After the last post, I was somewhat mentally exhausted - so sorry that this wasn't up yesterday as planned. But, here it is. The next little 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 … Continue reading MY EXPERIENCE OF NHS POSTERIOR LUMBAR DECOMPRESSION AND INTERBODY FUSION – POST OP DAY 1
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 … Continue reading My Experience of NHS Posterior Lumbar Decompression and Interbody Fusion
My blog has always been an open and honest safe space, where you can unpack mental baggage without judgment. Something I haven't talked about on here before is my medication. I have been taking medication for generalised anxiety disorder with depressive and obsessive episodes for around five years. In that time I have switched medication … Continue reading Mental Health: Switching Meds – My Experience
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 vital. Here is my guide to how I get … Continue reading How To Maximise Your Medical Appointments
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 … Continue reading NHS Surgery Pre-Op Assessment – My Experience
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, … Continue reading TMJ Athroplasty – 6 Months Update
Honestly, it feels like my surgery was only a week ago at most. The last 4 weeks have flown by. If you haven't read my previous posts about this journey you might like to read those first: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5 and Week Two. Since my surgery, I have had a … Continue reading TMJ Surgery – 4 Weeks Later…
The last 2 and half weeks have been a little crazy. Follow me on Instagram <- clicky. Photo 1: Ah - these. Yeah. This is the paper pants they make you wear during surgery. I had surgery on my jaw... so I have no idea why I required paper underwear. 🤔 Photo 2: A very tired, … Continue reading My (2.5) Week on Instagram
I called NHS 24. My surgical site is unhappy. It's sore and warm and my head stings. They told me to go to the out of hours doctor. So I'm here, in the waiting room. The mix of ailments and people makes no sense to me. There's the guy clutching his stomach and groaning but … Continue reading Waiting Room
Painful. That's the best description for yesterday. During surgery, they give you lots of local anaesthetic in the area to promote moving and to make initial physio as close to pain-free as possible. It's great - but it's wearing off. Ouch! The bruising is starting surface - especially around my eye. There is also some … Continue reading TMJ – Surgery Day 4
