FibreFest 2011

My friend and I went to FibreFest which was at Bicton College in Devon last week.  I was pretty disappointed as to start with as the access for disabled people was terrible.  It was set out across two marquees which would have been fine if it was a flat surface to start with, but it was awful.  The lumps and bumps were terrible and I wouldn’t have been surprised if anyone had fallen over and hurt themselves.  My scooter was have so much trouble getting across the fields that after about an hour it packed up and that was it, dead for the rest of the day.  I happen to talk to another girl who was also in a scooter and it cut out as well so I think it must have been something to do with the terrain.

The organisation was absolutely awful and so bad that we didn’t even pay to get in, no one asked us for any money and to be honest if I had have paid, I’d have been asking for my money back due to the access.  I think there were some very disappointed people leaving and I don’t think they will be going back again.

Hip replacements, helpful hints and tips.

My Mother suggested that it would be a good idea to write down some helpful hints and tips and what to do after of going through a hip replacement. So here goes...

Things you will need to have or do post op.

Half Step.

1. Plastic bag for the car.  You put it on the car seat, sit on it and twist your legs round to get in and out.
2. Lots of grabbers as you won't be able to bend or twist to reach anything.
3. Have everything to hand so you don't have to keep getting up and down.
4. Think about where your bedside table is! I had to put another table in front of my bedside table so I didn’t twist my body round to get my drink, remote etc.
5. Long handled sponge.  You can buy them from the disabled shops but they are cheaper from Poundland/Poundworld, whatever it's called.

Grabbers are very useful!!

6. One of those trays with the polystyrene balls in it, again you can buy them from the disabled shops but they are cheaper from other places.
7. Some straws so you don't have to sit up if you have a drink in bed.
8. Raised toilet seats which should be provided by the hospital.
9. Lots of cushions as it isn't easy to sleep once you get home.
10. The hospital will get you to measure your chair.  It's been the fashion recently to have low furniture I've had to have a rise and recline chair to help me get up.
11. You will also be asked to measure your front door step. I was given a Derby half step by social services as mine is too high.