What's wrong with me?!
Discussion
Thanks crikey!
I wanted to see about getting a picture of me, mum and brother together holding up a big piece of paper or something with a big "thank you" written on it.... But I'm not sure the 3 of us can get together in time for that to happen.
Less than 3 weeks until I can drive now, really not long. I've got the day off work and in just going to go for a drive for a few hours
I wanted to see about getting a picture of me, mum and brother together holding up a big piece of paper or something with a big "thank you" written on it.... But I'm not sure the 3 of us can get together in time for that to happen.
Less than 3 weeks until I can drive now, really not long. I've got the day off work and in just going to go for a drive for a few hours
crikey said:
I assume Ross left his house at 00:01 and is currently on his 2nd lap of the Uk..... 
Not quite, I did go for a drive but only around 45mins. Wasn't nervous at all...was just like riding a bike! It did feel great to be back behind the wheel again!My physical licence is still yet to arrive though, hopefully will be here tomorrow.
I suppose this just about sums this thread up, in reality. Life if pretty much back to normal, bar a few small deficits I still have.
Once again, I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone on this thread who's helped me get by! You've all been utterly magnificent.
rovermorris999 said:
br d said:
Did you give the old girl a bit of a wake up?
Is that a euphemism?I didn't actually drive too far today as I had a few things to do. I think I drove a total of approx 30 miles max.
It isn't just the actual driving again.... It's more about what it symbolises for me. It's the last big step to normality, the last piece of the puzzle, as it were.... And getting my freedom and independence back. It's a nice feeling to say the least!
Thanks for the kind words everyone! You've been amazing to me!
rovermorris999 said:
Ross, with a more serious hat on, has your experience changed your outlook on life in any way? Although it sounds a bit naff, reading about this sort of thing certainly focusses my mind on what is important in life.
Absolutely, it has. I tend to value my time with my friends and family more (and keep in more regular contact with those close to me, too); I also don't bother with people who don't bother with me....I don't see the point. I don't get as stressed about smaller things any more, and realise that we generally take good health for granted.I have had a bit of a cold and sore throat this last week (which is now almost gone) but, perhaps stupidly, thought...."it hurts when I swallow....but at least I can swallow!"
Is anyone from here going to Sunday Service on 13th December by any chance?
br d said:
Certainly brings a lump to the throat looking at your JG page Ross, so many wonderful, generous people.
If you have time I would love another meet up next year mate, would be a joy to go out for a hoon together (and I wouldn't mind stopping for dinner at that pub again, very nice!).
It really is incredible, it sounds very cliché but I just can't believe it! If you have time I would love another meet up next year mate, would be a joy to go out for a hoon together (and I wouldn't mind stopping for dinner at that pub again, very nice!).
Would definitely be up for meeting up next year, just let me know when you're thinking and we'll definitely sort something out.
So nice to drive the 7 series again! It's very slow compared to your 650S but it is definitely faster than the train or me on my bike! Though I did go for a ride today
superlightr said:
Just found this thread.
So, so so pleased for E65Ross. Pleased you are driving again.
Im sure you will have a fantastic Christmas. Inspirational writing throughout.
Thank you for the kind comments. I'm really looking forward to Christmas this year! December in general will be a great month, I'm sure. Back driving again, my brother is coming to visit soon and we're going out for a meal next weekend, my surgeon Vas would like to meet up for a coffee soon somewhere nearer him, Christmas with the family AT HOME and not in hospital (and I can enjoy a Christmas dinner rather than having to syringe food down me!) and I've also got a week off work between Christmas and new year. It'll be great! So, so so pleased for E65Ross. Pleased you are driving again.
Im sure you will have a fantastic Christmas. Inspirational writing throughout.
Plenty have said I've been inspirational and if they think that then I'm truly touched. I've just tried to remain positive and make the best out of a not-so-great situation. I've been really overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of everyone from this thread, it's been absolutely incredible!
0a said:
E65Ross said:
Physical licence turned up yesterday
It's valid for 3 years and then I have to submit some more forms to basically tell them I'm still no worse etc.
Still, that's ages off yet!
That must feel so good! It's valid for 3 years and then I have to submit some more forms to basically tell them I'm still no worse etc.
Still, that's ages off yet!
It's easy for the rest of us to forget what you've been through (I bet you won't ever though).
Take some photos of the E65 and post them on the barge thread.
Still, just over 3 weeks and you'll be seeing it in person
mikees said:
Just read from the start. Well done mate. If you do another sportive let me know and I'll join you for the same charity. My late wife succumbed to glioblaster Multiform 2 years ago.
Glad you survived.
Mike
Sorry to hear that mate Glad you survived.
Mike
Where are you based?Crikey - if you're reading this could you clarify how the licence renewal process goes? Like you, I'v been given a temporary licence (3 years, mind)....when the time comes, what happens? Do they send the forms to me? If so, and I send them in on time but they take forever to get it sorted (which wouldn't surprise me!!!) is my licence still valid until the process is done? Do they need to write to my surgeons again, or is it just a case of declaring that I haven't declined in health etc?
Many thanks
crikey said:
So sorry to hear that Mike
Ross, they send the forms out 2 months before it's due for renewal (amazingly they actually managed to do this without me chasing them). It took them over 6 months to actually review mine but you can continue to drive while they do this. I kept photocopies of the forms and my license in the car, just in case I got pulled over.
Thanks for this. My concern was that the Licence states an expiry date....Ross, they send the forms out 2 months before it's due for renewal (amazingly they actually managed to do this without me chasing them). It took them over 6 months to actually review mine but you can continue to drive while they do this. I kept photocopies of the forms and my license in the car, just in case I got pulled over.
0a - you have email
CharlesdeGaulle said:
Ross - might it be worth giving the mini-meet a plug here? Would be great if some of those that have shared your journey here could make it.
Thanks very much for your donation CdeG 0a said:
Please sign up here for the 29th December - all welcome, barge or no barge: http://doodle.com/poll/a2w29c55fwpw3kmt#table
The intent is for those so inclined to meet at MB World at 1100 on 29 Dec. The idea came from 0a in the Barge 1-5 thread, but it's more about PH-ers than barges! Ross will be 'guest of honour'! really appreciate it! Look forward to seeing you again in a few weeks! And yes, I'd love it if a few from here could make it!
Guest of honour?
all those who have helped me out over the last 12 months are the honourable ones! I was planning on going to the hospital Friday or this weekend to drop in the chocolates and cards etc but I was desperate to see one of the Dr's who I remembered so well from neuro-icu that I actually phoned up icu today to check if he'd be in on one of those days.... And I actually spoke to him and he's in this Friday.
I said "you probably won't remember me, I'm Ross Fripp, I was there last December and said I'd like to pop in to say hi etc" and he said "I remember you very well, young gentleman with the ependymoma!"
He remembered me straight away!
Looking forward to seeing him, and I'll also pop into the ENT ward and I'll also pop by Mr Grundy's office on the off chance he'll be in there, but I doubt it.
I said "you probably won't remember me, I'm Ross Fripp, I was there last December and said I'd like to pop in to say hi etc" and he said "I remember you very well, young gentleman with the ependymoma!"
He remembered me straight away!
Looking forward to seeing him, and I'll also pop into the ENT ward and I'll also pop by Mr Grundy's office on the off chance he'll be in there, but I doubt it.
Went to the hospital and was lucky enough to see BOTH of the Dr's from icu which was absolutely fantastic! They both remembered me well. I had a 15min chat with them. I also managed to catch Mr Grundy and was chatting to him for about 15mins which was also very nice.
Went to my ENT ward and they loved their card. One of the nurses came up to me immediately and shouted out "hi Ross! You're looking amazing!" and we had a chat for a while. On the card I made for the ward I had a picture on the front with me in the hospital bed, with 5-6 nurses around the bed wearing santa hats etc.
Just by pure coincidence my dad had to go into hospital today as, stupidly, he got an cotton earbud tip stuck in his ear and he got directed to the same ENT ward and he sent me this picture which shows 2 of the nurses holding my card (and they were 2 of the nurses who were in the picture on the card!).... What are the odds of that!
Went to my ENT ward and they loved their card. One of the nurses came up to me immediately and shouted out "hi Ross! You're looking amazing!"
and we had a chat for a while. On the card I made for the ward I had a picture on the front with me in the hospital bed, with 5-6 nurses around the bed wearing santa hats etc. Just by pure coincidence my dad had to go into hospital today as, stupidly, he got an cotton earbud tip stuck in his ear and he got directed to the same ENT ward and he sent me this picture which shows 2 of the nurses holding my card (and they were 2 of the nurses who were in the picture on the card!).... What are the odds of that!
Been a while since I ventured here. Got my follow up MRI scan April 26th, so hoping that'll be clear.
Otherwise..... Not a great deal of news really! Still cycling lots, still, unfortunately, can't run due to the vocal cord issue but I'm enjoying cycling an awful lot which is great!
Cheers
Otherwise..... Not a great deal of news really! Still cycling lots, still, unfortunately, can't run due to the vocal cord issue but I'm enjoying cycling an awful lot which is great!
Cheers
br d said:
Ross! Good to hear from you!
Best of luck on the 26th mate, I'm sure you'll be fine though, fit as a butchers dog.
Still haven't nailed down a date for this sky diving thing me and the OH are doing, we will probably stay in that same place in Basingstoke though so I'll give you a shout and see if we can get together.
Best of luck on the 26th mate, I'm sure you'll be fine though, fit as a butchers dog.
Still haven't nailed down a date for this sky diving thing me and the OH are doing, we will probably stay in that same place in Basingstoke though so I'll give you a shout and see if we can get together.
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