Sunday 28 February 2010

Au-revoir England, helloooo Canada

A last blog from Blighty as the next one I write will be from Canada, our new home.

To say the past few weeks have been stressful (and pretty 'back' painful) would be an understatement. BUT to be expected given the amount of packing and organising that has had to be done in such a short space of time. Looking forward to doing not too much at all when we arrive - just settling in and finding our feet. And learning to drive on the other side of the road!

Big HUGE thank you to all our wonderful family and friends who have given us a magnificent send-off. TTFN (tata for now) x

Wednesday 17 February 2010

Onwards & upwards on the downhill !!!

Just back from Quebec City and I can report that I finally returned to the hills after 6 pre-op years of sitting on-my-lonesome glugging gluhwein and jagermeister! Yah!!!!

For those of you that have followed this blog you will know that skiing was a passion and one of the things that was a HUGE miss during those horrendous pre-op years. When I decided to go forward with the op I made Dr Vic (hubs) promise that he would get me back on skis the following season, no matter what! Many people thought I was mad to take the risk and told me so, but you know what, I had the op to get my life back and skiing is part of the life I want back!

As always, the gorgeous Dr Vic kept his promise! I purchased some Forcefield Body Armour (women's lumbar support)... it's v. comfortable, non-restrictive and offered unbelievable support. I believe it's being worn by Team GB at the Winter Olympics, Whistler - check it out http://www.forcefieldbodyarmour.com/product_selector.asp. Now I must clarify... I wasn't doing double-blacks, off-piste or moguls but as a once fast and confident skiier I wore the support whilst doing what I would consider some 'decent' runs on the downhill no less (can't believe it myself, thought I'd just about manage x-country)! It may well be psychological, but the 'armour' gave me the confidence boost and support I needed.

I skiied maximum 2 hours x 3 non-consecutive days - it was my threshold without going into Tramadol-popping pain. Back at the ranch I 'jumped' straight in the hot tub and sauna and then spent an hour or so resting. Good enough for me folks. RESULT!

So for those of you out there in pain, please please don't give up hope that your quality of life can improve. It's entirely possible, believe me.