Good news!

I'm getting my op! And it's the superdeluxe option Ive been hoping for.

Burwood Hospital have accepted the referral. Took a while 'cause they have to allow for the start of the ski/snoboard season (!) but they're 90% sure they have room.

I'll be spending my uni hols in the spinal unit (yes I know it's not exactly Club Med but hey…).

Timing is perfect – I can work thru to the end of term. Mum & I fly down to Christchurch 4 July. That will be a bit of an ordeal but they think a commercial flight will be OK. Get settled & re-assessed on Monday.

Assuming no miracle cure I should have an op on 6 July. This is hopefully just screw(s) thru my C2 & a bone graft taken from my hip, and then I get 2 weeks rehab etc. at Burwood.

They have a flat booked 4 Mum so she can stay all thru.

It's scary so it's really good that spine experts are doing it. Risks of going wrong are low but if it really did I would lose arms, legs and breathing. I could have a good life and earn a living etc. like that –lots do – but let's not go there...