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, 27 April 2012
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?
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.
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.
Monday, 19 March 2012
Resulting in...
What a day! After another awful night sleep, of fits and pain resulting in a dopey morning; resulting in injury, resulting in more pain, resulting in a two hour visit to A&E!
I bashed my elbow on our door on the way out to work, not overly aware of what I had done and hubby making me aware of the 'crack' he heard. Oh and then the pain! But soldiering on as I do. Hi! Ho! Off to work I go! Didn't have much of a productive morning and after much nagging from my colleagues to go and get my arm checked; hubby took me to A&E. By this time from keeping my arm still I had gone stiff too! I also had a rheumataology appointment at 4.15 so when I still hadn't been seen at 3.45 I went to the desk which pushed them along. The Dr said it was broken as I could move it (so could my nephew but his was broken) and he wouldn't xray due to us trying to conceive.
So I was in time for my appointment not that it mattered as I wasn't see until 5pm. The result came back wasn't exactly Lupus, it was something which was indicated in the Lupus tests. APS - antiphospholipid syndrome easy to understand as sticky blood. Dr C my normal consultant was in agreement that this wasn't something which could have been left until my appointment in June and needed re-testing straight away to check it wasn't a false positive; it could also explain the fits. Dr C thinks it is important to get this checked and if necessary diagnosed and treated ASAP as it can cause miscarriages. It was as much as I could do not to burst into tears when he started to say this; as if this isn't challenging enough already. So leaflet in hand and blood forms I went to yet another waiting room to get my bloods taken. Began to read and promptly stopped reading the leaflet. I think I will just wait for the results. Dr C thinks an MRI should be done in regards to this and the fits too!
I came home and got ready to update you guys and came across some sad news my friend who is also trying to conceive has miscarried, my heart goes out to her and her husband; I just hope this doesn't make them give up.
I bashed my elbow on our door on the way out to work, not overly aware of what I had done and hubby making me aware of the 'crack' he heard. Oh and then the pain! But soldiering on as I do. Hi! Ho! Off to work I go! Didn't have much of a productive morning and after much nagging from my colleagues to go and get my arm checked; hubby took me to A&E. By this time from keeping my arm still I had gone stiff too! I also had a rheumataology appointment at 4.15 so when I still hadn't been seen at 3.45 I went to the desk which pushed them along. The Dr said it was broken as I could move it (so could my nephew but his was broken) and he wouldn't xray due to us trying to conceive.
So I was in time for my appointment not that it mattered as I wasn't see until 5pm. The result came back wasn't exactly Lupus, it was something which was indicated in the Lupus tests. APS - antiphospholipid syndrome easy to understand as sticky blood. Dr C my normal consultant was in agreement that this wasn't something which could have been left until my appointment in June and needed re-testing straight away to check it wasn't a false positive; it could also explain the fits. Dr C thinks it is important to get this checked and if necessary diagnosed and treated ASAP as it can cause miscarriages. It was as much as I could do not to burst into tears when he started to say this; as if this isn't challenging enough already. So leaflet in hand and blood forms I went to yet another waiting room to get my bloods taken. Began to read and promptly stopped reading the leaflet. I think I will just wait for the results. Dr C thinks an MRI should be done in regards to this and the fits too!
I came home and got ready to update you guys and came across some sad news my friend who is also trying to conceive has miscarried, my heart goes out to her and her husband; I just hope this doesn't make them give up.
Saturday, 17 March 2012
Persistence
Another long week, still finding full time working quite exhausting but I am hoping I'll will get used to it again - it will just take a little persistence.
Persistence is definitely something I have lots of, dealing with this horrible disease. As if the constant pain and discomfort isn't enough, the flare ups are just agonising. I wish our British weather would decide what to do with itself - the damp this week has certainly not helped. I don't really know how to explain the pain, imagine be covering head to toe in bruises and then being bashed about; on top of that every movement you make feeling your bones grind together. That's as close as I can get to any type of description. This week has been bad, I've relied on hubby to help me in and out of the shower. He's been able to walk or drive me to work but as he started his new job this week I've been left t get home on my own. I am very fortunate that on the days where I wouldn't have made it home walking one of my lovely colleagues drove me home. I don't think they could ever know how grateful I was of that this week.
Hubby's job is going well so that's all good - he has a smile on his face again. That makes a difference and gives me another reason to keep up the persistence of being off all the drugs to try and conceive.
At 3am this morning it was a different story; I can not describe the pain I was in apart from the fact it is so much pain that I actually felt like I was going to be sick; but was too stiff and unable to move. The frustration of this is GRRRRRR!!!!! I lay awake in pain not knowing what to do with myself until 5am when hubby wakes up and asks me if I am OK. It was as much as I could manage not to burst into tears, he got up and got me some paracetamol; whilst not make much difference at least it helped me get another couple of hours sleep.
I will keep persisting as I keep telling myself 'It's all about getting from A to B' and it will all be worth it when we have that little baby in our arms. I really hope its not going to take too much longer though.
So a chill out day in my PJ's today and a meal out tonight with some old work friends which I am really looking forward to. It will be nice to catch up as its been a long time and will be something to take my mind off this pain for a while. I think hubby is looking forward to me going out, he is having a curry which my mum made for him on his birthday which we've frozen. I don't do curry so he doesn't get much chance of having it, bless him! So his night except from chauffeuring me will be curry with Lets dance for Sport Relief, with the dog for company.
Tomorrow he is working so spending the day with my mum and then seeing my mother-in-law tomorrow night. So Happy Mothers Day to all you Mummies out there (with any luck I'll be one by next mothers day) but a special happy mothers day to my mummy. Thank you for looking after me and worrying about me all the time, but I'm a big girl now so you don't have to worry about me quite as much. Love you xxx
Persistence is definitely something I have lots of, dealing with this horrible disease. As if the constant pain and discomfort isn't enough, the flare ups are just agonising. I wish our British weather would decide what to do with itself - the damp this week has certainly not helped. I don't really know how to explain the pain, imagine be covering head to toe in bruises and then being bashed about; on top of that every movement you make feeling your bones grind together. That's as close as I can get to any type of description. This week has been bad, I've relied on hubby to help me in and out of the shower. He's been able to walk or drive me to work but as he started his new job this week I've been left t get home on my own. I am very fortunate that on the days where I wouldn't have made it home walking one of my lovely colleagues drove me home. I don't think they could ever know how grateful I was of that this week.
Hubby's job is going well so that's all good - he has a smile on his face again. That makes a difference and gives me another reason to keep up the persistence of being off all the drugs to try and conceive.
At 3am this morning it was a different story; I can not describe the pain I was in apart from the fact it is so much pain that I actually felt like I was going to be sick; but was too stiff and unable to move. The frustration of this is GRRRRRR!!!!! I lay awake in pain not knowing what to do with myself until 5am when hubby wakes up and asks me if I am OK. It was as much as I could manage not to burst into tears, he got up and got me some paracetamol; whilst not make much difference at least it helped me get another couple of hours sleep.
I will keep persisting as I keep telling myself 'It's all about getting from A to B' and it will all be worth it when we have that little baby in our arms. I really hope its not going to take too much longer though.
So a chill out day in my PJ's today and a meal out tonight with some old work friends which I am really looking forward to. It will be nice to catch up as its been a long time and will be something to take my mind off this pain for a while. I think hubby is looking forward to me going out, he is having a curry which my mum made for him on his birthday which we've frozen. I don't do curry so he doesn't get much chance of having it, bless him! So his night except from chauffeuring me will be curry with Lets dance for Sport Relief, with the dog for company.
Tomorrow he is working so spending the day with my mum and then seeing my mother-in-law tomorrow night. So Happy Mothers Day to all you Mummies out there (with any luck I'll be one by next mothers day) but a special happy mothers day to my mummy. Thank you for looking after me and worrying about me all the time, but I'm a big girl now so you don't have to worry about me quite as much. Love you xxx
Sunday, 11 March 2012
I might be 25 but my body definitely isnt
Its been a hard week. First week back at work full time which I handled quite well. I may have been in my PJ's as soon as I got home from work and straight to be after dinner and hollyoaks but I got through it.
I'm glad to say hubby starts his new job tomorrow; whilst it will still be a bit of a wait until we get a pay packet at least I know its coming. I have to say I'm not surprised why so many relationships fail in our society; its been a difficult time for us with dealing with the normal day to day things that we have learnt to manage but also dealing with having next to no money. That has been a challenge!
So the weekend came and I was tired and a little achy but managing. Yesterday saw my nephews 5th birthday party, a soft play party and bouncy castles with near on 20 kids aged 5 and under! After a while hubby and I ventured onto the bouncy castle to 'assist' all the kids - and on a couple of occasions the bouncy castle collapsed - PANIC!!! Then I realised that I might be 25 but my body definitely isn't. I fell to the floor and just couldn't get up, I'm sure all the kids found it quite funny. 2 hours later I was exhausted and really starting to feel the pain so I was grateful of the evening just chilled out in front of the TV.
I woke up this morning or should I say I was woken up this morning; apparently hogging the bed. Then spent the next hour and a half clipping the dog, then bathing him. Then went out on a walk over the park, hoping it was going to loosen my joints up a bit. Instead hubby 'accidentally' kicked a football into my back so now I am back on the sofa chilling out again as I figure that along with some painkillers might just sort me out.
Good thing is the dog is happy and fast asleep, not sure how long that will last. Tomorrow will be the first time in over 6 months that both me and hubby will be at work all day.
I'm glad to say hubby starts his new job tomorrow; whilst it will still be a bit of a wait until we get a pay packet at least I know its coming. I have to say I'm not surprised why so many relationships fail in our society; its been a difficult time for us with dealing with the normal day to day things that we have learnt to manage but also dealing with having next to no money. That has been a challenge!
So the weekend came and I was tired and a little achy but managing. Yesterday saw my nephews 5th birthday party, a soft play party and bouncy castles with near on 20 kids aged 5 and under! After a while hubby and I ventured onto the bouncy castle to 'assist' all the kids - and on a couple of occasions the bouncy castle collapsed - PANIC!!! Then I realised that I might be 25 but my body definitely isn't. I fell to the floor and just couldn't get up, I'm sure all the kids found it quite funny. 2 hours later I was exhausted and really starting to feel the pain so I was grateful of the evening just chilled out in front of the TV.
I woke up this morning or should I say I was woken up this morning; apparently hogging the bed. Then spent the next hour and a half clipping the dog, then bathing him. Then went out on a walk over the park, hoping it was going to loosen my joints up a bit. Instead hubby 'accidentally' kicked a football into my back so now I am back on the sofa chilling out again as I figure that along with some painkillers might just sort me out.
Good thing is the dog is happy and fast asleep, not sure how long that will last. Tomorrow will be the first time in over 6 months that both me and hubby will be at work all day.
Saturday, 3 March 2012
I am NOT a yo-yo
After leaving a message on the rheumatology helpline on Monday evening and still not hearing anything by Thursday I was getting pretty impatient that I resulted to calling the line for the department instead. Lets bear in mind they say they will respond to messages from the advice line within 48 hours. The phone line to the department kept ringing with no answer. Eventually Friday morning I got through and all they could tell me was to call the advice line.
By this time I am pretty annoyed so end up leaving quite a short message on the advice line - saying I'm quite anxious to understand the results and I have been worrying about them for the last week. At lunch time I went for a team lunch and typically they chose to call me back then.
Lets wind me up - as if I'm not feeling rough enough at the moment what with my general arthritis pain, sore throat, ear ache and still having the never ending cold along with dealing with my seizures. Yes lets make this worried, and by this point pretty annoyed patient even angrier.
Its OK apparently I have had a positive result on a Lupus test which my surgery notified me off but the rheumatology department cannot discuss results over the phone and will just discuss it in my next appointment as it is ONLY part of diagnosis. What? My next appointment? You mean the one at the end of June? I DON'T think so.
So I let them know I'm not prepared to wait this long and they tell me I will have to get my GP to write to the consultant to get them to see me earlier. I am NOT a yo-yo, the Dr sent me here! She tells me she cant just book an appointment. 2 minutes later I have an appointment with my consultant on 19th March. Why did I have to kick up such a fuss though, can they not understand I'm a person; who is genuinely worried. I am always ill (as I told her) and just want this sorted. On top of this I need to know if these results are going to have any bearing on having a child; really something I cant wait until June for. I don't know how I keep it together as much as I do; not sure the people in the restaurant would agree though as I gradually raised my voice during the phone-call. To all the girls at work, I apologise for any embarrassment I caused.
By this time I am pretty annoyed so end up leaving quite a short message on the advice line - saying I'm quite anxious to understand the results and I have been worrying about them for the last week. At lunch time I went for a team lunch and typically they chose to call me back then.
Lets wind me up - as if I'm not feeling rough enough at the moment what with my general arthritis pain, sore throat, ear ache and still having the never ending cold along with dealing with my seizures. Yes lets make this worried, and by this point pretty annoyed patient even angrier.
Its OK apparently I have had a positive result on a Lupus test which my surgery notified me off but the rheumatology department cannot discuss results over the phone and will just discuss it in my next appointment as it is ONLY part of diagnosis. What? My next appointment? You mean the one at the end of June? I DON'T think so.
So I let them know I'm not prepared to wait this long and they tell me I will have to get my GP to write to the consultant to get them to see me earlier. I am NOT a yo-yo, the Dr sent me here! She tells me she cant just book an appointment. 2 minutes later I have an appointment with my consultant on 19th March. Why did I have to kick up such a fuss though, can they not understand I'm a person; who is genuinely worried. I am always ill (as I told her) and just want this sorted. On top of this I need to know if these results are going to have any bearing on having a child; really something I cant wait until June for. I don't know how I keep it together as much as I do; not sure the people in the restaurant would agree though as I gradually raised my voice during the phone-call. To all the girls at work, I apologise for any embarrassment I caused.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)