Hi all -
been a while since I posted anything.
We have just been away to France for 2 weeks, really nice break but back to reality with washing and ironing etc.
On the tourettes front fairly uneventful thankfully. First week spent on a small campsite in a caravan which was a bit on the small side - we realise now that the boys need a bit of space so they can get away from each other. The week was very low key activity wise and we were very easy and went with the flow mostly on what the boys wanted to do.Which was back and forth to the pool/bar area and caravan. We went out for the day to a lovely Chateux. Extensive grounds which they have made interesting for children by putting 20 puzzles dotted around. Hard enough that the adults get involved too. Enough interest for the boys for us all to get a nice walk in lovely grounds without them realising they are doing it !
We managed to drag them out for a cycle ride which was a bit of challenge. Joe ticced most of the time, which is slightly dodgy when riding a bike ! He has had a persistent arm flicking tic for weeks now which just doesnt want to go away. He persevered (didnt have much choice really) and we managed a 13K ride and all had numb bums at the end of it. Once we were on the way back Joes tics died down a bit. Joes calf thumping tic has been persistent too. Not much respite for him while away unfortunately.
Bens tics on the other hand have been fairly minimal kept to a few face grimacing tics and toe tapping but all very manageable.
We had one incident with Ben whilst cycling where he spotted a sign ahead that had flashing lights on. Luckily we were on a safe cycle path rather than the road because he had to look at the floor coming up to and passing the sign because he was afraid the flickering lights would trigger his tics. I shouted to him when it was ok to look up again ! Tourettes affects every thing we do in some way or another.
Second week was spent in a house with a pool. It was all lovely and the lounge was nice and cool so the boys retreated there to watch music videos when not outside or in the pool. This gave us some chill down time to sit and read in the garden. Friends came to visit for 3 nights so the boys had some friends to play with.
The house was near a very large forest which had an old fashioned fun park in it with lots of old metal playground equipment which if you are as old as me (50) you will remember from your childhood, along with numerous other random things. you would never get this park in England, it would give the health and safety squad a heart attack !!
The forest also had a 'go ape' area with runs of different heights. Ben managed well until he hurt his elbow getting off a very long zipwire which hurled him into a net. Joe (much to Petes disappointment as he hates heights) managed to do all the runs including the red one which ended up very high, zipwiring down on a snowboard. By this time Pete had had enough, when Joe asked to do the black run the answer was a resounding NO ! 2 1/2 hours up in the trees was enough for him, he was petrified for a lot of the time - thats what I call a dedicated dad !! I meanwhile supervised from ground level :)
So after a days travelling we are home safe and well, all pretty tired. I have noticed the boys tics are pretty constant today, down to tiredness I think.
We have this week to prepare our final bits for secondary next week. Then the appointments start again. OT, Hearing assessment for the hyper sensitivity to noise. Mouthsplint dentist to start again from scratch as they are still not working as we had all hoped. And so it all begins ......
