If I had to use one word to describe 2016 it would be 'roller-coaster'. I went through so many ups and downs, it was a crazy year!
Let's cast our minds all the way back to ...
January 2016 - Was the launch of BBC Body Positive Campaign, which was aiming to motivate, encourage and uplift the mood of those all over social media to be happy with their bodies whatever their shape, size, background, scars, or surgical implants.
I made a video of my life with Cystic Fibrosis which was broadcasted on the BBC website & all social media platforms. I got such a good response, and was so grateful to be a part of it! - bbc.co.uk/sport/get-inspired/bodypositive
February 2016 - Saw me having to go into hospital for my first course of IV's of the year. Although this time it was exciting as I was getting my first portacath fitted! After so many years of long lines not working, picc line trouble and silly cannulas I knew that it was time to get something a little more permanent. I made a Youtube video of my journey so go check that out - My Port - New Beginnings
Also in February I went for a secret interview with the JOLT Trust for a possible exciting adventure!
Moving onto April 2016 - Which sadly wasn't my month! Getting the news that doctors in the lab had found I was growing a horrible infection called Mycobacterium abscessus.
Not only was it a horrible infection, but it needed vigorous and horrible treatment. This meant me going back into hospital to try and start depressing the infection in my lungs. I had an operation called a Broncoscopy, where they took six samples of mucus from the depth of my lungs to send for testing.
This then triggered a 3 week course of horrible IV antibiotics (so thankful I had my port now) which meant meaning having IVs every 8 hours 7am, 3pm & 11pm and an infusion drip at 4pm.
Through nausea, sickness, and overall exhaustion I thought I was finally finished at the beginning of May...
But No! Two days after being discharged I had an allergic drug reaction to one of the multitude of drugs I'd been having. Leaving me in fever the same evening at home & being rushed back into hospital by ambulance that morning.
Back on other IV medication, fluids, creams and antihistamine for another 3 days. The rash had completely covered my body, caused swelling, bruising and I was in so much pain!
After 2 weeks, the rash finally disappeared and I was free to go home.
12th May - I also took part in the craze over the internet called 'The Strawfie Challenge' which was to help spread awareness of Cystic Fibrosis by breathing through a straw for a minute. This is what it has shown to be like living with CF everyday. So many of my friends took part, so I thank you lots xxxx
June 2016 - came around SUPER quickly as I had been chosen to take part in a charity trip of a lifetime called JOLT (journey of a lifetime). Jolt are a charity which aim to achieve all impossibles! Every other year they take 18-21 students aged 16-20 around the world to experience new adventures, places and experiences that they quite possibly wouldn't have been able to on their own. This could have been due to a lose in the family, long term illness, physical or mental disability and everything in between.
I was very fortunate enough to be nominated by my CF consultant and CF nurses at Brighton for the JOLT trip. After writing a letter as to why I think I should be chosen, getting shortlisted, and then an interview. I was picked to be one of the 18 people that got to go!
July 2016 - JOLT took us to Indonesia and Northern Australia for 4 weeks of crazy fun! I faced new challenges along the way, but I feel the trip changed me for life and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to go. I've made friends for life - jolttrust.org.uk
When returning to England in the middle of August I had a brand new outlook on life. I knew my aims, and was happy in my own skin. I knew I could look after myself with all medication and have the confidence to spend a month away from home.
I wrote a blog post about - Tips and tricks to travelling with CF
September 2016 - I knew that when returning back to England from my trip away that I was in need of a tune up. That meaning more IVs just to get my body back in tip top condition. I had just over 2 weeks of treatment but was allowed to finish the course at home. Knowing this was my last admission at Paediatric hospital in Brighton.
End of September 2016 - Had a very exciting call from Mark Warner Holidays! After applying to work for them in 2017, i got an unexpected call asking me if I was able to finish the Summer Season at their resort in Sardinia, being their one and only Fitness Instructor. Well, since knowing I could happily look after myself for 4 weeks travelling I jumped to the idea and said yes!
What an awesome experience. i could put all my skills, knowledge and qualifications to work and teach on a beautiful sandy beach for a job! It was hard work, teaching 5-6 classes a day but I LOVED IT!
Fingers crossed I bag myself a place for 2017....
November 2016 - Came the month that I had to bid farewell and say my goodbyes to the paediatric CF team in Brighton. To myself and mum, they are our second family. The first consultant my mum met in Brighton when I was born, is still my doctor 18 years on. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful team in Brighton, and it was so hard to leave. - Saying Goodbye x
December 2016 - Bought exciting new start to CF life as I had finished my transition to Adult CF care, and was now under Kings College Hospital in London. Mum and I took a visit up there to see the medical ward, meet the rest of the staff, and have a check up before Christmas. I filmed it all and posted a video on my Youtube channel, so go and check it out! - Kings Visit 2016
End of December 2016 - And to top off the year, I was told that the entertainment business that I have previously done dance tours and panto with this year, had chosen Cystic Fibrosis as their chosen charity for 2017! It means so much to me that I have a fantastic support network and people/companies/businesses are going out of their way to help. You ROCK Full Beam Productions!!!! - Fullbeamproductions
So there we have it. That's 2016 wrapped up in a nutshell! What a year, through so many good and bad times, but it is always so important to look on the bright side and find the positives out of bad situations. Thank you to all those who have been with me every step of the way, liked my Facebook page (close to 500 likes!!), commented on my Youtube videos, and chatted with me on Twitter. So much love goes out to you all
What will 2017 bring? Well your just have to wait and see :)
Nicole x
Twitter - www.twitter.com/11nicolee
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