28th April 2014

That's when I last blogged...

Well, I'm back. Its been a funny old few years. After breaking up with the ex things took a definite turn for the better social life wise. My friends were brilliant, we didn't stop, there were trips out, nights in the pub, laughing until I couldn't breathe (admittedly that isn't too hard what with the crappy lungs) and just generally enjoying myself. That year and a half was spent putting myself back together, I was happy and content.I came to realise I didn't deserve to be treated how I had been for nearly three years.

The only downside was my health, I had never really picked up properly since the virus I had Christmas 2013 and the constant "Go! Go! Go!" attitude I've developed wasn't helping things. It all came to a head June this year. I'd caught 'flu in January which gave my body a real battering, I was in hospital for three weeks and when I had the chance to go home I jumped at it. I hate being away from home and, while I knew I wasn't better, I thought I'd be ok... nope.

I had yet another admission in April then, in June, I was just sitting on the couch at home when I started with the most horrible pain in my left side. The thought of a collapsed lung crossed my mind so of course I did the completely wrong thing by taking a few paracetamol and dragging myself to bed. A few days later I admitted defeat and rang my hospital. They saw me in clinic that afternoon and wanted to admit me there and then but since I only had the clothes I was wearing (and no phone charger!) I managed to talk them round into admitting me the following day.

I wasn't too bad the first few days, I think I had been running on adrenalin for so long that it was masking things but once I had chance to just stop fighting and let myself relax I became pretty ill. I started throwing up every time I ate, I had temperatures of 102 with uncontrollable shaking, the nurses had to fight me to keep the fan on to cool me down, I kept turning the central heating up, turning off the fan and wrapping myself in blankets..this was the hottest day of the year but I was bloody freezing.
My oxygen levels were through the floor and I was on oxygen as much as possible. I was told I had pneumonia, something I had had before so I wasn't too worried (ok, I was a little bit) The only time the state of my lungs worried me was after a rubbish ward round, I had been told I was likely to be in for weeks and it wasn't something I wanted to hear. I'd already been in a while, I was missing home and everyone I loved. I needed to get off the ward on my own ( I had been taken walks to the ward door and back and always on oxygen and you never get 5 minutes to yourself) So I took my oxygen off because, by this point I was damn sick of it, and basically stomped off the ward. I made it to the main entrance which was about 5 minutes walk, sat down then I was stuck. I couldn't breathe,my chest was so tight and I just couldn't get any air in. I didn't have a hospital band on as I always take them off if they are loose enough and I was in my "civvies" because I don't do pj's on the ward unless I really have to. I had this mad thought that if I keeled over outside among the smokers then I'd probably get taken to casualty and poked with needles.I managed to get back to the ward eventually and from then on I almost always behaved myself!

I was in for 5 weeks which has been my longest admission. Not something I ever want to repeat, but my doctors are really pleased with how I've picked up since and I'm really looking after myself (not that I wasn't before, I think I just needed the epic rest)

So yeah, crappy health for the past year or so but something brilliant happened too. I met someone. We have been seeing each other for just over a year now and, while this is always a bit of a cliché, he is the best thing that's happened to me for along time. He makes me happy and not just in a superficial, going out and having adventures kind of way (and we have lots of adventures) but actual, just being with him and doing normal things, kind of way. It must be love.. plus I think he is gorgeous and I fancy the bones of him (yep, that does sound superficial)
I enjoy spending lots of time with him, I've always liked having my own space and time to myself and always find it difficult spending extended periods of time with people ( I think that's why I struggle so much in hospital, you never can get much time alone) but it's different with him, he's my best friend and it's so easy being in his company.
 Ahh! I've turned into one of those mushy types!  

Frustrations and Flowers

 It's Handmade Monday!

It feels forever since I last look part in this fab blog tradition! It's hard to believe it's been going more than a year, it only seems like only yesterday the "Handmade's'' were in the double digits.

So, what have I been up to this week?  Well, I have taken advantage of the lovely weather and have been taking some photo's around the garden, I love this time of year (I've probably said that on this blog a million times up to now!)

You can just make out my sparkly slippers on this one!

Don't you just love how bright and fresh everything looks? Love it!! 

I was at clinic last Wednesday for my monthly check up, I've managed to avoid another stay in hospital for the next 5 weeks at least (well, baring anything happening, the nature of CF is pretty changeable , I can be well one minute and be flat out the next,  it makes planning a real hassle!) I've done pretty well after the rubbish time I had at Christmas, it's taken a lot of hard work, but finally my lung function has started going in an upwards direction which is a relief! 

I've been making necklaces with the pendants I have made using the glass molds I got for Christmas.  I put them up for sale on EBay 2 weeks ago thinking that £8 for 11 would be a bargain price for someone looking for car boot joblots ...I've only had 17 views and no bids, I'm feeling very frustrated and a bit despondent if I'm honest and I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong or where I can sell ( I've had a few on Etsy but again hardly any views. I'd love to sell them at Craft fairs but I can only do those now and again as they are such hard work and tire me out for days) I'm not really sure what I can do now... any advice (including "just give up!") greatfully received!!

Here is the Ebay listing if you fancy having a look Here.

I've also been making bracelets again after having a bit of a break from them. I think I will list this one on Etsy in the next few days. I do love the making, I think I just need a plan of action and do a bit of research on promotion so I can sell and afford more glass and beads! I'm not going to give up, just need to start feeling a bit more positive !

Have a fab week everyone!

Elbow.

Well, its been awhile since I last blogged so I thought it was time for an update. Health wise I've been doing ok, I've still got a kidney store which I hoped would have been sorted out by now but after being fairly ill in January I had my last lot of Lithotripsy postponed and have a new appointment with the kidney doctors in September, I must admit its really frustrating having to wait again to get something that I thought would have been fixed by now actually sorted . Meh! 0ther than that I seem to be doing ok, my lungs aren't great at the mo but the doctors said I just need to be patient and if they haven't improved by my next clinic then I have to go in hospital for a bit for some heavy duty antibiotics. The Joy ! HaHa!

Its my birthday tomorrow, I'll be 32!! Scary! I've already had a birthday treat, last Wednesday I went to see the band Elbow with my two best friends who hadn't really heard of them but, after an absolutely amazing show, are now fans. It's nice to musically educate people! Ha! I've wanted to see Elbow for such a long time, it feel great that I finally managed it. It was the best gig I've ever been to (yes, even better than my first love,Radiohead.) with Guy Garvey's voice just as amazing live as it is recorded, he has some serious talent.Great Expectations nearly had me in tears as embarrassing as that is to admit! Of course they couldn't play a set without the anthem One Day Like This. The whole place was on their feet. It was a magic night.

Have a great weekend!

17 days later.

Well, that was a rude interruption! You could say life  took a bit of a road down a bad neighbourhood for a while, I don't want to bore you with the details, but it involved 19 days in hospital sorting out (well that was the plan) my kidney stone (it's still there, just in bits) three weeks at home where I picked up a virus (the common cold one) which has really hit me hard. I fought it for three weeks as I had a few important things going on that I didn't want to be away from. Plus I'd just done 19 days, I didn't want to go back in!

I woke up the Saturday after boxing day in epic, epic back pain and knew it was time to take myself to hospital. I must admit I was tempted to take a load of painkillers to see if I could ride it out but its a good job I didn't. I had to be admitted to the ward through casualty which was a novel experience and while there I  was found to have a heart rate of 150, sats of 84 (the measure of oxygen in the blood- it should be at least over 90 for me)  and a crp of 235. Crp measures how much infection you have, it should be under 10 so with 235 you can tell how rough I was!

Once on the ward I was put on oxygen and had to sleep with it on, something new for me and something I wasn't too happy about, it felt like it was a sign I was getting worse. Still, I sucked it up and did what I was told, I was pretty determined to get out, however every morning I'd wake up with the mask on top of my head so I'm not sure how much o2 I was actually getting!

Things gradually improved, after a week I was allowed off the oxygen in the day and not long after I was taken off it at night which was a massive relief!

I finally escaped after 17 days and have been enjoying my freedom, though not too much as I'm still a bit tired and I'm finding it hard to climb stairs as my legs have lost a lot of muscle mass. I think I'll need to give exercise a serious thought!

Hopefully I will have some crafty bits to show you in the next few days.

150!

Wow, this is my 150th post! where has the time gone? It's been a while since my last update, I don't really have a good excuse other than "real" life has gotten in the way, it has been a few months of ups and downs to say the least.

Things are fairly good at the mo, I've been out of hospital for three weeks and am enjoying my post IV high, I am very thankful that I managed to escape before the heat wave, it's hot enough in hospital at the best of times, I have a feeling it will be roasting on the ward now. I've been started on a new nebuliser which I think is doing me good, though I can't really tell if its the end of my IV's making me feel good or the new drugs- I 'll have to wait and see. The only trouble is that its 3 times a day which is a bit of a pain, I am proud that in the two weeks I've been having it, I haven't yet missed a single dose- go me! So in total I have 10 nebulised doses of drugs a day- effort!
 I've also finally reached a weight where the hospital have said 'no more' which is very, very weird to hear as my whole life I've been told I need to put it on, I've had to try and try and try. The challenge now is to keep it stable, I have also been told to do more exercise as the weight I have put on has mostly gone on my stomach and they think it might be squashing my lungs a bit- the job now is to try and shift that onto my arms and legs which are still skinny (yep- I look odd!) and not lose any weight. I have been taken off some of my high calorie supplements which, and I know this sounds daft, is a bit scary in a way. Weight has always been such a big issue for me and to have what I feel as my safety net taken away is very unsettling. I feel like if I start loosing weight then I wont be able to put it back on and I will be back to square one... I need to stop thinking like that.


I have been out and about, both in the garden and the local area, enjoying the sunny weather. Here's some photos instead of me waffling on!

A toad that I found in the garden. Trying to get some shade I think.

My garden peas. I harvested these yesterday and got about 3 meals ( for 3 of us) from this one tub. I've still got another lot to pick.

A vase of  home grown Sweetpeas. Loooove the smell.

Down by the river. Went a lovely walk here as part of my get fit regime! 

The lake at the park. Another walk!

Swans at the park.

I hope you are all enjoying the Summer! Hopefully it wont be so long before I update again.

Picnic

Day two in hotel Wythenshawe and it's the weekend. I can not tell you how much I don't like being in hospital at the weekend. It draaaags.... I think it's because there are no clinics on and the whole hospital seems to be less busy plus weekend telly is rubbish. Still, I have been off the ward twice today, once when I got wheeled down for an xray, it being weekend I had to have it at the xray that is part of  casualty and isn't really where I like to go (this isn't a comment on the staff at all, they have always been great, it's more that it's just not somewhere I am used to going) and once when I went a wander in search of salt and vinegar crisps and Haribo which are pretty much the only things my stomach wants to eat at the mo.

I did manage to find some crisps but got chocolate instead of the Haribo (Cadburys Caramel for a quid- who could resist?) and had a very small picnic of sorts up on the top corridor at a little quiet spot that I like. It was nice watching the world pass by, but it was very quiet. It gives you time to think, which isn't always a good thing! Mainly I was thinking about how, last time I was in, I had a good idea my 2 and a good chunck of a year relationship was coming to an end and how stressed and emotional I was. The difference to how I feel this time is marked- I'm not stressed (well no more than being in hospital makes me) and while I am sad at times, and I do miss him very much,  I haven't yet spent any time sobbing in the bathroom like I did back then. I have definitely had lots to think of, for the first time in a looong time, I am putting myself, instead of someone else, first and it feels good! I quite like this being single thing, tho I wouldn't say no if Damien Molony came and offered himself on a plate hehe, but I am enjoying doing what I want, when I want without thinking about how it would effect someone else. My weekends are my own again! I'm giving myself and my little crafty business my undivided attention. The world seems quite a positive place again!

Have a great Saturday night.

First Day

Hello from hotel Wythenshawe! I have been in just over a day now and feel a bit rough (though nothing too bad that would keep me away from the internet!) I'm on a combination of I.V drugs that I don't normally have and they are making their presence felt in my stomach, I'm waiting for my tea but don't think I'll manage much, luckily I have my button ( a tube into my stomach) that means I can still get calories without doing much so hopefully I wont lose weight.

 I haven't had much time to get bored what with seeing various staff (doctors, nurses, dietitians) and going off to see the gas vampires who take blood out of my ear to see how much oxygen and carbon dioxide I have in my blood. I'm supposed to be having an xray but at the time of writing I haven't had it yet and its getting a bit late. Hopefully they will forget! As well as keeping busy, I have lots to keep me entertained. I have brought some crochet in with me so I can keep making the squares I send to Africa, I have my ipod ( where would I be without music?) my Kindle and of course the laptop I'm writing this on.

I am going to spend some time promoting The Crafty Folk Etsy team by blogging about what has been listed as well as making treasuries. I can't wait to get back into listing things. I'll be doing some more research on my family tree while I'm in, there's something to be said about being in hospital and that's that it gives you plenty of time to get on with stuff!

Have a great weekend!

The Promotion Club

Hello! It is Handmade Monday time again :) It is number 89 already! Where has the time gone to?

I have had a very productive week business wise, ok no sales :( (in fact none this month) but I have made  a real effort to promote myself on facebook and have seen a tiny increase in views. I think it is the knock on effect of being the craftyfolk featured seller two weeks ago. I have also quite a few things ready and waiting to be listed, I just have to take some photos.

 The biggest thing I have done is start an Etsy team. I was pretty nervous about it tbh, I've never been good at being the leader of anything, I much prefer being in the background but I had an idea that I really wanted to try out. The idea is to post your facebook business page and the next 3 people to post on the thread with a link to their page,  shares something you have advertised to their personal page. And so on. The hope is to get more views. Say if each person that shares your item has 50 friends, well that's 150 more people that see your item and potentially views it on your shop. Does that make sense? I must admit, I keep waiting for someone to tell me my team is rubbish. I must work on my self belief!

This is the link to The Promotion Club if you wish to join- http://www.etsy.com/teams/14043/the-promotion-club

I've not had any replies to the facebook shares thread so the more the merrier!

There are other threads too :)

I have listed and renewed a few things too, just click on the photos to be taken to the shop :)



In non crafty news- I went to archery again today and , not to sound big headed,but I have definitely improved. I am still the worst one there but at least nine times out of ten the arrow is actually hitting the target and today I got a gold (bullseye) but think that was more fluke than skill! Was well chuffed tho!

I was at clinic Wednesday, I expected my lung function to be rubbish but I was surprised that it was a 'not too bad for me' 36%  I have also managed to put on 2kg in 6 weeks! MASSIVE YEY! to that!


Have a great week everyone!

Blinged up Button

Warning! This is a very boring "c.f" centric post, including a picture of Benedict (a.k.a my gastrostomy  button)

It has been a month since me and Benedict got together in the xray room of a Manchester hospital early one Wednesday morning and we are getting on wonderfully with only a few teething troubles along the way. His impact on my life has been immense, I've put on so much weight that my B.M.I is a fab 23. I haven't had to use a belt to prevent bum flashing disasters and, as my mum put it, I'm getting a bit chunky around the edges. I'm probably going to have to start some toning exercises as I am getting a bit of a beer belly (without the beer) and I have the start of bingo wings.( I wonder how many people have stumbled upon this blog and, reading my joy at putting on weight, have thought "what a cow!" Actually that reminds me, when I was at school someone told me they wished they had c.f as I could eat what I wanted and stay slim, cue a look of disbelief from me and epic unspoken swearing (I was quite restrained back then) )  I love it though, seeing my body slowly change. ( I sound a bit weird don't I?)
I'm not sure what effect the extra weight has had on my lung function, it was about 36% last time I had it checked. To be honest I doubt there has been a massive improvement but I have been getting more exercise ( well sort of, does a walk around the block count as exercise?) so maybe.. just maybe..
The cold I wrote about a few blog posts ago did, in the end, start to make it's presence felt on my chest so I started some back up antibiotics that I keep in my draw of drugs and stuff. I feel ok now apart from being sleepy in the day and having insomnia at night. I have also been having the most vivid dreams and have been feeling really creative. Every cloud eh?
Here is a picture of my button with added shiny crystal snowflake ( sadly the N.H.S doesn't provide shiny accessories and the crafter in my just couldn't leave it plain)

There isn't a scale to judge it against but it is about 3cm long.

Have a great weekend !

Enjoying the Sun

I have escaped from hospital just in time to enjoy the last of Summer, though, saying that, there is a distinct Autumny feel in the air, especially in the morning. The garden is looking a bit bare around the edges and the leaves are turning yellow. I'm not keen on this time of year; it makes me feel sad that the long, light days are on the way out and soon we will be back to the cold and dark. I much prefer Spring when everything is coming to life and there is so much potential.
I spent a good chunk of yesterday harvesting beetroot and peas. I am really disappointed with the beetroot crop this year- the ones that have grown are small and some haven't even developed at all. I think it is due to the lack of sun. It's the same with the tomatoes; I think I have picked about a dozen if that. However, I have had plenty of success with the peas. From two tubs I managed to get a cereal bowl and a half full from them. I am going to plant some winter hardy ones for next Spring- It's quite addictive this grow your own thing! Here are some photos from this years harvest, the onions are from earlier in the year and I am very pleased with those.

 I have finally got back to Etsy and re opened my shop, up to now I have listed two new items this month, this music set-

which you can find here- https://www.etsy.com/listing/108418058/music-lover-bracelet-and-necklace-with?ref=pr_shop

And this pink bracelet.

which you can find here- https://www.etsy.com/listing/108338610/pretty-pink-floral-bracelet-with

Have a great Handmade Monday!

LH

x

Busy Month!

I haven't blogged in such a long time, bad, bad me! In my defence it has been somewhat of a hectic month. First I went in hospital to have my wisdom teeth out, I was in for about a week and the actual pulling of the teeth wasn't half as bad I thought it would be. My gums were jabbed with some local anaesthetic, (this didn't hurt at all which really surprised me) I put my headphones on, turned up my ipod, opened my mouth and let the dentist do his work. I did have a bit of trouble with coughing and they had to stop for me to get my breath back a few times but the actual procedure went well. It did feel really strange though, with lots of tugging and pulling. Afterwards I was given painkillers and told to keep off the hot drinks for a day. I was very lucky and didn't have much pain and no swelling, it was as if I hadn't had anything done.

I was allowed home for 12 days before I was back in to have my peg (that I had put in in April, you may remember my nervous post) changed to a button (basically a long tube changed to something just abit bigger than a pound coin) This did not go according to plan and  I have to go back yet again on the 28th for them to have another crack at getting one fitted on the 29th and then hopefully I'll be home a few days later. I think by the time that is done I will have spent more of August in hospital than at home, I may have to add that up to see if it is right.

I haven't got much crafting or Etsy listing done which makes me sad, I've been so tired and apart from a night to bingo yesterday, I have done nothing but eat and sleep. I think the drugs, painkillers and sedation I have had just over a week ago is still swilling around my system. I'll be glad when everything is done then I can get back into things without worrying that I will be back in hospital in five minutes! I feel a bit stuck at the moment and a bit ... lazy doesn't seem the right word, more like I'm waiting. This is the first night I have turned on my laptop for a while, I've had the internet and Facebook on my phone which doesn't require much energy.  I can't wait to get back to blogging (especially Handmade Monday) listing on Etsy (the craftyfolk team!) and making treasuries and, of course, actual making!

I hope everyone is having a more productive month than me!

LH
x

Poppies and Onions

I can see a little bit of sun! There is a lot of cloud still but, now and again, the clouds part and I'm reminded it is actually Summer. This year I have planted some red poppies in the hope they will self seed all over the garden. I love poppies, they are one of my favourite flowers and I love how they seem to grow in the most unlikely places( we have some growing in the driveway against the side of the house)

This picture was a week or two ago.

And now. I really love how bright they are and there are still loads to open.

I haven't done much listing this week, I think its because I know I am having to shut my shop for the next week or so (from Thursday so buy now! hehe) 

               https://www.etsy.com/listing/104595417/millefiori-multicoloured-silver-plated?ref=pr_shop

https://www.etsy.com/listing/104856563/quirky-multicoloured-spiky-rubber-bead?ref=v1_other_1

I have also had a play with glass a few weeks ago, I don't think I have blogged about it ( mind like a sieve) so thought I would share. I used frit to make the shape of pansies (at least they are supposed to look like pansies, they are a bit wonkey.) It was also the first time I used fusable paper as I thought leaves may be a bit tricky using frit, plus I don't have any green.I think it has turned out well but I managed to break my slumping mold and I have only used it twice- rarrrrrrrrrrah!

I hope everyone is having a great Handmade Monday!

LH

x

P.S... I am now on facebook, you can find me here- http://www.facebook.com/little.harriet There will be some crafty promotion and some random life type things, will also promote fellow crafty people.