A Life-Changer Procedure

.Reading time 3 minutes.

I’ve been quiet for a couple of months because I was gearing up for two operations and they ended up being just under a month apart. Then after the second op I got bronchitis which I’m still getting over but I’m much better than I was thanks to some superdooper antibiotics.

Thanks to my Neurologist (and pain specialist) we can manage my nerve pain after he nd him team inserted electrodes in my coccyx and under the skin in my lower back. It’s called a stimulator, I’ve had an occipital nerve stimulator to control headaches for about twelve years now and it works. My Neurologist attempted to insert electrodes into my spine about six years ago. It was extremely traumatic for him and I as I had to be awake for most of the procedure because if he was able to get in, I was to be able to tell him if the stimulation was going down my legs. Unfortunately that time wasn’t meant to be. But I’m wrapped to say this time he was successful and now we can get rid of Mr Zappy (the zapping pain that ran up my left leg), Mr Shitty (sciatica in my right leg) and lower back pain with a remote.

As my Neuro once explained it to me, if you bang your knee and then rub it, your brain will sense the rubbing sensation and forget about the pain. So my occipital nerve stimulator and now spinal stimulator sends electric pulses to the areas and my brain forgets about the pain. For five days I had zappy in one toe due to coughing (we didn’t know I had bloody bronchitis then), so I had a foot massage and until yesterday I didn’t had constant Zappy (one or two here and there but it immediately stopped). Yesterday morning was the first real test as I had two huge zaps. Mum adjusted the stimulator with the remote and I could enjoy an overdue birthday lunch with Nan.

So now we can look forward to the future with myself on less or no medications (I’ve been on a crapload for years and it has made me forgetful and dopey). I might even start interviewing artists again (I’ve had many people say I have to interview “Rob Rob” aka Rob Thomas), but I haven’t decided what’s next for me yet. I’m really interested in website design and social media marketing also. Overseas travelling is one of Mum and my goals, but you need money for that. Haha!

Looking From The Outside

.Reading time 2 minutes.

If you look at me from the outside
You might assume she just sits at her computer achieving nothing,
Looking at my spamsing body
You might be fooled into assuming this,
And I don’t make a contribution to the society…
This couldn’t be further from the truth. ‘

Even though I have had more bad days than good in the past few years,
Until this February I prided myself on being a journalist,
Chasing and organising interviews was my life for over eight years,
People still say, “You have to interview Rob Rob”,
and they’re right.  I will!

I live for holidays with Mum or a friend,
Queensland is our favourite destination,
Because of my little brother and my little niece up there,
But going away with my Bestie is the best fun
He makes me forget about all of my health issues for a while.,
We get up to mischief!

Looking at me you wouldn’t know how I met a musician at one of his gigs,
I struck up Dutch courage and asked my carer to ask him over to our table,
We bonded immediately and for six years we were best mates,
We used to text everyday, sometimes he just wanted to say hi
or chat about things that made us laugh,
And even though he broke my heart in the end,
I don’t regret meeting him,
because he taught me that some people “Just see Jac”.

Being An Adult

.Reading time 4 minutes.

{please read this paragraph sarcastically} Everyone says to themselves when they were little, “I can’t wait to be an adult… I’m going to do this and this!” In my case it was “I’m going to become a journalist and have a family of my own and live independently!” Kiddies, adulthood sometimes doesn’t turn out to be what you wished for. In fact, adulthood sometimes sucks. So kiddies, stay kiddies! Adulthood is not what you think.

When I was little, I had a Cabbage Patch doll called Jeanette and I took her EVERYWHERE. I used to have a bag that Mum made for my communication board and Jeanette used to go in there with her head out of course so she could see everything. She became my baby and at a such an early age, I knew I wanted to be a Mum and believed I would have at least one child. Life hasn’t turned out that way, and this year I’m turning 41, so time has run out. (Unless I meet Mr Right tomorrow….only joking) being a mother won’t be on the cards, and like some women in a similar situation it makes me sad.

I have the upmost respect for mothers. Caring, nurturing and loving a tiny human is the hardest job in the world. As a woman you have the choice to terminate or adopt the child out if you think it’s the time to have a baby, and I respect that. I respect women who choose not to have children at all for whatever reason. I respect and have empathy for mothers whose babies are with them in spirit, you never ever stop being a mother. Step-Mothers are the greatest example of love. They choose to love and parent someone else’s child.

On this blog, I’ve often mentioned my Mum as she’s awesome, beautiful and the strongest woman us four kids know. She keeps on keeping on when times are tough. She loves her children and grandkids and will do anything for them. Thanks to Australia’s flu season this year I had five lots of antibiotics within two months. Finally my chest is clear, but now we’re dealing with something else. I wish I could send Mum on a long holiday with her best friend where they’d have the perfect view of the ocean and a continuous supply of wine! Instead she chooses to stay here, when she could be having a weekend away that us kids gave her for her birthday. Again, being an adult sometimes sucks.

My sister Danielle one Mother’s Day she gave me a little silver angel as she said I look out for the kiddies in our family. And I guess I’m a baby magnet. Whenever a baby or little person is around, my attention goes to them. Earlier this month, Mum and I flew to Queensland to meet the newest member of our family, little Elsie James Rogers from my baby brother and his lovely partner Pia. She was so tiny!

36425022_10156676768367932_5757080893495705600_n.jpg

On Tuesday Mum and I babysit Olivia who’s almost eight months. She’s just learnt to shake her head; it’s so funny to watch. Anyway Mum sat her in her chair on our table in front of me while Mum folded the laundry. I wondered if Olivia would copy me shaking my head. She did! It’s so funny to watch her shake her head, and so heart-warming.

Being A Fur Mum

.Reading time 4 minutes.

Ten days ago we adopted little Frankie from Melbourne’s Lost Dogs Home. One of my sisters Monique (aka Neaky) were going down to adopt ONE cat (but ended up getting two after seeing how this particular kitty had bonded with another kitten), and I had kinda chose another kitten for Mum, looking online.

When I spotted our little Frankie (his name was Franklin, but he’s definitely a Frankie) down the bottom row, in a box all alone, I pointed him out to Mum and the lady placed him on my chest. He soon snuggled in around my shoulders, under my chin and started purring non-stop! He’s got the loudest purr. Then gave me chin kisses with his nose. He did the same thing to one of my nephews Quinn, but to Quinnie’s ear. That was it, we adopted little Frankie! Later Mum said, “You knew!” I answered with a smile.

The previous night I chatted about adopting another cat because we have Shadie (our big black beautiful boy) who’s a Mummy’s boy! Mum spoils him with food as he doesn’t shut up when he’s hungry and Shadie was the man of the house. Poor Roxy (our beautifully-natured dog) came to us almost three years ago ago she hadn’t learned to play. She’s around 13 years-old and she loves company but also gets easily scared. Sometimes when she comes in Shadie chases her to Mum’s room whilst Roxy’s whimpering. Mum’s not a dog person but it turned out Roxy and I bonded. I call her “my girl” and Roxy has turned out to love Frankie, even tolerating Frankie to play with her tail and they give each other kisses. Meanwhile, Shadie is still hisses most times when he walks pass my door as Frankie’s in there. You see, Mum was clever and has put up some mesh in my doorway in the hope Shadie gets over his angst. Not yet! (We have the cap spray that’s supposed to chill your cat…maybe a little! So if you have any tricks to make a seven year-old panther to accept a kitten, e-mail me! (Side note: Shadie’s usually a smoochy, playful and maybe gay gorgeous boy, so he’s not usually a vicious type).

30784312_10156399577392650_1285527261_n

So ever since getting Frankie, he’s been sleeping with me. On the second night he actually climbed between my doona and sheets and slept there. I was so concerned that he would suffocate, I kept waking up to feel him move! I messaged Neaky the next day laughing at myself . Frankie does the sweetest thing sometimes, he curls up right beside my head and sleeps there for halfer,or goes on the other side of me under my arm just to feel my love.30073139_10211965657080390_5703708758926119257_o

I’m a proud part-time Mum of Roxy and Frankie, but still love and deeply care about Shadie. Hell, I was worried he would totally be stressed out by another cat still and am keeping n close eye on him. He’s just being a turd! Haha. I love being responsible of something so tiny though.

Judging and Misconceptions

.Reading time 2 minutes.

For a while I’ve been holding my tongue about we, as a collective society, are so quick to judge someone or groups of people for things they choose or have no choice over. We all look different, have different faiths or belong to a religion, living with illnesses which are either present or naked to the eye.

From what I’ve experienced with living with Cerebral Palsy and since my pain has become a daily thing is some people love to judge with what I’m doing with my life.  I’ve had to make decisions to stop doing things, and they weren’t easy decisions.  Some people may believe I’ve become slack because most days I sit in front of my computer, do a little bit of Facebook, chat to friends and family, listen to an audiobook and after lunch watch Netflix.  I wish my life was completely different at the moment.  I wish I could visit friends and family, but the truth is I don’t have the energy and most importantly I don’t wanna risk a nerve episode (aka pain). So I’m HAPPY with what I do, even though it’s nothing really.

People are so quick to judge these days.  Ultimately peoples’ lives are theirs and if they aren’t hurting you or causing you harm, leave them alone.  Life is a gift and people with disabilities or illnesses know this fully.

Looking For Positives

.Reading time 2 minutes.

Since my gorgeous niece Olivia was born on November 31th, my outlook on life has been altered. She has given me something to look forward to. Each cuddle, each smile and each chat (Aunty Jac is always a favourite for having baby chats with) have enlightened my heart with pure joy. I was able to hold her by myself when she was first born and that was pure bliss.24946074_10156208875292240_1618981512_o

 

About two weeks ago the men of the family demolished Nan’s shower. My sister Monique (Olivia’s Mum) was in the top room transferring “stuff” (for legal reasons I’m calling it “stuff”) onto Nan’s hard drive. Olivia was asleep in her pram beside me and I took great pleasure of keeping a watch over her. At one point, Olivia stirred so I gently put my hand on the edge of her pram and she grabbed my finger with her little fist. I thought “this is heaven”.

 

Many people look at people with severe physical disabilities and may automatically assume “you won’t enjoy watching us doing….because obviously you can’t physically do it.” What they don’t realise, just being included is enough! This year my goal is to take my older nieces and nephews to the park just a few doors down. That’s a huge thing because since my chair accident I don’t drive outside the house because of anxiety and pain.  BUT, I will do it! Watching them play and just being with them will be a huge honour and privilege.
 

 

New Possibilities

.Reading time 5 minutes.

I think when you become a certain age and if you’re finding what you love to do as a profession, you have to force to think “am I enjoying this still? ”

Last month I turned the big 4-0! I feel fortunate to be here. Forty years ago on the 10th of October I fought hard to stay here (or in other words, to be a pain in the arse for those who have made life even more challenging), so I am enjoying living as much as I can.

In year 9, my English teacher said how I would be great at journalism, so that’s what I dreamt and strived to be good at. Now after almost eight years of owning my creation, my baby Gigs ‘n Interviews and close to 250 interviews…I am at the crossroad because of different factors due to my health. I absolutely love meeting lovely people and artists and have made some friends along the way. However, each interview takes me two hours of research and writing up the questions, emails, sometimes catching up answers with agents and then six hours to write up features. That’s eight to ten hours for one interview.

Writing will always be my passion. Hell, yesterday I emailed Bryan Adams’ agent about an interview next year when he tours Australia next year. And I still dream of interviewing Ed K from LIVE and Rob Thomas. But lately I’ve trying to decide the most difficult decision that I know I have to make, but people who know me know how stubborn I am.

Yesterday I received the most beautiful feedback from the artist who I last interviewed, which made me second guess giving up Gigs ‘n Interviews. He said publicly…

            “Now I have done interviews, and then I’ve done truly meaningful interviews.

In initially corresponding with Jacqui James, I had no idea I was speaking with somebody using special eye-detection software to ask me questions. It was only that I learned Jacqui writes children’s books that my interest was sparked enough to learn more of who it was asking the questions.

 

Instead, I was blown out to learn of Jacqui’s strength in the face of adversity. I would say Jacqui faces challenges 99.5% of the population would never know, but that has never stopped her passion for writing, and importantly chasing her dreams. If that’s not inspirational I’m not sure what is.

 In starting this next chapter, I really want to get out of my comfort zone and get a brand-new perspective on things… the people I interact with is a large part of that and I’ve been really humbled by chatting with Jacqui.

 Thanks Again Jacqui!”

So, people like Skotty makes the decision of giving up Gigs ‘n Interviews sooo extremely difficult! If I keep doing Gigs ‘n Interviews, I think I will have to cut back even more, which would be hard for me because I’m a doer. On the hand, if I continue I’m voluntarily allowing myself to be exhausted and in pain after doing everything I have to do for a successful publication of an interview. One of my closest friends said how I have every right to do absolutely nothing due to my current situation. But it’s not within me to do nothing. Don’t get me wrong, on my bad days, I do what I need to do in the mornings, then after lunch I kick back and watch Netflix!

However, I am excited to think of doing my backup plan and that is do websites for people. After finishing Year 12, I took a short course in website design. From there I found the passion for making my own site with Dreamweaver, which I admit was challenging at first but with my good friend Jono on the other end of the internet, who’s a genius and owner of Proton Creative, I designed my first personal site. The fact I’m anal (thanks to Mum), I wouldn’t rest until everything was perfect. Then came WordPress! Jono and I learned as we went to setup Gigs ‘n Interviews.

Who knows what the future holds. I guess sometimes you have to let things go!

The Alien Stare

.Reading time 3 minutes.

I have been hesitant to write this post. This morning I ran it across my good friend and he was shocked to hear what I’m about to tell you.

Two weeks ago coming back from the doctors, Mum left me in the car, while she went into the chemist. My communication device needed to be physically tapped (the specialised software sometimes gets “stuck” behind a Windows program so someone has to press on the program on the task bar for myself to gain control with the eyegaze again, so I was trying to get my hand to touch the screen, which is difficult when you have luque rods in your back).

A mother and girl who looked around ten years-old (maybe even older) came to the car parked next to us. The girl looked at me as I was an alien and stared. I’m used to some kiddies doing this (I understand, they’re curious or it’s just what some kiddies do), but what the parent did was unexcusable! The parent looked at me with disgust.

So I stared back at the parent who continued to look at me. Once the girl was in the car, her gaze was fixed on me. Finally the parent instructed the girl to stop looking at me, but whilst reversing out, the parent continued to stare. I wasn’t well, so I just stared back with a little smile (while thinking two words).

I really hate the thought of children being teased for being a little bit different. My nephew was born with clubbed feet and one working lung. You wouldn’t know this looking at him because he does everything what other kids do! However, sadly he was bullied by older kids and hadn’t said anything until recently. This broke our hearts because Mum and I know how cruel kids are. Some bullying events stay for you forever. Luckily when my sister brought it to the Vice Principal’s attention, the situation was swiftly dealt with.

So if you are a parent or guardian of children of ANY age, please make time to sit down to have a chat with them. Explain how everyone has feelings and it’s not cool to stare and tease someone who looks different.

A Fortnight Of Goodness

.Reading time 4 minutes.

About two months ago my new wheelchair was approved by SWEP, which meant they had their allocated amount of $8,000 to go towards the total amount of $26,680! It was a day of mixed emotions. At that stage the outlook of finding the other $22,680 was very grim because all agencies are crying poor because of the NDIS coming into our region September 2018.

I must admit, the thought of sitting in this uncomfortable chair for another eighteen months to two years sent me into depression, although I hide it very well. I constantly remind myself “there’s always people worse off than you”. I chatted to our dear friend Andrew Brown who has a beautiful daughter who has just finished a year of cancer treatment (Go Hayley…you’re a superstar!) and we were talking about fundraising options to raise the $22,680. I couldn’t go through with it as I told him I had no right to whinge. He said I did because he knows how strong my Mum, sister and I are from a past tragedy. He said I deserve to be comfortable and knew how much I needed the chair to live my life without the fear of jolting my back. I still couldn’t bring myself to setup a crowdfunding page. It’s just not Mum and I.

Mum spoke to a kind woman at DHS explaining our situation. We didn’t really expect to get any money but the lady placed an internal request due to my pain issues and how much pain meds I’m on. She reassured Mum she would do her best.

On Friday, June 23, around 10am, Tony was here assisting me and Mum went out of my room taking a call. As soon she began speaking, I just knew by the way Mum’s voice crackled with emotion. Then I got emotional and excited. Luckily Tony knows me extremely well and we can communicate without my eyegaze system. I pointed to my commode chair then pointed to the bathroom where my wheelchair was. Tony guessed about my new wheelchair and hugged me as tears welled up in my eyes. I couldn’t believe it! I still can’t! DHS said the order was placed that day. So within three months I will be sitting comfortably in my new chair.

Earlier this year I approached Link Magazine about the piece I wrote regarding good and bad workers, I thought the more people in the disability field read something like my article, the more chance peoples’ attitudes might change. The editor asked if I would be interested in writing a piece about Cerebral Palsy instead for their June edition. I was a bit hesitant at first because in my mind Cerebral Palsy isn’t my disability; my neuropathic pain is. So I asked the editor if they wanted a fairy-floss story or a warts and all article. They wanted the second option. When I wrote it, I was in a bad place; my pain was out of control and I couldn’t see my new wheelchair coming anytime soon. However, to my surprise I have received lots of positive feedback from people reading my article.

I wish to thank my Mum who always fights for me in every aspect of my life! Without her, there wouldn’t be a new wheelchair and shower/commode chair (I’ve gained around 5-7kg’s since my surgery last August so I have to squeeze my hips into my commode which I’ve had for many years!)

Will

.Reading time 3 minutes.

Some days I feel like I can conquer the world! Some days I’m all go and do everything I want to achieve.  I remember when I was younger (before everything changed in 2000) thinking I want to walk the length of our then court. I thought “I can totally do it!”. I didn’t, of course but my will was so strong!

Today my Mum was getting her tattoos to celebrate being ten years cancer free! I was with my friend/worker at a shopping centre five minutes away walking distance. I knew it was cold outside, and walking to the tattooist would have bumps, would more than likely cause me pain tomorrow or the next day, but I thought “hell with it!”. So we walked to the tattooist to join one of my sisters to watch Mum getting her tattoos! Ten years ago Mum was brave when she told cancer to f*ck off twice, so some days I remind myself how tough she was and tell myself to “suck it up princess!”

There are some days when I can’t be brave at all. This is when I wake up in pain and my five to six cocktail of meds don’t touch the zapping pain much, until lunch I have an Endone or Panadine Forte because I like to do what I have to in the morning without being clouded (although since January I’ve been on a stronger dose of Lyrica so that’s affecting my mental capabilities which I absolutely hate but as Mum said it’s keeping me sane,) then after lunch I have an Endone and chill for the afternoon.

Chronic pain makes you feel not brave, and sometimes cowardly. Mum and I are planning a trip to the UK next year to travel around Scotland and Ireland (and maybe Italy). While this is very exciting and mind-blowing (as we will be standing on the same road as “Gerry” aka Gerald Butler in Ps. I Love You), on my bad days daunting as I know there will be much pain involved from the flight and beyond.

Some days (most days) I have the attitude “f#ck it” and plan things with caution. I often plan things with limitations, knowing there might be consequences to do the simplest acts. I often have ideas to write a piece or interview questions for artists or catch up with friends, but then remind myself I can’t due to the winter nights or the bumps in the taxi. This is when bravery escapes me and I hate the fact I need to think with caution. This has become my life now and I often wonder what it would be like to have my old life back. However, this is my life now so I’m going to live it!