Busy, busy, busy...

Well it's been an interesting few weeks...

Over the last 6 or so weekends we have been flat out. We have had Peter (my old Drivers Assistant from Invicta Mill) and his family come to stay, the Townsville Airshow (which the US Thunderbirds performed at), James come to stay, The Townsville Kite Festival, The Townsville Grrek Fest, The QR Family Fun Day and finally, Dad's birthday at Wilson Beach... Phew...

Interspersed between these have been numerous specialists and GP's visits to get paperwork and checkups performed as well as bloods, etc...

Dang, it's been busy... Never mind, helps to keep ones mind off things...


One thing I have noticed over the last two weeks or so is the increasing weakness and instability in my legs... I am using my cane for the first time since 2007 (as little as possible) and I seem to need to hold on to things more often... Never mind...

I have now started on Cyclosporin again and will be going back for Infliximab infusions every month. I'm not really looking forward to this as Infliximab is quite a "hot" drug and I tend to have reactions while having the treatment, but if it's going to slow down the progression, then I guess anything will do...

We're still waiting on work to release me; at this point I'm still off on sick leave.

I have handed in the report from my doctors authorizing a disabled parking permit and also for the Disability Pension, but we are waiting on the outcome. Apparently the pension can take a few months, so we won't be holding our breaths for that one...

Well, another busy week ahead with James coming down again tomorrow... He is spending most of his major free time here now, entertaining myself and the girls... It's nice to have my best friend since school take such an interest in spending time...

Well, I'd best go now as the Laptop is about to die...

Cheers and best wishes,
Jason...

It's Final (kind of)...

Howdy...

After discussions with my specialist and work and others, we have finally reached DDay.

I was contacted on Wednesday, telling me that a letter would be available to be collected from the clinics in Townsville today. Not bad timing as I had to return James home anyway...

Kez decided it was her duty to accompany me on the trip for some reason...

Well, I now have the death sentence in my hands. The specialist has said on paper that I will never be able to rejoin the workforce in any capacity. It is an interesting (and slightly depressing) read in that I don't think some of what was written was ever spoken out loud before... At least not in my presence....

With a VERY heavy heart I will be forwarding a copy of the letter to QRN on Monday to get the work side of things wrapped up... I have spoken to the Pring Yard and Crew Supervisor who states (whether it was sincere or not is up for debate) that I will be missed within the depot.

I have also spoke to QRI (the Queensland Railways Institute) which assures me that I will be retained as a member and that I will continue to enjoy ALL of the benefits of membership such as access to the Holiday Units in Coolum and all of the social activities which we have enjoyed as a family (Christmas Trees, Family Days, Etc)... So perhaps all is not lost yet.


If anyone displays interest, perhaps I shall post a transcript of the letter here.

Anyhoo, Cheers for now...

Jason...