Why a year in France?

A good question. With around nine weeks before we set sail for Normandy, I am asking myself whether a year in France is a good idea...

A quick review of my health suggests not. My Crohn's disease has been a big problem over the past ten years - it has wrecked much of my life and I am unable to work or have much of a social life. In that time I have been in and out of hospital and had a large amount of my bowel removed. I take powerful medication to treat my Crohn's and for the pain it causes me. I also have to be very careful what I eat.

Another good reason not to go is that I have a good health care team looking after me at the moment. They know me and - most of the time - understand my Crohn's disease. After plenty of practice, me and my partner know exactly what to do and who to phone in the case of an emergency.

So what on earth am I doing going to live in a foreign country, where I don't speak the language or understand the health care system?

The reason is that my partner has a year studying in France - Caen in Normandy - and I have a wonderful opportunity to go along for the ride.

And what an opportunity! To live in a country famous for its food and drink, its culture and history. I can learn a new language and see how my body reacts to a different pace of life and a different cuisine.

It is likely I will be ill at least a few times during the year and we will manage. It may be somewhat challenging to access health care to begin with, but a different perspective on my Crohn's from French gastroenterologists will be interesting and perhaps very useful. Who knows?

What I do know, is that I will write about my experience of taking my Crohn's disease to France (I am presuming it is coming with me...) and share with you the practicalities, challenges and re-adjustments needed to get to France and live there.

On y va!