September update

Hello again and sorry for the delay, had a very busy few weeks as just started colllege but I'll try to update weekly after today.

I started college 2 weeks ago and fortunately have been well enough to make it in for all 6 sessions, I'm really hoping this is a continuing trend as things are going really well. There's some amazing people in my group and the lessons have been great; both theoretical and practical. We did a fashion shoot last Friday in The Forest of Dean and had the opportunity to work with the new intake of make up artists - some of which were petty damn good, especially since they're just starting out. I'm posting a pic of my friend Zoe which I took on the day!

I also had some news from my consultant last week who has spoken to Professor Epstein in London regarding my treatment plan. It has been decided that we'll give NJ feeding another go before trying a PEJ. I'm not particularly keen to get an NJ, since it's really obvious and screams "hey look! There's something wrong with me!" but hopefully it won't be for long and will work so I can get a permanent tube in. I'm currently awaiting an appointment to discuss then they'll go ahead and fit the tube. I'm hoping it won't involve long in hospital as I really can't afford to miss any college. In the meantime I'm still ingesting pureed food, chocolate and discovered small amounts of yoghurt and ice cream are staying down pretty well with 60mg domperidone, 40mg Omeprazole and Erythromycin.

I'm also posting a self portrait I took entitled 'Broken Ballerina' - perhaps a little shocking but I hope you like it.

Take care everyone,

Zigz. xxx

Results, holiday and college

Eeeks! I can't believe it's so long since I updated. It's currently 4am and I'm at my Mum's house and can't sleep so thought now would be a good time to note down recent happenings.

I had my gastroenterology appointment a few weeks ago which revealed my liquid emptying is currently T1/2 109 minutes (about half an hour longer than the last one = not great) but even worse, my solid half emptying time is 330 minutes which means it takes 11 hours for my stomach to empty a small bland meal whilst taking all my motility drugs. My consultant told me that The Primary Health Trust now may well fund a speed up in getting to see Professor Epstein/ perhaps getting the gastric pacemaker (personal jury is still out on this one since I've not as yet heard many success stories)but we will have to wait and see. I'm off to the hospital Monday for a barium meal to highlight the possible narrowing in my stomach which I'm REALLY looking forward to (ahem). My biggest worry is that 'm not going to get down/ keep down all the necessary barium and complete the test but I'm trying to stay positive on that one.

On to more cheerful matters, I went on holiday on the 20th to St. Ives with my boyfriend and had the most amazing time. We stayed in a tiny cottage by the sea and spent the week relaxing and drinking (thank GOD I can still do that.) Had a few poorly days/ incidences whilst away and not a great amount of energy but it was so lovely to get away. I timed the week so that I could take my Erythromycin (I tend to take it for 2 weeks - during which time it stops working after around 8 -10 days then stop for a fortnight, by which time it (usually) works again)which helped so I was able to enjoy a few treats whilst away which was great. I kind of had it in my head that I was going to gain weight, especially with all the wine/ beer/ jack daniels consumed, but it wasn't to be BUT I didn't lose any either so am thankful for that.

Not long after I returned I went to college for the introduction to my Photography National Diploma at Gloucester college. We spent the day photographing each other outside with a view to learning about posing and facial expression and I had my first insight to studio lighting techniques - which I loved. I enrol properly on Monday (straight after my Barium meal) which I hope goes smoothly and I can get the necessary funding and financial support. I just know I'm going to LOVE this course and I really can't wait to start. The rest of my group seem fantastic and I really need a focus right now. The day after I was too tired to even get out of bed and had shocking muscle pains in my legs/ back but it was worth it. I'm timetabled to be in Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays so hopefully that will give me enough resting time to keep going.