Poppy was back at the castle this evening for her weekly turn as my overnight support worker. Shortly before we headed to our beds I had a “ticcing fit.” As is often the case I lost my speech, but this time not completely.…

Yesterday I wrote about the amazing meals my friends and support workers have been preparing for me. Tonight, hanging out with Zoë, I ticced, “Let’s cook with biscuits and sheep.” My tics then went on to describe how you’d do this.…

I’ve described many times the difficulties I have with standing up. My tics mean my knees bend uncontrollably so that I suddenly drop to the floor. This poses many challenges.

One of these (that I’m sure I haven’t written about before) is the logistical challenge of trying to pull my trousers up after having a wee.…

I’ve described many times how even the slightest emotion can trigger an entirely disproportionate reaction in my body. This happens when I’m happy and excited, during films for example, or even when I simply roll my r’s. The reaction is instant and uncontrollable and can lead me to throw myself across the room, bite my arm, and screech.…

The other day I wrote about the amazing time I’d had on Saturday night. What I didn’t mention was how frustrating it’d been getting ready. I don’t wear make up most of the time, but I wanted to put a bit on to go out dancing.…

My tics rarely embarrass me, but yesterday one did. I caught myself by surprise during a normal day at work. Here’s how:

I was in the office – everyone was busy so the atmosphere was quiet and concentrated. My regular tics punctuated the silence as always, but no one was taking any notice.…

Amongst the post I collected on my way in after work this evening there was a small oblong, package for Poppy – a cardboard envelope wrapped in plastic. The detail of the packaging is relevant only because it was what my tics chose to focus on and go bonkers about.…

I’m quite house-proud and like to keep the castle clean and tidy, but my tics make it hard for me to do most of this myself.

Every Saturday morning, my carer stays a bit longer to do some cleaning and help me with other household tasks.…

I’m always learning something new about Tourettes and what I’ve learnt most recently is that I’m not much good at word-association games. It’s no great worry though, because I’m not likely to be hugely disadvantaged by this.

Late last night I had a ‘ticcing fit’ during which I hit Zoë, who was supporting me, with a tiny grey cloud-shaped cushion.…

Because of my tonsillectomy I’ve spent most of this week in bed during the day, too sore to sleep but also too sore to do much beyond lie and look out of the window.

The view isn’t buzzing with activity but I’m very fond of it.…