I thought since I'm laid up with the lurgy, I might as well use the time to write.
A mixed picture is how I'd describe things right now and I'd imagine that's the same for most of us. On a positive note, my mental health has improved beyond all recognition. I can't attribute this to anything in particular that I've done or not done, it seems that it just is. I'm not complaining! I'm trying to make hay while the sun shines and I start work in peer support at the beginning of November. Part time, hours to suit. I'm looking forward to getting started.
I find the whole thing of living with a serious mental health problem quite bizarre. There are times when I'm really unwell and yes, disabled, by my condition. Yet at other times I find myself able to live a more 'regular' life, which includes doing more of the things I enjoy. It's just typical that my recovery has taken place at the same time as a global pandemic, meaning there are no gigs to go to, no plays to see and no live sport. Hopefully by the time things get back to something approaching normal, I'll be able to take advantage of feeling so much better.
Having had the opportunity to reflect on 'the illness times,' I can see that things were beginning to slip much earlier than I originally thought. I only wish I'd had the ability then to see how unwell I was becoming. It could have made a huge difference to those years of struggling. Yet somehow, having those difficult years has taught me a lot about myself, my own mental health and a lot about other people too. I wouldn't go so far as to say it's been positive, but it hasn't all been doom and gloom either. I've learned a lot and had a number of life changing experiences, which I think have helped shape me for the better.
In other news, the boys had a kidney appointment last week. Things are starting to move along in terms of Joe's kidney disease and as such, his treatment has been altered slightly. I can't go into detail here because Joe's asked me not to. At 16 he knows what he wants and having his medical details broadcast on his Mum's blog is not it! Suffice to say, it's been a stark reminder that we are living with a lot of uncertainty in our lives.
Evan is doing really well, there's not a great deal to report. It's just a case of monitoring him and making sure he lives a generally healthy lifestyle. It's interesting that the boys have the exact same condition, but the specific genetic 'spelling mistake' is unique to each of them, meaning the disease progresses at different rates.
It won't be long before the boys will be saying goodbye to Dr Finlay and the paediatric renal team at Leeds General Infirmary. They'll be moving over into adult renal services, who are based at St James' hospital. The transition will be gradual, with lots of opportunities for them to ask questions and meet their new doctors.
As some of you know already, Joe's mad about boxing. In his free time he does a lot of weight training and gym work. He can't fight at the moment thanks to Covid restrictions, but he's looking forward to having his brace removed in January and being able to spar again. I have mixed feelings about this. I think it's great that he's into fitness and keeping himself healthy. I'm less enthusiastic about the idea of him being punched in the face. Or indeed, him punching anyone else! Having said that, the boxing training has turned a very single minded young man into one who is also extremely well disciplined. I have had to get over my squeamishness about the punching thing because he's so determined to give it a go. I hope he continues to enjoy his boxing because it's genuinely the thing that brings him the most enjoyment in life.
Meanwhile, I realised the other day that the lads will be sitting their A levels and GCSEs at the same time. So that looks like being a stress free summer...!
That's about all for now. Thanks for reading if you got this far!
