A Fantastic Trip

Although I'm still away our overseas trip is coming to a close and I think it is safe to say that we all had a really great time.  I really think it is amazing how much we managed to pack into our holiday and I have to say I'm looking forward to the end now and returning home.  It is hard to believe that whilst I have been away I have surprised myself with what I have been able to accomplish.

I think that the first thing that has struck me is my stamina.  I noticed this at my fellow CIDPer and HSCT recipient Bob's survivor party when I was able to stand for a long period of time without my stick and more incredibly not looking for a chair.  Prior to my stem cell transplant the best I could have done would have been about ten minutes before I had to sit down.  Now, just the simple act of standing does not bother me.

The second thing I noticed was my ability to walk long distances.  In my travels we have visited Disneyland, Chicago, London and Paris and I have to say that without the use of a car we walked everywhere.  I didn't manage to measure the lengths of my walks but if I was to hazard a guess I would probably say the the maximum distance would have been about 10 kilometres.  I also managed to scale to the top of the Arc de Triomphe which would have been about 300 steps.

But probably my biggest success would have been in the re-ignation of an old time passion of mine.  These days in the UK the country is slowly filling up with indoor ski slopes.  Now it is no comparison to the lavish and vast ski slopes of Europe or America, but for someone in my position it was perfect.  A gentle slope of about 200 metres.  Certainly no where near the challenges I would confront myself with 15 years ago but under the circumstances, probably the most daunting skiing experience I have ever had.

Now I am not in the business of overcoming one medical issue (CIDP) and replacing it with another (like a broken leg).  But it was on my to do list so I wanted to get it done.  So off I went with my brother, an accomplished skier in his own right, to have a crack.  I have to say the first couple of runs were really tough, but the return to form was quite successful and the improvement was substantial by the time our hour was out and it was time to be ushered off the snow.  Saying that the standard I achieved was no where near where it used to be but there will be another time and who know where that will take me?

Anyway, tomorrow we return to Australia after a wonderful and successful trip.  It will be good to be home and hopefully you will hear from me more often once I return.  Until then, stay well:)

Back in Chitown

It is so nice to be here again, and this time without the daunting roadblock of a stem cell transplant to sour the mood.  Actually in is completely different in every way.  There will be appointments and tests, but there will be no nasty treatments and I'm looking forward to it as for once the I am expecting good news!

THe other big difference between this time and last time is that we have the kids with us.  And what would a trip to the USA be without a trip to Disneyland?  We all had a great time and I surprised myself by the amount of walking that I managed to do without getting tired.  We nearly managed to do every ride in both parks.  There is definitely something to be said about going outside of the US school holidays as queue times were down and the streets weren't so busy.

The highlight for me would of had to be radiator springs.  It look just like the movie and you seriously would have thought you were there if it wasn't for all the people.  I have to say that Disney Land is the best theme park I have ever been to and even after 57 years of operation.  Disney, I take my hat off to you.  But there was one thing that bugged me.

Now I expect this to be a little controversial, so here goes.  First, I do believe that people have the right to choose their own lifestyle and eat what they like and indulge in their own vices etc.  I also think that all people should have the right to medical attention whether they contribute to their condition or not.  But it should not entitle you to more than anyone else.

So what happened?  We were standing in the queue when two obese people, who would not have been older than 30 pulled up in their scooters, got off, entered through the exit gate jumping the queue and got straight on the ride.  Now I'm all for these people being assisted, but when someone who clearly does not take care of themselves gets to jump the queue ahead of everyone else I think that is wrong.  Did I also mention they stank of stale cigarette smoke?  I know a heap of people that have been hit with a crippling disease simply because of bad luck and no fault of their own and almost feel too proud or guilty to jump the queue.

I feel that the queue jumping exception was created to help the unfortunate and others now simply take advantage of it.  I'm reminded of an episode of the Simpsons where Homer puts on a pile of weight so he can claim disability and work from home exposing a loophole in the system.  It also saddens me to see so many people with uncontrollable disabilities who try their absolute hardest to get better and can't.  these other people don't seem to care and in fact are rewarded for their laziness.

However, like I said, it bugs me.  Next time hopefully I will be reporting good news to you from my Chicago followup.  Until then, stay well:)