18th January

No word from the hospital yet regarding my impending operation. My GP seems to think that the orthopaedic ward is full of breaks due to all the snow and ice we have had My foot is causing me a lot of pain now. Even the new orthotics don't help much.

I bought the new buggy (the Silver Bullett !) and it goes up to 4mp on pavements and 8mph (on roads)! Trudy will never keep up with me at that rate. Her legs are short enough now, so don't want to wear them down even shorter! But it will be wonderful to be independent when I've had the op. At least I'll be able to get to the shop and take Trudy for a walk each day.

Retuximab is still working well. CRP down to 'normal' and very little pain (other than my foot).

However, I don't recommend shovelling snow - even if you feel alright. I made the mistake of thinking 'I'll just clear this bit away from the back door... then down the path .... then to the garage door. I was doing so well and it didn't seem too difficult at all. BUT THE NEXT DAY ..... OOOOOO ... did I suffer ?*! The euphoria of being able to do something for myself was long gone by the time I hauled myself out of bed with the aid of my painkillers. Never again!

I've been trying to reduce my steroids over the last year. I've been taking 5mg a day for 16 years. Well after a year and a half, I am now down to 3/3.5mg alternative days. It seems to be taking forever, but I am getting there and intend to do it. They are not good for our bones. I am now borderline osteoporosis due to these dratted things, but it is so easy to rely on them.