Heavens! This is just awful; I'm so sorry things are escalating like this, you can have all my spoons too (if only...). You need some of those adjustable suitcase belts, perhaps. Frogga, what is this? Is it the RSD or (sorry, can't remember the name) the loose joint condition?

I'm surprised at the alcohol helping - just because when I indulge, I get very severe leg/foot cramps the day after, tapering off over a few days, unfailingly. Major bore! The true meaning of cramping one's lifestyle.

I am wondering about this high epidural procedure; obviously you couldn't have had it this time, because of the exam. But in future, if you have nothing pressing, an early treatment might bypass some of the inexorable stages you go through. No? Am I talking through my hat? Probably.

I really hope your journey goes/has gone well, you're due for *a break*, as in "gimme a.."
xxxxx all the best