Uveitis returns

Just a quick update as yesterday I thought the expedition was going to be over before it began as my Uveitis flared up again.

I was first diagnosed with the condition in my right eye around 4 years ago and it flares up every now and again, prompting a visit to the rather marvelous team at Moorfields Eye hospital. For most of the time it lies dormant and I go on with day to day life.

Every now and again it flares up prompting a series of drops and creams to be taken, starting off hourly and tapering off. During the time that the drops are active I can't wear my contact lenses or see properly out of my right eye as the pupil is dilated to absorb the drugs. (The first time I was diagnosed the drops didn't work which meant I had to have injections into my eye - I'm not ashamed to admit I passed out!). Given that I will need to wear my lenses and see where I am going on The Matterhorn it was a serious problem, however, the timing was lucky in that I will be down to twice a day by then and can apply the drop well before I set off on any given day and last thing at night when I dispose of them.

A very close call, a week later and it would have been over before it began

Out of the mouths of Babes

With just over 4 weeks to go until we fly out to The Matterhorn it's all getting rather serious.

Having said that there was a moment of extreme amusement as well as crudeness at the weekend as Guy, myself and Lily, my daughter walked from Lewes to Alfriston. It was late into a very hot afternoon on the South Downs, with heavy packs and sweaty bodies that after yet another expulsion of wind to dilute the pleasantly cooling sea breeze that Lily asked, "Is that all you two do? Walk and fart!"

Bang to rights she had us!

Better to do that out in the open than in the confines of the tent we were sharing is my only defence.

All in all another good weekend of walking, this time with a very heavy load, tomorrow it's back to the gym!