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Rachael Seeley
- 34, Female
- Swindon, Wiltshire
- United Kingdom
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Rachael Seeley's Page
About me!
My Story...........................................
I was working for the NHS as a Receptionist/ Telephonist for a Child & Adolescent Unit for over 11 years and working part-time for over 4 years in a local Pub behind the bar.
For 4 years I also did volunteer work for a disabled youth group and for many years I did a charity event of some sort, from abseiling to sky-diving, whether in a group or alone.
Over the years I have had various incidents where I have hurt my back, from car accidents to falling down a cellar but just carried on with life............................
It was Aug 06' and I was looking after my friends children.
I got up from a picnic bench and it was just like an elastic band had snapped! It was painful but I ignored it.
After a sleepness night of pain, I got to see my gp that morning.
I had sciatica!
Pain in my right buttock and right leg. Was given 2 weeks off work and had several treatments, Acupuncture, Bowen Treatment and massage. Was taking Paroxetine & Diazepam.
Sept 06' I have given up the bar work!!!!!!!!!!!
By Nov/ Dec 06' I was in complete agony, taking pain killers and was unable to concentrate on work. I was sent home, saw gp once again. I was reacting to the pain killers, it turns out I cannot take codeine. Bang goes all the strong pain killers and was left with Paracetol and Ibuprofen.
By working for the NHS, I was intitled to Occupational Health for staff.
Jan 07' Saw me having Acupuncture 3 times a week for pain relief. This was amazing once I had got pass the thought of having needles in me! lol
I was given a Tens Machine to use, but for me it made the pain worst.
Jan 07' I was referred to the back clinic, by this time I had loss the use/ feeling in my right leg from the knee down and could only feel 2 toes. At this point I was unable to drive or bearly walk, I could describe the feelings but did not refer to them necessarily as pain eg: pins & needles, numbness, heat, tiggling......................apparently this is all pain.
Referred for an MRI
Feb 07' First Mri Scan shows right side Pro-Lapsed disc L5/S1. Confirmed Sciatica and bladder disturbance (Unable to feel bladder filling). Surgery is discussed and I have decided to not have any. Maybe later down the line when I can no longer cope, I will think again.
Feb 07' Second Mri Scan showed no change and no evidence of Cauda Equina Syndrome, so get referred for an Epidural.
I am now seeing my gp on a weekly basis, he has mentioned the condition Fibromyalgia!
I have heard of this as a friend has it for many years but I cannot possiblily have it myself....................can I?
I'M BOOKED TO GO TO THE GAMBIA ON HOLIDAY ON MY OWN..............................YIPPEE (Has been booked for months)
April 07' Gp has told me I am not able to fly..................GUTTED
April 07' I have been referred to the Rheumatologist. Here I was diagnosed with Neuro-Dysfunctional Pain Syndrome with positive Fibromyalgia trigger points.
Started on 10mg of Amitriptyline at night, at present I take 30mg at night.
July 07' Went in for an Epidural, this was unsucessful and can have a 2nd if ever needed.
Oct 07' I'm now referred to a consultant for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...............................this was proved to be correct.
Oct 07' I'm now off to see a consultant in Anesthetics & Pain Management. Here I learn that all the HADS questionaires I have been answering over the months have shown high levels of anxiety and I was never informed but in reality I knew this myself!
A referral to a Clinical Psychologist is made.
Oct 07' I have not given up job!!!!!!!!!
Nov 07'-Jan 08' I have had 3 sessions at the Pain Management Clinic. Here I learn about changes, pacing and how to help myself cope.
June 08' I have recieved confirmation from PALS after waiting a year that a course 'Learning to live with long-tern Illness' is up and running.
This was good as you met other people all with different illness' at different stages of acceptence.
You learn different technics of coping, relaxing and general everyday living tips.
June 08' It is now time for an Ultra sound, periods have stopped and bladder is weaker. Results show all is normal and blow me down with a feather my periods return!
During the above I have had Tonsilitis 6 times in 6 months, blood tests show I have abnormal liver function due to meds and body is struggling with infections.
July 08' My appointment for Clinical Psychologist has come through, by this time I go but know that it is no longer needed. I have worked out my needs, wants and worries for myself with the support of an excellent gp, friends and most importantly my family.
No follow appointment is needed.
July 08' I am referred to ENT.
Am told I can have my Tonsils out and 2 weeks later I am in having the op.
As I am writing this I am still recovering slowly thanks to getting an infection.
I have decided that my condition can live with me, rather than me live with it!
At present my life is pretty good, pain is always with me but that is me. Some days I give in to the pain and ride it out and other days I just carry on.
UPDATE:-
Sept 08' Well this month I am experiencing the unpleasantness of itching.
Gp has suggested reducing meds or stopping them all together.
If I stop them I'm scared of knowing what the extent of my pain is from Fibromyalgia, so have decided to reduce them.
This was ok for a couple of weeks, but the itching has returned!
While taking Amitripyline, there is no room for anti-hisimines! The side effects of both meds is much worst!!!!
Oh the joys...............................:-))
UPDATE:-
Oct 08' Have started to feel rather out of enlignment and have been referred again to the back clinic (Appt is 12th Dec), ideally I'm hoping for an MRI scan. It would be interesting to see what if anything has changed in the past year and whether surgery will still be suggested at this late stage. My original diagnosed pro-lapsed disc is now over 2 years old and still making it self present every so often!
Lets start the waiting game.............................................................
Dec 08' Attended hospital appt with the physio at Orthopeadics, who checked me over and found nothing out of place. How ever when I mentioned the choice of surgery!!...................The decision was made for me, in the fact that because I have Fibromyalgia, surgery would not be an option. This I have looked on the positive side off and realised that they have taken the decision away from me and I no longer need to think about it!............................................... HOORAH
UPDATE:
Jan 09' Well I have now got some kind of infection, this was only discovered because my Fibro pain peaked 2 nights ago.
This is the first time in a while I have been poorly and I have to say, myself and my gp think it maybe due to the Vitamin B1 (Muscles, nerves & brain).
I had been taking it for 3 months, after I learned it was good for Fibro suffers. Well when I finished the bottle I didnt think I had noticed any difference so didnt continue.
Hey ho....................I'm now poorly! Thanks to a fab and understanding gp, he has now put these on prescription for me.
UPDATE:
Feb 09' I am back taking Vitamin B1 and have to say that my Fibro pain has not been half as bad or even not present for a while now.
I would reccommend this is fellow Fibro sufferers.
Back pain is always present but only made worst by my actions, so hence walking in the latest weather conditions has been a no-no.
If I can tick over as I am at mo, I am one happy lady. :-))
April 09' Well it's been a while since I've had anything to update but recently I have been getting pins & needles, numbness and cramp in my left leg (below the knee) & foot and pain in my left leg (above the knee). Paid a visit to the gp who suspects sciatica now down the left side..................OH MY DAYS.....
Anywhow, I am still taking the Vitamin B1 and generally pacing myself which means I can be living a full life and doing what I want, when I want.
It is now over 2 years since diagnosed with a pro-lapsed disc and nearly 2 years with Fibro..........I think I'm getting the hang of it now, this in it's self mean's more happy days.......
I do feel guilty some days and also jealously for not working but if not working means I can enjoy the life I have, then so be it. Some things are worth keeping and my health & happiness are 2 of them. :-))
UPDATE:
Aug 09' I have just received a text from my friend to remind that it was our 3rd year anniversary. It was her children I was looking after when I hurt my back, while she was having surgery!!!
No change really, ticking along as I know how too now. All sorts of other things going on with my body but thats due to a mixture of the effects of the pro-lapsed disc and the Fibro.
I was working for the NHS as a Receptionist/ Telephonist for a Child & Adolescent Unit for over 11 years and working part-time for over 4 years in a local Pub behind the bar.
For 4 years I also did volunteer work for a disabled youth group and for many years I did a charity event of some sort, from abseiling to sky-diving, whether in a group or alone.
Over the years I have had various incidents where I have hurt my back, from car accidents to falling down a cellar but just carried on with life............................
It was Aug 06' and I was looking after my friends children.
I got up from a picnic bench and it was just like an elastic band had snapped! It was painful but I ignored it.
After a sleepness night of pain, I got to see my gp that morning.
I had sciatica!
Pain in my right buttock and right leg. Was given 2 weeks off work and had several treatments, Acupuncture, Bowen Treatment and massage. Was taking Paroxetine & Diazepam.
Sept 06' I have given up the bar work!!!!!!!!!!!
By Nov/ Dec 06' I was in complete agony, taking pain killers and was unable to concentrate on work. I was sent home, saw gp once again. I was reacting to the pain killers, it turns out I cannot take codeine. Bang goes all the strong pain killers and was left with Paracetol and Ibuprofen.
By working for the NHS, I was intitled to Occupational Health for staff.
Jan 07' Saw me having Acupuncture 3 times a week for pain relief. This was amazing once I had got pass the thought of having needles in me! lol
I was given a Tens Machine to use, but for me it made the pain worst.
Jan 07' I was referred to the back clinic, by this time I had loss the use/ feeling in my right leg from the knee down and could only feel 2 toes. At this point I was unable to drive or bearly walk, I could describe the feelings but did not refer to them necessarily as pain eg: pins & needles, numbness, heat, tiggling......................apparently this is all pain.
Referred for an MRI
Feb 07' First Mri Scan shows right side Pro-Lapsed disc L5/S1. Confirmed Sciatica and bladder disturbance (Unable to feel bladder filling). Surgery is discussed and I have decided to not have any. Maybe later down the line when I can no longer cope, I will think again.
Feb 07' Second Mri Scan showed no change and no evidence of Cauda Equina Syndrome, so get referred for an Epidural.
I am now seeing my gp on a weekly basis, he has mentioned the condition Fibromyalgia!
I have heard of this as a friend has it for many years but I cannot possiblily have it myself....................can I?
I'M BOOKED TO GO TO THE GAMBIA ON HOLIDAY ON MY OWN..............................YIPPEE (Has been booked for months)
April 07' Gp has told me I am not able to fly..................GUTTED
April 07' I have been referred to the Rheumatologist. Here I was diagnosed with Neuro-Dysfunctional Pain Syndrome with positive Fibromyalgia trigger points.
Started on 10mg of Amitriptyline at night, at present I take 30mg at night.
July 07' Went in for an Epidural, this was unsucessful and can have a 2nd if ever needed.
Oct 07' I'm now referred to a consultant for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome...............................this was proved to be correct.
Oct 07' I'm now off to see a consultant in Anesthetics & Pain Management. Here I learn that all the HADS questionaires I have been answering over the months have shown high levels of anxiety and I was never informed but in reality I knew this myself!
A referral to a Clinical Psychologist is made.
Oct 07' I have not given up job!!!!!!!!!
Nov 07'-Jan 08' I have had 3 sessions at the Pain Management Clinic. Here I learn about changes, pacing and how to help myself cope.
June 08' I have recieved confirmation from PALS after waiting a year that a course 'Learning to live with long-tern Illness' is up and running.
This was good as you met other people all with different illness' at different stages of acceptence.
You learn different technics of coping, relaxing and general everyday living tips.
June 08' It is now time for an Ultra sound, periods have stopped and bladder is weaker. Results show all is normal and blow me down with a feather my periods return!
During the above I have had Tonsilitis 6 times in 6 months, blood tests show I have abnormal liver function due to meds and body is struggling with infections.
July 08' My appointment for Clinical Psychologist has come through, by this time I go but know that it is no longer needed. I have worked out my needs, wants and worries for myself with the support of an excellent gp, friends and most importantly my family.
No follow appointment is needed.
July 08' I am referred to ENT.
Am told I can have my Tonsils out and 2 weeks later I am in having the op.
As I am writing this I am still recovering slowly thanks to getting an infection.
I have decided that my condition can live with me, rather than me live with it!
At present my life is pretty good, pain is always with me but that is me. Some days I give in to the pain and ride it out and other days I just carry on.
UPDATE:-
Sept 08' Well this month I am experiencing the unpleasantness of itching.
Gp has suggested reducing meds or stopping them all together.
If I stop them I'm scared of knowing what the extent of my pain is from Fibromyalgia, so have decided to reduce them.
This was ok for a couple of weeks, but the itching has returned!
While taking Amitripyline, there is no room for anti-hisimines! The side effects of both meds is much worst!!!!
Oh the joys...............................:-))
UPDATE:-
Oct 08' Have started to feel rather out of enlignment and have been referred again to the back clinic (Appt is 12th Dec), ideally I'm hoping for an MRI scan. It would be interesting to see what if anything has changed in the past year and whether surgery will still be suggested at this late stage. My original diagnosed pro-lapsed disc is now over 2 years old and still making it self present every so often!
Lets start the waiting game.............................................................
Dec 08' Attended hospital appt with the physio at Orthopeadics, who checked me over and found nothing out of place. How ever when I mentioned the choice of surgery!!...................The decision was made for me, in the fact that because I have Fibromyalgia, surgery would not be an option. This I have looked on the positive side off and realised that they have taken the decision away from me and I no longer need to think about it!............................................... HOORAH
UPDATE:
Jan 09' Well I have now got some kind of infection, this was only discovered because my Fibro pain peaked 2 nights ago.
This is the first time in a while I have been poorly and I have to say, myself and my gp think it maybe due to the Vitamin B1 (Muscles, nerves & brain).
I had been taking it for 3 months, after I learned it was good for Fibro suffers. Well when I finished the bottle I didnt think I had noticed any difference so didnt continue.
Hey ho....................I'm now poorly! Thanks to a fab and understanding gp, he has now put these on prescription for me.
UPDATE:
Feb 09' I am back taking Vitamin B1 and have to say that my Fibro pain has not been half as bad or even not present for a while now.
I would reccommend this is fellow Fibro sufferers.
Back pain is always present but only made worst by my actions, so hence walking in the latest weather conditions has been a no-no.
If I can tick over as I am at mo, I am one happy lady. :-))
April 09' Well it's been a while since I've had anything to update but recently I have been getting pins & needles, numbness and cramp in my left leg (below the knee) & foot and pain in my left leg (above the knee). Paid a visit to the gp who suspects sciatica now down the left side..................OH MY DAYS.....
Anywhow, I am still taking the Vitamin B1 and generally pacing myself which means I can be living a full life and doing what I want, when I want.
It is now over 2 years since diagnosed with a pro-lapsed disc and nearly 2 years with Fibro..........I think I'm getting the hang of it now, this in it's self mean's more happy days.......
I do feel guilty some days and also jealously for not working but if not working means I can enjoy the life I have, then so be it. Some things are worth keeping and my health & happiness are 2 of them. :-))
UPDATE:
Aug 09' I have just received a text from my friend to remind that it was our 3rd year anniversary. It was her children I was looking after when I hurt my back, while she was having surgery!!!
No change really, ticking along as I know how too now. All sorts of other things going on with my body but thats due to a mixture of the effects of the pro-lapsed disc and the Fibro.
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It's a superb site, great job Jude!, it's great to hear "normal" people talk about things as the Medics I've been listening to recently are just on another planet and I wonder f they do really know what it's like to live like this.
I've still to figure out how to do my page and give my story, I can only sit for short periods of time before I have to get up again and even then I feel, well, stoned all the time and find it difficult to concentrate. So forgive me if I wander or my messages are a bit short.
I'll get there....eventually.
Lovely to hear from you and try to keep your chin up!!
Andrew x
I've read your story, you've had a right time of it too. I've got an cancellation appointment this afternoon to go and see a Psychologist, I'm not sure what she'll actually do. I suppose she'll just want me to talk to her and tell her about my 20 months of hell. Will let everyone know what happens.
Bye for now,
Angela
Yeap weather is pants but at least being ill you dont mind being indoors! lol
I'm guessing you have read my story! That took hours this morning to write, I have come out the other side now and forget some things that have happened.
How are you doing?
Rx
I dont mind telling my story to you, it just seemed misery when I read it back.
I guess my mind has changed direction since it all began!
It is better sometimes when chatting as questions bring up things I may have forgot.
Hugs to you, Rx
Huge hugs hon, take care of yourself
Jude xxxxx
A HUGE BIG welcome to this social network, thank you so much for joining. Please feel free to tell us your story, start discussions, join in discussions, chat online, anything you like.
See you around hopefully
Love n hugs
Jude xxx