I was sat looking back in my 2017 diary to remind myself of the highs and made a list. At this point I showed my friend lee and I started laughing reading it back then he said “when getting a toilet is a high it’s been a stinker of a year” which made me laugh even more and yes it’s been one of the worse of my life, even though I’ve not lost a loved one this year it’s been totally awful!
But first I want to mention two things that are American sports! Firstly Atlanta united started there journey in the MLS and they had a great start going further than most had ever had dreamt. Secondly American college football and Clemson became champions the first time in a long time amazing scenes to watch. So pleased for both teams!
So let’s look at the positives first!
In January there wasn’t much going on but united did manage to reach the semi finals of the EFL cup and I was lucky enough Togo to both legs! The one at united was a new experience for me I was high up in the new family & friends section which is a great addition but certainly not for me I felt so poorly being high up!
The second leg me and andy went up to Hull and the reason I mention it is because we absolutely froze in Hull I swear it was -5 and I couldn’t feel my toes let alone my hands! Even andy was cold and he doesn’t feel the cold!
February was here before I knew it. It marked one year since my nan had died which is upsetting. My birthday passed without much celebration I was 32 years old! I vowed next year I’ll celebrate. United were at Wembley for the EFL cup which I attended with Jamie. It was a great day and I saw my friend Ann Marie and she kindly brought me a hat for my birthday which I absolutely loved it’s so warm! We won the EFL cup what a great day seeing the trophy lifted! I then got a car demo as I was needing a new wheelchair adapted vehicle. It was good and I ordered although with sadness.
March passed uneventful in terms of good things!
April came and I made a trip to Belgium with Andy! We had a great time, using the Eurostar to Belgium was a great experience, the walk to the hotel was not so much and very cobbly! The hotel was nice the room was testing with the wheelchair but we managed! The football experience was just that, no lifts, escalators and being carried down two flights of stairs! The stadium it’s self we was locked in a cage and wasn’t allowed food! We did some sightseeing then made our way home the  following day not before some shopping of course!
I got my car in late April which was great and really did open up my world as no more struggling and others could take me out which is great!
May was a pretty epic month if I’m honest well for me as a football fan! First up i became a season ticket holder at old Trafford which I never imagined would happen because of the wheelchair it was truly a great day not just for me but all disabled fans at united who were lucky to be among the first to receive season tickets.
Then came the Europa league final and I was so excited for it! Myself and andy decided to travel up to Manchester the night before our flight. We stayed at the premier inn at the airport it did the job! It was my first trip with MUDSA so that was exciting and may I say at this point how well organised it was by chas, Shirley and help from Manchester United. The day was long, it was a day trip! But funny moments were had! The main thing was united won and finally added the last trophy to complete the set, go Manchester United! I was so tired though I eventually got home early next day where I just slept the day!
June came and went quite uneventful bar going to Michael carricks testimonial match and the last time at old Trafford in a random seat! 
July was super exciting as I finally managed to tick off something that had been on my bucket list for years I was going to Wimbledon! It was the second Saturday and so much fun! I spent the day with my aunty pol and we had a great time and it was so accessible! The uk was in a mist of a heatwave and even though I applied sun cream I got really burnt!
August only meant one thing it was time to head back to Manchester it was football time! It was great to meet Shirley on the first game of the season. Most exciting was seeing my seat at old Trafford where I’d be sat for the 17/18 season and it was great! I’m situated in the east stand in the corner by the away fans, you get some great views when corners are taken!
September I finally got to meet my friend christelle who I met through our love of cats! It was so lovely to meet and felt like I’d known her for years! It was also the month I got my new toilet which gave us both a story to tell with toilets and water soakings! This new toilet of mine was going to be a learning curve!
The highlight of October for me was the MUDSA annual dinner which meant meeting Ryan Giggs! As always travel chaos! But we all made it and a great night was had by all, including pictures with the European cup! Spending time with christelle, Ian, dan and andy was great … all I’m saying is meals where we’ll enjoyed by the lads! Two starts, two mains for Ian & andy and dan finished it off as two deserts dan! How me and christelle laughed at them all eating so much! Then after in the bar til gone 1am with Ann Marie, Helen & Sophie!
November came and it brought a long a new rheumatologist and boy was I happy to meet him. He didn’t have exactly good news, the disease was progressing aggressively but drugs wouldn’t work. But it turns out we might get these legs working only time will tell if the stars Aline and I get back on my feet!
December, I guess was not that great! Firstly I found out prof deans field was retiring and it made me cry what was I going todo now? Then the snow came and I was stuck in the house for a week, which meant I missed the Manchester derby, how could that even happen! Then it was Christmas and I was really sad missing my loved ones that have since died my mum, nan & grandad Christmas just isn’t what it use to be! 
However I was so surprised with gifts, firstly from the girls at football liz got me the cutest heated elephant which was so thoughtful. Ann Marie got me a cat themed organiser and calendar for the coming year which is great as I love stationary! I was very surprised to have a gift from christelle a beautiful charm bracelet with a cat charm, football charm, book charm and suitcase charm which basically sums up me! Andy kindly gifted me a picture of me in my united shirt at a photo shoot which was great!
My dad got me an echo dot which is just so useful I love it. I then got an array of dvds, stationary, socks, chocolates and money from the rest of the family.
Thank you every one your gifts were very thoughtful and brought a smile to my face on a bad time of year for me. I’d also like to thank everyone for your kind Christmas cards this year much appreciated.
Now we turn to look at my health this year I guess it could be summed up as “poor” my rheumatoid has deteriorated and frustrating as ever. Unfortunately my anxiety & depression have not  improved but I’m working on that. My eating is “stable” but it’s a struggle every day.
Friendships I’ve been lucky to have some great friends around me this year and met new friends too. I won’t mention names you know who you are xx
Overall this year has been tough I’ve spent many hours in hospital waiting rooms and doctors waiting rooms, I mean I’m so cool I’m on first name basis with the receptionists! But if it wasn’t for my medical team i doubt I’d be writing this review there’s been some really dark days.
I have to thank Chas and MUDSA at the point who this year have been a real support to me and if it wasn’t for him I doubt I’d be going to football, so from the bottom of my heart thank you.
To the people who have ruined my football and made me feel so bad about myself I couldn’t eat at times, I was scared to go to Old Trafford or away games made me cry tears of hurt & pain. Made me think I was alone in this world. I survived you didn’t win.
With thanks to everyone who has supported me through this difficult period be it friend or official.
To my friends & family thank you THANK YOU for sticking by me, for listening, for fighting with me, for understanding for supporting and you know what thanks for just being there it’s been a tough year.
Picture blog coming tomorrow! 
What’s in store for 2018 .. who knows, but it can not be any worse! 
Vicky xx