Day 172 post #Hipreplacement

It’s been 1 solid week of daily physio, and my findings apart from exhaustion!?

Well I do feel better and stronger, but also in pain and swollen too afterwards. ( Pain is a muscle ache though, not a pain to make you stop)

The nights I do recover and feel good in the morning (aka after 2 huge coffees I may be able to drag myself to do some physio at 11.30am) though, but I’ve noticed a 20 mins set now takes 30 mins, and I’m quite tired afterwards. Mentally though it’s doing wonders, I’m feeling productive and proactive.

Some things I’ve also noticed is I’m tolerating lying on the side a bit more, just enough to do side leg raises, but for me that’s a huge improvement. (Literally 1 minute, but before I couldn’t bare mere seconds)

I fully understand that this week has been possible, because of the lack of other duties I’ve had to do in the week. I struggle to maintain both. It’s all or nothing at the moment. I simply don’t have the pain threshold to do both yet. Or the energy required to do multiple things. Hoping it will change over time though. Or is this my ehlers danlos syndrome??

So that’s my next goal, to carry on next week doing the same, while slipping in other chores, or outings and see if I can manage both.

The ever lovely Linda Bleck shared this, and it resonates with me. I am meant to be ‘fixed’ but I don’t feel it. It’s taking its time to strengthen these muscles, and tendons. I feel guilty if I mention pain, like I’ve failed the replacement somehow, and in turn I feel useless. So I needed to see this, to remind me it does take time, and patience too.

IcedRainbow Featured

Let me introduce a fabulous jewellery designer #IcedRainbow. I recently received a twitter competition win from this jewellery company, and I thought I would show you all what I got. But first who is IcedRainbow

Founded in 2009 by Tom the designer and creator of icedrainbow.
Creating Fun Bold Colourful statement dainty home decor accessories and jewellery.

All of which are proudly handmade & manufactured in his UK studio office based in ESSEX.

Each piece is made with various materials such as SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS,perspex,wood & finished with sterling silver or stainless steel, His vast array of colourful products are Inspired by travelling wildlife nature and many other aspects of life , He’s always been creative and quirky as a self taught designer.

Having always been an artisan of many things way before icedrainbow. It all started in 2007 making things for family and friends to eventually setting up the website (icedrainbow) in 2009.

Tom Believes that it’s not what you wear that defines you, it’s how you make yourself feel when you wear what you buy, because each and every person has a different personality and accessorising your home and yourself lets you create a style that’s unique to you.

The meaning behind the name:
Anything can be iced in all colours of the rainbow,
by using crystals and colourful pieces of perspex in his work that was how the name came about, Tom is also a Qualified Chef & keen interest in baking hence the unusual colourful quirky name.

His Motto “Be Yourself,Be you be beautiful be true”
Express your style & wonderful nature through the art of icedrainbow’s creations. They’ve been Adorned by many, seen by few but mesmerise those who have stumbled upon them, Aim for the stars and never look back always look forward, creating a world full of colourful creations & providing homes, necks,cakes & kitchens with a wide range of rainbow delights.

So what did I receive as my prize, well I got a LOT.

I got five various happy birthday cards, 2 cute animal ones and 3 gin based ones, I love these. They are going to be hard to give away! I mean who doesn’t love a Gin birthday card.

buy here and find other cards too here

Then

I received 3 pin badges, I got my favourite, which are a Mystical Hare, a Flamingo and Prosecco pin.

You can buy here various pin designs.

Flamingo Pin Mystical Hare

I also received some keyrings in the form of a delicious Battenburg, and Home keyrings. With a Hot Chocolate Magnet, and 2 pendants which are a Snowflake and Feather.

Find some over here Feather Charm Necklace

And here my Magnet is at home with my Beefeater from Harrods, and my Jack and Sally Disney Magnet designed by Jasmine Becket Griffith.

Find IcedRainbow at Instagram Twitter

24 weeks post #hipreplacement

This week I’ve said previously, I’m taking a more pro active approach to physio, as my left hip is very very behind in movement and stamina and strength. While it doesn’t hurt, it certainly doesn’t perform well either.

So every day this week I’ve been doing my at home physio. As well as going to my actual hospital appointment physiotherapy as well.

I’ve also had medical advice regarding my hands, as it feels like a daily battle of pain, and inability to hold, grip and use them. I still feel at 42 I shouldn’t have to live this way, it’s a daily frustration, and humiliation when you can’t do simple tasks, or holding your cup is super painful. The plan is I’m referred back to MiCats for steroid injections. Hopefully it won’t be too long before the appointment comes through.

So though I’ve been worn out, and hip feels like a golf ball again (what is this feeling? What causes it?), I’m hoping with consistent and regular physio (or stop being lazy and letting life get in the way) I’m really hoping I can strength both hips and finally be rid of piriformis and this waddle limp I sport.

This week at physio I did, pretty much what I’m doing at home, but with the added bonus of having someone watch my form.

• Stationary bike level 3 5mins
• Clam knee drop outwards (Green band) 20reps
• Single leg hip bridges (so so weak) 10reps
• Ball squeeze hip bridges 20reps
• Prone knee raise (Ankle weight) 20 reps
• Kettle bell, sit and stand glute squeeze 20reps
• Dumbbell lunge walking (new to me) 20reps
• Duck walking (Green band) 20reps

I’m glad I got assessed for form, as I’ve been doing this exercise all week. And when I do my left leg, I feel pain and ache in the front of the right hip. Which was confusing me, it seems I’m tilting towards the right, so it can do most of the work. Left hip copping out again. So the therapist pushed down on my right side, and the form was instantly corrected.

After a solid 4 days of physio, I’m honestly shattered and worn out bodily, but I am seeing and feeling improvements. Though I soon waddle from exhaustion out of the physio session.

Looking forward to the weekend, let’s hope the sun stays out.

Starting the week right!! Day 166 post #hipreplacement

Now outings have settled down, I can get focused on my at home physio sessions again. Something I’ve really felt I’ve needed too.

As lately I feel like recovery is almost halted if not going backwards. However Mr Moon cleverly pointed out, that at first recovery phases are huge and so obvious, whereas now I’m still recovering but it’s harder to see. It’s an extra few mins standing, that extra rep at physio, more stamina gained, it’s the finessing of muscles and mobility that isn’t easily seen or felt.

So starting the week correctly, I embarked on a few exercises solely for lower limbs, as somehow I’ve pulled my shoulder, simply sitting in bed. Typical.

• Clam Side Drop (green band) 20reps
• Ball squeeze between ankles 20reps
• Ball squeeze between knees 20reps
• Ball squeeze between knee hip bridge 20reps
• Prone lying Knee raise (ankle weight) 20reps
• Prone lying heel to butt (ankle weight) 20reps
• Supine lying front leg raise (ankle weight) 20reps
• Side leg raise (ankle weight) 20reps
• Supine lying hip abduction (ankle weight) 20reps
• Duck walking (green band) 20reps
• Walking lunge (ankle weight) 20reps

Totally pooped after that, takes around 20mins, and it’s to absolute failure. Ie I mean I couldn’t do another rep at all. After a good rest I probably could do, but that is an easy way to over do it, as our eds brains always think we can do more than we actually should do. So being sensible, I’m sticking to this. And I’m going to do it daily this week, see how I fair.

Dropzone Stewart Giles #BlogBookTour

#AD GIFTED but all opinions are my own.

Excited to be reading a #StewartGiles series once again, they have become a new guilty pleasure of mine. The pace is good, and not too complex for me, though I usually work out who, what and why I love watching it all unravel. And I’m thrilled it’s the two dynamic duo back together again as well.

From #1 best-selling author: Stewart Giles comes book 2 in the very popular DS Jason Smith and DC Harriet Taylor series.
Brandon Stone is doing his first Accelerated Free Fall Skydive. He has done the training and his instructors are with him so nothing can go wrong…. Can it? A double malfunction and Brandon is staring death in the face. A very rare accident. Or is it?
Jason is returning to work after 3 months recovering from injuries at the hands of Boronov. Light duties? Not if Jason can help it.
DC Harriet Taylor is taking a well deserved holiday with Jon Finch that includes tandem skydiving. Out of all the planes in the country they were on the same one as Brandon.
With a detective as a witness this should be an easy case to solve. Wrong! Jason and the team need all the help they can get to unravel the lies and find the clues before more bodies turn up.
This is a gripping story with twists, turns and intrigue all the way through. A fast moving page-turner you will not be able to put down.
THE DETECTIVES
DC Harriet Taylor had only been married for 2 years when her philandering husband was killed in a car crash. It is common knowledge around the station that the woman who died next to him was his latest lover. Harriet transferred to Trotterdown to escape the gossip and sympathetic looks. She is now finding her way around Cornwall and getting to know the other members of the team.
DS Jason Smith is an Australian who was sent to York to live with his Grandmother when his sister disappeared from a beach. He has suffered many losses in his life and is now a dedicated detective. He is a bit of a loose cannon – he has his own way of doing things and that doesn’t always mean following orders and procedures.

The Author

After reading English & Drama at three different English Universities and graduating from none of them, I set off travelling and finally ended up in South Africa, where I still live. I enjoy the serene life running a boat shop on the banks of the Vaal Dam. I came up with the DS Jason Smith idea after my wife dropped a rather large speaker on my head. Whether it was intentional still remains a mystery. Smith, the first in the series was finished in September 2013 and was closely followed by Boomerang and Ladybird. Occam’s Razor, Harlequin and Phobia (a series of short stories detailing Smith’s early life) were all completed in one hazy 365 days and Selene was done and dusted a few months later. Horsemen, the seventh in the DS Smith thriller series is out now. The Beekeeper, a departure from the DS Smith series will be released through Joffe Books on 22 May.

My review

As it is book 2, in this case I would recommend book 1 first, so you have a better feel and understanding of the relationship and how they start where they do. However the storyline is a stand alone one, so it’s not important to read from the beginning.

Once again it’s full of red herrings, keeping you guessing, and pondering on how did 2 chutes fail. Who is the murderer? It’s a good gripping pace, and highly enjoyed. The relationship is developing well, and the characters I’m quite bonded with now. The feel familiar almost family, so it’s warming to read.

Though they have different policing styles they meld well together, such a complimentary task force, getting the job done. Looking forward to more of them together.

Summer Solstice 2019

Well its already that time again, the time we all long for all bleak winter. When the gardens are blooming and bursting with life, and summer is in full swing.

But here are some correspondences for the Sabbat, I tend to use all my green adventurine,moss agate and citrine around this Sabbat.

Time to crack open the barbeque, turn on the sprinklers, and enjoy the celebrations of Midsummer! Also it’s nearly time for schools out!! Exams are over, less stress and more thoughts leaning towards enjoying the sun!

Also known as Litha, this summer solstice Sabbat honours the longest day of the year. So take advantage of the extra hours of daylight and spend as much time as you can outdoors, well weather permitting of course.

Depending on your individual beliefs amd spiritual path, there are many different ways you can celebrate Litha, the summer solstice.

However the focus is nearly always on celebrating the power of the sun. So get out there and watch a sunrise, or watch the sun setting. It’s the time of year when the crops are growing heartily and the earth has warmed up.( We hope, here in UK!!)

The dream we have is that we can spend long sunny afternoons enjoying the outdoors, listen to the birds, sunbathe and get back to nature under the long daylight hours.

Traditionally there would be balefires burning for people to leap to drive out evil energies, a tradition still going strong in some European countries, we saw it in Ibiza. Or farmers would drive their cattle through to cleanse them. Nowadays it’s done more symbolically. We’ve leapt a candle in the garden, making our wishes.

I don’t have an altar set up, nor do I do things ceremonially. I prefer to gather my family for get togethers have good food, share stories and enjoy some beers. And hopefully enjoy the sunshine and nature too. It’s very low-key as I’ve learnt over the years, faith and spirituality doesn’t need flare and pomp it just needs you and your intentions.

Week 23 post #HipReplacement

Such a lot has happened this last week, I feel like my feet have barely touched the ground. And if I’m brutally honest, my body is not entirely up to it all either. All I’m asking for is to be able to do daily living painfree. But nope!!

I’ve been practise walking, and I wear trainers but I’ve somehow given myself an injury of the foot? It’s called metatarsalgia, and it feels like walking on Lego, at the ball of the foot.

I first noticed it in Barmouth while walking, but didn’t give it too much thought, rested it and it settled down. Now it’s reappearing just simply walking to the loo. Clearly it’s not really healed.

So what is Metatarsalgia? Metatarsalgia (met-uh-tahr-SAL-juh) is a condition in which the ball of your foot becomes painful and inflamed. You might develop it if you participate in activities that involve running and jumping. (Which I’ve done NONE of these activities)

There are other causes as well, including foot deformities and shoes that are too tight or too loose. This isn’t the reason why either for me.

Although generally not serious, metatarsalgia can sideline you. Fortunately, at-home treatments, such as ice and rest, often relieve symptoms. This worked well for me, hence me thinking it had gone.
Wearing proper footwear with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports might prevent or minimize future problems with metatarsalgia. But somehow me wearing trainers isn’t enough?

Symptoms of metatarsalgia can include:

• Sharp, aching or burning pain in the ball of your foot — the part of the sole just behind your toes. (This was me straight away)
• Pain that worsens when you stand, run, flex your feet or walk — especially barefoot on a hard surface — and improves when you rest. (Yes definitely me)
• Sharp or shooting pain,numbness, or tingling in your toes
• A feeling of having a pebble in your shoe. (I prefer the term Lego!)

Sometimes a single factor can lead to metatarsalgia. More often, several factors are involved, including:

• Intense training or activity.Distance runners are at risk of metatarsalgia, primarily because the front of the foot absorbs significant force when a person runs. But anyone who participates in a high-impact sport is at risk, especially if your shoes fit poorly or are worn.
• Certain foot shapes. A high arch can put extra pressure on the metatarsals. So can having a second toe that’s longer than the big toe, which causes more weight than normal to be shifted to the second metatarsal head. (My second toes are Longer than big toes)
• Foot deformities. Wearing too-small shoes or high heels can cause your foot to be misshapen. A downward-curling toe (hammertoe) and swollen, painful bumps at the base of your big toes (bunions) can cause metatarsalgia.
• Excess weight. Because most of your body weight transfers to your forefoot when you move, extra pounds mean more pressure on your metatarsals. Losing weight might reduce or eliminate symptoms.
• Poorly fitting shoes. High heels, which transfer extra weight to the front of your foot, are a common cause of metatarsalgia in women. Shoes with a narrow toe box or athletic shoes that lack support and padding also can contribute to the problem.
• Stress fractures. Small breaks in the metatarsals or toe bones can be painful and change the way you put weight on your foot.
• Morton’s neuroma. This noncancerous growth of fibrous tissue around a nerve usually occurs between the third and fourth metatarsal heads. It causes symptoms that are similar to metatarsalgia and can also contribute to metatarsal stress.

But almost anyone can develop metatarsalgia, but you’re at higher risk if you:

• Participate in high-impact sports that involve running and jumping
• Wear high heels, shoes that don’t fit properly or shoes with spikes, such as cleats
• Are overweight or obese
• Have other foot problems,including hammertoe and calluses on the bottom of your feet
• Have inflammatory arthritis,such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout

The last risk above is probably my likely cause of this injury, coupled with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome too.

So now I’ve done my eventful days of Birmingham for exams for youngest (she’s PASSED) And visiting my Second eldest daughter in Chester. I’m going to rest, elevate and ice the foot to try and return it to normal, before next week’s physio appointment. If I can’t heal it, then it’s a GP visit for me.

Definitely a dampener on hip replacement recovery, and with walking differently to protect the foot, I’m causing pain in my lower back, and my hip, even the groin!! Which I admit is troublesome, but I’ve been told to expect grumbling groin for a couple of years, so I’m not too worried yet.

#GerardCosmetics I’m loving this month

#AD Affiliate

This month I’ve been incredibly fortunate to be able to try out some incredible products. I am on their PR list and I do have an affiliate code.

However I’m under no obligation to post and share my love for them. I choose to do this on my own, as they are incredible products and very affordable too.

Yes I have an affiliate code, (SIRENMOONBEE) Which ive yiu 30% sitewide, however if you are in the UK like me, I suggest to you via BeautyBay my code only works on the official Gerard Cosmetics but I understand my UK readers will find it cheaper and easier to order inside the UK.

As you can see I’m getting a fairly large and well used items. Some are new to try out, such as the highlighter which I know already I’m definitely buying again and again!! I got Grace star powder available here a beautiful golden glow, subtle but there, my new found LOVE.

I also made sure I tried the much raved about lip pencils. And I’m so glad I did. I chose #Cher #SugarAndSpice #Ecstasy #MelrosePlace all various pinky nudes and perfectly me, no matter the occasion. I do prefer subtle make up, muted even as mostly it’s day wear. Buy them here Cher is here

Ecstasy is here

Melrose Place is here

Sugar And Spice is here

For lipsticks I decided against another Hydra Matte as I know I love them, and will return to them once mine are all gone, instead I bought a #LyricaCollab James Gloss which is deliciously dark and seductive. You can buy here

I love the light and mirror that comes with these glosses, so I had to get another gloss but in pink, to occasionally brush over the lip pencil colours. I got #PinkFrosting you can buy Here

And because I LOVE liquid lipsticks I had to try the #RoseGold Metallic liquid lipstick, and it’s even better than I imagined. Buy it Here

To finish off I bought the Stastruck Palette, I believe it’s for highlighting, but I’m going to use mine as eyeshadow, as they shimmer and shine so beautiful. When used wet with Mac primer the copper shade is breathtakingly beautiful. You can can one Here

Day 155 post #hipreplacement physio

As it’s June and #HipDysplasia awareness month, I thought I’d share some of Linda Bleck illustration to help describe and raise some awareness to such a debilitating mobility issue.

And I share them because as soon as I saw them, I realised someone other than my husband, ‘got’ me, really understood what I felt, physically, emotionally and mentally.

This is so true, they wait until you’ve created so much damage inside that it’s almost impossible to fully recover from.

So with this in mind, my physio appointment today was easier than last week’s, I explained that it took 4 complete days to ease the pains and stiffness. So we cut the amount of exercises done, and only did the operated leg this time.

• Stationary bike level 3 5mins
• Clam drop knees to sides green banded 25reps
• Single leg hip bridges 15reps (somehow managed them but barely)
• Ball between knees bridges 25reps
• Prone lying Knee raise ankle weighted 15reps
• Kettle bell sit to stand glute squeezes 25reps
• Duck walking green banded 50reps
• Lung walking (using 1 parallel bar) 25reps

This time we didn’t do the ankle weight leg raise, or the leg press. And we only did one leg instead of both. Hopefully I will recover a bit faster this time. Though I sure felt weak and sore coming out of that appointment.

My aim this week, and weekend is to try and do some exercises at home, but I won’t beat myself up over it if I don’t. As I realise it’s daft doing too much then I can’t move for days.

22 weeks post #hipreplacement Wales visit

How wonderful was that weekend? though we were prepared for grey skies and rain, we actually managed to have a glorious sunny Sunday, and warm Monday (just as we were leaving) only the arrival day Saturday was it wet and miserable looking, but even that didn’t stay long luckily.

It felt good to be back to Wales, first Welsh trip since surgery, and though not totally perfect, it was nice to walk around with less hip pain. Only marred that knees and lower back have somehow replaced the hip pain.

Tucked into the heart of Barmouth we had a 300yr old cottage to share with family members, and there’s something comforting about greeting each other in the mornings, chatting over tea times, that it’s sad when it’s all over.

Cosy and quirky, the cottage is a family favourite. And comfortable for all 8 of us. Plenty of beds and rooms to relax in, so your not on top of each other at all.

Absolutely full of character, charm and nooks and crannies!! Imagine the history and stories this cottage could tell.

Did a fair bit of practice walking, which is probably why the knees hurt so much. And some of the inclines have made me rely on my walking stick heavily, so my hand has flared up. Sand is ok when it’s more packed down, as it still feels like walking in treacle when it’s not hard packed.

Felt some improvement in the hip, but the physio appointment from last week, really really took it out of me, and caused pains for 4 days, so I was careful, and mindful of the hip. Naturally just any slight activity has caused it to swell up once more and be painful, so it’s back to resting for a few days again.