Medical Update

One of my favorite things about blogging and this online world is the connection. The interaction and engagement with other incredible women around our country, and the world. I have made so many new friends, met a few across the seas and been able to connect with like-minded women on a daily basis. We really have to remember and praise all the positive things about social media…

One of the questions I get asked by so many of you special readers is “How am I feeling?” and following on from this post and then this update about my health, I wanted to post a more recent update and answer a few questions.

How are you feeling?

I feel so much better. I am relatively pain free with the exception of the odd tweak in my chest. I have been able to exercise, pick up children and sleep comfortably since the end of December. However, I am very reliant on my medication to control this pain as the one day that I happened to miss my medication, I was in intense pain the day after. I am sleeping well and feel more energized, and life seems pretty much back to a new normal.

Do you have a diagnosis yet?

No, unfortunately not. Any follow up tests that I have had done has all come back clear (which is a great blessing!) but this also means that it doesn’t show any reason for me being in this pain. For now, we continue to treat the symptoms and control the pain and meet with my physician every 2-3 months.

How long will you have to be on the medication?

We have no idea – it could be a year, five years or even for life. My physician will assess the pain and medication every time I see him, and make a decision from there. Unfortunately, I will not be able to wean off the medication any time soon as I am so reliant on them for now.

Have you noticed any triggers?

Two triggers that I have definitely noticed are lack of sleep and alcohol. On the nights that I have had a big party and drank quite a bit (New Years Eve and a friends 40th), I have woken up in pain and struggled for the next 1-2 days. And the few nights that I haven’t had much sleep (being sick, kids being sick or husband away), I have also woken up in pain and discomfort. This helps with knowing these triggers and trying my best to avoid them.

Have you had any side effects on the medication?

No, not since the initial side effects when I first started the medication. As strong as the medication is, I have been lucky to not experience any long term side effects. Unfortunately though, one of the downsides of being on this medication is weight gain – and this has really got me down on some days. One of my main goals for this year was to eat clean and exercise regularly and get into the shape and the goal weight that I had set for myself. I continue to eat healthily and keep fit and exercising but unfortunately, it has been almost impossible for me to lose any weight. I am slowly coming to terms and finding peace in the fact that my health comes first and I have to love my body for what it is right now. Being healthy is what matters.

I am more than happy to answer any other questions, and I promise to keep you updated as the months go by. Thank you again to all the special ladies and friends that have sent messages of love and care, support and concern over the past few weeks and months – it really does mean the world to me.

Happy Monday x

*Thank you Social Squares for the image*