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 AMÂ - 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. GlĂĽhwein - 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
Yes, you read that correctly. Cats. Not their humans. Cats. I would like to add that this is NOT written by a feline. Not even a little bit. Nope. Pinot Meow - Catnip wine Only for the more refined feline. Perfect for Sunday lunch... Or Tuesday morning. Pairs well with wet food - especially pate. … Continue reading Essential Christmas Gifts For Cats
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
