Me and the Ferrari go solo!

My 3 week signed not fit for work period came to an end and then was extended by my GP for a further 8 weeks :-/ How do I feel about this.....flat. Its not a joyous feeling being signed 'not fit for work'. It feels close to 'not fit for purpose'. I am currently still working from home as my employer is being supportive but I'm not sure how long that will last for. I am not physically capable of getting into Central London to get to my office. I end up in too much pain and I crumble. It's not good or professional to be seen as weak and a wreck.

I do feel better though for not having the travelling. I am able to manage the pain easier although if I do even go up to the school to pick the children up using my crutches (it is only literally round the corner) I am in agony.

I was given a band/bracelet to wear around my ankle by Matt at Streamz. It contains natural ores and compounds to help with pain and inflammation. It is a weighty piece to wear and I found it cold at first but you soon forget that it is there. Have I noticed a difference after a week?...I think so. I certainly don't ache as much but because I have severe OA the bone on bone pain is still there. I still wear it and my tens machine to compliment my pain medication. Streamz have a Facebook page...check them out! https://www.facebook.com/pages/You-StreamZ/408445515910843

My achievement for today.....I managed to get to the hospital and back on my own!! Me and the Ferrari wheels whoohoo!! I had to go for a blood test as I am bruising for no reason. Up early and cross the road to the bus stop as soon as I was ready. The bus driver was great, lowered the bus and the ramp but the pavement had pot holes in it and I got the wheel stuck so he helped push me onto the bus. I didn't have too long a wait for the vampires to take some blood before I headed back to the bus stop. This time no problems getting on the bus with the wheelchair. I was SO pleased with myself!!

The kids were super excited for Fathers Day. Presents were bought and wrapped, cards made....and we made a cake! We had such fun, there was chocolate, flour and icing sugar everywhere...it took rather a while to tidy up!! here is the creation...and Paul loved it!

 I mentioned earlier that I was bruising easily, I'm also getting dizzy/fainting spells. Doctor says it isn't my pain medication and my blood pressure was ok when he tested it. I'm hoping the blood test gives me some answers. It will be interesting to know if anyone else has symptoms like this.

Well, it's time for a cuppa and a ginger biscuit! Hope everyone is having a good day today.

Until next time xxxx

A Glimmer of Light.....

I am now half way through my being signed off from work and now working from home situation. It is suiting me much better. I am not jostled around on the tube and I am not in agony by the time I get to my desk to log in. I am able to manage my pain better because I don't have to travel into Central London. I have an appointment with my GP on 19th June as he has to assess my fitness to return to work. I am hoping he will sign me back but with provisions that I am able to work from home 2-3 days a week. Working from home is great but it does have it's drawbacks. I am extremely motivated and career minded with a strong work ethic so getting the job done is not a issue. I am however a sociable creature and I miss the interaction with my colleagues. At the moment work are being great and colleagues email me on a daily basis. Talking with people on support groups on Facebook I have realised how many people lose 'friends' because of their arthritis and immobility. It is shocking that friends would not stand by you. Some times all you want is a friend to call and say "put the kettle on, I'm coming round for a cuppa" It doesn't have to be about disability, pain and arthritis but about  friendship, having a natter about what is going on in the world as many people are not able to get out and about without help and the only trips out they have are to the doctors or hospital. Arthritis can be very lonely. I hope that people don't have to suffer that as well as the pain. I am aware that there are a number of my 'friends' who I no longer hear from and who don't return messages. I am a strong person and my attitude is that they aren't real friends so I am better off without them. It's sad that it takes something like this for me and other people to find out. On the other hand being on the support groups has given me support and I have made more friends than I have lost, these friends understand the daily struggle. So on the whole I am better off :-)

Friday last week I had my long awaited appointment with my consultant. As you are aware I have had a number of surgeries and appointments but always saw the registrar who is unable to make the ultimate decision. Mr Kumar was very good, there was no argument which threw me a bit. He took time to read through my notes, assess my x-rays, scans and surgery pictures. He agreed that something needed to be done and I was a candidate for knee replacements but because he only sees a maximum of 3 cases like mine a year he wasn't sure which replacement would be better...a partial replacement then have a full replacement later on down the line or go straight for the full knee replacement now. He said I would greatly benefit from replacement surgery but the joints that district hospitals get are aimed at older patients with a cut and dry case. SO, the excellent news is that he has referred me to the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital at Stanmore which is a centre of excellence and a leading orthopaedic hospital worldwide. They have the facilities to custom make joints specifically for me and they have a special coating to mimic bone and prevent rejection which increases the lifespan of the replacement. I have to phone Mr Kumars secretary in a couple of weeks to confirm the referral has been sent off then phone the RNOH to confirm they have received it and check waiting times. Finally I feel there is a glimmer of light at the end of what has been a very long and dark tunnel.

Until next time, keep safe and pain free

Catherine xxx