chronicillnesswarrior

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Hip Impingement

For years and years I’ve had problems with my joints, but the worst ones have always been my hips, knees, shoulders and fingers. Last year I was going to sit with my legs crossed, and as I did so I felt something hard in my right hip grind and I actually screamed. The pain literally blinded me for a good 10 seconds. After straightening my leg slowly, it eased up. But any time I turned my leg or lifted it, that same pain came back with a vengeance.

Naturally, I went to my GP and she and a colleague had me moving my leg in different ways and angles, which really really hurt, and said it was definitely an arthritic pain. They gave me some kick-ass anti inflammatory meds primarily used for arthritis (Meloxicam), and said they’d send me for an urgent x-ray of my pelvis.

A few days later I had the x-ray, even though the technician kept making me move my leg in different angles again.

And a week after that, my doctor called me with the results. Apparently I have something called a hip impingement? There’s a deformity in the ball of the joint that fits into the socket of my pelvis. Like an extra lip of bone. And over the years it’s been grinding in the socket so much it’s worn it down, and now I have arthritis. She said my left hip has a similar deformity but nowhere near as bad.

So, I’ve got to try and take it easy. I’m still going for very slow and short walks to get me out of the house. But it’s so damn frustrating that I have to slow down! And I know if I go against what she suggested, I’m going to seriously pay for it. Ugh.

So, I’ve done a lot of reading in the last few weeks. Yesterday I picked up A Court of Thorns And Roses (ACOTAR), and this morning I was sat in my mum’s room just quietly reading… Until Loki jumped up and stared at me. 😂 I don’t think he approves of me reading instead of giving him cuddles. He’s such a jelly-belly!

Anyway… I hope you’re all doing okay and having a good year so far. 🌺

#ChronicPain #chronicillnesswarrior #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #EDS #hipimpingement #Arthritis #ArthriticPain #InterstitialCystitis #LiverDisease #BPD #ComplexPTSD #Depression #Anxiety #resting #Reading

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A New Diagnosis

After weeks and weeks of leg and hip pain and some blood tests, yesterday my GP diagnosed me with Arthritis that’s associated with my joint hypermobility (Ehler’s Danlos Syndrome) I’ve just gotta have an x-ray of my pelvis to make sure the bone hasn’t been damaged from the constant grinding feeling in my hip joint when I move my leg, etc.

I’ve been prescribed some kick ass anti-inflammatory medication called Meloxicam and it’s really helping! I managed to tidy my room up and get a nice hot shower (which definitely helped my back and hip). So, now I’m gonna maybe make a cup of hot chocolate and relax while playing WoW.

(Yes, I’m aware my hair looks awful - I’m trying to grow it out so I’m back to my natural colour).

I wish you all a very Happy New Year! 🥳

#chronicillnesswarrior #ChronicPain #POTS #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #EDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #LiverDisease #NAFLD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #BPD #InterstitialCystitis #ic #Diabetes #Migraines #Arthritis #Jointpain #NewYearsEve #Happynewyear

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Little Victories

I’m actually pretty pleased with myself today.

This morning I went and had my flu and Covid vaccines done. Then I came home and I changed my sheets and bedding, followed by a lovely hot shower, and then I wrote two pages of my novel after being stuck with writer’s block for ages. I’m a little sore after all the movement, but I got through it. All over and done with now - I can rest. 😌😴

My GP is always telling me that I should celebrate every victory - even the itty bitty ones. I’ve made myself a lovely hot chocolate with a dash of Bailey’s Original as a treat, and I’m huddled up with my fluffy hoodie on now, all cosy like.

#chronicillnesswarrior #ChronicPain #POTS #AutonomicDysfunction #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #EDS #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #Jointpain #jointhypermobility #InterstitialCystitis #BladderPain #Diabetes #NAFLD #LiverDisease #BPD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #Depression #Migraines #sciatica #BackPain #littlevictories

41 reactions 6 comments
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Chronic Pain and Comfort Eating

Guys, I'm really struggling at the moment. Every single day of my life, I'm in pain. I've accepted it as a fact of my life. But a few weeks ago I randomly injured a muscle in my lower back that has been locked/cramped up ever since, and is pretty much crushing my sciatic nerve. I'm getting such painful burning-aching sensations CONSTANTLY. There is no reprieve.

I can't get comfy when I'm sitting, and I'm barely sleeping at night. My doctor has examined me and she's pretty sure it's my sciatic nerve that's been pinched and that I need the appointment for physio. But the earliest they could fit me in was 23rd October - 10 days away! My doctor has prescribed a course of diazepam (valium) to help ease the muscle and try and abate the muscle spasming around the nerve. Which works to an extend but I really can't do much. I can't lift anything heavy, etc.

I am truly miserable right now. And I have been for the last two weeks since the injury. It just doesn't stop... My nephew came over on Wednesday and I couldn't play with him the usual way I do - chasing him about, lifting him up and bouncing him. And he just kept coming and cuddling my leg, raised his arms at me and said; "Up!" It broke my heart when I said no. He walked off with his head hung down and his bottom lip poking out.

Since the injury, I've eaten a LOT of junk food. I just cannot stop, and I don't really care all that much. I know I'm comfort eating (I used to do this a lot in the past), and I know it's not good for me. I'm just finding it really hard to give a crap about it.

What should I do? I'm so close to tears... I need a nice long, tight hug/cuddle. It's so hard to keep going.

#POTS #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #FattyLiverDisease #NAFLD #Diabetes #BPD #BorderlinePersonalityDisorder #InterstitialCystitis #ChronicPain #sciatica #BackPain #exhausted #mentallyexhausted #feelingdefeated #chronicillnesswarrior #Advice

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My little mascot…

Last night I really struggled to get some sleep. On Friday, while walking from a shop to a taxi, I lifted my left leg to take a step and I felt a twinge in my lower back. Then, when I went to lift my right leg to do the same, I nearly crumpled to the floor as an intense cramp went through the entire of my lower back. I managed to hobble my way to the taxi and got myself home.

I’ve been using heat pads and an anti-inflammatory gel and it’s given very little relief, but I persevered. Then, last night at around midnight I had a POTS episode whilst I was on my way to the bathroom before bed. I fainted and hit the floor hard, according to my mum. I’m just glad I wasn’t conscious when I hit the floor because I can only imagine the pain I would’ve felt.

After the episode, I really struggled to get up, get to the bathroom and get to bed. But I managed it. I took extra painkillers but I just could not get comfortable. I tried lying on my side with a pillow between my knees, I tried lying on my back with a cushion under the curve of my spine. Nothing was working. Eventually, I gave up and pulled out my laptop to do some more notes on my novel.

As usual, Loki was sticking to my side. Like he normally does when I’m unwell or in pain. He came up for lots of cuddles and fusses. Until he settled behind my fan, and slowly crawled up until his head was peeking at me from behind the screen. He looked so cute, I had to take a photo. My little mascot. Somehow… He always makes me feel better. And I feel like he really does love me back.

Anyway, I spent the night just tapping away on my laptop, listening to quiet music while I made my notes and tweaks. I just wanted to show you all how much of a good boy he is. Don’t worry - he was given lots of treats and belly rubs.

#chronicillnesswarrior #ChronicPain #POTS #AutonomicDysfunction #EhlersDanlosSyndrome #EDS #PosturalOrthostaticTachycardiaSyndrome #Jointpain #Fainting #BackPain #cramps #Pain #InterstitialCystitis #BPD #NAFLD #LiverDisease #FattyLiverDisease #Diabetes #Migraines #Cats #Animals #TherapyPet #TherapyAnimal #therapycat

37 reactions 14 comments
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How do you say no to your little nieces, nephews and children?

I’m currently a first time aunt (although my sister is 21 weeks pregnant right now) to an absolutely gorgeous and clever little boy named Oskar. He’s 22months old, and I absolutely love playing with him. I chase him, I crawl towards him on my hands and knees. I play rough with him (he loves this), and I tickle him until he’s belly laughing.

He is truly the light of my life - since he was born I’ve refused to self harm and I’ve really started taking better care of myself. But sometimes when we’re playing, I start to get pain or get really exhausted and I have to tell him no and sit down for a bit. But then he comes over, grabs my hands and tries to pull me up and make me follow him.

It really breaks my heart because I know he doesn’t really understand and he thinks he’s done something wrong. How do YOU communicate that you need a break? Is there a way to do it so he understands? He can get quite upset. Aside from his dad, I’m the only person that really plays with him and makes him laugh.

Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated!

#chronicillnesswarrior #ChronicPain #POTS #EDS #NAFLD #BPD #LiverDisease #Jointpain #Diabetes #InterstitialCystitis #Migraines #Depression #Fatigue #Children #Advice

32 reactions 9 comments
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Joint Pain

Hey, everyone. I hope you’re all doing a lot better than I am.

For the last four days it’s been about 30°C and I’ve had enough.. Tomorrow it’s meant to hit 32°C.

I’m doing everything I can to stay cool and hydrated - I’m drinking between 2 to 3 litres of water/squash. I have a fan on me 24/7. Somehow, I’m managing alright overall - I haven’t fainted or blacked out. And at night time I’ve pretty much been falling asleep very very quickly when I get into bed.

HOWEVER… My joints are killing me. They’re a little swollen, very achy and sometimes even feel like they’re creaking, if that makes sense? It’s mainly my wrists, fingers, knuckles, elbows, knees and ankles. If I squeeze my fingers together or squeeze my wrists it makes the pain better. Which is weird but that’s what happens. But I can’t exactly sit here and squeeze every joint. I don’t have enough hands, haha!

Does anyone have any advice for it? It’s far too hot to wear my compression stockings - I’ve been keeping my feet elevated a little bit instead. Is there anything else I can do?

Thank you all in advance

#chronicillnesswarrior #ChronicPain #POTS #EDS #NAFLD #BPD #LiverDisease #Diabetes #InterstitialCystitis #Migraines #Jointpain #SoreJoints #PainfulJoints #Heatwave #toohot

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Since you all loved the photo of him the other day… I present - Loki being cute.

As I said, you all loved my beautiful Loki the other day. Today, he’s been curling up around my feet cus my blanket was too warm for him. I’m feeling much better today - the antibiotics have done their job, as have the heavy painkillers.

Thank you all for wishing me well. I hope you all have a fantastic and easy week ahead of you!

#chronicillnesswarrior #POTS #EDS #NAFLD #LiverDisease #Diabetes #Migraines #InterstitialCystitis #ic #bladderdisease #BladderPain #ChronicPain #Kidneyinfection

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Animal Intuition - He Knows.

So, I’m in the middle of an Interstitial Cystitis flare and possible kidney infection and I’ve been in so much pain with it and I’ve been utterly miserable. Mostly just curled up on my bed with a heat pad on my bladder area.

Loki has been the sweetest kitten/cat. Whenever I’m unwell he does tend to stay close to me. But earlier while I was half laying down, he just shuffled up to me, and laid right across my lower belly, nuzzling me and every so gently padding at my belly. He has completely melted my heart. He’s been doing it all morning. If I get up to get a drink or use the bathroom, he sits and waits and then when I’m back, he comes back and lies across my belly. 🥹

I love him so much.

#chronicillnesswarrior #ChronicPain #InterstitialCystitis #BladderPain #POTS #EDS #NAFLD #LiverDisease #Diabetes #Migraines #BPD #Depression #Anxiety

69 reactions 15 comments