Life in the southern hemisphere

I got back to NZ two weeks ago and this is my first attempt to update the blog, bad I know.

The flight home was long (as usual) and a bit tiring (also usual), it was made challenging by the fact that I had 5 large pieces of baggage and I couldn’t lift a single one of them… the saddest part of this story is that I couldn’t buy any duty free alcohol as I was carted around on a golf cart!

I acquired a walking stick which I used to my advantage, it makes a big difference with injuries like mine when there is something physical for people to see… otherwise they push you around like normal. I got special treatment by the airhostess – they were great! I was also upgraded to business class (which is the only way to travel long distance I am telling you!!!).

It took a few days to recover from that trip when I got home. My energy leaves have been very low and I haven’t been keeping up with communication.

I am definitely improving on the energy front, I am managing to last some days without nana naps most days now and I am definitely more active. I am going to physio. I had my first 10 minute session on an exercycle yesterday and will be doing more today and after New Year I start a rehab programme in the local pool which will help fitness.

Yesterday I went 24 hours without taking any strong pain killers, it wasn't particularly comfortable. The one good thing to come from this accident is that I am lighter than I have been since I was a teenager; I am down to 66kg which means I have lost about 8kg over the last couple of months. Only problem with that is that I will have to carry ballast on my paraglider as I will be too light now.

I have sent my glider away to get fixed, it will still be a few weeks before it is all together and flyable and I am thinking I will be ready for it then. Grant took me for a tandem flight a few days ago. I was a little nervous in the air but that is to be expected. I think I have a healthy regard for the ground at the moment!!!

It is funny being a minor celebrity in the paragliding world, everyone has heard or wants to hear about my crash… shame the celebrity status isn’t for something a bit more impressive or skill related!

More Lucy Happenings

Another week or so has passed and i am still on a rather too slow for my liking recovery (but at least there is progress). I have got to the point where i can walk/sit/hang out for several hours at a time which is nice.
I went for a check up at the hospital on Thursday and got the all clear. My back is healing well, my ribs etc are on target and i am going to have problems in my shoulder/collarbone area for a while yet. I also got the go ahead to fly to Armenia. I had to wait to do so as i had to allow my burst lung to recover fully.

I managed to get through Heathrow airport on Friday and travel to Armenia, where i am now. It is SO nice to be back in Kapan where i have so many friends pleased to see me. I am really glad that i came back. I had a hassle with returning after my accident as the General Manager didn't want me to come back (he made me redundant a month ago...). He wanted my posessions packed up and sent surface to NZ which would have taken 3-4 months.

Anyway after some discussion which didn't go very far (it wasn't actually a discussion if we are honest) he allowed me to return at my own expense and pack up. So, here i am.

I am packing and hanging out with people and convincing them that i am not half dead (i dont know what the rumours were around here but there were obviously poorly informed!). It is the first time in a really long time i have been in Kapan and not been stressed. Work had become extremely stressful over the last few months and i am rather grateful that i dont have to return to that environment.

I am flying back to London on Thursday then flying to NZ on Sunday the 14th Dec.

I am organising dinner on the 12th in London for anyone who is arround and wants to come - so if it isn't too late and you are in london keep the date free!

Take care all
Lucy