OS ways and Poor Health

ArthriticOldThing

Hello Polly. Thanks for thinking about me. Things are just one step forward and two steps back for me at the moment. I dread hearing the words "We'll just have this further test/scan" as every fresh scan does not sort the original problem but instead finds something else.:mad:
I'm keeping you in my prayers Tink

Tink_04

Thanks everyone.

Polly think positive thinking is totally the way to go. The kids are 5&8 and are both young carers for me already. They 'help' when they can but it's limited because if their age. My Mam is good and should be able to chip in but it's more the worry when we are on our own with the kids as I'm used to just letting him take over when I'm not able to.

Maddie that's a good idea abou HM ready meals - we were talking today about using the SC and meal planning better.

I'm more worried about me being able to work as I don't want to be off sick after I've struggled so hard to get back to work but we will see.

Money is a worry as DH is the main wage earner and that could cause us a lot of problems if he doesn't get paid well but I'm sure we will cope as we have done before.

Welcome to OBL - we are a nice chilled out gang!

AOT I'm sorry everything seems to be taking so long

Hope Cranky and LW are ok I've been looking for your posts to see how you are both getting on!

Sorry to anyone I've missed - I'm tired today and not feeling great - even after my nana nap!

Tink

Xx

Onebrokelady

Thanks for the welcomes,it nice to be able to chat to people who know how it feels to have a chronic illness,I'm having a low pain spree at the moment and I hope it's going to last,I always improve in the summer then go slowly downhill as the colder weather sets in
I know in my case that this doesn't mean I'm getting worse it's just I don't cope so well when it's cold and wet,I don't have any other pain causing conditions so the Fibro is unexplained,it started when my sister died and I have had it ever since,I know this isn't the same for everyone but I am sure mine is caused by mental trauma rather than physical so I'm working on this aspect to try and manage it,I find it fascinating how the mind and body connects and can potentially cause someone so many problems
I've been tested for everything under the sun and there is nothing going on to cause me any pain,it's just so weird......frustrating at times but definitely weird

pollyanna_26

AOT Are you dealing with one consultant and their team or more ? I don't know if you've been trying to get through to them how difficult things now are for you . If you haven't start asking them for answers . I know it's hard when you're worried , worn down and lacking the meds you need but this can't drag on and on without some timescale . Perhaps some things could be dealt with while scanning others continues . Are they checking the bloods often ? I really feel for you as wait for something positive to happen . Look after yourself love x


Tink I'm a great believer in looking at the positives it helps balance the negatives a great deal . I'm glad your mum will be able to muck in when possible . The slow cooker plan is a good one , there are also lots of things that can be cooked quickly in the Microwave . Jack Monroe came up with a lot of quick meals on the Girl called Jack and the current Bootstrap Cook blogs . She tags her recipes with veggie , vegan and also various allergy markers so helpful .


Elaine at Mortgage free in three blog has loads of recipes really cheap and usually quick to prepare and leave to cook . She works to a tiny budget . I know I've mentioned her in the past but it's worth mentioning again . Lots on there about make do and mend , cheap gifts to make and a lot about budgeting to save money .


If possible the batch cooking is really the best way but you don't have to push yourself to do it when you aren't up to it . You can mix and match things . Maybe your mum could help you when batch cooking to prepare ingredients and chuck them in the slow cooker some for that day and some for others .


Don't worry at the moment about needing time off work yourself . If that happens it can be dealt with then . Focus on the priorities at the moment . Your oh needs to discuss sick pay with HR so you have an idea of what you'll have to work with . The other thing is how to cope when it's just you two and the children . As I said earlier it's worth both your husband and yourself speaking to those dealing with his op and your health individually to see if there is any support available while you both need care .


Sorry this is a long read but I will say you will find a way . I had times when money was very tight and that's a long time ago . I had a mortgage in my name ( luckily ) when toxic 2nd husband was sent on his way and no child support for his 2 offspring . I worked hard to pay the bills but there were times when it was impossible to pay everything on time . I made myself ill worrying . I made sure the mortgage was paid , refused to borrow against the house equity or take out loans or use a credit card . I screwed up my courage and spoke to the local council on the three occasions I struggled to pay the council tax not even sure it was called that back then . They spread it over a period of time to allow me to catch up and gave me breathing space . Back then things like utilities were either 3 monthly or 6 monthly and no internet . We got through and learned in the process . You are hopefully in for a short period of struggling and a period of catching up again .


Due to austerity companies have whole sections of help when struggling and it's common for people to need time to pay . I'm not advocating debt but making an arrangement is a better option to putting things on cards or borrowing .


You've got a good head on your shoulders and a lot of courage . You'll get through this and we'll be with you .


Take care love

polly x

pollyanna_26

Oh many of us will nod along to your post OBL . We've discussed the mental impact of life events and fibro often . I believe both that and physical trauma play a part along with challenging life events . LL has written a number of posts on the subject and I identify so much with many of her posts . There is also another side which is not yet fully proved which is a genetic link . My mum had fibrositis and rheumatism back in my 50s childhood and the rest of her life . My youngest agreed to take part in genetic research in her late 20s when first diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis , she was previously diagnosed with fibro a few years earlier and about 8 or so years after my diagnosis . When the dots were joined up my teenage touch of rheumatism later confirmed as Osteo also became PsA plus fibro . So all the way back to my mum , each of us had the rash of Psoriasis through life in varying degrees as does my son who has been badly affected by severe Psoriasis all has life and has been complaining for a few years of joint pain but puts it down to all the footballing years and jumping rather than climbing down from his engine ( senior train driver and instructor .) Eldest dd no rash but now has painful swollen joints but blames mountain climbing and a lifetime of running .


polly x

pollyanna_26

I meant to agree with maddie about alternative therapy Done well it can help a great deal . I was lucky to get the acupuncture form the NHS . My first sessions of both Tai Chi and then Yoga were courtesy of a healthy living initiative run by our local council ( those were the days when such things were funded ) I did have further sessions a few years later and it made a great deal of difference to my physical and mental health . I used to do my Tai chi each morning in the garden - weather permitting - and it set me up for the day . I've fallen out of the habit over the last few busy years but need to start again . I've been following the dvds but outdoors is better . I'll see if the weather improves .


Candy I noticed your health isn't too good at the moment . Will be lovely to see you hear if only for an update on the furries . it always cheers Wolfy up and I think she needs all the doggies she can get at the moment .


polly x

Onebrokelady

pollyanna_26 wrote: »

Oh many of us will nod along to your post OBL . We've discussed the mental impact of life events and fibro often . I believe both that and physical trauma play a part along with challenging life events . LL has written a number of posts on the subject and I identify so much with many of her posts . There is also another side which is not yet fully proved which is a genetic link . My mum had fibrositis and rheumatism back in my 50s childhood and the rest of her life . My youngest agreed to take part in genetic research in her late 20s when first diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis , she was previously diagnosed with fibro a few years earlier and about 8 or so years after my diagnosis . When the dots were joined up my teenage touch of rheumatism later confirmed as Osteo also became PsA plus fibro . So all the way back to my mum , each of us had the rash of Psoriasis through life in varying degrees as does my son who has been badly affected by severe Psoriasis all has life and has been complaining for a few years of joint pain but puts it down to all the footballing years and jumping rather than climbing down from his engine ( senior train driver and instructor .) Eldest dd no rash but now has painful swollen joints but blames mountain climbing and a lifetime of running .


polly x

It's definitely an interesting subject as is the hereditary link,my mum has Polmyalgia and her symptoms are practicaly the same as mine,I often wonder if it's linked,she also suffers with periods of depression so there is that link too

Onebrokelady

I'm off to bed In a bit because I've got to get up at 5.30 for work but before I go I just want to say how glad I am that I found this thread,im reading from the beginning and am inspired by the people on here who are all dealing with health issues but still find time to post helpful info for others
I've also picked up lots of tips to help myself,I'm only on page 15 at the moment so it's going to take me a while to catch up,in the meantime I will try to read and catch up with the newer posts
Take Care and enjoy the bank holiday everyone x

Wednesday2000

I've been doing a herbal cleanse for a few weeks. I started a new course yesterday after a break but have pain (not severe pain) in my mid abdomen today.

It's a herbal liver and gallbladder cleanse so I'm not sure if that is a normal reaction. I will monitor it and maybe stop if it gets any worse.

pollyanna_26 wrote: »

Wednesday has that rash cleared yet ? I've been wondering if you've got an appointment yet for the NHS therapy .

No and no!:(:D

The steroid cream was working, but I got another insect bite on my leg and got the rash back in the same places. It's not as bad or itchy as last time, but it is still annoying. I need to take an antihistamine actually, thanks for the reminder.:)

I haven't chased up the NHS therapy. I'm sick of going to the GP every other month. It's tedious!:rotfl:

lessonlearned wrote: »

I can manage the odd treat..... some good artisan bread maybe once a week

I can tolerate artisan bread too. It's apparently because it's fermented for 24 hours so it is easier to digest.

maddiemay

Polly - I often use Elaine's )MFIT) recipes, she makes really tasty food on a low budget/canny shopping. Tonight we are having her Cheapie Chicken Biryani and later in the week will be making her Jamaica Ginger Cake for a coffee morning. She uses a cooking bag, fabric equivalent to a Hay Box to save fuel costs, but gives alternatives too.

Here is a link to her recipes if anyone would like a look.


Some of Jack's recipes gave portions a bit small for OH with an active life, but easily adapted once I realised. Lentil and Spinach Daal is yummy, if cash is tight the pasta with a jar of Salmon Paste is really filling with a good serving of veggies. Once Winter arrives and I will be spending more time indoors I will investigate her blogs, it would be nice to trim the food budget a little.

Hugs and spoons a plenty if needed, have a good day.