I did it :)
The weeks leading up to the run were hard with my epilepsy medication mix up. I missed the Bridge to Brisbane due to the medication mix up so I was pretty unhappy about that. I wasn't able to train at all for this run until the day before. I also had a seizure that day so things were still not ideal.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
1 Year 7 months
I have been a bit slow getting this one up. Sunday was 19 months post op so I'm only a couple of days late.
School has been going really well. I have asked to do and extra unit which will knock off one of the core units for a Cert IV or Diploma. I now know I CAN do this. I was a bit terrified that I would not be able to remember anything long enough to make it through this dual cert and that by the time assessment came around I would have forgotten everything. As it turns out my problem has been stopping and taking time out.
School has been going really well. I have asked to do and extra unit which will knock off one of the core units for a Cert IV or Diploma. I now know I CAN do this. I was a bit terrified that I would not be able to remember anything long enough to make it through this dual cert and that by the time assessment came around I would have forgotten everything. As it turns out my problem has been stopping and taking time out.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The things we don't expect
I woke up extra early the morning of the Bridge to Brisbane with an excruciating headache. I went back to sleep for another 30 minutes in the hope that it would be gone when I woke up. It was still there so I had to pull out of the B2B. I got up, had breakfast and my medication and went straight back to bed. Three hours later I woke up and STILL had the vile headache. I spent the rest of the day on the couch watching Stargate and popping painkillers.
Monday morning it was still there so I went to TAFE anyway. Still there all week so I made an appointment with my GP. After 3 days of screaming head pain I was starting to wonder if my tumour was growing back. Fast forward to Monday this week. Still had a screaming headache! I went to see my GP and through chance we discovered that the pharmacy had given me a lower strength dose of my anti-epileptic medication. So I had been taking 10% of my normal dose since August 23rd.
I now have the right medication and am slowly ramping back up to my original dose. It will take a few weeks to get back to "normal". Meanwhile I have the twilight Bay run on the 22nd. I saw my physio yesterday and had a seizure while I was there so I have been banned from long walks on my own, no running, and I can only use the treadmill if i have someone to baby sit me. VERY FRUSTRATING. So until the medication starts working again I have a vile headache and am very much restricted. I have more school and am hoping that it doesn't interfere too much.
Today I went and saw the pharmacist who was horrified and extremely apologetic about the whole thing. I did point out that had I been driving when I had the first seizure people could have died. Consequently I now have a box of my proper medication and my scripts updated.
Tomorrow I have to finish off the blood test I started this morning and then make appointments with my new neurologist and the Logan Heart Centre. Ah life when did you get so busy?
I hope you are all well and happy ♥
Monday morning it was still there so I went to TAFE anyway. Still there all week so I made an appointment with my GP. After 3 days of screaming head pain I was starting to wonder if my tumour was growing back. Fast forward to Monday this week. Still had a screaming headache! I went to see my GP and through chance we discovered that the pharmacy had given me a lower strength dose of my anti-epileptic medication. So I had been taking 10% of my normal dose since August 23rd.
I now have the right medication and am slowly ramping back up to my original dose. It will take a few weeks to get back to "normal". Meanwhile I have the twilight Bay run on the 22nd. I saw my physio yesterday and had a seizure while I was there so I have been banned from long walks on my own, no running, and I can only use the treadmill if i have someone to baby sit me. VERY FRUSTRATING. So until the medication starts working again I have a vile headache and am very much restricted. I have more school and am hoping that it doesn't interfere too much.
Today I went and saw the pharmacist who was horrified and extremely apologetic about the whole thing. I did point out that had I been driving when I had the first seizure people could have died. Consequently I now have a box of my proper medication and my scripts updated.
Tomorrow I have to finish off the blood test I started this morning and then make appointments with my new neurologist and the Logan Heart Centre. Ah life when did you get so busy?
I hope you are all well and happy ♥
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Craziness continues
This coming weekend is the Bridge to Brisbane! I will be raising funds for the Brain Foundation again http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/julia_robertson_4 for this one, there is however a bit of a twist.
This year they are running a "Hero Time" which means for every dollar raised they take 1 second off your Hero Time. The Hero Time is your race time minus the bonus seconds awarded for your fundraising. I will have until midday Friday 31st of August to raise as much money as I can to count towards my "Hero Time"more information here http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/event/b2b2012/hero_time
I have also signed up for the Twilight Bay Run http://www.intrainingevents.com.au/default.asp?contentID=4 September 22!
I signed up for the Light the Night walk for the Leukaemia Foundation http://my.leukaemiafoundation.
November 3/4 I am also doing the Relay for Life with my family for the Cancer Council. http://qld.
Updates from my last post,
School is going incredibly well :) In one class I have started on one of next terms subjects because I have completed all the subject in that class for this term. I hope to have another 3 signed off by the end of next week. One of my teachers is trying to talk me into doing the Diploma next year.
OH! I made my first Photographic sale EVER as well. Redbubble is AWESOME. Thank you my friend you know who you are ♥
On Friday my husband and I celebrated our 16th Wedding anniversary. We went out with our youngest son for dinner and had a lovely quiet night as a family. Through four children, the loss of our 5th, a granddaughter, serious illness and deaths in the family we have managed to hold on to each other and stay afloat. I have people tell me I am amazing for getting through what I have, truth is I would never have been able to do it without the support of my incredible Husband.
Have fun, be safe and enjoy life!
This year they are running a "Hero Time" which means for every dollar raised they take 1 second off your Hero Time. The Hero Time is your race time minus the bonus seconds awarded for your fundraising. I will have until midday Friday 31st of August to raise as much money as I can to count towards my "Hero Time"more information here http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/event/b2b2012/hero_time
I have also signed up for the Twilight Bay Run http://www.intrainingevents.com.au/default.asp?contentID=4 September 22!
I signed up for the Light the Night walk for the Leukaemia Foundation http://my.leukaemiafoundation.
November 3/4 I am also doing the Relay for Life with my family for the Cancer Council. http://qld.
Updates from my last post,
- We raised $350 for Ashley's brain surgery. She had her surgery and is now recovering well.
- We collected 3790 signatures for Peregian Originals and have submitted them to council. It wasn't the outcome we hoped for but at least they haven't cut the event in half.
School is going incredibly well :) In one class I have started on one of next terms subjects because I have completed all the subject in that class for this term. I hope to have another 3 signed off by the end of next week. One of my teachers is trying to talk me into doing the Diploma next year.
OH! I made my first Photographic sale EVER as well. Redbubble is AWESOME. Thank you my friend you know who you are ♥
On Friday my husband and I celebrated our 16th Wedding anniversary. We went out with our youngest son for dinner and had a lovely quiet night as a family. Through four children, the loss of our 5th, a granddaughter, serious illness and deaths in the family we have managed to hold on to each other and stay afloat. I have people tell me I am amazing for getting through what I have, truth is I would never have been able to do it without the support of my incredible Husband.
Have fun, be safe and enjoy life!
Thursday, August 16, 2012
1 year 6 months
A big post this time! 18 months was the first "you will be back to normal" markers. I had a wonderful day out with Markham on Tuesday and he said he has noticed the difference in me between how I was at the Brisbane Google+ Photo walk, my last trip to Sydney and now. I am more myself and I have to say I really am feeling "better/normal".
I have been doing really well at TAFE and am really enjoying it. One of my teachers has asked me to do a Diploma when I have finished this course. That was a huge shot in the arm for my confidence in my shiny new brain.
As per my post (2 posts ago) I participated in the Brisbane Running Festival and achieved and new personal best. I raised $170 for the Brain Foundation. Again a huge thank you to my husband for support me and to the Fletcher family for including me.
I have signed up for the Bridge to Brisbane on September 2nd. My race number arrived in yesterdays mail. I will be raising funds for the Brain Foundation again http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/julia_robertson_4 for this one, there is however a bit of a twist.
This year they are running a "Hero Time" which means for every dollar raised they take 1 second off your Hero Time. The Hero Time is your race time minus the bonus seconds awarded for your fundraising. I will have until midday Friday 31st of August to raise as much money as I can to count towards my "Hero Time"more information here http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/event/b2b2012/hero_time
I delivered the canvas to my neurosurgeons office yesterday afternoon. He won't be in til next week so his secretary has put it in his room for when he gets back
When I got to the hospital I had that sinking feeling and started getting really nervous... I have big issues with making appointments for Doctors since my surgery. After I dropped the canvas off I walked out of the office and burst into tears and shaking... Hello panic attack! We had a cup of tea and waited til the worst of the sobbing had stopped and then left the hospital. I am so glad I had my friend Alonya with me or I would still be there falling apart.
I am so incredibly grateful this man saved my life. I would have been dead at least 6 months ago if he didn't agree to the surgery. what a massive emotional thing it was to do this yesterday. I think if he had been there I would have been an even bigger puddle of uselessness.
Charlie Teo is not just an amazing surgeon, he is also an amazing person who makes you feel safe and cared for. He truly cares about his patients and treats them like family. I am forever in his debt for saving my life and giving me hope. I was running out of time when he performed my brain surgery.
Meanwhile Peregian Originals needs your help and support!
I have been doing really well at TAFE and am really enjoying it. One of my teachers has asked me to do a Diploma when I have finished this course. That was a huge shot in the arm for my confidence in my shiny new brain.
As per my post (2 posts ago) I participated in the Brisbane Running Festival and achieved and new personal best. I raised $170 for the Brain Foundation. Again a huge thank you to my husband for support me and to the Fletcher family for including me.
I have signed up for the Bridge to Brisbane on September 2nd. My race number arrived in yesterdays mail. I will be raising funds for the Brain Foundation again http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/julia_robertson_4 for this one, there is however a bit of a twist.
This year they are running a "Hero Time" which means for every dollar raised they take 1 second off your Hero Time. The Hero Time is your race time minus the bonus seconds awarded for your fundraising. I will have until midday Friday 31st of August to raise as much money as I can to count towards my "Hero Time"more information here http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/event/b2b2012/hero_time
I delivered the canvas to my neurosurgeons office yesterday afternoon. He won't be in til next week so his secretary has put it in his room for when he gets back
When I got to the hospital I had that sinking feeling and started getting really nervous... I have big issues with making appointments for Doctors since my surgery. After I dropped the canvas off I walked out of the office and burst into tears and shaking... Hello panic attack! We had a cup of tea and waited til the worst of the sobbing had stopped and then left the hospital. I am so glad I had my friend Alonya with me or I would still be there falling apart.
I am so incredibly grateful this man saved my life. I would have been dead at least 6 months ago if he didn't agree to the surgery. what a massive emotional thing it was to do this yesterday. I think if he had been there I would have been an even bigger puddle of uselessness.
Charlie Teo is not just an amazing surgeon, he is also an amazing person who makes you feel safe and cared for. He truly cares about his patients and treats them like family. I am forever in his debt for saving my life and giving me hope. I was running out of time when he performed my brain surgery.
Meanwhile Peregian Originals needs your help and support!
"The recommendation to reduce Peregian Originals to a maximum of 12 concerts per year (weather permitting) will lead to the destruction of event. The proposal has been developed without consultation with event organisers and disregards the wishes of a vast majority. Peregian Originals is a major feature of Peregian Beach's cultural identity and contributes significantly to the area's economy. In addition to destroying a nationally recognised 'whole community' cultural event with a 12-year history the loss of Peregian Originals will adversely affect Peregian Beach as a whole, resulting in the probable demise of the Peregian Beach Surf Club and local job losses."
If you would like to help save this iconic event please sign the petition located here
If you want to help out someone incredible deserving and in need let me introduce you to Ashley Chaffee. She is going to have brain surgery on the 20th of this month. They found her brain tumour when she had a scan after being physically abused by her ex partner. Ashley is a single mother of a wonderful little 6 year old boy. Her only income is from her curent job nd after she has her surgery her medical leave will run out well before her recovery time. She has no other financial support and needs all the help she can get. If you can spare $1 or more, please donate it to Ashley here
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Why the Brain Foundation?
This is just a tiny bit of why I have been and am raising funds for the Brain Foundation in the last event I ran in and the Bridge to Brisbane next month.
During the past seven years, the Brain Foundation has contributed over $3,000,000 to fund research by neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroscientists in the following areas:
Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia
Brain Tumour
Deafness
Epilepsy (affects more 45,000 Australians)
Head Injury
Hydrocephalus
Migraine (affects more than two million Australians)
Motor Neurone Disease
Muscle Disease
Muscular Dystrophy
Various aspects of neurosurgery
Parkinson’s Disease (affects more than 35,000 Australians)
Peripheral Nerve Disease
Renal failure
Stroke (40,000 Australians annually suffer a stroke)
Vertigo, balance and Meniere’s Disease.
These disorders alone affect more than 2.5 million Australians, ranging from the very young to the very old. The ones in blue are the ones that I or members of my family have been effected by.
Brain Foundation grants have been awarded to researchers working in many institutions in all Australian States and Territories including:
Alfred Hospital
Australian National University
Children' s Hospital at Westmead
Concord Hospital
Flinders University
Garvan Institute
Gosford Hospital
Griffith University
Hornsby Hospital
Howard Florey Institute
John Hunter Hospital
Mental Health Research Institute
Menzies Research Institute
Monash University
Neuroscience Research Australia
New Children’s Hospital
NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre
Prince of Wales Hospital
Royal Children's Hospital
Royal Hobart Hospital
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal North Shore Hospital
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney
Sydney Children’s Hospital
University of Adelaide
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
University of Tasmania
University of Western Australia
Westmead Hospital
If you would like to help me help them than please click here
You can find out more about the Brain Foundation here
During the past seven years, the Brain Foundation has contributed over $3,000,000 to fund research by neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroscientists in the following areas:
Alzheimer’s Disease and other forms of dementia
Brain Tumour
Deafness
Epilepsy (affects more 45,000 Australians)
Head Injury
Hydrocephalus
Migraine (affects more than two million Australians)
Motor Neurone Disease
Muscle Disease
Muscular Dystrophy
Various aspects of neurosurgery
Parkinson’s Disease (affects more than 35,000 Australians)
Peripheral Nerve Disease
Renal failure
Stroke (40,000 Australians annually suffer a stroke)
Vertigo, balance and Meniere’s Disease.
These disorders alone affect more than 2.5 million Australians, ranging from the very young to the very old. The ones in blue are the ones that I or members of my family have been effected by.
Brain Foundation grants have been awarded to researchers working in many institutions in all Australian States and Territories including:
Alfred Hospital
Australian National University
Children' s Hospital at Westmead
Concord Hospital
Flinders University
Garvan Institute
Gosford Hospital
Griffith University
Hornsby Hospital
Howard Florey Institute
John Hunter Hospital
Mental Health Research Institute
Menzies Research Institute
Monash University
Neuroscience Research Australia
New Children’s Hospital
NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre
Prince of Wales Hospital
Royal Children's Hospital
Royal Hobart Hospital
Royal Melbourne Hospital
Royal North Shore Hospital
Royal Prince Alfred Hospital
Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital
St Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney
Sydney Children’s Hospital
University of Adelaide
University of Melbourne
University of New South Wales
University of Queensland
University of Sydney
University of Tasmania
University of Western Australia
Westmead Hospital
If you would like to help me help them than please click here
You can find out more about the Brain Foundation here
Running!
On August 5th I took part in the Brisbane Running Festival. I made a new PB of 42:55. While certainly not the fastest on the day or ever its MY best so far :) My awesome husband came to support me and it was fantastic to run with the Fletcher family. I raised $170 for the Brain Foundation which was fantastic!
I did a weeny bit of damage to my hip which I am seeing the physio about today. It will all be fine though :)
I have signed up for the Bridge to Brisbane on September 2nd. My race number arrived in yesterdays mail. I will be raising funds for the Brain Foundation again http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/julia_robertson_4 for this one, there is however a bit of a twist.
This year they are running a "Hero Time" which means for every dollar raised they take 1 second off your Hero Time. The Hero Time is your race time minus the bonus seconds awarded for your fundraising. I will have until midday Friday 31st of August to raise as much money as I can to count towards my "Hero Time"more information here http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/event/b2b2012/hero_time
I'll be updating my blog for my 18 month brainaversary from Sydney this time. The wonderful Alonya and Rick are having me back for another week ♥
I did a weeny bit of damage to my hip which I am seeing the physio about today. It will all be fine though :)
I have signed up for the Bridge to Brisbane on September 2nd. My race number arrived in yesterdays mail. I will be raising funds for the Brain Foundation again http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/julia_robertson_4 for this one, there is however a bit of a twist.
This year they are running a "Hero Time" which means for every dollar raised they take 1 second off your Hero Time. The Hero Time is your race time minus the bonus seconds awarded for your fundraising. I will have until midday Friday 31st of August to raise as much money as I can to count towards my "Hero Time"more information here http://fundraise.bridgetobrisbane.com.au/event/b2b2012/hero_time
I'll be updating my blog for my 18 month brainaversary from Sydney this time. The wonderful Alonya and Rick are having me back for another week ♥