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?

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.

Reflections on ‘Life and Limb’ – Aceptance & Emotional Rollercoasters

As many of my regular readers will know I am currently training as an Occupational Therapist, as part of our final year my class mates and I are undertaking specialist workshops. We were recommended to pick something of interest, something we don’t know a lot about and something that we don’t have too strong an…Continue reading Reflections on ‘Life and Limb’ – Aceptance & Emotional Rollercoasters

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

The Rehab Saga – Guide page.

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 – Guide page.

Rehab Update: Goal Tracker, Gymnastics, Capsaicin and University

Hello again and Happy New Year!! Sorry for the lack of posting lately! This will be the first of my post-rehab updates having completed the 3 week pain management course at RNOH Stanmore. If you haven’t read about my adventured there then please check the posts starting with ‘The Rehab Saga’.

The Rehab Saga: Happily Ever After

This was my last day at RNOH Stanmore (last half day anyway) I was up and dressed nice and early, we all shared a breakfast and were even joined by an ex patient who was back for her 3 month review, she talked to me about her progress and I’m feeling really optimistic. Its so…Continue reading The Rehab Saga: Happily Ever After

The Rehab Saga: Goal Setting, Red Hot Chilli Pepper (Capsaicin) and Swimming

So I’m getting really close to complete my rehab stay and today was mostly about rounding up the programme and making sure I’m as prepared as possible before going out into the wide world to continue my life. I overslept this morning (I’m blaming the antihistamines) but I did get up early enough to go…Continue reading The Rehab Saga: Goal Setting, Red Hot Chilli Pepper (Capsaicin) and Swimming