Day 25 - Toc Time Again

I have an infusion every 4 weeks.  The drug is called toculizumab and is part if the biologics family of medications.  These drugs have changed peoples lives and have certainly changed mine.  I've been on several biologics over the last 11 years, all with different degrees of success, but this drug is the one that has had the most impact and has made me feel the most human.

The infusion takes around and hour and, so far, I've had no side effects.  I have to have bloods done just before the infusion just to make sure I'm well enough to have the drugs as it's quite powerful.

I've had a bit of a rough day at the hospital today.  Whilst the nurses were dong their usual checks my blood pressure was very high.  The nurses were unable to start the infusion until my blood pressure came down and unfortunately it didn't.  The nurses called the doctor in to see me and he asked a few questions about my surgery.  He decided the blood pressure was due to the pain in my knee and also the fact that I take steroids and said it was ok to go ahead with the medication.

Unfortunately the infusion was stopped halfway through because I had a very dry throat and a bit of a cough.  The nurses were reluctant to start it again as my blood pressure was still far too high but they eventually decided that I'd be ok to have the last few mls.

At the end of it all my blood pressure was still high so I had to wait, the nurses wanted me to stay in hospital over the weekend which I didn't really want to do.  Thankfully, after a while, my blood pressure came down and I was able to leave the hospital.

So today's photo is my infusion site.  Not for the squeamish but this is my life.

Day 21 - Bye Bye Blackbird!

I took this and I just love it.  It's probably all wrong in the photography world but I think it's great.

Day 19 - Come on you Baggies!

My offering for day 19 is my Albion scarf. I spent the evening knitting it whilst listening to the match on the radio.  I'd planned to go but it was far to slippy and cold for someone with a new knee.

My scarf is nearly finished.  It's random blue and white stripes.  I will crochet the ends together so it wraps round easier and it will keep me warm when I'm at the football.

Day 17- Before and after!

Two weeks ago today underwent I my second total knee replacement.

Two weeks on, the dressings are off I'm feeling much better, I'm almost ready to face the world.  I know it's a long recovery, I've done it before, which is why I want to share it with you.

The photos aren't great, I'm too tired to take a better one, but this is a before and after shot.  I wanted to show you all my straight leg.

Day 16 - Coffee Anyone?

I've just finished knitting this coffee cosie. It's a present for a friends birthday.

Day 15 - Sack the Manager!

On day 15 my beloved West Bromwich Albion got knocked out if the FA cup. This news is not bad news as teams prefer to concentrate on the league, it's just bad that we've been knocked out by a team that are far below us in the table.

Just to confirm, I don't really want the manager to be sacked, I just couldn't think of a better title.

Day 12 - Last day of injections

Today was the last day I had to inject myself with a drug called Clexane.

Clexane is used to prevent blood clots in the legs which are common when you're not moving around much.  I had to inject it into my tummy every day for 10 days after surgery.

It was much easier this time round compared to when I had my hip replaced.  Then I had to do one injection, every day, for 28 days.  My tummy was so red and bruised that I struggled to find a place to inject towards the end of the 28 days.

Luckily, it's not so bad this time around.

Day 9 - Today's Bruising

This is what my leg looks like today. Had a fab day but the pain really is bad tonight. I even got my mate to paint my toenails!

Day 8 - Home Sweet Home

It's lovely to be back at home although it's so bare as the Christmas decorations have been taken down. This is the second year in a row where I have been in hospital on 12th night.

Some people will do anything to get out if taking the tree down.

Can't wait to put them up again next year!

Day 7 - Torture

This is the physio equipment that has been the bane of my life for the last 4 days. I'm not sure how some blue equipment can put such fear into me every few hours.

Day 6 - Battered

Here comes the bruising.

Day 5 - I'm walking well

Day 4 - Not for the squeamish

Day 3 - Knee Day

Later today both of my knees will bear surgery scars and hopefully they will both be straight.

I took this photograph last night ready to post this morning as I knew I wouldn't have time to sort it out before I go to the hospital.

I hope to post tomorrow but we will see what surgery brings.

Hospital time again

I'm having my knee replaced tomorrow. It's my second knee but my fifth joint replacement. As you know I have a new finger joint, a knee, a hip and a shoulder.

I'm not too nervous, I've done it too many times before. I'm all packed up and ready to go. I've done a spot of sale shopping with my neighbour today so I'm quiet tired tonight, I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep well. See you on the other side.

Day 2 - Pre Op Xray

Day 1 - Happy New Year!!

Christmas Tree Lights

F25. Exposure -2.

365 Photography

Hello...It's been to long.

I've been busy with the usual hospital, knitting, photography etc.

I've decided to do one of these 365 days of photography where you photograph events in your life each day, then at the end of the year you can look back on them like a scrap book.  I may not be able to post everyday but I will continue to take the photo's and post them as and when I am able.  As I don't use my computer everyday I know I won't upload a photo everyday but I will use all of my camera's so I can do it while I'm out and about.  I will take the photographs with my DSLR, my normal digital camera, my iPad and my phone.
So here we go....