It’s been a while since my last post and a lot has happened since then so thought I would play a little bit of catch up.

Where to start? Well first of all, another dog has entered our threshold. Haha. Strange story, we were actually given this tiny little puppy in a plastic bag. She had scabies, was tiny and was just under a month old and we didn’t know if she was going to live. Anyway, this woman ran over gave Emily this bag, with the dog inside, said she didn’t want it and ran off. Now, the chances are that in China, a dog this young has come from a puppy mill. She was in terrible shape. So we took her to the vets and have been looking after her ever since. Since then we have called her Misty. She has a very big personality! She loves attention and is now almost fully recovered and full of life. Unfortunately due to our circumstances we can’t keep her. I would love nothing more than to have her but it just wouldn’t be fair. Luckily, I reached out to a charity called Slaughterhouse Survivors based in Harbin, China. They rescue dogs form all over China and give them a safe space until they can travel to the UK or the US for a forever home. They are going to take Misty once she is fully vaccinated and find her a forever home. I will most likely cry when she leaves, anyone who knows me knows that I am a big animal lover and I bond with every animal I meet.

So why the post? Because China has the biggest market for dog meat in the world. Even though the Chinese government apparently banned this a year ago, it has made no difference. In fact there have actually been some other changes brought about making it even easier to use dogs for meat. According to new laws in China, if your dog is now found to be off the leash, anywhere, it can be taken away and destroyed. If there is a complaint of any kind against a dog, whether this be noise or aggressive behaviour they can be taken away and destroyed. Now when dogs are destroyed in China they are usually, used for dog meat. This will be a big part of this as I am doing a big challenge to help raise money to save dogs from the meat trade in China. The charity rescue many dogs. The dogs they get are often very ill and malnourished and just not looked after in any way. They pay for vets bills, operations and treatments and get them to safe places abroad. Dogs here are sold to meat traders and restaurants. Stolen from parks to sell for meat. Stray dogs are taken away for meat. Dogs are bred in puppy mills for the sole purpose of meat. When a dog can no longer be looked after they often abandon it and it is collected for meat. A new law has now been introduced in China, where they are now trying to control the dogs which are allowed to be bred in China. This fits into their, “civilised” outlook. They do not want big dogs to be bred anymore in China. So big dogs have now been targeted frequently.

Being in China and seeing some of these circumstances is a big eye opener. As a society, I think sometimes, we turn a blind eye, unless it is something we are seeing first hand. Which is one of the reasons I’m writing this post today, too shed some light on it, show what I’m going to be doing to try and help and a few other bits.

So what am I doing? I am doing a challenge during the national holiday in China. (1st October – 7th October). The challenge will be broken up into two parts. Part 1 is a 10km dog (bear) crawl on my hands and feet. There will then be a days rest, then for 5 days I will be attempting to lift a total of 1,00,000kg (1 million kg) in five days, using only my legs. I have set up a just giving page for this challenge, with the goal of reaching one thousand pounds for the charity Slaughterhouse Survivors. They are currently housing 500 dogs waiting to be sent abroad, however this is currently very difficult because of the coronavirus as someone needs to be present on the plane when they fly. Many of them need medical attention and as a charity they rely on donations etc. I’m trying to raise as much as I can for them so these dogs can get the urgent medical care they need and help them pay the thousands pounds worth of medical bills they will be charged.

Because it is such a big challenge I have given myself a good period for training, and will be starting a vlog on YouTube which will be posted at another date. But for now I will be posting updates on here and more information. The link for the JustGiving page is here >>>>> https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/slaughterhouse-survivors-zacfrance?utm_term=7rGeVayXe any spare pennies that anyone has are much appreciated as are any shares on social media. Will be doing plenty of updates with what I am doing and the dogs which Slaughterhouse Survivors are currently helping.

Thanks for taking the time to read

Zac

I’m trying to write as much as I can. I’m tired most days and I need to try and keep to my schedules as much as I can. It’s so hard, right now my days are pretty much activity, rest, activity rest. No matter what it is it seems to tire me out. Even after concentrating to write this and concentrating I can feel myself getting tired.

Since moving to China I have been very lucky, having my fiancée with me, having my dogs and cat. But if always felt like there was something missing. For me it is competitive sport. So the fact it put me in this situation is a bitter pill to swallow.

In terms of my body I can feel myself getting stronger every day. But my blood tests show that my kidney isn’t there yet, and my energy levels go up and down all day. That being said, I’m very lucky that I have a fantastic supporting fiancée.

I’m currently into two things, I’m watching One Piece (a new anime my friends Morgan and Alex) introduced me to and watching the playoffs in basketball. The anime One Piece is absolutely amazing, I’ve got it on whilst I’m writing this and I am hooked! The is the best anime I’ve watched since Dragonball Z. If anyone hasn’t watched it and is into anime I would definitely recommend it! Since starting basketball I have been following the Lakers. It’s mainly because even though I didn’t follow basketball before, Kobe was someone who transcended sport and had an impact in terms of work ethic. I’ve loved watching them through the playoffs, and it has been great watching competitive sport even though I can’t take part in it at the moment.

This was a pretty random blog post, but I’m trying to keep my mind on doing something with some sort of routine, keep myself going whilst being tired.

I think I’m going to try and write about anime and basketball going forward, maybe on a seperate blog!

Anyway thanks for reading!

So it’s been a while again! Unfortunately it is currently hard to stay on top of a blog, I’m suffering with chronic fatigue and the smallest things are tiring me out. So! What’s new?

Well, lets start with today. Emily went wedding dress shopping (not for her, for her friend), and got asked to be a model for the wedding dress company! So that was pretty cool, can officially say my fiancée is a model. Hehe. Emily has been great, she has stepped up in every which way you can imagine. With chores, the dogs, everything. It’s not like I don’t want to help but everything seems a struggle at the moment. So a massive thank you to Emily who I honestly couldn’t be without.

In terms of health there is quite a bit going on. Let’s start with the kidneys. So I have been having regular hospital trips (more money spent) to ensure that I am not getting worse. So far my creatine levels are still high, and the kidneys are still not functioning at a normal rate, but I’m not dying, so its isn’t all doom and gloom. My most recent test showed that my glucose levels were very low, so they asked if I had eaten today. Funnily enough, I had actually eaten a massive breakfast, so they now think that I may be diabetic and need to go in for more tests on Friday. On top of this I’ve had a crohns flair up, just what I need. I was also getting a lot of headaches, so I had my eyes tested and they’ve got a lot worse since I last had them tested so needed new glasses. On top of the chronic fatigue it has all been a bit much. Mentally it has been exhausting, feeling like a burden all the time; not being able to help as much as I would like to. But as I said before Emily really has been great.

Hopefully the test comes back negative, but knowing my luck it probably is bloody diabetes haha. The other results were still the same and haven’t yet improved but I’m well enough to stay out of hospital for now.

The dogs are great. Lola now has a fun habit since I’ve returned from hospital. Before she couldn’t care less about saying goodnight, she just kind of flopped on the floor and that was that. But ever since I came back she will not go to sleep without a massive cuddle in bed and a belly scratch for at least 30 minutes, otherwise she goes crazy!

Rehab has gently started, a lot of gentle stretching and basically just trying to be a little more active with walking. Because of the fatigue it is a very – be active, then rest, active then rest kind of day. Doesn’t matter how much sleep I’m getting it doesn’t seem to help. I honestly thought I would miss working out more. I miss it, but I’m so tired and have so much going on I can’t really think about it right now. But I just have to slowly increase the rehab and exercise without lifting my creatine levels until I can get somewhere near normal whenever that may be.

On the plus side I have watched a lot of basketball, which is great. I was sad that I couldn’t play rugby anymore so it has been refreshing to find a sport that I can take part in (until recently) ad also watch as well. Im a competitive person so I need something to push me to get better at. (Although unfortunately no matter how hard I try Emily is always one step ahead) .. Stupid fiancée being good at basketball haha. She actually taught me to play when we first met and I was hooked! She beat me 1v1 on our 2nd date (embarrassing I know!). From then on I have wanted to get better ever since. She has been there all the way, getting annoyed when I pester her for advice, ask how my shot looks, ask to go play. Honestly it’s like having a child I don’t know how she copes! She is definitely going to go grey before 30 haha.

But I digress; I just wanted to give a brief update on where things currently stand. Thank you to everyone for all the support and to those who continue to message me. It has been a tough time and all of your support means the world.

P.s here are some pictures of my dogs just because they so fluffy and adorable.

So I thought I’d write a little bit about being kind.. Mainly because so many of you have taken the time to share the gofundme, have donated, have sent messages and all of this. And it’s been amazing. The support I’ve had has been amazing.

I’ve struggled with depression and anxiety for quite a long time. So when this latest hospital episode began I was worried I would dip back in and really struggle. And, it has been a struggle. But thanks to everyone it has been a lot better than I would have expected. Obviously troubles with money has added stress. But other than that I’m lucky to have people who care around me.

There is currently so much going on around the world which needs our attention. There are people being shot in the streets, people having their homes taken away by storms, and more pollution from the pandemic of people throwing masks away and animals getting caught in them, peoples mental health being affected by isolation and redundancies at work. So now, more than ever, is a time to check in on those around you. Make sure they’re doing OK. Ask them twice.

I ffirmly believe we now live in a world where being nice is not enough, and that to make a change we need to outwardly try and impact something, rather than saying you support it. Whether that be Black Lives Matter, Global Warming, Children Starving in Africa and now here in the UK. So make a difference. Educate yourselves on BLM, why its happening. Help a homeless person with food, or donate to a food bank. Or sponsor an endangered animal. Some of us cannot afford much, but being kind costs nothing.

Okay so this will be slightly longer than normal but you’ll see why, and I’ll break it into sections. So first part.

A massive thank you to everyone who has donated or messaged me, my amazing fiancée for looking after me. Our amazing friends Alex and Destiny in China for helping with visits and food. My Nana’s church group for sending prayers. Sarah for setting up the gofundme. Everyone who has messaged every day and continually checked in. Dan for organising the fundraiser this weekend. Thank you all ❤️

Secondly, update on my well-being. It’s been very challenging in a few ways mentally. As anyone who goes to the gym or plays sport knows any injury is difficult when you get injured it is always difficult. And as many of you know I had a serious injury where I couldn’t move for a while. This has a throwback to that in that I couldn’t walk. And now my body is so weak, and my muscles are not repaired and I’m struggling to do anything without pain. So it’s taken a toll mentally. As well as this the money side of things obviously has and still is stressing me out because of the care needed after. But has been made a lot less stressful by the kindness showed by everyone. The hospital experience itself was not nice. There were no showers, no food and no water. The visiting hours were whenever so I had Chinese people in with me visiting constantly and sleeping in the hospital and playing games and watching TV until 3am.it was hard to deal with.

On to my physical condition. The treatment they have been giving me for over a week has worked. My protein levels are at a rate which is decreasing every day which is good. This means that today I have been able to return home. Although this isn’t the end. The recovery total will be around 4 months. They need to regularly test my kidneys, bloods and muscles. With constant check ups and scans and blood tests and IV’s to ensure I do not go backwards, which of course means further spendature. In terms of physically, I can’t do much. I almost fell over walking to the taxi. And getting up for long periods makes me dizzy. My muscles aren’t yet functioning properly and still aren’t completely fixed from the bouts of spasms and cramps that I had during the incident so it is bed rest and no physical exercise for two more weeks.

The work and insurance:

Unfortunately as good as my work have been the sick pay in China is basically non existent so I will lose out on money whilst recovering. So I do want to recover as quickly as possible. Now this usually would be covered by the insurance policy. However, when we signed our contract we were told our insurance policy covers X. It said we were completely covered for circumstances which included emergency treatment etc. So you’d think this would be? Wrong. Because nobody had claimed on the old policy they downgraded it. But they did not put the new terms or translation in the contract that the signed, only the old one. This meant that we thought we were covered whereas in actuality we were not. Out of the thousands of costs it will take we see about 3-450 pounds. (up to 6 months after filing). So that is what happened in regards to the insurance, something we intend to rectify with the school at a later date if we decide to sign a new contract. The absence of the insurance and not working does mean that the longer outpatient treatment continues the more expensive it gets and of course not working to, so I cannot stress the love I have for all of you who are donating and continue to share the page.

Most of you who know me personally know that I have a little bit of a zoo at home who I have missed so much! And coming back to see them is dream as well as my beautiful fiancée.

So there you have it. That’s basically it at the moment. I will post more updates in terms of rehab for my muscles which is now needed. Contuing tests and treatment an outpatient. And how I get on with getting back to normal life in the coming months.

As always here is the link for the gofundme which will be up for about another 7-10 days as we now total costs for outpatient care. The outpatient treatment will take money but I appreciate all the effort all of you have put in so any extra change you can possibly share would be greatly appreciated to help with treatment and scans. Thank you all ❤️

https://www.gofundme.com/f/m2r7nw-zac ❤️

Okay so quick update.. I should have an update tomorrow. Lol. Sorry wish it was more exciting.

But in terms of what’s happening with me, my legs and well all my body really, are shot. All strength has gone and it doesn’t feel like they work at all. I have severe back pain. And last night I slept two hours because there was one man snoring next to me and another who was shouting, and one more who was watching videos loud all night. I know, lucky me right?

A massive thank you to everyone who has contributed. I didn’t think it would get this far. Massive thanks to Sarah for doing the gofundme page. And special shout out to Dan, who is doing a sponsored event to help raise money on bank holiday. It is nice to see people care.

A 12-16 week care plan is being put together to look after me as an outpatient which I can hopefully give an update on tomorrow.

One kick in the balls is that we only get a few days sick pay so this money will cover the hospital bills and outpatients care which is a massive help, as well as travel costs of ambulance rides. MRI scans etc. And I will touch on the insurance, or lack there of, a little later in the week when I’m less tired. I cannot express my gratitude enough.

One thing that is clear is how far off I am from a full recovery. Getting dizzy when I walk. No strength. The doctor made it clear that the discharge is the beginning and then the real healing will begin. It’s a long road but one that I hope I will be able to overcome.

This didn’t really go in any order. I’m very tired. But thank you for taking the time to read it.

You haven’t already please check out my gofundme page https://www.gofundme.com/f/m2r7nw-zac

Zac

So I am a week into a stay in a chinese hospital. And it’s been an experience. I’ve had one night of “uninterrupted sleep”, not really because they woke me up at 5am and then didn’t get back to sleep. The rest of the time I have been kept awake by patients who really deserved privacy. An old lady on her death bed, who I sadly watched pass the other day. And now a man who cannot feed himself and can only moan, can’t speak and isn’t really with it and needs constant care from his family (of 8 people). I shouldn’t complain, but it is making the mental side even harder. Couple that with large families here visiting all day who are eating noodles with their mouths open and slurping all day and playing loud videos whmith no headphones all day. If there is anything thing I hate about China it is how people eat and the lack of manners. It really is disgusting. They spit the food on the floor (in a hospital mind you), chew with their mouths open. It’s horrible. Really has been demoralising.

I’m hoping to be out this week, after a slight dip my bloods seem to be a little better and treatment is working. I am having a kidney function test today so see if that is going okay again. They are currently discussing whether to keep me in longer or have an outpatient care package which, obviously, I’ll have to pay for. Either way I think the amount will probably be roughly the same as it is so expensive without our stupid insurance company. Basically our school had a good insurance policy. But because nobody had claimed on it they decided to get a cheaper one but left the old policy translation in English in the contract. But that is a whole other thing.

I’m currently sitting out in the hallway, and have been since 11am (it’s now 3. 30pm here) because the man in the room we share has about 10 people in there with him all shouting and talking and playing loud videos. Right up close to my bed. No room. And he’s moaning bless him. And I really just want a bit of quiet, which I’m not going to get.

The gofundme page has raise £1870 pounds which is amazing! But unfortunately am still going to need more to cover the costs this week and the final tests and treatments. And then potentially outpatient care.

On the plus side my brilliant, amazing, beautiful fiancée made me a banana cake which we devoured last night. As well as two lovely home made dishes.

I’m feeling physically better although I have really bad kidney pain.l and back pain. Which they are currently testing and if it can be managed as an outpatient then it will be. But it’s agony at the moment and I can’t lay down without being in pain, which isn’t exactly ideal.

I’d like to say thank you to the people who have messaged me. I’ve reached out to a few people who just haven’t got back to me or said they would and days later still haven’t heard back. But those who have been keeping in contact every day you have no idea how positive it is hearing from you guys whilst in this situation. I couldn’t get through it without you all ❤️

If you could please share and / or donate if you have a few spare pennies. Thank you ❤️

https://www.gofundme.com/f/m2r7nw-zac

Gunna apologise for the lack of detail and content because I’m so I tired I can barely think. Okay so starting day 5 and I honestly feel like crap. I haven’t slept since I came in. Well I’ve had about 3 hours in thay time. The lady in my room, bless her, is on a machine and shouting, or having treatment 24/7 so I can’t get to sleep. I have headphones but they don’t do a thing. And honestly this lack of sleep is making everything seem so much harder.

Not much else in terms of updates other tha that. My back is in agony, so much so I cannot get comfortable. The music I have on to block out noses is so loud I think I’m going deaf.

Emily has so much to deal with and honestly trying to be upbeat when she’s here is a big struggle. Not that I’m not happy to see her because I am, so happy, but I’m in such a bad headspace I can barely crack a smile at the moment.

My kidney still isn’t cleaning my blood properly so they are increasing doses. And doing more tests.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the gofundme that was set up to help me pay the medical bills. I will post the link at the bottom., if there is any spare change it would be much appreciated.

Zac

https://www.gofundme.com/f/m2r7nw-zac

Well last night I managed 2 hours sleep. New record! Want to say a massive thank you for all the kind messages everyone has sent towards me and offering help etc and I’m sorry if I haven’t responded. Truth is I’m severely sleep deprived. Trying to find out if the insurance covers this even though the English contract says it does the boss thinks translation may have been wrong. But finding out that even if it does cover it only cover 60% wasn’t great. Especially as in 3 days 1500 pounds has almost been spent. Struggling to walk. Struggling with most things so I apologise if I haven’t got back to you.

Secondly. I appreciate all the kind messages to me. But to everyone who is speaking to Emily and saying things like, you should just come home. You have too many dogs to deal with. This is so much for you. He’s ill again?! What have you achieved in China just come back? You’re doing too much. Are you sure you want to do all this? Guess what, that isn’t what Emily or I want to hear. So unless you have kind words to say or are offering help in some way please save opinions to yourself. I don’t have much energy and I don’t want to spend the energy I do have worrying about my wonderful fiancée and how much of a burden I am with people upsetting her with opinions.

Thirdly. I’ve got something called myositis, muscles degrading or something so they are doing more tests again and I have a neurologist visiting me today whilst I watch this medical bill get higher and higher.

Thank you for everyone who has phoned to check if I’m okay. Love to you all

Zac

• 

Well that’s day 3 in the books and what a day. I had loads of different tests. But let’s keep it short.

So the first one I had was an electro magnetism body test or something? They stick needles in you and then put some metal circles round you and get you to move your joints so they can see how badly your muscles have been compromised. Which basically affirmed that it is rhabdomyolysis. And that my muscles have been torn with a few holes, which left untreated can fill up with air (not good) but being treated so all good! I had a CT scan which just showed breakdown of muscle. A kidney function test. An ultrasound, and you guessed it, I’m not pregnant. An X-ray. Covid test. Skin scratch test. And had 3 canulas in so I could have my antibiotics, saline and some sort of thing to help my kidneys all in one!

I’ve not slept really, in 3 days now. The woman in my room, is still clinging on but poor thing is really noisy and in pain. It’s not a good situation for her and unfortunately I am hearing it every minute and it’s keeping me up all night. I hope she is as comfortable as she can be.

Alex dropped in today and brought a Spag bol which was lovely! And nice to have some conversation. Obviously Emily has been visiting every day and looking after the dogs, and sorting out the new house, she really is a super hero.

The only plus side to not sleeping is that I’m getting to watch all the nba games! Haha.

I’m so tired I’m starting to hallucinate 😂 the good thing is that hopefully I will be home within the next 3 days as long as my protein levels continue to drop, and from there careful load management of exercise etc and managing work. Still a long way to go.

The bad news is in 3 days the medical bill is over 1000 pounds 😶 and the insurance only covers 60 percent. And won’t be paid out for a while. So the longer I stay the worse that gets which isn’t great. But can’t afford to leave early because my kidney could give out.

But other than that life is great!

Zac