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 mental illness can be discussed without judgment. Something I haven't discussed on here before is my medication. I have been taking medication for generalised anxiety disorder with depressive and obsessive episodes for around 5 years. In that time I have switched medication a … 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 key. This 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
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. Here is my reply: 1. The flu jag is not some big conspiracy - if you or anyone you know is offered it, it is because … Continue reading The Influenza Injection – A Rant
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 … Continue reading Oh Dear… I am Sorry 🖤
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
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
DON'T GIVE UP GLUTEN YET! Logically, when you think your body reacts badly to something it should be cut out of your diet - right? Wrong. I made this mistake. Let me explain. Back in 2014, I was suffering from awful stomach issues, a number of people said "Have you tried giving up gluten? Your issues … Continue reading Do You Think You Have Coeliac Disease?
