Hello everyone
Hope this update finds everyone well and enjoying life regardless of the unsettled weather we've been having!
Well since the last update, I completed the twenty six mile charity walk for Dementia Friendly Keighley at the end of September. The weather was perfect for walking distance, it was cloudy but mild. It was a great day and I completed the twenty six miles in ten hours. We weren't pushing it and had lots of giggles along the way. I ached a tad at the end, but to be honest it wasn't the distance but because we had walked from Leeds centre to Cononley three miles outside Skipton. It's a perfect walk from knowing the distance you've covered, but is hard because it's flat and hard under foot. It is believe it or not easier to walk off terrain like the Dales because the ground is uneven and hilly so you are using more muscle groups. It does make a big difference. The great news is we all finished!
I went after another delay into October to have the cortisone injection under theatre conditions. My consultant decided to go in from the back of my rib. He actually injected into two different places and told me it would numb practically straight away and then dull the pain so I'd get some relief if only for a short time.
He from my original consult wasn't convinced I'd get any relief but if it was indeed the lining of my rib I was out of options really but he said it was worth a go, I could possibly get a bit of relief for a bit. So He injected in two places and said he'd also injected anesthetic so would feel numb. That wasn't the case, he couldn't believe I got nothing from it, he was pressing down on the back of my bottom two ribs and I nearly launched myself off the other side of the table it was excruciating! they managed to grab me and hold me on. He looked really confused - he was pressing down on my ribs and I was hissing in pain and squeezing the edge of the bed, he said to me that's your ribs, it's actually your ribs - I said through gritted teeth I can feel that!
I got no relief whatsoever from it, it took a few weeks to drop down to it's normal pain level after been messed with. So over three years on, still no pain relief or firm diagnosis. I'm still waiting for a date to go back to clinic to see him and what he thought of the state of me during the actual procedure. It was a shame - I'd have been so happy for one day pain free, but it wasn't to be!
I finally got an appointment to see a consultant to discuss a Tens machine which he also didn't think would help but again was worth a try.
A couple of weeks ago I unexpectedly started bleeding - this happened a couple of years ago and I was sent off to be checked out for uterine and ovarian cancer. So I know it's important to see the GP when bleeding occurs when post menopausal. So considering I'm six years menopausal due to being kicked into a chemically induced premature menopause through the chemo I off I went to see the doctor.
He ordered a load of bloods to be done and said he's arrange for a transvaginal ultrasound scan but would speak with one of the senior practice doctors about sorting out an urgent referral to a gynecologist because of my history. He phoned me within the hour to say they were not going to bother organising an ultrasound but were going straight for the referral.
The GP's called me in to discuss my blood results - my cholesterol was very high..it was last checked in 2012 where it was also very high, but believed to be elevated by the anti cancer drug I was on then, I'd gone onto statins but after six months I came off them....the side effects were horrendous! that mixed with the anti cancer drug gave me swollen and stiff joints with muscle and bone pains....I struggled to get out of bed and dress myself - it was such a terrible time in what has been a tough road to travel in recent years.
They agreed my lifestyle does not lend itself to high cholesterol - I eat healthily, I don't smoke, drink occasionally and exercise as we know - my resting heart rate is 54 bpm! - I don't profess to know loads about cholesterol but not once did the GP ask if there was any diseases that ran in the family like diabetes, coronary heart disease or say they wanted to investigate to see what the underlying problem was because cholesterol is a secondary to them. So when the doctor said to go onto statins - I said no. She agreed the one I'd previously had got bad reports but there was one that was supposed to be better. She asked what issues I'd had with them prior - extreme fatigue, the bone, joint and muscle issues, I said yes and I'm not suffering them again, I've got enough going on.
I told her I believe in quality over quantity of life. She said she was going to put it in the report and set a repeat blood test in a years time. I told her to put in said report that she never asked about any illnesses that ran in the family or that she didn't think to try find out the underlying cause because we both agreed it wasn't lifestyle. My cholesterol was actually even with my lifestyle only 0.3 lower than it was when the anti cancer drug elevated it.
So that brings me to this week - it's been quite the week. Two hospitals, two consults, another cancer investigation with a further MRI to confirm it's a cyst on my left ovary as they believe from the ultrasound. A GP telling me to take med's for the rest of my life or risk a heart attack or stroke. And a dearly loved but estranged friend who lost her battle with cancer this week. RIP Dina lass, you fought a long battle and even though it's sadly taking you, you were a winner and a hero in my book. Fighting until the end, You'll be sadly missed by many you beautiful lady - you enjoy your peace in the clouds - you've earned it.
I started my Dog Grooming Course this week - it was fabulous! - very hard with keeping some of the walks going too and I may have to address that issue before I put myself into the ground....but yes I really enjoyed and look forward to carrying on every Thursday and Friday until completion.
Until next time
Tracy
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