Friday, March 23, 2007

Trekked up to harefield again yesterday, they start you off with clinic appointments twice a week (keeping a close eye on everything which is highly reassuring) and then reduce it slowly as time goes on. I received another glowing report, and this time as opposed to being described as resembling a dogs dinner (yes that is the medical term they used) which was a consequence of the massive pneumonia I picked up after transplant, yesterday the CT scan was described as “bloody fantastic” (a medical term I am keen to hear more of). I took the opportunity to go back to intensive care and visit the wonderful staff who cared for me for 7 long weeks. It is so therapeutic to be able to walk in and stand and chat when you spent so long flat on your back, attached to a ventilator and unable to move – that makes ICU seem a much more frightening and sinister place whereas revisiting helps me modify my memories and put it all into context. I also met and was thanked by one of the top bods at Harefield for the Comedy benefit – we raised a fantastic £20 000 and I have watched the show as it was recorded for me and it was just brilliant, I am so proud and so grateful to everyone who continued to work on it whilst I was off wreaking havoc in a semi conscious state.

On the way home from harefield, I was going over memories of the last few months in my head. You don’t realise how ill you are or how hard things are until you experience a difference, and thinking back to my puffy days, where I could literally neither move nor talk and only just had the energy to breathe, I cant believe how lucky I now am. My lung function is currently just under 50% (expected to rise over time) so with it being at 19% previously, the difference is indescribable. On Christmas day, I was so out of puff I didn’t feel well enough to open my presents, little did I know just 2 weeks later a whole new chapter of my life would be beginning. It just goes to show no matter how hard things get, whilst you are alive you are still living and there is always hope.

For those who have been getting in touch and not hearing much back, big apologies for being lax on the email/text front; I am still readjusting to being home and to this strange but brilliant new world so am being a tad uncommunicative at the moment, rest assured I will be chattering your ears off sometime in the very near future!

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Such fab news! Just simply...YEY! :D xxx

Anonymous said...

So happy to see you back, and as I always say 'dum spiro spero' ;-)

Jax x

Anonymous said...

this is such a happy newsy blog Emily, I am so very happy for you. What a difference from a few weeks ago. And your lung capacity will just go on increasing, you'll see. Remember the awful panic attack on New Year's Eve; you probably knew on a subconscious level what was just around the corner a couple of days later. You weathered a very bad storm and have come out brilliantly on the other side. Have a wonderful weekend and keep on building up your strength for the fun ahead.

Hugs, Janet

Anonymous said...

Its so lovely to hear from you, so cheerful and as always,aware of your own self. I have been reading your blog religiously and it is such a wonderful feeling to know your life is improved. I'm not a shopper but try to imagine being able walk my dog (my equivalent) after ages. Must feel amazing. My love to you and maybe I can join your Angels in the summer.
sal

suzie said...

What a very good idea to re-visit ICU on foot when muchly weller, wish we'd thought of that one here. Great to see the progress your making Em, as always loadsa love from all my gang.

Sue xxx

Anonymous said...

Emily, slowly but surely.

Have a great weekend.

Randall

Anonymous said...

lol, was that dr carby who described your lungs like that?! when i met him he said 'no offence but your lung function is really crap'! which i found pretty amusing under the circumstances. anyway brilliant news, 50% eh, the equivalent of one whole lung! bit greedy if you ask me :)
lots of love x

misdee said...

welcome home miss emily!

great news on clinic.

Anonymous said...

Glad all going well for you Emily taking things steady etc.
Bet VERY emotional going to ICU and seeing everyone again etc. Sure rewarding job for them all to see you on road to recovery etc...
Take care have good weekend (((hugz)))

Elaine Rach & all xxxxx

lil fairy said...

YAY! so glad to hear things keep improving :D:D u rock socks miss emily :D

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear you have another good report Emily.. 50% aint bad at all.. Slowly but surley that will increase.. I love the medical termonology...
Not suprised you are still adjusting.. Hope your having a nice weekend..
xx Sandy xx

Anonymous said...

Hi Emily, I have just come home from holiday to find that you are also home - what fantastic news, I am so pleased for you and A and all your family. You seem to be enjoying every moment, and long may it continue! YAY!!

Katie H x

Anonymous said...

Absolutely wonderful news...i'm sure it will only get better now. Take care xxxx

Josette (from Malta)
www.justgiving.com/runningforfranny

Anonymous said...

Is there any way we can 'buy' a recording of your comedy show - i would love to see it.
Lindy