I’m still disassociating a little but not as much as I was before. I think it was brought on the other night because I was quite tired and also feeling a little down which was mostly due to the news of late as well as my week off being almost over. Oddly, I’ve found that when I’m wearing my glasses, instead of my contact lenses, the DR gets stronger. I think that has to do with the lack of peripheral vision I have when wearing them (I’m practically blind without any correction.).

On another note, I go back to work on Tuesday after having a week off so I could spend time with my sister who came to visit with her fiance. My fiance goes back to work tomorrow so I’ll have the whole flat to myself (aside from the furbabies). I’m thinking a Lord of the Rings marathon is in order. I haven’t watched them in ages so I think it’s about time.

Three days down and three to go. I’ve been taking my stick with me to work but not using it. Feeling a little tired, as usual, but I’m also a little proud of myself for being able to do the commute without the use of my stick. I guess I’ll see how things go next week without it but I’ll keep it with me just in case.

So I didn’t end up using my stick at all today. I was walking a little slower and was quite tired by the time I got home, but not in any pain which I think means I’m getting stronger. I’ll still take my stick with me to work next week but try not to use it unless I feel I need to.

I’m testing myself today by not using my stick on the way into work this morning. I’m still bringing it with me in case I need it on the way home but I’m hoping I won’t. It all depends how much moving around I’ve done during the day and how tired I am by the time I go home.

First week back at work

So I went back to work on Wednesday this week, only for four hour shifts but I’m still really tired. Hopefully, I’ll be less tired as I do more; I’m increasing my hours each week until I’m back up to full-time again which I think is the best way to go. I need to get back into a routine of getting up early and being on my feet for most of the day.

En route to Winchester to meet up with work colleagues then we’re all going out for a meal. This’ll be the first time I’ve seen any of them (aside from my manager) in more than two months. I’m a little nervous but also looking forward to it.
I go back to work on Wednesday but only for a short, four-hour shift. I’m doing a gradual increase of hours each week so I don’t overdo it and end up needing time off again. I can’t wait for things to be back to normal.

Another update

I finished my work week! I’m really looking forward to tomorrow; I’m doing absolutely nothing at all except sleeping. I’m meant to be going for dinner at my fiance’s parents in the evening but I’ll have to see how I’m feeling. Hopefully the sleep will help me feel well enough to go. I haven’t seen them in a long time and it’d be nice to spend time somewhere other than my flat or work.

Monday is the start of my seven day working week so I’m trying to conserve spoons. I should be ok but I’m going to keep a very close eye on my fatigue and if I need to, I guess I could ask to go home early.

As for my infection, I don’t feel like the antibiotics are doing much; I’m still going around eight times a day and it’s not what you’d call of a “normal” consistency. I’m going to call the helpline tomorrow so I’ll be able to talk to the nurse Monday and get some advise.

My GI has advised that I stop the steroids completely, and given that I haven’t been on them for an extensive amount of time, and that was already on a rapid taper, he said it would be safe to stop them entirely without tapering. He also said that I should start feeling the antibiotics kicking in fully in about a week so I should be feeling a lot better in time for my busy work week and then my week off.

I think I’m going to book some time off work towards the end of this month. I’ve got a busy couple of weeks coming up so I think my body will appreciate the rest. I’m finding I’m having to reteach myself the meaning of self-care and that time spent recovering is not time wasted. Thanks @natsufatsu for the suggestion; it’s not easy for me to get time off but I’m sure my work will understand.

I’m a little annoyed with myself today because yesterday I was feeling a lot better compared to Wednesday (in that I didn’t look like death and could actually go more than an hour with having to use the bathroom) but this morning I felt like I’d been hit by a truck; I didn’t sleep as well as the night before and my BM were looking like they’d be every hour again. Thankfully, things seem to have settled now but my stomach muscles are really soar so I’m back to taking paracetamol and codeine, at least for today.

I’m hoping the antibiotics I’m taking for the infection will kick in soon so my weekend of working goes as painlessly as possible. I’ve got Monday and Tuesday off, though, so I can catch up on my sleep. To be honest, I think that’s what I’m really needing; sleep. So, my plan for when I get back from my appointment on Monday is to build a spoonie-nest of blankets and pillows on my sofa and just dose the afternoon away.