How I survived my trip to London.
Firstly, I was a very clever girl and contacted the special assistance desk with the airline. That was the smartest thing I did. Other than the joy of jumping queues and having people drive you around the huge airports, I definitely saved myself a lot of pain.
Secondly, I was a very daft girl. I insisted on going to the airport my "usual" way. That is by taking the E train to Jamaica, then to the Airtrain. My work is only a couple of blocks from the E, and then I thought there was not too much walking between the two, oh how memories fade with age.
By the time I reached the airline, I was hurting. Thankfully the nice lady at the end of the queue saw my crutch and had them open a desk for me and get a wheel chair. Then it was straight through security. And did I mention the bulk head seats? Yes, being a gimp does have it's advantages.
Once I was dropped off at the gate, I went straight to the loo to put on my lidocaine patches. Can I say again how much I bloody love these things? They are one of the most important inventions ever, at least to me. I know some people say they don't work for them but I am blessed that they do most of the time for me.
Unfortunately the flight was delayed so my combination of wine and magic pill took effect too soon and I missed that small window of opportunity to pass out. Well, I could've passed out at the gate, but really did want to get on the plane so forced myself to stay awake. After we finally boarded, I had a hard time getting comfortable. I don't know if it's because I had a mild fibro flare up earlier that week or if the pressure on the planes is getting worse for me, but it was not the most enjoyable flight, especially with barely any sleep.
Thankfully when we arrived I had a nice old English man to push me through immigration and get my case, and he even took me up to my friends car in the car park. I definitely could not have done all of that walking after that flight.
So, the trip was brilliant. To sum up, my hips fared fairly well. I didn't do too much walking but definitely more than I have since my surgery (except for my day at Hampton Court - I pretty much saved myself for that day - and was sore the day after, but not as bad as I'd have thought). I wasn't sure how much the injection had helped at first, but it definitely made a difference whilst I was there. Unfortunately I had the worst time sleeping and the weather in London this time is the worst for me, so that kept the flare up going.
The return trip was much the same as the going, and again, so glad I had the assistance. It truly made a huge difference in a positive way.
I was able to get some sleep the last two nights since I've been back, and that definitely helps. Today for some reason though both hips are not happy campers. Not quite sure as I've not done much walking, but I am off to self medicate with my friend so that should help with the pain and getting to sleep later.
04 January, 2008
27 December, 2007
14 Week post op
It's been almost two weeks without a crutch in sight! Oh, how I don't miss them. I've been holding up pretty well for the most part. The right hip gets a bit tight at times, I believe it's the psoas, so we've been stretching it more at PT.
I had the injection on my left hip on Friday. I hate the procedure, it's not pleasant at all, but at least it's over. I had a difference in pain from the pre-injection to the post-injection, especially rotating my hip inwards. That was a 10+ before the injection, and went to about a 5 after. It was definitely sore for the following days but seems okay now.
I leave for London tomorrow night. I have taken the precaution of arranging assistance from the gate in Heathrow as the walk to immigration is quite long. I am meant to get a bulk seat as well which will be helpful in the sense no one will be able to smoosh my legs when they put their chair back. Normally I'm not a fan but in this case I'm willing to give it a try.
I've been trying to limit my plans for the trip, so just meeting up with some friends, seeing a Panto, going to the local for New Years and the biggest amount of walking will be at Hampton Court on New Years Day. I pray I can handle it, because being the Henry buff that I am, I have to see the new exhibit, as well as the Tudor Cookery special and holiday decorations they have set up. I must hit the gift shop there as well, they usually have lots of fun things for history geeks such as myself.
I am back next week and will let you now how I fared. Happy New Year and may you and those you love have a blessed 2008!
I had the injection on my left hip on Friday. I hate the procedure, it's not pleasant at all, but at least it's over. I had a difference in pain from the pre-injection to the post-injection, especially rotating my hip inwards. That was a 10+ before the injection, and went to about a 5 after. It was definitely sore for the following days but seems okay now.
I leave for London tomorrow night. I have taken the precaution of arranging assistance from the gate in Heathrow as the walk to immigration is quite long. I am meant to get a bulk seat as well which will be helpful in the sense no one will be able to smoosh my legs when they put their chair back. Normally I'm not a fan but in this case I'm willing to give it a try.
I've been trying to limit my plans for the trip, so just meeting up with some friends, seeing a Panto, going to the local for New Years and the biggest amount of walking will be at Hampton Court on New Years Day. I pray I can handle it, because being the Henry buff that I am, I have to see the new exhibit, as well as the Tudor Cookery special and holiday decorations they have set up. I must hit the gift shop there as well, they usually have lots of fun things for history geeks such as myself.
I am back next week and will let you now how I fared. Happy New Year and may you and those you love have a blessed 2008!
21 December, 2007
Sick Humor: Answers to But you don't look sick?!
(again, not mine but had to pass along)
Don't you wish that you had something witty to say when someone says the inevitable.. But you don't look sick?! Well now you do, Thanks to our message board members we have a WHOLE list !! Even if you feel you can't really use these answers when people ask, you can most certainly think of them and giggle.
And you look Intelligent!
And you don't look stupid!
Maybe it's Maybelline.
But I tried so hard!
Oh? You don't look like the bearer of prejudices.
We all make mistakes * Cheery Smile *
Really? That's odd!
Really? (Look down at yourself) I'm cured!!!
Where did you get my medical degree from?
For when people are are being rude- I don't look ( Insert age here) either, but it doesn't change the fact I am!
Why thank you honey, that's so sweet of you to say that!
I wasn't aware illnesses came mounted on a billboard!
Huh? What does sick look like?
There's a well person striving to escape this body!
How sweet of you to say that. I've been so tired, I haven't bathed in three days.
And I was sort of worried about going out in public looking like this. So thanks for the compliment. It's really made my day.
And I guess your X-ray vision isn't working too well today either! You should see how corroded some of my parts are on the inside. Some of my organs are in their 90's, some in their 70's. It's hard to keep track! ! !
Yeah, isn't it great. I guess I'm the healthiest looking sick person you've ever seen, huh? Isn't it weird how looks can deceive.
Yep well it's nothing to get excited about!
Well I'm NOT sick, my body is!
What do you think "Don't judge a book by it's cover" means?
Just because I look ok, doesn't mean I'm fine.
I work hard to look this good.
Are you flirting with me?
I have good and bad days, but I'll never be the way I was before I got sick.
Darn! I told Q this was the wrong host body!! I should go back to the mother ship.
This is my Alter-Ego!
Should I get a refund?
It's really good to know that the 4 hours it took me to get out of bed, and get ready this morning wasn't wasted!
Really? That's not what my psychiatrist told me.
Oh gosh I didn't realise it was you who was blind. I mean people told me but I must have gotten muddled, its the drugs you know, but wow you're coping so well.……. *continue babbling til they back away*
You should see the straight jacket they make me wear!
Thanks! Funny, knowing that i don't look sick, gives me a new appreciation and patience for the people i might meet who look healthy and may not be.
Oh yeah? Check this out (show them something freaky)
Really? Ok lets trade bodies for the day!
What exactly does (insert illness) look like?
Ignorance is bliss I guess!
Would a bit of vomit help? Because I'm feeling quiet nauseous.
I guess hard work pay off!
Well of course not, I look like (insert name here) Duh!
What is this "sick" you speak of?
Thanks! I only needed one painkiller today instead of 5!
oh good..... because "not sick" is just the look I was going for!
Don't you wish that you had something witty to say when someone says the inevitable.. But you don't look sick?! Well now you do, Thanks to our message board members we have a WHOLE list !! Even if you feel you can't really use these answers when people ask, you can most certainly think of them and giggle.
And you look Intelligent!
And you don't look stupid!
Maybe it's Maybelline.
But I tried so hard!
Oh? You don't look like the bearer of prejudices.
We all make mistakes * Cheery Smile *
Really? That's odd!
Really? (Look down at yourself) I'm cured!!!
Where did you get my medical degree from?
For when people are are being rude- I don't look ( Insert age here) either, but it doesn't change the fact I am!
Why thank you honey, that's so sweet of you to say that!
I wasn't aware illnesses came mounted on a billboard!
Huh? What does sick look like?
There's a well person striving to escape this body!
How sweet of you to say that. I've been so tired, I haven't bathed in three days.
And I was sort of worried about going out in public looking like this. So thanks for the compliment. It's really made my day.
And I guess your X-ray vision isn't working too well today either! You should see how corroded some of my parts are on the inside. Some of my organs are in their 90's, some in their 70's. It's hard to keep track! ! !
Yeah, isn't it great. I guess I'm the healthiest looking sick person you've ever seen, huh? Isn't it weird how looks can deceive.
Yep well it's nothing to get excited about!
Well I'm NOT sick, my body is!
What do you think "Don't judge a book by it's cover" means?
Just because I look ok, doesn't mean I'm fine.
I work hard to look this good.
Are you flirting with me?
I have good and bad days, but I'll never be the way I was before I got sick.
Darn! I told Q this was the wrong host body!! I should go back to the mother ship.
This is my Alter-Ego!
Should I get a refund?
It's really good to know that the 4 hours it took me to get out of bed, and get ready this morning wasn't wasted!
Really? That's not what my psychiatrist told me.
Oh gosh I didn't realise it was you who was blind. I mean people told me but I must have gotten muddled, its the drugs you know, but wow you're coping so well.……. *continue babbling til they back away*
You should see the straight jacket they make me wear!
Thanks! Funny, knowing that i don't look sick, gives me a new appreciation and patience for the people i might meet who look healthy and may not be.
Oh yeah? Check this out (show them something freaky)
Really? Ok lets trade bodies for the day!
What exactly does (insert illness) look like?
Ignorance is bliss I guess!
Would a bit of vomit help? Because I'm feeling quiet nauseous.
I guess hard work pay off!
Well of course not, I look like (insert name here) Duh!
What is this "sick" you speak of?
Thanks! I only needed one painkiller today instead of 5!
oh good..... because "not sick" is just the look I was going for!
Sick Humor: A letter from your chronic condition and a reply
(just had to post this, it's brill)
A letter from your chronic condition and a reply. Sometimes you just have to laugh!
To whom it may concern:
Congratulations! You have been selected to be the host for (any chronic condition -- RA, FM, lupus, MS, you name it). You will begin to experience many or all of these symptoms -- and may even deal with several of them at the same time.
--Pain can be anywhere you can imagine. We are equal opportunity destroyers, therefore we will choose many places for you to experience pain. We have even devised many different types of pain -- it could be aching, stabbing, throbbing, tingling, burning, gripping, or cramping. We are continually improving our repertoire of pain categories, so updates are to be expected.
--Dizziness. This can be accompanied by nausea, mental confusion, ringing in the ears, vomiting, loss of coordination, and sensations of spinning, rocking, or shaking. We try to simulate the experience of riding a never-ending roller coaster to satisfy your adventurous spirit. No safety harnesses required, and you have no choice of when the coaster ride starts,ends, or how fast it goes.
--Extreme fatigue (Now remember, this is not just being "tired". We will suddenly "pull your plug", so to speak, and you will have NO energy at all. Even dressing or taking a shower will be too daunting of a task for you to complete. And because we like surprises, we will NOT give you any advance warning, so you could be in the middle of the grocery store, at work, playing with you kids, or trying to clean the house.)
--Poor balance, lack of coordination. Let's just say you may walk or talk like you are drunk -- even if you haven't had any alcohol recently. And for those of you who have never indulged in alcohol, you are now going to understand what it is like to be drunk and to have a hangover.
--Forgetting, losing, dropping things. These are just a few of the perks of your condition. You will learn to expect them, but never to enjoy them.
In addition to the symptoms above, we also want to eliminate some things from your crowded lifestyle. Here are a few of the things which will be taken away from you now that you are chosen to have a chronic condition:
The ability to stand or walk for longer than 15 minutes without experiencing pain in you feet, ankles, knees, or legs. The ability to sit for longer than 10 minutes without experience cramping in your legs and butt, or shooting pains in your back.
The ability to complete any task which requires more than 10 minutes of concentration, multi-step activities or long-term projects will take 2-3 times longer then average.
The ability to play and run with your children like you did before. The ability to have a "normal" social life. The ability to accumulate sick days at work/ school to earn the perfect attendance bonus. As indicated previously, this condition is in constant flux and more symptoms will be added as we deem necessary. There is no warranty guarantee, technical support, or customer service available.
Sincerely,
Your chronic condition
_________________________________________________________________ Dear My chronic condition:
I would like to clarify that, while you may wreak havoc on my body, and maybe even confuse my mind -- you cannot have my heart or my soul. You cannot have my faith, my hope, or my love. There are some good things that you have given me, things I never could have experienced had you not come to possess my body.
You have given me:
-- strengthened prayer life and increased dependence on God's grace and strength, rather than my own
-- renewed friendship with strong, close, true friends.
-- appreciation for every precious moment I am given. A gift that is sometimes lost on the "healthy".
-- growth in character, perseverance, and hope.
-- inspiration for to help others.
-- more compassion for others who are suffering.
-- better knowledge of my own body & health.
-- a reason to eat more nutritiously and take care of myself.-
- reasons to rest when I need it.
You see, you will not find me an agreeable host. I will fight you, I will not give up. On bad days, I will take care of myself. On the good days, I will take advantage of every precious moment. You have thrown some obstacles in my life's journey, but I will go over them or around them, no matter what it takes. In fact, while I am overcoming them, I will stop for a moment to reflect upon the mountain I am climbing, plant a few seeds and then continue on. I will learn and grow from this experience and help others.
Sincerely,
ME
A letter from your chronic condition and a reply. Sometimes you just have to laugh!
To whom it may concern:
Congratulations! You have been selected to be the host for (any chronic condition -- RA, FM, lupus, MS, you name it). You will begin to experience many or all of these symptoms -- and may even deal with several of them at the same time.
--Pain can be anywhere you can imagine. We are equal opportunity destroyers, therefore we will choose many places for you to experience pain. We have even devised many different types of pain -- it could be aching, stabbing, throbbing, tingling, burning, gripping, or cramping. We are continually improving our repertoire of pain categories, so updates are to be expected.
--Dizziness. This can be accompanied by nausea, mental confusion, ringing in the ears, vomiting, loss of coordination, and sensations of spinning, rocking, or shaking. We try to simulate the experience of riding a never-ending roller coaster to satisfy your adventurous spirit. No safety harnesses required, and you have no choice of when the coaster ride starts,ends, or how fast it goes.
--Extreme fatigue (Now remember, this is not just being "tired". We will suddenly "pull your plug", so to speak, and you will have NO energy at all. Even dressing or taking a shower will be too daunting of a task for you to complete. And because we like surprises, we will NOT give you any advance warning, so you could be in the middle of the grocery store, at work, playing with you kids, or trying to clean the house.)
--Poor balance, lack of coordination. Let's just say you may walk or talk like you are drunk -- even if you haven't had any alcohol recently. And for those of you who have never indulged in alcohol, you are now going to understand what it is like to be drunk and to have a hangover.
--Forgetting, losing, dropping things. These are just a few of the perks of your condition. You will learn to expect them, but never to enjoy them.
In addition to the symptoms above, we also want to eliminate some things from your crowded lifestyle. Here are a few of the things which will be taken away from you now that you are chosen to have a chronic condition:
The ability to stand or walk for longer than 15 minutes without experiencing pain in you feet, ankles, knees, or legs. The ability to sit for longer than 10 minutes without experience cramping in your legs and butt, or shooting pains in your back.
The ability to complete any task which requires more than 10 minutes of concentration, multi-step activities or long-term projects will take 2-3 times longer then average.
The ability to play and run with your children like you did before. The ability to have a "normal" social life. The ability to accumulate sick days at work/ school to earn the perfect attendance bonus. As indicated previously, this condition is in constant flux and more symptoms will be added as we deem necessary. There is no warranty guarantee, technical support, or customer service available.
Sincerely,
Your chronic condition
_________________________________________________________________ Dear My chronic condition:
I would like to clarify that, while you may wreak havoc on my body, and maybe even confuse my mind -- you cannot have my heart or my soul. You cannot have my faith, my hope, or my love. There are some good things that you have given me, things I never could have experienced had you not come to possess my body.
You have given me:
-- strengthened prayer life and increased dependence on God's grace and strength, rather than my own
-- renewed friendship with strong, close, true friends.
-- appreciation for every precious moment I am given. A gift that is sometimes lost on the "healthy".
-- growth in character, perseverance, and hope.
-- inspiration for to help others.
-- more compassion for others who are suffering.
-- better knowledge of my own body & health.
-- a reason to eat more nutritiously and take care of myself.-
- reasons to rest when I need it.
You see, you will not find me an agreeable host. I will fight you, I will not give up. On bad days, I will take care of myself. On the good days, I will take advantage of every precious moment. You have thrown some obstacles in my life's journey, but I will go over them or around them, no matter what it takes. In fact, while I am overcoming them, I will stop for a moment to reflect upon the mountain I am climbing, plant a few seeds and then continue on. I will learn and grow from this experience and help others.
Sincerely,
ME
YAY!
I made it a whole work week without a crutch in sight. Quite an accomplishment. My left hip has started to really bother me again so I am glad that I've the injection for later today, though I must say I am not looking forward to the procedure itself. I believe I have the same doctor as last time though and he was very good. I so appreciated how he explained the procedure step by step and was constantly telling me everything about it and how it was going.
On a different note, I came across some interesting items on a message board I am on and thought I would post them. I did not write them. I will post each separately.
Also, check out this site: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf
On a different note, I came across some interesting items on a message board I am on and thought I would post them. I did not write them. I will post each separately.
Also, check out this site: http://www.butyoudontlooksick.com/navigation/BYDLS-TheSpoonTheory.pdf
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