November- Battling on.

1st November

Whole body hurts, Flu jab RSD, FIBO who knows, who cares. I am sorting out my wardrobe when the pain will let me. Putting away my Summer stuff and getting rid of some things. I  know if I sit down the pain will become worse. I am more tired as I got less sleep last night though pain and spasms.

2nd

Awoken in pain and spasms again!. A lot of pain in my left side of my head, more so when I lift my right foot which hurts a lot as well. Strange you think- this is RSD remember. Think of tales from the dark side or may be the stupid side.  Aah well things can only get better? 

3rd

A better day! but not by much. Pain has lessened a bit. I am in the garden planting bulbs I put aside three tubs I needed five in the end, it will look nice in the spring. Tided up the garden a bit. Quite windy today my eyes are sore. Quite a few IBRUES and DIHYDROCODEINE taken over the last few days they help a bit. I am trying to keep off the ORAMORPH as it messes me up and my body craves more and more MORPHINE.

5th

IBS getting in on the act now probably feeling left out. My body still aches, headache also, and my knees are swollen a lot, very tender as well. Even gentle touch hurts. In fact most of my joints hurt. A bath helped a bit then bed about five am just as my neighbours were getting up for work. Morning.

6th

Pilate's went quite well a bit stiff but I managed most of the moves. Took some more IBRUES after, then home for a while then physio. Now physio is on a Wednesday after Pilate's I only have about three quarters of an hour at home just enough time to get some dinner.

Physio- I have decided to give my physios names, well they already had names but I did not use them- Nicola and Stephanie, both very good and slightly crazy . The treatment was five needles in each leg three in each arm one in each hand. Three in neck and head eighteen in all. Felt far away but not dizzy with the head ones. Right foot went crazy, spasms and pain Nicola adjusted the leg one on each side this helped a lot and foot gave in. Stephanie gave my back and shoulders a massage using GUA SHA as last week.  

Gua Sha

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Skin blemishing resulting from Gua Sha

Gua sha (Chinese: 刮痧; pinyin: guā shā), meaning "scraping sha-bruises", is a traditional Chinese medical treatment in which the skin is scraped to produce light bruising. Practitioners believe gua sha releases unhealthy elements from injured areas and stimulates blood flow and healing. Gua sha is sometimes referred to as "spooning" or "coining" by English speakers, it has also been given the descriptive French name, tribo-effleurage.^[1]

Painful as last time but it has helped my neck and shoulders regarding pain and spasms. My back was not as bad as the picture, as it was a very gentle session although it did not feel like it at the time.

7th

First time in ages that I have not woken with a bad headache, well slight one but much improved. Shoulders are quite sore and red. Quite a few spasms in feet and legs but I can't have it all can I? 

9th

Knees very hot and swollen. I feel and look very bloated uncomfortable with it. Headache back to full force well at least I had one better day. Back hurts so does left shoulder, rash has appeared as well.

Lindsay and family here so a good day. I had a bit of a fall on the stairs only a few steps, and hurt my arm. My RSD foot hurts, very sensitive, as well I think I probably pulled it when I fell.

10th

First frost of winter I think, very white and cold. I feel very tired today so I might sleep better tonight.
Making teddies at night I am making these for presents so a few to do.

11th

Woke to spasms in legs and feet not the best of wake ups. I think I need bed socks on now even though sometimes my feet will get too hot and swell up and burn. Without the socks spasms, I can't win either way. RSD shows no mercy. My neck is not good a lot of pain and spasms. Rash very sore both sides of shoulders now very sensitive and sore.

13th

Spasms again on waking. Shoulders still very sore now rash on my right (RSD side) foot. I don't think this is anything to do with the GUA SHA as I have had the rash and soreness before, nerve rash so I have bean told.
Pilate's went better this week but still spasms in my legs and feet but still I felt it was a better session for me.
Physio- needles as usual, they are getting to know what works for me, well most of the time as the RSD will fight back. I had eight in my legs, four each side, one in each arm, four in my head, two in hand and wrists sixteen in total. My foot reacted to the leg ones straight away it was like a fierce battle going on a lot of pain and spasm. Again needles were adjusted and one taken out and the battle ended, not sure who won.. Some of the needles had like a twang affect like a guitar string others made me bit spacey. No massage today shoulders too sore. After wards I felt very cold, shaking and shuddering. I had a cup of tea at the cafe to warm me up but still felt shuddery.

RSD messed up your ability to control body heat very much like a new baby. The system over reacts and you either feel too or too hot most of the time.

Jamie-Lee in the hat I made for her.

I am pleased with it and it fitted her nicely.

14th

Fair night short as usual. Pain wise quite good, still very sore on my shoulders. My neck seems to be more stable than it was even a little relaxed. Headache less as well. Hip pain left side going up hill and still leg spasms. But still a better day. Nice not to have a pounding headache all the time.

15th

Neck not quite as good as yesterday, headache back.

I watched Children in  need program. A little boy had a skin condition that left his body covered in sores and blisters very painful for him only a baby as well. He passed away at three years old if that was not bad enough for him and his poor parents, his brother had the same condition and passed two days after him. I felt like what have I got to complain about two babies lost with no life to show for it. Very Sad. Tears from me.

16th

A lot more spasms in my feet and legs specially my toes which will go into spasm at the slightest touch. Shoulders are improving skin feels very rough and tight like it has bean sandpapered. All my joints hurt today. Knees very bad swollen again, wrists also swollen but that could be sewing. The teds are coming along, quite a few to do, thirteen in all. Maybe a few more as well.
The treatment I got last time at physio has helped me a lot more than previous ones. I know its getting the right balance but this can change from week to week. I know I am not an easy case.
I am still very bloated and weight gain as well four pound plus in one day. Could this be water retention again?


18th

B12 today this hurt as usual. The nurse said I have water retention.I am going to try to get it right with  herbs from the garden, drunk as a tea also nettles this is meant to help. Rosemary, Parsley, Dandelions and stinging nettles are the ones to help as a natural diaretic. I meant to be going straight into town after as I needed to renew passports, but forgot credit card so had to go home again, so twice as much walking. Later I collected some herbs off the garden, rosemary, parsley, sage, lemon balm and a few dandelions off the lawn. I poured boiled water over the leaves in a cafetiere and left a while then drank it quite nice. Might do some good, might not, worth a try nothing to loose.

19th

Broken night awake most of it. Very sharp frost, cold, snow is on its way. Cleaning up and sorting out greenhouse last of the tomatoes picked and plants pulled up. Green ones in a box to ripen up I hope.
I gathered some nettles off the common for some herb tea. There are plenty. The tea is quite bitter so not as good as the first one I made. Bad nose bleed late night early morning

20th

Pilate's -not good this week a lot of the moves were hands over head and arm and shoulder moves standing up. I struggled with most of them. Also one where you need to lay on your side, balanced on your hip. I thought I had got that one right. The way I did it Jo said would cause more harm than good. Also one on my toes was another no go it causes spasms straight way. I felt quite down about it. Jo said at least you did the rest fine. I still felt second rate.

Physio- Usual pulse and tongue sticking out. Catch up on the last week. I told them both that my neck is the best it has bean, for a long time may be ever, still pain but I know that will never go completely. They were very pleased. I asked if they could help with the water retention they said they could.
Next on with the treatment ten needles total in my legs, one in each arm, one in each wrist three in my head/neck. Seventeen in all no massage as back quite sore. The head ones not too painful floaty feeling. All leg ones were painful and points very tender on touching. These made me feel hot then cold. My right foot was fighting back sending it into very tight spasms and a lot of pain, again these were tweaked and the foot backed down a little but what a fight it gave as if to say, you touch me and I will fight back and it did with all its army. I was left as usual to relax with music and a heat lamp to keep me warm, as I usually go very cold.

I got some TIDMAMS sea salt to help relax me in the bath as recommended by Stephine.

After the treatment I always sit in reception just to make sure I am alright to go on my way. Going home I felt shaky and cold. Hopefully this session will help everything.

21st

Woke to a blinding headache it felt like my head was going to explode a lot of pressure there and if I bent down or leaned forward my head felt like it had rolled off, not a good start. Summer and I saw our first Robin of the season when on our morning walk.

My friend Bev from Beeston Nottingham way is here today so that will be good. We had dinner and just talked about various things. She is a runner, walker and singer so very active. A pity she does not live closer. Had to take Six IBRUES plus six DIHYDROCODEINE to get rid of the dreaded head pain even then it did not go completely. Walked down to the train station with Bev to get her train back home. Summer came too, she was so good as there was a lot of people around because of late night opening. She got a lot of attention which she loved.
I wonder if the headache could be from yesterdays physio session. Headache came back worse later.

22nd

Another cold day, more frost. Lindsay and Jamie-Lee came back with Paul after shopping. I had bought Jamie-Lee a pink little duffle coat that fitted beautifully. Lindsay liked it a lot, very pretty little girl.

Not too bad a day with pain just a normal dull headache, joints hurt so does my foot after all that fighting at physio Wednesday. I think I might have had a black out on the common not sure as Summer was sat looking at me and I was not too sure where I was for a few mins also I could not remember coming off the common or putting on Summers lead. So not sure.

23rd.

Fair start to the day just normal pain, hips a bit sore. Lindsay here with Tommy-Lee and Jamie-Lee Jay-Jay was with his Dad most of the day. Quite day with just the two of them but nice as no fighting between the boys. Jay-Jay did come in to see me later for a while then both of them went to their Dads for the night. Quite night for Lindsay then.

24th

Not  a good night, awake with whole body hurting and spasms. Herbal tea seems to have helped, not as bloated and weight down a bit again. Or it could be from the physio they did. Making three Christmas cakes and more teds. Trouble is all the leaning over to cut out teds and sew them makes my shoulders hurt a lot. Hopefully the people who get them will be pleased, then I will be pleased as well.
Sea salt is good, makes my skin very soft plus a calming relaxed feeling as well. Thank you Stephanie


25th

Not a good night,  pain and spasms in my legs. Feet very hot and swollen right heel is very sore like a pressure sore. After Summers walk pain in hips as well. Walking, and trying to take the pressure off my heel a bit will have caused this I think.

I  am having Jamie-Lee for a few hours today to help Lindsay out. Just hope I can keep up with her.
I found out late Sunday that I have no morphine ones left. I should have a least a strip of fourteen left. I think I must have thrown them out with the empty boxes. I looked though the recycling bin but no luck. I will have to go back to the doctors and tell him what has happened. Good- I can pick up a new  prescription later tonight.

I took Jamie-Lee into town she was very good and kept saying tar to everything. She had on her new coat I bought her. She look very sweet in it.
We were dancing and singing as well. I think she liked being with her mad Nana. We got back and it was time for dinner. Soon after, Lindsay was back to pick her up. I told her about our day. I tried to get pictures but she would not keep still long enough. Plenty of the back of her head or ones with out her in at all. 

 

 Managed to get this one just.

 

 

 The stillest she has bean all day.

  Jamie-Lee in push chair in -new coat- about to go home.

 I walked with Lindsay and took Summer, we had not got very far and Jamie-Lee fell asleep.


26th

My shoulders hurt a lot, I think from pushing Jamie-Lee in her pushchair. Well worth the pain though as I did enjoy our time together I think she did as well. Cleaning up today

As I came in the back door I did not lift my right foot up high enough and hit the frame. PAIN PAIN and more PAIN my foot went crazy. My knee hurt as well I think I twisted it. Later on my knee swelled up to twice the size. My foot is very red. The RSD was angry. Later, things got worse I lost all feeling in my leg it felt like a false one. I was worried, as that's how my foot started with RSD. I remember what Sue my first physio said put weight on the limb that has gone weird. I stood on it and held on to the chair, tears rolling down my face with the pain. I could not feel the leg just the pain. I kept doing this most of the night and early morning. I was cooking the last of my Christmas cake I made four in all so up and down to check it. Cake done- I had a bath that it was a hard job getting in to it as well. About three I decided to go to bed as very tired, pain still there even after lots of tablets. I could not get up the stairs, my right leg would not do what I asked it to do. I sat in my chair again and rested still uneasy about what was happening to me. Five am I tried to go to bed and managed it with a lot of effort.

27th

I am pleased to say my leg has regained back its memory and I can feel it again, so much relief. My knee is very swollen and tender to touch so is my foot. I think I won this round against the RSD. Thank you Sue. My trousers are very tight on that leg. My walk with Summer was better than I thought it would be quite a lot of pain.

I decided to go to Pilate's even if I could not do much, hope a few stretches will loosen things up. I know Jo will help me. I think one word describes the session PAIN. At least I did a bit and I think it helped the pain.

I am at physio- so please help me- I know they will. I told them about my trip with the back door.
 This week ten needles in legs, RSD did not fight as much as last week probably worn out from last night. Four in arms and six in my head. Just about all these hurt some made me feel very spaced and others made waves. My eyes felt weird as well. At one point I got very hot, sick feeling and started sweating a lot Stephanie put the fan on and I cooled down. Funny, usually I go very cold and shudder.
After the session I felt a lot better also I did not feel cold even going home. The good feeling lasted all night.

28th

No waking to spasms today. I feel very tired but I often do after a tough session of physio.
Cleaning upstairs today. My leg keeps going into spasm when weight put on it. Pain in back and under my bum. This hopefully will wear off. My foot is a blue colour and very cold in parts but warm in others. Back to normal then! I don't think its very happy. Very tender around the knee. On Summer's afternoon walk my knee kept giving way. Even so a lot better day. Teds are coming along so soon be a picture of them. Made another little hat for a little friend.

29th

Not too bad nights sleep awake a few times with spasms and pain in my right leg and foot.
I am in town today getting a few presents and just general shopping. I walked there and back with too much shopping and made my shoulders hurt a lot. My foot spasmed up in my shoe not a happy sole.
As soon as I took off my shoe it twisted and turned very hot and angry. Painful with a capital P.
The intention was to come back by bus but I had to pick up some thing on the way back. Any way with all the road works and rail crossing hold up it takes ages on the bus. The vibrations from the bus are usually quite bad. 

Summer and ginge cat are still best friends and Summer waits for him in the garden. He likes to come in for a while and have a cuddle and a bit of attention, but you have to watch him as he hides so he does not have to go out again.

 Summer trying to give him a kiss.

The ginger tom.

30th

Not a good night . Overdid it with yesterdays shopping and too much walking. I hurt in most places hope this will ease as the day goes on. Pressure in the head  as well pain around left eye socket. Neck shooting pain again. Spasms everywhere. Oh the joys of RSD where else can you get a full body work out just with pain and spasms. One of those belts that sends pulses may be?

Lindsay and the gang are here so not much peace today.

 Jay-Jay happy to be with Nan.

 Jamie-Lee in her new coat but she did not want to keep still.

 I took a picture of just the coat- easier!

 No don't take my picture.

 Okay then. Smart hat Tommy-Lee.

 Jay-Jay on Jamie-Lee's little car- he got stuck.

 He said he has now got a wheel instead of a willey.

 Summer kissing Lindsay.

 Tommy-Lee again, plus Jamie-Lee

We managed to separate Jay-Jay from the car.

 I took my eyes off her one minute.

This is what happened, all the DVDs off the bottom shelf.

 No more pictures for now.

 Still at last.

 Jay-Jay looking through the window.

 

 Come and get me.

Full Mooney.

The beautiful sunset sky.

As you can see not the best of months but not the worst either. My treatment at the physio is about spot on now so as long as I can keep going things will improve even more. Over a year now, so they are getting to know me and the RSD. Hopefully this will not be upset by the Christmas break. 

Hope you are all well and looking forward to Christmas Love Gill. 

A very Merry Christmas to you all.

October- Pick and mix.

October 1st

A change from the same day in day out. I got a phone call from my friend Bev saying she was coming to see me. I phoned Lindsay my daughter and she said she would come round as well as she could thank Bev for the Birthday present she got Jamie-Lee.

So nice to see Bev, I have very few people come to visit. Jamie-Lee thought it would be fun to tip over Summer water. So one very wet baby and she had just had a clothes change.
A good day for me- about time I had some good ones I think.


2nd

Pilate's was a good session a few spasms and shaky in my legs. I did alright, I managed to stand on one leg at the end.

Physio- First session of new term. Quite a big session as well, in all twenty needles, placed like this-
six in my neck three each side- two in each wrist- ten in lower legs five in each. Also MOXA again one each side of my knees as I had done in a previous session.
The neck ones did not go down very well and I felt spaced out. The Physio said I was slurring my words as well. I did not realise this. This was quickly taken out. I soon recovered.The right side of my body hurt more than the left side, this is the side most affected by the RSD.
The treatment is for pain, balance and sleep, well they can try.

Walking home my knees hurt, headache again. Very tired as well. Late night early morning a crushing type of headache, NOT nice at all.

4th

Took my bike back to the repair shop. They had a go on it they think its the new controller being a lot more powerful than the old one, so it's giving out a kick of power. Also with me being not very heavy does not help. I think I will get used to it. that's if I can get on it to try. The days I can go on it  I seem to have balance problems or too much pain. When I am ok the weather is against me.

I still feel very tired but not able to sleep much. My legs are very hot RSD burn you all know what I mean.

Made Tommy-Lee and Jamie-Lee's Birthday cake they always have the cake late as they get one on the day from Lindsay. This one is a little different as you will see when finished.

5th

Finished cake looks good I think Tommy-Lee and Jay-Jay thought so too. Jamie-Lee did as well but I think she wanted more to bash it up.

 

Jay-Jay, Tommy-Lee and Jamie-Lee's initials on the cakes.

Lindsay and family plus Ben.

The cakes started dropping off.

 Tommy-Lee all smiles.

 Hey look at my new bed. Summer won't mind.
 Jamie- Lee is now walking everywhere very fast. Too fast for me

Cilla next door was let down by a friend so I ended up pushing her in a wheelchair to the hairdressers. Not easy but that's what you do to help out friends. She was so grateful and pleased.

Went to the park with Lindsay and family, plus Ben from two doors away. They all had a good time- a nice day. Ben liked the cake as well also the taste, he took two home.

Better day for me quite a bit of joint pain and swollen knees.I am sure the RSD just makes the pain up for the fun of it.


6th

My arms and shoulders hurt a lot, I think from the wheel chair pushing yesterday. I went over on my RSD foot which has retaliated in a big way, with pain and extra swelling.

A nice surprise today as well, the lady I made the teddies for Dianne, brought me some roses and carnations. Int that nice.
Cleaning up and cooking tea.


8th

A sunny warm day nice. Hips fairly good. Also shooting pain again from neck up to head. This is made worse if I look up or turn my head.
Summer had a bath very white and clean. She got lots of comments from people we met on the afternoon walk. Now the day light hours are getting shorter we have to go for walks just after tea or mid afternoon. This makes a very long night in. In Summer we could go on the common quite late. So a shorter night.


9th

On the common with Summer throwing her ball for her. After a while I am in too much pain to throw any more so I sort of kick it, when I did my left foot decided to go into a spasm, toes curling under foot. Very painful with the spasm shooting up my leg then full body. My whole body felt like it had bean hit by a electric shock, a lot of pain. Just as suddenly as the pain started it stopped- just like that. My foot swelled up and within the hour was very bruised.

Pilate's went ok considering my foot. Some of the moves I don't/can't do, the ones that I need to stand on my toes or hands above head. Either of these I would be in terrible pain and spasms. I do alternative moves. I was even able to do the leg balance at the end. A good session for me.

A sandwich and drink then of to physio. Talk and usual pulse and tongue observation. Both students agreed that my tongue looks a lot better. A lot can be learnt from looking at the tongue.
Last weeks treatment worked quite well we all thought. So this weeks is going to be much the same. Well a bit less because of reaction to the neck needles. Two ear seeds in left ear as well. Less painful than the pins I have had in the past. My ears are still bruised.  A needle was placed in my left hip and one in my left leg. Hopefully this will help the pain there. After they had done there job more needles in my lower legs five in each. Also two in each wrist these really hurt. I was told they are very close to the carpel nerve so it made sense. I have problems with both wrists, carpel tunnel syndrome. The left one was very bad causing my fingers to go tingly and numb with shooting pain. The student was going to take it out but before she could it was pushed out. This was repositioned and felt a lot calmer. Sixteen in all, my whole body was tingling and felt strange, almost like small electric shock going through.
I hope they will all help me in some way. I know this is not a cure but if I can find some relief from this RSD I will take it with both arms wide open.

I left, felt quite good balance good knees a bit sore. I did a bit of shopping then home.


10th

Pain and very tender from hip to knee on both outer sides of legs. Legs are cold with a few hot spots. Otherwise not too bad pain wise.
Walked with Summer to doctors to get tablets. Someone stood with her while I went in to Doctors so she was not crying. When I went into the chemist (we are lucky the chemist is next to the Doctors) and left her tided up. She howled and cried like I had left her for good. There was a long wait so I decided to go back tomorrow. Summer was pleased.


11th

One year today since I started going to the University for Physio.
After Wietse went back to Holland I never thought I would be able to a build up a relationship and trust again. This has bean harder for them as they had not seen RSD before and most not even heard of it.  This has helped me a lot. I know some days I am still bad, But they are working with DEVIL (RSD). I would like to say a BIG thank you to Martin and all his team. Without you all I know I would not be as good as I am now.

I also look forward to another year with my two crazy physios now. They cheer me up on bad days and make me laugh, who in a years time will both be qualified. Thank you both very much

13th

Lindsay and family are here today for dinner. Christmas dinner as Tommy-Lee calls it.
Every thing went well and the boys ate a good amount, so did Jamie-Lee. She is now walking properly and fast too. The boys played and I think had a good time. When they went home I walked so far back with them and Summer. Very windy and cold.  

14th

Fair night. Cleaned up down stairs, this takes me most of the day. My knees hurt when walking and neck still shooting pain up to my head. I wish it would all go away but there is not much chance of that is there? I feel very drained today exhausted I think is the word. Took out ear seed no problems there.


15th

Went on a bike ride at last to try it out bike. (To pilates hall.) I think the pedal-tec (Pedal assisted) is going to be alright. About a thirteen mile round trip I did feel quite pleased with my self. I know the bike does a lot but still my legs still have to pedal most of the time. Quite cold and windy again but at least no rain.


16th

Pilate's What can I say pain, spasms joints feel like they have bean ripped apart at times.
I found it also hard to concentrate almost like Jo was talking in a foreign language some of the time.

I found out yesterdays bike ride that I took the longest route there. I had it written down but did not take it with me. Never mind I enjoyed it. Next week Paul is out for the day so I am hoping to go on my bike to Pilate's.

Walking to physio cold wet, and windy. Usual checks and talk I told them how I felt mentally and physically. They both said I looked very tired. I am having the same two students for a while. I said I was past tired. Having to cope with twenty hour days plus, does no one any good least of all some one with RSD.

The treatment went like this--- On my stomach as needles were going in my head, the same spot that I had a reaction to on the 2nd October. They were not taking any chances this time. As I was flat less bad reaction hopefully. First, one needle in my left ankle and one in my right wrist. When the wrist one went in I had a strange feeling it felt like pain from my ankle whooshed up to my wrist and visa- versa almost like taking to each other. Next came the head ones these were put in and I felt pain and pressure. One a very strong reaction to my eye it felt like my eye ball was being pushed out and a lot of pressure around my eye brow. This was slightly in the wrong place, but it shows ACUPUNCTURE works. When the needles go in I tell them the reaction I get not the other way round. Sometimes I don't get much reaction other times a lot.
 I am trying to relax and let the needles do there best. The needles were taken out. I had a walk round to ease the stiffness in my body. I started shaky as feeling very cold.

Then as the student said, flipped over like a pancake, on my back now. More needles one in each wrist. Not too bad. Next three in each lower leg. The left side hurt more than the right this time. I am very cold, towels are put round me. This helped so did a fan heater and I was soon warm again.

A lot of RSD people have trouble with regulating body temperature. Soon the needles came out. I hope this session helps in some way with sleep and pain. Well that's the end of another physio.

Going home I felt very cold and a far away feeling. Still raining and blowing cold, Winter weather for you..
I went on my way, a bit of shopping then home. My head feels tender so does my right wrist. Once home I felt very drained of what little energy I had left..


17th

Fair night after physio slept for three hours but interrupted sleep. Fair bit of pain in joints and neck. Quite light headed. I know from past physio, relief can take a few days. So I am still hopeful things will improve. 


18th

Four thirty just gone to bed. Still awake at five, turned my head and a powerful spasm in my neck and head, managed to get out off it and settled to sleep! No, another much more stronger spasm followed. this one shot from my neck and quickly took over the whole of my head. This went very tight and I could not move or speak my jaw was frozen. This made a crunching sound when I tried to move. I laid very still and did my breathing just like Wietse had taught me. If I try to move or fight it the spasm can spread and go whole body if I am unlucky. After a while my neck and head loosen off. I fell in to an exhausted sleep.

About two hours later I was up again.  I feel like I have bean hit by a bus. (I know what that feels like because I did get hit by a bus a few years ago).  Everywhere aches I feel light headed with spasms, in my legs as well now.


19th

On my own today as Lindsay and family not coming. Not a good day sat a lot of it and knitted. I am making little hats for Age Uk.  /http://www.ageuk.org.uk/get-involved/raise-money/get-knitting-for-the-big-knit/
I am moving about but very stiff everywhere. A lot of IBUPROFEN. This helps a bit. I have gone back to normal GABAPENTIN now, six a day. (I had reduced it to four).

Lindsay popped in for a quick call, she said I looked very pale and tired.. One good thing I have finished off Pooh-bear that I was knitting. Quite pleased with it  not an easy one to do.

 Hello my name is Pooh bear.

A weird thing happened, while as was sat down knitting. I felt like the bottom half of my body was not there but at the same time spinning, but not dizzy spinning.There was no sound and I felt very strange. This lasted only a short while. Black out maybe???



20th


We are out today at a local show, Newark Robin Hood Game and Country show. Summer is going too.
One of the students told me about it.
 

 

  Jay-jay would love this car.

 

 

 

Say where did you get your hair done?

 
 Later we sampled sausages, Summer loved that and kept wanting to go back for more. We had a giant hot dog each, Summer shared mine. It was white bread and I suffered later. IBS

There was plenty to see dog racing, dogs performing and Fly balling very fast dogs race in teams get a ball from a box at the end and race back. Some were very fast some just wanted to play but they were still learning. (No pictures bit too fast.) A lot of noise, too much for me, caused me pain.

 

 Wooden carving these were very good and looked so real.

 Summer having a drink she puts her feet in the bowl as well. Along the path there was three bowls she had a drink and feet wash in each.

Are you a pony from the common?

They gave small children rides.

 

These dogs did tricks

 Another pink dog must be this year colour.

Moving on, jousting was next very good.

 We lost.

We won we won.

Dog and duck followed, this was very good it was like the sheepdog trials but with ducks. the handler had two new ducks that did there own thing but he had just had them two days. He worked three dogs one was very young.

The two older dogs.

 Down the slide we go.

 Didn't we do well-Good game good game.

The young pup.

All three dogs performing together.

http://www.dogandduckshow.co.uk/

 The day for us was just about over, just these cars to see. 

Classic cars.

No problems with parking spaces then.

A good day no rain Summer enjoyed it a lot especially the sausages but spoilt for me yet again by pain.


21st

Not a good night awake a lot with pain and spasms. A lot of shooting pain in my neck the sort that make you jump almost out of your skin. Also pressure in my head. I did a lot of walking yesterday plus the travelling so extra tired today. Resting as much as I can and knitting a few more hats.

Ben the little boy who comes to play with Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee sent this after receiving a present and Birthday card from us for his sixth Birthday. The little girl is Emmi his sister. Lovely thank you Ben.

22nd

Still a lot of neck pain a bit swollen on the left side as well. I used a hot wheaty bag this seems to help.

I have done all the little hats now thirty one of them. I think they look quite good.

  23rd

A big day for me today going to Pilate's on my bike ,about six miles each way. Now fixed I can use pedal tec. Going there had another blackout thing. My arms felt like they were not there and I had no handle bars. Very weird.

Pilate's was a bit mixed some I could, and do them well, others my legs would not stop shaking or kept going into spasms.
Biking back no problems. A quick sandwich, and off to physio. My eyes are quite sore and gritty it has bean quite windy.

Physio---
One of the students just touched my left shoulders as I went in this caused a lot of pain.
After the usual catch up talk the treatment started. First needles in my legs three in each below the knees. Two follows in my hands. The legs ones were very powerful and caused my right foot RSD one to go in a massive spasm with my toes curling under. One was adjusted and another added to my left leg and all most straight away the foot relaxed a bit. The tutor came in to put two in my head one each side. WOW this was mind blowing. I felt like I was in a trance like state and felt like I left the couch. Almost like you see on television, someone takes hard recreational drugs for fun and how they sort of become a zombie instantly.

I could hear voices but not make out anything. This calmed down a little. I was asked to lay back and try to relax. Still in a weird like state my mouth went cotton wool like and very dry. After a while the needles were removed, next I was flipped as one of the students call it and work on my neck and shoulders started. She even made a hole for my head to poke though the protective paper bed roll. My shoulders were extremely sensitive and very tight. They both massaged very lightly one side each, a lot of pain and they asked if I wanted to continue I said yes as I could feel the muscles beginning to relax. They used a tool called GUASHA. They were going to cup me but felt that it would be too painful for me to take. After all finished I felt very cold and shaky. Thirsty as well. My shoulders and neck felt very warm all most hot more relaxed though. Eyes sore as well.  Red cheek on the right side this comes up with pain. The same student touched my shoulder again and there was less pain. I sat in reception for a while drinking water. Walking home I still felt spaced out but to use my hair dressers phase-- a doughy like feeling. I hope this helps as its one of my most intense ones yet.


24th

I still feel a little spaced out but shoulders are a lot more relaxed. A lot of pain while walking Summer, in my shoulders and shooting pain in my head and neck, this is normal for me it often takes a few days for my body to calm down after the treatment.
Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee are here later to stop the night so no peace later.
Also at last I am having my hair done. Do to illness and working Helen my hairdresser, had to cancelled a few times. Left side of my head very sensitive while Helen was cutting it and when colour was applied it felt very strange, tingling and cold. After a while things calmed down and washing my hair was no problem. The finished result was very good as usual. Thank you Helen.

Jay-Jay and Tommy-Lee watched with interest while Helen worked.


25th

Going into town with the boys. They like to go around the charity shops for books and unusual things.
Some time later armed with books, and a few bits for Halloween plus a top each. I got a plate with a dog like Summer and a cat like ginge.

Best of friends.

We were all quite tired when we arrived home.
Lindsay came later with Jamie-Lee. She was pleased to see her brothers.

26th

Out tonight for a birthday meal with a family friend and a few people. A good time even the pain behaved most of the time. I did hurt a lot towards the end of the night. Bad head as well. Clocks go back an hour tonight so an extra hour up. The night will be even longer now, days shorter- dark about five o'clock now, may be earlier.

27th

Very windy here and we have storm warning in place for this area. So a few rough days ahead.
Cleaning the bedrooms and changing the beds. Not too bad a day headache for most of it and pain in shoulders and neck. I have had worst days though. So long as I can keep going thing don't get too bad or this is what I tell myself.

28th

Not a bad night. Cleaning up downstairs. Painful shoulders but neck is loads better, was it the needles or the special massage. I managed to hit my head on the fire surround quite hard. A big lump came up straight away. Quite painful later it in the same spot that I have bean getting the shooting pain.

We missed the storm but a lot of people did not, floods, power off, trees down and two or more deaths. Not good- Mother nature is still in charge.

Summer is at the vets tonight for her yearly booster and check up. Everything fine at the vets. She also got chipped. Hopefully this will never be needed but its a good thing I think to have. She yelped a little but seconds later it was all forgotten.  

Chipped, not chips Wayne.

29th 

A day out today. with my friend, Bev last time I went there the train broke down, so I had to get on another train unfortunately this one did not stop long enough for me to get off. I could not get the door open. So I arrived at Bev about two hours after I should have. This time all was smooth sailing. We had dinner at a local deli very nice home made soup and ciabatta with salad, I had. Bev had soup and a cake. We had a look around the shops then back to Bevs. Catch up on things over a cup of tea. Too soon it was time to go back on the train. I wish Bev lived nearer as we have a lot in common. A good day very tired though.

30th

Pilates went well for a change a few spasms not pain free quite but a good session probably the best for a while. This new hall is a lot warmer so I think that helps now the weather has turned colder.

Physio: Much the same treatment as last week. Five needles in left leg four in right one in each wrist two in my stomach (hopefully to help constipation since eating white bread last week) and two in my head put in by the student watched over by the tutor, fifteen in all. Not the same mind blowing affect as last week but still tingling and pain with spasm in RSD foot  Next a massage GUASHA again as I felt this did a lot of good also hands on massage. Very soothing and warm again. A good session again. After I felt quite cold again even more so walking home. Legs and feet have bean burning for the past few days underneath my right foot (RSD one) the worst.

Someone who used to live in the street that Lindsay had kept in touch with, had come for a visit. He was involved in an accident earlier this year and badly broke his ankle. Guess what, he has RSD, the first person I have ever met since getting it nine years ago, trouble is he lives in Spain. Still we had a good talk.

31st 

Flu jab today hope I am doing the right thing as I have bean strongly advised to have it since getting flu in March.

A dull ache all over, knees are sore more so the left one also left hip. My neck and shoulders are a lot looser after yesterdays session. My neck is very unstable, just turning it the wrong way can send it into spasms and pain. Right shoulder is very sensitive as well.

Flu jab went well no reaction as yet (7pm) I feel alright.

I have bean teaching myself to crochet with the help of You Tube, what did we do before it. I have bean making a practice hat for Jamie-Lee.

 So sad- I wanted red.

I think it looks quite good on Summer, but she looks quite sad-- maybe she wanted to go Trick or Treating.



That's just about it for the October blog hope you enjoyed reading it. A few comments or questions would be nice if you could.  Hope everyone is having a good month.

Thank you all Love Gill.