51 Weeks Post #HipReplacement #Blogmas

As this year winds down, and my first year post op anniversary/birthday approaches, I am taking stock over what this year has entailed.

And my biggest thing is, I’ve smiled more this year than I have in 10years. I’ve had an incredible year, which I definitely put down to the successful hip replacement. And though me still needing a walking stick, meds and hot water bottles may not seem a success to you, for me it’s still a huge improvement.

Fitness is nowhere near where I want it to be, nor is my weight. But I’m finding that I care less and less recently, rather I’m enjoying life and all the new experiences this hip is allowing me. Ever mindful I have to fix other broken body parts, but I’m focusing on the victory!!

So no New Year New Me, or saying goodbye to the decade with scorn. My last decade I’ve learnt to re- walk 8 times, had 10 surgeries, used a walking frame, bath board, perch, walking sticks, and crutches for every year of the last decade. But each one of those brutal recoveries have got me here today. And for that I’m blessed.

I plan for so many more adventures and walking while other hip allows it.

I am lucky that stunning walks are so close go home, and that my partner loves walking too.

Paths not too uneven, so this helps the warm up and to keep a steady balance.

Hopefully I can do this more if my hip and hands allow. I’m still experimenting with #Etoricoxib tablets for Arthritis I’ve had a weeks worth so far. And while it’s not a 100 percent fix it’s certainly helping.

With that said I will bid you all a HAPPY NEW YEAR, and thank you for all the support of friendship you’ve given me, it means the world.

2 weeks post #steroid #cmcjoint #Blogmas

Christmas has been and gone, and I’ve survived the festive period. The hand has been well behaved for sure, but the left especially on Christmas Eve was causing so much pain, and tears.

Wore my splints, bathed in ibuprofen and took the 8 paracetamol and 3 400mg ibuprofen. Nothing was shifting it. And this I told the GP as I had a telephone appointment.

The outcome was to try #Etoricoxib instead. Never had it before, so eager to try. It’s similar to Naproxen but hopefully it wouldn’t make my heart race, and cause total insomnia. I’m on 60mg ones, just 1 tablet a day.

Started them Christmas Eve. Took at 3.30pm and I continued with the remaining paracetamol and splint wearing for the rest of the day. At 7pm I felt sick and woozy. Didn’t last long though.

Christmas Day I woke up like a new women, hands felt fine, and I took tablet at 1pm to try and bring it forward. No splints, no gel, just 4 paracetamol and at 5pm I got a splitting headache. Thankfully lasted about 30mins, similar to day before sickness lasted the same length.

Boxing Day it’s incredible, no pains, just a touch of sickness again but before tablet. That was at 7.30am took tablet at 12pm and I didn’t get any side effects hours later like previous days. Happy days.

Friday 27th December the left hand is nagging a bit, but I have used the hand a lot with cooking and holding babies whenever possible, so I’m not too concerned. Took tablet at 12pm and at 3pm on our walk, I felt my heart race a bit. Seems to be a 3hour mark I start to feel a bit different. Splinted hand (left) for walking stick, but I still somehow crunched the joint (extremely painful) using taps are causing a lot of pain lately.

Saturday 28th December is visiting family so I can truly rest it, and gage how it is. Took at 11.30am had a small blip of sickness feeling at 4pm, nagging aches in the left, maybe some mcp joint swelling, but right hand continues to be well behaved. Had to use a bit of ibuprofen gel to settle them. Sore at the night time. Wonder what is different to Christmas day?

Sunday 29th December I think I know what’s different? I took the tablet late in the day on Christmas Eve, so I’m going to do that today and see if that helps my pain levels and changes how I feel. Planning to take around 4pm and hopefully the evening will feel better and the following day. Though peeling potatoes gave me the same pain. Hit an increased heart rate at 9pm so that was 5hours after taking it.

Monday 30th December, it’s been 2 weeks since the steroid in the right hand, and it’s working amazingly, very very happy with that hand. I just wish the left had responded like this, as it had previously too. Feel better taking it at 4pm yesterday, so that’s my future plan.

#Blogmas It’s Christmas Eve

This month has been a weird one for me, with so many ups and downs, feeling organized at one point to being desperately underprepared at other times.

And of course because all children have flown the nest, we’ve found ourselves asking what even is Christmas?? Where is the magic? What is the point?

So the whole Christmas spirit hasn’t been present at all for me. Can’t be helped as my Mr Moon has had the lurgy, and no one feels like partying when you feel like death!!

We eventually dragged ourselves us to put the tree up on Friday and I will admit, it sparked a cosy warming feel to me. Maybe this is the Christmas spirit.

Some of my favourite decorations actually made me smile putting on the tree, and though we felt rough, poorly and sore it was so so worth it.

#Blogmas 1 Week Post Steroid Injection

What a change a week makes!! It was pure agony prior to the injection, and obviously after the cortisone it went predictably stiff and swollen but not for long.

Injection Day

I was a bit shocked it wasn’t as painful as the last one, and very very relieved too. I had some family visit for birthday celebrations straight afterwards so they took all energy to focus on, a great distraction from my swollen stiff hand. Quite sore once the local wore off. Splinted for protection.

Day One Tuesday

Tuesday morning I woke up early due to needing medication. I’d had it done early Monday morning, and it was stiff and felt full all day. But the dull nagging pain started Monday night, and I awoke with it too. Wore splint Monday night and Tuesday day. Can’t use hand much at all.

Day Two Wednesday

Pain easing off, but still can’t hold a pen, or cope without my splint for long. Bruising going down as is the swelling too. Can’t lift anything as grip isn’t there yet.

Day Three Thursday

Slept last night with no splint, felt risky but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t relying on it too much. And it went well. In fact I woke up feeling so so much better. The boney point of the cmc joint is tender to touch, but the full feeling, and stiffness has eased off. I can now touch the ring finger.

Day Four Friday

I’m still taking paracetamol and ibuprofen to help stave off pains, rubbing gel into hands. In stark contrast the left thumb is crunchy and sore, but this right one is feeling good. Just need to start trying some exercises now. But ridiculous emotions have started, why does steroid affect me like this. Feel like crying though there’s nothing to cry over. Clearly sensitive for no reason.

Day Five Saturday

After a weird Friday full of tears and sorrow, it’s time to pick myself up as it’s merely days away from Christmas. It’s Yule tomorrow. So now my hand moves more free, I can finally wrap up presents. I’m glad I got the steroid injection for this hand. I can even touch my pinky finger now. Some dull aches and twinges but definitely improved.

Day Six Sunday

I’m glad the weird emotions have settled down. All I have is some resistance in movement and the occasional ache and twinge, but nothing too major in the right hand. Left hand however is getting progressively worse, so returning to ibuprofen gel and splints for that side. I even lifted a kettle!!

Day Seven Monday

It’s a week already, that flew by. Had a few twinges, worn both splints at times. But overall it’s all good, not needing gel as often or as many pain killers. Just some activities make it feel weak at times, so the splint supports it. The left needs more help, but that’s expected now.

#Blogmas Yule Sabbat is here.

Gather ye fellow witches and pagans, it’s the Winter Solstice, or better known Yule. From the German word Jul. Pronouced as Ewe-Elle. This year Yule is 22nd December until 2nd January.

The solstice is the signal that life and light is beginning to return, halfway through the darkest times, and come Imbolc 2nd Feb the first stirrings of life can be seen. It’s a time to celebrate!!

The Festival of Rebirth and The Return of the Sun

We celebrate the eventual end of the longest night, we realise now the dark is defeated with the Return of the Sun, there comes the return of light, hope and promises. Now is the time The Goddess gives birth to the Sun/Sun God. The Sun begins to wax, get stronger and stronger, which in turn means the days grow longer. All that is hidden will begin to emerge

The Oak King and The Holly King
The old ones have stories and tales of the two warring kings. They rule a season each. There is the Holly King who rules over the darkest parts of the year which ranges from Midsummer solstice to Yule, he is God of the Waning Year.

At Yule he is defeated, and gives his life to the young light Oak King, God of the Waxing Year and his twin, who rules over the lightest parts of the year, which ranges from Yule to Midsummer. Both rule for half of the year, both fight for the love of the Goddess and both give up their life force for the well-being of the land. In truth, they are one.

Yule

Is truly a time of celebrating, feasting and being together. Knowing you’ve survived the bleakest times and the light is returning, means more feasting is allowed, hence the big Christmas dinner. And our Yule tree is no different to a Christmas tree either, it’s how the tradition starred, deep in pagan roots.

Evergreens represent everlasting life which is why us pagans use them. Traditionally they would be hung around doorways and windows. And of course each one has a symbolism of its own. Do you know what they are? You may be surprised that all your Christmas traditions are actually Pagan Magick.

Mistletoe
A plant deeply steeped in pagan history and revered by the Druids, this is the healer and protector. It is carefully cut to ensure it never touches the earth. The magical properties it has from it lives between the worlds, between sky/heaven and earth. The white berries of mistletoe represent the fertile white semen of the life-giving male. Bet you didnt know thats why we kiss under it?!

Holly
Another evergreen of protection, I mean it’s spikes say protection all over!! The holly’s spiky bristles are believed to repel unwanted spirits, and unwanted attacks from everything else too. Back in the old days newborn babies used to be sprinkled with ‘holly water’, water in which holly had been soaked, especially potent if left under a full moon overnight. Holly is sacred to Holle, the Germanic underworld goddess, and symbolizes everlasting life, goodwill and potent life energy, as most red things do! Its red berries of this holly represent feminine blood.

Together, mistletoe and holly represent the Sacred Marriage at this time of year with the re-birth of the Sun/Son. Again this is why you often see these adorning your Yule wreaths and Decorations.

Ivy
Evergreen symbol of immortality and resurrection, and once again used for Christmas and yet no one knows why. Well as it growes into a spiral, this symbol reminds us of reincarnation and rebirth. Sacred one to God Osiris, where His death and resurrection was a central theme in Egyptian religion. Sacred also to Dionysys, god of vegetation, blossoming and the Return of Spring.

Pine
Its branches bring healing and joy to the home, and this is the Traditional tree we all choose to adorn our homes. We decorate it with representatives of lives, hopes, dreams, and honour our ancestors. It’s why our decorations are traditionally Green, for life, Red for feminine, White for masculine, Gold for the God and Silver for the Goddess.

Yule Log

Well it never used to be chocolate, rather it would be a lot from the previous year, that would be lit, and kept alight until Yule is over. Modern Yule logs can be logs made to hold tea lights or of course eat a chocolate one.

However you celebrate, I hope it’s a truly magickal blessed time for you all.

#Blogmas The Lavender Lady By Faith Martin

#ADGIFTED

I’m back with a quick fresh stand alone book. Something I’ve sorely missed recently. So I just had to join in quickly before #Blogmas is over for this year.

As ever the book is #Gifted but all opinions and reviews are my own.

THE LAVENDER LADY by Faith Martin

THIS CHRISTMAS, DISCOVER A DELIGHTFUL ONE-OFF SPOOKY MYSTERY FROM TWO-MILLION SELLING AUTHOR FAITH MARTIN

Please note this is completely revised edition of “The Lavender Lady Casefile” published under Faith Martin’s pen name Jessie Daniels.

DO GHOSTS EXIST? PERHAPS, IF THEY HAVE A MURDEROUS SECRET TO TELL.

Newly-widowed Effie James is asked by her old friend Duncan, a psychology professor, to help him with his latest book. Her task is to join the C-Fits, a paranormal investigation team, on their ghost-watching vigils and report back to Duncan.

Corwin Fielding, the attractive and erudite leader of the paranormal researchers has no objections to an ‘impartial’ observer on his team, and the others in the group are a friendly and welcoming bunch.

The C-Fits are called in by Isabel Atkins. She is worried that her recently deceased mother might be haunting her old family home. Effie quickly finds herself thrown in at the deep end.

THE SCENT OF LAVENDER MYSTERIOUSLY COMES AND GOES IN THE OLD LADY’S BEDROOM.

But Effie comes to suspect that the old lady might not have died of natural causes after all. And that her killer might not take very kindly to the idea of a group of strangers poking their noses in . . .

IN A COSY OXFORDSHIRE VILLAGE SOMETHING IS VERY WRONG.

FAITH MARTIN is the two-million-selling author of the DETECTIVE HILLARY GREENE and JENNY STARLING mysteries, which have topped the global best-seller charts.

More FAITH MARTIN books coming soon. Join the Joffe Books mailing list to be the first to hear about the next in the series.

MONICA NOBLE MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE VICARAGE MURDER
Book 2: THE FLOWER SHOW MURDER
Book 3: THE MANOR HOUSE MURDER

JENNY STARLING MYSTERIES
Book 1: THE BIRTHDAY MYSTERY
Book 2: THE WINTER MYSTERY
Book 3: THE RIVERBOAT MYSTERY
Book 4: THE CASTLE MYSTERY
Book 5: THE OXFORD MYSTERY
Book 6: THE TEATIME MYSTERY
Book 7: THE COUNTRY INN MYSTERY

FAITH MARTIN
Faith Martin was born in Oxford, and has spent all her life within twenty miles of the university city, even working at Somerville College for five years before turning to writing full-time. The author of the popular DI Hillary Greene novels, she also writes more classic-style ‘whodunits’ under the pen name Joyce Cato, but began her writing career as Maxine Barry, winning an award for penning romance novels! A popular writer for over 25 years, she has had nearly 50 novels published so far. Her hobbies include walking her now ageing dog, wildlife-watching, reading and (reluctantly) gardening.
Links
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My Review

I adored this, a quick little jump scare book to read, that definitely kept me on my toes, and hiding behind the covers at times. Absolutely glued to the plot, it kept me permanently hooked.

I would love this to be a full time series, the characters are perfect for this.

Not like her other books, but as a first step into spooky I’d say this was massively successful as I definitely would be keen to read more and more, and see this side of the pond expand. It feels there is a lot of scope to this.

#Blogmas The British Craft House Competition

Before I even posted any blog posts about the new selling platform #TheBritishCraftHouse I was entering their 12 days of Christmas competitions on twitter.

And omg I won day 9. The competition spanned over Instagram, Facebook and Twitter and I won, I still can’t quite believe it.

I thought it was just one prize. But oh no no no, it’s a few and they are all so darling too.

A little bit of everything a girl could ever want.

1, Imogen’s Imagination

From this delightful seller I got a cute Tartan bow. It’s super Christmassy for me, without being too obvious. A Christmas day must have for me! Find her here

2, Lou Lou & Reg

A cute Wooden Christmas decoration to display for years and years. Handpainted and definitely loved. Find them here

3, Vintage By Design

As a Manchester born and bred lass and even a username of sirenmoonbee, these bees were a welcome sight. They are so precious. Find them here

4, The Little Card Store

A must for all Kitty lovers, a perfect handmade Christmas card. I know exactly who needs this. Find them here

5, Fran’s Crafts

A sunny sunflower brooch that will brighten any outfit, and any mood. Super bright and cheerful. Find them here

6, Max Pring Jewellery

Gingerbread men are synonymous with Christmas, and he’s the sweetest treat!! What a delight to wear. Find them here

7, Garden Party

For the bake off wannabes, get Christmas dinner cooked up a storm while looking like the most chic sophicasted baker. Find them here

8, The Secret Wardrobe

Simply chic silver drop earrings, a must have for any special occasion, I will be wearing them Christmas day. Find them here

9, Elegant Wyvern

As a wire wrapper myself in former days, I am in awe at the skill of this layered ring with rose quartz. What a beauty. Find them here

I’m feeling very very spoilt. And thank you for all of this. I saw all the other days prizes and they were like this, multiple shops all supplying such amazing goodies, and to do so many days worth as well, I’m truly impressed. I have found and saved so many shops for future purchases too.

Go check them out The British Craft House

#Blogmas 49 Weeks Post #HipReplacement

The weeks and months are flying by, and inevitable progression has slowed down, and you don’t notice the victories as you did before. But overall I’m actually enjoying this hip, and I’m keeping myself on top of painkillers and hot water bottles. I’ll soon be at the hospital in Feb discussing the progress and the other hip. Looking forward to it really.

But as it’s the run up to the busiest time of year, I thought I’d share some self care tricks and hints that I use myself, to get through this festive period.

1, Pacing

Accept you can’t do everything, and be flexible with plans. Say no when you need too, leave earlier or nap whenever possible. It’s hard to keep high energy, when just getting dressed wears you out. Hard to implement at first, but no one wants you to feel stressed out and more in pain, just because it’s Christmas.

2, Medication

Its better to stay on top of medication than let it wear out and pain peak, so you are chasing the relief. So I become more regular and consistent with my pain killers.

3, Comfort

I have my comfort clothes, things without buttons (for my hands) and sweatpants for loosened around hips, and scars. Baggy snuggly jumpers for warmth. Not everyday has to be a fashion show, so be comfortable, it will help with pain levels.

4, Hot Water Bottles

My biggest win is a hot water bottle, it soothes most back aches, and hip pains, while warming me up overall which is a win for arthritis. Best Christmas presents ever to receive is a hot water bottle.

5, Tv, Movies

I watch a lot of tv, or movies when I’m really bad in pain and feel like I can’t do much. It distracts me, much like a favourite playlist of music can do too. Binge watch some series, your body and mind will love you for it.

6, Bath

I love a good soak in the bath, I will take my tablet to watch a good tv show (usually supernatural) and have a long soak in bubbles or a bath bomb. Use a sheet mask, or hair mask for an extra pamper treat. Be kind to yourself.

7, Journal

I vent, I blog, I journal so I can log my frustration out onto pages, and work through it. Sometimes it’s good to see what affects you and why it did, to see the pattern of change. I notice my moods and pain levels change with my menstrual cycle, and weather.

8, Sleep

I know Christmas is exciting and lots to do, but really honestly don’t short change yourself of sleep. You may need it more than ever. Crowds and travelling always exhausts me more than I realise. So a good sleep will help.

9, Prep

I helped myself out a lot more this year, by buying online, and before December even started. As I knew I wouldn’t be able to cope with the crowds, and the stress. Having it all delivered at home, meant less travelling, less people and ultimately less stress. So I find myself enjoying December more.

10, Enjoy

Try to enjoy the festive period, I do more now I released all the things that stressed me out, and I started to accept more assistance from others. Start meal prep on Christmas eve, wrap presents early, Enjoy nice food and stop the guilt train that we often impose on ourselves.

#Blogmas Steroid Day

Omg the day is today (16th December) it’s officially 12 weeks since my last steroid injection in the left hand. And today is the right hands turn.

And I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a bag of nerves and dread. But needs must, especially as both are getting quite painful and nagging dull aches at night. Last time I had an injection it honestly felt like the thumb was going to explode. Thankfully it settled down, but it took 4 weeks too.

I don’t want to scare anyone though, as this wasn’t a normal reaction, as I have had 2 prior to that one.

I’ve been trying the 8 paracetamol and 3 ibuprofen, since seeing the GP. But I’ll be honest it’s not really helping. However the hips aren’t really behaving either, so could be a weather thing?? Hands are still swelling up in various places.

I really don’t like the injections through the thumb pad, it’s guided by an ultrasound though. Like this photo below.

I’ve had 3 injections through the thumb pad. Not sure what the difference is though, perhaps a better view of the joint.

This time it was so so much better, I saw on the ultrasound that the joint space was larger than the left hand though, so could that be why??

The other way I’ve had an injection is like this photo below.

Now I guess we wait and see if this helps, I’m hoping it doesn’t cause a flare up for 4 weeks like the previous one.

We talked about seeing a hand specialist as well, to map out my options for the future, as they don’t think my left is worth injecting again.

Now somehow I need to tackle putting up my tree, that’s already Very Very late at going up. Where has December gone???

#Blogmas Chester Adventures Part 2

What an eventful night!! Did not sleep well at all, because a certain lady arrived at 5.34am

Meet baby Delilah

Thrilled to have photos sent, but heavy heart I wasn’t there too. But there was nothing we could do about it. So Friday 13th is an eventful day.

When in Wetherspoons you have to have a good ole fry up. Really set us up for the epic packing of the uni room, and drive home.

Finished off seeing some friends at Chapel of Chaos, to complete the birthday shenanigans.

What a couple of days this has been. Crazy, rememberable and tiring!!