My diary is finally on-line which is great. Enjoyed reading Barbara’s diary- we’re the “two ladies with a patch”. That reminds me of a conversation I had in Kwik-Save with a 5-6 year old boy a few weeks back. He took one look at me & asked:

“Are you a pirate?”

“Yea!” I replied enthusiastically (having already braced myself for this sort of comment from kids at school).

“Well you don’t look like one!!” (Maybe I need a few more props!) I had to laugh.

While we’re on the subject of patches I have, after several unsuccessful trial runs, finally got into a permanent habit of not wearing patch or tape in bed. The eye is very moist & tears run down my face every so often. I wear the patch whenever I go out now but have stopped using it indoors in order to give my good eye a rest. I hope this is ok. It seems to work. I am sick of looking at the world through one eye! It drives me potty sometimes & certainly doesn’t help my balance!

Having read some of the other diaries I am aware that I have not seen any consultants at all. Just the GP on a couple of occasions & of course my physio. Maybe I will enquire about this. Still I have no major problems. Perhaps I shouldn’t worry.

Still driving a bit but find it hard to concentrate. I notice the change in my face while driving. It feels strained & really heavy, like it does when I’ve been on the computer a while. Left cheek seems to be moving more –can half snarl & very slight movement in corner of mouth when I smile which is a good sign. Still nothing from eye brow or left forehead yet.

I am a bit concerned as I have noticed that my speech seems worse this week. Mum agrees. It’s not as clear. Maybe I’m getting overtired? Legs ache a lot too & I feel quite physically tired. Am beginning to listen to my body now. I’m kind of getting the hang of it.

Found shopping in town bearable but could not face Tesco’s afterwards so sat & had cuppa in their coffee shop while mum went round. After a short sit down I was able to join her.

Have had several heart to hearts with mum this week. I think writing this diary is definitely helping me be more open.