Taking it easy

I'm trying hard to take things easy for a week or two. It's not too easy - I seem to have various commitments over the next week - work, medical, personal etc, but it still means a bit more time to myself.

On Saturday, we went to the Leeds FaCeIt event. When we eventually found it, we spent an enjoyable few hours chatting with the representatives of the company behind the event, and meeting new people who are involved with awareness promotion and support groups. As ever, we had great chats, comparing notes and talking about the future of Hep C in this country. Everything was really positive, and it will be great to meet up with some of these people again in the near future.

Thankfully, I was rather more human than at the last event. I didn't start shivering until a couple of hours into the event. Poor Vicki was perished, as were Chris and Emily from Monroe Forster - and everyone else. In fact it was not a bad day in terms of sides. Inevitably, I was shattered and needed a substantial sleep later. Yesterday was also rather a washed out day. I was ok for the morning, but it became an effort to keep going later on.

In fact, at one stage while working this morning, I was on the verge of saying I ought to go home as I felt very light-headed. Instead, I kept going and finished what was necessary. The school has also booked me to make a presentation about Hep C in June - so not a bad morning all round.

Tomorrow, the education pack is being presented to Derby City Council Healthy School's Team. It's just a half hour presentation, which is good - although where Hep C is concerned I could waffle on for days on end!! After that, it's off to hospital to have my haemoglobin levels checked. In the evening, we plan a nice romantic meal for Valentine's Day.

Hopefully after that, a nice peaceful couple of days - dentist Wednesday, school visit Thursday - then injection and rest.

I have asked for a reduction in my work responsibilities. It's not just general fatigue, but also stress of this element of my work - when I started this year, I didn't realise that this whole aspect had been changed from the systems which worked so well before, and I find it tricky to explain these changes or work with systems which I have never been part of. It won't mean much less work, but should mean I can focus more effectively on other aspects. Staff responsibilities are changing anyway - so should be ok. Much more to it - but that's enough for here!

So - it's all a case of getting past this week and having a good rest next week - then hopefully returning to work at least a little invigorated!

Apart from that - itchy spots better, sore gums tolerable, though bleeding a lot when brushed and weight has fallen by 3lbs over the last week - despite reasonable eating!

Never mind - maybe it's the virus decaying that makes me lose weight!

All the best to everyone - take care