As 2021 is coming to a close, I like to take time to reflect on my writing year. I’ve so enjoyed blogging plus writing articles for The Mighty. I launched my Podcast in 2020, Medical Musings With Sam, which has proved to be a wonderful way to bring my blog posts to life. Thank You! So this … Continue reading Reviewing My Writing Year….Thank You For Reading, Sharing and Listening!
I was once called "Stoic" when I was working, because of the way I got on with my chronic health issues without fuss. I was always cheerful, smiling and putting others first. I kept working full time with this stoic attitude and nature, until my body physically would no longer let me. Even with a … Continue reading Stoic or Stupid?
On the 14th October 2021, after 5 weeks bed bound in hospital, due to my “acute” spinal collapse and bone disease progression, I was finally allowed home. I was sent home via ambulance as my condition hadn't improved. I still couldn't sit or stand for more than 2 minutes at a time. Walking with a … Continue reading Overwhelmed and Under Prepared
Some challenges in life hit us so hard, as we never saw them coming. Such challenges don't allow us the luxury of preparing ahead of time. They give no warning. They simply arrive! My "acute" spinal collapse , would prove to be one of the hardest challenges I have ever faced, and I've documented a … Continue reading Hard Work In Hospital
A week ago I had yet another spinal MRI, my second in three months. Something new happened on the left side of my lumbar spine a few weeks ago, which caused a massive increase in my disability. I can no longer stand for more than 5 or 10 mins at a time, even using aides, … Continue reading An Honest Chat With My Specialist….It Just Can’t Be Fixed!
I thought I was pacing at a level which couldn't possibly get any slower. My last blog post gave you a Peek Through My Window Of Pain. It details how slowly I need to move, how limited my physical functionality is. Despite my limitations, I have been comfortable with my daily routine, with my ability … Continue reading My Burst Bubble Of Contentment
Pain can’t just be ignored. Disease can’t just be ignored. People with disease and pain can’t just be forgotten. I’m not alone in suffering horrific daily pain. So many in society struggle every day. Some manage to work or interact with the wider community in some way. Others like me, live a permanently reclusive life … Continue reading A Peek Through My Window Of Pain
I can cope with most things about my disability. I'm not saying it's easy, it's far from easy. I have though, over the years, developed a toolkit of chronic disease management strategies which I've written about previously. These help me greatly on a daily basis: My Chronic Disease Management PlanBody Behaving Badly) My pain is … Continue reading Sleepless Night Strategies
I love life's little challenges. I love problem solving and turning obstacles into opportunities. I love putting a positive spin on what would otherwise be a very negative situation. I've always done this, both in my personal and my working life. So, chronic disease really wasn't going to change my approach to finding a way … Continue reading The Non Negotiable Chronic Illness Rule
It’s no secret I love writing. Throughout my career the thing I loved the most was communication, both written and verbal. To me communication is about connecting, making connections, renewing connections, allowing people into my life. It's certainly been my goal with blogging and writing articles, for a number of publications, including The Mighty. My … Continue reading Dear Diary…..
My Medical Musings 