New Years Eve

I am currently in Devon. Travelled up to Bristol this morning for blood tests - as it is a bank holiday they were done urgently.

The doctor is very pleased with my current renal function - I have almost the same function as someone with two normal kidneys who is perhaps overweight and unfit. My hb has also gone up to 14 which is great - a few months ago before the transfusion my hb was near 5 that is almost a 1/3rd of the amount. Quite a difference.

I had an interesting chat with my doctor about the potential of setting up a charity focusing on transplantation in the Unit and if I would be interested in help setting it up. I am very interested in the project and am going to spend some time thinking about what is needed.

We also chatted about the marathon next April and what other people can do to help raise awareness etc. I have had a further idea that I am not going to say yet - but think it could be a real good idea that has some longevity.

It is New Years eve so I am going out with some local friends - not sure what we are going to do yet but am sure it is going to be fun,

Christmas, Family, Old friends and new friends

It has been over a week since I least posted. Christmas was good at my parents with brother, sister-in-law and her mum and relations. My brother and I cooked - it was wierd having a menu that was not restricted - it was also tyring but on the whole good fun.

It has been great being back where I grew up - in the country side. Have been seeing a number of family friends over the week and catching up with peoples news. Have also been making new friends which is always nice. It is strange how in a smaller community it is often easier to make friends compared to a large city.

I developed a cold and cough on Christmas day and had bloods done the day after boxing day (a week gap). My blood results were not brilliant having increased by almost 30 (creatinine), funnily I had asked to and saw a doctor over my cold and cough. She said that I did not need antibiotics at the moment but that my blood pressure was up a little 132/95. This is not seriously high at all for me and for my current status. The hospital called me back to have urgent bloods the following day. This is always stressfull, the results were fine, actually better than the have ever been -also my cold and cough had got a lot better. Although I am still not completely over it.

This was a relief - that night I went to a local families party which was excellent -great to see so many old family friends.

A few pictures



Boxing day - Heighest point on South Coust



Another



My niece making a festive effort



Lyme Regis - bakery/ eatery