Since last post I must apologies of not posting much this year so far. Time has just got away with me with every day things.

The year has not got off to a good start following a family funeral, an unexpected family illness and then the ups and downs of just life.

Boxing day and then just after New Year’s saw another diagnosis after suffering with severe chest infections over the winter months. Now along with Psoriatic rhuematoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and gout, ashma has now been added to the mixture. After doing the tests for 2 weeks as they say “evidence doesn’t lie”. The chart completed showed after using the pumps lungs got better so now I use a pump twice a day to relieve.

Currently noting down everything eat, drink and do as suffering with migraines which ease with food but no signs of issues with glucose etc. Aura usually have with a migraine has altered from left to right to now being bottom to top in BOTH EYES and not just left eye first 😢

Living with any chronic illness has its up and down days. I’m just extremely grateful for having an amazing hubby who understands, knows when not right and is there to help.

Yes we plan each month our food menus, plan holidays in our caravan but all these little things make life better.

So at the start of every month we try our utmost to do the full months batch cook of evening meals. With both working and school runs, doing anything to help with having a chronic illness is a massive help.

By batch cooking, only the pasta/rice/potatoes need to be done. So this cuts down the amount of time spent in the kitchen cooking each night and also makes sure we are all eating home cooked meals which are alot better than pre made meals.

Today started off as a usual work day with a occupational therapy appointment late afternoon.

Haven’t seen my therapist in a while and today was worth it. After being confirmed that have Osteoarthritis aswell as everything else. Being given a range of support for my hands is going to be a big help!!

Safe to say I now have a range of wrist supports to help with my day to day.

Well 4 weeks ago we adopted a 9 week old baby rabbit (kit)

Since having him I never thought how therapeutic looking after and spending time with him. Literally just sat there stroking him is so calming and relaxing.

When home from work we let him free roam in the house with his own little area to call his safe place. He’ll happily come up on sofa and relax calmly. Never realised this type of animal could be so affectionate and a relief with living with a chronic illness.

Well the last 10 days have been interesting.

Came down with Covid about 10 days ago and as due to living with an autoimmune disease, I am classed as vulnerable which in turn makes me eligible for the new anti viral medication.

The medication consisted of 30 tablets to be taken over 5 days. 3 taken in the AM and 3 taken before bed in the PM.

Yes unfortunately as per all medication side effects were experienced. Upset stomach and a horrible after taste at the back of the throat which only can explain as being metallic taste.

On the main 1st day of having Covid, my hubby was worried as I did not look good or as if I would become better with covid anytime soon. After taking this medication for 2 days, I did feel better in myself but the cough on the chest was still causing issues.

It took until the 4th day of taking this medication for the chest to ease and to have the pleasure of not coughing anymore especially during the evening which was the worst as it effected sleep.

Covid is not a nice experience when you have an autoimmune disease but without having the advantage of being able to take this medication, I feel that it would of taken longer that it has to overcome battling this virus.

Well since the pandemic started back in 2020 keeping away from crowded areas and wearing a mask, managed to not catch Covid 19.

Unfortunately after 2yrs have come down with the virus this week (Monday symptons started).

Safe to say that being immunosupressed due to RA, Fibromyalgia and the medication have to take. It has not been a pleasant experience.

My body has literally gone in to a flare all over, coughing fits with phlem on the chest. Chest literally feels like something is sat on it, similar to when have a chest infection.

As living in Wales and being immunesupressed I do qualify for the Antiviral medication which is to help at the start of symptons and reduce having to be hospitalised. It takes up to 48hrs for the NAVS (National AntiViral Service) to be in contact with you. They ask a few questions about what medication you take and when take it. For me I take Imraldi injection every two weeks but due to having Covid I’m not able to take my injection until I’m negative so possibility may be able to take injection next Friday

Will keep posted on how get on with the anti viral medication

Today started off as a usual work day with a occupational therapy appointment late afternoon.

Haven’t seen my therapist in a while and today was worth it. After being confirmed that have Osteoarthritis aswell as everything else. Being given a range of support for my hands is going to be a big help!!

Safe to say I now have a range of wrist supports to help with my day to day.

Does anyone find that having an autoimmune disease you have other issues?

Along with Psoriatic rhuematoid arthritis and fibromyalgia, I also suffer with IBS. Sometimes I know what triggers my stomach but I am stumped with what has caused my stomach to flare these last few days.

Have eaten minimal gluten products, hardly any dairy (lactose tolerant). Foods have been fresh fruits, fresh vegetables like salads with small amount of protein.

We have a week without our daughter while working so free every evening and I’m sat cuddle in a blanket on the sofa suffering with ibs. Instead of enjoying time together relaxing in the hot tub.

Well after a wisdom tooth removal last week, I had to miss my injection due to being auto immune suppressed.

It has been a week of antibiotics and have been told not to inject until this coming Friday.

Forgot how bad I get without no medication…..

Left wrist is OK but thumb not able to move. My right hand though can see from pictures that it is swollen.

Have had my wrist support on most of the day to help but have had to resolve to use my wax melt bath.

Like many people around the world, when you are immunosuppressed it means you are more at risk of suffering when you are unwell.

Back when the Coronavirus Vaccines became available I had the Astra-Zenica for my 1st and 2nd jab. 12 hours after the 1st jab I came down with side effects:- shakes, aches, washed out feeling and just wanting to be tucked up in bed. No side effects after the 2nd Astra-Zenica vaccine, the only thing I did feel was tired but to be honest when you live with a Chronic Illness you do feel consistently tired anyway.

Then 6 months after 2nd Vaccine had my 3rd Vaccine which this time was Pfizer and the same side effects as the first Astra-Zenica vaccine. Managed to do my shift in work while going down hill then spent 12 hours in bed after getting home at 6pm.

This week out of the blue had the call to go and have the 4th vaccine as not in work for a week, my thought was this is a perfect time after the experiences had with the previous vaccines. Moderna was my 4th vaccine and luckily the only side effects at present is fatigue along with a sore arm.