SPRINGING BACK.

April 1st

Day 1---I will call this. The up hill climb to get back to my usual self.
Dizzy today and pain in the back of my head. I think there could be tinnitus in my left ear, as dizzy and balance off. I am trying to walk a little more today. While I was making a drink or trying to I went very dizzy and hot and had to sit down more than once. My head was spinning even when sat. Maybe I have got it wrong and its nothing to do with my ear, only part of the flu. Head ache later.

My daughter Lindsay and Jamie-Lee, plus Tracy came to see me. Really nice to see them all. The first time since I have bean ill that I have seen any one apart from Paul and Summer. 

Jamie-Lee pinched Lindsay's Mars bar she was eating and held on to it tight. She sucked it and licked it making little cooing noises. Her face was covered in chocolate. She certainly enjoyed the bit she had. She has just started on solid food and is very interested when any one eats near her.


2nd

I have bean upstairs to day, a stop half way up. Felt like a mountain. Checked two weeks of emails most of them crap stuff. Paul has bean checking for any friends ones and important ones. None.

Coming downstairs was worse I got very dizzy and had to sit down on the step. My head still feels very strange heavy and bigger than normal. Very light headed and sick feeling.  A bit like being on a boat.

3rd

Lindsay and family here. the boys came in, and straight away said they had missed me and was I better. Tommy looked at me and said I must be ill to have my pyjamas on.
They had come on their bikes. Not easy for Lindsay with Jamie-Lee in her pushchair, and watching them two along a very busy main road. Suey was upset because she did not come, but Lindsay cannot manage them all.

Jamie-Lee now giggles and laughs and watches everything that goes on. She has learnt to roll over completely now and get back again. She looks very pleased with her self and so she should be.  Summer gives her loads of kisses, she is so gentle with her.

The boys were playing with Lego, on the computer, and outside. Ben from two doors away heard them and came round to play. I know sometimes three playing does not work but with them it does, all very well behaved and enjoyed them selves a lot.


Very tired after they had all gone the noise got a bit too much for me as I have had it quite for so long.
All in all a good day hope they keep coming and I can get back to my normalish ways.

4th

A good nights sleep for a change. I am still in the front room in the reclining chair, I hope to go to my proper bed tonight. I think things with me are slowly getting better as I don't feel as dizzy or as much strange head feeling now. Even got dressed the first time for two weeks. I noticed my trousers were a lot looser than last time I wore them. Not to worry I have plenty of chocolate and Christmas munchies to eat. I will soon be back to normal what ever that is?
 
Paul took out my ear pins, they did well as put in on March 14th.

5th

I slept upstairs in my own bed last night  for the first time since I was ill. 20th of March. Did I sleep better, no not really. Hot and cold, and kept waking up. I think my body temperature had got used to the reclining chair and down stairs.
I feel more with it today. Left ear still strange though. Balance about right most of the time. Throat a bit red and sore again.

Spent the day knitting and mostly resting. My body is wreaked after this invasion that I have just bean through.


6th

Slept better, hot and cold to begin with, after that a better night. I thought  may be this flu would have reset my body clock and I would have a normal nights sleep. No-- that has not happened. I suppose once you have insomnia you don't get rid of it that easy. If any one has any positive results with this, let me know please.

Lindsay and the gang are here so not a quiet day. They were good boys and not too noisy. Jamie-Lee now rolls over and over and gos backwards  to get things so a few more weeks and nothing will be safe.

 Just after I got in bed about four thirty. I lifted my head off the pillow and a pain neck shot down my right arm and leg paralysing them both. This is happening more often now. All I can do is lay there and not move. The pain then goes and I am back to normal, apart from a dull ache in my neck and head. I will speak to Martin and the team about this.
 
  7th
 
Woke to headache not too bad but annoying. Throat still sore as well.

The Lincoln 10km race today, my friend Bev is taking part I wish her well. I would love to have bean there too. I hope to do the Race for Life (3km) in June, but not run for ages so will have to see how things go.
I am still recovering. I did finally manage to break free and went for a walk with Paul and Summer.
I felt good to be out again, but my body did not feel the same way, very week and heavy.
Head ache worsened later on in the night.    


8th

Fair night, short as usual, no head ache. Pain levels are just about back to my normal some where round about six plus.
Bev phoned me and said she had a good steady run. She enjoyed it very much. Paul and I are out in the car later so another break out. I am not an indoor person, so I feel very caged in when not able to get out. I know when I was very ill, I did not care as not really with it any way, but as I improved I longed to be outside again.

10th
 
Going with Paul to take Summer a bit further today. My legs and hips ache, from walking I think, a big shock for them after all that rest. Even though I am over most of the flu symptoms my chest is still quite tight. I have bean using my steam inhaler, it helps a bit. Still getting a lot of spasms in my left arm.
The last few days have bean better for pain and  not taken any extra pain relief. I certainly feel a lot more with it now. 


11th

Took Summer for a walk with Paul. My legs have recovered now and don't hurt as much. Only usual RSD pain which is enough on its own.


Physio at last.--- Usual talk and asking how I am. Brought them up to date about things that are happening now. The treatment went like this-- A needle in each hand and one in my forehead (just like Wietse used to do) This has a calming affect. Next four ear pins in right ear. These hurt going in, red face and ear again. A lovely massage followed on my neck. She could only use a little pressure as too much caused pain and numbness. I am advised to go to the Doctor and ask for an xray to see what is going on there.
I said to Martin I was a bit worried this paralysing thing will happen one night and I would not be able to move at all again. He said usual treatment would be a chiropractor but that would not suit me. Properly send the RSD into a mental break down.

I left Physio, lift from Paul there and back. A quick trip to B&Q's for orchid compost then home with fish and chips very nice, build me up again.

Not a good night forgot to take MORPHINE and went into withdrawal. The full works shaking sweating feeling sick and head ache. I took them as soon as I realised about three thirty in the morning. About five hours late! After my head stopped booming I went to bed still feeling a little strange.

12th

In town today with Lindsay and gang. This is the first time I have bean in town since I was ill.
Bought Jay-Jay a body warmer as replacement present from Christmas. We have bean trying to sort this out for a while but it did not happen. He was very pleased with it putting it on straight away. He did not like the jacket I got him for Christmas at all but Tommy-Lee loved his. Went for dinner at Burger King. The boys ate like Kings as well, a full adult meal each
On to the pound shop then. Both boys got things here. Jamie-Lee was good woke at all the right times.
When we got home they came up to me with a present, some chocolates, for taking them out even when I was still ill. Thank you Boys very nice thought. Very tired later on and the head ache back.

14th

Paul has bean away since Friday morning. I have bean taking Summer for her walks. So a quite one apart from yesterday when the boys were here.

  

No camping.

When they were here they put Jamie-Lee in their Action Man tent. She did not like camping much by the look of her face.


I did a little bit of gardening as it was a nice day. I still feel week so not doing too much yet. Paul got back about seven. He had a good time away.

15th

I ache a lot just about everywhere my knees are swollen again. My neck hurts and so does my back. Head ache still hanging on

Paul and I gave summer a bath, she rolled in horse muck again and smelt very strong. The common is quite dry now well the bits we go on are. She had kept quite a lot cleaner since her cut and wash but she likes to be a Scruff Pup.

Lindsay, Tracy and Jamie-Lee called in. We put her in her baby bouncer to see what she thought. She bounced up and down laughing and talking. Summer kept going up to her which made her laugh more.

 Hello

 What am I missing.

A clean Summer looking after Jamie-Lee.

16th

Spoke to Doctor Mehta to arrange the xray for my neck. I am to pick the form up and go today. Going into town for a few bits first. Had dinner then off to the Hospital, the xray did not take long but the waiting did. Never mind all done now. Results in about ten days. Totally drained and very tired, the sort that does not go away.

17th

Pilates the first one for five weeks. Since I have bean away a few more moves have bean added. Managed quite well did a few moves of most of them. Like I have said before some I cann't do, like arms above head ones I improvise. Jo shows me alternative ones. A good session but quite hard for me.

Helen came and did my hair which was long over do for a cut and colour. I looked like a monk with a grey cap on. I cooked a roast beef dinner. Chris her husband had to work so I sent some back with Helen. A very good meal everything cooked well. Chris sent me a Thank You later and said it was very good.

18th

Not a good night AGAIN- woke a few times sweating like I had forgotten my MORPHINE again but I had not. I can go few a few days and have no problems then POW a bad time. Even more tired than usual.
May be this is still from the flu thing and it will go but I think it more likely to be the RSD again. I have not taken much extra pain relief and few IBRUES no extra MORPHINE.

Physio- A lift from Paul. Usual talk and update pulse and tongue sticking out. A needle in each hand near thumb. One in my fore head.
A new gadget called  "Medisana Electronic Acupuncture Device"  that detects the acupressure points and sends out a high pitched noise. When placed on my ear it went mad squealing and making us jump. This can also be used for treatment smiler to ultra sound. My ear pins were put in next four pins in left ear using the gadget to check the for the right place. They hurt a lot ear and cheeks red. No massage today they are being cautious till xrays come back and we know what is causing the pain and paralysing episodes.

This was taken from Boots Website.

Medisana Electronic Acupuncture Device helps treat many aliments without drugs. The Medisana Electronic Acupuncture Device is an ancient medicine for the modern age and is easy to use for all the family. The Medisana Electronic Acupuncture Device has no known side effects and follows theories of ancient oriental medicine. The Medisana Electronic Acupuncture Device has a relaxing soothing heat for the relief of many aliments affecting body organs, from head to toe.

• Electronic pulse, gold plated point with adjustable intensity.
• Audible and visual signs for finding acupuncture points on different parts of the body which affect the affected organs -144 page therapy book included.
• Use on hands, feet or other recognised acupuncture points of the body.

19th

A better night than previous ones. Just lately we have had very windy days. At night the wind howled and scares Summer.  Thankfully this has now dropped and raining instead. British weather.

Paul is picking up a chair I won on EBay. Treated myself to a new recliner, its electric and a lot easier to use.

 

 My new chair. 

 
My other one made my arms go into spasms a lot of the time as a manual lever to recline it.  This one is bigger and pretty much the same as Paul's, the one that I spent so much of my time in when I had flu.
Not too bad a day. I think I am recovering well but slow. With RSD everything takes longer. Too long.

I am very tired today, but as usual my body will not rest for long a lot of pain and spasms.


20th

Today I am at Lindsay's she normally comes here with the boys but their Dad has got them for the weekend.
Jamie-Lee was pleased to see me and just woke up so ready for play and more important, dinner.
A nice quite day the boys did pop in and was surprised to see me at their house.

Since my last acupuncture ear pin session, my balance and ears have bean a lot better, less pain as well.
As you know I have a lot of trouble with very cold legs and feet. I think most RSD suffers do. I have found out with my new chair I can adjust the angle of the leg rise more precise than my last chair. This seems to help, probably with the blood flow? What helps one day might not the next, but maybe worth trying out.

21st

Did a bit of gardening putting in Pansies and sewing flower seeds. A lot of pain today even be for I started on the garden. I had hoped this would loosen me up but not this time. Later I was finding it very hard to sit comfortable in any position.

23rd

Awake a lot of the night spasms and pain in my neck, back and arm again. I get more pain and spasms when looking down or turning my head. I hope the xrays show up some thing. While walking Summer a lot of pain in my knees and left hip.
A bit more gardening and sorting out the shed cupboard.


Lindsay asked me to look after Jamie-Lee while she took Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee to the Fair with Tracy.
Jamie was very good and only got a little upset as it got nearer her bed and milk time. Wayne came on Skype to talk to us and Jamie-Lee kept smiling and looking at the screen. Soon they were back from the fair. Everyone had  a good time  Jay-Jay will go on the scary rides but not Tommy-Lee. Both the boys had candy floss. They had won on hook a duck as well. Jamie-Lee was very pleased to see her Mum. Off  home to bed for the children.
A long day for me as well but no bed for a while yet.

25th

Physio- Four pins and a ear seed in my right ear. I told them my knees were bad. The left one bruised. I hope the treatment will help. Walking home my feet were on fire and very hot.
I had to go to City Hall to renew my bus pass but did not have the right paper work so will have to go back tomorrow. Last year the pass was sent to me but changes mean I have to go in and get it myself.
Later on very tired and neck sore.

26th

Picked up bus pass so ok till 2017 (check). Going for the bus I saw Lindsay and Jamie-Lee plus Cheryl with her twin babies. I have not seen the babies for a while so they have altered a lot. Very sweet they are too.

My knees were not as bad walking either, so a better day for me. Pain wise any way. I feel that life some how has left me behind and every one is enjoying them selves. I just about cope getting though each day.
RSD tends to ruin just about everything it can.  

27th

While walking Summer she found some very black smelly mud, yes straight through it. Everyone we met  said she looked like she had boots on. I think she wanted some like mine.

 

 My new smelly boots.

 It was fun.

Once home she had to have a bath. Paul was out so just me but we managed. Summer when asked will put her feet on the side of the bath so I can wash her belly. She is so good in the bath. 

 All clean again. I could do with a sleep.

 I love you Mum.

Lindsay and family arrived later complete with Suey. Summer was so pleased she hardly left poor Suey alone. I think she wished she had stopped at home. Lindsay carried a play activity/ring for Jamie-Lee all the way from her house about a mile and a half. Jamie loves playing in it, more for her to do now.

 Jamie just after her sleep.

Tommy-Lee and Jamie-Lee .

29th


Dr Mehta phoned me and said the xrays showed wear and tear on the joints a bit more than usual for my age. Also arthritis. I have known about the arthritis for a long time even before RSD so nothing really to explain the pain. He just put it down to RSD and fibromyalgia. He is happy for Martin and his team to carry on with my treatment.

Going out as well to see Bev at Beeston on the train.This is the first time I have gone any where for ages. I hope my RSD will let me have a good day. I sure deserve one.

The journey there was very bumpy it felt like there were square wheels on the train. Also I felt very sick, I was reading so maybe that had something to do with it I don't know.  We went to the marina to see the boats then tea and cake very nice. Back to Bevs for a sit down and talk, dinner of soup and salad and chunky  bread. We sat in her dining room in the sun. Warm inside but a bit chilly out. Her garden looks very nice. We watched the birds having a bath. The day is not long enough and time went too fast. All too soon I had to get the train back home. Thank you Bev for a lovely day. I love going out but I suffer a lot and then I think is it worth the extra pain I get YES most of the time. I do not want to become slave to RSD.
The journey back was better but longer as it stops more places. Got home just be for eight o'clock. Summer was very pleased to see me. Paul had bean out to walking group. He brought a Chinese back for tea, very nice.

Well  that's about about it for this blog. I will finish off with a few pictures I took of the river near me. Hope you are all well and happy. Love Gill

I think Spring is here at last, as the ducks are hatching there little ones. They look so funny almost running on the water.

Two families here 25 in all

Newly hatched little ducks.

(1) RSD still fighting back................. (2) Zapped

(1) RSD still fighting back.

March 3rd

Today I am cleaning up down stairs. Paul is starting in the front room and me in the bathroom we will meet some where in the middle.

I thought the PLUM BLOSSOM NEEDLE TREATMENT was going to be a good thing, but the RSD has reacted to it this time in a big way. Pain very sore and burning. May be another time this will be better or may be not, who knows? I think I would give it another try at a later date.
 My legs are painful and tight especially the calves it almost feels like I have had a long hard run. If only.     

5th

 Summers big day hair cut and bath at Posh Dogz.

Summer be for the common.

 The start of the day did not go according to plan. We were late going for our walk. The common is still very wet  and muddy. Just as we were coming off the common Summer spotted a big muddy puddle. I told her NO and she came  back to me, good girl. She then put her head on one side looked at me  and ran straight  through the middle of the puddle not once but three times. The mud was dripping off her. She was filthy. Summer I said, you are going to the groomers soon. She looked  up at me  as though to say, I have made it worth while then.

We got home and Paul saw her and was horrified at the way she looked. There was no time much to clean her up, just a rub with the towel, because it was time to go. The smell from her was not too good either.

This is what she looked like after the common.

 

Look at the state of her!!

 When we got to the groomers I told them she was very mucky. She leaned over the counter saying that's alright, on seeing her she was a bit surprised. We left her there hoping a new clean little Summer would be waiting for us.

I popped in to see my friend you has bean very ill. I had not seen her since Christmas. She was so  much improved. Saw her little dog as well a westie like Summer but a lot cleaner.

After a dinner of fish and chip it was time to pick up Summer. She looked beautiful so clean and  white very sweet.

Look at posh me.

6th

Jay-Jays ninths Birthday, Happy Birthday mate. We are going to see him tomorrow as he has school and  party later.

Even Summer managed to stay clean on the common today.
Pilates was painful joints hurt and spasms.
 
7th

I am in town today getting a few things. Back again now. Going to the hospital with Cilla my next door neighbour to see Ben her husband, who I stopped with in Accident and Emergency last month. I am pushing Cilla in a wheelchair, quite hard pushing her but it was all worth it to see them sat together talking and smiling. Priceless.

After tea we went to see Jay-Jay to give him his Birthday things. We got him Elvis memorabilia, Meccano, books plus more. T shirts for both of them. Jay-Jay was very excited so was Tommy-Lee. Jay-Jay liked every thing we got him. Very noisy. After a while we set off for home I was exhausted.  I know I had done too much but that's the way some days go. Hopefully  I will sleep better tonight

 

 Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee.

 

9th

The boys are here today with me, as Lindsay is putting up Jamie-Lee's cot. She is six months old now and too big for her  Moses basket.
 

 Jamie-Lee in her cot so content.

 

Cheeky Jamie-Lee.

The Gang.

10th

Mothers Day-- I got cards, a charm for my bracelet and two phone calls. 
A lot of pain today temperature all over the place. Legs very cold painful cold. Pay back time for doing too much.
More snow fell very cold.

11th

My friend Bev is here today. I made a very large lasagna for dinner very good it was too. We talked and went on the very cold windy common with Summer. So nice to see her. We said our good byes next time I will go and see her.
A lot of Pain Morphine taken.

12th

A lot of pain had to take MORPHINE again. Very bad head and joints that feel like they are being hit with a hammer. Of course the burning as well.
The last few days I have bean having sort of blackout or falling asleep, hitting anything that is in front like the computer monitor . This is sheer exhaustion. My black ear  seeds came out today.

They look a bit like rabbit droppings.

13th

Pilates was hard, I took two IBRUES before we started. Spasms and joint pain. I did feel looser later though. My legs are now warm, if fact too warm burning.  Shooting pains every where. My RSD foot hurts like when I was diagnosed with RSD. Something weirds going on.

14th

Physio- Usual catch up talk. The team decided to put ear pins in my left ear and acupuncture needles in my right ear as its still sore from the ear pins. My ear and face went red straight away. This usually happens and means pain. Acupressure on my legs, this hurt a lot especially round my knees. A quick massage and needles out, and time to go home.
Walking home was better, as coming here I felt very wobbly and far away.


15th

Made Jay-Jay a Birthday cake. I make him one a few days later because he has one for his party.
Today I feel the same pain and burning and tinnitus in my left ear. Off for my B12 injection. This  might help, hurt as usual.
When I had a bath later I used my bath spa. This sends bubbles and jets of water to relax and sooth  me. I have had this for a while but not used it lately . Felt nice and I did feel very relaxed after it.

16th

Lindsay here with gang. Jay-jay liked his cake so did Tommy-Lee.

 

 Jay-Jays cake. A big Everton fan.

17th

Spasms in my legs during the night. I woke to a very sore raspy throat. Coughing like  seal. Pain bad every where. My legs tighten up then spasm not nice at all.

19th

Very tight chest, throat worse, coughing, hot and cold. Bad head and knees hurt, and I mean hurt. Just about the works. Taken IBRUES this helped a little with my temperature but not much else. A bit better in the afternoon even did some ironing with the new iron, very good nice and smooth.
Tea time I feel that I am not here. This cannot be the tablets as not taken many. Balance not good either the think the RSD is reacting to the chest and throat thing. More tablets later.

Later that night about midnight things got a little worse. Got up from my chair to go to the bathroom and my legs felt strange. Balance wrong. I put this down to tiredness. I got back to my chair and rested. I think I fell a sleep.

(2) Zapped.

20th

About five am I woke up I tried to stand but could not. I thought to start with I had the sleep paralysed thing. I have had it a few times in the past. I soon realised this was not the case. My right side was very week my hand could hold things properly. I some how managed to get the phone and do an internal call to Paul who of course was in bed. Weird because Paul only showed me how to do this call a few days ago.

Paul got me on the settee. "Zapped" I was gone. Later in the day I came round a bit. I felt bad not able to stand. Every where hurt coughing and choking bringing up stuff  hardly able to breathe. Extreme sore throat. Even drinking water was not possible it just made me choke.  Head ache of the year. I needed the bathroom I tried to walk with Paul's help. No good Practically passing out. I made it but it was almost too late I was wet.

 Back on the settee, and hardly able to breathe again, Paul called the Doctor. When she arrived she said I had Viral Flu, a very nasty strain. My chest was clear so where was all the stuff coming from.
She gave me a mouth wash to help my throat.  DIFFLAM ORAL RINSE. She said this would help and to call her again if things got worse.
Back to the land of "Zapp". I spent another night down here on the settee.
 Paul brought down my commode from up stairs. I use it when I am ill or have a RSD flare up. There was no way I was going to make it to the bathroom again even with help. Hard enough to get on the commode that was next to me.


21st

I feel very bad all over pain, spasms, just about every pain possible. I have taken a lot of IBRUES and MORPHINE this has done very little to help. I started choking when coughing. Shooting pain in my head. Paul called the Doctor again the same one as yesterday. She said I now had a throat and chest infection as well and gave me Antibiotics  CLARITHROMYCIN 300mg 2 a day for seven days. I was moved from the settee to Paul's reclining chair. This makes a good bed more comfortable than the settee. I was able to lay flat.  Paul was to ring an ambulance if things got worse

Later on Paul had to do that, I was in and out of consciousness and struggling to breathe. Neither of us wanted this. The paramedics arrived and checked me over. I could hardly breathe. They monitored me and gave me a nebuliser with 2.5 salbutamol this helped a lot. They decided  I was better staying here as Accident and Emergency was about a three hour wait. That would make me a lot worse.  If things change to ring them again. I was so pleased. The nebuliser helped for the rest of the day.

Sipping water also helped.  I started seeing things that were not there hallucinations, a man in black looking at me sometimes pointing at  me. Paul assured me these were not real, but they were very real to me.

22nd 

Paul gave me a all over wash, boy did I need it, very smelly.  Summer even disowned me. This was exhausting to say the least. He is looking after me with Summer. The trouble is I am that hot I soon get smelly again. More feeling in my right side, but still not right.  Not much food eaten so far the last few days Angel delight mostly.  I tried to get a nebuliser but I had to be accessed on Monday at the doctors. Hopefully I will be a bit  better by then and not need it.

  More hallucinations followed An insect about two inches long and a inch wide  green like a very fat caterpillar crawling across my leg. This one was so real. I even got Paul to look for it twice.
 Another hallucination this one,  a man had got a sack with Ginge and Tabby (Cats they live two doors away)  in it and was coming to get Summer. So real I screamed and cried, I scared Summer as well. Paul actually picked Summer up and showed me that she was okay, she sat with me for a while afterwards.



24th.

I am feeling a little better  so long as I sit or lay, as soon as I stand up dizzy, spasms  and  sweating, pain shooting from every where. Head especially bad. Paul moved the chair so I could watch some television. Still coughing and bringing up stuff. I am still very week and not able to do too much. I could not even press the button on my tooth brush.
Every thing I do goes on in this room.


25/26th

Getting a bit stronger every day,  just  about able to stand to pull up pjs. Not as much shaking now. Managed a few more steps.  My head spins so I focus on one  spot for balance. This works well.  I now able to press the button on my toothbrush.  
I am using a steam inhaler this helps quite a lot. Still coughing a lot, I feel like there is some thing in my chest but it won't come up. At times I can hear it.

Wayne, Will and Timmy sent me a basket of azaleas, how nice Thank you all. They arrived damaged but  Paul was able to fix them.

Summer sits with me in the morning.  Before she goes to bed, she comes in to see me and says good night. If she can she will snuggle up with me at other times. She was laid with me and pressed the remote and the chair went back to upright position from a laying one. She squashed me I could not reach the remote as she was laying on it. When I tried to get it she just looked at me as though to say leave me alone I am tired. Paul lifted her off then put her back. A big sigh then back to sleep.

 

 

Me and summer.

27th

Fair night but I feel like I have a brick on my chest.  Almost too painful to cough but  its still going strong. I shake a lot when standing but I have managed a few more extra steps

I walked to the window about eight feet away. Very wobbly and head spinning but a good start I think.
Summer sat watching me and got very excited when I got there. Jumping up and trying to kiss me as though to say well done Mum.
The coughing makes me feel sick at times. Pain in my chest along the breast bone very tender.
My body and my feet are ice cold I asked Paul to wrap them up with a hot water bottle.
This helped. May be this is another stage of the flu. I think its better than the sweaty, hot stage.
I used the steam inhaler again I cough a lot after it but it is helping loose up  any infection.
Last Antibiotic taken,  I hope they have done there job.


28th

When I first woke up I felt quite bad. As the day went on I improved. Walking a little more every day.

Sat here, writing my Blog, when every thing disappeared. Whats going on, taping the undo button, no better I started to feel very sick. Everything I had written had gone. Tears, disbelief I was on my own as Paul had gone shopping. I messaged Wayne my son. I just hoped it could be put right. I had nearly completed it.
Wayne called me back on his dinner break and said he had looked at it-- GONE !!!. He thinks what I did was to highlight a bit to delete, but by mistake highlighted the lot, at the same time  Blogger updated and I lost the lot. Nothing for it just to start again. As you are reading this spare a thought for me and I hope you all enjoy it twice as much.

Walked to the dining room to have my tea, it took two stops but I got there. The first time I have left the front room since the 20th of this month. Everything I have done for the last eight days has bean in that room. Quite dizzy but felt good to be out. Things will start to get better now wont they?


29th

Hi still here --Not a good night. Something I saw on the television got me thinking about the past and family.

I feel very drained. Paul got my wheelchair out the shed so I used it to go to the bathroom. NICE.
Later Paul helped me have a bath, this took a lot out of me but it was lovely, very warming.
So tired I ache every where, back to my little room and bed.


30th

I woke up in the early hours of the morning. Noises out side the window scared me. I had also left the lamp on so I was a little disorientated where I was for a few minutes. I thought I was in hospital. For those of you thinking well, that's the best place, not always for RSD- not here in the UK any way.  I  have a phone next to me so I can call Paul anytime. I soon settled down again and slept.

Fair bit of pain today. My legs are very stiff and heavy a bit like concrete. I will rest a bit and walk when I can and use the chair for longer distances.That's one thing with RSD you have all the equipment you need for a time like this.

31st

I feel a little more with it today head feels like it belongs to me. My cough is a lot better so is my throat. Every thing is improving slowly, too slow for me. I need to get my strength back and build my self up again.
Paul has done a good job of looking after me and also helped massively with the blog this month with help from Summer of course. Thank you both.

Hope you are all well and have had a better month than me. Love Gill.

RSD FIGHTS BACK AGAIN.

   
February 2nd 

In a lot of pain again. I have a pain shooting from my neck up towards my  head and down to my back. Spasms  just about every where my calves are very bad. Tinnitus in my ears, my temperature is all over the place. Welcome to a painful February.

Lindsay and the boys are here.  They were quite and played well together. I was pleased. Jamie-Lee is still not right very snuffly and not very settled at all.

  

3rd

We went to a market/car boot at Hemswell. Not many out side car boot stalls though, but a lot inside. Good too as it was so cold. Bought a few things some for Jamie-Lee, for when she is older I love looking and playing with the toys.

I hoped the walking round would help the pain but it only seemed to make it worse.

4th

Up earlier 8am usually 8.30-9.00. Not much sleep bed at 6am. I feel alright though. A very nice spring like day. It was very nice on the common with the Red Arrows practising as well. Where else can you get that. They are stationed a few miles away from us so they are a regular sight in the sky's.

Will is here in the afternoon and staying the night, before heading back to Wayne and Timmy in Halifax. He has bean visiting friends and relatives.  Chinese for tea and later  played on the Wii with Will. Nice to have some one here. Snowing at 4am about an inch fell.

5th

Snowing when I got up big flakes and very cold too.

Neck keeps locking up and causing a lot of shooting pains. Into town for a few things. At times walking was painful. By tea time, just about most of the snow had gone. Good job most people would say. But I like the snow and so does Summer.

Later in the day I looked after Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee as Lindsay's friend Cheryl has gone into Hospital. She is pregnant with twins. Her blood pressure is too high. Lindsay was going up to see her with some things.  

They were good boys, but so tired when picked up about 9pm they are usually in bed by then.

6th

Pilates went well. The class was taken by one of Jo's friends, he did well.

Lindsay's friend Cheryl gave birth to her twins a little girl, Josephine 4lbs 12oz and a little boy Riley 6lbs 12oz. She knew there was one of each a long time ago so had names already. All doing well.

8th

Blood tests to day to check for rheumatoid arthritis as so much joint pain. This could still be the RSD or the  FIBROMYALGIA. Just did the blood test to rule it out. Also regular check up ones for iron levels and blood things. Not quite as much pain as usual may be the extra pain tablets I have bean taking have finally built up and worked. How can I be in so much pain with so many pain killers? RSD that's why.

 Lindsay and the gang here Lindsay looked very tired. She is helping Cheryl out a lot but needs to think about her self as well. The boys and Jamie-Lee all fine. Bean to see Cheryl and the babies. So sweet they are too.  It’s hard to think Jamie-Lee was about Josephine’s size, as now as she looks so big next to them.

Riley and Josephine.

I have bean making a hat for an older lady I see on the common as she did not like the ones she had. This will be a surprise for her. She likes my hat so I had some wool left. I did not have enough so pulled down a bit of my very long scarf to finish it. I won’t miss that bit as its so long, enough to wrap round a few times. More snow falling at night.

12th

Up a bit later than usual bad night. Knees swollen and sore. Now shoulders are worse. Extra MORPHINE taken but does little to help. RSD does not kill but some days ------ I think you know the rest.

My sister in law is here today with a card and flowers, as it’s my birthday tomorrow. We both went to take summer for her walk. Nice but cold again. Had a good talk. My friend Lyn's here in the afternoon. She bought me some daffodils and a present.

Later on at night about eleven my next door neighbour Ben fell and hurt his arm most likely broken. His wife has emphysema so can not move about very well. She phoned us and Paul and I went straight round. The ambulance was there just after. I went with Ben, as I know what Accident and Emergency can be like. I held his hand and talked to him as he was in a great amount of pain. The x rays revealed a nasty break just below the shoulder.  They said owing to his age (89) and heart condition they did not want to operate. Instead putting it in a sling and letting it heal. I don't know why it could not be plastered. He was to stay in as he would not cope at home as he has balance problems as well. Cilla can not really do much for him either. I saw him into the ward and made sure he was comfortable and settled.  Paul then came to pick me up. I got home about four thirty. I did get a very early Happy Birthday wish from Ben. Bless him. Hope you pick up very soon.

13th   My birthday.

Saw Cilla and reassured her Ben was as comfortable as he could be. She said I was a hero for doing what I did. I said I would do it again for either of them no worries. Card and a present from them both two useful bags and body lotion.

Crystal cat, cake flowers and card from Paul. A plant from Summer. A visit from my brother and wife plus there grandchild William, who's two.  A rose plant in a basket plus chocolate and card from them. All very nice. Spoke to Andrew as well he got me a pendent chain. 

More Cards and presents, chocolates and bath cream from my friend Lyn. A good day only marred by pain again.             

Crystal cat


 Plant from Summer.

I still went to Pilates not bad but still this extra pain. MORPHINE again. If only I had one wish what would that be, to get rid of you the dreaded RSD.

14th

The Red Arrows made a giant love heart just in front of me. I like to think it was just for me.

Physio - Brought them up to date as none last week. I took Morphine before I went. Knees very swollen and sore. The team could hardly believe how swollen they were.  Ear pins again and a lovely massage on shoulder and neck. The student said she was only using the lightest touch but at times this felt very sore. She said she could feel my muscles spamming up. This feels good for a few days as it releases the tension stored there. I wished it lasted longer. I said that one of them should live with me so I could have treatment every day. Money and card from another friend. More presents from my daughter and grandchildren a Nana charm for my bracelet  and a cake plus cards.

Nana Charm.

15th

 I am thinking a lot about Wietse and wishing he was still here. When I used to go to him he seemed to know how I felt and calmed me down. He also made me see the good side of every thing including RSD. He also could answer most if not all my questions about RSD.

The Physio I have now is good and so are the team. No faults with them at all. I think they are fascinated by the RSD.

While sorting the cupboard out it’s a full ceiling to floor one.  Summers chews are in there.  Summer unbeknown to me  got behind me, causing me to tread on her paw. This resulted in me falling forward hitting my head on the open cupboard door, loosing my balance and hitting it again. A big bump came up and a very red sore graze. Also a head ache later on.

 This was taken on the 23rd.

Sorry Mum.

17th 

I am out at Gainsborough today. I decided that the necklace that Andrew got for me was too fine and decided to exchange it for a different necklace and bracelet. The Argos store in Lincoln didn't have what I wanted.

 

 Bracelet and necklace Andrew got me.

We had dinner and looked round then back home. We also bought a new kettle.  My friend, Tracy, was popping round to give me a birthday gift. The gift is home made and not finished yet so another surprise for a later date. Got a nice card and a catch up chat. She brought a nice blanket for Jamie-Lee.

Tooth ache and bad head later going from one side to the other not nice.

 18th

Out today at a friend’s house going on the train to Beeston near Nottingham. Took my kindleand read most of the way. Nice smooth journey, I wish the buses were as smooth. 
After dinner we went to a garden centre for a look round. There were fish in tanks some were for sale, nice and soothing to look at.  A very nice centre but, very cold. The train coming home was on time but some how got delayed on the way so still a longer journey home. Paul came to meet me with Summer. She was high fiving me for ages very pleased to see me. Paul got us fish and chips for tea. A nice end to a nice day.

20th

Up after a restless night legs burning and spasms again. Pilates was painful hips bad, but I did it my way. I have bean thinking more about getting back if possible to running. Not like before but just a little to make me feel human again. I went to the running shop "The Lincolnshire Runner" and had a go on there running machine. I felt great only ten minutes but that was enough to start with. Thank you for that Keith.

21st

Physio again-- I think they are getting used to the RSD and its weird ways, me also. They noticed my right cheek is often very red. This usually means I am in pain. Usual questions and answers. My blood pressure was taken and a little high. This is normally fine. Six ear pins in right ear, painful going in. I then had some thing different called "Plum Blossom Needle Treatment" also called "Seven Star Treatment" This involves a little hammer like instrument with seven little needles in it and tapped on the skin to release toxins and help the pain. This felt like little stings and not painful as such but not really pleasant either. This was applied to my right shoulder to help the pain there.

  This information taken from a Website.

Plum Blossom Needling.There are many methods for treating diseases in Chinese traditional medicine, for instance, acupuncture, cupping, massage and kneading spine, etc. including the “plum-blossom” needle therapy. “plum-blossom” needle therapy is superficial tapping merely on the skin, but not the flesh. “Plum-blossom” means five needles bound in a bundle like a plum-blossom, and “seven-star” needle is seven needles bound in a bundle. It is not so painful. It is suitable for children also. It is thus also called “children needle”. This therapy has a wide scope in curing diseases, so it is worthy of popularization and application. Indications for Plum Blossom needling are:- common cold, bronchitis, asthma, colitis, constipation, hypertension, impotence, arthritis, backache, shoulder pain, trigeminal neuralgia, facial paralysis, migraine, stiff neck, eczema etc. The seven-star hammer is a small, hammer-like tool with several small needles protruding from its face that stimulate the surface of the skin. Your acupuncturist gently taps the hammer on the surface of the scalp, stimulating blood flow

Close up of the 7 star needle head (approx. 1cm diameter.

7 star apparatus & needles.

 Also called "Seven-Star Needle Treatment," this procedure involves the use of a seven-pronged instrument that is tapped against the skin for the purpose of microscopically breaking the skin surface to release toxins and relieve pain. This procedure is sometimes used in conjunction with cupping to promote slight bleeding in areas where the blood has stagnated (e.g., bruised areas).

Also a very gentle massage.  Last physio session my knees were very swollen, the team were pleased to see they had gone down a little. I left Physio to do a bit of shopping then on the bus home. Some of the ear pins hurt a lot.

22nd

Spoke to Doctor Mehta. He has now got back my blood test I had done last week. My FERATIN  has gone up a little but is still very low. Mine was 5 but is now 13. The guideline is between 10 and 200. He is not too worried as mine has always bean very low. I am to try to take my iron if possible. I stopped taking because it made my stomach bloat and hurt. One of the other tests I had was for Rheumatoid arthritis this was done because of all the pain and swelling of my joints. This proved negative, putting the pain down to RSD and FIBOMYALGIA.  My B12 injections are doing some good so to stop at two months intervals. Doctor Metta is pleased with the treatment that Martin and the team are providing. I agree a lot of the things done are helping me, its finding the right balance to improve it even more. I am sure this will be achieved soon.

Went to Lindsay’s in the afternoon the boys are on half term so it was all go and very noisy there. Took the cardigans and hats that I made for the twins Cheryl liked them very much.

24th

We went to an auction, Paul bought a silver ingot, two elephants, pot ones not real ones and a bronze dancer figure. 

 

 

This I did not know Paul had bought. We both had a free breakfast meal and tea because I made the table cloths last month for them. They looked very nice in the cafe too.

Still got this head ache and tooth ache. I think my head pain might be to do with hitting it last week.

26th

Please go away head ache, today I had the hot and cold thing going on. One minute ice cold the next red hot and sweating.  This is very tiring on its own. Put together with the rest and it becomes a living night mare. Joints still not good, ears pins a bit sore too, especially if my hat pulls on them. I know will calm down soon. This helps me a lot with balance and pain a bit but some days it’s hard to tell. But I wish there was another place where the pins could go. May be there is I will ask martin and the team next time.

27th

Pilates - A fair session shoulders painful. Apart from that good. Jo thanked me for the cake I made her for her Birthday. When I was speaking to Andrew on Skype I realised my head ache had gone hopefully for good. With RSD and the other things I have I am more likely to notice when some pain has gone than the Constancepain I usually have.

28th

Physio -It soon comes round which I am pleased about.  Some of the other team today. (End of last year they split the eight into two groups) Today was the usual question part. I told them about my results and Doctor Metta was pleased with the work they were doing. Pulse and sticking out tongue bit. The treatment went like this --Two needles one in each foot. The RSD foot did not object too much. Two needles again one in each elbow. The right one hurt a lot but not for long. Two more needles in my stomach.

This week it was decided to give my ears a rest from the ear pins as they were sore and itchy, and try this-- Little black ear seeds that were placed on the acupuncture points, three this time to see how it goes. No pain at all.  Nice.

 

My ear seeds the little black dots.

Information taken from a website. Plus the picture.

In addition to needling auricular points, applying ear seeds, or beads, to the points is another powerful way to treat the body.  The seeds vary in style from actual plant seeds to tiny metal beads, which are taped over.

 

The tape provides enough pressure over specific points to maintain light acupressure on the selected points, and to enhance their effect, just press the seeds for stronger stimulation when needed. They are left in for a few days. Four to five on average.

 Next stage was the Plum Blossom needle treatment. The same as last week but this time both shoulders were treated. Quite sore, I think a bit more pressure was applied this week. Well that was quite a session a lot this week. No Physio next week.

On the way home my shoulders felt very sore and tingly.  I had to carry my back pack.  My hands were warm. They are usually cold.  I did feel a bit light headed. When I got home Paul said I looked pale. Head ache later again.

Well that's the end of this blog quite mixed this time. The RSD got a hold this time but I will knock it back again.

  All the best to every one Love Gill.