What a lovely start to the week. Had a parcel from Julie with photos from their stay. I was quite shocked how my face looks on the photos - still very crooked. It was a bit demoralising but I mustn’t dwell on it. Gotta be positive! Had another surprise parcel & long letter from Claire (a colleague) who sent me some watercolour paints and a pad! I’ll have to give this painting a go now. Also had a sweet letter from one of the children in my class. All these things help me keep me going.

Tiredness: This is the worst week in ages in terms of tiredness. Infact I spent most of Wednesday in bed. That was so demoralising at this stage in the illness. I get up feeling fine then an hour or so later - bumph! It’s like a switch has been flicked. I have decided that my body is being rationed in terms of energy. It is a case of saving it, using small amounts, & finding out you’ve used it all up with frustrating consequences. Saw Dr at end of week & am going to have some blood tests, although he thinks it might be post viral tiredness. Have bought a vitamin & mineral tonic to see if that will help pick me up. Really weary most days this week.

Face: Can see beginnings of smile on the left side of face as mouth is starting to move outwards. Hurray! Eye still watery. Good eye sometimes looks really red when I get up in the mornings. Can do half a sniff on the left too. Have used faced toner for over 3 hrs but have fallen asleep twice with it on. Whoops! Need to be careful I don’t over tire the muscles.

Letter arrived from my doctor who has signed me off work for another 2 months. Phoned Head at school who was very understanding & has suggested that maybe I visit before the end of term. It will be good to see everyone including the children (of course!) It will also help break the ice! People will be able to see how I am (which isn’t so bad now). Then when I return in September I won’t be worrying about that & will be able to focus on the job.

Read some of Janine’s diary. I agree with her entirely that you have to be positive. I can barely see the progress I am making sometimes, it is so gradual but comparing it with the first few weeks & I realise just how well I am actually doing. So don’t give up! Just keep being positive.

Had my first glass of wine this week. (First ever? As if!) It went to my head after just a few sips. (So what’s new?!) Just kidding - I’m not that much of a light-weight! Honest! Just had the one glass though- it was great! It was enough!

Several of my friends & colleagues have read my diary. I am touched that they have taken the time do so. I think it has enabled them to understand more about RHS.