We didn't do much for Valentines Day this year, with health and bungalow 'stuff' going on and family visitors for two days last week, it sort of slipped under the radar a bit. So, we exchanged cards and I promised to buy Alan an axe when he sees one that he likes, he needs one for all the wood chopping he wants to do now that virtually all of the floors in the bungalow are up and the joists are coming up next.
Once he gets chopping we will have enough kindling for the log burner for the next five years at least!!
He went to Booths to get himself something and was supposed to be buying me a sliced loaf while he was there. Instead he got distracted by a pretty girl giving out samples in store and offering free toilet rolls to anyone who bought a box of the 'Cheeky Panda' tissues.
He said he knew that this would appeal to me, I laughed and agreed and said it could be my Valentines Day gift ... and then asked where my bread was. 😄
Booths - £8.65
We did go to Booths the next day for a coffee and a chat after meeting with our kitchen designer, so I bought some buns instead, along with some eggs and biscuits.
I didn't need anymore shopping as I am still barely eating properly at the moment.
Yesterday, after a very painful visit to go and see my Mum, I was feeling sorry for myself and toying with the idea of not blogging anymore as I am currently finding it so difficult to do so, but after a comment from Sue this morning I had second thoughts. So many of us have been blogging friends for years now that it seems wrong to just vanish. So instead I thought I would share what I am currently going through so you have some understanding.
During lockdown in 2020 I had a lot of back pain and it was discovered a year later, when I managed to get to actually see a doctor face to face and have various tests, that I had undiagnosed osteoporosis in my spine. This had led to a thoracic wedge collapse and three other broken vertebrae, along with two nerve impingements.
After diagnosis and trying lots of pain relief medications, it turned out that most didn't work for me, the ones that might have I was allergic to, and the only pain relief in the short term was Naproxen and in the long term paracetamol. So basically, on doctors orders, I have been on eight paracetamol tablets a day for the last five years. The gastro-enteritis that we both suffered a couple of weeks ago completely knocked this finely balanced pain relief out of sync, including my blood pressure medications and has led to this health crisis. The doctor at the hospital prescribed Naproxen again and said that I should see my own doctor about future pain relief, and maybe a further round of scans for my osteoporosis. It is all this pain that has sent my blood pressure sky high again, so I have had to take readings ... yet again ... for a week before this weeks visit to the doctor.
That's it ... health update and recap for anyone that didn't know about my condition, and I will try not to mention it again. Other peoples health issues ... as far as I am concerned ... can be quite boring at times, so if I start moaning shoot me!! 😉
Sue xx
Thank you for sharing a health update with us Sue-I regard you as a friend and was concerned when you were unwell. I hope you can get your pain medication rebalanced again to improve your quality of life. I did laugh when you said you were buying Alan an axe for Valentines Day and as a longtime IBS sufferer, I never turn down any toilet paper offers. This is the dreariest start to a year I can remember and it’s making many of us feel under par. Take care and hope your pain lessens. Catriona
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so challenging. Sending a hug across the miles x
ReplyDeleteAlison in Devon x
I'm so sorry to learn of your on-going pain. And I love the quote by Fred Rogers. Please keep blogging, if you are able at all. I really enjoy your writings. But I also respect your struggles and limitations due to pain/health issues. Nancy - KY
ReplyDeletePlease don't even think about stopping blogging Sue! And thank you for sharing your health update. I hope that your medications are reviewed and bring relief soon. I love the loo roll - and an axe for Valentine's Day? - good thing we know you! Hoping you feel better soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard at times to deal with an on going medical issue(s)l but we go on each day hoping for the best. I hope you are feeling better very soon! I would miss reading your blog as it something I look forward too. Take care.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry that you are in pain and have suffered for so long, back pain is debilitating, depressing and knocks your whole psyche off kilter. Please keep blogging when you can and take good care of you, sending a huge hug to you. Jan in Castle Gresley
ReplyDeleteI do hope your pain issues get resolved... once an 'event' knocks a finely balanced system out of kilter then it does seem to take a while to settle back. Unfortunately.
ReplyDeleteI do enjoy your blog. Please keep going, as and when you can... I've got a bit haphazard with posting recently but hey, that's what happens when you cut yourself a bit of slack. Normal service might return in due course..
Oh, good, there you are. I'm glad you decided not to vanish.
ReplyDeleteI did wonder if one health thing was caused by another health thing - Covid caused so many problems in so many different ways.
An axe is a handy present - I have one here I could give you as I can hardly lift the thing. I used to use a much smaller chopper for kindling which still made the children tell me to be careful as I zoomed my way through a nice piece of straight grained wood....Happy memories!
Anyone who has experienced a constant level of pain can understand why you find it difficult to blog day to day during this intense period of illness. It does take over one's mind...not to mention one's body. My thoughts are with you as you fight to come through this period of turmoil. I'm sure the weather is not helping either...physically or mentally. Know that your blog friends are standing by to encourage and support you. Take care, Sue. X
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenting - I am so sorry to hear about your renewed back pain issues, that is quite an ordeal and a strain on your mental and physical health in every way.
ReplyDeleteI got quite a laugh out of your Valentine gift exchange, the promise of an axe and bamboo toilet tissue. Our newest set of sheets is bamboo and we are enjoying them a lot, very comfortable sleeping.
Cheers,
Ceci
I'm way behind with commenting but I'm so pleased you're still blogging, I'd miss you if you stopped.
ReplyDeleteThe back problems and the intense medication sound horrendous, I'm so sorry that you're struggling and hope everything settles down soon.
On a brighter note , buying Alan (or promising to) an axe for Valentine's Day and you getting a free bog roll made me laugh out loud. Love Cheeky Panda wipes, our go-to festival essential! xxxxx
I do hope the Dr's manage to balance out your pain medication. As you say an illness can throw your whole system out. The weather definitely hasn't helped, its grey wet, cold and so depressing. Please take care of yourself (and Alan) and don't stop blogging. Hugs Xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear you have been suffering for so long without effective relief. Back pain is awful, and so debilitating. Have you asked for a second opinion to see if there are any procedures that could help eg Vertebroplasty or Kyphoplasty?
ReplyDeleteRegards Pauline B
Both these procedures were considered by my consultant years ago, and deemed inappropriate as the main fracture had collapsed and healed before I managed to see him. They cannot be done on old fractures. Also there is now evidence that they can cause more problems than they solve.
DeleteOh dear, I hope the meds get sorted. Ongoing pain is a very hard thing to cope with. I very much enjoy your blog as it gives me a glimpse of life across the pond:)
ReplyDeleteI’m So sorry to hear that you are suffering. I understand from my husband that being in constant pain kind of sucks the joy out of lots of things and it’s hard sometimes to find the motivation to keep going … though of course there isn’t much choice really when you have so many commitments. I’m glad you’ve decided to continue blogging. It has been sad to see a few people that I’ve followed for a long time are no longer posting and I would definitely miss you … even though hardly ever comment. Take care and hope you find your equilibrium with your pain management soon x
ReplyDeleteCoping with on going pain is draining. I too am pleased that you are going to continue with blogging as I would miss you but would also understand if it became too much. Hope things settle down for you soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. I have been following you for years and had no idea of the pain you have been suffering with and am amazed at how much you have accomplished over the years. I find your blog so uplifting and encouraging.
ReplyDeleteNot sure what to say as it has all been said here. Just, I am so very sorry you are going through this. Re: blog do whatever you feel is right for you. Sending the very best of wishes. June xx
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you are in pain. Life is very hard to manage with continuous pain. I hope that your doctor can support you with adequate pain relief. Regards Sue H
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you have been experiencing such pain and problems controlling your blood pressure. i have multiple myeloma and had three fractures in my spine (lost 3 inches in height) so I know what you are saying about pain management. I hope your Dr can figure out effective pain control for you.
ReplyDeletePlease don't stop blogging. I enjoy reading your blog and following along with your new adventure at your bungalow. I don't comment often but I am always read your blog. Wishing you all the best Sue.
Marilyn S
Thanks Marilyn, yes I am also three inches shorter these days. 🫤
DeleteOh my goodness, that is so horrid - one thing has a knock on affect on others. Back pain is so debilitating. I do hope that you will carry on blogging, as we are a lovely friendship network and we are all nosey about the work on the bungalow and hoping too, that "they" will find the right pain relief for you long term.
ReplyDeleteI did wonder if the recent virus had set you back, Sue. Im so sorry to hear that it has. I hope you can get your pain back under control pretty quickly. We would hate to lose you in blog land as you inspire so many people with your humour and common sense. Take your time to get well once more. It's a horrible time of year anyway, isn't it 😔 I dont feel myself right now but you made me laugh aloud talking about buying Alan an axe for valentines day 😄 Priceless!!
ReplyDeleteAngie xx
Things that need to get done loom big when you are not feeling up to it. The Fred Roger's quote is bang on. I had fours years of hell but to keep myself from despair I set myself a goal for each day. Sometimes, many times, it was just one thing, like have a shower. If it was the only thing I managed to do that day, and often it was, at least I could say to myself I'd achieved my goal. I'm very sorry you are going through something similar. Keep plugging away at getting the best pain management you can. Don't give up and ask for help when you need it. Your blog friends are here for you.
ReplyDeleteI hope you can control your back pain once you find the right medication. I actually have the same condition and sometimes things need to be put off until I can face the pain. It also means resting when things get bad.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Sorry to hear about your health issues. I can relate to the back pain, it's not nice is it. I was thinking about you the other day when I was watching a youtuber. I wondered if you watch her too, I think you would really enjoy her. She is called Rebecca at railway cottage. She is doing a ww2 ration challenge and making meals from a wartime recipe book. I rather fancy making the Eve's pudding. Take care, Jo.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've been watching Rebecca for a few years now. She's doing well with the rationing again isn't she. 🙂
DeleteWhat a time you have had and are still having. I hope you can get some effective pain management soon. Hubby has had spinal stenosis for the past seven years and I had a total knee replacement 3 years ago and have had pain every day since. Not the outcome I was expecting. I have enjoyed reading your blog(s) for many years so I hope you don't stop. Maybe take breaks and don't feel pressured to blog when you don't feel up to it. I'll be reading every time you pop up on my side bar!
ReplyDeleteBig (((Hugs))) coming your way Sue.
ReplyDeleteMy back issue has had me offline quite frequently recently so I know the ‘strain’ of trying to appear regularly. Like so many others I’d miss your posts if you stopped but…..you must do what’s best for you
I'm so sorry to hear about your back pain and other health issues. I, too, am trying to bring my blood pressure back under control after a change in medications and trying to manage other health issues. The joys of getting older, I suppose. Take care of yourself and do what you feel is best for you.
ReplyDeleteAlways love hearing from you. Hope meds are stable soon. Maybe x
ReplyDeleteHi Sue I selfishly hope you continue to blog (be it ever so rarely if need be!) Yours is one blog I visit every day, like visiting a friend you can sit quietly with. My son has lived with debilitating back pain for so many years (his spine is damaged - why is there no satisfactory pain relief for those with chronic problems) and I understand how everything is so much effort and why sometimes things become just too much bother. I hope that you make a good recovery from your current problems and look forward to hearing how useful Alan is with an axe so please take care of yourself Sue, confess that you enjoyed sharing your story of the toilet roll and the axe....just think of the joy that little tale has brought to many of us. Love and hugs, Elaine
ReplyDelete"Other peoples health issues ... can be quite boring at times"
ReplyDeleteYou are NOT 'other people'. You are a friend, you have been part of my life for nearly two decades as you have to many others. And you know what friends do? they listen when someone is having a rough time, and they CARE.
You might not be up to blogging so frequently until you have all this under control, but please don't stop: your very wide, far-reaching, extended family, care far too much about you. xx
❤️ xx
DeleteThere's nothing I can add other than to say it sounds terribly painful and I can imagine how the gastro bug knocked your finely balance medication off course. We will all keep our fingers crossed that the Dr can get you back on an even keel.
ReplyDeleteFantastic Valentines gifts both ways - so practical and shows how well you know each other! 🤣
We would all miss you if you weren't blogging.
Check out locally to see if any near by orthopaedic hospitals/units run a Functional Restoration Course. I've had ongoing back problems for years and this course helped me so much. Knowing about how my brain responded to pain signals, how your systems get caught up in an endless loop of pain, it was just such an eye opener. There's a book by the two men who came up with one of the early courses, David Rodgers and Graham Brown. Well worth getting but if you can find a course, even better. Mine was four half days over a four week period.
ReplyDeleteIt all sounds very tiring Sue. This "getting older" stuff is no fun, is it! More creaks, bits falling off and the clock ticking down - more and more slowly. Thank you for filling us in on the ongoing battles, you have the sympathy and empathy of friends here.... It's hard to judge how much to tell people. Personally, I need normal friendship and support, not bucketloads of sympathy - or worse still, people treading delicately around me! So I don't say much, and just grit my teeth until I have to be honest!! Then I don't want it discussed ad nauseam!
ReplyDeleteI'm exactly the same, while I can freely offer sympathy and empathy, I really don't like it sent in my direction, as my face clearly tells you if it's offered in person. 😄
DeleteSue, I understand the need for a blogging break. I just came back from one myself. However, I was touched by those who reached out and made sure I was ok and coming back. I hate that you're going through so much right now. Our health can affect so many areas of our lives. I will continue to check back here because I love your blog :) I pray you get some relief soon and feel like your healthy self again.
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for pain and upsetting blood pressure. I am concerned that they've not put you on Rd Actonel or other similar drug to rebuild bones.
ReplyDeleteI've been on Alendronic Acid for over four years now, this builds bones.
DeleteNew person to your blog here - look at all the comments - reading them all makes me think I did find a lovely new blog to read. Pain is bloody awful. I love Booths!
ReplyDeleteWelcome, I assure you I don't drivel on about health issues and negativity usually. 😄
DeleteBooths and it's staff are amazing aren't they. ❤️
Sometimes I think we just need to rant a bit when health stuff gets in the way of life - generally speaking I’m with you when it comes to thinking that people just often don’t want to know, but it’s also true that the blogging community is a solid little one, and in fact there is probably a lot of support out there. Chronic pain is horrible - not least when there isn’t really any prospect of it ending, just being managed!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to read what you are going through, Sue. Pain can be so debilitating. I really hope you manage to find a balance with your pain relief moving forward. Xx
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your health issues, Sue. I hope you can get some long-term solution to deal with the pain.
ReplyDelete