I went kayaking for the weekend and had started to notice some extra tiredness, as I was still in the relapse that started this whirlwind. I can usually drive North Wales to London, after a day of paddling, without a break. Not this time. For the first time in years we break half way. I had a nap at Corley services and am woken to find the car surrounded by a group of fellow paddlers – you know who you were 😉
I was to leave work at the end of March and that’s when my private medical insurance stopped so I was doing everything I could to get the lumbar puncture, needed to confirm the diagnosis, arranged before this.
At this time, I was struggling for words when I was tired, still having a numb and cold face and after I ran (staggered) I needed 5 minutes or so afterwards to do logical thought again.
I’m not recommending a lumbar puncture as a way to fill spare time but they are certainly not as scary as the you tube videos make them seem. My lumbar puncture was the day after my last day at work. I had no leaving drinks (no drinking before hand), but enjoyed a fantastic lunch.
I had the lumbar puncture at a rather fancy hospital, with toiletries worth pinching, close to Hyde Park. I chatted with the folk who will be doing the puncture, got changed into pressure stockings and a gaping gown and set to waiting for hours with nothing to eat or drink.
The lumbar puncture is performed under conscious sedation so you know where you are and what’s going on. I just remember feeling a pressing at the base of my back and having a chat about my tattoo. It really was one of the most untraumatic parts of this whole process.
Afterwards it was back to the room to lie, still, whilst the dura heals. If you are not still you can have a tear to the dura or a puncture which does not heal – that’s a whole different world of badness. I had not realised how long this being still would last and I really needed the loo. I hold out long enough and with no headaches I was allowed home to rest. My mum was visiting this weekend and the next week I had a 3 day canoeing trip planned (which the person who just did the lumbar puncture is rather sceptical about).
The day after I was up and went for a gentle walk with my mum and the dog over Hampstead Heath – 6 miles and no problems. Not supposed to do this.
Sunday, we went to investigate markets and I walked home with bottles of gin and beer. Hmmnn carrying heavy stuff is a no no.
Damn right I make it on that canoe trip, portaging, carrying bags and generally having an amazing time. We ended up here drifting past Lapwings putting on an amazing display for us. We did take it easy using AIRBNB instead of camping. Carrying canoe, clothes kit and paddling not recommended.
DizzyBlonde 