I HAVE just entered week four of the six pack challenge and I can say without any hesitation that the novelty has most definitely worn off! NI am currently craving every single piece of edible produce known to man. I have started craving things I wouldn’t ordinarily touch with a ten foot pole.
As long as there are carbs and plenty of sugar I would gladly eat it if I could. I am pleased that I have managed to refrain from touching a single item of food not deemed suitable by my trainers, I just hope I can keep it up! On a serious note though, I am beginning to truly appreciate how difficult it must be for real competitors who have to do this on a regular basis. What I am attempting to do is nothing compared to what they have to endure. I have a great respect for their will power and determination. It is not something to be taken lightly. I will continue to update you as I delve further into this miserable challenge!
News from Birmingham
As I have mentioned before, I am due to travel to The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Birmingham on the 22nd of September to meet with my consultant.
We plan to discuss everything they have done since I was last with them. I decided to give them a call last week to double check that they were actually moving forward with my case. I’d had an unsettled feeling, that maybe they had forgotten all about me. I was picturing myself walking through their door to some blank faces and whispers of ‘who’s she?’ , ‘never seen her before’. Call it paranoia, but I wanted to speak with them to ensure something was being done in my absence. Coincidentally a meeting had taken place two days prior to my phone call. Consultants from all over England had met to discuss various cases and it had been comforting to hear that mine was one of the few selected.
At my last meeting I had been given two surgery options to chose from. One involved increasing the surface area of the prosthesis.
The idea behind this was to prevent the implant from moving upwards as it is now. (Over the past year, the prosthesis has moved up and in. It is currently touching my spine. Gross I know.) The second option was referred to an the ‘Ice Cream Cone’. This is the riskier of the two with the chance of success sitting at roughly 50/50. Fifty percent chance of it working, fifty percent chance of it becoming infected.
I don’t quite know the ins and outs of this option, I was more familiar with the first one but it seems the consultants were in the mood for a ’99 because they voted for option ‘B’. I am nervous yet excited for my upcoming meeting and hope with all of my heart that this operation is going to be a success.
It would improve my quality of live dramatically and allow me to do more on one crutch. I am not expecting miracles with this, I know regardless of how successful the operation may or may not be I will remain on crutches long term. I have accepted this and have no problem with it. To be honest I think I would miss my crutches if I didn’t have them!
The aim is to improve my leg, not fix it which is perfectly fine with me. I am a little concerned that the date for surgery might not be as close as I would like it to be.
If it was up to me I would go tomorrow. My hip has deteriorated quite drastically in recent months and my pain levels are through the roof at times.
The pain is becoming harder to predict and I am relying on my second crutch more and more which I really don’t want to have to do.
Physically moving around and getting from A to B is so much easier on two crutches, however, daily life is more difficult.
The simple act of carrying a cup of coffee is impossible with two and I find that very frustrating. From time to time I allow myself to think about a life where my hip pain is gone. I know it is dangerous to allow myself have these thoughts but I can’t help it.
Say a prayer, light a candle, do whatever you have to do to bring my good news on September 22!
JCI Donegal host Friendly Business Awards
After weeks of organising, JCI Donegal are excited to host our Friendly Business Awards tonight in the Silver Tassie Hotel.
For those of you unfamiliar with the awards, the FBAs seek to recognise the important role that small businesses play in the continuous development and improvement of our economy and local communities.
The competition aims to reward businesses that go the extra mile and provide an outstanding service to their customers and their community at large.
It is particularly important in this economic environment to highlight businesses that don’t allow their standards to slip and continue to provide quality services.
Our secretary Shona Chambers selflessly volunteered to project manage the entire event and she has outdone herself! We are expecting 70/80 guests and look forward to welcoming RTE dragon, Peter Casey as our key note speaker.
The categories covered this year are; Customer Care, Social Friendliness, Disability Access, Digital Experience, Eco-Friendliness, Shop Layout and Design. We would like to wish all nominees the very best of luck. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for an update on the winners. www.facebook.com/JCIDonegal
Nikki Bradley is the founder of Fighting Fit For Ewing’s, a campaign to promote awareness of Ewing’s Sarcoma. Nikki is sponsored by All Sports in Donegal Town. Support her campaign by giving ‘Fighting Fit For Ewing’s’ a LIKE on Facebook or follow her on Twitter @nikkibradley59
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