This series of blog posts will follow my 3 weeks at Stanmore hospital (RNOH). I’m going through the Hypermobility Rehab Programme in an attempt to learn how to manage my physical health problems, to get a bit fitter and to take a good look at the way I cope with things emotionally/psychologically. There are two…Continue reading The Rehab Saga: Admission day.
Author: JBOT
I am an Independent Occupational Therapist & an expert patient with many years experience self-managing complex health conditions.
I began my working life in the sport and Outdoor Adventure industries. After being diagnosed with Hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, I returned to study and gained a BSc in Occupational Therapy from the University of Northampton, where I was named Changemaker Student of the Year 2016. This is in part to recognise my efforts as a volunteer for the HMSA, for helping to bring Wheelchair Basketball to the university and for my blogging and online advocacy starting in 2013. The final noteworthy reason was my final placement, which made me the UK’s first OT practitioner to work in the travel industry.
I finished my degree in September 2016 after 5 years, thousands of miles of travel, 57 nights in 4 different hospitals, 5 different A&Es (some more than once), 4 ambulance trips, countless hospital and GP appointments, 3 work placements, living in student accommodation, hotels and friends’ houses.
When is the right time to use mobility aids?
This is a topic I’ve discussed a lot over the years since my health started to decline due to Ehlers Danlos. There is a lot of stigma associated with mobility aids, I’m often questioned why I use a wheelchair when I can walk or why I use crutches when I have a wheelchair. The reasons…Continue reading When is the right time to use mobility aids?
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Diagnosis pro’s and con’s
I’ve heard a lot of chat about how people feel when they receive a diagnosis, so I’ve decided to share my ramblings on the topic. There tend to be 3 distinct trains of thought upon receiving a diagnosis. 1. I’ve got a diagnosis this is good. 2. I’ve got a diagnosis this is bad. 3.…Continue reading Diagnosis pro’s and con’s
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Trixie Jogging Belt for Hands Free Dog Walking
I purchased this via amazon ”Trixie Waist Belt” so that I could walk dogs from my wheelchair or on crutches without getting hopelessly tangled. I have tried various methods like tying leads to my chair, carabiners, leads looped over my arms but all of them had the same flaw. The leads were either too long…Continue reading Trixie Jogging Belt for Hands Free Dog Walking
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Rhizomed Thumb Support from Medi
Ok so I received this awesome new thumb splint this morning and I’ve decided to do a quick review (I couldn’t find any other reviews for this model online so I figured I should write one) Before we get started although I’m an OT student and I splint regularly in my daily life this doesn’t…Continue reading Rhizomed Thumb Support from Medi
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Rehab progress update, Beach Yoga
Today was too hot so we headed to the beach, after a quick visit to granny and a picnic I set about getting a photo of me doing something I’ve been working on for months. After a long hard journey I have finally achieved one of my final goals. I was discharged from Rehab in…Continue reading Rehab progress update, Beach Yoga
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Corset wearing for chronic back pain – Focus on Hypermobility (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome)
As part of the series on Splinting for Hypermobility Syndromes, this post will specifically cover corsets. Before we start I have to say I’m not a medical professional and I’m not a corset expert, this is all from my personal experience and before you take any advice from my blog I’d recommend reading around the…Continue reading Corset wearing for chronic back pain – Focus on Hypermobility (Ehlers Danlos Syndrome)
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RSPB Minsmere Accessibility Review
RSPB Minsmere is a coastal reserve in Saxmundham, Suffolk. The reserve covers over 2,000 acres and is a mix of woodland, wetland, meadows, reed beds and shorelines. The 1st thing I have to compliment them on is their access statement, their website is FANTASTIC (available here) it covers so much more than just ‘wheelchair accessible…Continue reading RSPB Minsmere Accessibility Review
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Home at last: settling in, physio, hair dye and mobility aids.
Hello folks I know it’s been a few days since I’ve blogged but for the most part I’ve been asleep! After getting Home from hospital in Tuesday and my epic walk back to the house u spent the rest of the day in bed. Wednesday started with a layin, I just couldn’t get going. I…Continue reading Home at last: settling in, physio, hair dye and mobility aids.
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24th and last day in rehab.
Jam on toast and lots of good luck and goodbye messages already 🙂 I’m certainly going to miss this lot! After getting myself up and dressed I made myself some earrings to go with my cotton cord necklace and bracelet set. After finishing that I started chasing down staff with my business cards in hand.…Continue reading 24th and last day in rehab.
