I cannot remember much about today apart from my visit to the surgery. How I got there I don’t know. Well with mum’s support! Sitting in the waiting room was the hardest bit. Don’t know how I stayed upright. The Dr was very considerate (apart from making me go all the way down there!) and told me that the type of shingles I had was called Ramsay Hunt Syndrome. He told me I would find lots of information about it on the internet. That is something I really cannot face yet gazing into a computer screen, although I do want to find out more about RHS. He warned me that there was no guarantee my face would return to 100% full use. This all seemed a bit unreal but I was not entirely surprised. He asked a student doctor to come and have a look at me. It was the first case that the experienced Dr had diagnosed. Signed me off work for 3 weeks to begin with. (I really thought I’d be back at work in 3 weeks!! HA!) It was mum who explained that this was just a stepping stone & I would probably not be back for a while. Had my first proper meal tonight (a small portion though!) It was delicious and so good to eat something more substantial.

Had several visitors today, which was great - Julie, Charlotte & Alison (all friends from school). I’m amazed how people have risked their own health to come and see me. I don’t know whether RHS is contagious yet (apparently the blisters can be if in contact with them but I don’t recall anyone sticking their fingers in my ear!). Mum started packing some things for Wales. Sounds a good idea with all the noise coming from next door. Really wanted to watch some of the Six Nations rugby this afternoon but could not sit down stairs for more than 5 mins. I must be ill! Appetite is really improving. Eating lots of fruit too.

Blisters in ear have started to scab so it feels a bit crusty! Not a good day for sitting up long.

Off to Wales we go! Ugh! What a horrendous journey. I just didn’t know where to put myself. I couldn’t get comfortable. Got really irritable and then, overwhelmed with tiredness I started to sink into a reasonably comfortable position. Stopped at service station for drink. Mum had to hold onto me while we went in search of loos. Every step was slow and wobbly. I had no balance and I found steps and slopes hard to judge because my one eye was covered. Had an ice cold lolly not drinking tea yet (I must be ill!) Drove on. Stopped at next services for lunch. Had a soup inside but could barely sit up straight. Eventually arrived in Wales about 5pm ish. At long last! Went straight to bed for a rest.

Mum was at college all day Monday so my Aunt came round to heat some soup up. I think she was a bit stunned. Spent most of the rest of the week in bed. Only getting out occasionally for 20-30mins. Mum started back at work and so I often had breakfast at 7am before she left and then went back to sleep. Kept in touch with friends and colleagues by phoning or texting. Still dribbling a lot when eating & drinking so need a huge supply of tissues. My speech is noticeably different & this can be frustrating when on the phone. I cannot say Ps, Bs, Fs & Ws very well. When people ask me to spell mum’s address it’s a nightmare especially the postcode! But I have to try not to get angry with myself & to just be calm & accept it for now. I am trying! Balance has still been dodgy when I have got out of bed. Can’t manage to sit up for very long but it is improving. Have managed to cope with showering but feel knackered afterwards. Who’d have thought such an every day task could be so exhausting? Sweating a lot at night. Wake up drenched must be fever?

Aunt offered to get some story tapes from library as I still find reading makes me feel groggy.