I can’t believe it’s been so long since I posted an update, and now even longer, having found this in my drafts folder from early April! 😱🤦♂️
A lot’s happened in the last few months, not really related to my condition, but I suppose has had an impact on my wellbeing generally. My divorce has been finalised and between me and my ex we have sorted out all remaining bits of the house etc. This has definitely had a very positive effect on my general well-being.
I had the second dose of the Pfizer vaccine at the end of March. Having had it late morning on a Friday I felt ok during the rest of the day, but started to feel a little groggy in the evening. By the Saturday morning I felt completely wiped out – not ill as such but completely lacking in any energy and a bit heady. This lasted through to the Monday, and it was only really during the Tuesday that I felt ok again. Still far better to have a few days of feeling a bit crap than getting Covid!
The last few weeks have been mixed in terms of pain management. The chronic pain is generally manageable. It doesn’t go away, but I can mostly keep it at a level I don’t feel it is impacting my life significantly. I get flare-ups, and sometimes at the most random of times. I can be chatting away in a meeting for example, and suddenly get a really bad spasm, that I’m sure must show in my face. I bought a sit-stand desk as part of moving my workspace out to the extension. I tend to find I sit mostly in the mornings, but then raise it up and stand in the afternoons. Having the freedom to change from one to the other without having to adjust where my keyboard is, where the camera is pointing etc is great.
I have more frequent nights when my foot is burning, and at times I’ve been tempted to increase the pregabalin again, but I do t want the grogginess to return so tend to put up with it. Having a shower in the evening makes this worse, presumably because it leaves my skin softer and therefore more susceptible to the hypersensitivity.
I’ve been getting a bit more adventurous with dog walks. This has been mainly thanks to having a new dog walking friend who is very supportive, but at the same time doesn’t mollycoddle me. Her attitude is that she’s not going to just walk in easy places (but no mountaineering either), but will be there to pick me up if I fall over. Bertie loves playing with her dogs as well. It’s pretty funny watching him trying to be boss against an English shepherd and a Great Dane. 😀
I’ve had to completely isolate for a few days prior to a minor op on Saturday. It really makes you appreciate how much the little things like walking the dog do for you, and I’m so glad it was only for 3-4 days. K was great with Bertie, picking him up for walks each morning, although he took a big nudge to get him out of bed at 5.30! 😀 Back to normal now though. Successful removal of a somewhat angry looking mole from my stomach, and Bertie and I are able to get out again.