The Future...

The future is bright, the future is stress free... Plans are afoot to escape my current career and start afresh.
Over the years I have received some fantastic and amazing support from everyone my stoma and I have had dealings with- Jo Sheppard, Dr Fortun, Mr Faux and the Stoma team at Treliske to name a few.

So I thought it was time to give something back.

Next year is all change with a new enterprise in the planning supporting fellow ostomates, IBD sufferers and their families. We all know how anxiety, depression and fatigue are symptoms that can be missed or ignored but with the correct support these can be overcome, that is where the Social Enterprise comes in.

All very exciting!  

Fatigued!

Well, after having five weeks off work due to my Colitis, going through a phased return to work (five hour shifts), I'm still completely wiped out out!
I know fatigue seems to be a big thing with IDB and it is becoming more apparent that people suffer as much with fatigue as they do with other symptoms. Sadly not everyone is aware of how fatigue can have an effect on a persons life, their day to day living, their emotions and mental well being. Until you live with this disease and all of its side symptoms, until you go through your first major flare it's difficult to understand how wiped out you feel.
I must admit I try to push through it, sometimes I stupidly ignore what my body is telling me, my advice and a lesson learnt... Don't! Yes, I try and push through the fatigue, but if you push too much it will catch up with you. Listen to your body and yes force yourself to go that extra mile but do so gently.
I've heard alot about how exercise can help with fatigue, both physically and psychologically, seems strange how exercise when you're dog tired and you physically can't do anything can make you feel better but it can work. You don't have to run a marathon every day, just a 30 minute walk can make all the difference. Even a 15 minute dog walk can release those endorphins, those feel good hormones. If you're concerned about your IBD or levels of energy start with a walk to the end of the street and back... Dream big, start small.
Most of all enjoy the great outdoors, we live in one of the most beautiful parts of the world, people pay thousands to holiday in Cornwall, we live here so lets make the most of it.

Exciting times ahead

Well, it was my fiance, Vicky, who said I should rejuvenate this blog. So here I am once again, not tapping away on a keyboard but swiping away at a touchscreen... loving the Blogger app!
Anyway, the future is looking bright, the future is an outdoors life, stress free and healthy... fingers crossed!

I'm back...

Well, where shall I start?

Looks like I my motivation has returned, or maybe life has slowed down?

I'm back nonetheless.

Alot has happened over the last few years. Life has been busy, the planned Everest Base Camp Trek didn't happen due to ill health, a couple changes of career, the planning of a couple of treks The Haute Route and the Pacific Crest Trail 2600 miles and 4 months worth of wandering. Anyhoo, more to come on these later.

All bunged up

Still blocked up, been 4 days now. There is a little discharge coming out of Stumpy but not really what it should be. Got abdominal craps/pains which are starting to get a little annoying now. I've tried massaging my abdomen (which I'm rubbish at) the hot water bottle works great to relieve the discomfort but it comes back after a few hours.

Not sure what caused it, whether it's because I've eaten too much meat in a week, too many coffees in a day, I've not really sure to be honest. But I shall be phoning the stoma nurses tomorrow for any hints and tips.

Oh the joys of an ileostomy!

On the plus side, I'm back to work tomorrow, just hope I remember what to do! Starting on half duties, which in Worcester Bosch terms means flat out work load!

Doggy Dentures

This just made me chuckle

 

RHCP- Californication

Thought I'd share this, one of my favourite intros

Gee Atherton Owwwwie

Looks like Gee had a had a bit of a painful landing.

 

Blue Pig

I just had to share this.

The new Blue Pig from Ragley.

Made me chuckle

The Bog Blog has moved

The Bog Blog - I'm either in one or on one!

I've moved, seems to of gone ok, you can find me HERE now.

See you soon!

Hounds in the wilds

Met up with Katie and Keri at Tehidy to give the pups a run around. Looks like Stewie has a new friend, him and Bailey were running around like 7 year old boys.

They all had a good run through the woods and meadow at near North Cliffs. Was great to see both Meg & Stewie off the lead and not causing any agro!

Hounds in the wilds

Met up with Katie and Keri at Tehidy to give the pups a run around. Looks like Stewie has a new friend, him and Bailey were running around like 7 year old boys.

They all had a good run through the woods and meadow at near North Cliffs. Was great to see both Meg & Stewie off the lead and not causing any agro!

XCAPH724SEJY

A catch up with Dr Fortun

Hospital visit was, well um kinda good and bad really.

Dr Fortun was a little behind schedule, 1hr 45mins ish, can't be help. Chilled with a coffee and relaxed. Dr Fortun was happy that op went well and all is working ok. What colitis is left will be controlled by hopefully one med- Pentasa suppository with others on an emergency basis. Will more than likely have the rest removed and sealed up in a few years.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing! lol

A catch up with Dr Fortun

Hospital visit was, well um kinda good and bad really.

Dr Fortun was a little behind schedule, 1hr 45mins ish, can't be help. Chilled with a coffee and relaxed. Dr Fortun was happy that op went well and all is working ok. What colitis is left will be controlled by hopefully one med- Pentasa suppository with others on an emergency basis. Will more than likely have the rest removed and sealed up in a few years.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing! lol

A white Tryfan

[caption id="attachment_115" align="aligncenter" width="1024" caption="Sunrise over Capel Curig"][/caption]

I woke around 5.30am for breakfast and the usual morning routine, anyone who knows ulcerative colitis will know what that consists of. Anyway, I had breakfast with what looked like cloud covering the surrounding mountain tops, great I thought, a distinct lack of view. As the sun started to rise it appeared we had a sprinkling of the white stuff on the higher ground, this made the day a little more interesting.

[caption id="attachment_114" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Pen Yr Ole Wen"][/caption]

After a few photos of the valley, sunrise and white topped mountains we headed of to the layby, one of the first to arrive at the base of Tryfan that day, Very doubtful to be the first to the summit though.

We didn't exactly have a planned route up to the top, just whatever looked interesting and took our fancy. This proved to be a good plan, and tested my confidence and climbing abilities(virtually non existent) to the limit. I swear there were a couple of moments where I was close to taking the quick (unintentional) route down the mountain.

[caption id="attachment_124" align="alignleft" width="300" caption="Looking North form halfway point."][/caption]

 

The snow and ice made the going pretty tough in places but alot of fun too. We seemed to hit a band of cloud three quarters of the way up but once on top the view was, again, fantastic. Clear blue skies greeted us, temperature was ok but a jumping Adam and Eve was out of the question, just a tad icey on top would of made for an interesting landing.

[caption id="attachment_125" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="No leaping today, way to icy on top!"][/caption]

After a short stop and chat to other folks lucky enough to enjoy the summit that day we headed over Far South Peak of Tryfan and worked our way down the valley passed Llyn Bochlwyd passing some stunning waterfalls and features on the way down. Once back at the van it was a quick change out of the soggy cold clothes, make a fresh cuppa and fill the flask with hot water for the journey home.

Well I enjoyed my first bit of scrambling and climbing in snowy conditions, I've hiked/walked in snowy conditions many a time but this was so much fun.

Lets just say it's the tip of the iceberg, literally.

What a weekend!

Pre op clamber

Snowdon and Tryfan, November 2010.

Chris has joined me on a trip up Snowdonia before the big day.

I picked Chris up at Chiverton around 6pm on the 5th November and we drove on upto Pen-Y-Pas, arriving to a wet and windy carpark around 1230am Saturday morning.

We decided to kip in the van rather than mess around finding a campsite, the front seats of the van proved to be quite comfortable, except for the handbrake. Not to sure how Chris faired in the back of the van though.




We woke around 6am with the weather a great improvement. The plan was to navigate the the Snowdon Horseshoe, however we left the options open to reach Yr Wyddfa and head down if needs be. This proved to be a good idea. The weather was good, couldn't really of asked for better conditions. The sun was out, next to no wind and temperature was good. Shame that my fitness wasn't good!

We made our way up the Pyg Track to Crib junction where we took a right and headed up to Crib Goch. The climb up was fun
I'd forgotten how much I enjoy scrambling and climbing. I had also forgotten what the view was like once on the top.

After a relaxed scramble (crawl) along Crib Goch we decided to end to day with a summit of Snowdon and a wander down the Pyg Track, neither of us wanted to over do it and ruin the climb up Tryfan on Sunday.


We headed down to the van, which I must admit was a very welcome site! I was shattered! We headed over toward Tryfan in search for the campsite, Gwern Gof Isaf Farm. A nice little site very close to Tryfan, hot showers (which were very welcome), bunkhouses and lots of tent space.



After a shower hot food and a beer, with the rain tapping on the tent I finally hit the hay around 9pm.

Pre op clamber

Snowdon and Tryfan, November 2010.

Chris has joined me on a trip up Snowdonia before the big day.

I picked Chris up at Chiverton around 6pm on the 5th November and we drove on upto Pen-Y-Pas, arriving to a wet and windy carpark around 1230am Saturday morning. We decided to kip in the van rather than mess around finding a campsite, the front seats of the van proved to be quite comfortable, except for the handbrake. Not to sure how Chris faired in the back of the van though.










We woke around 6am with the weather a great improvement. The plan was to navigate the the Snowdon Horseshoe, however we left the options open to reach Yr Wyddfa and head down if needs be. This proved to be a good idea. The weather was good, couldn't really of asked for better conditions. The sun was out, next to no wind and temperature was good. Shame that my fitness wasn't good!









We made our way up the Pyg Track to Crib junction where we took a right and headed up to Crib Goch. The climb up was fun
I'd forgotten how much I enjoy scrambling and climbing. I had also forgotten what the view was like once on the top.










After a relaxed scramble (crawl) along Crib Goch we decided to end to day with a summit of Snowdon and a wander down the Pyg Track, neither of us wanted to over do it and ruin the climb up Tryfan on Sunday.



We headed down to the van, which I must admit was a very welcome site! I was shattered! We headed over toward Tryfan in search for the campsite, Gwern Gof Isaf Farm. A nice little site very close to Tryfan, hot showers (which were very welcome), bunkhouses and lots of tent space.





After a shower hot food and a beer, with the rain tapping on the tent I finally hit the hay around 9pm.

Catch up time

Looks like I have some catch up to do, I think possibly due to the state of my mind and distinct lack of enthusiasm I haven't posted much for a good few months

The thought of the meds not working and probability of major surgery becoming a reality is kind of, for want of a better word, depressing me.

But must be strong and face facts that I am to part company with my dearly beloved colon, these things happen and I suppose there are worse things in life.

Well, thats enough misery, time to start blogging!

Pembrey-last man standing!

Well, the time has come again to head to Wales, Pembrey Coutry Park to be precise. A full weekend of kite buggy on one of the UKs' best beaches. Miles and miles of golden sand allowing hours and hours of buggy time. Along with the beach and buggy is the great company of my mates, BBQ and a few beers to boot.

The trip up with Timmy was the usual experience, funfilled and entertaining! Travelling up on an evening is never fun, arriving in the dark to put the tent up is never really much fun but necessary to be honest.

The weekend on the beach was it's usual for Pembrey, fan-bloody-tastic! Apart from Monday, my temper tantrum arose again, washed my kite four times in less than half an hour, off with the helmet and up the beach it went, cracking the peak- looks like I need to buy a new one now!

Saturday night BBQ and entertainment was spot on, thanks again to the crew from Carmarthenshire Land Sailing Club ( CLSC ) for providing a great night. Think I finally hit the hay around 4:30am, sadly I missed the whole of Sunday due to a major hangover- last man standing was done, never to be repeated!