HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!!! I am hoping and praying big time that 2012 is going to be a much better year and I for one was glad to see the back of 2011.

Well I know that it has been a long long time since I last blogged and you were probably wondering if I was ever coming back!!!. I ended up taking a much longer break than I had expected which I will try to explain as briefly as I can.

I had my kidney op which went well but ended up being more involved than just removing the stones. He ended up just doing my right hand side and when I went back for my post-op he has decided to leave my right side for the time being unless it gives me any problems. About 3 weeks ago I ended up having another kidney stone flare up on the side which was operated on which was a big shock as I thought that was the whole purpose of the bloody op, grrr!!!. I am leaving it for the time being as I am hoping it was a one off fluke. If I get any more flares I know I will have to get back in touch with the surgeon so finger's crossed.

After the operation I got really sick which ended up being sourced to the Methotrexate injections I was giving myself for my Rheumatoid Arthritis. All of my bloods were all over the place, I couldn't eat and kept being sick. The best thing was was losing over a stone in weight!!!. I know that is a real typical female thing to say lol!. Once I had come off the drug I gradually got better but I am now not on any drugs for my Rheumatoid, just anti-inflammatories, steroids and strong painkillers. I went to see my Rheumatologist just before Christmas and he wants me on another drug trial which I am waiting to hear about at the moment. I have had to go up on my steroids and had joint injections just to try control the RA flare up's in the meantime. I have had another bad weekend and been in bed for most of it hardly being able to walk. I'm feeling a bit better today but still high on the morphine!!!.

Enough health stuff. I do hope that everyone was thoroughly spoilt at Christmas time. I was very lucky with some yummy crafty gear, a printer, some new red and white polka dot kitchen wares, money, CD's, smellies, lots more.........I just want to share these cute pic's of Bert & Simone with their new Christmas baskets;

 JUST COULD NOT RESIST THE POLKA DOTS!!!

Both furbabies were thoroughly spoilt!!!. They got the big red doggy bone mattress too, a lovely fleecy mat and new blankets along with lots of toys and treats. 

So 2012 has kicked off to a good crafty start. I have been having a big craft room spring clean and have had to be really brutal and throw out loads of things I am not using, a big cull!!!. It is not all bad though as what my Mother-in-Law does not want I will donate to the hospice. I have been having a play with some gorgeous new stamps and bits I received for Christmas and even made a Christmas card for the first challenge for our Christmas Card Club (see the side bar for details). I am going to show my cards in some seperate posts so stay tuned.

I do hope everyone remember's me and does not think I have deserted you all!!!. I will pop over to everyone's blogs so bear with me.

With love and big, big hugs Clare xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx