Charlie Lavin

Before Surgery ASK!! Before your Operation, you will have a 'Pre operation assesment' at the hospital where you meet with your surgeon, doctors and HCA's to prepare you. They know all about the operation, so take the time to ask and put your mind at rest. Prepare an overnight bag just in case- Even if they say you will be discharged the same day, as you never know what might happen. Don't google and YouTube pictures of what your operation will look like, as you will only scare yourself.  Adapt for time after surgery, to save you the stress after. So make sure you give your work/school enough notice so they can sort out things for your time off and it's not sprung on you or them. Make sure somebody is there to look after you (This is dependant on surgery). If you're losing any kind of independence, then make sure somebody is there to help you out. Treat yourself! Buy some new slippers, a blanket or a robe? The more comfortable you are whilst in hospital,...

So 22nd November is the 3 week mark since my operation! I was told by the hospital that I am able to take my brace off at 3 weeks and learn to walk with my crutches without it. Below are some pictures of what my scars look like at this time. As you can see I had 3 incisions, which have left 3 rather gruesome scars. I included the comparison to my other leg, so you can see how much it has swelled and hopefully you can imagine what it will finally look like. Tuesday 22nd November 2016 So this is the first time my leg has been unsupported after surgery, which is rather scary! I haven't trusted my knee for the past 7 years, as I was constantly in fear it would give way and cause me to fall. This has made me very anxious about bearing weight, as I still can't really trust that my knee is fixed. - I'm so thankful for the operation and deep down I know that it will benefit my life, but right now it's rather difficult to see that.- I rested for most of the day, a...

A couple of weeks ago, I had a MPFL reconstruction on my left knee, as my knee cap was miles away from where it should be. This would cause me to have partial dislocations from the age of 11 and as I grew up, it got a lot worse and more painful. So finally, the doctors agreed that surgery would be my best option. The basic summary of the operation was that they would take a ligament from my hamstring and construct it to my knee to ensure my knee doesn't slip out of place. It wasn't an overly complicated surgery and was only 3 hours long, but recovery wouldn't be easy at all. Day 1- So on Tuesday 1st November, I had to arrive at the hospital at 7:30am and wait around until I was called through for surgery. I was their youngest patient and because of this my mum was allowed to stay with me until the doctor was free to see me. I had my operation scheduled for 10:30am, which is so lucky as I could have been hanging around all day! I saw various professionals who told me ...

On July 10th, My mum ran 5k in support of her Dad and Brother in law. She completed the run in an amazing 34 minutes, which she only trained for 6 weeks in advance. We were all so proud and obviously went along to support her and meet her at the finish line.  Before 5k After 5k   Every year, I am amazed at how well the events are organised and it makes all the women feel in it together, despite not knowing anyone. They have burger vans, Ice cream vans, Bouncy castles, Zorbing etc to create a family friendly environment, which helps children learn more about this important Charity, that helps millions of people. I unfortunately cannot  participate myself due to my health, But  I felt so apart of the event which was lovely. It was so encouraging to hear stories from cancer survivors who wouldn't be here without the work of Cancer research. It's such an important charity to ensure Mums, Dads, Brothers, Sisters, Aunty, Uncles etc can sp...

So as I'm sure you're all aware,it's Easter Sunday; Which means lots of Chocolate right?  Well, there would be none of this celebration and chocolate eating if God didn't sacrifice his one and only son to die on the cross to save us from living in sin. So today I challenge you to think of this fantastic time in history, whilst you're eating your eggs today.  Nutella And White Chocolate Cookies - Serves 12  Cookie Monster Bags- Ingredients 140g Plain Flour  2 Eggs 550g Nutella/Chocolate Spread  60g Chocolate Chips  Method 1. Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/180 c. Then line a baking tray with Greaseproof paper, as it makes it easier to remove after. 2. Mix together the Flour, Eggs and Nutella in a large bowl until all it forms a thick mixture. Fold the Chocolate chips in. 3. Using a teaspoon amount, spoon the mixture onto the greaseproof paper in equal bits leaving room around. Then squash them down using the back of the...

To me, Autumn is my perfect season as I find the temperatures just right. It also has that sense of cosy feel like winter, but also the option to wear a dress and not get hypothermia. These are a few of my favourite things about Autumn. Photo taken by me on a Nikon D3200. I like the mixture of the warm orangey colours contrasted with light greys and beige. It reminds me of Halloween and all the other festive periods mixed into one. (I also really like cuddling my cat, as he keeps me warm on the colder days.) Photo taken by me on a Nikon D3200. I think the change from green leaves to orange leaves is an obvious sign of the season change. So as soon as I spot some orange leaves, I know it's Autumn and that makes me supper happy. Photo taken by me on a Nikon D3200. Boots- Primark £15 Long grey cardigan- Next £32 Jeans- Zara £17.99 The change of clothing from summer outfits to Autumn outfits always excites me. I like to feel cosy and warm as much as possible, so Autumn l...

After having read the amazing Carrie Fletcher's book "All I know now", I realized how little I knew of the world and how much I had to learn. This may seem odd as I'm obviously only 16 (Nearly 17!), but I was naive to think the world couldn't get much harder or more complicated. Now I'm well informed that these 16 years will seem so insignificant when I'm 80+. So I thought whilst I still remember the "important" life lessons I have learnt, I would document them. #1- You aren't going to like everybody and not everybody will like you. In this big world, there are so many different types of people that it would be near impossible to get along with everybody you meet. Just remember, you have those that love you and those that make you. (Usually the ones who 'make you' are the ones you won't necessarily get along with- but not always!). #2- Dress for your figure and shape. Now I will explain before people get the wrong idea. There ...