All posts by Fiona Barrett

Circus Show a Day 188

Congratulations RLS you are tonight’s winner! It is an impressive win against strong competition.  We threw everything we had at you but you smashed through them all with flying colours.

Good effort and special mention goes to the following competitors who didn’t stand a chance against RLS:

  • Lavendar essential oil
  • Herbal heat pack
  • Hot shower
  • Leg massage
  • De-stress lavendar and sage eye mask
  • Fresh sheets
  • Luxury pillows

RLS we are in awe of your winning abilities….

Circus Show Day 187

It’s called RLS.  Restless Legs Syndrome.  Approximately 15% of adults suffer from it and it’s one of the symptoms of kidney failure.

Restless Legs Syndrome is pretty much exactly that.  The legs take on a mind of their own and they keep moving.  The syndrome comes in various forms with some people having a burning sensation or ache which can get worse when trying to sleep.  The recommended treatment is massage, hot baths, exercise and lots of sleep.  Which is ironic as my restless legs stop me from sleeping.  Just like tonight.

Tonight my RLS is in a very significant burning form and for me right now RSL stands for “all I want to do is Rip off my Legs Syndrome….”

Circus Show Day 184

My Dad once told me that not matter what he would always love me and he would always be there for me supporting me through anything as long as I didn’t lie or hurt anyone.  But if I lied and if my actions had the intent of hurting someone then he would still love me but he wouldn’t support me.

Looking back over my adult life I believe I have carried the approach my Dad had with me into my own personal life and relationships.  I try my hardest to be the friend that will be by your side no matter what.  I might not always agree with your actions or decisions but I will support you and I will be there no questions asked to pick up the pieces if needed.  I believe it is your life to live and nobody knows what it is like to walk in your shoes.  My job as a friend is to be your support through thick and thin, ups and downs.

However, this hasn’t always worked out in return for me.  Especially over the past eight months I have learnt a lot about relationships.  I have learnt that I can’t be as open or honest as I would like to be with all my friends.  Some friends can deal with an honest answer when they ask “how are you?” but others need you to put on a smile and say “yeah good”.

So reflecting back on what my Dad once told me I think some people around me probably still love me as a friend, but they don’t know how to support me through this.  Or they need to see me progress and get better, my roller coaster journey might just be a bit too much to handle.  And I understand.

Being ill is my burden to carry.  And I am carrying it the best I can.

Circus Show Day 181

Thankyou for always welcoming me with open arms and a smile

Thankyou for letting me cry without question

Thankyou for the warmth of heart and comfort of food

Thankyou for loving me and ignoring me when I’m not at my best

Thankyou for being my comfy couch and cup of tea

Thankyou for still being at my side even when you don’t agree or understand

Thankyou for treating me as your child even though I am an adult

Thankyou for knowing behind my fake smile and bravado act I’m just broken and scared

Thankyou for being you – my Mum

Thankyou Mum from the bottom of my heart xxx

Circus Show Day 180

Tonight is one of those nights.  It’s a night that makes tomorrow even harder.  It’s a night where nothing works and I have no answers or solutions.  It’s a night that makes me want to scream and rip my skin off.  It’s a night where I really don’t want to be me.

2am legs twitching.

3am body spasms.

What do I do?  How can I rest?  How can I make the darkness my friend again?

I crave for a solid night.  I crave for a peaceful night.

This is a nightmare but I am awake.

What was that noise?  Everything sounds loud.

I am hot.  I am cold.

Left.  Right. Front.  Back.  No that hurts.  Front again.

Pillows.  No pillows.  Throw rug.  No throw rug.

Every part of me is screaming.  Every part of me is moving.  Itching.  Angry.

My new norm.

Circus Show Day 179


Eight months ago I was diagnosed with kidney failure.  I still remember the day like it was yesterday.  I remember hearing the words and watching the shake of the head.  I remember the awful sinking feeling as all hope left my body and fear engulfed every part of me.  I couldn’t breathe.  I couldn’t think.  I couldn’t talk.

Even as I recall this memory I’m in tears.  I’m in tears because I now know what follows that diagnosis.  I have been living that diagnosis for the past eight months.  And it has been a crazy journey.  The heartache.  The confusion.  The loss.  I have faced situations that I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.  And I know that for me, my journey isn’t over.  I will be faced with many more situations that will require me to dig deep and not give up.  My journey on this new path has only just begun.

I don’t know what tomorrow will bring.  All I know is that I will do my best to get through it.  I can’t promise I’ll always be the best version of myself.  I will struggle some days and I will let it get to me, even when I know I shouldn’t.  It is a hard daily battle.  But I’m trying and I thank you, my friends and family, for staying at my side even when I am hard to love.  I couldn’t do this without you and I admire and love you for your support and commitment.