Chronic Pain – What does it actually feel like?

This is something I’ve been meaning to write about for a long time. While doing my dissertation before christmas I repeatedly read that most newly qualified healthcare professionals do not have a modern understanding of pain. I reviewed 9 articles for my dissertation, one common theme was the negative patient experience. Patients not feeling validated,…Continue reading Chronic Pain – What does it actually feel like?

My Top Adaptive Life Apps

Ok so just a quick post. These are little reviews of my most frequently used or most useful apps. Some of these apps are aimed at anyone and everyone but others are more for people with illnesses or disabilities. If you see something totally irrelevant then please just keep scrolling on to the next one.…Continue reading My Top Adaptive Life Apps

#NHSselfie #SaveOurNHS #NotSafeNotFair

Today I’m sharing a selfie to support all the NHS staff against healthcare reforms. The first photo is me in resus at Worcester Royal Hospital. I was admitted with tachycardia, dehydration and mystery neurological symptoms including muscle spasms that left me with most of my joints dislocated. It took me 6 weeks across 3 different…Continue reading #NHSselfie #SaveOurNHS #NotSafeNotFair

World Mental Health Day – ‘Health’ & Individuality

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” (World Health Organization) We all have ‘Mental Health’, it is literally impossible to be ‘healthy’ without looking after your mental health as well as your physical health. Health of all kinds is on a spectrum,…Continue reading World Mental Health Day – ‘Health’ & Individuality

Life with an Un-cooperative Body

A quick post on what its like living with an un-cooperative body and the challenges of invisible disabilities. Set during one day at university.

Exercise

Exercise with a Chronic Illness or Variable Disability.

I’ve thought about an exercise post for a while. I’ve had a couple of half-formed ideas about how to write this post but a recent article shared by the BBC has spurred me on. The article, Difficulties of Getting fit if you’re disabled by Kate Ansell, was brilliantly written and covered a lot of the topics I think…Continue reading Exercise with a Chronic Illness or Variable Disability.

Relationships, chronic illness & intimacy.

This one is a requested post and the first time I’ve co-written a post! Since this post is about maintaining healthy relationships I’ve invited my partner to share his side of the story too. I will apologise now for elevated levels of sarcasm and any unnecessary use of puns featured in this blog post. Just…Continue reading Relationships, chronic illness & intimacy.

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

14th day in rehab (race horses, the great escape and beading)

Today marks 2 weeks here at Aldeburgh Community Hospital and tomorrow marks week 5 in my hospital admission. (1st ever admission and hopefully my last for a LONG time) I have filled my room with stuff from home, my orchid, my beads, my clothes and it almost feels like home. I started the day with…Continue reading 14th day in rehab (race horses, the great escape and beading)

13th day in rehab

Fairly relaxed day today, I had a bit of a layin then got myself up and dressed. Physio man came to see me and I was introduced to the 3rd physio on the team. She seemed a little more hesitant about the EDS risks during physio than the other two but I gave her my…Continue reading 13th day in rehab