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
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
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
Self-confidence is something that I have struggled with all my life, or more accurately, something that has been missing. From when I worked as a model as a money making side hustle back in university... All the way to my chronically ill current self - a scarred and broken 30 years old. Self-deprecation and negative … Continue reading Chronic Illness and Self Confidence
There isn't really much to report at this point. I'm very, very sleepy. I slept a lot yesterday. Which is why there is a lack of anything exciting. I spent all day either watching Food Wars (Shokugeki no Soma) or sleeping. Such a rock n roll lifestyle. James the wonderful has been amazing - he … Continue reading TMJD Surgery – Day 5
Today I am a little more put together in the brain department - still contending with post-op fog though. Where did I leave you? Ah yes - trying to sleep. That didn't happen. I couldn't rest at all as I had hourly observations as my blood pressure was very low and they wanted to check … Continue reading TMJD Surgery – Day 2
Excuse the very obvious pun, but I thought the title was apt. Especially on this topic. WARNING: Bodily functions discussed in a bit more detail than is discussed over a family dinner. Since my appendectomy in 2013, I have had gastrointestinal issues - the worst one being constipation. Yes. That is where this post is … Continue reading Transit Study – The In’s and Out’s
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