Woke up quite early today and went straight to the mirror to check up on the progress. My face really is strengthening by the day and I've got quite a lot of movement back in all areas. I still can't puff out and hold air in my mouth or wink independently but the muscles are coming along quite well. My mouth still seems to be a bit numb but the taste buds are gradually coming back to life. Sweet drinks are not tasting as salty as they were so I'm happy about that.

The pain in my head is slightly less of a problem today so I'm going to hold off the painkillers for now and see how things go today although my shoulder seems to be aching a little bit more. So much for 'sleeping on the wrong side' theory I had in mind. Gutted.

The rash seems to be a little worse today and has spread all over my back too and has started to itch. That's the worst part of any kind of rash.. the incessant itch, itch, itch but don't scratch! Hopefully the antivirals will start to run through my system in the next few days and start sorting this out. I suppose the best description for it is good, old fashioned chickenpox. Not the painful adult shingles version but the stupid kiddy virus!

My mum and sister came over today and cheered me up no end. They noticed a huge improvement in the facial paralysis and were relieved at the progress. Once again they came with loads of gifts and food so I'm going to have a good fat few days! Yea right... as if the steroids didn't do enough of that to me already.

Once thing to smile about though. The drunkenness seems to be slowly disappearing but 'slowly' is the keyword. I'm still unstable on my feet and movement is still a little disorientating but the effects aren't as extreme as the past few days.

I have worked steadily on the site again today and been in contact with a local girl who has been affected by illnesses all her life. We have been developing a website for Laura Campbell, a teenager and double amputee who has battled all her life. I should really count myself lucky that what I am going through is temporary but she has coped so well for so long. She has worked quite hard on the content of the site over recent months despite being regularly in and out of hospital and enduring non stop pain. This site is going to be a winner because Laura is going to make it a success.

Her site is marked for LIVE in March after a TV documentary about her. It's going to be hosted on www.amputeesunited.com and should be a great support network for all amputees, especially children.