That photo above is from James and I's trip to Corralejo in 2016 for my 30th birthday. At this point, 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 … Continue reading Travelling With Disabilities
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
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 … Continue reading Time To Talk 2018
This post is a Birthday thank you to someone who has quietly inspired me throughout my life. You gave me a copy of "Jingo" by Terry Pratchett for my birthday when I was a young teen and opened up a magical world that I still adore. When my mum worked the night shift, and I … Continue reading Happy Birthday
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
Winter is officially here. So I thought we could share our favourite things about winter. Here are my top 10: Warm clothes. There is something comforting about a giant jumper, thermal leggings and fluffy socks. Glühwein - A tradition in my family. A German take on mulled wine. Made with spices, orange juice, red wine, sugar and … Continue reading What I Love About Winter
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 … Continue reading Learning with the Open University
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