Post Christmas Party 2015

As cousin Jon and his family were back from Australia from Boxing Day til New Year I decided to organise a party for the week in-between.   As it turned out, it was better than it was, as this meant my back had longer to recover.  I wasn't back to 100%. I could certainly feel it and wasn't about to lift any tables, but (with a few painkillers) it was bearable!

Not only Jon and his family, but we invited friends and family and I think we had in total 43 adults and 25 children - and that was more than enough!!

Unfortunately, we could not have the usual hall as it was closed, so we hired the village hall in the next village.  This was a little smaller than we are used to, but we still managed to have the usual bouncy castle.

We got Jamies daddy's band to play; which may have been a bit loud, but it got people singing and dancing and gave everyone a chance to see Daddy play!

As in previous years, we asked everyone to bring something for the buffet and a monetary contribution towards the hall hire / castle.  I think it was well received.  I certainly had a good time, but my back was glad when it was over...

'What did you get me for Christmas, mummy?'

Strange, this Father Christmas business. When Jamie opened his presents this year he complained that the Superman T Shirt and Superman bowl were 'Rubbish' and not at all what he had asked Santa for.

He then asked me a few days after Christmas what it was that I had bought him.  I reminded him of the DVDs, chocolates and PJs that I wrapped for Jamie, and for Daddy, for our family night on Christmas Eve.

Not sure he was entirely grateful / convinced / happy....

The True Meaning of Christmas....

This is what Christmas is all about (except the gumpy elf on the end!)

My Favourite Christmas Present

Operation No. 1

Went for my MRI on Monday 23rd November (it was a mobile scanner so head first!).  Rather anxious (to say the least) but I managed to get through by taking loads of tablets (painkillers and diazepam), deep breathing and towards the end some singing - Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas!

After it had finished (approx. 10mins) they asked me to stay where I was for a while as they were showing the Consultant.  He then asked to see me.  He asked me how my waterworks were and then proceeded to stick an unwound paperclip in my buttocks.  Could I feel that? How about now? And now?  Apparently my scan was quite serious and indicated I should be incontinent.  He told me he would be referring me Urgently.  This was the first time anyone had mentioned I might need an operation.....

I was seen at the Sheffield Claremont Hospital on the 30th November.  The MRI scan showed 'a large L4/5 disc prolapse with impending cauda equine.'  Mr Zaki (Consultant  Neurosurgeon) agreed it was Urgent that I should have an operation to alleviate the pain. 

After visiting Sheffield for my Pre-op on the 4th December, my operation took place on the 11th December....

After an overnight stay in Sheffield, once we had seen Mr Zaki and the physiotherapists, and got letters for my GP, and nurse, and a 6 week sick note, driving home wasn't too bad.  We were advised to stop every now and again to help the circulation in my legs (having to wear surgical stockings for a few weeks!).  I don't think I felt too bad as, after a sleep, I desperately wanted to see my son, but I stayed in bed for a few days.  My leg felt better almost straight away.  It was just the 12 stitches (staples) that I had in my back!

Had my stitches taken out on the 22nd December 2015.

Christmas at Sundown 2015

 

Dr Who Magazine

Jamie is famous! 

Page 34 in Issue 10 (January 2016) of BBC Doctor Who Adventures (www.dwamag.com).  For this Jamie got an Ood mini figure. 
Must send more photos....

Grumpy Mummy

Last night I should have been seeing two of my favourite bands: Whitesnake and Def Leppard.  Unfortunately, when I to see my consultant before the operation he said there was no way I would be going to that concert.  I did manage to sell my ticket and I know they all had a good time as they sent me pics during the concert.  I am not sure that made it better though....

What did make it a little better was the Whitesnake mug they brought me today.  Thank you Hannah and Michael.

'Your Going To Be Alright Mummy'

That was all I needed. Written on a scrap of paper. To get me through my operation! xx

The Very Hopeless Camel (and mummy)

Unfortunately mummy could not make this years Christmas play, so she sent Nana B and Daddy.  Jamie didn't have a big part, but we did have to buy him a dressing gown as a costume (Shepard?).

Jamie Bieber