the ward with the nurse and was aloud to get out of my chair and get onto the bed, the room had the air conditioning on and it was really cold I have to say, I don’t cope well with cold, anyway I was wheeled into the aesthetic room while the theatre was getting prepared, it was like the red carpet was getting rolled out.
Into the theatre I went, it was an odd feeling because I have always been asleep when I get into the theatre and this time I was wide awake, WOW they big rooms aren’t they, I see them all the time on the TV but didn’t think it was going to be like that.
I have to say I found the sacral epidural very painful even though I was given a local first and my consultant bless him was as gentle as he could be and the staff where amazing with me, I think I had panicked them somewhat including myself for that matter because I had gone into spasm, and I have not had one for 5 years now. Although it felt a lifetime, the procedure only took 30 mins and I was wheeled to the recovery room with my head lowered, that was so that the drugs could take effect.
After a while I was taken from the recovery and wheeled to the surgical day unit, where I stayed for 4 hours, to give me time to pull round and the staff again was great and looked after me with tea and toast.
I was allowed home late afternoon and boy was I glad to be back it had been a long day and I got in my comfy chair and slept for a few hours. I have been off work for just over week now because I am still finding it painful to sit for long periods and still have periods of pins and needles. I am hoping that this will settle really soon, in fact yesterday (14th June) I managed to walk a little bit which is something that I have not really done since last October, so it shows that the drugs might be starting to work!!!!
Well 7.30 came and I made my way to James Cook Hospital, it felt odd getting there at that time of the morning, or was it the middle of the night lol. I arrived on the ward and waited in the reception, only to be told ½ hour later we don’t have a bed for you, and they where going to have to find one on the opposite ward, great not!!! I thought I’m in for a long day. The sister finally came and admitted me and then it seemed chaos from then, we had to complete loads of paperwork and then go straight down to the theatre which I did in my powerchair. It felt like playing monopoly pass go and collect £200 pounds.
I finally reached the ward with the nurse and was aloud to get out of my chair and get onto the bed, the room had the air conditioning on and it was really cold I have to say, I don’t cope well with cold, anyway I was wheeled into the aesthetic room while the theatre was getting prepared, it was like the red carpet was getting rolled out.
Into the theatre I went, it was an odd feeling because I have always been asleep when I get into the theatre and this time I was wide awake, WOW they big rooms aren’t they, I see them all the time on the TV but didn’t think it was going to be like that.
I have to say I found the sacral epidural very painful even though I was given a local first and my consultant bless him was as gentle as he could be and the staff where amazing with me, I think I had panicked them somewhat including myself for that matter because I had gone into spasm, and I have not had one for 5 years now. Although it felt a lifetime, the procedure only took 30 mins and I was wheeled to the recovery room with my head lowered, that was so that the drugs could take effect.
After a while I was taken from the recovery and wheeled to the surgical day unit, where I stayed for 4 hours, to give me time to pull round and the staff again was great and looked after me with tea and toast.
I was allowed home late afternoon and boy was I glad to be back it had been a long day and I got in my comfy chair and slept for a few hours. I have been off work for just over week now because I am still finding it painful to sit for long periods and still have periods of pins and needles. I am hoping that this will settle really soon, in fact yesterday (14th June) I managed to walk a little bit which is something that I have not really done since last October, so it shows that the drugs might be starting to work!!!!
29 March 2009
Stockton Disability Advisory Group
A new door / venture opened for me early last week to take part in the Disability Advisory Group for Stockton on Tees, when this opportunity came up I jumped at the chance because I could see a chance for me to be able to help people through my own experiences and gain an insight and further experience from other disabled people from within the group, I also let it be said that I didn't know that Stockton had a disability advisory group in the first instance. All in all this has been my ethos thoughout my life to push the boundaries and this is the main structure of our website also, so you can see why I signed up as it is exactly what I want too do to be able to speak out in public and raise the awareness.
What is the Advisory Group
The activities of the group will be co-ordinated by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Diversity Team, who will be available to offer support to the group and its members.
Network Meetings
The whole group meets up on a regular basis to make sure that everyone up to date with what is happening around disability issues and to provide information about things that are planned for the future.
Working with Council Officers
Members of the group will be asked to use their expertise as users of council services to work closely with officers to advise them about the difficulties they have and how we can improve access. This will involve members of the group having meeting with the officers who look after different services or visiting sites or buildings with them to help us build in the needs of disabled people.
I will keep you upto date with how I get on within the group
What is the Advisory Group
The activities of the group will be co-ordinated by Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council’s Diversity Team, who will be available to offer support to the group and its members.
Network Meetings
The whole group meets up on a regular basis to make sure that everyone up to date with what is happening around disability issues and to provide information about things that are planned for the future.
Working with Council Officers
Members of the group will be asked to use their expertise as users of council services to work closely with officers to advise them about the difficulties they have and how we can improve access. This will involve members of the group having meeting with the officers who look after different services or visiting sites or buildings with them to help us build in the needs of disabled people.
I will keep you upto date with how I get on within the group
27 March 2009
MRI finally done
Well yesterday I went to James Cook Hospital for my MRI scan, and for those who don’t know me, let me tell you I hate those machines I get so jumpy because they are so noisy. Therefore to my instant relief when I was told I could have a General Anaesthetic I was happier to have one, and when I say happier I don’t mean I was over the moon believe me, because having an anaesthetic makes me sick for hours if not a couple of days, so you can imagine my apprehension facing me yesterday morning, but I thought well I have to have it done so might as well get on with it.
6.30am came and I got up and sorted waiting for my taxi to pick me up at 7.15 and off we went said bye to mum (it was like the middle of the night for us lol) anyway got to the hospital in good time and I made my way to the day unit ward only to find the door was locked and I couldn’t reach the intercom (why doesn’t that surprise me!!!! In a hospital of all places!!!)
Anyway I managed to find a member of staff who kindly took me to the main x-ray dept, I was booked in and taken through to the small ward to complete all of the paperwork and wait for the anaesthetist, who was very nice and explained everything to me, because I had a couple of questions with regard to the metal in my spine and the magnets in the MRI, my understanding was that when the scan hit the metal part it would bounce off the magnet and distort the image, if not corrupt it all together and to all intensive purposes I was right, but they said that they should be able to get enough of an image to see what’s going on before I have the artificial disc surgery.
I then waited for a couple of hours for my turn and then I was allowed to go down, I was put to sleep really quickly and for the first time in I don’t know how many years I wasn’t sick when I came round, I don’t know what he gave me but whatever it was I will be asking for it when I have my main surgery. As far as I know the scan went well and I was allowed home on the afternoon where I slept it off and tried to eat a little bit, I didn’t think green jelly could taste so nice lol but there you go!!! I now just have to wait to get the results, hope it won’t be too long.
6.30am came and I got up and sorted waiting for my taxi to pick me up at 7.15 and off we went said bye to mum (it was like the middle of the night for us lol) anyway got to the hospital in good time and I made my way to the day unit ward only to find the door was locked and I couldn’t reach the intercom (why doesn’t that surprise me!!!! In a hospital of all places!!!)
Anyway I managed to find a member of staff who kindly took me to the main x-ray dept, I was booked in and taken through to the small ward to complete all of the paperwork and wait for the anaesthetist, who was very nice and explained everything to me, because I had a couple of questions with regard to the metal in my spine and the magnets in the MRI, my understanding was that when the scan hit the metal part it would bounce off the magnet and distort the image, if not corrupt it all together and to all intensive purposes I was right, but they said that they should be able to get enough of an image to see what’s going on before I have the artificial disc surgery.
I then waited for a couple of hours for my turn and then I was allowed to go down, I was put to sleep really quickly and for the first time in I don’t know how many years I wasn’t sick when I came round, I don’t know what he gave me but whatever it was I will be asking for it when I have my main surgery. As far as I know the scan went well and I was allowed home on the afternoon where I slept it off and tried to eat a little bit, I didn’t think green jelly could taste so nice lol but there you go!!! I now just have to wait to get the results, hope it won’t be too long.
13 March 2009
More surgery is needed 6 years on!
Well it is exactly 6 years since I had my surgery for Scoliosis and as you know I am waiting to have further surgery in the form of artificial disc replacement. Anyway following my recent consultation I have now been sent a copy of the x-rays that where taken on the day. Yesterday I also had a call from the hospital about my MRI under anesthetic and I am pleased to say I dont have to wait too long because it is the 26th March so I am getting ever closer to hopefully stopping the pain I have.
07 March 2009
New Kitchen on the horizon
During my recent holiday from work, Mum and I visited the Stockton Independent Living Centre with our Occupational Therapist, to have a look at there adapted kitchen and see what could be done to help us.
I have to say that Mum and I was impressed with the demonstration kitchen there. The room had 2 kitchens setup, one being a height adjustable one, and the other being a conventional height. When I looked I was supprised at the height difference, although it didn't make it look out of place. Mind you when we came home and just looked at our kitchen as it is it felt a bit over powering and felt as if it was coming in at you.
I cant wait for it to get started because it is going to make such a difference too us, we just have to wait on the Council now to process all of the forms and our application for a grant. Once this has been sorted out the work can start.
I have to say that Mum and I was impressed with the demonstration kitchen there. The room had 2 kitchens setup, one being a height adjustable one, and the other being a conventional height. When I looked I was supprised at the height difference, although it didn't make it look out of place. Mind you when we came home and just looked at our kitchen as it is it felt a bit over powering and felt as if it was coming in at you.
I cant wait for it to get started because it is going to make such a difference too us, we just have to wait on the Council now to process all of the forms and our application for a grant. Once this has been sorted out the work can start.
22 February 2009
Eureka we found the source of the pain
Well we finally found the source of my leg pain at last, I went through to see Mr Papastefanou on Friday about my back and leg pain and unfortunately I have to have further spine surgery. I virtually spent the whole day at the hospital and by the time I got home I was shattered. Anyway I had to go for a set of new x-rays so that he could see what was going happening, it surprised me somewhat in that considering the constant changes in technology that here we are 6 years on and they were still using the old (or at least what I call old) x-ray method. I had one full length one and a side view; I have to say I was interested to see what my back looked like after 6 years.
When I got back to see him we compared the x-rays with those I had in 2005 and there was some significant deterioration with the one remaining disc that wasn’t part of the original surgery, so much so that I have to have the disc removed and have it replaced by an artificial disc, I was a bit shocked at first but then on the other hand I was relieved that we had found the reason for my pain. I now have to wait for a date to have an MRI under aesthetic as I don’t like MRI’s the noise they make makes me very jumpy so it can be hard to get the scan done, so this time at least I will be asleep and then after that we can discuss the full extent of the damage and plan for the surgery.
What is an Artificial disc replacement
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a device or implant used to replace a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc. After removing what’s left of the worn out disc, the ADR is inserted in the space between two lumbar vertebrae. The goal is to replace the diseased or damaged disc while keeping your normal spinal motion. Artificial disc surgery is relatively new in the United States but has been used in Europe for many years.
I will be posting about my new journey as it happens.
When I got back to see him we compared the x-rays with those I had in 2005 and there was some significant deterioration with the one remaining disc that wasn’t part of the original surgery, so much so that I have to have the disc removed and have it replaced by an artificial disc, I was a bit shocked at first but then on the other hand I was relieved that we had found the reason for my pain. I now have to wait for a date to have an MRI under aesthetic as I don’t like MRI’s the noise they make makes me very jumpy so it can be hard to get the scan done, so this time at least I will be asleep and then after that we can discuss the full extent of the damage and plan for the surgery.
What is an Artificial disc replacement
Artificial disc replacement (ADR) is a device or implant used to replace a diseased or damaged intervertebral disc. After removing what’s left of the worn out disc, the ADR is inserted in the space between two lumbar vertebrae. The goal is to replace the diseased or damaged disc while keeping your normal spinal motion. Artificial disc surgery is relatively new in the United States but has been used in Europe for many years.
I will be posting about my new journey as it happens.
25 January 2009
Rising to new heights
Well we are nicely into the new year and rising to the new challenges that face us. It has been a busy time for me since Christmas so much so that it feels that Christmas didn't happen, it went that quick. Things have been going ok for me and for Mum, Mum is progressing nicely with her physio and has tried elbow crutches very briefly not too keen !!!. I am still suffering with pain in my hips and back and I am hoping to see my spine consultant soon, I haven't seen him for 6 years, so in so respects although I am going with a new problem, it will be nice to see him and let him see how my back is doing. I am hoping the pain will settle soon as its pulling me down a little I have to say as I don't feel as mobile as I have been and feeling a little frustrated.
I have some high points to report on so its not all doom and gloom, during my time off at Christmas it sort of came to a head really how difficult it was becoming for Mum and me in the kitchen with us both using wheelchairs in there, I need to bee in my powerchair to help to carry things and help prepare things. So I decided that enough was enough something had to be done, I contacted my occupational therapist to arrange an assessment for Mum and to see if we could convert our existing kitchen into a height adjustable one so that it is a bit easier for us both. Anyway my OT came out and carried out the initial assessment and is very hopeful that we can have the kitchen adapted Way to go!!!!!, we are just waiting for the architect to come out from the Council and the kitchen designer to have a look at the existing space and what can be done.
While we are waiting for them my OT is arranging for Mum and I to go to our Independent Living Centre where they have a fully adapted kitchen installed, we cant wait to go and have a look and to test the gadgets.
I have some high points to report on so its not all doom and gloom, during my time off at Christmas it sort of came to a head really how difficult it was becoming for Mum and me in the kitchen with us both using wheelchairs in there, I need to bee in my powerchair to help to carry things and help prepare things. So I decided that enough was enough something had to be done, I contacted my occupational therapist to arrange an assessment for Mum and to see if we could convert our existing kitchen into a height adjustable one so that it is a bit easier for us both. Anyway my OT came out and carried out the initial assessment and is very hopeful that we can have the kitchen adapted Way to go!!!!!, we are just waiting for the architect to come out from the Council and the kitchen designer to have a look at the existing space and what can be done.
While we are waiting for them my OT is arranging for Mum and I to go to our Independent Living Centre where they have a fully adapted kitchen installed, we cant wait to go and have a look and to test the gadgets.
05 January 2009
Chilling out with Wii
Well since I have been off for the Christmas break I have been able to chill out and experience the joy of the Wii. To begin with I decide to go diving into the Endless Ocean to see what the treasures lay beneath the ocean
Then I kind of lost track of time, because I knew I was going to the Grand Prix with Mario to check out the competition and to have a race with the best in the hope I would come first
After that tiring event I decided that I needed a bit of a break and needed a little bit of a stimulating challenge something I could really think about, so I enrolled at the Big Brain Academy
Then I kind of lost track of time, because I knew I was going to the Grand Prix with Mario to check out the competition and to have a race with the best in the hope I would come first
After that tiring event I decided that I needed a bit of a break and needed a little bit of a stimulating challenge something I could really think about, so I enrolled at the Big Brain Academy
06 December 2008
Life’s rollercoaster’s
What a busy time of year it is for everyone, and I have to say I feel like I have been on one of life’s rollercoaster’s, going up down and doing somersaults. Although there has been pain along the way, the majority of time it’s been great. The last time I wrote I was being investigated by my Consultant for severe pain in my hip, I am please to say all the scans and test came back clear and I am currently receiving inter-differential treatment from my Physio, for Sciatica. We are hoping that after the course of therapy things will settle down, if not I have to go back and see my Spine Consultant to see if the metal is irritating the nerves. I have had one course of treatment and things seem to be ok so I’m hoping that things will have settled by the end.
Over the last couple of weeks I have had to cope with a lot of changes at work, firstly moving offices and then my manager leaving to start a new life in Lanzarotte (and I wish you all the very best if you read this). I like my new office because I am back on the ground floor and I don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the lift, and therefore my stress level is much reduced which is great for me. I also like it because I can get in and out on my own so therefore I am gaining back my independence, and as far as I am concerned I feel like I have the control back and because I have that I can give my full effort in my job with ease, because the environment is much better for me and it isn’t such a battle for me everyday. I know we battle in our everyday life for everything but it is nice that I don’t have to be doing it constantly I kind of got a little respite so to speak, a chance to recharge my depleting batteries.
Mum is doing great with her Physio so much that she is catching me up, and I am so pleased for her, its quite strange now to see us both doing our home exercises together, but I help her and she helps me. So far Mum is really well, so we think that we might have our first Christmas at home, this being the first four years and we can’t wait.
A couple of weeks ago Mum and I went to Middlesbrough shopping with the help of Shop Mobility I have got to say what a great service they provide with volunteers to push people around the shops. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be able to manage. It turned out to be a great day, buying lots of Christmas presents and hitting the sales in Debenhams, mind you I think we both where a bit overwhelmed by the number of people barging shopping, you wouldn’t think there was a credit crunch. We had to wait 10 minutes just to get the lift; I have never seen so many people and queues out the door. I know Mum likes to be in the think of it but even I found it a bit much.
Well this morning we finally woke to see the last of the snow, nice to see it cleared up after the last week we have had, had a few wheel spins! I love being inside watching it but I don’t like it when I have to go out in it
Over the last couple of weeks I have had to cope with a lot of changes at work, firstly moving offices and then my manager leaving to start a new life in Lanzarotte (and I wish you all the very best if you read this). I like my new office because I am back on the ground floor and I don’t have to worry about getting stuck in the lift, and therefore my stress level is much reduced which is great for me. I also like it because I can get in and out on my own so therefore I am gaining back my independence, and as far as I am concerned I feel like I have the control back and because I have that I can give my full effort in my job with ease, because the environment is much better for me and it isn’t such a battle for me everyday. I know we battle in our everyday life for everything but it is nice that I don’t have to be doing it constantly I kind of got a little respite so to speak, a chance to recharge my depleting batteries.
Mum is doing great with her Physio so much that she is catching me up, and I am so pleased for her, its quite strange now to see us both doing our home exercises together, but I help her and she helps me. So far Mum is really well, so we think that we might have our first Christmas at home, this being the first four years and we can’t wait.
A couple of weeks ago Mum and I went to Middlesbrough shopping with the help of Shop Mobility I have got to say what a great service they provide with volunteers to push people around the shops. If it wasn’t for them we wouldn’t be able to manage. It turned out to be a great day, buying lots of Christmas presents and hitting the sales in Debenhams, mind you I think we both where a bit overwhelmed by the number of people barging shopping, you wouldn’t think there was a credit crunch. We had to wait 10 minutes just to get the lift; I have never seen so many people and queues out the door. I know Mum likes to be in the think of it but even I found it a bit much.
Well this morning we finally woke to see the last of the snow, nice to see it cleared up after the last week we have had, had a few wheel spins! I love being inside watching it but I don’t like it when I have to go out in it
16 November 2008
Speedy recovery
Well it seems like it has been a while since I wrote and I know it has been, I have had some highs and lows this last couple of weeks, and it started of with my best friend Daniel, who you may of read about in previous writings, well he recently had to undergo further spinal surgey due to his pelvis twisting, so he had to have more metal work put in, and although it was a big operation, he was home in no time and on the road to recovery, I have kept uptodate with his progress by phone and last week I had the greatest day because I logged on to my computer and webcam and got to see for my self how great he is doing Way to go Daniel!!!!! keep on keeping on mate
Then have had had a bit of a rough time with a chest infection and I had to have some time off work, so it shows how bad it was because it is ages since I have been on the sick from work, but following the infection I developed servere pain in my left hip and my Physio thought it might be a hernia from all the coughing I had been doing, so I ws off again to the doctors but luckily everything was ok. Although I still had the pain and it wasn't getting any better so I decided to go and see my othropedic consultant, who has looked after me for many years now.
After a full examination I had to go for an xray and I am and then the look of worry came and I was sent for an ultrasound scan of my pelvis to check for any infection, which could be the cause of the pain, but luckily it came back ok!!! a sigh of relive I can tell you, and now I have been given the all clear I am waiting to see my Physio and see if we can settle things down a bit as its still really painful.
Then have had had a bit of a rough time with a chest infection and I had to have some time off work, so it shows how bad it was because it is ages since I have been on the sick from work, but following the infection I developed servere pain in my left hip and my Physio thought it might be a hernia from all the coughing I had been doing, so I ws off again to the doctors but luckily everything was ok. Although I still had the pain and it wasn't getting any better so I decided to go and see my othropedic consultant, who has looked after me for many years now.
After a full examination I had to go for an xray and I am and then the look of worry came and I was sent for an ultrasound scan of my pelvis to check for any infection, which could be the cause of the pain, but luckily it came back ok!!! a sigh of relive I can tell you, and now I have been given the all clear I am waiting to see my Physio and see if we can settle things down a bit as its still really painful.
05 October 2008
My Personal Results with Wii
I have been using my Wii for about a month now and I thought I would share some of my results
06 September 2008
In the gym!!!!
What a great week in the gym this week, you may remember that I have started to use some of the machines last week well this week I progressed one step further and was allowed to try them with some weights behind them. I had to keep stopping as it was making my back a little sore, but once I rested enough in between each set the soreness went quickly and I was surprised how well I had done to even move them and my trunk rotation is improving a lot as well. Although I can’t twist using my mid trunk I can now actually rotate just above where I am fused so therefore allowing new movement that I have not experienced before. It is an odd feeling and I am sure I will get my head around it soon. I then went over to one of the therapy beds to do some one on one work with my physio, we worked on some exercises with the wobble cushion and a walking stick, this was so we could work on my dynamic control, although my core control is good my dynamic control needs some work doing to help me understand better all the new movements my body is undergoing and to make them stronger and more stable. I couldn’t believe how much I was able to stay upright on the cushion when doing the exercises with the stick, normally I would of slid to one side during the first one but I balanced quite well, during the exercises it became apparent that my left side needs a bit of work as its a bit weak in comparison to my right side which is my dominant side. I explained to her that I have just bought a Wii and she was really pleased and said it was one of the best things to come out on the market and thinks I will do very well with it, I have to say since I started with it I have really enjoyed it its exercise with the fun element fun because you don’t realise you are exercising.
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