Great holiday

I have just got home from the most wonderful trip to Florida with my very special husband. We went to celebrate our silver wedding, so it was our first trip without our daughter and son. We knew we wanted to go somewhere special, and both love Florida so it was an easy choice.


I had been trying to increase my exercise before we went, which certainly helped. I wasn't in any where near as much pain as normal, the heat really seems to help. But it wasn't humid as that doesn't make it feel pleasant, this was just hot in the sun and cooler in the shade.


We walked an average of five miles most days, and tried to eat as healthy as possible. We had lots of yoghurts, fruit and cereals for breakfast, instead of toast and donuts! We did have some treats, but usually as a meal not a dessert. I also drank lots of water, some thing I need to do more at home. 


I did do some swimming, once my skin got used to the chemicals in the pool, but didn't go in the sea to swim this time. It was very relaxing walking along the sand or paddling while collecting shells.


I am now trying to continue with the walking, as want to get as much exercise as possible. But its not as easy when you are sat behind a desk most days in the week. But I do go a walk every day, and I don't let the odd pain stop me and it does help. I feel better for it, although my bed hasn't helped with back pain.


So we went and bought a new bed today, just hope its the right decision when it arrives!

Exercise

 I have had a good few weeks, we are all keeping to our healthy eating and getting exercise every day. Some days the walks are great, others are a struggle but I'm forcing myself to keep going. I am enjoying the fruit amazingly, as I've never eaten as much in the past, and not even given in to temptation which isn't easy. But as time goes by its getting easier, and if I feel tempted I just have a bit more fruit.


I am looking forward to going away to Florida, part of me is looking forward to the sunshine. But the other half is worried I will be able to find enough healthy foods to eat. But unusually I don't normally eat a lot when its hot, so that should help.


I walked 6km today, I had a lot of pain in my lower back which is frustrating but it didn't stop me going. I think its true that exercise does help though, I've felt a lot less stiff recently. 

Healthy eating

I have been on my diet three weeks now and its going very well, even if its hard at times to resist temptation. It has got easier over the weeks, and I'm enjoying eating fruit more than I expected. I've lost about three pounds so far, but get weighed tomorrow so hoping it will have been a good week.

I have been for a walk almost every day, except one day when my hip was too painful. We have gone out in all weathers, some have been really cold as we have had some snow.

Due to the cold weather we have decided to go away for our Silver Wedding Anniversary to Florida, where it will be much easier to walk around. I will have to be careful not to over eat, but never eat a lot when its hot. They do have buffets with salad and fruit, just will cut down on mayo and desserts.

When we get home I will go back to see my doctor and see if I've lost enough weight to be referred for surgery.

New Doctor

I went to see my new GP again to discuss the scan results and surgery needed. I asked if I could still choose which hospital I go to, and she said I could which was a relief. She explained I need to lose some weight before I could safely have surgery, so I'm now on a strict diet. I also need to increase my exercise, so went for a walk in my lunch break. I don't intend starving, but will eat healthier options, cut down on margarine etc and have a smaller portion. I got into the habit of having some toast with butter & jam etc, when I wasn't really hungry. But that isn't healthy, like a salad so will make sure I eat three proper meals. I think its harder at the moment as we have been eating the Christmas chocolates for a few weeks. Normally we wouldn't buy them, but for some reason everyone buys us chocolates at Christmas!

My Fibromyalgia has flared up for the first time in months, so I've had a lot more pain especially in my neck and shoulders.

I got some more of the stronger pain killers, and she also increased the number of Amitriptyline I get. So instead of having to take 5 x 10mg tablets,  I can now have 2 x 25mg tablets a night.

So for the next two months until I go back to see her, its going to take all my will power to resist treats! But I have to keep remembering its for my own good, and I could have found out it was cancer then it would be an even harder battle!

Phone call

My GP rang today, she was really friendly and said she had good news about my scan and blood tests. She confirmed that the scan had showed I have two large fibroids, but it wasn't cancer. I am going to go and see her next week to discuss the treatment, but she also said she wants me to lose weight before I have surgery. I can understand it is safer, so will try to eat a healthier diet, and get more exercise.

I don't think it will be easy, but I will try and my family have agreed to eat healthy too which should help.

A stressful time

Back again after another long gap, but Christmas came and went, which was enjoyable if tiring. Luckily I have a great family who help with so much of the preparation and cooking if takes the pressure off me. We closed our office over Christmas, which was nice but it was good to get back to work.

I have also had a tooth abscess which was very painful, so had three lots of antibiotics before it finally cleared. I went on the 3rd January to have to tooth removed, which was rather a painful ordeal. The injection didn't make my mouth numb so I was given some more, that only worked to a point. I felt as though my jaw was broken and I'd been punched in the face. I take so many pain killers normally that it didn't really touch the pain in my jaw, and it took two weeks before it settled down.

I went to see my GP on the 5th January, as I'd felt a lump in my stomach when I laid down. I was a bit concerned that the doctor was new, as my old GP had left which wasn't good news. I don't know what this ones opinion of Fibromyalgia will be, as not all doctors offer the support needed. She was younger than I expected, but think its because I'm getting old! LOL

She examined my stomach and said she wanted me to go for an ultrasound scan, and some blood tests. She warned me it could be cancer, but I decided not to worry about it until we got the results back.
I went for the blood test the next morning, and remembered to warn them not to put the needle in the tender area of my arm. Last time it hurt for four weeks, so won't make that mistake again.

I went for the ultrasound scan on Saturday morning, after a long week waiting and was relieved to be told that I had two large fibroids. Its not the best news, as it looks like I will need an hysterectomy, but its not cancer which was great news and a big relief. I have only ever been in hospital to have my two children, so can't say I'm looking forward to having surgery. I want to discuss how having Fibromyalgia will affect my recovery, and that they will manage my pain properly.

So I'm hoping tomorrow to hear from the surgery to arrange an appointment to discuss the results and what happens next.

At times like these you realise how important it is to have support from family and friends. I am lucky to have a wonderful husband and two amazing grown up children. I also have a lovely group of friends, and even though most don't live close by, they are always there for me. I don't know how people cope without some support, and I am so grateful for mine.

I am hoping I won't need to take a lot of time off work as I really enjoy my job and working in our new office. I will be able to do research even when resting, and it will be a good distraction.

Tiring days

Another long gap between posts, the days are so busy now and by evening I'm usually falling asleep. I am really enjoying the work though, every day is different and we are almost due our first commission once the cheque clears.

So far I haven't had a virus this winter, and fingers crossed I don't as I can't imagine how I'd cope with working as well. My memory has been a lot better than I expected, but now our case numbers are growing its not as easy.