Back Again!

Almost two weeks is a long break from blogging by my standards, but I just seem to have had plenty of other things to do.
Most of these things relate to work - it's one of those times of year - marking is at a premium, and needs doing, and there are quite a few lectures which needed delivering. It's always the case at the end of the academic year. In addition to this, various bits of Hep C related work have cropped up, so I am pursuing these. Having said that, I know I am rather behind with my phone calls. Plus, of course, Vicki and I have been busy preparing for our impending arrival in September.
From a personal point of view, I am still finding it difficult to feel totally well. Starting to play cricket is having a big impact. I had expected to be pretty much a passenger for the first few games, just getting used to playing again, but making very few contributions. In reality, this has not been the case. I have been bowling more than 10 overs per game and batting for extended periods of time. It's nice to know I haven't lost it completely, but is leaving me extremely tired, physically. Added to this have been several very nasty bruises which haven't helped. The worst was probably one on my ankle, which swelled and drained into my foot, leaving me with a lovely, purple foot and an ankle like a football. It's almost cleared now, and I am able to walk comfortably again after two weeks. I also have one just behind my knee on the same leg which is impressively large and colourful, and likewise restricts movements. Most irritating has been one which began between wrist and elbow, and then appeared magically right in the centre of my wrist. This one is very painful still.
I suspect these result from my generally low platelets. They are certainly the type of bruise which draw comments from others, and are far more extensive than would reasonably be expected. I'm quite looking forward to my next round of blood tests to check these out. I'm also suffering with a prior knee injury, which has been investigated over the years. It has a wonderful grating feel and sound each time I move it, and really needs checking again, if only to restart the treatment which was due to happen before my Hep C was diagnosed. I had hoped that, like my carpal tunnel syndrome, it would disappear with my Hep C. No such luck!
Having said all that, I was told at the pub quiz on Monday that I am looking 'toned' and asked if I have been working out!! I think not ... maybe just someone after a free pint!
In the world of hep C awareness, many interesting things have happened. I have heard of two new support groups being set up, a new support package for patients from one of the pharmaceutical companies, and this weekend sees the first Summer social for hep C patients taking place in Boston (UK!) - details on the NHCN website.
I also had a very useful meeting with Health and Safety Officers from Derbyshire County Council. This was principally a work centred meeting, focusing on the needs of students and the schools where they are placed for teaching experience. However, the whole issue arose as a result of a student being at risk when blood was drawn in an incident. There were many useful outcomes to this - largely sorting out rights and responsibilities - but we also discussed infectious illness. What transpired was that although the procedures for prevention of blood to blood contact were sound, procedures in the event of an incident (accidental or otherwise) were not in place. This is going to be pursued and should be helpful in ensuring monitoring and support for staff.
This also gives rise to a question about other work places, and is a good angle to follow up with Trade Unions and employers. I can see great value in the oral fluid sample tests in this context, as it means that all analysis can take place within a place of work, with appropriate support etc, rather than all the implications of going to GPs, blood tests etc. which may put some people off being tested.
The highlight of the week, however, has been our visit to the hospital for Vicki's scan. We now know the gender of the baby (hint - the mouth was moving ...), and more importantly, we know that both mother and baby are absolutely fine. There's no real reason why we should think otherwise, but like any hospital visit, there's always that niggling fear that something will be wrong. Baby is a wriggler! Wouldn't stay still for the scan, and has recently started to make very evident movements. Vicki is convinced that her bladder is being used as a football/bouncy castle. We also know which foods are being enjoyed - chocolate is a favourite, cheese, pizza, cheese and onion crisps, spicy food (Mexican) - and Kaliber alcohol free beer! Some of the movements are visible from outside, and I enjoy sitting with my hand on the bump and feeling those little wrigglings.
The scan picture is wonderful – in the 4D picture, baby is hiding shyly behind folded arms - very cute!!
Sounds as if I haven't done a lot - but in reality, it's been non-stop. I need to make various phone calls etc over the next few days, just to catch up with myself, but I know that I have a huge amount of work next week - couldn't even find half a day to visit a school when making appointments yesterday!
Oh - and almost forgot - Derby County in the play-off finals!! Fantastic - we watched in a state of nervous hysteria last night - baby even bounced around but eventually seemed to doze off with the excitement. Now just the final to win and it's Premier League next year!!
Take care all.