Baby Show Ticket Giveaway

On March 2nd-4th The Baby Show, with MadeforMums is being held at the London Excel Centre. Mike and I have been invited to go along, now that we're parents to be! An incredible shopping experience, The Baby Show offers the biggest and best brands for parents, bumps and new babies - we can't wait!

Given that I'll be a disabled Mum with some difficulties and limitations, I personally cannot wait to meet all the exhibitors to try and test their products, anything that will help make me a better, more capable mother. Plus by the time of the show, we'll know whether we'll be buying pink or blue!

From Baby Bjorn, Chicco, Joolz, MAM, Tommee Tippee, Mothercare, Babiesrus and many many more The Baby Show really is the place to go for all your baby needs!

I have two full-priced adult tickets to give away! See below for your many chances to win!

Baby Show Ticket Giveaway

Good Luck!

L x

I'm Pregnant!

If you've not seen my countless social media posts or YouTube videos... I'm pregnant! I'm now in week 16 and thankfully rid of the 1st Trimester. What with pain, sickness, fatigue... and that doesn't even include my long-term conditions, I've felt dreadful.

I now have the practicalities of pregnancy and a baby to contend with, how will my body copy as the baby grows (and grow it will, Mike is a big guy and the baby is already presenting 9 days bigger than it's actual conception date!) and as a disabled parent, I'm going to have to find ingenious and practical ways to ensure the safety of the baby and myself. But more on that in the coming months.

Below are my first two vlogs about Button (babies nickname) and me.

Button Update No1

This video is from the day we found out we were expecting.

If you can't see this video click here

Button Update No. 2

This video is my pain medication withdrawal diary - emotional and a hard watch but I wanted to be honest with my readers. 

If you can't see this video click here

Enjoy

L x

Halloween 2017

I appear to have lost the use of words in this vlog - I blame the lack of sleep, but I get the message across eventually! I talk prizes and Halloween featuring my nieces and nephews! Watch the video below if you can't see it click right here!

L xxx

ESA Benefit Review

It's vlog week!

I had my Employment Support Allowance Benefit review today. I was terrified. I think this week's blog shows just how distressing the whole process is for disabled people. Let me know what you think!

If you can't see this weeks vlog then please click here! Remember to subscribe and leave a comment too!

Until next Wednesday!
L x

Christmas Legends

Sometimes Christmas feels like a full-time job and when you're medically declared unfit for work, you understand why you've been labelled that way.

As I have mentioned countless times I adore Christmas, the music, the food, the decorations, the gatherings, time with all my loved ones, the games and the TV Christmas specials (Hello! Call the Midwife!) but it's tiring!

This week has been utterly mental, I am meeting people for all three meals of the day - Slimming World hell - but only a 1lb gain this December....so far!. There is a mental list running through my head 24/7 and the ridiculous thing is; my Father in law will be cooking Christmas day dinner, due to lack of funds, we've only bought gifts for our 4 Nieces and 2 Nephews and all the meet and greets I've been going to, have been away from our house (i.e no clean up for me!) and yet I'm still panicking and exhausted. (I'm aware of my first world problem!)

So this blog is dedicated to all the parents buying for all their kids, families, kids friends, teachers, scout and brownie leaders, bosses, workmates, Secret Santa's and Neighbours. To all the shop's co-ordinating mountains of Christmas gifts, irate customers and fatigued staff. To all the charities struggling to provide for all those in their service with a dire lack of funds - I salute you all in this beautifully insane festive period, keep going, there are only a few days left and lets face it, we'll all miss it when there are 365 days to go until the next Christmas day.

Merry Christmas readers/watchers!

Until next Wednesday!
L xxx

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If you didn't see it last week here is last weeks vlog (If you can't see the video, click here!)

48 Hours Later!

November is Complex Regional Pain Syndrome awareness month! November 7th is the internationally recognised CRPS day and I made a vlog.

Every year on this written blog, I've tried to promote and create awareness of the condition I've had for 25 years. The condition really sucks, I'm in pain 24/7 but I wanted to create something a little different this year; the first is trying out Vlog, I hate my voice and I could think of much better things to do than spend the day watching my own face for hours but I wanted to get out of the comfort zone I currently nestle in!

Secondly, I wanted to do a piece about the positive side of dealing with a chronic pain condition and this is what I came up with...

I try to keep chipper about bad days, it's my belief that if you wallow you'll only concentrate on the pain and end up feeling worse, but then this morning....

I felt so rubbish! I've had a little burst of energy (read: coffee) but it has been a difficult day, one I wouldn't normally harp on about, especially when I look so God-awful but I think it's good to show both side of life for us with CRPS

So there you go, so now you have blogs and vlogs to look forward to, you lucky lucky people!

Until next Wednesday!
L x

Rome Part 1

If you missed any parts to this continuous blog please click the links just below.

2015 European Road Trip Part 1
2015 European Road Trip Part 2

___________________________

During our trip to Italy, we had noticed that the rumours were true, Italians are the worst drivers I've seen, and I thought the Yellow Taxi drivers in New York were crazy! It seems road rules, markings and safety measures are mere suggestions. To drive in Italy, you have to be quick thinking and sadly very rude, we were so polite, letting people out and keeping an eye on all around us, but by the end of the trip we were just and stubborn and brash.

From Pisa to Rome, we had planned on driving into the city to our hotel and spending three day's walking around, but as we got closer and closer, I thought Mike might have a heart attack, so we decided to book ourselves into an airport parking lot and get a taxi to our hotel.

Our taxi drivers car was scratched and dented, as were all other cars there, and that journey was one of the most hair raising of my life! Arriving at our hotel, the lovely Royal Court, in the centre of Rome, we had a ground floor room and although the front entrance had steps there was wheelchair access thought the hotels court yard. Our room was incredibly plush with gold wall paper, restored furniture and a balcony overlooking the well kept and charming court yard. The staff couldn't be more helpful either.

After a long day driving and walking around Pisa we were tired and ordered a take away pizza from a local pizzeria called Andrea's, which was delicious and fell asleep watching bad Italian music channels.

The next morning we were up by half past 6. With only 48 hours in town, we were going fit as much in as possible! We had decided that we were going to cover everything we possibly could that wasn't the Colosseum and the Forum! So we hoped on a Red Bus tour to see as much of the city from a higher point of view for photos. We saw; the ancient ruins, the Republica and Santa Maria monuments, the Circo Massimo - A famous chariot racing stadium and  Piazza Venezia  - one of the most prominent sights in Rome, as it's so high, huge and white you can see it from many places all over the city.

Pia Venzia

We got off the tour bus at Vatican City. Now, I mean no disrespect to any Catholics reading, but apart from seeing St. Peters Square and the city it's self, we weren't going to go inside, especially after seeing a 3 hour long queue surrounding the famous church. But then a kind stranger said that we didn't have to queue for the attraction because I was disabled, so we thought, why not?

St Peter's Basilica

Boy, am I glad we did. St Peter's Basilica was breath taking and rendered me speechless. The detail, opulence and sheer size of the place was astounding.  The sculptures, mosaics and artwork was some of the best I've ever seen, we of course took a million photos of it all, including some amazing artistic photos Mike took of the painted domes and ceilings (*side note - I seem to have a minor obsession for beautiful ceilings which began in the New York Library Rose Room, Continued in St Peters and thrilled later on in Versailles lol!).

Beautiful Ceilings

Despite my religious beliefs, I left those who were praying in peace and remained respectful of the religious collections but I was disgusted to see tourists climbing up statues and monuments for selfies and better photos! I wanted to personally shoo them out of the building or run them over with my wheelchair - infuriating!

Inside the Church

After the Vatican we visited the Trevi Fountain which was under restoration behind Perspex class and covered in scaffolding - gutted. We consoled ourselves with Gelato at Il Gelato di San Crispino which our Lonley planet book cited as a possible contender for Romes best ice cream - we can voucher that it probably is!

Next we went to The Spanish Steps which were a lovely spot for a little sit (for those other than myself!) surrounded by lovely shops and cafes. We made our way up behind the steps and over to Piazza del Popolo for some superb views of the steps and we were high enough to see Rome's rustic skyline.

Rome Skyline

Here we encountered some flower sellers who were persistent despite us saying No over and over again. They kept giving me flowers for "free" which I put down to leave behind and they still tried to get cash out of Mike and he wasn't shy about telling them to bugger off, so my advice to be firm, look away and despite being British - be blatantly rude to them. 

After walking all day in the 32 degree heat, 60% humidity and the cities never ending hills and cobbled streets we decided to head back to our hotel to chill out before dinner.

After a rest for Mikes aching body and an extensive Trip advisor search, we decided on a restaurant called La Carbonara a 109 year old eatery famous for its name sake dish. A tip with any restaurant in Rome; pre book at least 24 hours before or arrive at 7pm for a table, we did the latter and it was already packed but they gave us a table.

We had both been obnoxiously lazy in learning more than basic Italian and it came to bite us on the arse in La Carbonara. The menu wasn't translated and neither of us had any signal on our phones. So we played a game of eeni meeni miini moh which since neither of us is a fussy eater, worked quite well - I had a raw mushroom salad and the best Carbonara in the world, Mike had a mozzarella salad and a spicy tomato and garlic spaghetti main and by the way when ordering a glass of Coke call it Coca-Cola as Coke is mistaken for a much ruder word - much to my blushes.  

Since the night was young, we decided to go to lovely cocktail bar for a few drinks in the cool city breeze, we eventually got back to the hotel very full, relaxed and very ready for bed.

L x

European Road Trip Part 2

European Road Trip 2015

Missed one?.

Part 1 - If you have missed the first part of thisblog please click here!

After sleeping for an epic 12 hours, Mike and I set of early at we had to arrive in Genoa, Italy, where our next hotel was booked but we had decided we would go to Nice and Monaco along the way.

Dijon to Nice was almost 6 hours long. We made our way through a lot of new CDs; Bruno Mars, Walk the Moon, Nina Nesbitt, Jason Derulo and my infamous "mix tape" CDs featured heavily. 

Some of my favourite moments of the trip were when Mike and I were singing our hearts out and dancing in traffic queues - Lord knows what others thought of our jigging car and frequent air grabbing.

We arrived on the Nice coast in a 32 degree heat, it was gorgeous! We had a stroll along the sea front, taking obligatory selfies and sipping on ice cold colas. We had a wander through a market in the centre of town and saw a lovely paddling pool for local kids, many fountains and sculptures. I was feeling very continental.

Nice, France

In Europe, dinner time is 7-9pm, so we decided to head to Monaco for dinner. We were feeling very excited of the thought of dining in such a prolific city; home of the Monaco Grand Prix and play ground of the rich and famous... except we didn't get out of the car! Monaco is a winding maze of thin roads and expensive cars, after more than half an hour trying to find a parking spot we decided to leave the beautiful and albeit confusing city for the 2 1/2hour drive to Genoa.

We hit traffic jams, a lot of traffic jams! The drive took closer to four hours and we'd consumed a diet of cereal bars and French fries crisps, so as we approached Genoa we planned on room service in bed - oh so very indulgent!

10 Minutes away from our hotel, loyally following our Sat Nav Sabrina, we somehow ended up in the industrial port, meeting security guards who couldn't speak English. We  finally made it our hotel but Genoa wasn't lending itself to us. The town was a dirty, run down town and to be honest I didn't feel very safe. Luckily Mike is 6ft and big built, which puts any dodgy people off approaching us.

We got to our hotel and it looked like a lovely place, clean and modern, but our room was run down and had evidently flooded from the bathroom to the communal hall way via the disabled shower. We were so tired we ordered pizzas with room service (the food was nice but the staff were stroppy and rude) and went to bed.

My morning shower of course flooded our room, they'd not leveled the disabled wash room towards the plug and when we told reception, they simply shrugged and said that's what happened in disabled bathrooms. Funny how the other 6 hotels we stayed in didn't flood!

I wouldn't recommend Genoa at all, we'd booked it on a whim and our guide to Italy said of the town; "When you get tired of the dirt and rats in Genoa move on" - my advice, avoid it entirely!

Happily leaving Genoa, I was especially excited as we were heading to Pisa, home of the leaning tower. 

Travelling tip; if you're driving into Pisa, be very careful! There is a restricted driving area which includes where the Tower is situated. Make sure you check this restriction as you'll be sent a fine for excess of €100. We parked 5 mins from town and if you are disabled, make sure you show parking attendants you UK Blue Parking badge you'll get a reduced parking fee.

Doing a European road trip in the first instance was a tick off my bucket list, seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa was another. When you first see the monument you cannot believe firstly how tall and wide it is, and secondly how it can lean to such a degree without toppling.

Mike and I in Pisa

Amongst a sea of tourist, doing exactly the same, Mike and I posed as though we were holding up the tower. Although you know what everyone else is doing it, it still looks incredibly odd and ridiculous but very funny.

If you are disabled in Italy, you do not pay or queue to get into their major tourist attractions. Mike and I joked that because Italy is such an old country and has many cobble streets, free entry to attractions is the Italian apology to us and those pushing our wheelchairs.

Obviously I couldn't manage walking into and up the Leaning Tower, despite desperately wanting to. I told Mike to leave me at the bottom, and climb the tower, for the sake of our photo collection but he was too much of a Gentleman. 

However the Pisa Cathedral was beautiful inside, constructed in 1064 it was a breath taking mixture of old and new, the staff almost didn't let me in as my shoulders were uncovered - so beware, take a cardigan or wear something long sleeved!

Outside Pisa Cathedral

Inside Pisa Catherdral

The Pisa Piazza dei Miracoli (Square of Miracles) includes the Leaning Tower, the Cathedral, Baptistery and the Piazza dei Miracoli but the area is world renowned for its medieval art and architecture - it is truly a lovely place and apart from the Tower the attractions are made wheelchair accessible with ramped entrances and levels within the buildings.

We spent the rest of the day wandering through Piazzi Cairoli where there are lots of bars and most importantly; gelateries! We stopped for a mezze platter lunch of cheeses, salad and fresh meats then a humongous cone of Gelato - our first of many! Before we headed to the madness of Rome!

L x 

Insomnia - I can't get no sleep!

To state the obvious, pain is bad, very bad! I’m in a lot of bad pain but more than the pain it’s the lack of sleep that blights my being!

Insomnia – “I can’t get no sleep!”

At its worse I’m surviving on 90mins of kip a night. I take sleeping pills, but the pain in my legs wakes me up, so I spend most nights in a pattern of dropping off, spasming, drifting off, spasming again followed by several hours of nerve pain. So, I’ve given up on the sleeping pills, if I’m going to be up for 20hrs a day, I might as well make myself useful rather than sulking and sobbing into my pillow!

I don’t have a secret to cure insomnia, although I’m considering having a D.I.Y above knee amputation... but here is my little guide to surviving the long nights.

Don’t fight it!

I see no point in lying in bed, clock watching and cursing the sunrise. If you make it to 4am with no success - get up, not necessarily out of bed, but do something! Mike’s been away 6 week and where he would normally lay is my night time survival kit....

My survival kit

Read

As you can see, I keep myself busy.... I’m a prolific reader, so there are always magazines and books dotted around the flat. I’m currently reading Nothing Changes Until You Do: A Guide to Self-Compassion and Getting Out of Your Own Way by Robbins, Mike (2014) Paperback (yes it’s a self help book, yes I need all the help I can get!). I'm also reading You're the One That I Want by Giovanna Fletcher too. I will say that you might be better off sticking to magazines for short articles and features as the trouble with a good fictional read is that you’re forever telling yourself “Just one more chapter....”

Beautify

3am is a dull time of day, unless you’re out at all night party, so it's a perfect time to do those dull beauty tasks! I use my time taming my mono brow, nails and taking a cheese grater to my foot. Monotonous tasks make for a monotonous brain... i.e. hopefully boring you to sleep!

I also keep creams, lotions, lip balms and overnight hair conditioners close by, I might as well pamper myself in my hour(s) of need and face wipes are must pain = hot, sticky clammy face and arms which drive me nuts!

Entertainment

Thank god for Netflix, BuzzFeed, Youtube and Huffingtonpost! On my tablet and mobile I have all four. We don’t have a TV in our bedroom but I’m more likely to fall asleep with my tablet balanced on the pillow next to me as I’m comfier on my side. I know “experts” will say to avoid all technology in bed, but those experts haven’t been distracted by puppy videos or cried them selves to sleep (hey sleep is sleep) watching The Notebook and Fault in the Stars!

Clear out your brain

I’m a writer so there’s always a note pad close by, all my idea’s, thoughts, and ramblings are better on paper than clogging up my drug filled insomniac brain. If nothing else, due to the severe lack of sleep I write to do, to take, to text, to remind, to watch and to buy lists and I even have to do lists informing me of to do lists I need to check – it’s a skill!

Medication 

....in my case, and not in many others, I need medication, a lot it too. I always keep them nearby and lots of water!

Monotony can be key

As I mentioned before, boredom can cause sleep. One of my good friends suffers with neuralgia and plays mind sweep whilst waiting for her pain medication to kick in. I’m personally currently addicted to Theme Hospital,  for young people it’s a very old cheesy game set, funny enough, in a hospital. You’d think I’d be sick of hospitals after my years of treatment but maybe that’s why I like it.

Indulge in guilty pleasures

I have many guilty pleasures, except I never feel very guilty about them. At 4am, I don’t have the brain power to follow an episode of Game of Thrones, instead I indulge in 16 and Pregnant. Teens not using protection, angry parents, girls believe the guys will change/grow up/man up (they never do!) girl loves baby, but always says in the end that they wished they’d waited and hadn’t realised it would be so hard! 5 seasons later you’d think they’d learn but it’s very addictive viewing!

On bad nights I’ll also indulge in copious warm milk, Oreo cookies and lately, strawberries, being up alone all night is not fun – food makes me happy!

Talk

The beauty of the internet is A. There will be other Insomniacs sat considering introducing their heads to a brick wall and B. The world has many time zones, even if your country is asleep many others will be awake, so make some international friends and you’ll never be lonely.... or in my case get engaged to a Geologist who spends half of his year in America!

So this is how I survive the long nights. No one can underestimate the effects of never getting a decent night’s sleep, my work, social life; concentration and sanity are regularly in jeopardy due to insomnia but I do what I have to do to keep myself going how about you?

Lastly...

I bought a Spoonie Survival Kit from a little store on Etsy. It won’t cure any pain or insomnia but it’s adorable. It includes:

• Pink fluffy socks
• A tea bag
• Marbles for when I’ve lost mine
• Lip balm and nail varnish for pampering
• String to “Hold it together”
• A silver spoon (to read about the Spoonie movement click here!)
• A pen to write down my feelings 
• a dice for luck.

A sweet gift if you know someone who’s suffering or in need of a little boost. You can buy them here!

Sleep tight

L xxx

Be:Fit London

Some of you may remember that last year I went to The Vitality Show. For those who don’t; The Vitality Show is a women’s health and fitness festival, where you can buy and try new and innovative beauty, fitness and health products. Watch or participate in exercise classes, listen to experts and celebrities do talks on everything women related; from sex, weight, nutrition and illness. Plus you can indulge in massages, manicures and facials. A fabulous girl’s day out.

This year the festival has been renamed Be:FitLondon, and my third time visiting. I always come home, happy, relaxed and with a lot of new goodies to try! Last year alone I had a facial, bought new candles, had a hand massage, and bought an array of new snacks and drinks to try. I bought several cosmetics too but the amazing thing about this festival is that all the vendors treat Be:Fit customers to discounts and marked down goodie bags with a ton of samples!!

TV Presenter Kirsty Gallacher, Olympic Cyclist Victoria Pendleton, Athlete Denise Lewis and model Jodie Kidd are this year’s Ambassadors, exciting and inspiring these are well worth attending!

Insanity, Nike and Reebok are holding fitness classes alongside yoga & Bootcamp sessions plus a Beyonce Workout class – who wouldn’t want a body like Mrs Carter?

Be:Fit Vendors this year include, Better you, the natural food/supplement company, Lorna Jane – the Australian work out clothing brand, Harper's Bazaar magazine are joining in and the awesome Less Bounce bra company too. To see a full list of vendors go here!

I’m visiting on Saturday 29^th, so, if you see a dark hair girl in a pink wheelchair holding a ton of bags and a huge grin – that’ll be me, come say Hi!

L x

Que Sera Sera

I know this blog is a couple of days late. I thought you may all forgive me since I wrote the Cancer and #Nomakeupselfie  instead!

I have a column in my local newspaper again today, that will be posted here soon but here is the last one. (Click on the Photo below)

"When I was just a little girl, I asked my Mother, what I would be?"
We all know Que Sera Sera by Doris Day, in fact it's one of my favourites.

It's funny when you look back to your childhood and even your teens, you reassess the way you thought about things. Recently, I've looked back on my views on relationships.

Mike and I are possibly upping sticks and moving to Denver, Colorado, USA later this year.  It has suddenly dawned on me that he and I are going to have to stick together more than ever before. This is ironic, as regular readers will know; Mike is a geologist and has been working on oil rigs for the last 8 years, so we've been a long distance couple. Without our family and friends around us, I know I'll be clinging on to Mike for dear life.

8 Years, and so many coupled selfies!

Mike is used to travelling, being away from home and missing out on big events like weddings, baby showers and special birthdays, I'm not.

I think that Mike and I together and as individuals WILL cope with this huge change, but I've been harvesting advice (whether welcomed or not!) and looking at all the relationships that surround us.

One of our friends refers to us at her Slippers. This said friend is a single Mum and we've been there for her through thick and thin; dating, pregnancy, break ups and an unfortunate evening in trawling through online dating site's with her. 

She see's us as Slippers because, in her eyes we're the old (although not married) couple; strong dependable and most of all good friends.

This, however, does not mean we've not had our ups and down, family problems, Mike's OCD, my laziness, his job and my jealously issues and many more have all tested our resolve as a couple. I think people are too afraid to admit to this, there is a part of me that worries that I've failed in part or have been a complete mug in others eyes, but 99% of me is proud that we're still together after all of the above.

When I was a child, I always had my head in a book or up in the clouds; I would fall in love at 16, go to University at 18, then marry at 21, we would have two children by the time we were 25 and in the meantime I would become editor of Smash Hits, More or Cosmopolitan.

How wrong could I be? I think the clouds fogged my reality checker.

There have been a lot of relationships changes for our friends lately; the career girl, getting engaged in Tuscany,  the couple that were together for 4 years, shockingly split who then turned back the clock and going back to dating each other, the controlling partner finally told the truth, the young couple divorcing after less than a year, love is a messy business!

It seems a lot of us aren't on the paths our childhood selves imagined, or the life our teenage selves gossiped about, hell, I'm not even leading the life my 25yr old self thought about.

Relationships are hard work. I wouldn't give up Mike and I's one for all the tea in China, but I've had to learn the art's in compromise, self confidence and holding ones tongue. It's said you can only learn from your own mistakes, I beg to differ, as weird as this may sound, seeing all the up's and downs of everyone else's relationships has been a great teaching ground.

I am 100% positive that friends and family have looked at Mike and I and thought "I wouldn't put up with that" or "Jeez rather them than me" as no relationship is smooth running and perfect. Maybe we’ve taught them something?

As a writer I'm always looking for stories, trouble is, none of my friends want their dirty laundry aired in public , so it seems you'll just have to put up with my scandal and honesty.... trouble is, I quite like being one in a pair of safe slippers - how dull!

L x

P.S Don't forget to enter my Easter Bunny Competition click here for more details!

Cancer

If you’re on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, you’ve probably seen your nearest and dearest posting photos of themselves without make up. Don’t worry, we haven’t all gone mad, a sudden trend started a couple of days ago with the hashtag #nomakeupselfie. I’m not entirely sure where or how it started, but Cancer Research has reported a surge in generous donations, which in the last 24hrs has raised over 1 million pounds!!!!!

The challenge is to take a photo of yourself without make up and post it on your social media. When I was nominated to do so, I figured it wasn’t a big deal, but when I started taking the photos, I got so het up and annoyed with my face lol! I, like many, hide behind my makeup it seems.

I take a lot of medication, I’m in a lot of pain, I sleep very little and I have an ongoing love affair with chocolate, these all add to bags, black eyes and bad #nomakeupselfies!

I had to give myself a psychological slap in the face. Of all the things to get distressed about! I’m concerned about my completion when there are people dying of Cancer – I obviously missed the point of the project entirely - doh!

Here is my #nomakeupselfie, I’ve taken three photos as I was nominated on Facebook three times by Gemma, Emma and Natalie!

Cancer has affected my life in many ways. I lost several buddies to the disease, my best friend lost her Mum to the Big C, my online buddy/writer/fundraiser Lisa Lynch lost her battle with cancer last year and my guy Mike lost his beloved Granddad when he was a teenager.

BUT and it’s a BIG BUT, many of my loved ones have survived due to the fundraising, the research and the new treatments being developed every day of every year!

My Friend Stephan survived Cancer and is now married to his beautiful wife Nada and they have their gorgeous Son Luka. 

Stephan and Nada

Luka

My pal Charlotte, got through Cancer twice and she and her Husband have their unbelievably cute daughter Eva.

I’ve recently got back in touch with a friend from hospital. My fellow hospital buddies and I had heard that our friend Gaz had died, only for us to be watching the Paralympics and who so we see?....... Gaz playing wheelchair basketball! (Possibly the most weird and wonderful moment in my life!)

Gaz Choudhry

My pal Lucy has Endometriosis but she fundraises for Cancer after her lovely Mum Sandra got Breast Cancer, luckily Sandra survived as did my friend Kelly who lives to fight another day too!

Should you wish to be involved I challenge you all to a #nomakeupselfie and if you do PLEASE text BEAT to 70099 to donate £3! There is no excuse for the men to not be involved either, on Twitter men are posting photos of themselves IN makeup! Are you man enough?

All these happy stories were brought to you via Cancer and together with all the support, doing #nomakeupselfies, growing bum fluff moustaches for Movember and donating money we're working towards that wondrous cure!

L x

Phantom Labour!

Hello!

How are you all? 

As I mentioned in my Valentines Day blog, I've still not seen Mike, he’s been away for 7 weeks now, only 10 more days to go, hopefully! (Although I’m not holding my breath!).

I’ve been quite ill lately; the CRPS has been laying its usual assault on my legs and annoyingly on both of my hands. I felt quite fed up that my right (the good one!) hand was starting to show definite signs of the condition, this would turn out to be the least of my CRPS related problems!

I started having horrific tummy and back pain. I tried adjusting my diet, cutting things out, adding others and sometimes not eating/drinking at all. None of it helped, so one particularly painful day, I gave in and booked an emergency doctor’s appointment.

My GP is amazing; she works with me instead of preaching or sending me away with another pill to solve the next problem. I explained these new pains and being the all round true Brit that I am, I apologised for taking up her time!

She ordered various tests over the following two days, checking for infection and environmental influences. I made the fatal mistake of Googling my symptoms in the meantime. The big C came back more than once; feeling sorry for myself and doubled in pain, I had a bit of a sulk lol!

When my results came back, my GP and I looked and concluded that these mysterious pains were probably another casualty of the CRPS and that my bowel/stomach were simply spasming like my legs, back and arms do, and that this sort of pain is similar to being in labour. I now have a new found respect for all Mothers and apologise profusely to my own Mum! So anyway, I came home with a new IBS medicine to add to my collection! 

My medicine cupboard will soon need a whole cabinet! 

I'm now getting used to the "new" pain, urgent loo trips and planning my toilet habits around my social diary! You probably didn't want to know that, but to be honest I'm just so happy it isn’t anything more serious!

More to come on Friday! My next piece will be on relationships.... in the meantime please enter and share my Easter Chocolate Bunny Competition here!

L x

Love is in the air!

This week, I realised I hadn't posted an article I wrote, that was featured in the Southend Evening Echo, about being in a long distance relationship. Since it is Valentine's Day and Mike is away in California, it seemed apt that I would post this piece about our strange relationship.

Click on the photo below to read the article in full.

Mike and I

I love Valentine's Day, some would say this is because I'm in a relationship, but even when I was single I loved seeing/hearing what everyone else was up to, especially now that we have Facebook, I enjoy seeing all the sweet things people do for each other! I'll probably get a barrage of messages telling me I'm a sap who evidently believes in RomComs and Fairytales, well, why not? I'd rather look on the bright and fun side of life than be a miserable cynic.

Saying all that, I'm not naive, I realise it has become a very commercial event, with card retailers, florists and restaurants cashing in, putting up prices and trying to sell us everything covered in hearts, glitter and pink fluff, but they must be on to something, as there's no market without consumers.

Whether you're single or coupled up, enjoy the cheesefest, if nothing else it's an excuse to curl up, eat chocolate and watch a movie featuring your most lusted after film star... tonight my friend Jo and I are having a girls night in and I know she'll want a Johnny Depp and I'll request Gerard Butler....ooo touch choice!

L x

Independence for All

Me again, I’m on a roll! Not only have I written two blogs this week, I also had an article published in a local paper too!

The Evening Echo is a staple for any Southender! Want a new Puppy? “Check the Echo!” Has the pier burnt down, yet again? “Check the Echo!”Selling your Car? “Check the Echo!”... you get the idea! Anyway, they have given me my own column - One Disabled Day at a Time. In this months’ piece, I wrote about being housebound and how to appreciate your freedoms – in any small way you can.

This was my 6^th piece for the newspaper and because I am so open and willing to talk about anything, from disability, relationships or cruel internet trolls, I believe, this has made readers realise that I am a regular contributor and people are now asking for my advice.

To read this weeks’ piece click on the photo below.

One Disabled Day at a Time

As you can see in the article, I talk about not being able to use the bathroom or cook in the kitchen during a full relapse of my conditions. After it was published, I received e-mails from people wanting specific information on what equipment I use to help with this.

As I have Cerebral Palsy, Hypermobility Syndrome and Complex Regional Pain Syndrome the three conditions battle within my body, fighting as to which one is going to cause the most trouble, so my needs change daily.

One thing I have always struggled with is cutlery. When I’m in severe pain, my left hand clenches tightly and my arm curls into my shoulder, club this with the paralysis on my left side and it makes for a messy meal time! I have used moulded knives and folks but there are so many different types available to suit everyone’s needs. I would suggest and recommend you go to www.UKSmobility.co.uk. They have an extensive cutlery range for all disabled people and I personally have used these ones in the past.

I would also suggest browsing UKS Mobility’s vast kitchen and dining section here. There are so many gadgets that are not only useful but incredibly safe too. I love the fact that with a few extra tools, we all gain further independence.

When I was a child I had to depend on Occupational Therapy and Physiotherapists for equipment such as leg splints, hoists and exercise apparatus. Today, I choose to purchase most of my own kit, which means; I’m no longer on mile long waiting list and I can buy what I want and when I need it – a real luxury.

I had two specific e-mails about toilet aids. Readers wanted to know what commodes I have used. I have only used a standard one without wheels similar to this model, very much like the ones you would see in hospital. They just become another piece of the furniture and ours became an office chair in between relapses!

When you’ve used commodes or have been bathed by family or carers you lose any sense of embarrassment. I know a commode is effectively an adult potty, but there is no point being shy about these things, we’re all human and we all have the same needs.

Luckily companies like UKS Mobility can recommend the right equipment for you; they consider your size, needs and disability. If you are really struggling with all the choice on offer, UKS Mobility encourages their clients to call their customer helpline, before, during and after sales for the best service. Thankfully they sell online, with an incredibly easy checkout, they can deliver to your door plus after over a decade in the industry, these guys know their stuff!

My final piece of advice would be to use social media. Talk to other suffers of your condition. Bounce ideas off each other, these people can understand what you’re going through and their suggestions might just make your day easier!

L x

Disclaimer - All thoughts and opinions are my own as Lynsey M Ellard. Written 02/2014 I retain all copyrights. Should you wish to contact me about this piece or would like to talk about having a sponsored post on my blog, please use the contact page above.