Tag: activism

Posted in Archive, January 2018

Overwhelmed But That’s Okay

Posted on by dystoniaandme

In my head life after the suprapubic catheter insertion was going to return to normal pretty instantly. I didn’t really factor in healing time (which is prolonged due to my eds), or think much about the lifestyle adjustments I was going to need to make. Typical me really. Full speed ahead mindset with no allowances for my health; you’d think I’d be a dab hand at this by now.

The first 48 hours or so my mindset was pretty good. I was just so relieved to have got through the operation without any major complications and was still dopey from the morphine. Yesterday and today have been a lot harder. The bladder and urethral spasms have been constant, the insertion site has leaked frequently, and the scrapping sensation in my bladder leaves me wanting to remain motionless. I was discharged with very little information on how to care for the catheter or what to expect/, how to manage. Simply we’ll see you in six weeks.

We discovered quite quickly that even my usual clothes were no longer suitable. My leggings which I live in are simply too tight for the bag to go underneath without compressing it. Whilst I could wear the whole system on the outside, I’m not there mentally yet, to brave being out and about with that on show yet is daunting. These probably all seem like trival problems but they add up.

I know once all the pain has settled down and we find a medicine to help with the bladder spasms etc I will feel better about it all. I just wish I had been more informed on what to expect and what to do once I was home. On a more positive note I am so thankful for the support group on Facebook that I found who have been a treasure trove of information for me the last few days. I have ve always found comfort in information so this group has been a saving grace.

Posted in Archive, may 2022

Reintroducing Me

Posted on by dystoniaandme

I’ve had a few people on the Facebook fan/follower page for this blog asking for more information about myself recently. After coming up to ten(!) years of blogging and activism I feel it makes sense to post this small reintroduction for those who have joined me on my journey more recently.

First off my name is Rebecca, but please call me Becca. I’m 29 years old and not quite sure how I’m turning 30 this year when it feels like I only finished sixth form a year ago. I grew up in the south of England in Hertfordshire, and now live in the North West with my Fiancé and our two beautiful children.

In 2012 I became ill with Dystonia, untreated chronic Lyme disease, and worsening classical Ehlers-Danlos syndrome amongst many other things. I was bed bound for a very long time and took to blogging as a way of therapy, advocating, and connecting with others in similar positions. I’ve come a long way since then thanks to getting my Lyme disease treated, along side getting a medication routine that has helped control my other symptoms somewhat.

Back in the early days when I didn’t have much control

I have continued to blog on here, do lives on facebook, and advocate in various other ways as life with chronic illnesses is never the same. Even now when it’s drastically different from when I first became symptomatic there are still occasions where I have to fight for help. Without access to the medication I take daily I would be in hospital constantly.

Blogging has helped me feel less alone in this journey. I hope it’s helped those who read these post too.