Introduction

Hi, Thanks for viewing my blog. It lets me have a rant and I may even help someone along the way. Got the idea to do a blog following using an Arthritis Forum for the first time at www.arthritiscare.org.uk

I suffer from Psoriatic Arthritis which is very demanding in all aspects of my life and this is my story on how I deal with it on a day to day basis.

I have been spending lots of time recently researching arthritis and pregnancy, there isnt loads of information out there and the most helpful thing i have found to date is forums and hearing other peoples story. This just confirms to me why I am 'blogging', if someone like me wants to know they are not on their own.

Friday 27 April 2012

'Alright my Luvverrrrrr!'

So we got away, and only a few hours after the time we had planned. I was packed, or should I say over packed to ensure hubby had enough clothes. Picked him up from hospital and after a quick freshen up we left.

What a wonderful way to introduce myself back in to driving - motorways in torrential rain I could barely see in front of my face - nice!! But I managed it, and surprisingly it's easier than getting back on a bicycle after not riding it for a while. A bit concerned however at the progression of my arthritis since last driving in November - I never noticed the pain in just holding the steering wheel before! For the rest of the week and as hubby got better we shared the driving and by our return home he drove the whole way, so I got a nice kip.

We had a busy week whilst away and made sure to make the most of it, even though the weather wasn't as good as it could have been. A bit of a contrast to our trip to Egypt last year.

We visited Cheddar gorge on our first day trip - it was quite novel as the dog was not only allowed in the caves with us but also shops and restaurants. Theo loved it, I don't think he quite knew what to do with himself. I was proud of my achievement too as we climbed Jacobs Ladder (274 steps), it was hard and every step painful but I was determined not to let my arthritis stop me. I did however make the most of the rest stops on the way up.

Another visit was to Longleat, whilst the safari was in the car, there was much more to see which also involved lots more walking. Very tiring but I kept pushing through, I am determined this disease will not get the better of me! It was hubbys first experience of a safari park but even I was amazed at how close lots of the animals were. We had a monkey drinking the water off the car and then a naughty monkey trying to bite the nozzle for the windscreen water spray off. A rhino nearly walked into the car and even a tiger was within touching distance of the car. I wonder how these animals would have reacted had we been allowed to have Theo in the car, or even how Theo would have been had we taken him. Maybe we won't try that!

On the nicest day we had (weather wise) we made the most of it and went to Weston Super Mare, Theo and hubby ran around the beach like loons, whilst I would have pretended not to know either of them, I really wish I was able to run about like that without causing myself pain. We had fun though and spent a long time walking, then the weather turned. What's all this about a hosepipe ban???? Had a bit of a drive then got back to the caravan, later in the day as the weather had picked up again we strolled the 1/2 mile to Berrow beach which Theo loved again. He then spent the rest of the evening sleeping and didn't even mind us leaving him to go out for dinner.

Wednesday took us to Bristol and the Clifton Suspension Bridge. The heavens opened when we walked across the bridge - but it was well worth it as it was quite spectacular! We then drove into Bristol after I had a slight problem navigating as I was looking at the map wrong. I did wonder why the road names weren't matching up to the road names on the map. I'm sure driving somewhere unfamiliar could cause the calmest people to have arguments - hubby got a little stressed finding parking. I was helpful saying things such as 'Follow the signs' or 'I can't see, I haven't got my glasses on'. We eventually got parked and done yet more walking. After visiting the Christmas steps and the fish n chip shop we went back to the caravan. I was in need of a rest which turned into a nap, a 3 hour nap. I had to give in at this point. Luckily we had nothing planned for the next day and just relaxed, taking only a leisurely walk along Berrow beach.

It was a lovely week, and now got a busy weekend to look forward to. Its my twin nephews 3rd birthdays today; they are very excited to the point that they sang happy birthday to US when we rang to wish THEM happy birthday. I also have the pleasure of a birthday Sunday, slightly older than 3 though but will be sharing their birthday party tomorrow morning and then in the evening having celebrations with my family.

Sunday I am expecting to be spoilt rotten by hubby, I think I deserve it - after all in the last year I did give him the pleasure of making me his wife.

Monday is going to be spent catching up with friends and catching up on washing and housework whilst hubby returns to work. But back to reality for me on Tuesday too, only a 4 day week though and then more birthday celebrations with friends.

Now I'm just hoping hubby can stop with the accent he has picked up and the continuous 'Alright my Luvverrrrrr!'

Friday 20 April 2012

If its not one thing its another

So I'm sitting here, the car is all packed for holiday, but the question is will hubby be discharged and will he be well enough to go away?

These things always have immaculate timing. Last Thursday hubby woke up in agony with pain in his knee, obviously I thought he was exaggerating, but by hat evening it did look quite sore. As I cant drive his dad took him to out of hours, where he was diagnosed with Bursitis (AKA Housemaids Knee -which i found highly amusing) he was prescribed antibiotics.

However Wednesday evening he was still no better, in fact it was getting worse. Again the caring and patient wife I am thought he was making a mountain out of a mole hill. So he drove to A&E, and surprisingly seen quite quickly. An Xray and lots of bloods later they decided to keep him in. 'Sorry, what?'

Yes it caught me a little off guard it was the last thing I was expecting and so much went through my head but I tried my best to stay brave about it in front of him as I could tell he was upset. Then PANIC! How am i going to get the car home? Even though i knew i am probably well enough to drive now i haven't driven in 4 1/2 months - its dark, and I haven't got my glasses. Thank god for my parents, they came and sorted that out for me. His parents came too and we waited with him until he was put on a ward, at which point they took me back to get him some things. Eventually after dropping these off, and a bit of a break down when leaving the hospital I got home at 12.40. I sobbed, and my little Theo (the dog) done a very good job at looking after me but didn't stop looking for his daddy. I was not only worried about hubby but as I rely on him so much at the moment I was worried how i would cope at home without him.

I have done well though and hopefully he will be discharged at 12 and on our way.

Oh yeah I forgot, i thought I'd chase the EEG results to see if I can drive now - after all it was ONLY 8 weeks ago I had the EEG, and I NEED to drive. Eventually after finding out they hadn't even done the results yet, the secretary got the DR to look at them and called be back to say 'I'm fine to drive'.

Yes so happy however still a little nervous.
Life seems such a whirlwind at the moment, if its not one thing its another - wheres the light at the end of this tunnel?

Wednesday 11 April 2012

what a lovely side effect

Its been a while I know, I don't really know where the time has gone. Sometimes things just seem to take over.

Following my rheumy visit and bloods, I awaited my unknown appointment with Gastrology, having no idea what so ever this was for. I turned up with mum by side; dedicated chauffeur for the day - still being unable to drive. In the appointment it was discovered the GP had referred me at the end of 2011 as my ALP levels on my bloods had gone above 400 when they should be a maximum of 200; suspected liver damage. Oh Joy! What a lovely side effect of my medications, so more blood tests, to the point my veins collapsed.

I went away from the hospital wondering what else can possibly be wrong and had 2 bruised arms!

I am quite used to hospitals and being poorly now, so when mum was taken into hospital I was quite shocked at how I just broke down with panic. I held it together fine when I was at the hospital with her, but as usual the hospital lived up to its general standard. Its strange I've never known my mum to be poorly, she never makes a fuss! I wish she would just look after herself - she was laying in a hospital bed STILL worrying about everyone else. Nearly 2 weeks on she is on the mend thankfully, but not sure she'd let on if she was still in discomfort.

Hubby is settled in his new job now which is fab and a relief knowing we will have money again.

I have an ultrasound Friday - don't get too excited not been successful in conceiving yet; its to check my liver following my gastrology appointment. Conception has to be put on hold now too, got to have an MRI scan in regards to seizures which is in May; but then it will be all go again.

The 4 day Easter weekend was much needed as I had got to  point of exhaustion. Back to work I went Tuesday and whilst it was a struggle I have in my mind that I go on holiday with hubby and the dog in a little over a week. Really looking forward to getting away from everything that's been going on lately.