T’is the season to be jolly, or at least that’s what they say! But how do you cope when you’re feeling worse for wear and you haven’t touched a drop of alcohol yet? You’re excited for all of the restivities but to say that you’re feeling “a little bit rough” is a major understatement!
This year was the first in several that I spent Christmas day at home with just my husband, not running around after everyone else – sheer bliss. Yes I missed the nieces and nephews playing with their presents and the general chaos that a family Christmas brings, but it was so wonderful being able to get up when I wanted to, to go for a lie down without any snide comments and not get knocked by the kids playing with their new toys – not to mention not having to pretend that I’m as close to fit and healthy as can be – or at least not let on that I’m actually really tired and hurting and desperately need an hour to just chill out.
New Year however, was typically a completely different kettle of fish. As Big Ben struck midnight, I was with the in-laws, screaming “Happy New Year” with my niece, followed by an array of clinking glasses and kisses from everyone, then of course the obligatory drunken “Auld Langsine” – which I’m filry sure no one actually remembers all the words on the night! It was bitter cold going back home at 2am though, the snow was awkward to get through with the wheelchair and despite being well wrapped up, the fire in my limbs was definiately burning bright, letting me know how angry it was that I dared to go in the snow and convincing the affected limbs to defy the orders I give them to move.
Over the entire festive period however, we’ve had tapdancing elephants in the flat above us. Yes, I can understand how that may sound like I’ve lost the plot, but the usually quiet occupier of the flat above, has had company, who insist on jumping up and down on the floor constantly. As annoying as it would be if sound was the only issue, I can’t possibly describe accurately how this affects a person with RSD/CRPS.
Soundwaves are similar to water rippling, however they’re invisible and unless incredibly loud, the average person won’t feel a thing. Sadly with RSD/CRPS the nerves are beyond hypersensitive, hypersensitive on uber levels would be more accurate! A knock at the door can feel like someone repeatedly punching the affected RSD/CRPS area, sensing a sufferer into spasm, increasing the burn and the pain that was already through the roof, increases even more. As you can imagine, a bang from a ceiling above a sufferer won’t have a pretty effect.
Of course, the people concerned think I’m a great candidit for a mental institution when any of this is attempted to be mentioned. Frustrating would be a very realxed way to describe it all…
I’d like to wish all the RSDers out there a less painful 2010 and a year that brings many smiles and a great deal of friendship.