A message from K2 basecamp...

K2, the mountain, peaks at 8,611 metres above sea level.

The distance from K2 to the bathroom in Tye Green Ward is about fifty feet. Of course this particular K2 is not the mountain. It's my hospital bed. I think you'd probably figured something along those lines already...

I'm out of bed; It's day two according to the NHS way of counting... so it's actually day four.

I'm sitting in my chair listening to 'two knees' telling a story about using a bedpan (these are very exciting times.) The part of the story where he slides off and sends the contents flying is actually quite amusing!

However, a part of my brain has already latched onto this situation and has figured that my chances of reaching the lavvy unaided in time are pretty remote and that if nature calls unexpectedly I am, to use the vernacular, up s*&^ creek without a paddle.

I could just give in, I suppose, and ask for a bedpan when the need arises - but hey! Where's the story in that?

I know this is dumb but this is the kind of thing that motivates me. I will not and cannot contemplate the indignity of having to use a bedpan - I know! I said it was dumb but there is no way as long as there is strength in me that I am not going to the loo under my own steam!

Physio are due to see me in a couple of hours - they'll get me to stand using a frame and take a few steps. Yeah right!

I ask the nurse to pass me the walking frame - she's busy and doesn't think twice. I haul myself up and by the time physio arrive I'm smiling again - I've been to the loo and back again twice - not to do anything but just to know I can do it.

After she has taught me to stand and take a few steps she says that I look tired.

I am.

But I'm fired up as well - I know I'm on my way back now.