Labyrinthitis, Virus or We-have-no-clue-itis

So, I have been flitting back and forth between two Doctors at my local surgery, depending on which one is on holiday, working part time, etc etc, and neither can agree on a diagnosis of my persistent health issues. The balance problem has become worse, to the point where I can't walk in a straight line anymore. I have weird altered sensation in parts of my body, and I feel nauseous all the time. One of my physicians thinks it is a virus, the other thinks it is Labyrinthitis. I have been on three different types of medication, in addition to the antibiotics, and none have made a difference to my condition. One course of tablets I couldn't even complete because they gave me insomnia. I didn't sleep for 5 whole days!

I finally went to MIU at our local hospital. They didn't have a Doctor on call, so I had to get my mum to drive me to Shaftesbury hospital to see someone. Once again, a diagnosis could not be decided upon so she said that Doctor # 1 could be right with her diagnosis of a virus, and Doctor # 2 could be equally as right with her evaluation of Labyrinthitis. In other words, you don't have a freakin' clue! So it was a waste of my time, my mums time, the nurses time, and the Doctors time.

Now all I want to do is catch up on some much needed sleep. After not sleeping for so long I am cranky and starting to look like the living dead.

Labyrinth...itis

So as it turns out, my Doctor thinks I have something called Labyrinthitis. It affects the inner ear, therefore explaining my balance problems. My Doctor presribed some tablets for the Labyrinthitis as well as some antibiotics in case I have an infection of the inner ear. She has booked me in for blood tests too, which I am not looking forward to, since the last time I had blood taken, I nearly fainted.

Unfortunately, if it is Labyrinthitis, it means it is a reoccurring problem, and could come back at any time. Oh joy!

On a Merry Go Round

I have been suffering some weird balance problems over the last week and I can't figure out for the life of me what's going on. When I lay down the room starts spinning round and round and I feel nautious as hell. If I stand up too fast, or move my head too quickly, I get the same sensation and feel like I am going to fall over.

My cousin Tracy came to visit a few days ago, and on the day she left I started to feel very unwell and went to bed, which is unusual for me considering it was 4 p.m. I slept until 9 p.m. and woke up feeling absolutely awful. I could barely walk and only just managed to make it into the bathroom before being sick. I have made an emergency appointment to see my Doctor, but as is always the way, I am starting to feel better today.

Christmas Review and Yet Another New Year

Well, our family Christmas was rather subdued yet again. With Kevin away on civilian duties for his second Christmas in a row, we didn't really feel in the mood for any sort of celebration. Rather than the traditional English fare of roast turkey, brussel sprouts, stuffing and a mound of other veg, we had am Italian Christmas lunch this year, consisting of homemade lasagne, tomato baked chicken, lots of salad and made-from-scratch tiramisu.

I did make a Christmas cake this year, but I forgot to photograph it. I was somewhat disappointed with my efforts in the cake department, it turned out to be very flat. Just as well I don't eat it I suppose, but the family liked it.

New Years Eve and New Years Day were equally uneventful. On New Years Eve, I wasn't in the mood for a night on the town, so I had a glass of wine, toasted in the New Year and went to bed. I think hitting 30 has had a calming effect on me, I no longer like crowds and music so loud my ears bleed, and I have never been one to get so drunk I can't remember my own name, so it was the perfect New Years Eve. Boring yes, but just what I needed. New Years Day was a family affair with a few aunts, uncles, cousins and friends stopping by to say hello and chew the cud. All in all it was a quiet day with lots of laughs and catching up, my favourite kind.

Now I am looking ahead to what 2009 will throw at me. So far things are off to a slow start. I need to get back to looking for a job, finding a place of my own and getting myself settled again, in that order. I hope, for my sanity's sake, it won't take too long.

Care Package - Afghanistan

My brother is currently in Afghanistan working in a civilian capacity. Since I am not working at the moment, and I have an abundance of time on my hands I decided to put together a care package to remind him of home comforts. Not only did it keep me busy for quite some time, I know it will make his day.



Back row l to r: Homemade Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti, Cake Mix Chewy Chocolate Smartie Cookies, Homemade Spicy Cashew Nuts

Middle: Homemade Hot Chocolate Mix

Front row l to r: Homemade Fudge, Bombay Mix, Marshmallows for Hot Chocolate Mix

All packaging and labeling was designed and made by me using Photoshop CS3 and a selection of cardstock and Christmas themed scrapbook paper.

Brown paper bag, tea tin and small tins at the front are courtesy of Papertrey.
The tall tin at the back is a recycled shortbread container.
The two medium sized tins are recycled Golden Syrup and Black Treacle tins.

Birthday Girl - BLEH

Ugh! Today I turn 30 whole years old. Another birthday spent on my own with no prospect of things changing before I turn 31. I know I should be more positive, but I firmly believe I was Eeyore in a former life, so pessimism comes so naturally.

On the Move

This will be my last post for a while. My internet is being disconnected tomorrow in preparation for the move on Saturday. Yup, it's goodbye Wales, hello England. I can't wait to get my stuff packed into the van and stick two fingers up at my psycho neighbour.

I am going to miss my cousin and her kids, but I know where they are and I can still visit, but it won't be for at least six months. I need to put this place well and truly behind me.

My boxes are packed and I am just tying up the last few loose ends. Roll on Saturday, it can't come soon enough!