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.

12th day in rehab (setbacks and steps forward)

JBOTAldeburgh Rehab Hospital

After yesterday’s mini-migraine I fell asleep pretty quickly…and seem to have been run over by a tractor in my dreams. My back is sore and I’ve subluxed my left shoulder/scapula/clavicle. Migraine wise last might was a pleasant surprise for me, I had no tremors or spasms at all! However I have lost the reflexes in…Continue reading 12th day in rehab (setbacks and steps forward)

11th day in rehab (temporary escape)

JBOTAldeburgh Rehab Hospital

I’m still struggling to wake up in the mornings but did ok after breakfast, got myself dressed and laid on the floor for physio. After doing my exercises I even did my hair and slapped on some make-up. Physio came to see me today and I asked about swapping the ferules on my frame to…Continue reading 11th day in rehab (temporary escape)

10th day in rehab (making progress!)

JBOTAldeburgh Rehab Hospital

Just a quick bit from last nnight after I posted.. This is my current manicure Designed to look like brushed steel it fades between navy blue and silver blue. Overslept this morning, (again) I think I’m working my self really hard and just need more sleep! Got myself up and ready before heading back to…Continue reading 10th day in rehab (making progress!)

9th day in rehab (Exciting!!)

JBOTAldeburgh Rehab Hospital

Once again failed to wake up this morning but was revived with a cooked breakfast. Got myself up and dressed and did some of my floor based exercise 🙂 I could see the cleaning crew lingering so I rolled up my mat and swapped to beading for a bit. We chatted about holidays while they…Continue reading 9th day in rehab (Exciting!!)

8th day in rehab (mother's day)

JBOTAldeburgh Rehab Hospital

I totally struggled to get out of bed this morning after giving up on my back and taking diazepam last night. A bacon sarnie and a bubble bath improved the morning significantly! I settled down to some crafting after that and made myself some earrings I made another 2 pairs as well. One of the…Continue reading 8th day in rehab (mother's day)

6th day in rehab

JBOTAldeburgh Rehab Hospital

Nice early start this morning with a surprise cooked breakfast! Bacon, mushroom and toast 😀 thank you kitchen lady! Got myself dressed and presentable. Hospital transport arrived just after 9 to take me to orthotics. I arrived early and met Mum for a coffee/cake and a chat about the latest stupid Nigel Farrage related news…Continue reading 6th day in rehab