Oh Bram! You surely did not need that added stress. What happened? Ice? Downed power lines? We lose power several times per year sometimes for days, so I know how disruptive that can be. Ugh. Sit down NOW! You have probably done way too much already! Time for one of those epsom salts baths you are fond of (yup, I'm a believer too). Be welll

Oh Bram honey, I'm so sorry. Well... I suppose it is one for the memory books. Perhaps, once you've had some rest of course, you will be able to look back and smile. There comes a point when that is all there is left to do. I hope that you had an enjoyable visit with family in spite of it all.

Thanks Crimble Gang

Once we'd eaten and I'd had half an hour sat down, I managed to laugh about the Sod's Law monstrosity that was The Great Christmas Day Power Cut . I still can't quite believe it happened!! But I'm ok thank you, we played some sitting down card games etc afterwards and then watched some tv (feet elevated lol), and I'm not feeling too bad. Although for some reason I couldn't sleep much last night and kept waking up. Lol, probably my mind going 'why me?!'

How did your Christmas Days go? I hope you are all none the worse for the celebrations...

Bram

My Christmas was wonderful Bram. Had a great time with my boyfriend's family and aside from being tired...it was a really nice day. Had to be up at 1am today though so I could be at work at 3am (our store opened at 5am). Around 4:30am...I started getting really bad chest pains. I waited until the next manager got in around 6:45 and then I left to go to the ER.

Found out I have some inflammation around my heart and lungs. They did a bunch of tests and nothing serious showed up so they think it will clear up on its own in about a week or so. They want me to rest for the next few days (no working) and to take prescription strength anti-inflammatory meds. This pain is pretty brutal...like I'm being stabbed in the chest with every breath.

I spent 5 hours in the ER and both arms are flaring up now (the right one from the BP cuff and the left one from the IV...OUCH). I guess I got there at the right time because after I came in it sounded like all heck broke loose. But the doctors and nurses were all nice. The nurse had no idea what RSD/CRPS is...but listened to everything I explained and made notes on my chart for it. No one there made me feel bad about anything...which is unusual in my experience...but I wasn't there for my RSD pain so maybe that's why? Or maybe it was just a good crew. Either way...I really was happy with the care everyone showed even though I waited a long time in the room with no one checking in (several hours). They were clearly swamped and did a great job managing it all.

So now I am home...resting...and am hoping that these chest pains get better quickly. It's more than I think I can handle right now on top of the RSD...but I'll survive.

Catra, I hope you're feeling a bit better now

Your experience sounded exactly like mine a couple of weeks ago when I had to go to A&E with the same thing. Really scary chest pains, especially when breathing in. The doc there said it was my lungs and chest muscles kicking off because I had the flu. I spent two days after in bed just sleeping really and was totally out of it, but after that I started to come round again, although I felt weak for a while. If I could just shift the slight sniffles and sore throat feeling I'd be sorted!

Be very gentle with yourself for a wee while, and then gradually ease back into normality. Whatever you do, please don't try to push through it - the doc warned me that it can be nasty, and you don't want to get anything worse because you've tried to soldier on . Lungs and chests are tricky weak points at this time of year. Warmth and rest and lots of fluids and vitamins says Nurse Bram lol

Take care x

Bram.

Thanks Bram. It's still pretty bad despite the meds. I've been a good girl though...haven't left the couch since getting home except to get something to drink a couple of times. Even doing that aggravates the pain in my chest. I think if the pain is just as bad in the morning then I will follow up with my regular doctor.

Feel better Catra! Yup, I think this could take a while to go away. Lots of rest and at least 50 ounces of water per day. Don't push yourself. Allow yourself time to heal.

I already knew this about myself...but I really HATE sitting around doing nothing. It's killing me...

I hope you feel better soon Catra. Try to rest and take your meds and drink lots of water. I know I sound like a mom talking, but I'm just worried about you. My thoughts and prayers are with you in hopes that you feel better soon. From your friend, Renee.

Lol catra, couldn't agree more Try to sleep when you can... Hope you're feeling a little better today.

Bram.