2012 up-date

In response to some requests for an update. I am feeling well. As well as I have felt in the past 10 years. At Easter it will be 10 years since I first had symptoms. It is just over two years since the transplant. In January this year I had an operation to repair a hernia from the original transplant operation. As a result I have been on light duties for a few months. The procedure was a success, but set back my gym work.

In October last year I started doing a modified weights program at the gym with three main aims to retain mussel and bone strength, prevent diabetes returning and improve general health and well being. It also had the unexpected benefit of a dramatic improvement in my knees. I have only just returned to the gym in the last week and hope to regain lost ground especially in my knees, which have started to play up again.

Lately I have been bothered by sinus problems. It started in January with a bit of hay-fever that became an infected right sinus. I have struggled with it for months treating with antibiotics and irrigation. The good news is I wasn't hospitalised with it and It seems to have eventually cleared up. ( I was hospitalised with acute sinusitis last July for 5 days).

The other problem I have been Getting help for is gastric. This one has been with me ever since the op. It is almost certainly the tablets I take that are aggrivating my digestive system. I have been to see a physiotherapist who specialises in this area. Don't ask. Yes there are exercises. The chances of my tablets being altered to help with this problem are slim, as the risks are high.

Medium term, if my health, holds the family are planning to travel to Scotland next year to show the girls Stuart's birth place and to see the remaining relatives before they all die out. Stuart is saving up his annual leave this year with that in mind. So we are only going away for long weekends in 2012. The replacement of the garage is another medium term goal we hope to get the wheels turning this year on that project.

For the time being I am leading an entertaining life. With regular social engagements such as Monday morning coffee with the School Mums, Hosting board games each fortnight and going out for the same every other week. Also a movie each month with a friend and Girls night out for dinner also monthly. Not to mention teaching Kate and her friend Art on Tuesdays after school and driving Vicky to Choir each Thursday where I take the dog for an hour and a half walk during waiting time.

My Voluntary work keeps me on my toes with regular Wednesday tutoring at the Global Homework Club in North Melbourne Library and Fridays helping in the kitchen at the primary school. I have started assisting with Guides Melbourne District. We are forming a parents support group. I do personnel work with the Scouts and Guides at Camberwell Showtime most weekends from May to August. At the primary school I am on the Community Development Committee. We have just organised a very successful fete. I have been enjoying doing a bit of training lately including Strategies to help refugee children learn and Mental health first aid for teenagers.

Short term Stuart and I are planning to see some shows at the Melbourne Comedy Festival and do a bit of maintenance work around the house. Oh that's right I also run a household, (rather poorly). Bye for now. Jane