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

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.

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.

The Rehab Saga: Maintaining change, Physio/OT and a visit from Addz

Up bright and early this morning but I felt pretty sleepy (I’m blaming the added antihistamines) I did eventually drag myself out of bed and get dressed in time for the Stretch class. It was a pretty small group of us today so we chatted a bit but got the job done, the Therapy techs…Continue reading The Rehab Saga: Maintaining change, Physio/OT and a visit from Addz

The Rehab Saga: 2nd Weekend Home

So saturday was a total write off, the allergic reaction drove me MAD. So so Itchy… I felt pretty toxic and lethargic all day and I don’t think its the double dose of antihistamines… I was starting to see some improvement with the ear infection tho so thats good. I spent most of the day…Continue reading The Rehab Saga: 2nd Weekend Home

The Rehab Saga: Lazy Bum & Wheelchair basketball

I woke up at 7 feeling rubbish this morning. My right leg was a mass of muscle knots with a dislocated ankle, subluxed fibula (at the knee) and a subluxed hip all being held out of joint by spasms! After some painkillers and massage I got everything back were it belonged then taped my ankle…Continue reading The Rehab Saga: Lazy Bum & Wheelchair basketball

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?

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