I've been a bit worried recently about what seemed like a bit of a resurge of itching and tiredness. The last few days, however, I've felt much better. Now whether that means the extra-itching was a blip or the non-itching is a blip in an otherwise downward trend is unsure, but I'll assume its a good thing for the moment and keep taking great care of myself!
Term has finished now - I had a great end of term assembly. I took part in a little rock performance by a few staff. I was on keyboards. I think the kids were a bit surprised! Not anything as surprised though as when I turned up later in full dance costume (yes, the tight stuff with rhinestones) with Alice - a friend of mine from Oxford in full glitzy dance costume - and performed a small dance on stage. I think I have some new fans - though whether thats a good thing or not remains to be seen when I'm back teaching again next term.
Quite unbelievably Charles (my brother) and I are still fiddling about with admin and paperwork from my mum's estate. Still, I honestly think we're finally getting to the end of it, though the Inland Revenue have just informed us one of the small items in the inheritance has been passed to a whole separate department. Great.
I'm looking forward to Christmas with the family now. The plan is to have a few days at my Dad's, then 2 days over in Ireland for my little nephew's christening. Back to Wimbledon for a few days then off to Amsterdam for New Years. All very exciting.
Merry Christmas to all of you and Happy New Year!
Friday, December 22, 2006
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Dancing and Itching
Finding a new dance partner is turning in to a very frustrating experience. I had a tryout on Monday night with an American girl. She was very nice, but I'm not completely sure if she was strong enough at technique. On the plus side she is basically free most days of the week as she doesn't have too many work commitments. Still, I've got to wait until January when another girl comes accross from the USA who sounds like she could be very good. I really can't wait to get training, but I guess there's really no choice at the moment.
On a separate note, I got a letter from Dr. O'Grady today about my last blood test results. My bilirubin levels and some of the other liver enzyme levels have risen a little since the last test, though overall he is happy to leave it another 4 months until he sees me again. From my point of view the itch has gone noticably worse over the last few weeks - to the point it sometimes wakes me up in the night. Its concentrated my mind again on my health, so I'm taking more care about getting early nights, drinking more water, eating a lower-fat diet thats easier on my liver, and making sure I avoid alcohol even more (I had been allowing myself around one pint a week!)
The flat below mine has finally gone on the market now, with an eye-catching price of £315,000! Considering its a basement/ground-floor flat which I think is inherently less desirable than my light-and-bright 1st & 2nd floor flat then I think buying 6 months ago at £275,000 was clearly a good investment. I even considered putting my flat on the market and seeing if there's somewhere I can move to much further outside London which would have some suitable space (like a double garage) to turn into a mini dance studio. Can't really find anything suitable at the moment, but I'll revisit the idea in a while as long as house prices are going up in my area so strongly.
On a separate note, I got a letter from Dr. O'Grady today about my last blood test results. My bilirubin levels and some of the other liver enzyme levels have risen a little since the last test, though overall he is happy to leave it another 4 months until he sees me again. From my point of view the itch has gone noticably worse over the last few weeks - to the point it sometimes wakes me up in the night. Its concentrated my mind again on my health, so I'm taking more care about getting early nights, drinking more water, eating a lower-fat diet thats easier on my liver, and making sure I avoid alcohol even more (I had been allowing myself around one pint a week!)
The flat below mine has finally gone on the market now, with an eye-catching price of £315,000! Considering its a basement/ground-floor flat which I think is inherently less desirable than my light-and-bright 1st & 2nd floor flat then I think buying 6 months ago at £275,000 was clearly a good investment. I even considered putting my flat on the market and seeing if there's somewhere I can move to much further outside London which would have some suitable space (like a double garage) to turn into a mini dance studio. Can't really find anything suitable at the moment, but I'll revisit the idea in a while as long as house prices are going up in my area so strongly.
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Good god, I am so amazingly inefficient its untrue. Yes, you may infer from the 11 month gap in posting to this blog that I am indeed feeling a lot better! So much has happened in the last 11 months its quite crazy really.
On the health front I gradually increased in strength and eventually started back at work after Easter. With careful looking after my health I had absolutely no further bouts of bacterial cholangitis (though a few false-alarms and courses of antibiotics just in case). My weight increased back to normal, and after a little work at the gym I actually gained some weight instead. A healthier diet, and drinking more water left me with even more energy than I had before. I've been more careful to not push myself when I'm feeling a bit run down and that's made a huge difference. I've hardly been ill at all - only one vague sniffle in the whole time.
The pruritis (itch) is still there. It varies from week to week, though its perfectly bearable in context of what happened last year! I do get the odd look from people on the train when I have one trouser-leg rolled up masonic-style to have a good old scratch, but frankly I'm a complete exhibitionist anyway (not news to anyone I'm sure - thanks Mum for those traits!)
Its been far more difficult coming to terms with Mum's death to be honest. For several months she appeared in my dreams every night and the tiniest thing could get me all tearful again. Selling her old house in Northwood was quite testing - I absolutely loathed going back in there as it always made be upset. Luckily that all finally got finalised and exchange in November at long last, which was a huge relief. We also had a small informal ceremony in Tenby to scatter Mum's ashes, and also those of poor old Gran who's been sat on a shelf for 3 years waiting for a member of her family to organise it. It was a very touching event and I'm quite proud of the way Charles and I organised it. It certainly has helped ease some of the pain, and I rather like the idea of mum floating around in the sea for ever more - she'd have liked that!
I decided that it would also be a good idea to invest the inheritance in a property of my own, and I moved out of my shared house in Streatham Hill in June into my very own two-bed appartment in Wimbledon, just out the Wimbledon Village area. Its a lovely place, and I've really enjoyed it, though the stress of moving and the bureaucracy was getting me a bit worried for a while! I'm letting the room out to one of my former co-tenants Tim - a good friend of mine from University. He's generally off abroad management consulting or up in Oxford with his girlfriend Jumin (who just got engaged, congratulations!) so we don't often see each other, but we've thrown some absolutely cracking dinner parties. Thankyou Gordon Ramsey for some inspiration there...
On the work front I decided to reduce my working week at Camden School for Girls from September down to 3 days a week. I've ended up working Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so its not too taxing really.
On the dancing front I regretfully ended my partnership with Sharon in May. We'd ground to a bit of a halt, and it just didn't feel like we were making progress any more. Its still a shame though, as we were such fantastic friends and we hardly see each other any more.
After a few months I started dancing with Michelle, a 19 year old South African girl. She was really quite an amazing partner, and I learned a huge amount from her. We had just about got together all of our routines when she suddenly announced she was going to end the partnership and go and dance with a young Russian guy who had offered her job/accomodation etc. in a studio he worked at in Sheffield. I know the age gap had been an issue, and I don't blame her for taking what sounds like an amazing opportunity up, but I'm still sad that we never got to show the world what we were made of! So I'm now looking for a partner again. I'm considering turning professional though that really depends on whatever new partner I find.
The other important thing that has happened in my life recently is my new nephew Patrick. Charles and Kathy produced gorgeous little Patrick in September, and I'm completely besotted. I try and see him at least once a week, and I'm doing my best to be the best Uncle ever. So far I've done most of the dirty deeds including changing an appallingly pooey nappy. I know how to settle him to sleep, feed him, change him, bath him, make him giggle, and so on. I must be getting broody I think as I keep his latest picture on my mobile phone to show everyone. Shocking stuff. Still, he's a lovely lad and always has a good word for me (usually "agoo" or "waaah"). I make quite a pretty picture carrying him around Greenwich park in the baby sling I think. Well, he looks good anyway!
So that's the latest from me. If I can manage to avoid eating things with nuts in then I shall manage to avoid hospital altogether for quite a while, touch wood. With a bit of luck my plan to become the best dancer in the world ever will spring in to action when I finally find a new partner.
Watch this space, though on my previous record, I wouldn't do it too often or too hopeful of finding new musings!
Dave
On the health front I gradually increased in strength and eventually started back at work after Easter. With careful looking after my health I had absolutely no further bouts of bacterial cholangitis (though a few false-alarms and courses of antibiotics just in case). My weight increased back to normal, and after a little work at the gym I actually gained some weight instead. A healthier diet, and drinking more water left me with even more energy than I had before. I've been more careful to not push myself when I'm feeling a bit run down and that's made a huge difference. I've hardly been ill at all - only one vague sniffle in the whole time.
The pruritis (itch) is still there. It varies from week to week, though its perfectly bearable in context of what happened last year! I do get the odd look from people on the train when I have one trouser-leg rolled up masonic-style to have a good old scratch, but frankly I'm a complete exhibitionist anyway (not news to anyone I'm sure - thanks Mum for those traits!)
Its been far more difficult coming to terms with Mum's death to be honest. For several months she appeared in my dreams every night and the tiniest thing could get me all tearful again. Selling her old house in Northwood was quite testing - I absolutely loathed going back in there as it always made be upset. Luckily that all finally got finalised and exchange in November at long last, which was a huge relief. We also had a small informal ceremony in Tenby to scatter Mum's ashes, and also those of poor old Gran who's been sat on a shelf for 3 years waiting for a member of her family to organise it. It was a very touching event and I'm quite proud of the way Charles and I organised it. It certainly has helped ease some of the pain, and I rather like the idea of mum floating around in the sea for ever more - she'd have liked that!
I decided that it would also be a good idea to invest the inheritance in a property of my own, and I moved out of my shared house in Streatham Hill in June into my very own two-bed appartment in Wimbledon, just out the Wimbledon Village area. Its a lovely place, and I've really enjoyed it, though the stress of moving and the bureaucracy was getting me a bit worried for a while! I'm letting the room out to one of my former co-tenants Tim - a good friend of mine from University. He's generally off abroad management consulting or up in Oxford with his girlfriend Jumin (who just got engaged, congratulations!) so we don't often see each other, but we've thrown some absolutely cracking dinner parties. Thankyou Gordon Ramsey for some inspiration there...
On the work front I decided to reduce my working week at Camden School for Girls from September down to 3 days a week. I've ended up working Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, so its not too taxing really.
On the dancing front I regretfully ended my partnership with Sharon in May. We'd ground to a bit of a halt, and it just didn't feel like we were making progress any more. Its still a shame though, as we were such fantastic friends and we hardly see each other any more.
After a few months I started dancing with Michelle, a 19 year old South African girl. She was really quite an amazing partner, and I learned a huge amount from her. We had just about got together all of our routines when she suddenly announced she was going to end the partnership and go and dance with a young Russian guy who had offered her job/accomodation etc. in a studio he worked at in Sheffield. I know the age gap had been an issue, and I don't blame her for taking what sounds like an amazing opportunity up, but I'm still sad that we never got to show the world what we were made of! So I'm now looking for a partner again. I'm considering turning professional though that really depends on whatever new partner I find.
The other important thing that has happened in my life recently is my new nephew Patrick. Charles and Kathy produced gorgeous little Patrick in September, and I'm completely besotted. I try and see him at least once a week, and I'm doing my best to be the best Uncle ever. So far I've done most of the dirty deeds including changing an appallingly pooey nappy. I know how to settle him to sleep, feed him, change him, bath him, make him giggle, and so on. I must be getting broody I think as I keep his latest picture on my mobile phone to show everyone. Shocking stuff. Still, he's a lovely lad and always has a good word for me (usually "agoo" or "waaah"). I make quite a pretty picture carrying him around Greenwich park in the baby sling I think. Well, he looks good anyway!
So that's the latest from me. If I can manage to avoid eating things with nuts in then I shall manage to avoid hospital altogether for quite a while, touch wood. With a bit of luck my plan to become the best dancer in the world ever will spring in to action when I finally find a new partner.
Watch this space, though on my previous record, I wouldn't do it too often or too hopeful of finding new musings!
Dave
Monday, January 09, 2006
Taking steps
Its been another few encouraging days. My sleep pattern has changed dramatically so that I can now pretty much sleep a normal night through and wake up refreshed. Since it changed I haven't yet really needed a nap in the afternoon either, which is also really great.
Coming off antibiotics seems to have been successful so far (touch wood). I've got two 7-day courses of the drug stashed away in case I start feeling a bit infected, but there's been no need so far. My digestive system's been a little confused by the whole process - little bit of discomfort there, but I'm sure that will settle down when the so called 'friendly bacteria' get stuck in!
I phoned School today to discuss going back to work. Of course its a little difficult for them as they've taken on a teacher from December to cover my timetable and she's only just getting settled in. I think she's contracted until Easter, so its potentially a bit tricky getting me back involved completely until that point, but the Deputy Head's promised to have a bit of a think and see what they can work out. With a bit of luck I'll be back pretty much on my normal timetable after Easter.
Lastly, but by no means least, I'm really getting back into the swing of the dancing. I managed two training sessions last week with no real problem, as well as two lessons. All the teachers are continuing to be impressed with our progress, and Sharon and I are feeling very positive about it all. We've even pencilled in a possible dance competition in February, fingers crossed.
So life is good at the moment. I am really loving my new car - loads of gadgets and gismos in it, and an absolute joy to drive. Its also really nice to be based back in Streatham for a while and just feel quite independent again. Fingers crossed everything carries on like this for a very long time...
Coming off antibiotics seems to have been successful so far (touch wood). I've got two 7-day courses of the drug stashed away in case I start feeling a bit infected, but there's been no need so far. My digestive system's been a little confused by the whole process - little bit of discomfort there, but I'm sure that will settle down when the so called 'friendly bacteria' get stuck in!
I phoned School today to discuss going back to work. Of course its a little difficult for them as they've taken on a teacher from December to cover my timetable and she's only just getting settled in. I think she's contracted until Easter, so its potentially a bit tricky getting me back involved completely until that point, but the Deputy Head's promised to have a bit of a think and see what they can work out. With a bit of luck I'll be back pretty much on my normal timetable after Easter.
Lastly, but by no means least, I'm really getting back into the swing of the dancing. I managed two training sessions last week with no real problem, as well as two lessons. All the teachers are continuing to be impressed with our progress, and Sharon and I are feeling very positive about it all. We've even pencilled in a possible dance competition in February, fingers crossed.
So life is good at the moment. I am really loving my new car - loads of gadgets and gismos in it, and an absolute joy to drive. Its also really nice to be based back in Streatham for a while and just feel quite independent again. Fingers crossed everything carries on like this for a very long time...
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Great news
I haven't blogged for a while now, as you've probably noticed. This is mostly because of how much better I've been feeling. The sleeping isn't under control but other energy levels continue to improve, and my weight is verging back on my normal skinny self rather than gaunt-and-ill me from last month.
I had a great meeting with my specialist this morning. Firstly and most importantly he reassured me hugely about the statistics for transplants. Apparently even pessimistically my chances of living beyond 10 years after the transplant are above 85%, and probably better. Also he said that the general health-risks pre-transplant and post-transplant risks are at a pretty similar level, so there's no particular need to rush into the operation itself. He's seeing me in 2 and 4 months time. At the second meeting we will decide whether I should still remain on the transplant waiting list. If I stay as I am now, or better, then we'll probably go for coming off the list, but he's happy to just wait and see for the moment.
Other good news is that he thinks I can probably come off daily antibiotics shortly. That will be fantastic - can't wait for my poor immune and digestive systems to have a bit of a breather!
So after a really enjoyable new year, some more really enjoyable and quite full-on dance training, and having just bought a nice new car (well, nice second-hand car) with lots of gismos in it, I'm feeling pretty positive.
The last hurdle before near-normality is this sleep nuisance. I'm going to try some dear old phenegan (stuff they give to kids to help them sleep sometimes), on the recommendation of my consultant, and hopefully that'll tip the balance so that I can get to sleep at a normal time and wake up feeling relatively refreshed at a reasonable time in the morning.
If so, then watch out pupils of Camden, I'll be coming back to haunt you, I hope!
I had a great meeting with my specialist this morning. Firstly and most importantly he reassured me hugely about the statistics for transplants. Apparently even pessimistically my chances of living beyond 10 years after the transplant are above 85%, and probably better. Also he said that the general health-risks pre-transplant and post-transplant risks are at a pretty similar level, so there's no particular need to rush into the operation itself. He's seeing me in 2 and 4 months time. At the second meeting we will decide whether I should still remain on the transplant waiting list. If I stay as I am now, or better, then we'll probably go for coming off the list, but he's happy to just wait and see for the moment.
Other good news is that he thinks I can probably come off daily antibiotics shortly. That will be fantastic - can't wait for my poor immune and digestive systems to have a bit of a breather!
So after a really enjoyable new year, some more really enjoyable and quite full-on dance training, and having just bought a nice new car (well, nice second-hand car) with lots of gismos in it, I'm feeling pretty positive.
The last hurdle before near-normality is this sleep nuisance. I'm going to try some dear old phenegan (stuff they give to kids to help them sleep sometimes), on the recommendation of my consultant, and hopefully that'll tip the balance so that I can get to sleep at a normal time and wake up feeling relatively refreshed at a reasonable time in the morning.
If so, then watch out pupils of Camden, I'll be coming back to haunt you, I hope!
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