Karate chops…????

It’s five weeks since I left hospital. The day after I came out of hospital, I had enough energy to crack on with painting my bathroom.

A few days later, I went cycling with a friend along the Monsal Trail in Derbyshire’s Peak District – a round trip of around 15 miles in glorious weather. The trail goes through some long dark tunnels and over an old viaduct, with fabulous views over the beautiful surrounding countryside. Needless to say I was very tired that evening, but delighted that I’d had the energy to do it.

Having announced the above activities on Facebook, I was inundated with concern from friends who thought perhaps I ought to be resting more, especially from one friend who’s been through a donor transplant herself, for leukaemia. So I felt I needed to check with Prof the following Thursday at clinic…
“Given what’s going on internally, is it ok for me to be active if I have the energy, or should I be resting?”
His answer: “Activity is fine. Just be sensible.”
So I asked more specifically, to be sure he understood what kinds of activities I meant, “… like painting a room?”
“Yes, painting’s fine.”
“Well, how about cycling?” I asked, just to be sure.
“Oh yes, cycling’s fine.”
Stumped, I asked “What might not be fine…?”
“Karate chops” came his response. Seriously???? Karate chops????

So, now you know… I can’t do karate chops, but I can cycle and paint and…
well, just be sensible!

That has to go down as one of the oddest conversations in my whole medical history.