I was wrong, it’s so so painful again!!!

I had a couple of months, where I really felt like I was winning in the pain stakes with my hands. But the bliss is over, for now at least.

So I’m hating life, hating my hands, I want to chop them off. Recent warm sticky weather means my splints are uncomfortable and yet here I am needing to wear them all day and night.

My routine of CBD oil x 3 a day, 8 x Paracetamol and 1 x Etoricoxib and numerous Ibuprofen Gel rubs, just isn’t cutting it, even though I’m wearing Compression Gloves, and Splints more than 80 percent of the time too. So now I’ve added 1 x Tramadol on the worse days.

I’m really hoping it’s merely a blip and I need to ride it out.
Many young women with inflammatory arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, report flares in their symptoms when they have their period. Hormones such as estrogen may have an influence on the immune system. The relationship of flares in arthritis symptoms at the time of menstruation may also be due to the effects of pain perception related to estrogen. When estrogen levels are low, women report more pain. In clinical trials, those given a placebo without estrogen have more joint pain than those given estrogen. Thus, the lower levels of estrogen during menstruation may be a cause of the increase in joint pain that many women with arthritis report.

How my hands feel below

As it’s my Birthday next month I’m seriously considering a push brace type of splint, as my dominant hand is catching up and feeling as bad as my left hand. At the moment they are both audibly grinding as I scroll my phone, or to hold things like mugs and bottles.

76 Weeks Post #HipReplacement

I have been progressively challenging myself and this hip replacement. This lockdown has pushed us to walk and get out and about. Pushing a lot harder than me doing a workout routine at home.

And living in such beautiful countryside I’m lucky to have challenging hills, rocks, and pathways.

We climbed with flat levelled surfaces, I scrambled up some rocks (the left hip hated every step though)

My biggest challenge was to try and get up some Rocky steps. I wasn’t pretty but I got up there!!

After this epic adventure I won’t lie, I HURT like hell, took days and days to recover.

One day I will have a king of the castle moment like Mr Moon.

For now I can dream. Roll on hip replacement for the left side, I want to be fully bionic!!

The Patient Man by Joy Ellis #BlogBookTour

#ADGIFTED all opinions and thoughts are my own, I was gifted this book in return for a review.

THE PATIENT MAN a gripping crime thriller full of stunning twists (JACKMAN & EVANS Book 6)

From #1 best-selling author Joy Ellis, a totally absorbing mystery full of stunning twists and turns. Discover the author who’s sold over two million books globally.

A MYSTERY WHICH WILL CAPTIVATE YOU FROM START TILL THE DRAMATIC ENDING

The Patient Man

JACKMAN AND EVANS’ MOST DANGEROUS ENEMY IS BACK TO FINISH THINGS OFF
The domestic bliss of Detective Inspector Rowan Jackman of Fenland Constabulary doesn’t last long. His nemesis, serial killer Alistair Ashcroft, is back in town and ready to tidy up unfinished business.

Ashcroft sends a sinister text to DS Marie Evans. His opening move in what will prove to be a lethal game of cat-and-mouse. Yet for all his taunts, where is he? In a county crawling with police on the lookout for him, Ashcroft is nowhere to be found.

EVERYONE JACKMAN CARES ABOUT IS IN DANGER
Alongside the hunt for Ashcroft, normal police work must continue. The separate thefts of guns, six pigs, a thoroughbred stallion and some oil lead Jackman’s crew to the notorious Lorimer family, ruled over on their farm by the fearsome matriarch Rachel.

Meanwhile, a seemingly routine break-in at the home of gun-club owner Kenneth Harcourt quickly becomes more complicated when the man long held responsible for having killed Harcourt’s young daughter in a hit-and-run is shot dead in a carpark — by a sniper.

A killer is on the loose in the quiet streets of Saltern-le-Fen and he isn’t going to stop at claiming one life. But why is he focusing on young Kevin, so close to promotion to detective?

A LETHAL GAME WITH A VERY PATIENT MAN

And the sniper, like Ashcroft, takes to taunting the police: they’ll never catch him, they need to respect him, they shouldn’t be side-tracked looking for their old adversary.

In a stunning conclusion, Jackman and Evans race against time to catch the sniper and track down their deadly adversary.

Full of twists and turns, this is a crime thriller that will keep you turning the pages until the shocking ending. Set in the atmospheric Lincolnshire Fens whose towns and isolated villages hide many dark secrets.

CAN THEY FINALLY STOP ALISTAIR ASHCROFT?

What readers are saying about Joy Ellis

“Another breathtaking thriller from Joy.” Carole

“Great read from start to finish.” Nerys

“Just a wonderful enjoyable read.” Nicki

“A hugely compelling police procedural, with twists and turns that raise tension and suspense.” Paromjit

“All the twists and turns kept me reading.” Viv

“Another great book from Ms Ellis.” Barbara

Perfect for fans of Rachel Abbott, Sarah A. Denzil, Robert Bryndza, Mel Sherratt, Angela Marsons, Colin Dexter, or Ruth Rendell.

THE DETECTIVES
DI Jackman leads the investigation. He is extremely smart and has a knack for bringing out the best in his diverse team. DS Marie Evans is haunted by the loss of her husband in a motorbike accident. She is fiercely loyal to her friends and colleagues.

ALSO BY JOY ELLIS
THE NIKKI GALENA SERIES
Book 1: CRIME ON THE FENS
Book 2: SHADOW OVER THE FENS
Book 3: HUNTED ON THE FENS
Book 4: KILLER ON THE FENS
Book 5: STALKER ON THE FENS
Book 6: CAPTIVE ON THE FENS
Book 7: BURIED ON THE FENS
Book 8: THIEVES ON THE FENS
Book 9: FIRE ON THE FENS
Book 10: DARKNESS ON THE FENS
Book 11: HIDDEN ON THE FENS

JACKMAN & EVANS
Book 1: THE MURDERER’S SON
Book 2: THEIR LOST DAUGHTERS
Book 3: THE FOURTH FRIEND
Book 4: THE GUILTY ONES
Book 5: THE STOLEN BOYS
Book 6: THE PATIENT MAN

The Author

JOY ELLIS
UK #1 BEST SELLER WITH THEIR LOST DAUGHTERS, DARKNESS ON THE FENS, THE FOURTH FRIEND, BEWARE THE PAST, FIRE ON THE FENS, AND THE GUILTY ONES
OVER 2 MILLION BOOKS SOLD!
“I was born in Kent but spent most of my working life in London and Surrey. I was an apprentice florist to Constance Spry Ltd, a prestigious Mayfair shop that throughout the sixties and seventies teemed with both royalty and ‘real’ celebrities. What an eye-opener for a working-class kid from the Garden of England! I swore then, probably whilst I was scrubbing the floor or making the tea, that I would have a shop of my own one day. It took until the early eighties, but I did it. Sadly the recession wiped us out, and I embarked on a series of weird and wonderful jobs; the last one being a bookshop manager. Surrounded by books all day, getting to order whatever you liked, and being paid for it! Oh bliss!
And now I live in a village in the Lincolnshire Fens with my partner, Jacqueline, a highly decorated retired police officer, and our four barking mad Springer spaniels. If I do get any spare time, which is rare these days, my one relaxation is painting, especially using soft pastels. We have been here for twenty years now and although I’ll never be a true ‘Yeller Belly’, a native born to this county, I have adopted it as my own. I love the mists, the big skies and the endless waterways. All my books are set here on the Fens, and why not? The location is perfect for murder!”

My Review

I don’t think I’ve read one of this series before, or if I have I certainly don’t remember. But that’s not caused an issue as characters are explained and described in depth.

The plot though shows some background with the villain, but you are quickly brought up to speed. So it’s easy to follow and thoroughly enjoy, if murder and mayhem are your thing.

The pace of the plot kept me hooked throughout, and I spent a week of some relaxing evenings reading a bit at a time. Though I could of raced through it, as it did make me want to push to read it faster, just so I could see what happens next!!

Decent enjoyable read and I wouldn’t mind going over the other books to get more familiar with the detectives.

Physio over the phone

After 14 weeks of zero physio in the hospital, while being assessed by my physiotherapist, I had an appointment over the phone.

We discussed how my lunge onto the bosu ball, or going to do steps, is making the hip feel like it’s popping out, she feels it’s a muscle issue, so to shorten the step, and dip shallower to build it up slower. And do little but often.

And to maybe try a kneeling lunge if knees allow it, to take some pressure off.

But as I do have sore knees, I may have to do these with a cushion under the knee first.

Or I was given the option to swap forward lunges for side lunges and see if they both cause same pains, or if this one doesn’t.

We touched upon the encroaching groin pain from the left, the limitations it’s presenting and we decided the ROH should be approached for an appointment for that hip.

But I’ll be honest I’m not hopeful, I have one set for Feb 2021 and I may wait until then anyways. As I know they have some serious backlogs as it is. And physio itself may not be face to face until October, I’m sure I won’t see a consultant before Feb 21 anyways.

* Finally started exercise besides walking at home again, need to help this dodgy left hip while I can. And lose some lockdown weight!! *

June #LookFantastic Beauty Box

I say box but actually this month it’s NOT a box, and there’s no little booklet to explain the items instead, due to the world’s crisis, they are making all beauty edits digital for the foreseeable future.

So this month we got a strong turquoise plastic bag, which in line with their theme staycation is perfect. A decent sized wash bag that can be used on any holiday. The colour is a perfect summer colour.

Josh Wood Colour Everything Mask (30ml) – worth £6

Designed for use on every shade of hair, this hair mask has been created to lock-in colour, add shine, hydrate and deeply condition. It’s the perfect ‘does-it-all’ treatment.

* Once I dye my hair purple again, I’m going to try this out

Glov Rainbow Drop Brush – worth £10

Perfect for use on both wet and dry hair, this Glov brush glides through your hair without pulling or tugging. Palm-sized and great to fit in your handbag, use throughout the day to detangle your locks.

*Worth nothing that for arthritis sufferers like me, that it’s easier to hold than conventional brushes.

Polaar Very High Protection Sun Cream SPF50+ (20ml) – worth £13.44

Lightweight and non-greasy in texture, this Polaar sun cream applies easily, sinks into the skin quickly and offers strong protection against harmful sun damage.

* Shame it’s raining now, but definitely worth keeping aside for sunny days.

Ultrasun SPF30 Lip Protect – worth £8

Simultaneously reducing inflammation and moisturising any dryness, this Ultrasun lip balm is designed specifically to protect your pout from the elements.

* I feel this could be used on my Tattoo for extra protection, and ears or nose for added spf.

Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Bath and Shower Gel (100ml) – worth £10

This luxurious bodywash will leave your skin feeling fresh, pampered and smelling amazing. Uniquely and delicately scented with Sea Fennel and Cypress, your body will feel nourished, moisturised and revitalised in equal measures.

* Molton Brown is also a perfect pamper, reminds me of holidays as I usually take them with us.

Shangpree Aroma Blend Calming/Moisture Mask (worth £2.50) OR OhK! Jeju Island Hydrogel Mask (worth £6)

In this month’s limited-edition travel bag find a sheet-mask from spa and skincare experts Shangpree, or cruelty-free Korean brand Oh! K. These masks will leave you with a glowing, softer, and more hydrated complexion after just one use.

* I got Aroma Blend with Rosewood oil, Ylang Ylang oil and Rosa Damascena Flower Water.

No sneak peek for next month, so that’s a shame. Pretty impressed with this months box.

74 Weeks Post #HipReplacement

17 Months boy oh boy that’s flown. And for the last 3 months I’ve had next to no physio or much walking due to a HUGE arthritis flare.

As it’s finally dampening down and I’ve managed to get out, and travel a bit further than 5 mins from the house.

Each time I walk, I’m noticing niggles in the left hip, not a classic pain, more of a gnawing toothache kind of pain. Whereas the right replacement hip, is more acute and with rest, quickly recovers.

Lunging forward, with right leg forward and push back to standing, I often feel like the implant wants to come out of the side, so I need to discuss this with my physiotherapist on the 16th June. When I finally have a telephone physio appointment.

After this walk, and how the left hip stuck and impinged, I know now it needs replacing for sure. But it’s a case of when now, the nhs has a huge backlog. So for now it’s practice walking and get muscles as strong as possible.

Finally some relief, #CmcJointArthritis

At long long last, after 7 weeks of #SimplyCBD and 23 weeks of #Etoricoxib I have some relief. Though I really need to add those #Paracetamol to achieve it.

Splints are needed still, and the gel, but I’m not having that absolute bone crushing pain, that makes me want to amputate the hands, so that’s a win.

I had to increase the drops of CBD oil from 1 drop x 3 a day to 2 drops x 3 a day, once I hit that amount, I noticed a change. Beforehand it definitely helped with anxiety around pain, and sleep too. But for pain it didn’t. So upping the dose slowly I gradually saw a difference, and I made sure I did it over a menstrual cycle too,which is when my body overall is more painful.

I would still prefer an steroid injection to really kick the inflammation down, and I wouldn’t need splints as much. But still not an option sadly. But maybe soon, now the lockdown is easing off in places.

A big break for 2 weeks in physio, and walking has helped with getting my shoulders and hip pain under control, which allowed me to really work on getting the thumbs also under control. I’m glad I took the pressure off myself, and gave things time to work as well.

Before the weather turned

We finally managed a little garden party, and saw our granddaughter Delilah. And got together for good food and reconnecting.

Just what we’ve needed. To be together and enjoying the sunshine.

We’ve had picnics and glorious walks, enjoyed the scenery and nature at its best.

Though missed another daughters birthday, which plays heavy on my heart. It’s so hard being separate from everyone on special days.

And now it’s my wedding anniversary this weekend. And I’ve bought a couple of nice drinks.

I have bought the top one, to try and replace my discounted #hapsburg liquorice absinthe. And an extra special prosecco for our 19th Wedding Anniversary. Just need to find some nice food to eat and a good movie to watch.

Especially now as the weather has turned, we will have to snuggle up and make the most of it.

New Month New Challenges.

It’s 1st June, and if you have certain aged children, they are meant to be returning to school. Due to some lockdown restrictions lifted. And we can now see family outside in gardens or parks.

And with this change, we can finally collect our daughters belongings from campus. So that’s our mission today.

We had to book a slot, be as fast as possible, but also clear it out thoroughly. It’s a sad chapter to close, all those drunken pre drink get togethers, Sunday dinners made with pals, and cosy movie nights. All gone forever, not to return to this building again. It’s a process to work through emotionally.

Also today, it’s the start of 10,000 steps a day challenge for June, set up by #VersusArthritis

You can sign up here if you’d like to join in Miles Together

Obviously I could never do 10,000 steps let alone do them daily. But I’m here to support and corale all those taking part, and share their just giving pages too. I think it’s a great get together, and the Facebook group is full of wonderful people, find them here