Going on holibobs :)

Hiya all.

Hope you are all well. Me, Ulay & Max went to Butlins Minehead this weekend and it was great but hard work.

Thankfully Max's brother in law gave us a lift on Friday - 1 case, 1 large rucksack and two bags packed and we got there. Staff very helpful -in check in. Room was a little dated & plugs not great.

Ulay was awesome but distracted, hundreds of sprigs wanting to see her. 

First night was ribs for dinner & a few drinkers. We left Ulay for the evening so we could hear some music - it was awesome & the guy was a great singer. When we returned - Ulay was a happy girly. 

The second day was Minehead town walk to knacker the girly after a spot of brunch. Naughty madam scavenge red the floor for a croissan.. A telling off given. But she loved the walk, however not able to go on beach.. Boo hiss! 

In the afternoon, the poochus was left so we could go swimming. Butlins pools are amazing - we went on the flukes & mucked about. But, Max nearly shit himself on the Space Bowl (look it up) but I loved it despite plunged upside down in 2metres of water.

The evening was show time - Shaolin Monks and more music. Another great evening was had, the Shaolin are awesome & full of bad assness! 

Sunday, both of us humans were tired so a mornng swim then a chill before a meal out at the Hairy Dog in the town - beef madras for me & crab and lobster burger for the other half. 

Advantages of being a GD owner on holiday  - more assistance, lots of fuss & lots of green areas.

Disadvantages - bring more equipment/supplies, a tired pooch, the fussing & being tied down. Like having a child.

Overall, we had an awesome time but glad to be home & looking forward to the next holiday. This is a brief insight. 

warning : non Guide Dog Post. A bit about me. (part 1)

Hi there.

People have an odd perception of sight loss; they expect sunglasses, comlpletely blind & boring. Others may have other ideas. 

When you tell people what has caused it - they tell me I am a bad diabetic - which isn't true.

My sight loss journey began just over four years ago, I had some low level issues being treated what doctors call mild retinopathy (damage to small vessels in the back of the eye) - I had laser coagulation (this stops or slows blood vessels from leaking), however this treatment can cause issues with peripheral vision & night blindness. 

In 2011, a lot happened. My Dad was diagnosed with extensive oesophageal and stomach cancer the year before, he had chemotherapy and radiotherapy but it did not resolve issues relating to the cancer. My Dad passed away in the Summer - I am thankful I was there. Totally heartbreaking, I still miss him and always will.

Unfortunately, my relationship also broke up. I am fortunate that I can class Stavros as my best friend still - we have a mutual respect that is still strong.

Then I had an accident, I was getting off a bus about 7pm in Autumn and due to the dusk insets, I was swiped by a cyclist leading to a mild concussion. This was my moment that I needed help - I realised I was losing my night vision and peripheral. I was scared & angry.

I have had a lot of issues in reference to getting support and being treated correctly according to the rapid deterioration. Including delays in treatment & pushing for cane training training. 

In early 2013, my right eye had severely deteriorated to from 6/36 (poor vision) to just light perception. I had a series of retinal bleeds leading to a traction of the retina and macula. I was at risk of losing my sight completely - the consultant recommended an operation to sort the damage out called a pars plana vitrectomy but there were delays. I went to Moorfields in the end, was told that there is little chance  of recovery - I went through hell during the weeks leading up to the op and post op - face down positioning for 5 days, post op pain and left only with some light perfection.

My life had changed, I promised my Dad that I would fight every battle & I did. I still will!

My best friend

Imagine losing your sight over four years, mainly from the treatment to save your vision. Yeah, that's me. It's getting worse - I have a vitreous haemorrhage (bleeding in the jelly substance of the eye) & it's causing a few issues on my macula and retina. Keeping a watchful eye and not panicking is difficult.

However, four months ago I met a beautiful black & white beauty who became my Guide Dog. It was a challenging time with training, knowing own limits -health wise, sight wise & even mentally. You are pushed to the limit but it is still worth it. The learning never finishes and it never will.

I was told Ulay may not be suitable for a totally blind person, but yesterday she was my Samaritan - whilst going to the Spar shop near my work, Ulay approached the crossing. I checked after pressing the button that it was safe-I thought it was clear however I then heard a car as I was about to cross; Ulat stood still - this is what they should do & prevented me getting injured.

She got a worthwhile cuddle.

Definitely my best friend.

Back to work

Ulay is better. She is almost at full capacity - she is waggy bust most of all healthy. Funny how you take using a Guide Dog for granted. 

Having returned to use my cane has been a challenge but it has made me think that what was said about my sight loss last week - I am scared & now reliant on others to help me to do the things we all take for granted.

We went back to work today, Ulay on light duties but she was awesome (as usual). I work at the RNIB care home in Burnham on Sea as a receptionist and we had a fete - lots of people & excited kids. Ulay was not phased.

She is currently in her bed, sleeping after a well deserved brush. Back to work tomorrow.

My poorly pooch

Today I had my first non-routine vet appointment for Ulay. We had a busy weekend with my partner's son, Ulay loved it as usual, this also included a free run.

However, this morning Ulay was slow & sleepy - I feel a bad Guide Dog owner as thought she had the hump because of his son leaving. This was not the case - had my first experience of a poorly dog. I took her to work but she was sluggish, peeing loads & very tired. 

One thing with Guide Dogs is the support you get from them right through training & aftercare. I called the welfare officer who told me to keep calm but get her checked by the vet. I called and awaited for the appointment - leaving early from work.

Both my partner & I tried getting fluids in and succeeded in just a few fingers worth. My instincts were right - cystitis; my poor little girl. Antibiotic bolus and a course to complete, rehydration & rest. Meaning no work fo Ulay. So my cane will be my guide for a day or so.

I have become very attached to Ulay and see her like a family member, we'll wishes welcome. 

Disadvantage of a Guide Dog part 1

Getting wet, Ulay is a German Shepherd/retriever mix and loves the rain. And today it was chucking down.

It is always the day that you have lots of jobs to do but I had to use my Guide Dog as my eyes were bad & wanted to tire her out.

We both got soaked, I fell in a pothole from it being flooded - leading me to be extra wet - Ulay was awesome but once we had finished we headed home in a cab in which both Ulay & I we're shivering like crazy. Bloody British weather.

Now I have the smell of Eau de wet dog & just finished warming up. Hey ho!

Introductions

So, if you are reading this - you have an interest or are bored!

Today is my second week of my traineeship, I am a receptionist for a RNIB care home and I really enjoy it - it makes me wonder about my own future in a sightless world though. My job is varied but still waiting for my Access to Work equipment to come so I can do the job properly. 

So far my week has been okay after some bad news in Monday. A little background is to come shortly but I was told that I am losing my remaining sight and whatever treatment offered will worsen it.

There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy; it can be treated by good control, laser therapy & injections to slow the irregular growth. In late stages, operations are sometimes required. 

I digress, I will have to learn daily living skills and mobility skills as a blind person. I am already a Guide a Dog owner can use mobility aids such a long cane with roller.

My blog is going to enlighten some of you into this world, as most people see me as sighted because I use my iPhone, able to travel across country.

Enjoy & please share and comment.