Laser Acupuncture - Gastroparesis Update

Heyy Heyy Heyy

<3

How are you all? It's been a little while since I last posted. Do you forgive me??

Well, since we last spoke I have had the first session of the laser acupuncture. Unfortunately, it can take 3/4 times of doing it before you truly know whether it is going to work for me. Which, at £100 a time - quite frankly sucks!! But hey, at this stage I will try and pay just about anything! 

Never heard of laser acupuncture? Me neither until I was told to give it a try! You don't feel a thing at all. It was on a low dose the first time for about 30minutes. This treatment is fairly new in the UK and was first done in Canada. It's hard to explain what it looked like so I've found some pictures to show you as best I can because... well I just didn't think to take pictures there at the time HAHA It was at 8:15 in the morning and I DO NOT do mornings well. Not a morning person to say the least.

 

It's kind of like a belt pack buckle or something. I don't quite know where I was going with that appalling description but you know. All of us (my parents were with me) had to wear special protective googles which were super sexy to protect our eyes. The laser isn't harmful on the cells or body for the most part but they can be for your eyes. The idea of the laser is that they help the cells grow and repair. It initially helps reduce pain and in the long run if you keep having the treatment it can potentially help repair nerves/muscles. As per normal though, Gastroparesis is well.... let's just say difficult so we have no idea whether it will help at all or do nothing like everything else has so far. The Specialist doing it did say that it could make you worse for a day or two after or give relief or do nothing. He was hopeful for any difference be it good or bad because it would show it was having some impact. Sometimes things get worse before they get better and in this instance it could be the same kind of idea. Nothing really happened the day I had it to be honest aside from getting the hiccups a LOT. Literally about 12 times in that one day. The day after, I still had the hiccups more frequently than I normally would but not as much as the day before. Yesterday (I had the laser acupuncture on Thursday) I had a really rough day with pain. I don't know if this is all just coincidence or related especially as he said if it got worse it would be the same day or maybe the one after. Who knows. Apparently no-one when it comes to this stupid, horrible, painful, frustrating, life changing, scary condition. And that's just getting started. I'm so fed up right now of the pain and what my life has come to because of it. Things that I loved doing, I just don't have the energy to do and therefore don't even want to do them anymore. Been quite emotional lately about everything if I'm honest. If this doesn't work.... I just, I don't know ...

I have another appointment to have another session of it done again on Thursday 31st October, so I guess we shall see if that shows any signs of helping or not. The specialist really didn't say whether he though it'd help or not. He didn't want to promise or say anything and then it not happen because he just doesn't know. Due to the fact it is a condition where such little is known about it, we have no freaking idea whether it'll help. Even just a little bit where the edge is taken off would be a huge thing right now. Just something.... anything!! It is only a few days away now from being 1 year since I got the pacemaker and to be quite honest, I don't really feel any better since having it pain wise especially. Nausea wise, it's okay-ish now that it's back on the higher setting alongside with my mediation. If I skip an anti-sickness tablet... BOY DO I KNOW ABOUT IT!!

BLAHHHHHHHHHHHH - that is how I feel right now. Everything just seems like such an effort to do because I have no energy. Work takes all the energy I do have leaving me none to have a life. Even making youtube videos now.... Sitting down talking to a camera and then editing it on my laptop doesn't sound like hard work or energetic, but apparently it is. Lying in bed just watching something is much easier. I've just gotten through an entire season of a programme called "Twisted" in about 2 or 3 days I think it was. On the plus, I really really like the show - so I'm kind of glad I came across that one and decided to give it a watch HAHA. If you have any good shows, please be sure to let me know HAHA!! 

Well, that's all for now. 

Question for the post - What are you dressing up as for Halloween this year? (For those of you who are dressing up of course)

Speak to you all soon

Stay Strong

<3

BEAUTY POST: Get Ready With Me : Skin Care

Heyyyy There Guys

I thought I'd give my first beauty/youtube kind of related post a shot at long last. And I have the perfect thing to start with. Following on from my 'Get Ready With Me' video I posted last week and a brand new one that has been posted today following on from last weeks, I thought it would be a cool idea to share my skin care products with you in a little more detail with prices and my thoughts on them. So, shall we hop on in? 

Where do I start.... hmmm let's start from the beginning - usually a good place to start eh?

Starting with removing my make up so thinking about it that's actually kind of backwards but when have I ever done things the normal way in all fairness. 

£4.99 from Boots

As I wear waterproof mascara and eyeliner as my everyday eye makeup, I found wipes were just to rough. I have super sensitive eyes so I was very wary of trying a liquid remover. However, the L'Oreal Paris Absolute Eye & Lip Makeup Remover is just fantastic. It takes off all eye makeup including waterproof products in just a few gentle sweeps across the eye on a cotton pad. Costing at around £4.99 from places such as boots, it is the perfect product that is so easy to get hold of at an affordable price. It is now a must have product for me.

£3.25 from Boots

After that I like to get that skin makeup off. I used to be awful at taking makeup off and night. I was so lazy but now I can't go to bed with it on. My skin thanks me for it. I love using the Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes. I find them so refreshing and my skin really gets on well with them. They have so much goodness in them so I am all for them.  They are usually at the price mark of around £3.25 however I love to stock up on them when they have the two for £4 offers. Way cheaper - means more makeup for me :P

£4.99 from Boots

To ensure I get all that makeup off my face, I follow up with the L'Oreal Paris Skin Perfecting Purifying Miscellar Solution. What a mouthful that was HAHA. This is well known in the beauty blogging world as a great dupe for the beloved Bioderma but at a much more affordable price as well as much easier to get hold of here in the UK. Priced at £4.99 I can honestly say you are onto a winner and it helps keep my skin so clear and clean. It's always so refreshing as is gentle enough to sweep over your eyes. And boy does that feel good first thing in the morning :). 

£3.50 from Boots

I usually use this product whilst I am in the shower as I just don't like the feeling of splashing water all over my face in the morning or evening. I don't know why - I'm weird... I know. This for me is an old classic staple product for me. I have been using this for years and still absolutely love it and so does my skin. My skin can be quite oily at times but as this is an oil free product it helps control the oil without adding more into the equation. The Clean&Clear Deep Action Cream Cleanser is priced at £3.50 in places such as Boots or Superdrug. It comes out as thick cream and spreads so nicely whilst giving a cooling affect on you face whilst it's on and doesn't dry your skin out. It's very gentle as well so doesn't cause redness on my skin after. Another bonus in my books. 

£16.50-£25 from Boots

This is another product that I have used for years now. It is part of the Clinique 3 Step Facial Routine. I do have the Cleanser, Toner & Moisturiser but I'm not a huge fan of the daily cleanser if I'm honest. I don't feel like it really cleans my face. I like the moisturiser and tend to go back and forth to it every so often. The Clinique Toner In Number 3 For Oily Skin however, is my absolute favourite. I haven't found a product I like as much and that actually seems to work. It's not the cheapest product on the market and is priced between £16.50 to £25 depending on the size you have. I couldn't imagine not having it in my daily routine so thankfully each bottle does last a while as you don't use that much product in one go. 

 Hey, every girl deserves at least one higher end product... right? Who's with me? 

£5.95 from Superdrug

 The last step in my skin care routine for both morning and night is the Palmers Cocoa Butter Daily Calming Facial Lotion. This is a fairly new find for me but I absolutely fell in love with it from the very first time using it. There was such a noticeable difference from only one use. My skin is very sensitive and often can get quite red after taking makeup off or just through the day but this has literally been a life saver. You only need a pea size amount as it spreads extremely well, so the £5.95 bottle from Superdrug lasts for what seems like an eternity - which I am NOT complaining about. Not only does it take down the redness but it seems to help even out the skin tone as well as moisturise your skin and I'm pretty sure it helps keep my skin clear as well, even though it doesn't say it does that. So, if i was to describe this product in 4 words, I would say that it is a GENIE IN A BOTTLE. It grants all my skin care wishes. I honestly can't rave about this product enough. The difference it has made to my skin since using it is unbelievable. Who said high end products were always the way forward?

I use the L'Oreal Paris Miscellar Solution, Clinique Toner and the Palmers Cocoa Butter Daily Calming Facial Lotion twice a day. I use them when I first wake up before applying any makeup or even if I am having a makeup free day and then use them in the evening after taking makeup off or before bed. I am so in love with this skin care routine and it is truly the first one that has actually kept my skin nice and clear even during that girly time of the month. I have the odd break out here and there which is to be expect partly due to my health and partly because.... it's just life unfortunately. 

Be sure to check out both videos (by clicking here) that show you how I apply and use these products as well as my general routine such as hair, makeup, bath and clothes. Be sure to comment on the videos saying my blog sent you and it'll be like some super duper bloggers connection thing that we will have going on. Okay, I have no idea what I just said but that is ok by me. 

That is all for today. I hope you found this useful and be sure to let me know what you think of these products if you've tried them or if you do try them. I'd love to know your thoughts on them.

Until next time.... 

Stay Strong

<3

A Specialist Who Actually Cares?? - Gastroparesis Update

Heyy Guys

How's you all doing? 

I've had a pretty rough weekend to be quite honest. It has been pretty darn suckish! I spent Saturday in bed pretty much which might sound appealing to some but after 2 years of having many bed days and feeling pretty darn crappy is .... well..... crappy! As much as I have always loved a good lay in, feeling super sick and in pain isn't my idea of the perfect weekend lay in. To be perfectly honest, the medication that I'm trying now doesn't seem to be doing anything as of yet. My mood has dropped but the pain specialist confirmed today that he isn't at all surprised by that as I stopped the last medication straight away due to side affects rather than ween my way off it slowly. It was within the anti-depressent family at a very low dose that then just works as a muscle relaxant which we had hoped would help the spasming muscles. We all know that wasn't the case! 

I had my appointment with my specialist today and he turned the pacemaker back up to the settings it was on before he turned it down. It pulses for 3 seconds and off for 2 I think? I don't remember to be honest, I could have just made that up and got all my numbers wrong though as I was a tad emotional during the appointment today. I think it was a mixture of extreme tiredness from not sleeping and not having energy from not eating & drinking along with being very fed up and weak now and my emotions just got the better of me today. I went straight to work after my appointment and just really was not there in soul just body. I didn't want to talk to anyone which is hard being that I work in customer service HAHA. I felt like I was going to burst into tears at any point and just yeah, wasn't feeling it is an understatement. Not a happy bunny and been in a lot of pain today again from the moment I woke up which is just so frustrating considering I haven't eaten anything today and had half a

The Most Amazing Family ( Picture from 2010 - I think :P )

cup of drink and its 9:30pm (well it was when I typed this part.... ). I'm just going through that time that I'm super fed up and tired and emotional and feel like I can't fight it and deal with it all anymore. I'm starving and want to eat so badly but I can't. I know the consequences of eating anything especially with the bad pain I'mm in from practically just breathing air :( It was nice to find out though that my specialists secretary called my dad on this afternoon as requested by my specialist as he wanted to make sure I was ok because he was worried because I was crying and down in the dumps when I saw him this morning. I thought that was really nice of him. I can't say I have ever had any Dr or Specialist ever be worried or care like that to check up on me later that day. It kind of regained my faith in him caring about me rather than just seeing me as another project to work on if that makes sense. I don't know but it made me feel good. I'm super lucky to have amazingly supportive parents who are both doing anything they can whether it be hassle my pain specialist to help me have a 'break period of pain' to get my strength up or just there for a good old cuddle and shoulder to cry on giving supportive positive vibes and stuff like that. Without them I probably would have given up a LONG time ago. So if either of you happen to be reading this.... I LOVE YOU BOTH TO THE MOON AND BACK AND COULDN'T ASK FOR BETTER PARENTS <3! 

Other than feeling pretty crappy not much else has changed. My specialist did mention to us today about Laser Acupuncture. He reckons it could potentially help with the pain and nausea and doesn't involved any needles.... Thank FFFFFFFF for that. We are looking into that and what it all involves and outcomes etc and maybe I'll give it a try... I'd try going to the moon if it would help to be fair! I shall keep you all updated with what happens with that and whether I try it or not etc. 

For now though, I think I am going to go and curl back up into a ball on my bed with my headphones in and music blaring and hide away from the world. Maybe even have a good cry and let it all out... assuming I can do that as crying does make pain worse and the pain level is pretty high right now as it is :( 

Sees you all later

Stay Strong

<3

And The Tiredness Hits... - Gastroparesis Update

Good Evening/morning/afternoon to you all 

(Where do you all live? Let me know in the comments)

I figured that it was that time once again to share some lovin' with you all. I am however being gassed out by my dog right now.... what is wrong with his back end tonight... so gross and probably wayyyy to much information BUT remember... 'Sharing Is Caring' :D

Anyway, getting back to what I was going to say HAHA... So last post, I was telling you about my nice 10 hour shift. Well, I completed it... I may have been delusional after from the tiredness BUT I did finish it in one piece. I did however get home and attempt to dry my hands before washing them because I was just so tired HAHA. Gave my parents a good laugh if nothing else though. The last few days since, I have been so very tired and in a lot of pain as per usual. The medicine that he gave me that I remembered the name of is called 'Tizanidine'. I am on an extremely low dose as the pain specialist is being super cautious as my body seems to be very sensitive to new medicines at the moment. The hope is to slowly increase it and pray it helps even just a little bit and that my body doesn't reject it or make me ill from it AGAIN! 

I am seeing my main specialist on Tuesday morning where he will be turning my pacemaker settings back up to the higher one as I have noticed a big difference since it was turned down and it's not the kind of different that is for the better.... lets just put it that way! It's been a tough few days with moments where I wasn't sure I would be able to complete my shift with my manager asking if I needed to go home and she would cover me (and end up doing a 15 hour shift.... there is more chance of me eating a 4 course meal and keeping it down with no pain than me giving in to my body and letting her do a 15 hour shift ... I'm way too stubborn LOL). I have a day off tomorrow YAY so I plan to rest up lots, catch up on unwatched programmes and Youtube videos and visit a fellow Gastroparesis Sufferer Friend who is currently in hospital. So I shall go keep her company for a bit and we can have a laugh and proper catch up. It's always refreshing and really nice to talk to and hang out with people who can relate and actually really understand how you are feeling because they are going through it too. No matter how much a friend or family member or anyone else tries to understand how we feel.... they just can't fully because they are not physically living it the same way we are. 

Anywho, that is all for now folks. I just uploaded a brand new Youtube Video so CLICK HERE to go watch it :) don't forget to subscribe and thumbs up it if you like it/want more!! :) 

I hope you are all doing well and starting to wrap up warm as the weather is beginning to get rather chilly... at least here in the UK anyway!! 

Well, Bye for now :) 

Stay Strong 

<3

Injections, Starbucks Cookies, Full Time & Stuff - Gastroparesis Update

Well HELLOOOOO There wonderful people

How are you all doing today? Having a good weekend so far?

I figured it was about time to give you all a little update once again. Lets start on the good stuff. The toe is on the mend FINALLY!! It's almost there.. not quite - but almost and almost is better that no where near.

On a not so good but normal kind of note, my stupid, unfriendly stomach and body. The last medication I told you about that I was being tried on has had to be stopped. I was getting way too many side affects. Literally the majority of the side affects list and quite badly too. I have now been put on yet another medication to try, which as per usual, I can't remember the name of it to save my life. My bad - what can we do haha!! So, I'll get back to you on that :) Forgive me? Mr Pain Dr also gave me another injection but this time it was only with the local anaesthetic, not the cortisone steroid as well. It was to give me some relief that night so I could try get some food down me. It was also for his benefit to work out ideas and such based on whether it has any affect and if so what affect and for how long etc. Did it give any relief? HAHAHA who are we kidding. You and I both could have written that down on a card and sealed it for someone else to see once the injection had been done. It gave a slight bit of relief the day after like it usually would like first thing in the morning but as soon as I ate or moved around, BAMMM it hit. 

YUMMY MILK CHOCO CHIP

Raspberry & White Chocolate

On an even worse note, Starbucks has come out with new cookies (I work at Starbucks) and these cookies are sooo yummy. I am a sucker for a good cookie. The stomach..... not such a fan. I have been literally 'risking it for a chocolate biscuit'. Unfortunately, I've definitely been on the losing end of the risk =[ It tasted good though and I'm sure all the ones to come will.... hey, if it tastes that good and it's in the form of a cookie.... the stomach is going to have to suck it up and deal with it. I am not going to let it take my cookies away too. I'll just have to suck it up and cope with the pain for the cookie (or half a cookie that I can manage)!! So far so good with the supervisor position. The tiredness of the full time is beginning to hit me a bit but because my boss has kept my days off split so that I work a couple days and then have a day off to rest, work a few and off and so on it hasn't been too bad just yet. It's slowly catching up with me and so is the pain and nausea but for now, I'm doing ok. Loving having the power HAHA who wouldn't??

YAY MAKEUP :D so excited!

On a pretty FABULOUS note, I won a mini contest thing (that I don't really remember entering nor winning but who cares) with Maybelline Makeup. The prize? FREE MAKEUP!! Every girls dream. After a hard day work and pain as usual, get home and handed a GOLD ENVELOPE that came in the post to find not one, not two, not three BUT FOUR bits of makeup by Maybelline. As you can imagine, being that I LOVE my makeup and beauty and all that good stuff, I was... well.... MADE UP haha!! If any of you beauty lovers would like a review on any of the products either on Youtube or here be sure to let me know :) 

Well, that's all for now. I'm off to bed as I have a nice long 10 hour shift tomorrow. Longest shift in about 2 years... should be interesting. Wish me luck!! My sleeping is pretty non exsistant so if you are bored in the middle of the night, you know my links to come chat with me :) keep me company LOL!! YOLO

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR THE SUPPORT SO FAR - can't believe I am almost as 1000 page views already.... INSANE <3

Question of the post: What is the one food item that you can't help but eat and are a sucker for? Let me know in the comments below!! 

Over and out :) 

Stay Strong 

<3