On the mend…

Well, Blipper Jamjar was right and I owe her an apology! I set my alarm for 7am this morning with the intention of attempting to shower, dress and head off to A&E. I couldn’t place my scalded foot on the floor without shrieking. How I thought I would ever get trainers on let alone be able to leave home unaided, I don’t know. Stubborn old mare that I am!

Anyway, after dousing the burn with antiseptic spray at 11.30pm last night after running it under the shower and uttering various sweary words (have put pic in extra in case anyone is squeamish about cuts/wounds/blood/ugly feet!), I resolved to get up early today and get it looked at as I was getting increasingly anxious about it becoming infected in spite of my first aid skills. 

I rang 111 at 7.45am and got through in three minutes - have never known that to happen, I have only used 111 about four times in my entire life though and one of those times was on behalf of a close friend who was struggling with their mental health and was in crisis.

I spoke to the call handler, a really pleasant but exhausted male nurse and then a female doctor and explained that my fibromyalgia and joint hypermobility make mobility difficult at the best of times. I could hardly put any weight on it and am still hobbling. I couldn’t afford taxi fares and although I have a disabled bus pass, I gave in and accepted I could not get on and off two buses and walk in between. I don’t use a walking stick or crutches but I wish I had some - might have to see about that going forward to retain my independence.

The doctor was very understanding of both my physical health, the injury and the fact that my mental health has not been great in recent months due to my fibromyalgia pain and other life stressors. She agreed to send out a district nurse to pay a home visit for which I am beyond grateful. I was really worried it was going to get infected as it was very angry and red when I woke up.

The district nurse arrived about 11am and examined, cleaned, cooled and bandaged my foot in less than ten minutes. She was really compassionate, so refreshing after my previous negative experiences. I have had some really good GPs and consultants for my asthma and my fibromyalgia over the years but I have to say, nurses have been better to me than doctors over the years.

I think they deserve the pay rise they’re asking for. I also think there are a lot of nurses in the profession who are not nurses with a vocation which I find sad. I think it takes a very special type of person to be a nurse.

Ironically, I slept like a log!  I think it was the combination of the new fibro meds, the paracetamol I have been taking every four hours for the burn pain and the fact that I am just generally shattered. I am looking forward to gettting off meds for my fibromyalgia as soon as I can - I really hope I can achieve that. I’m still going ahead with the online energy healing session later this week and hopefully my foot will be rested enough for me to finally get my eyes tested and attend my talk therapy appointment.

Feeling pretty washed out but relieved that the wound is not infected and it has encouraged me to refresh my first aid skills as soon as I am feeling better. I think it’s more important than ever that we all know first aid, especially given how under pressure the NHS is at present and I doubt it will abate any time soon.

I have done my Duolingo for the day and very pleased with 93% - a good pain distraction. Blipping early today as I’m needing to rest tonight.

The district nurse told me to ring my GP surgery tomorrow to arrange a nurse appointment for Thursday to get my dressing changed and get a prescription for some burns healing cream. Showering is going to prove a bit of a challenge - a lot of plastic and cling film will be required!

I hope you’ve all had a good Tuesday, thanks as always for all your kind comments, stars, hearts and foot care advice! :) xx

P.S. I promise no more ugly foot selfies from tomorrow! :P

P.P.S. Dear Universe, I am hoping the rest of January will behave itself, no dramas, no injuries, no more stresses - fingers crossed! xx