Well, I was going to start today’s blog with what a lovely day it is outside. I’m currently sat in the dining room and I thought it be nice to open up the patio doors and let some fresh air in. The next minute, a big gust of wind blows in, and all my wedding cards end up on the floor!
This week has been a rough week with the wolf! It’s been tough, both mentally and physically. But on a very positive note, this weekend I’ve started to feel so much better, which makes me so happy!
Basically, long story short, this time last week I thought I was doing better. So on Bank holiday Monday, I happily returned back to work. I very quickly realised I still wasn’t well. Literally, the minute I got home, I collapsed in bed and that was where I spent the rest of the day! So Sunday I was moving forward, rushed back to my ‘normal’ life a bit too quickly, and then knocked myself back. The story of my life! I always try rushing back and never give the wolf enough rest and time it needs to recover. Never learn! Probably be writing the same story in 10 years time too!
So the rest of the week I’ve had to be very disciplined and patience with myself. It’s been tough mentally to do so, but it’s what I’ve needed. And because I’ve given my body time to recover, today I actually feel well. Today, I feel different from last Sunday, I feel like me again, full of energy, like I could climb a mountain! Don’t worry though, I’m not climbing any mountain today, or any hills. As much as I am craving a lovely stroll in the countryside, I am giving my body an extra day’s rest. I want to start the new week, feeling on top of the world. I don’t want to risk pushing myself backwards, with it being my first day of feeling fully right again.
So this afternoon, I’m going to occupy myself mind with some Route 66 planning. 20 days till I fly out to Chicago, I cannot wait! It’s been hard to get excited about it, with me not being well. But this weekend, now I’m feeling better, I really am starting to look forward to it!
Yesterday, I got out the acrylic paints and painted my white Converse. Found it so therapeutic. I’m not a very good painter, but it was fun! It was also nice to also feel well enough to actually feel like doing something productive too!
This is how they have turned out:
My Liver
So last week I promised that I would update you all on my liver. Basically, my ALT has been reading high and increasing for the past few months on my routine monthly bloods. My Rheumatologist picked it up when I saw him back in March and sent me for lots of extra blood tests.
On the Wednesday before my wedding, I went to doctors for my routine bloods. Then on the Friday, the day before my wedding, I was with my bridesmaids, the doctors rang. My doctor was concerned about my increasing ALT. I informed my doctor that the hospital is aware and has been sending me for extra tests. So she agreed to speak to my consultant to see what his plan was. She said she would be back in contact with me the following week, but I explained I am getting married tomorrow and heading on a mini-moon to Scotland. So she said she would leave me be to enjoy my mini-moon and speak to me the week after.
While I was halfway up a mountain on my mini-moon in Scotland, I got a phone call from doctors. So much for leaving me alone for a week! Basically, wanting more blood test doing and asked if I could come in first thing Monday morning.
So the first day back after Scotland, I was at the doctors getting 4 test tubes of blood filled. Literally, got tested for every hepatitis there is out there, along with other liver conditions.
The following day, I then got another phone call from doctors, asking if I could come back for more blood test. I swear my number was on speed dial! I was having more phone calls from them than I was from my own mother, and she rings a lot! Apparently, they didn’t take enough blood off me, and wanted me to come back for more bloods. So off I went back for more bloods. I feel like I’ve had every liver blood test going!
On that Thursday, doctors contacted me again, like I say, I’m sure I was on speed dial! This time to inform me, they are referring me for an ultra-sound on my liver.
Within 6 weeks, I’ve had 13 tubes of blood taken from me, and still no closer to finding out what’s going on with my liver! So now currently waiting for a date for my ultrasound. So basically, we’re no closer to finding out the problem with my liver. However, at least I know I don’t have hepatitis and I haven’t turned yellow yet, so that’s always a good thing right?
Anyways, that’s it from me this week. Going to get some of that Route 66 planned! I’ve got the 5th dose of my vaccine this week. I decided to cancel it last week, as I wasn’t well enough for it. Also, does anyone know any really good sunblock for sun allergies? I do get one on prescription but they are currently struggling to get hold of the brand I like. The one they can get, I don’t like so much. So if anyone has got any recommendations? I notice you can now get factor 100! Crazy! To be fair though, I probably could do with one that high! Especially on Route 66, as I will be spending a lot of time in the desert! I know, probably thinking the worse location possible for somebody with a sun allergy! But Route 66 has been my dream for years and years! When I was younger, I use to go on family holidays to America. We would drive on tiny sections of the route. I would always say to my parents, one day I will come back and do the full route! Here I am, just about to drive the full historical Route 66! Plus I am determined to find a way to tackle my sun allergy, so I can still enjoy the outdoors when the sun is shining without it making me ill. Desert or no desert, it’s the sun that makes me ill, and wherever I go, it probably show its face!
Anyways,
Until next week,
Goodbye for now
Emma
xox
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