On 13th November, I turned 28. It also means it's been 10 years since I fought my biggest battle of staying alive!! Sounds dramatic, but I literally was trying to stay alive, as I was so so poorly when I was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension.
I don't know whether the last 10 years have flown by, or not, but one thing is that I am full of gratitude to all those that have supported me over the 10 years and got me to where I am today.
A lot of support and help has been from the Royal Brompton Hospital, and yes it was a difficult beginning, emotions were everywhere when I first got diagnosed, but to be honest, I can't fault them because ever since they have been fantastic. They've always been on the end of the phone and they get me in quick if I'm feeling really ill and they have supported me through many parts of my life in the last 10 years! So for that I am every so grateful!
My parents have been amazing and have always supported my decisions over the last 10 years. I am sure my Dad would be very proud of where I have got to today and I know he will be watching over me throughout my life.
My friends have been wonderful too and as you know friendships change as you grow up and you lose friends, but gain new ones and the friendships I have now are the best and I love them all very much. They have been great with me and have seen me through the ups and downs and have always understood if I've had to cancel last minute due to ill health. I couldn't ask for better friendships and they sure know who they are! I have also gained friendships through fighting Pulmonary Hypertension and meeting others with PH and these friendships are just as important to me too.
And finally, the man who became my husband, Terry. Ever since we met in 2014, he has been my rock. He's really helped me through some very difficult PH times and he knows I appreciate everything he does for me. We help and support each other and have a wonderful relationship, we're very lucky to have each other... Thank you Tinder! 😁 And of course I must mention Izzy, our little poodle!
As life goes on and whether or not you are fighting a chronic illness, relationships will change, you will lose friendships/relationships along the way. If people don't want to be in your life, then so be it, you'll probably have a much better life without them! I know that's the case with me, because life is too short to mess around and try and have a relationship with those who don't want one, especially when fighting PH! So enjoy the friendships and relationships you have and make lots of happy memories with those people. They're the people that matter!
PH doesn't have a cure, but I will make sure that my raising awareness will never cease and I hope this new birth year will bring strength, positivity and determination to continue my fight with Pulmonary Hypertension.
I had a wonderful birthday, received some lovely gifts and consumed A LOT of food!!! I went for a yummy lunch with my Mum, Aunt and Cousins and then out again in the evening at Loch Fyne with Terry. The food there was amazing, definitely recommend that place!
Terry and I went to Cadbury World on the Saturday and we had a great time! It was a first experience for both of us. As my health isn't that great at the moment, I spent the whole day in a wheelchair, but we were incredibly surprised at how accessible friendly the whole place was, even going on the little car ride, I could stay in my wheelchair! The staff were very helpful and we couldn't fault our experience. A fab day out and lots of chocolate was eaten.. by Terry! I'm not a chocoholic at all, I like it when I fancy it, but give me an Easter egg and it'll still be sitting there 6 months later...!
Thanks for reading!