The 16th of February.  We have a plan. In fact, we have many plans! I got called in pretty much straight away again (I do like the promptness of Andrew's clinic) and first off, he was really very annoyed that I hadn't heard from the compression garment people, so he fired off what I think was a politely passive-aggressive email immediately. I went on to explain how it's affecting my breathing and mental health, and I didn't cry, but I wobbled. He went back into my pictures, and we talked about my contrast allergy again. I showed him the pictures of the rash and he agreed that I cannot have the iodine-based contrast, so we have four other options available: carbon dioxide, which they would watch displace the blood, measuring the pressure in the veins, the gadolinium (the MRI dye they usually use on me) and IVUS, which is intravascular ultrasound, where they put an ultrasound probe inside the vein and get pictures that way. Then it really depends on what they find, but he's going to try to sort it out asap, because he now understands how debilitating it is for me. We have to wait for him to talk to the people who make IVUS because it's not a standard going they have in the hospital. I left feeling much better. 

Then, on the way out, I got a call from the compression garment people! They were very apologetic and asked if I could go there right then, so we turned right back around. I went to the orthotics department and booked in with the receptionist. Again, I was called in super fast, and the nice man took lots of measurements of my arm. He's ordered it today, and has asked them to get it sent out express, so I'm hoping they'll call me back early next week? I have to wear it 24/7, so that will be fun. 

Afterwards, we went back to Andrew to let him know that it had happened, and he was delighted. Polite passive-aggressiveness works!

We went into town so I could get Penny a birthday card, then by the time we got home, I was starving. Lunch was most welcome. Then this afternoon, I watched the series finale of No Offence, and worked more of the complex, fine wool doily. Hand cramp ahoy. 

The 17th of February. 

Well, I have my compression garment. It is not my favourite.

I got a phone call just after eleven from Chris, the guy I saw yesterday. My sleeve was in, when could I go in to collect it? I suggested two o'clock which he was happy with, and I hung up still in shock at how quickly it has happened. 

We went out straight after lunch, and were waiting for a little while but kept amused by the nonsensical rolling news along the bottom of the screen ("Armed with a machine to pick cows up and an angle grinder, man gives cows pedicures." "A nationwide depot search was conducted but the painting was never found." "The club described the player as having a contagious energy and sense of humour which lit up a room."). 

After twenty minutes, he came to get me, and proceeded to fit the sleeve. I do not look forward to us having to do it - it's so much harder than the TED stockings. He said the most common injury in their department is ruptured fingers - dislocated knuckles and torn ligaments from pulling garments up people's limbs. I have to wear it all the time except in the shower. God. 

Once it was on and in the right place, we went into town again to take back a jumper I'd ordered (did not resemble website photo), and I got a different one which will also go back because the arms aren't big enough. 

This evening, I was out at The Old Rep to see Josie Long, supported by Tez Ilyaz. There was little traffic, so I arrived ridiculously early. To fill the time, I got myself a glass of wine and read the little programme Josie had made. When the doors opened, she was doing pre-show karaoke, which was basically her singing along to the Pina Colada song on her phone. Such fun!

She did a bit, then Tez did his bit (which was very good, I am going get tickets from him at Machynlleth), then it was interval time. I had to pee, and on the way to the toilet I saw Malcolm, who I used to hang out with back when I was at school and was one of the photographers at Becky and James' wedding. Then, when I came out, I was recognised by Bryony, a nurse from the QE who I love dearly and haven't seen for ages. Bonus, unexpected chat, so that was an added delight to the evening. 

Josie then came on and did her show, and I just love her. She is such a font of positivity and optimism but also rage, which is what we need when the world feels so terrible. She ended on a high note of an audience sing-a-long to Take That's Never Forget, and as people filed out they all wanted photos and to talk which she gladly took part in, and I climbed up the stairs to the stage so we could catch up. I met Tez, and Josie's boyfriend Johnny, and we talked about the show and Mach. They tidied up the stage, removing all her banners, and we ambled out of stage door where there were still some very dedicated fans waiting. 

I am not looking forward to sleeping with this thing on my arm.