And another week goes by.......

Wow, where is the time going?! 

The last week has been so hectic, mainly for Martin more than me. He is busy doing his production of Hello Dolly this week. But I seem to have been really busy because of it too! I went to see it on Monday and I know I am biased, but it is a great show. And of course Martin is fantastic!! 

It did make me realise how much I miss doing big shows though. I suppose because I know that I would never be able to cope with all the rehearsals, let alone the week of the show, so I know that a big show is out of reach for me now. As a general rule, I don't feel self pity, or feel sorry for myself, but I do feel a little frustrated that something I really love doing has been taken away from me. 

But looking on the positive side. I am involved in some gigs with How Apt. We have one coming up in May, then we have our River Dart trip in August, so there are things to look forward to. And at least I am performing again, in my own special way!!

Work has been interesting this week. I have been able to build myself up and on the whole I am managing my shifts at the moment. Although having said that, I did come home a little early tonight! 

I had an appointment on Monday with an Occupational Health Advisor. One of my managers had organised it for me because he felt it would be good for me to talk to someone and see if there is anything else they can be doing to help me. My manager was worried about me because he knew how much I was struggling with pain. I felt quite chuffed that he had noticed and wanted to do something to help me. That meant a lot. 

We actually had our conversation over the phone, but it was a really productive meeting. She made me feel that at last someone is there looking out for me. She said that they will be looking at trying to help me stay in work for as long as possible. That was just what I wanted to hear because I had been worried that there would come a point where Asda would say that it isn't worth me working there any more. She did say to me that there will come a time where I won't be able to work any more but that they would be there to help me through that. I don't want to think about that yet though! 

I thanked my manager afterwards, because I felt it had been a really positive thing for me to speak to the advisor. It had lifted a weight off my shoulders and I didn't feel like I was alone battling everyone to keep my job. It may only be twelve hours a week but they are an important twelve hours to me. 

As far as the MS goes, I am still struggling with my symptoms. My right side is still numb and I am still experiencing a huge amount of pain. But it always helps to have something planned to look forward to. My holiday, which is now only a week away, has really helped to keep my spirits lifted. That is why, for me, it is important for me to have things in the pipeline. It is the little things that help to win the psychological battle against MS. 

I am like an excited little (or maybe not so little) girl at the moment. Counting down the days until we go away. The thought of the relaxing sound of the canal boats motor as we navigate our way through locks, lift bridges, swing bridges and two aqueducts. It's going to be heaven!!

XxXxX