Sometimes medicine has no answers
Sometimes even doctors have no answers…
Last week I had a migraine. My migraines have always been the kind that warns me, and I can take action to reduce them, but I can never stop them. I’ve had them all my life. None of the medications worked for very long; we have tried every single one thoroughly. Currently, I am waiting on botox treatments; I have been waiting a very long time (longer than I should have due to an administrative…
It’s Been Three Years…
Where have I been since 2020?
I fell off the blogging wagon during the pandemic. Things keep happening in the world and life, and this blog took a major back seat.
But for some reason, tonight, I have decided to reinvigorate it. Maybe it is the uber painkillers talking.
In my most recent history, I am currently on day 4 of a migraine that is more intense than I have ever felt. So much so my GP prescribed me a high dose of…
Testing… Testing… Hello? Is this on?
Testing… Testing… Hello? Is this on?
Hello!
Um… Yeah. Long time no see? Type?
Hi.
I’ve been away. December sucked. I was in the hospital for almost all of it and I got out on Christmas Eve. Since then I have been recovering physically and mentally as well as throwing what energy I can into my little eBay shop!
However, I miss the outlet that writing provides. So I will be here quite a few times a month to say hi, check in, vent or…
Blogmas 2018 - Day 1
I’ve been seeing lots of folks on YouTube doing “vlogmas” so I thought I would try my version. So here it is Blogmas.
So, on the 1st of December. Sleepy. I think that is an excellent way to describe it.
The big cats had their vet check-ups, so we were up and out by 0930. They were so, so well behaved. Ezio was clingy to James During his examination, which was out of character for him but also so…
Travelling With Disabilities
That photo above is from James and I’s trip to Corralejo in 2016 for my 30th birthday. At this point in time, I was in a lot of back pain due to my ever deteriorating spine, I still had a numb right leg, I was exhausted and my joints were, well my joints. However, I was determined to not let my body and mind stop me from having an epic 30th birthday. The aim was for me to spend my 30th birthday…
MY EXPERIENCE OF NHS POSTERIOR LUMBAR DECOMPRESSION AND INTERBODY FUSION - POST OP DAY 1
MY EXPERIENCE OF NHS POSTERIOR LUMBAR DECOMPRESSION AND INTERBODY FUSION – POST OP DAY 1
After the last post, I was rather mentally exhausted – so sorry that this wasn’t up yesterday as planned. But, here it is. The next instalment of the saga of my spinal fusion.
We left off when I was taken back to the ward after recovery. It was around eight o’clock in the evening so 13 hours since I arrived at the hospital. James came to see me and I don’t really remember much of that evening at…
My Experience of NHS Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Interbody Fusion
My Experience of NHS Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Interbody Fusion
For the non-cyborgs, I had posterior lumbar decompression and interbody fusion (PLIF for short). There is an animation of the procedure here.
February 13th 2018 – Day of Surgery
We arrived at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (AKA the Southern General) bright and early. We went to the admissions area and got “checked in” and then headed to the surgical receiving unit.
When I arrived in…
Time To Talk 2018
This year has been difficult for us all.
Usually, for Time to Talk, I would tell you a story or some inspiring thing. Instead, I decided I would attempt to make a mammoth list of resources for mental health.Please give me your suggestions and I’ll add them on 🙂
Help and Resources
Samaritans – Call 116-123 – If you need anonymous support you can call, text and email.
NHS Mental Health– Search for…
How To Maximise Your Medical Appointments
As someone who has seen my fair share of health professionals over my lifetime, I have certain things I do to maximise the value and benefit of medical appointments. Especially when brain fog is a real hindrance to cognition sometimes, preparation prior, proactivity during and reflection after is key. This is my guide to how I get the most out of my appointments.
Before
Have a small notebook and…
NHS Surgery Pre-Op Assessment - My Experience
NHS Surgery Pre-Op Assessment – My Experience
Yesterday I had my pre-op assessment for spinal decompression and stabilisation surgery. I kept a little diary of the whole experience as I thought it might prove useful to someone else about to embark on the same journey.
6:15 AM – I’m awake! I’m not half asleep perched on the side of a bathtub, evaluating the prospect of washing my hair or wearing a hat. There is this lurking knot starting in…
Learning with the Open University
As you may know, at the moment, I am for many reasons unable to work. The main reason being I am waiting for spinal surgery. Unable to do very much of anything is very boring. I can’t even begin to express just how life draining it is to wake up with no other purpose than to go to medical appointments and merely exist – when the highlight of the week is going to Asda for a coffee. But, this isn’t…
TMJ Athroplasty - 6 Months Update
TMJ Athroplasty – 6 Months Update
Can you believe it is 6 months since I had my TMJ surgery? I certainly can’t – it has simply zoomed past me. Time for a quick update!
Pain wise – it’s great! Before surgery, holding a conversation was impossible, eating was a challenge, to say the least, and I was in constant pain. Now, I still have the odd twinge or reduced opening occasionally – mainly when I’m a little lax on my physio – but…
The Influenza Injection - A Rant
The Influenza Injection – A Rant
Not in the mood today for anything at all. Everything is getting under my skin. But nothing more than the yearly rants by people preaching the dangers of vaccinations.
1. The flu jag is not some big conspiracy – if you or anyone you know are offered it, it is because you or your loved ones need protected against the influenza virus.
2. The influenza virus is not just a cold, it is deadly. If you…
Oh Dear… I am Sorry 🖤
I have just realised my last post was in July. I have no real reason – I just haven’t.
A little update. My jaw is much better – talking and eating isn’t anywhere near as difficult or painful as it was pre-op.
I’m still going to physio to amp up my strength for my spinal surgery. The date for this isn’t even set yet, I’m still waiting. It’s beginning to frustrate me as I have been waiting since…