Waiting and waiting and waiting

Struggling a little at the moment, I’m almost 4 months into my enforced absence from work due to my long-term health conditions worsening.

Back in early July 2018 I was refered to a local Rheumatologist as the medication I was on for my osteoporosis got stopped due to some horrible side effects. Since then the appointment I was given has changed date 3 times.

The first appointment for the 12th August was booked and canceled in the same letter that was sent to me, the next day I received another letter changing my appointment to 29th November and also changing the location from Horsham Hospital in West Sussex to Dene Hospital in Caterham, Surrey. Then two days later I received yet another letter changing the date of my appointment again to the 27th November,  but still in Caterham 35 miles from where I live, this may not seem like much of a distance to some but for me it’s a nightmare due discomfort and to pain that traveling causes me.

Currently I use no pain medication in fact it has been that way for over 6 years now, as the medications I have been tried on have caused side effects that would not only have stopped me from working but would have stopped me from having a decent quality of life. Now back in July when my health conditions flared up my pain levels rose to an all-time high. So in early August my Neuro specialist in London refered me to the Charing Cross Hospital pain team and today I got my appointment through for the 13th March 2019.

So now , present day I am also waiting for a referral to a chronic fatigue clinic by my GP and I am waiting for a report and decision from my employers occupational heath team as to whether or not I will be offered medical retirement.

So “Hope for the best and plan for the worst” is how I am looking at all this now.

1. I am remaining positive because I know that things are getting done even though it may be slow.
2. Luckily I still have my dark and twisted sense of humour and have the t-shirts to prove it
3. I am practicing more with my wheelchair now as I have finally had to accept that I am going to have to use it more in public.
4. My wife and 3 daughters are keeping my spirits up and have promised that they will not treat me any different, which just means they will carry on making me laugh by taking the p**s out of me.
5. I also have a very understanding boss and brilliant work colleagues who also support and keep me going.
6. I have also learned some great tools through the Expert Patients Programme for dealing with the pain such as distraction and breathing techniques and planning my days so that I get plenty of rest.
7. I’m conquering the boredom by reading again, growing chillies, making a memory book, writing a blog (must do better) and following West Ham.
8. Finally I have my dog Dora she is an Anatolian/German shepherd/Therapy dog, she’s always there for me, always listens to me and never criticises me.
9. Love this Quote
   

   Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

   the courage to change the things I can,

   and the wisdom to know the difference.

   REINHOLD NIEBUHR