THE GOLD STAR LIST: people and things that enable us

[poppy]

scarborough wheelchair services they're giving me an indoor electric wheelchair and a manual wheelchair (attendant because shoulders are too messed up to self propel) then once i have a ramp up to the front door they'll take away the indoor electric wheelchair and replace it with indoor/outdoor one bit different to worcester! all i got from them was letter saying i dont qualify for anything!

[Fiona-Jane]

..... my new kettle tipper! i can now make a cup of tea without breaking myself! hooray!

fi xx

[lil_miffy]

I love my kettle tipper Fiona. of all my aids its the one thing I couldnt live without now.

My goldstar goes to my wheelchair physio and my new wheelchair cushion thats moulded for my hips and thighs and has orderd another Jay cushion that she can add bits too that will build up around my wonky hips and pelvis. The cushion will look wonky but will distribute my weight evenly around my wonky pelvis and hips. Already my chairs is so much more comfy to sit in.

She has also reffered me for a powerchair assesment which I wasnt happy with at first but have come round to the idea. (Iv written about it in whelchair thread).

[pretzel]

My motorbike!

Its only whilst the weather has been terrible and I've not been able to ride that I realise just how big a part riding plays in keeping me fit. I've always known it was great for my mental health as it is impossible to think of anything other than riding when you're on the bike so there is no room for anxiety to creep in. Also though, I had been told by physio that as long as I was riding every day or two I could get away without core and neck exercises as the natural resistance from the wind whilst riding would do the job for me so I made the conscious effort to get out daily, whether that be a 3-4 mile ride to college or a 150 mile+ day out, and boy can I feel the difference right now! I don't seem to be able to get anywhere near as good as "workout" from the physio exercises as I do from the bike and only now am I remembering how bad it all got before things started to come under some semblance of control earlier in the year.

Motorcycle, I salute you!!

[sheppeyescapee]

My GP is a star! Really she is I went to her with a list of concerns, I had a double appointment but it went on longer (probably why she is always running severely late, she really takes the time to listen to patients). She is going to chase up what has happened with UCHL to find out why I got moved on to general rheumatology. She is going to work with my social worker and housing officer so that I get the care that I need and when my DLA is reviewed hopefully it will be increased as they all agree it should be higher now. Came home with a massive box of movicol, had my amitriptyline upped and my GP is going to read through the information that I gave her that I got from the resi What a star!

[Flora]

my friend Carole. The only person who can get away with calling me wobbly legs! just because she's brilliant.

[Ems_85]

My Fiancé Tony.

He may call me a dalmatian because of my thin skin covered in bruises or joke that he'd better get to the gym to build up his strength for when he has to push my wheelchair in a few years time (charming!!), but he also does so much for me and puts up with so much from me when I'm struggling to cope with my pain and emotions. Far too much to list here! He also helps me to help myself. I'm sure we all have someone in our lives who helps us loads but I can't think of anyone else that I personally would want to help me.

I just wanted to say a big thank you to Tony after what has been a tough few weeks (even though he wont read this!), and maybe remind some others of how much those around them do to help.....even if they also drive us mad!!

Wow.....got a bit emotional and mushy there!

[shen]

Em: Your OH sounds great! It is really ncie when you have a supportive and caring partner, it can make the world of difference.

My gold star thingy: Dry Shampoo, I dont have the energy to shower and wash my hair everyday, but i hate my hair feeling dirty and greasy, now i found this product its kinda cool because it makes my hair look nice and clean between being able to wash it again! I would recommend it to anyone!

[Blaadyblah]

Mum (unusual) for coming round yesterday, getting stuck into the washing up and then on realising I really wasn't fit to go out absolving me of responsibility for her choice of sat-nav and leaving me to get on with my painkillers without complaint that I'd not got organised for Mothers' Day. WIN.

[Jess]

My phamacist:
went to the GP to find that it was closed. So couldnt get my repeat script. Thankful my cheamist is just next door and do the pick ups for other people. Popped in ask if there was any chance of some meds without my script, it was one of the reguals who knows me.

Gavethe main one to me and looked up an alternative to Mavelon as it has run out of stock, they will even pick up my script tommorow and do it for me to pick up tommorow before I go to work.

[niccysearle]

People who enable me:
* My incredible husband who supports me, listens to me moaning, makes me a cup of tea every morning and is just a total star!!
* My GP who takes the time to listen, actions things to help me, and never rushes me out of the door!!
*My closest friends, many of whom have their own health issues but are always there for me at the drop of a hat!!
*My work colleagues who are so supportive and helpful in assisting me to continue in my job!!

Things that enable me:
*My funky multi-coloured folding walking stick which comes out from the depths of my handbag to help me when I have walked too far and am starting too hurt!!
*My big fat custom-made insoles without which my knees would hurt even more than they do!!
*My new ankle braces which allow me to wear shoes and trainers for the first time in about 8 months....bye-bye boots!!

[Jess]

After the last few weeks I have got to nominate Eloise and Little Miss. Work has been crazy and extreamly stressfull.
Eloise has been at the end of a mobile text/msn messanger to keep me saine.

Thank you El!

[Jorgie]

The DSA for giving me voice recognition software which means I can still use my laptop when my hands are not working. Except when it confuses words and I have to start all over again.

[DeeNJai]

You need to train the software so that it recognize your voice and how you say words. It learns over time. How to train to know the words that arent normal you just have say spell it and then you can spell the word.
Dee

[everhopeful]

My son has done all of the cooking since sunday as I had a big crash after a camp at the weekend. He has been doing some really challenging main meals (tonight he made mash for the first time). He peeled 3 lots of veg, chopped, mashed and served it with fish. It was all perfect and I am very proud of him. He just turned 11 last month.To add to that, it was his first day in secondary school today and he took it all in his stride and then came home and did all that cooking. He is my little star********.