Sleep deprived ramblings -Why I use a wheelchair & Life with a variable disability

It’s not often I write about how much disability can suck. I do my very best to stay positive. I write useful posts with coping strategies. I think I do a pretty good job when it comes to living a fun and meaningful life but there are some times when I genuinely feel like my…Continue reading Sleep deprived ramblings -Why I use a wheelchair & Life with a variable disability

Joint Protection

Introduction to Joint Protection

As usual this post is written from a dual perspective, I’m an Occupational Therapist and I have spent many years learning to manage my own health. With this post I aim to give a few simple ways of looking after your joints during everyday activities, hopefully explained in a simple way. As with all of…Continue reading Introduction to Joint Protection

Pain Management

Pain Management, it’s not always about pills.

Pain management is a complex and lifelong challenge for many people. The most obvious answer to the pain problem is painkillers right? Pain meds often come with some nasty side effects and can be highly addictive. I’m not saying pain killers are all bad (they aren’t) and I’m not saying everyone who uses them will…Continue reading Pain Management, it’s not always about pills.

Surviving a General Anaesthetic with H-EDS & PoTS

So as many of my friends will know I was in hospital yesterday to have a tooth extracted under general anaesthetic. It couldn’t have gone better really! I’ve spoken to a few people who have requested I jot down some of the ways the surgical team and I managed my ‘complex issues’ throughout the surgery…Continue reading Surviving a General Anaesthetic with H-EDS & PoTS

An alternative approach to Physiotherapy

For many people around the world, regular physiotherapy is an accepted part of life. This doesn’t just go for chronic illnesses or long-term disabilities either. Plenty of people get short-term physio for acute injuries or a little physio input as they get older and less mobile. Simply needing physiotherapy doesn’t mean you’ll find it easy…Continue reading An alternative approach to Physiotherapy

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.

Temperature Regulation

Temperature Regulation Hints and Tips

Introduction Temperature Regulation is supposed to happen naturally. Unfortunately, many people with complex health conditions find that this simply doesn’t work. As many of you may know I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS). Basically, because of my Ehlers Danlos my autonomic system is a bit wonky. I struggle to adjust to postural changes and…Continue reading Temperature Regulation Hints and Tips

Types of Splinting and Bracing for Hypermobility Syndromes.

There are many different types of splints for different uses. When deciding what will suit you there are lots of  points to consider. So here goes, my run down on different methods of supporting your joints. Neoprene or  Elastic Supports These are often fairly basic lightly shaped stretchy sleeves you simply pull on, commonly available for…Continue reading Types of Splinting and Bracing for Hypermobility Syndromes.