Pain Management using Animals

Through childhood, I have always loved animals. When asked at 7 years old what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was a zoo-keeper. I had a lot of pets too, from hamsters when I was around 5 years old to having guinea pigs at 14, cats throughout, and when I got to 16, we got a beautiful dog who is thankfully still with us (or rather my parents...). I LOVE animals... I just didn't realise what an impact they would have on my life.

Growing older through adulthood, I have learnt to accept that due to health issues, I live my life with chronic pain. I have Left Hemiplegia and Hip Dysplasia, along with the early onset of osteoarthritis in my hips. I won't lie and say it doesn't affect me, it does. Its a major influence of my life, but I have learnt to live relatively normally whilst factoring in the pain. I have a full time job and have a wonderful husband and a lovely house. But I haven't always been so thankful.

Last year, around September, I let life get on top of me a bit. There was a lot going on at work, my mum was very poorly, and my health was failing for the umpteenth time. I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, and ended up taking 2 months off work whilst barely leaving the house.

Then, through no choice of my own, I inherited Florence, a timid little hamster who didn't have the best start in life and who needed a home. 

The first few weeks of having Florence was a little bumpy. It sounds stupid, but having the responsibility of keeping a living thing alive was a daunting prospect, especially when I was so low. But, around a month after I inherited her, she started to be very sociable towards me, showed me love, and, a major plus, stopped peeing on me. We were starting to bond, and I was starting to smile. By March, I went to Australia, with Florence being babysat, relatively relaxed and happy.

When I got back from Oz, Florence was very hyper, and I'm glad to say, shes stayed that way, although shes still very loving towards me. It's like we have an unspoken agreement. If i'm ever in pain, she looks at me from her cage, as though expecting me to get her out and she treads ever so carefully over me. She's a star.

3 weeks after being back from Oz, I was browsing on a website for pets when I saw an advert for 2 very hairy guinea pigs, which was written in the 1st person begging someone to give them a good home. I couldn't resist, and after persuading my husband (then fiance), we welcomed Delboy and Rodney into our home.

The bonding between me and the guinea pigs didn't come as quick or easy as Florence. They had clearly been very badly treated, and whilst they never bite, they were not in the habit of trusting humans. They had matted hair and very long nails, and seemed starving all the time. We have now had the guineas 8 months, and only now have they started to trust me. They still run away if we move too quick, but they're getting there, and they have started, like Florence, to interpret my pain. As recent as yesterday, I had a very bad pain day, it was an 8. The guinea pigs stare their adorable stare and squeak very occasionally. When I give them lap time, they make sure they move slowly if at all, and I got a couple of kisses as if to make sure i'm ok.

It goes further than understanding though. It physically makes me feel better, as though it takes my mind off it. I would have a houseful of animals could I do so... unfortunately, my husband has said no more, and I don't really have the room, but I really do recommend, should anyone struggle coping with pain, try adopting an animal, big or small. It has really got me out of a hole I was in. 

Thanks for reading, I love you all..

Steph x  

So in my last blog post...

... I stated that I'm stressed because lots going on.

One thing, I can't divulge, but I can say this much. I am having to fight for everything and just don't have the energy for it. They will end up winning.

Over the last few months, I've been having more issues with my hip. In July I was told by my specialist that I have wear and tear on my hip (otherwise known as osteoarthritis) and so will eventually need a hip replacement. Whilst at the moment, I am not on a waiting list for surgery, I am being told to manage the pain and maintain the wear and tear as long as possible. It is, yet another fight, that I may not have the energy to fight.

My mum is poorly again, and will need more surgery... Next Thursday

I start a uni course next week... More energy used, although I genuinely believe that this will be worth it.

I'm sorry I'm not my usual, positive, self, I'm just sick of fighting. You can't ride a wave with a broken ship. And my ship has a small hole which is letting water in.

Fatigue and Pre existing disabilities

This post is probably more of a rant because I'm having bad anxiety at the moment, but it does have some truth in it.

Since about February last year, I have had increased muscle pain and a lot of fatigue and exhaustion. Whilst I agree that some of the fatigue is due to stress (there is a lot of things going on in life at the moment, I will write them in a separate post), I just can't believe that all of it is down to stress.

I went to the Drs months ago, and got some blood tests which included tests for anemia, but all came back normal so I was back to square one. After mentioning it to my Neurologist, I was told that it was down to partly stress and partly due to my disabilities (Hemiplegia and Hip Dysplasia. The main reason I don't agree with this is because it only started in January, whereas my Hemiplegia has been lifelong and my Hip Dysplasia since 2005. 

It is therefore my opinion that medical professionals don't feel comfortable diagnosing you with a new condition if they can justify it within your pre-existing condition. If I am way off the mark, please do let me know, but also please tell me what I have to do to get taken seriously instead of fobbed off at every appointment.

Hypochondria it is then

So I rang the Drs today after having blood tests on Friday to be told the following:

Blood tests have come back normal, the doctor doesn't need to see you

Yes, lovely receptionist, the doctor may not need to see me, but I certainly DO need to see him. You see, if my bloods have come back normal, I am still not feeling well, so more investigation is needed. Unless of course, I am what is known as a hypochondriac.

So in hope of finding a doctor online, or someone who has been through the same thing, I'm going to sound exactly like a hypochondriac by listing my current diagnoses and my current symptoms, however small they sound.

• Left Hemiplegia - I have had this since birth.
• Hip Dysplasia - Diagnosed in 2010... I was originally mis-diagnosed with bursitis, which I do believe I have, due to the pain still being there and it still being swollen at times
• Anxiety - Suffered with this, as well as bouts of depression since early last year.
• Fatigue - This is currently my main issue. I can barely work 30 hours without the need to sleep all weekend. I barely do anything anymore, due to the need to sleep almost all the time. An example of this was on Sunday. I went to the cricket and almost fell asleep on numerous occasions. No it wasn't just that I was relaxed, and yes, I get plenty of sleep at night.
• Tendonitis in my right hand - I initially thought this was due to overuse, as I can barely use my left hand (I say barely, its non-existent really), however I went to physio and he was adament (bordering on argumentative) that I had injured the wrist/hand... I haven't
• Headaches - This may just be a mixture of tiredness and stress, but I am listing it anyway. I take paracetamol for a headache at least once a day
• Neck pain/ache - This is an odd one. I get real pressure on my neck, then if I put my head from side to side, it cracks... and hurts.
• Right ankle - cracks regularly... think this may be over compensation/use.
• Left knee hurts - It hyper-extends
• Slight nausea/dizziness at times - this is when I don't eat/am stressed.
• Slight IBS - I don't know whether this is even what is happening... If I am stressed or if I eat too much greasy food, I get an upset stomach... Please someone of a medical background confirm this?

So these are all my symptoms. Some are new (headaches/neck ache) some are old news (upset stomachs).

Thank you for reading this, if anyone has any suggestions, please do share, I'm desperate for answers. Also, feel free to circulate this, in order to get answers.

I'm going to try another drs appointment next week.

Lots of love,

Steph x

Blood Tests coming up

Hi all...

In the last week since my dr appointment, I've been counting down to the blood tests that happen on Wednesday. I hope to God they find something, because I really want to know.

Because of the unknown, and a couple of other things, my anxiety levels have been crazy high, which obviously is making me more tired.

As well, until the doctor can find out the causes of all the joint pain and tiredness/exhaustion, I am on a strict "no meds" regime. This is really really hard for me. No anxiety meds and no painkillers, so just paracetamol and ibuprofen to take the edge off pain. Obviously, this is making me worse.

Roll on Weds....

Update

There has been no change since the last time I blogged, or if anything, I've been feeling worse and worse.

I have always had an issue with my left hip, as I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at 20 years old, and subsequently had 2 surgeries to try and correct this, but recently it's been hurting again. I've also always had significant weakness down my left side thanks to my hemiplegia. Saying all of this, I feel like my joints are starting to fail me. My right wrist, since February, has been feeling the strain of tendonitis, and both knees over the last week have been hurting around the joints. I also have been wondering if the nerve in my left leg (which was nicked 2 years ago) is starting to come back to life, as I've been getting shooting pains up and down my leg.

Yesterday was the day that I had to go back to the Drs. He completely disagreed with the previous Dr I saw, and told me to stop taking citalopram for now, until we can find out why my energy levels are so low. After feeling my tummy, and telling me everything felt normal, he ordered some blood tests to take place on 18th June to rule out around 7 different things. Whilst this feels like a small victory, (yay, a doctor listened!) 2 weeks is a long time to feel like this, and it's not guaranteed that they will find anything.

Along with this, thanks to the prodding and poking, my left hip swelled slightly and has been uncomfortable since.

I'll write again when I have the results. Thanks for reading x

Don't think i'll make the month

I'm going downhill quickly. I don't think I'm going to last a month waiting for a dr to take me seriously.

This weekend I have ventured out of the house once for a total of 3 and a half hours. I am now completely exhausted and every single part of my body hurts. It feels as though for the last month I have been coming down with the flu, and all my joints are being twisted back to front.

My social life is slowly going down the loo, after not having the energy to be sociable, and feeling mostly like a 90 yr old woman.

I know I am starting to sound a bit like a broken record, but the more I write, the more evidence I have to give to the drs when I go back.

Another Update and physio

I've started to literally work out my energy levels with numbers of spoons. Its easier. I have 2 left, 1 with which I am writing this blog.

I haven't felt sick today, but my energy levels are still very low. I suppose that not feeling sick is a victory for me today.

I had a physio appointment for my right wrist today. He wouldn't accept that I hadn't actually fallen or injured my wrist, and told me, despite having hemiplegia and having next to no use of my left hand... "You'd be surprised how much you actually use your left hand" after knowing me for all of about 10 minutes. He has arranged for me to have some treatment next week using ultrasound.

I managed to make tea today before crawling into bed.

Any advice, let me know.

Exhaustion Diary - update

Yesterday was probably the worst I've felt in a long time. I felt sick, dizzy, tired and sore all over. Unfortunately, the feeling has carried on throughout today. I have pins and needles in my fingers, feel so tired and had waves of sickness all day.

I have ruled out pregnancy, before anyone suggests it, and I am not anaemic. It's a complete mystery what is wrong with me. Also, because I'm unsure about whats wrong, i'm anxious about it, and its making my anxiety symptoms flare up.

As always, if anyone has any suggestions, please, please let me know. I'm desperate to get this sorted.

Exhaustion - Day 3

I have got by today on caffeine and caffeine alone.

I have no idea how I managed to stay at work today.

My neck and back have been incredibly achey, but on the plus side, thanks to botox for my hemiplegia, my thumb has half come out of my hand. Still can't use the thumb like, but it looks better.

Energy levels are low. Not far from going to bed. My back is really hurting...

Hopefully this subsides soon. 

Exhaustion Diary - Day 2

Today I woke up pretty well. After a coffee and some left over pizza in bed I was pretty good. As soon as I got up to get in the shower, my energy drained. My neck and arms have been achey and painful today and my legs, although not too painful, feel pretty heavy.

I also had another nosebleed this afternoon, which is twice in 2 days.

I'm not feeling particularly hungry, but will make scrambled egg later if I get peckish.

I am not feeling sick or dizzy, or lightheaded. I have managed to go to the cricket and had a decent enough day, before feeling tired and wanting to leave at 5pm. Even managed to clean all the animals out. I'm now lying on the sofa in my pjs.

I'm really anxious about my energy levels for tomorrow as I have work for the next 3 days. I think that this is causing a catch 22 because anxiety makes me even more tired.

As always, any advice, please do share.

Exhaustion.... Diary

On Friday I went to the drs as I've had no energy for a good while. After telling me it was because I had stopped taking my antidepressants (which I did a good 5 months ago), and feeling completely fobbed off, a few people suggested I should keep a diary of my symptoms, so in the last 2 days.....

Saturday: Exhaustion, slept for a while at 8pm, sore hip....

Today: Woke up at 8.30am. My OH bribed me out of the house, after a morning nosebleed. Managed to read a while then got as headache so stopped doing that. Got home, ate pizza. Now I am dog-tired, all my limbs hurt, and, dunno if its relevant, sooo thirsty!

I'm really worried about work next week, as at the moment I'm having to take the days an hour at a time.

Any advice welcome.

Australia... Days 1, 2, 3 & 4

On 28th February 2014, I began a 27 hour journey to the other side of the world. Whilst there, I did that many things that I have decided to write a blog on it, to keep the memory alive and share all the lovely things I did. I'm also hoping it helps with the holiday blues! I hope you enjoy.

Day One - 1st March - Arrived in Australia.

At 6am, Australian time, we arrived in Melbourne Tullamarine airport. After getting through what was surprisingly an easy customs/immigration, we met up with Chris's brother (Wil), who we would stay with for the next 3 weeks. After driving through the middle of Melbourne, we arrived in Caulfield, in a lovely little cul-de-sac where Wil lived. Due to a slight bit of jet-lag, it was time for a nap, and we relaxed again for a few more hours.

At around 7pm, we had our first experience of the Melbourne tram, which is very useful, to the AAMI football stadium for the Melbourne soccer derby Melbourne Heart vs Melbourne Victory. Wil supports Melbourne Victory, who lost 4-0.

Wil (Left), Chris and I at the Melbourne Heart vs Melbourne Victory

Day 2 - Healesville Animal Sanctuary

About an hour away from Caulfield, in the Yarra Valley of Melbourne, there is an animal sanctuary specialising in Australian animals named Healesville. Each photo below is clearly worth 1000 words!

Koala

Me, Chris and Koala in the background

Got to touch a kangaroo!

Day 3 - Into the city for a river cruise

When we arrived into the city centre for the river cruise, we found that f1 cars were on show. Then, we went for an hour on the river in 26 degree heat!

Me in Federation Square

Day 4 -Etihad Tour and to the MCG

As the temperature peaked at 34 degrees celcius, we did a tour of the Etihad stadium in Melbourne and then headed over to the MCG to take in a bit of cricket. It was $5 entry fee (around £2.70) to see a day of Victoria vs Tasmania with a free programme. 

Me & Chris at the MCG

Back to Blogger

So it's been a while since I posted on here, but thought I'd come back to it... Coming up... Australia