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📕Define - Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 📕⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The reasons for PTSD can be multiple and varied and not all people struggle with the same symptoms.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With PTSD associated with illness, such as CF or transplant surgery, often symptoms are even harder to diagnose or establish as they overlap with side effects of medications.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Someone with PTSD often relives the traumatic event through nightmares and flashbacks, and may experience feelings of isolation, irritability and guilt. They may also have problems sleeping, such as insomnia, and find concentrating difficult. In other cases the symptoms may not be so obvious, it may be that subconscious triggers cause panic or fear both physically or psychologically which relates to a past experience in some way, however ambiguous.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It can be something that effects someone a lot or a little and is so personal to each and every individual. PTSD can happen sometimes immediately after a significant event or in other cases develop after weeks, months or years, often when the physical dangers and effects lessen and a patient has the opportunity to reflect. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ There are a number of ways PTSD can be treated - it may be something you have to ask for support for, possibly repeatedly, as it doesn’t always fall within the obvious clinical reviews and monitoring. PTSD is in no way weakness or silly and it’s well worth seeking support and taking any help you can get as despite the fact it may sometimes seem easier is definitely not better just to accept or get on with it and try to deal with it alone ♥️

Cous cous is something I love and another staple in our house 🍴⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I love it can be ready in 2 minutes, is easy to cook (I normally do it in a mug with stock, water, seasoning), so versatile, a vehicle for flavour, a great soaker of sauces and super cheap.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 with goats cheese (pasteurised and rindless), bacon, red onion and all the herbs ♥️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s your favourite way to eat it?

♥️🌎COMPETITION🌏♥️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While I may not be perfect at it and I am definitely still learning I think in today’s world it is important that we try and all do our little bit to be more eco conscious and environmentally aware.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve been trying out a few ways I can do this, without any compromise to my health or safety, and have found some brilliant products that make it easy and delicious.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Incredibly generously some of these guys have offered to team together to create an awesome giveaway - full of some really innovative products for one lucky winner to try.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ To enter all you have to do is:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌍 Make sure you’re following @nowwhatcanieat.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌎 Give those involved in the giveaway a follow too:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @chewsygum⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @chicpfood⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @dashdrinks⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @getcotchel⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @greentulipuk⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @herdbagslondon⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @nuddyofficial⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @one.gb⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @seachipsuk⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @sparesnacks⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @themetalstraw⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ @yourshonline⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🌏Like this post and share as a comment below one easy change or move that will be positive for our planet you promise to make if you win (and ideally even if you don’t)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ *Competition will close at 11.59pm on the 3rd July and the winner, picked using a random generator, announced the next day*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ *Winners will have 24 hours to provide their details for delivery of the prize*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ *UK entries only this time I’m afraid!*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #ad - the brands above have kindly donated product for this giveaway

Hungry? Tempted by the @marmite spaghetti? DO IT TONIGHT! It’s ready in 10 minutes tops and you definitely won’t regret it (soz if you do)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Marmite spaghetti 🍴 - for 2⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Ingredients⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •200g dried spaghetti ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •40g butter ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •2 tsp Marmite ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •Freshly grated Parmesan (or other hard sharp) cheese, to serve⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Method⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •Cook the spaghetti according to the packet instructions.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •When the pasta is almost cooked, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the Marmite and a small splash of the pasta water, mixing thoroughly to dissolve.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •Reserve a cup of pasta water; then drain the pasta and pour the Marmite mixture over the drained spaghetti add a little of the pasta water.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ •Serve with LOADS of grated parmesan cheese.

So #cysticfibrosisweek is coming to a close. While I am lucky enough to be here today, thanks to my donor, despite Cystic Fibrosis I wanted to ask people just to spare a minute while you’re scrolling Instagram to think about all those who weren’t as lucky. Those not eligible for transplant, those who died waiting, those who’s transplants didn’t last and anyone else who has lost their battle with Cystic Fibrosis too soon 💛 ...you can help though, if you haven’t already please think about your views on organ donation and share them so if the worst happens someone can ensure you’re wishes are honoured and maybe you could save some of the thousands of people on the UKs transplant lists.

Getting your bake on this weekend?! 🍪🧁♥️ Baking for me is often the ultimate escape and stress reliever... 👩🏻‍🍳 enough concentration and accuracy needed to be a good distraction, the chance to think methodically and forget other stresses and the added bonus of something sweet at the end so if your still not feeling better you’ve at least got cake as comfort 🍰⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Here’s a #CFYelfie from Sid and I in our yellow for CF week and wear yellow day. You can get involved too by putting on your yellow clothing or accessories, taking a photo and share it on social media using #CFYelfie. Then/and/or by texting YELLOW to 70500 to donate £5 to the CF Trust. 💛

📗Define - the list.📗⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ People in the CF and transplant world often talk about life on ‘the list’⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Transplant lists differ from country to country and even hospital to hospital but essentially rank all the people waiting on a variety of scales. Then, when viable organs are available for transplant its about matching those organs with not just the candidate most in need but also the candidate who is medically the best match for the donor lungs.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Because of this wait times on the list can vary depending on a huge number of factors such as size, blood type, ethnicity.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 👩🏻 I first went on the list for a transplant, after a series of assessments, at the end of 2016. In February 2017 I was taken off the list as I was too unwell to survive a transplant but thankfully regained enough health to be re listed on the 9th April before 5 days later getting my life saving call⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 my bat phone on the day I officially became active on the list

I love making recipes up 👩🏻‍🍳 In many ways it’s about taking back control of one element of my life with the acceptance that lots of the other elements are either now, or potentially in the future, very much not mine to govern 🤷🏻‍♀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s about creativity, fulfilling cravings and the process from start to finish - I know for many it’s not something that inspires fun at all but for me there’s nothing better than a plate of food in front of me that until a short time before existed as nothing but an idea in the back of my mind 💭 🍴

A post that popped up on my feed a couple of weeks ago by @alicewonderland84 really rang true to me - it was all about the balance between being careful with our new found health in an attempt to maintain it and simply getting on with life and making the most of it rather than stressing about the prognosis.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s one that I, and I imagine many transplant patients probably, struggle with and one that my feelings on can fluctuate wildly from day to day, triggered often by the smallest thing either in real life or on social media.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I’ve got no real answers, for me it’s taking every day as it comes, not being afraid to modify my plans while also trying to ensure I do make them and look forward to the future and all it holds, but wanted to put this out there incase anyone was feeling alone with it ♥️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 📸 throwing it back to some family time pre transplant, seemed appropriate given the subject of balancing things

As promised (and in good time for you to grab the ingredients today and make this evening!)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This yummy risotto is light enough it doesn’t feel like a winter dish but definitely provides comfort in a bowl⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 🥣 Chicken, spinach and lemon risotto⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ (Serves 2)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Ingredients⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 small onion⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 clove garlic⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 200g risotto rice ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 litre chicken stock⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 small glass of wine⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 chicken breast diced, or the equivalent ⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 4 lumps frozen spinach⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 50g grated parmesan⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1/2 lemon⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - 1 tablespoon of creme fresh ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Method⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Finely dice the onion, add to a pan with a glug of sunflower oil⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Cook gently until soft⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Finely chop and add the garlic ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add the risotto rice, coat with the oil and let cook for 2 minute⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add the wine, boil this for 1/2 minutes⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add the stock one ladleful at a time allowing the rice to almost soak it up completely before adding the next. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Do this until the rice just has a small amount of bite left in it⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add the frozen spinach cubes and chicken⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add 2 ladlefuls of stock and let this reduce again⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add the Parmesan (holding back just a little for garnish)⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Stir and then turn off the heat⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Add the lemon zest, a squeeze of lemon and the spoonful of creme fresh⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Stir and season to taste⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Serve straight away with a sprinkle of parmesan and a twist of black pepper

📘Define: Cystic Fibrosis📘⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that affects mostly the lungs, but also the pancreas, liver, kidneys, and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing and coughing up mucus as a result of frequent lung infections.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Post double lung transplant although a patient may no longer have CF lungs the rest of their organs are still affected by CF and the issues and problems related to these other elements remain.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💛⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ This week marks the start of #cysticfibrosisweek in the UK. I’ll be popping some stuff up on here over the week, and feel free to ask any questions, but if CF isn’t something you know much about why not spend 5 minutes browsing the #. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I know personally from my little bubble CF can seem like something obviously everyone understands but I know this isn’t realistically the case. I also know there are a hell of a lot of awareness weeks which probably mean a lot to those involved but sometimes get lost in the noise of life for everyone else. But behind every person over the next week posting until the # there is a story, a person and an individual experience and maybe from taking a look at a few little squares you might find out something you didn’t know 💛

Thanks for, as pictured, letting me crash your honey moon almost 30 years ago, and then for every plan edited around life and all it has thrown at us since then. Thanks for fighting my corner, holding my hand and everything in between. Happy Father’s Day to my dad and all dads 💙

Everything in moderation. Including chips 🍟 on the sofa 🛋 - happy weekend everyone 💛

Ice? ❄️Lemon? 🍋 ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ The reality is when your immune suppressed the answer should always be ‘NO’ but how often do you even get asked?! Or not realise until it’s too late?Alarmingly garnishes and ice can be a breeding ground for bacteria 🦠 in bars or restaurants & maybe surprisingly the stats are often even worse when these items are handled with tongs or scoops...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Research in late 2017 showed that when hands ✋🏼were contaminated with E. coli the bacteria were transferred to wet lemons and ice 100 per cent of the time.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ These worrying findings are consistent with a previous study published in the Journal of Environmental Health in 2007 which found that almost 70 per cent of lemon slices used in drinks from 21 restaurants were carrying some sort of microbial growth, including 25 different microbial species. And it’s even worse for ice with up to 67 per cent of bacteria being transferred by hands and 83 per cent from scoops. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ But what does this mean? For many people with healthy immune systems it’s a bit gross but generally manageable, their body’s are much more ready to fight off any nasties but for someone who’s immune suppressed these unknown bacteria could cause a whole lot of trouble⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ So - avoid garnishes, buy products from a sealed bottle if possible & make sure you are drinking somewhere you can (as much as possible) trust their hygiene practices 🍾🥂🍷

Yesterday’s post by @mother_pukka about the realities of flexible working (in a response to a DREADFULLY conceived video partnership between ElleUK and Fiat) really struck home.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ I often tell people I am lucky that I had a job to return to post transplant & this is something that I still abide by... but it definitely hasn’t been plain sailing. I have to be a little careful about what I write as sadly the issue is still ongoing but a few of the things I have experienced in the last 2.5 years have shown me just how ill prepared work places are for the need to be flexible and supportive:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - I returned on a phased return and was told this would include continued support from external health assessors. I had one appointment and then never heard from them again⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - I have been paid wrong EVERY month in the last year I have been back at work, and over multiple other months during my sick leave.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - Subsequently this has disrupted other payments I should have received & meant I have incurred ones I shouldn’t have ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ - I was not told on multiple occasions of the many changes that would occur during my period off and on my return. In fact I got no HR support at all, despite seeking it, for the first 2 years...⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Yet despite all this I have to be grateful because the reality is I would (and have) really struggled to even be considered for other jobs in the same profession or at the same level.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Jobs I know I would have at least got interviews for or am probably over qualified for I simply haven’t heard back from. Requests for consideration of flexible or part time hours and the possibility of working from home have killed a discussion around opportunities straight away.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Now I’m not saying I should have got these jobs I applied for or that I was the best candidate but what I am saying is that in 2019, in workplaces billed as ‘modern’ and ‘forward thinking’, I’m not even getting the look in I would have done pre op when I used to hide and lie about my health and my needs and it’s not ok!

Kale is definitely a newish addition to our every week eating...and maybe I’m late to the party but I am honesty completely sold. Steamed quickly in a little water and lemon juice with a drizzle of oil and seasoned it is a great way to add some greens to meals and makes me feel like some kind of health guru in the process! I’ve even used it as an alternative to carbs when I want a lighter lunch... Kale is among the most nutrient dense foods on the planet, it’s loaded up with anti oxidants, is an excellent source of vitamins and has even been shown to lower cholesterol So - how do you eat yours?

Today I officially committed to what just a few weeks ago seemed just a pipe dream. On Sunday 12th April 2020 I intend to cycle from @royalpapworth to the Royal Brompton Hospital in London, the two hospitals that saved my life. The ride, in memory of my donor, will I hope raise some awareness around organ donation as well as some money for these two amazing hospitals. The ride, around 100km, is going to be no mean feat considering pre transplant I couldn’t even walk across a room without oxygen but I hope will be a celebration of just how much you can achieve post transplant. @townsends_light_blue in Cambridge have incredibly generously lent me a bike for the ride (and the essential training before it) - without them the idea would likely have remained a pipe dream so I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to them. So, if you want to find out more (or get involved) I’ve set up a just giving page which will run until the event or you can check out more info on my website. 🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️🚴🏻‍♀️

⛔️COMPETITION CLOSED ⛔️ ☀️COMPETITON☀️⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While the weather being thrown at us across the UK is incredibly confusing at the moment I am determined to get on with summer...lighter evenings, holidays, alfresco dining and more. If you didn’t know ‪next Friday‬ kicks off the official UK Picnic Week and I for one can’t wait to pack my hamper and find a patch of sunshine in the park!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Incredibly kindly @luscombedrinks have offered to help make 4 lucky winners picnics just that little bit special with a gift box containing four of their deliciously fruity soft drinks – what more of an excuse do you need to find the picnic blanket and round up some friends or family?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ All you need to do is:⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 💜Make sure you’re following @nowwhatcanieat. 💛Follow @luscombedrinks. ❤️Like this post and let us know where you would have your dream picnic and who you might share it with by giving them a tag. *Competition will close ‪at 11.59pm on the 17th June‬ and the winner, picked using a random generator, announced the next day*⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ *Winners will have 24 hours to provide their details for delivery of the prize* *UK entries only this time I’m afraid!* #ad - the team at Luscombe kindly gifted me some product and allowed me to run this competition

Sometimes it’s all about trying something new, a variety of tastes or a recipe to follow & other times it’s about food that can give you a great big hug from the inside and make it all okay...or at least a little bit better!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What’s yours?!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ *no panic - no disaster this end, just a big bowl of yumminess for you to drool over

Please note any views expressed on NowWhatCanIEat pages and social handles are my own. I am not a trained dietician and request not to be considered as such. Should any medical query’s arise from anything discussed in my post please seek the appropriate clinical advice.

In addition, while all recipes are cooked following the guidance I have been given on what it is safe to eat when immune suppressed they have not been checked by a dietician. If the advice you have been given differs from anything here please follow the advice of your team.

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