I won't be online tomorrow, too much family stuff going on, eating, drinking and being merry!! So I thought I would say Happy Christmas to all, especially all my friends and colleagues at work over the Christmas period. I'm supposed to be on shift the next 3 days, unfortunately my body says nope! I actually enjoy working over Christmas, great atmosphere on station!
HAPPY CHRISTMAS!!!!!!
Love to all XXX
Monday, 24 December 2007
Wednesday, 19 December 2007
Symptoms....!
I am now back in the office, went in on Tuesday as I had a late night Saturday, plus I over did the old sauce and then didn't sleep well Sunday so decided against going to work Monday. I know, bad but hey.....
The girls (and guy) in the office are already being great. I am doing things at my own pace (slow as if I am too efficient I will run out of work to do) and have high jacked a nice desk as its usual occupant is away until after New Years. Having said that I have been out of the office for a few hours due to the station food shopping expedition (thank you Tesco for giving us £10 off our Christmas food bill!!) and an appointment with a nurse. I have also been given two Christmas pressies and a card since I started on Tuesday, doing well!!
My legs already feel better, I think that may be because my feet aren't so cold so the circulation is better and therefore I can feel more but my hands still feel funny and I drop things like paper if I don't concentrate on picking it up (most of the time).
I got my DVLA notice of revocation today, fortunately they are revoking my license and giving me a 3 year renewable license with a 1 year renewal of my LGV license (the one I need to drive ambulances) so although its a bit of a pain and I wish it wasn't the case it came as a relief to see that they were letting me keep the LGV. I burst into tears at the time, not sure why, either relief or sadness. I am guessing relief. I think I had forgotten about the DVLA question but it was obviously sat nagging somewhere in there. Still, will pop the form in the post tomorrow so hopefully my new license will appear soon.
I thought I would add my symptoms log to this blog...... Its a very boring read I expect but if anyone out there is wondering if you're the only one then it might help, you never know.....
1st episode – numbness to left side of torso, approx February 2006 lasting around 3 – 4 weeks.
2nd episode – numbness to left side of torso and strange ‘stretching’ sensation in spine (when bending/leaning forwards), approx October 2006 lasting around 3 – 4 weeks.
3rd episode – started end January 2007.
Right arm – underneath, change in sensation from armpit to tip of little finger, finger and right side of middle finger. Slight pins and needles sensation to fingers. End Jan 2007.
Around 11.02.07 – Both legs altered sensation and slight pins and needles.
24.02.07 – Right leg worsened and change in sensation to buttocks and genitalia.
08.03.07 – GP appointment, took self off the road.
12.03.07 – Occupational Health appointment.
24.03.07 – Vision in right eye – looking to right blurred.
03.04.07 –Appointment Capio Hospital
Around 08.04.07 – Right leg and buttocks slightly better.
14.04.07 – Right eye 99% better.
16.04.07 – Occupational Health appointment – Closing case until I need to see them again.
09.05.07 – Left eye hazy vision and pain in and above eye. Pain worsened on eye movement.
18.05.07 – Left arm underneath numb from armpit to ends of fingers. Left side of torso numb from above breast to level of navel.
20.05.07 – both legs tired no change in sensation. Lasted two days.
21.05.07 –Appointment RBH Dr
22.05.07 – Left eye pain free.
24.05.07 – Left eye vision a lot better (90%). (off work for 2 days)
27.05.07 – 1st day no pain killers taken.
29.05.07 – Back at work, left eye worsens during day when using computer.
31.05.07 – Short day at work due to tiredness.
Around 08.06.07 – 21.06.07 - ‘Stretching’ sensation in spine when bending/leaning forwards.
25.06.07 – Appointment Dr Weir – MS Nurse to call re Rebif. MS diagnosis confirmed.
10.07.07 – Appointment JR Oxford for EEG
16.07.07 – Appointment Adastral/MS Nurse
19.07.07 – License to DVLA
23.07.07 – Back to work
Tonight I am sitting on the sofa reading emails and eating chocolate, as of January 2nd I will have to stop eating as much chocolate as I am changing my eating habits so am making the most of it!!
The girls (and guy) in the office are already being great. I am doing things at my own pace (slow as if I am too efficient I will run out of work to do) and have high jacked a nice desk as its usual occupant is away until after New Years. Having said that I have been out of the office for a few hours due to the station food shopping expedition (thank you Tesco for giving us £10 off our Christmas food bill!!) and an appointment with a nurse. I have also been given two Christmas pressies and a card since I started on Tuesday, doing well!!
My legs already feel better, I think that may be because my feet aren't so cold so the circulation is better and therefore I can feel more but my hands still feel funny and I drop things like paper if I don't concentrate on picking it up (most of the time).
I got my DVLA notice of revocation today, fortunately they are revoking my license and giving me a 3 year renewable license with a 1 year renewal of my LGV license (the one I need to drive ambulances) so although its a bit of a pain and I wish it wasn't the case it came as a relief to see that they were letting me keep the LGV. I burst into tears at the time, not sure why, either relief or sadness. I am guessing relief. I think I had forgotten about the DVLA question but it was obviously sat nagging somewhere in there. Still, will pop the form in the post tomorrow so hopefully my new license will appear soon.
I thought I would add my symptoms log to this blog...... Its a very boring read I expect but if anyone out there is wondering if you're the only one then it might help, you never know.....
1st episode – numbness to left side of torso, approx February 2006 lasting around 3 – 4 weeks.
2nd episode – numbness to left side of torso and strange ‘stretching’ sensation in spine (when bending/leaning forwards), approx October 2006 lasting around 3 – 4 weeks.
3rd episode – started end January 2007.
Right arm – underneath, change in sensation from armpit to tip of little finger, finger and right side of middle finger. Slight pins and needles sensation to fingers. End Jan 2007.
Around 11.02.07 – Both legs altered sensation and slight pins and needles.
24.02.07 – Right leg worsened and change in sensation to buttocks and genitalia.
08.03.07 – GP appointment, took self off the road.
12.03.07 – Occupational Health appointment.
24.03.07 – Vision in right eye – looking to right blurred.
03.04.07 –
Around 08.04.07 – Right leg and buttocks slightly better.
14.04.07 – Right eye 99% better.
16.04.07 – Occupational Health appointment – Closing case until I need to see them again.
09.05.07 – Left eye hazy vision and pain in and above eye. Pain worsened on eye movement.
18.05.07 – Left arm underneath numb from armpit to ends of fingers. Left side of torso numb from above breast to level of navel.
20.05.07 – both legs tired no change in sensation. Lasted two days.
21.05.07 –
22.05.07 – Left eye pain free.
24.05.07 – Left eye vision a lot better (90%). (off work for 2 days)
27.05.07 – 1st day no pain killers taken.
29.05.07 – Back at work, left eye worsens during day when using computer.
31.05.07 – Short day at work due to tiredness.
Around 08.06.07 – 21.06.07 - ‘Stretching’ sensation in spine when bending/leaning forwards.
25.06.07 – Appointment Dr Weir – MS Nurse to call re Rebif. MS diagnosis confirmed.
10.07.07 – Appointment JR Oxford for EEG
16.07.07 – Appointment Adastral/MS Nurse
19.07.07 – License to DVLA
23.07.07 – Back to work
30.07.07 – Eye check – all ok
13.08.07 – 1st Rebif injection 8.8
24.08.07 – Left side of torso, inc back numb between breast and navel.
27.08.07 – Rebif 22
04.09.07 – Left work early – migraine
09.09.07 – ON Left eye, very little pain
10.09.07 – Rebif 44
17.09.07 – Bladder playing up slightly, vision worse, not driving ambulances
24.09.07 – 1 week off sick. Not coping with ON or tiredness, no pain with ON
01.10.07 – Bladder behaving
10.10.07 – Left work early, migraine
12.10.07 – Lost the plot, crying at work
16.10.07 – Appt, Sarah, RBH
22.10.07 – Left eye 98% better most of the time, worse in the morning and when tired
24.10.07 – Occi Health appt and Flu jab
06.11.07 – Burning sensation in left leg, knee and thigh, moved to right leg
14.11.07 – Bloods taken RBH A&E
16.11.07 – Burning sensation back to just left leg
20.11.07 – Sensation in both legs back to normal except when legs tired
21ST NOVEMBER 2007 - SIX MONTHS SINCE DIAGNOSIS
28.11.07 – L’Hermittes sign
04.12.07 – Change in sensation in legs up to waist, inc genitalia….. Torso slightly worse, left eye same
12.12.07 – Right leg worse than left, went to work but got sent home
13.12.07 – Change in sensation to little finger, ring finger and side of both hands
17.12.07 – On light duties
Tonight I am sitting on the sofa reading emails and eating chocolate, as of January 2nd I will have to stop eating as much chocolate as I am changing my eating habits so am making the most of it!!
Wednesday, 12 December 2007
Going backwards.....
Went to work this morning despite feeling horrible and knowing that the feeling in my legs is getting gradually less and my balance is getting worse. I nearly rang in sick but thought, one more shift then I can get home and lie on the sofa for 4 days. When I got to work I kept thinking I shouldn't be there, and then when it came to starting work I ended up in tears and talking to my station officer. I am now on a couple of days sick and will go back to work on Monday on light duties, back to the same office I was in last time.
My legs feel the same as last time when they were bad but I haven't had the gradual change in sensation as last time, things have got worse very quickly. Still I'll spend some time on light duties, hopefully get better and get back to it. I think I'll have a proper think about what else I can do in terms of a job over the next few weeks. I have been thinking about it loosely over the last month or so but I haven't got anywhere.
So anyone any ideas.......I would like to work shifts but not nights and not past midnight and would like to get out and about but not as much as this job....... Ah well, I think I am employable so will find something if I have to!
My legs feel the same as last time when they were bad but I haven't had the gradual change in sensation as last time, things have got worse very quickly. Still I'll spend some time on light duties, hopefully get better and get back to it. I think I'll have a proper think about what else I can do in terms of a job over the next few weeks. I have been thinking about it loosely over the last month or so but I haven't got anywhere.
So anyone any ideas.......I would like to work shifts but not nights and not past midnight and would like to get out and about but not as much as this job....... Ah well, I think I am employable so will find something if I have to!
Monday, 10 December 2007
To LW
Hello LW, can't reply to your comment and question as I can't find a reply button......
So yes, cake or anything edible is always welcome on an ambulance station and no one would even contemplate the idea that it would be poisonous! I'm sure your local station would be very grateful and well fed and sugared crews are much more effective!!
"I live in R*** and would like to do something for ambulance crews at Christmas. Would sending round cake be considered okay or would it just make people think I was trying to poison them?"
So yes, cake or anything edible is always welcome on an ambulance station and no one would even contemplate the idea that it would be poisonous! I'm sure your local station would be very grateful and well fed and sugared crews are much more effective!!
Monday, 3 December 2007
Couple of things
It's December, how did that happen.....? I am still saying its not Christmas from time to time but I am coming to the conclusion that I'll have to give in to it at some point. Even got the Christmas decorations out of the loft!
It's been one of those weekends, we were all very very busy, all crews late off every day......so good for the morale...... I started the weeks shifts badly with a migraine by about 9am Thursday and got myself in a pickle in the evening when feeling sorry for myself, asking for reassurance from B and him changing the subject nicely. I did then corner him in the car and tell him what he had just done and then cried....... He just expects me to know that his feelings don't change and that he is coping with me fine. He tells me regularly that he loves me but sometimes I'll ask for the reassurance and he doesn't always get why I need it. Still we chatted in the car as we do and sorted ourselves out. I hate being needy........
Anyway, had a couple of interesting jobs, an actual ill person and my first encounter with an MS pt on the road.
I'll start with the ill pt, I have see very few really ill people recently and then the one I do see I can do very little for him other than get him on the ambulance and get him to hospital quickly. We were given a description from control that led me to believe our pt would be having a CVA. When we arrived we realised there was a Dr on scene - nice to be told. We got upstairs (as always) to the pt and at that point I decided this was not going to be good. The GP handed over, yes CVA, onset of headache had been about 6 hours previously and the pt was now more or less paralysed on the left side. The GP very helpfully had written an unintelligible letter but neglected to do any observations or get the pt on oxygen. D went straight down for the chair, I put the pt on oxygen and checked his pulse and then asked the GP to hang around and help get the pt on the chair. The GP went and got his driver to help as well. There was no way I was waiting for another crew.
We got the pt on the chair and to the ambulance, he was still making some communicative effort but was very unwell. We rolled the pt onto his side in case he vomited, did obs and an ECG, got the wife on and got underway to hospital. After a couple of attempts I got through to control to put in the courtesy call, stressing the unwell nature of the pt.
On route the pt vomited a couple of times, the second time was about 5/7 minutes away from the hospital, I had to suction then checked the pts pupils again. He had a pin point pupil and a dilated pupil. I tried to get a response from the pt, he was now GCS 3. I tried to insert an airway but he had clenched his jaws and was at the wrong angle for an OP. When we arrived at hospital they had a team ready but called a few more people down once I told them he was GCS3 most of the time.
By the time we left he was tubed and ventilated and ready to go off for CT but not expected to survive. I had been honest with the wife on the way in so she was fully aware and had thanked me for being honest. Our pt was nearly 70 but had been doing a full time job the week before and playing golf on the good weekends, such a shock for everyone in the family.
When we went back the next morning with a pt I asked after him, I was surprised to find that he had survived the night but died the next morning. I wish there was more we could do but what...??
The lady with MS was not ill but relapsing and no longer able to cope. I found meeting her hard, I know MS has no guarantees of anything but the possibilities...... No longer being able to control your arms, legs, bladder etc...... I wasn't sure what to do with her but she was at the end of her tether and wanted to go into hospital so I took her to A&E and let them know that she was under the neurology team there. Another thing I found upsetting was that she knew very little about the condition she had been diagnosed with 9 years ago.
On my day off I managed to nearly finish my Christmas shopping and meet a friend for coffee, was a good day!!
It's been one of those weekends, we were all very very busy, all crews late off every day......so good for the morale...... I started the weeks shifts badly with a migraine by about 9am Thursday and got myself in a pickle in the evening when feeling sorry for myself, asking for reassurance from B and him changing the subject nicely. I did then corner him in the car and tell him what he had just done and then cried....... He just expects me to know that his feelings don't change and that he is coping with me fine. He tells me regularly that he loves me but sometimes I'll ask for the reassurance and he doesn't always get why I need it. Still we chatted in the car as we do and sorted ourselves out. I hate being needy........
Anyway, had a couple of interesting jobs, an actual ill person and my first encounter with an MS pt on the road.
I'll start with the ill pt, I have see very few really ill people recently and then the one I do see I can do very little for him other than get him on the ambulance and get him to hospital quickly. We were given a description from control that led me to believe our pt would be having a CVA. When we arrived we realised there was a Dr on scene - nice to be told. We got upstairs (as always) to the pt and at that point I decided this was not going to be good. The GP handed over, yes CVA, onset of headache had been about 6 hours previously and the pt was now more or less paralysed on the left side. The GP very helpfully had written an unintelligible letter but neglected to do any observations or get the pt on oxygen. D went straight down for the chair, I put the pt on oxygen and checked his pulse and then asked the GP to hang around and help get the pt on the chair. The GP went and got his driver to help as well. There was no way I was waiting for another crew.
We got the pt on the chair and to the ambulance, he was still making some communicative effort but was very unwell. We rolled the pt onto his side in case he vomited, did obs and an ECG, got the wife on and got underway to hospital. After a couple of attempts I got through to control to put in the courtesy call, stressing the unwell nature of the pt.
On route the pt vomited a couple of times, the second time was about 5/7 minutes away from the hospital, I had to suction then checked the pts pupils again. He had a pin point pupil and a dilated pupil. I tried to get a response from the pt, he was now GCS 3. I tried to insert an airway but he had clenched his jaws and was at the wrong angle for an OP. When we arrived at hospital they had a team ready but called a few more people down once I told them he was GCS3 most of the time.
By the time we left he was tubed and ventilated and ready to go off for CT but not expected to survive. I had been honest with the wife on the way in so she was fully aware and had thanked me for being honest. Our pt was nearly 70 but had been doing a full time job the week before and playing golf on the good weekends, such a shock for everyone in the family.
When we went back the next morning with a pt I asked after him, I was surprised to find that he had survived the night but died the next morning. I wish there was more we could do but what...??
The lady with MS was not ill but relapsing and no longer able to cope. I found meeting her hard, I know MS has no guarantees of anything but the possibilities...... No longer being able to control your arms, legs, bladder etc...... I wasn't sure what to do with her but she was at the end of her tether and wanted to go into hospital so I took her to A&E and let them know that she was under the neurology team there. Another thing I found upsetting was that she knew very little about the condition she had been diagnosed with 9 years ago.
On my day off I managed to nearly finish my Christmas shopping and meet a friend for coffee, was a good day!!
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