Up The Farway Tree

Back to reality

Well after my five minutes of fame on Friday, it's back to reality. It's even back to reality with the hair, which I have been wrestling with all week. The hair dresser made styling it look pretty simple but unfortunately this is not so! The main issue is the fact my hair is actually very curly (believe it or not) so I have to learn to tame it more with the hair dryer. I have in fact even ordered a new hair dryer - one of those salon style ideas with lots of speed and heat settings (my current one has one setting only haha). It arrived this morning - there were 21 (!) colours to choose from and I thought I had ordered purple, but I had in fact ordered a horrible beige colour. Probably the worst one out of all 21. Ah well, as long as it works. Will try it tomorrow...

I've had a quiet time of it lately, mostly trying to rest the foot. It seemed a lot better yesterday so I took Seb for a short walk without the crutches and there did not appear to be any repercussions. I know I should probably rest it more, but I was literally going stir crazy being stuck in the house (as was Seb) and I would even say that it was beginning to affect my mood and I felt quite down. It was just like being back to pre transplant when I couldn't get out and about and was just stuck in the house all day feeling a bit sorry for myself. Anyway I felt a lot better after getting out in the fresh air for a short while so I think it was the most sensible thing to do - for my sanity more than anything. I went out again today and the foot seems to be ok so hopefully that means it is well on the mend now. It's probably a bit too soon to be driving again (he said to wait until I had been walking on it comfortably for a 'while') - but hopefully soon!

I went into my work last week to catch up with people and try and formulate a plan for going back to work. Newcastle had advised me 6 months to a year before I go back to work. I was originally planning on the 6 month mark and was hoping to go back in early November, but have instead decided that January is more realistic. This gives me time to get through my 6 month bronchoscopy, continue the rehabilitation and also to have a chance to enjoy my first Christmas and New Year post transplant :-) So hopefully I will be going back in early January - initially just a few half days a week and take it from there. These part time posts are funded separately, and there is very limited funding available, however I have been on the list since my transplant so should be ok in this respect. I will be going back to the same job I was doing in Old Age Psychiatry within the same community team (which is fantastic because I love the team and they all know about my transplant, so no need to explain anything). I don't know what my longer term plans will be though. I think possibly looking at staff grade jobs - these are non training posts, which basically means you are not under an obligation to sit the exams, although I probably will anyway, and there is no on call - but on the downside you are not then climbing the ladder to consultancy (although this might change in the future). I suppose it depends how much that title means to you! However as a staff grade I would still manage my own case load and make my own decisions, so I think this would be a good way forward for me. I feel that I didn't go through this transplant and be given a second chance at life, to then spend it in a training post doing overnight and weekend on call and being put under pressure to sit post graduate exams within a certain time frame. I love my job and I am ambitious, but I also have a different perspective on things now. I want to live my life as well!

I am back down in Newcastle tomorrow for clinic on Thursday. It's just a routine clinic with chest xray and lung function. I don't think there will be anything to worry about so hopefully will be straight back up the road on Thursday afternoon/evening. I will post with an update.

Also just to mention that a friend of mine, Louise, who has been waiting on her transplant for the past year, has finally had the call! I don't have any more news other than she is getting the surgery just now in Newcastle - so keep her in your prayers please.

p.s I think I have emailed the daily record article to everyone who asked - if I have missed someone please let me know, or if anyone else wants a copy just leave me your email in the comments or guestbook :-)