It’s been a while since I’ve posted about my Medical Cannabis, and that’s honestly because it’s not really changed in dose, and until now I’ve not had an appointment, my last one was November 2023, and it’s been 3 months so I’m due again. I’m hoping once I’ve been on this system for 1year I can go to 6 monthly appointments, as I’m pretty happy to stay the same really.

The Adven oil hybrid/indica [EMT2/EMC1] full spectrum: 20mg THC, 10mg CBD /ml 30 millilitres in a 30ml bottle is what I’ve had for the last 6 months, I probably could stay on this indefinitely to he honest, sometimes I wish it was a little stronger, so I could take less amount of oil for same effect, but maybe I shouldn’t rock a boat that’s been effective??

But I’m extremely appreciative that this has took away that forever nagging low grumble back pain away. Which is why I hadn’t posted and updated. It still does not take away acute sudden or sharp pains such as my hand pains away, but they come and go and don’t take over everything in your mind, unlike hips and back.

I had previously found that while walking and going out a constant 0.05ml every 2 hours was more beneficial than a single dose morning then at night. But now I’m mostly trapped in at home, I’m now taking 1.5ml morning and 1.5ml at bedtime. So roughly the same overall just different methods of taking it. It’s a lot easier to take and go off and about your day, than constantly time the doses and take. So I think this new way is the way for a while. Need to test it out on a walk really, but surgery is getting on the way. It will be a test to see how it is 9ver surgical pain too, as surgery is less than 2 weeks away now.

We had a good discussion and as the thc isn’t really increased in terms of value for money, I’m on the right oil. So just increase and decrease doses as I see fit. As it’s been 4 appointments I can automatically go onto pay every 6 months, but do an appointment online between the 2 appointments but it’s free. So that’s all good. Requested the prescription, which will take a few days to show up in the patient portal, then I can pay for it and await the courier timeframe. Super efficient and smooth, shame all doctors and appointments aren’t this good in the NHS.

I swear it feels like a day or two, not a whole week already since the last one. These weeks are flying by and I only have 2 sessions left. And though it’s hard, and exhausting, it’s hugely beneficial. Still haven’t attempted the psoas stretch physio exercise, as I’ve finally overcome the massive bursitis flare. I have found I’m recovering faster from hydro exhaustion quicker, at first it took a few days, but last week after that appointment, i had a massive nap following the session, but then I was feeling fine the next day. So I’ve cut the recovery time well down.

But I guess in a couple of weeks I’ll have to start land physio, but for now I’m enjoying the hydro and the support the pool gives. It’s a shame it’s bad timing around having hand surgery, else I’d be requesting another 6 sessions in the pool.

Though we actually did have a night out last Saturday, so rare though

Arrived at the Pool with swimming costume underneath as it’s faster this way. So I’m soon in, that beautiful warm warm water, my bones truly enjoy it. Soaked from the rain, need Noah’s ark to arrive today!!

* Walk Up and Down the pool to warm up X 6 times

* Small Squats X 20 reps

* Hip Abduction standing, with resistant ring X 20 reps

* Hip Extension Backwards standing, with resistant ring X 20 reps

* Left Leg Lunges on Step X 20 reps

* Hip Flexion standing, with resistant ring X 20 reps

* Step ups on Areobic step, left leg leading X 40 steps

* Side Step ups, left leg leading X 40 steps

* Hip Abduction lying down, with resistant ring X 20 reps

* Hip Extension lying down, push downwards with resistant ring X 20 reps

* Cycling on a chair wearing Flippers X 8mins (sure it was devised by a sadist)

* Crab walking Squats up and down the pool X 6 times

I’m hoping I recover fast like last week, as I do have a business event to attend this Friday. My annual #sbs (small business Sunday) event held by former Dragons Den Dragon Theo Paphitis.

Following the second hydro appointment, and knowing I have bursitis, I’ve had to scale back the psoas stretch move, and focus solely on Hydro. I still do some yoga, but I’m completely avoiding certain moves, and poses that make it hurt. I have no desire to keep flaring this up. And rest is the biggest healer.

Of course at the weekend I just had to sneeze, and it pulled my hip so violently!! But not the psoas for which I’m grateful for, but the outer hip bursa area. Massive ouchies and a lot of sailor swear words, and deep breaths. Nothing I can do but rest on Saturday, far too painful to move.

By Sunday I felt much better, I was still resting Monday when I pulled it again accidentally in bed, by merely moving a bit wrong!! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ Seriously how am I ever going to rest and recover? If a small movement re-pulls it?

Tuesday was a full on dental day and that hopefully was the last for a few months now. So a pretty restful day overall. But I still managed to tear it.

Massage gun on bursa Video you can click on. I watched this so Wednesday I decided to tackle it with the massage gun, to see if this will help.

Got to the Pool, feeling good. I spoke to the Physiotherapist about the pains and limitations I’ve had this week, and we opted to keep the movements a bit smaller, more controlled, see if that helps especially the Hip Abduction ones. Three sessions left after this one, half way through already 😭

* Walking up and down the pool X 6 times

* Small Squats X 15 reps

* Hip Abduction standing with resistant ring X 15 reps

* Hip Extension standing, leg extends backwards with resistant ring X 15 reps

* Hip Flexion standing with resistant ring X 15 reps

* Left Leg Lunges on a step X 15 reps

* Step ups an Aerobic Step X 30 reps

* Hip Abduction lying down with resistant ring X 15 reps

* Hip Extension lying down, push downwards with resistant ring X 15 reps

* Chair Bicycle Cycling with Flippers on X 7 mins

* Crab Squat Walking up and down pool x 6 times

Increased the exercises a little, so I fully expect to be fast asleep later. Here I am, shattered and like a potato with no jewellery, and pool hair 🤣🤣🤣🤣

And I did in fact sleep a lot in the afternoon, most of it in fact 🤣🤣🤣 crazy how much it wears you out!!

Since this hip all those weeks ago, the Psoas has just been my nemesis. Had the steroid 4 weeks ago, and now it’s time to start the Hydrotherapy sessions. Really looking forward to getting the hips as strong as possible. This Monday I started doing the Physio psoas stretch both sides which has been successful, I manage 5 reps each side each day, each with a 30 second hold.

First thing is checking I have no jewellery on, not even wedding ring. As the chlorine will dull and tarnish even silver 925 and gold. So it’s not worth wearing them. I go prepared for maximum time in the pool, so wear the costume under my clothes, slip on shoes and easy leggings and hoodie. This way I can be fast in and out of the pool.

Started by Walking up and down the pool to warm up X 6 times

* Small squats X 10 reps

* Hip Abduction Standing, resistant ring on ankle X 10 reps

* Hip Extension Backwards Standing, resistant ring on ankle X 10 reps

* Hip Flexion Standing, resistant ring on ankle X 10 reps

*Left Leg Lunges X 10 reps

* Step up left leg leading, right leg down X 20 steps

* Hip Extension Lying Down,push leg downwards, resistant ring on ankle X 10 reps

* Hip Abduction Lying Down, resistant ring on ankle X 10 reps

* Cycling on a Chair, wearing Flippers 5 minutes

*Crab Sideways Walking up and down the pool X 6 times

I really really felt that, especially the cycling on a chair wearing flippers, I was like Bambi getting out the pool. Thank goodness for my walking stick!! Grateful I can rest at home and get myself a hot water bottle, and take some painkillers too.

A bit of Father Brown on Iplayer and I was soon falling asleep, crazy how much it takes out of you. Shattered I am.

OMG the following morning I was STIFF AND CRIPPLED, goes to show me how hard and intense it is compared to me doing yoga and physio daily! They make me ache, but this is a whole other level. Definitely had to up the dose on cannabis oil and take extra tramadol just to function!! Jesus Christ I ache.

Back again next week!

Reading back over my blog post for this time last year Here and Here I see not much has changed, on my way to see the Surgeon again, to try and fix this leg length discrepancy and psoas. (One of the reasons I blog, is being able to go back and see how I was, feeling, outcomes, etc) and since then, All I seem to have achieved in the year between is realise the orthotics made my back pain worse, and embark on Medical Cannabis Oil for the pain. Not really the result I was looking for. Though I am standing straighter when the muscles aren’t tired. (Silver lining)

Wonder why November seems to be the time they see me? But frustrating as I saw them in August and requested to get on the Steroid injection waitlist but they felt I needed to be seen by my surgeon, who’s not been free to see until now. I feel this has been wasted crucial time and as a result, I’ve had to cancel the pre-booked Hydro appointment for the 4th Dec as I need to see the Hand Surgeon instead, so Hydro hopefully going to plan in Jan, if I’ve had my steroid injection by then.

Up extra early to make our 8.30am appointment, lots of coffee is needed. Hope the roads will be kind (I bet they won’t be) Hell no they were worse than we thought, and though we have ourselves 20mins grace we ended up being 25mins late. However I did ring up and explain, and they reassured me it would be ok.

T-Shirt on at the ready!

Once I got in, I was sent for an x-ray to make sure nothing is looking loose etc. I wear not metal on my lower half, so leggings.

And I’m in and out in mere minutes. And back to consultant. We had one of the most honest and open discussions, stating although I’m walking and it’s wonky, I fundamentally walk. And the state of the pelvis and spine, I am lucky I have that, and I am still pleased overall I had them replaced.

We’ve booked in the psoas, hopefully not a long wait. But in terms of tendon lengthening it’s not advisable as my tendons are too lax and it with be even weaker. The other options are usually try a smaller cup, but we did day of surgery and it kept dislocating. Or there is a revision but my age, my state of health bone wise that would be extreme.

So it’s a kinda I have to live with it, and accept it is getting inflamed and all I can do is physio and hydro to tighten it up, to lift it off the rubbing area, and never stop the physio, as it always comes back when I stop.

To finish off my day, let me share my own ‘Tragically Hip’ hoodies and tees. Tragically Hip as that’s certainly how I feel about them, just one tragic situation after another!!😂 If I don’t laugh I’ll cry. Anyways shameless plug, I get a small comission of each sold, they are printed on demand and shipped direct from them. Warm hoodies added as they are needed. Tragically Hip

That’s me in mine, I love the brightness of the turquoise.

As it’s been 3 months, I have to uphold the agreement to have an appointment every 3 months now I’ve done the first initial 2. My last appointment was August, so here we are it’s 3 months later. Going to be a challenge as I’ve got Laryngitis, so no voice!! I’ve emailed to see if I can reschedule, as I’ve gotten so much worse. Wonder if they will? They HAVE. Yay have to ring once voice is back to reschedule.

Can’t talk about it more like! Barely a whisper comes out

The Adven oil hybrid/indica [EMT2/EMC1] full spectrum: 20mg THC, 10mg CBD /ml 30 millilitres I got in a 30ml bottle, has served me well, and I don’t see a need to change at all. So I’m pretty sure the appointment is a waste of time, but it’s in the contract to see them (well zoom appointment)

Though I am suffering a lot more as the weather has turned, so it might be worth asking advice. As I type this with hands that are getting stiffer, and an elbow with tendonitis (great!) I’ve chosen the lady I spoke to last time, as she made me feel comfortable.

Technically they call it lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow. I have not played tennis 🤣

It’s been 16 days since we came home from our adventures in Cornwall, Glastonbury and Whitby. And I’ve mainly been in a flare, resting and just not up to much. So haven’t done a daily dose post, as I’ve definitely took less oil and meds at home, in a bid to save them for activity days. Which I realise is madness as instantly my pain increased and been in a flare since. If that’s not confirmation it works then I don’t know what will.

So this was my kick up the ass to be more regular and consistent. So last week (8th November) I thought it’s Time to set alarms every 3 hours and see how that works. It works!! Much better to have a nudge to remember.

It’s been a week since the walk, the one that crippled me! So back down the dose and tramadol, and no side effects. Happy days.

Plan this week is to Bleach and Dye my hair, wash and straighten. Now for most people this will be a day or 2 day event. However for me it’s so much longer!!

MONDAY Still resting more, but at least I’ve reduced the tramadol successfully. 0.1ml X 3. Had an epic movie marathon.

TUESDAY Bleach session 1, felt the back a lot when I was washing off the bleach. Thankfully Mr Moon puts the bleach on as I don’t think my arms could handle that much work. Psoas ache and back pain are my worst enemies at the moment.

Actually managed to make bracelets, haven’t done this for so long, not this style anyways. Hand felt reasonable.

WEDNESDAY Bleach session 2, thank goodness we broke this up into parts, it so exhausting sitting on hard chairs and bending over the bath to wash off. 0.2ml morning then 0.1ml at night.

I saw a full TV advert for sapphire, hopefully this will help breakdown the stigma.

THURSDAY 0.1ml morning, Trying to hear myself up for sitting again in the chair, ready for the pink hair dye (thank goodness we only do this once a year! Bleach and pink) I freshen pink up after 3 months or so. Again Mr Moon is the one putting it on, as it’s too hard for me. 0.1ml bedtime.

FRIDAY Today I’m out out, looking for goodies for holiday to take with us, like foods, and drinks, pamper sessions etc. We go next week (excited but tired and sore) and I made the mistake of forgetting meds and oil in the morning, instant regret and suffering. Managed to grab a coffee at greggs and took tramadol to tie me over, then once home took etoricoxib, and paracetamol. At tea time I took the oil. 0.1-5ml. Back is killing but it could be due to sitting on hard chairs for 3 days doing my hair.

SATURDAY I get the lovely job of pup sitting, so I’m a tad achy and stiff (thank you cold weather) so 0.1-5ml for the morning, along with tramadol and etoricoxib. Had another 0.1-5ml at bedtime, and hot water bottles. Hands are feeling the damp weather and elbows too.

SUNDAY Slept in, no alarm, that was lovely. Slow day of movies and packing so just 0.1ml for midday. Been loving the Saw franchise (mad as I swear I wouldn’t, hence why I’d not seen any until this week!!) And old horrors like critters, nightmare on elm Street, pet semetary. 0.1ml at bedtime, it’s been a good day today even though hands have hurt.

Been doing this embroidery, not too painful on the hands at least.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to post under this category of posts, but then I realised I do it for myself as much as the reader, the diary of it all, seeing things go up and down, medical changes etc. So if you are bored of these post forgive me, but I’m using them periodically as a journal through my life.

MONDAY we had popped out Sunday night, so car camped and today we walk. Up to Luds church and amble in the Peak District. First outing since dental surgery. So I’m still on at least 2 or 3 tramadol, 1 etoricoxib, and paracetamol. O.1-5ml morning, 0.05ml afternoon, 0.1-5ml bedtime. In the walk I found my Left outer hip wanting to give way, groin pain (this hip replacement is 4yrs old) so that’s concerning, knee pain and even ankle pain. Got home and slept solidly for about 10hours!!

TUESDAY I was in so much pain, it was a total ‘no move’ day for me..02ml oil in the morning, 2 tramadol, 1 etoricoxib, and 0.1-5ml bedtime. Binge watched loads of horror movies, besides the pain it was a good day. Now even my neck aches, knee and ankle have been pretty much ok. But right hip is so so painful and my back pain.

WEDNESDAY Still not my best, feeling ALL the pains still (this used to be like this before, but had gone, and I was recovering from activities faster. I feel like I’ve gone backwards) So instead of 2 larger doses, I’m going to see if adding more doses but smaller ones help more painwise. 0.1ml X 3

THURSDAY Finding things to do while I let my body heal, mind wants to do things but body says Hell No. Easing off a bit, but there’s little I can do except sit with hot water bottles and recover. 0.1ml oil X 3 but reduced tramadol back down to 1 a day. Etoricoxib as well.

FRIDAY Slept a bit better, so I even managed a few chores, but the hand isn’t the best so I don’t want to push it. 0.1ml X 3 again, and 1 tramadol, etoricoxib. Outer hip pain still lingering, but groin pain eased up. Psoas on left hip pulled as I sneezed, absolute agony, can’t wait to have a steroid injection in this.

SATURDAY Such a stiff upper back, hurts to look to the left. Starting to feel better, moving a bit more, so had 0.2ml morning, 0.1ml tea time. Mainly did some chores, though right hand is getting worse. Shift in the air, means increased pains and stiffness, autumn’s truly began.

SUNDAY Rain rain rain how I feel you in the joints, pinch grip still painful on my hand, but improving. 0.1ml in the morning, then 0.1ml at night, I knew I didn’t need to do much today, so didn’t want to take too much. Back to a more manageable level of pain, as it’s all slowly returning. Psoas is raw still but it often is.

In a couple of weeks we have some epic adventures planned, and I feel unconditioned in fitness for it. But that’s just because we had to have an abrupt halt to walking, and yoga for the dental surgery.

So we have been for a walk this week, and I’m not sure why but this week it felt like treacle I was walking through!! Could it been I’m still feeling rough from dental surgery? I didn’t think I was, but the body says otherwise.

Outer hip pain on the 4yr old hip, then it started up with groin pain (hate that) and the knee on this leg. This is my ‘GOOD’ hip too, so I need to speak to my surgeon as this is extremely worrying.

So I’m naturally nervous for Cornwall, I will have to increase the tramadol for sure to 4 a day, as well as increasing my THC Oil, as they do help.

Has anyone else had a really good hip replacement suddenly become a nightmare hip? It’s scary to think it’s going backwards, I just want to put hips behind me once and for all.

Hopefully I can tell the consultant all of this in Nov, when I see him about the weak psoas in the left hip, could this weakness be causing the extra back pain, and new pains in the right hip, is it making me lean more heavy on the right hip??

As you know I’ve been dealing with dental surgery pain, so this week my pharmaceutical meds have increased. Especially one tooth extraction really aches as it was hooked at the root, and was more sideways, wasn’t pleasant coming out. But this won’t be for long I hope. I’m still taking at least 1 tramadol, 1 etoricoxib daily and one day I hope to be done with them. It may seem like the oil isn’t working, but since having the oil I don’t have the grinding pain in the back, I have some pains so not pain free, but far more comfortable. And I sleep loads better too. So to me it’s a win and worth it.

Maybe if I massively increased doses I would get to painfree, but financially that’s not going to work for me as it’s expensive enough on me taking a small amount.

MONDAY day 3 of dental surgery recovery,and feeling better. Icing the jaw helps. And increased tramadol. 0.2ml oil in morning. 1 tramadol morning, then 1 tramadol afternoon, 2 paracetamol. Actually managed to do a few chores, so I’m on the mend. 0.1ml early evening.

TUESDAY Did not sleep well, throbbing mouth pain, so I’ve at 4.20am and 1 tramadol, then back to sleep. 1 tramadol 10.30am and 1 etoricoxib. 0.1-5ml oil at midday. Feeling better after a painful night. Managed to do some chores, some Etsy jewellery listing, cooking etc. 1 tramadol 4.30pm and again at 9pm. 0.1-5ml oil at 9.30pm hoping this helps pain and sleep.

WEDNESDAY Slept a million times better. Woke again at 4.30am but I turned over and fell asleep again. Took tramadol at 9.30am followed by 0.1-5ml oil at 11.30am. I have guests today so I hope I don’t feel too tired, I shouldn’t do as I did sleep all night. Managed to not nap all day. 0.1-5ml at bedtime and paracetamol.

THURSDAY Slept well, had lavender and vervain tea before bed which helped. Tramadol at 10.30am as mouth has a dull ache. Getting pretty bad migraines this week, since my extractions. Sticking to the same oil routine 0.1-5ml X 2 a day for now as we aren’t doing anything more than recovering at home.

FRIDAY it’s now a week since the dental surgery, and only one part is still sore, the one where the tooth was hooked at the root and sideways, which has made the tooth adjacent that root is now hypersensitive, and getting lots of migraines. So it’s improving. 0.1.5ml oil and 3 tramadol, (over all day) 1 etoricoxib and 2 paracetamol around dinner time. Starting to be able to do more, so that’s good.

SATURDAY we stayed up until 2am, so my morning 7am wake up for painkillers was a bit early, so I grabbed the tramadol, enjoyed the sunrise of Autumn Equinox, and then went back to sleep for a bit. At dinner time I had my 0.1-5ml dose of oil. I like this routine of oil, it’s definitely a huge benefit. Not sure it’s going to be worth to keep a daily note of it now, I’ve got the to right dose and usage.

SUNDAY I’m hoping to be able to wash my hair today, I’ve put it off as I didn’t want to make the blood rush to my jaw and root extraction site. I think I’ve given it enough time now. Besides the extra tramadol this dental surgery has caused, I’m in a happy place with hip and back pain. It feels so good to be able to say that. 0.1-5ml oil X 2 plus the Tramadol, Etoricoxib, and Paracetamol.