Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Get a haircut, get a real doctor
Actually, while that title was supposed to be a take on the line "get a haircut, get a real job", it also describes exactly what I have done since I last posted here. Of course I have done a LOT more than that, but I have done those two things. The haircut was the easy bit, I just waltzed into my sisters' hairdresser's place and said "Do whatever you like with it!" (both my sisters have amazing haircuts). She did and I still love it.Going to see a new doctor was a harder thing. I have been umming about it for literally a year or more, mostly because the initial consultations with this new doctor are exhorbitantly expensive (think daylight robbery, then double it), which really put me off. But now that I have been there 4 times, I know i'm getting what I paid for, and have no regrets about ditching my other doctor, who seems like a fraud (was a fraud when it comes to treating chronic fatigue syndrome) by comparison.
The doctor I see now has taken a totally scientific approach to determining my symptoms, and what treatments will best alleviate those symptoms. In addition he seems to keep up with current pratice and try to actively continue to better his own practice, rather than resting on his laurels (which, given the number of thankyou cards with photos of people bushwalking abd rockclimbing, he could well do). He has put me on a whole suite of meds, which I would usually not be comfortable with, but for the fact that he has explainned why each of them is important and what symptoms they will affect. And they're working. I have overdone it a few times since I started the meds, but I've only had one in-bed day, whereas by rights I should have had many.
I am going to try to revive this blog, as I can see there's still a bit of interest despite my blatant neglect for the last few months. I won't be posting too often, but I will try for once a week. Hope you're all staying happy, and as healthy as you can.
Labels: CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, doctors, haircut, medication
Posted by Ellie at 10:28 AM
Monday, March 24, 2008
Busy bee
Hi All,
I've been puting off writing this post because I had hoped to come back to regular blogging. But I have been and will probably continue to be run off my feet with uni and life in general. Yes - this means I am doing fairly well at the moment. I guess I think less about CFS when I am well-ish and so I have less to say too. While it's good for me to get some CFS-free headspace, it's not so good for maintaining a steady flow of interesting blog posts.
Which is why I have decided to take a proper break for a few months. Normal transmission will resume in July, but until then I will be focussing on my work and then taking a month-long break in Europe.
I wish you all improving health in the meantime.
Catch you in July!
Labels: blogging, break, CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome
Posted by Ellie at 6:36 PM
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Tired but wired
Haven't been sleeping well. Don't know why, but suspect this might have something to do with it. My favourite author as a child has just released the 5th book in a series she has been writing for over 20 years. I started reading the book about 19 years ago, and have been hanging for this book for about 7 years now. I bought it finally a few days ago and I think maybe it's gotten under my skin. Seems I have been reading every second I can sapre (and an awful lot I shouldn't have) and have (coincidentally? perhaps not) not been sleeping well. Now it's finished perhaps I can resume normal(ish) sleeping habits.
Sweet dreams.
Labels: CFS, chronic fatigue syndrome, reading, sleep
Posted by Ellie at 3:48 PM
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Heath Ledger
As fan, and as a young Australian of a similar age to actor Heath Ledger, I was shocked and very sad to hear of his death. Assuming accidental death by overdose or adverse reaction to a drug (which is jumping the gun a bit given the coroner's report isn't conclusive yet), it's also a frightenning reminder of how dangerous over the counter drugs can be.
I first saw Heath Ledger in Two Hands - a great Australian movie (see it if you get a chance, it's shot in my old stomping ground - the Cross), then fell in love with him in 10 Things (a favourite for me because of the sisterly relationship in it). I've avidly followed his career since then and have a heap of respect for his acting. It's so sad to see such a talented young man die with so much still to live for.
RIP Heath. I'll miss your smile and presence gracing the silver screen.
Labels: death, heath ledger
