Porridge for Breakfast, The Ordinary Life of a TTP Survivor

We woke to a beautiful blue sky.  As we drank our early morning cuppa, still in bed, there wasn't a cloud in the sky.  We decided it was too good to miss. Breakfast done, we dressed, made flasks and set off towards Horner Woods.  Its a favourite walking spot.  The woodland is ancient with native trees, the Horner River flows through to the sea, and it's an almost spiritual place that instantly calms and restores you. It was busier today than we've ever seen it.  There were ramblers,  a local group of junior mountain bikers, as well as dog walkers and those who just want to breathe in the fresh air.  I guess were not the only ones that need to be restored.  Horner is a short distance from our home, but the weather can vary considerably.  Sunshine at home doesn't mean sunshine just along the coast.  Maybe it's the hills, the breeze blowing clouds on or off the sea, or just our British weather.   Whatever i...

I've been reminded of Slow Fitness.  I've been reading about it and honestly think it's what I've practiced before.  I did try the Couch to 5k App but it really wasn't for me.  For one thing,  it's very hilly where I live and the App doesn't seem to take any account of that.  Likewise,  the Active 10 App.  Walking briskly along the prom is quite different to climbing a hill.  Or maybe I'm missing something.  I found both frustrating.  Anyhow, I have a step counter and I usually try to walk at least 10,000 steps a day.  I've also read, quite recently,  that 5,000 might be enough, but I prefer more.  10,000 steps is normally about right for me,  I think.  It is just getting out in the fresh air that helps me so much. There are signs of spring if you can look for them.   Often we just look at our feet when walking.   It’s important to look up sometimes, to look forward. ...

I have to admit it!  I'm still feeling slightly under the weather and this is when I begin to get just a little bit anxious.  Before my first TTP episode I was a regular visitor to the GP.  I had so many blood tests and was constantly told all was fine, I was even given a questionnaire about depression.  So now, when I don't feel right, but I'm told all is well, it just rings a tiny alarm bell in the back of my mind. Adamts13 results are in and are really high, that's a good sign, thank goodness.   Blood pressure is sorted and is excellent.   Blood Sugar Test also fine.  So it's probably just me, being anxious and I need to be aware but stay calm.   Plus I need to get out.   I always feel better when I’m out doing something! Yesterday, in an effort to be out and about,  three of us volunteered to help plant some Snowdrops at Dunster Castle.  We weren't sure if this was a half term activity for families,  but we were w...

When we woke up this morning,  it looked like a lovely day!  Believe me, the sky was blue! I had some bits to do indoors,  it was too good not to hang washing out and I had put laundry in the machine yesterday evening.   'Let's walk', we said.  'Let's climb Dunkery', we said.   So while other half went to top up the petrol I packed up the lunch.   It was already clouding over.  We should have known better!  🤔 Dunkery Beacon is 1703 ft above sea level.  Today we chose to drive onto Dunkery Hill, park up to enjoy lunch in our Bongo, and climb the route from the road to the Beacon.  There are other routes that we have walked before, the clouds and the mist put us off today.  No ponies in sight today,  no wildlife at all, but probably a dozen other people out, including children in wellies.  Sometimes you just have to go for it. The path was wet and soggy! Grey clouds were gathering....

After my previous post, about how I like to keep moving, I had a dose of Vertigo!  Definitely no moving here for a couple of days! I woke early and simply rolled over in bed.  It was enough to make my world spin.  I had to wake my other half and ask for help.  To eat my own words, I spent almost the entire day laying perfectly still, in bed, with my head raised on pillows.  To move even an inch bought on extreme nausea.   Thankfully,  over the last couple of days, normal service has been resumed.   Just tired. Thankfully,  I had my blood tested last week and have had no emergency phone calls.  Still waiting on the Adamts 13 test result but its imminent. TTP has crossed my mind and without these tests I would be asking for help and advice.  After 10 years of TTP experience I feel confident.  I hope I'm right.   I've not been far from home though.   A walk down to the town and back home has been enough to...