A Final Medical Diagnosis, Two Years On

The Importance of Getting a Final Medical Diagnosis | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 blog

So I’m having surgery.

That, in a nutshell, is the final medical solution TWO YEARS after I first had what I’ve always described as “my leg injury”. Or rather, chronic pain in my right leg with almost total numbness up the back of it that has blighted me and puzzled doctors for 769 days, and counting.

I’m having an operation on January 15th to sort this thing out (hopefully once and for all!) and I couldn’t be more relieved that we finally got to the root of the problem. For two years I’ve been in a perpetual state of Why does my leg STILL hurt…? Having a final medical diagnosis is such a relief, but this is just the beginning of what could be a slow recovery.

But first, to recap…

 

What happened to my leg

Long story (as) short (as possible): In November 2015 I went to Paris for a 24-hour blog trip. I travelled for two hours on the train to London, and two hours on the Eurostar to Paris, and that night in the hotel had excruciating leg pain. Next morning I felt incredibly nauseous which lasted, as well as the leg pain, all the way home and then for several days afterwards – I thought I’d torn a hamstring from sitting too long and perhaps in a bad position or hurt myself from carrying an overnight case up and down stairs and on the tube and trains.

I was actually diagnosed with a slipped disc and sciatica, which is a nerve running from your spinal chord all the way through your bum and down the back of your leg. I couldn’t walk unaided for about four weeks, and with acupuncture and physiotherapy it gradually – VERY gradually – got better.

However, I was left with residual pain in the back of my knee and numbness in the same area. I was told it would take a while but they would eventually go away.

 

The misdiagnosis

Fast forward six months, and they hadn’t gone away. The first specialist I saw said I’d been misdiagnosed and that it wasn’t sciatica at all (although it doesn’t always produce back pain I hadn’t had ANY back pain whatsoever at any time).

I then started a year-long round of hospital appointments with everything from nerve ending tests to blood tests, from MRI scans to X-rays to being poked and prodded everywhere from my waist downward. The pain DID almost totally disappear, the numb area had reduced and I thought that I’d simply have to live with a weird numb patch and pain if I were prodded in a particular spot in the back of my knee. Doctors kept ruling everything out but weren’t finding the actual cause of the problem.

However, last summer (about six months ago), the pain came back literally OVERNIGHT – this time the whole of the back of my leg went numb, as did my pelvic region and the top of my thigh under my bum. I could walk okay, but I now had severe pain and constant stabbing pins and needles in my pelvis, leg and foot. Vigorous exercise was almost entirely out of the question (very frustrating for someone who loves running)!

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The final diagnosis

Early autumn I was sent for another MRI scan, but this time instead of just my knee they scanned my pelvis and all the way down my leg.

What they discovered was a 7cm (3″) cyst in my pelvic region that was almost certainly pressing on the nerves running into my leg and causing the numbness and pain.

And basically, it had to come out.

Now strangely, it felt weird to be told This is what’s been causing you all the pain and discomfort for two years because it was both a relief (that we’d got to the root of the problem) and a worry. I guessed straight away I’d need surgery – or rather I hoped it was operable – but what I wasn’t expecting was getting it sorted so soon. I was told in September it was a cyst, I had a CT scan in October, I saw the specialist in November and because this department has no waiting list (this is all on the NHS, by the way) then I’d have the operation within a few weeks.

It’s now in 10 days’ time.

Today I had my pre-op assessment but this is where it gets complicated: I could be in for keyhole surgery, OR I might have to be opened up if it doesn’t come out easily (or if it’s attached to an ovary). They won’t know until they go in.

Worse case scenario: It absolutely won’t budge and is attached to my womb, in which case the operation will be stopped and I’ll have to be booked back in for a hysterectomy (I’ll deal with that if it happens, no point worrying about it now). There is also a very very very very very very very very very very very very VERY small chance it’s cancerous (I’ve quoted the doctor on that one), but the fact that I’ve had it for two years and am still perfectly healthy is a good sign.

I’m either looking at being a day case with recovery of 10-14 days for keyhole surgery, or I’m facing major surgery, a few days in hospital and a recovery time of six weeks where I won’t so much as be able to lift the kettle.

 

What my surgery means for the blog

Therefore I can’t predict what’s going to happen – I won’t know until I wake up after surgery on Monday 15th. I’m going to write and schedule as much as I can preparing for a recovery time of 10-14 days, but if it’ll be longer I have no idea what will happen to my posting schedule. I’m going to sort out an assistant to help me with admin (emails, social media replies, etc.) but of course many decisions can only be made by me and me alone.

Now of course I KNOW that most of you will be totally understanding and of course will say that I shouldn’t worry about the blog and that my health is my number 1 priority – it absolutely is! But it’s also my livelihood and my only source of income. I simply have to put measures in place to ensure it ticks over and that it doesn’t seem like I’ve disappeared off the face of the earth.

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The blog has been doing so incredibly well for me over the last 12 months and I don’t want all my hard work to be undone. I LOVE this job and I’ll do whatever I can to protect it! I’m hoping I’ll be able to fill my 2-3 days in hospital (if it’s major surgery) with writing on my laptop, because what else will there be to do…?!

I’m aiming to recover as quickly as possible, but at the same time I’m realistic about what might happen. I haven’t kept my fitness levels up to the gold standard I’d like them to be but I’m still reasonably healthy – I don’t drink or smoke, I’m not really overweight for my height (just a bit flabby and untoned), I don’t gorge myself on takeaways and I walk regularly.

 

The moral of the story is…

The moral of the story is, of COURSE, don’t just accept some sort of illness, niggling problem or pain that you have, even if you’ve been to the doctor about it. If my first MRI scan had included my pelvic region then I would have had this done about a year ago, but that can only be said with hindsight. Who would say straight away that a pain behind my knee was something that needed to be sorted by a gynaecologist?

Don’t accept pains and problems when you (and the doctors) don’t know what they are. Get them seen to. Get them sorted.

Keep badgering until you have answers.

 

Keep your fingers crossed for me

So on the 15th keep your fingers crossed for me that I wake up to find that it came out via keyhole surgery after all – I won’t lie and say I’ll be GUTTED if I discover I’m all hooked up to a catheter… but let’s cross that bridge when it comes to it! Having a hysterectomy is a whole other scenario, but that one I really won’t worry about yet (it wasn’t even mentioned in my appointment today).

Please excuse me if I don’t reply to comments either at all or not very quickly… I’m not sure what will happen which is somewhat frustrating, it’s so hard to make any plans. But I will absolutely be reading everything, you can be assured of that.

As far as the NHS are concerned, not only have they been swift and efficient, booking me in for an operation less than four months after the MRI scan that discovered the cyst, but every single member of staff I’ve come into contact with has been nothing short of super friendly, understanding and professional. How on earth they manage that while there are cuts galore and cancelled operations (the latest post-Christmas crisis to hit the NHS) is beyond me.

And it’s all completely free… I haven’t had to pay out a penny.* Praise be to the NHS.

IF YOU WANT TO SHARE ANY SIMILAR STORIES PLEASE DO SO IN THE COMMENTS BELOW (THOUGH PLEASE REFRAIN FROM SHARING ANY STORIES THAT END BADLY, THANK YOU…!)

*I am of course fully aware that we pay for the NHS via National Insurance contributions and taxes

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The Importance of Getting a Final Medical Diagnosis | Not Dressed As Lamb, over 40 blog

110 Comments

  1. 11 March 2018 / 9:14 am

    Oh gosh, I totally feel for you, I know how excruciating that pain can be. I’m just out of hospital & am still laid up & unable to move after a spinal injection directly into the nerve to try & ease the pain. I’ve had it on & off for the past 6 years & had a spinal op 2 years ago after the same symptoms. I’ve just been diagnosed with scoliosis & degenerative spinal disease so it’s likely I’ll be needing more surgery again in the future. I really hope your op goes well & solves your pain issue x

  2. Olivia
    13 January 2018 / 11:41 pm

    Thinking of you in the run up to surgery and during the horrible results waiting days…everything crossed. I had an ovary out 8 yrs ago & a hysterectomy 5 years ago and all is well – hooray for advances in surgery. Take it easy xx

    • catherine
      Author
      15 January 2018 / 10:33 am

      Oh Olivia thank you for the lovely message! Glad to hear all went well with yours xx

  3. 12 January 2018 / 10:34 am

    Hi, Catherine! I’m a new reader, my name is Georgia! I’m thinking of you and sending you positive energy, I wish you that the operation will go smooth and it will be the least invasive with a quick recuperation. I was inspired by your story and the way you re dealing with your challenging situation! I will have an operation, too…I hope soon, it will be for my thyroid and I was very depressed until I read your post. So thank you for that!

    • catherine
      Author
      12 January 2018 / 1:58 pm

      Georgia it’s lovely to e-meet you! I’m so glad the post helped you – I’m sorry to hear you’ve been down, but operations surely are carried out to make us better so they HAVE to be seen as a good thing, right…?! I wish you all the best with your op too – we’ll keep our fingers crossed for each other for two speedy recoveries and swap notes afterwards! 😉 xoxo

  4. 11 January 2018 / 3:49 pm

    Wishing you all the best for the op Catherine – and that you have the resolution you need to move on pain free. My mum had chronic pain for such a long time and it went misdiagnosed for years, so I totally understand the relief with answers. Lots of love x

    • catherine
      Author
      11 January 2018 / 6:20 pm

      Oh gosh Hayley I’m sorry to hear about your mum, chronic pain is a killer but I’m lucky that (hopefully) this will sort mine out. Thank you so much, keep dem fingers and toes crossed for me hon!! x

  5. 10 January 2018 / 6:18 pm

    So glad you’re hopefully at the end of your pain! I wish you a successful surgery and speedy recovery…and I’ll give you just one bit of advice for your hospital stay: SUPER LONG POWER CHARGER. I spent quite a bit of time in the hospital last winter and while hospital rooms (and sometimes even the bed itself) HAVE outlets for you to plug in your phone/laptop/ipad/reader/whatever, THEY ARE TOO FAR AWAY. Even the bed ones, cuz they’re way underneath and if you have just a regular 3′ cord you’re going to be hanging over the edge of the bed using your device. So I spent like $20 for a 10′ charging cable and it was money Well Spent (as much as it annoyed me at time of purchase). Also, your own pillow from home and a cozy blanket cuz Hospital Beds are the Worst. Slippers. Earplugs cuz beeping machines and roomates’ snoring is not conducive to sleep. Given the choice, get a window bed a) so you can see sky while you’re laying there and b) so people aren’t constantly walking past you to get to your roommate’s bed. It’ll probably be further from the bathroom but they’re gonna make you get up and walk anyway. Obvi stuff to read, watch and write in. I guess that was more than one piece of advice. Ha. Anyway. I hope all goes well for you!

    Bettye
    https://fashionschlub.com

    • catherine
      Author
      10 January 2018 / 8:48 pm

      OMG Bettye thank you – I’ve thought of a few things but earplugs, long power cord etc. I had not – THANK YOU!!!!!! I think I’ll get straight onto Amazon and order that stuff. It’ll be just my luck (literally!) if I get all that and then I have keyhole and am just a day case… it’ll be worth it though – I’d rather be prepared for a long stay then go home than be unprepared and have to stay! Thank you sweetheart, I really appreciate the well wishes and the tips!! xoxo

      • 11 January 2018 / 8:20 pm

        and dry shampoo in case you’re there for a few days and have guests in, hospitals are really annoying about not letting you shower!!! hope you’re just in and out and don’t need any of this stuff but just in case {{hugs}}

        • catherine
          Author
          11 January 2018 / 8:59 pm

          Good thinking – I’d already thought of that one B, thank you!! x

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 1:22 pm

      Joi thank you! Not long to go now…

  6. 8 January 2018 / 1:33 pm

    I know what you mean with the blogging, even though it was not a job for me, I felt it was like a job while I was sick so I left it to relax and chill. But seems to me your story is different and I would be extremely sad to see the bloggy go, but of course dude, your health is top priority. I can not believe a cyst can make so much trouble and I promise I will be crossing all my fingers for you dear, cause you are a bad ass and I know you will kick this cyst in the butt!

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:23 pm

      I can’t believe a cyst would make so much trouble either – or at least cause my LEG to be so painful!! Thank you Keit xx

  7. 8 January 2018 / 1:02 pm

    I just want to say that I wish you all the very best, Catherine, and hope that the surgery goes smoothly and your recovery is swift.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:23 pm

      Fran thank you so much!! x

  8. 8 January 2018 / 9:55 am

    Golly what a trial you've been through! At least you are finally on the path to recovery. And worst case scenario and you need that hysterectomy…I had one a little over a year ago. Don't get too caught up in that "don't lift a kettle" malarkey. Everybody is different. If you have it laparoscopically you could be walking again in a few days, low impact aerobics soon after, and running at 4 weeks. 🙂

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:22 pm

      Thank you Kristin, and that’s reassuring to hear that your hysterectomy wasn’t so bad! However it definitely won’t be laparoscopically if we have the worse scenario – if the cyst is attached to my womb then a hysterectomy won’t be via keyhole either as they would do it at the time of the first op on Monday, and I’ve been told that won’t happen. But as I said I’ll cross that bridge if it comes to it… I’m taking one operation at a time…! 😉

  9. 7 January 2018 / 5:25 pm

    So sorry that you are going through this health challenge. My thoughts and prayers are with you now and on the 15Th. Sending lots of good vibes.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:34 pm

      Thanks so much my lovely! x

  10. 7 January 2018 / 5:19 pm

    I will be thinking about you. I have enjoyed your blog for years, but never commented. I love and appreciate your honesty most of all!

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:33 pm

      Oh my goodness Kirstin that means SO much to hear you’ve commented for the first time… I hope you do it more, and thank you so much for your well wishes!! x

  11. 7 January 2018 / 2:27 pm

    Keeping fingers crossed and sending good vibes your way! <3

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:32 pm

      Ruxandra thank you! xoxo

  12. 7 January 2018 / 2:02 pm

    Sending you so many good thoughts for a positive outcome – surgeries are scary and recovery can be hard, but you've got this!

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:32 pm

      Lynda thank you so much, that means a lot xx

  13. 7 January 2018 / 3:28 am

    I had the whole long incision at age 17 due to two cysts. At that time, a week stay in the hospital was the norm, and by day 4 I was wild to go home even after a bad reaction to the pain medicine. I was certainly capable of completing my school work and welcomed something to do. I will hope for the same outcome for you if it comes to that, but will hope that it does not.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:31 pm

      That’s one of the things I’m dreading Lynn – a long stay in hospital (I don’t even want to have to stay overnight)! 17 – that’s very young to have to deal with that. Thank you for the well wishes – thankfully I have the blog to keep me occupied – you never know, I may get much MORE work done!! 😉

  14. 7 January 2018 / 3:00 am

    I'm so happy for you that you finally have a diagnosis and that it is operable. I am severely disabled by chronic pain and it took me years to get a diagnosis and, even though the news was terrible, it was still something of a relief. Sadly, in my case, there's no cure, no surgery, no getting better. As you described your symptoms, I immediately thought, "Nerve pain," because, sadly, I know it well. I can see why they thought it was sciatica but I'm so glad for you that it's something else and that can be fixed. I hope it goes well. I know it's scary.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:29 pm

      It’s funny that months after I had been told the sciatica was a misdiagnosis and the pain came back again, I was convinced that it WAS sciatica after all – the symptoms they describe for it matched what I had exactly!! But yes, a final diagnosis is a relief but unlike you Charlotte I should hopefully have it resolved. Thank you for the lovely comment, I wish I could send a cure your way…! x

  15. 7 January 2018 / 1:30 am

    the best news is now you know and with all of us rooting for you and sending positive thoughts and prayers I am sure all will go well. I understand your blog concerns but remember we will all still be here. Rest up and take care of yourself

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:26 pm

      Linda you’re an absolute poppet, thank you so much!! x

  16. 6 January 2018 / 9:39 pm

    Thanks for hosting and I am sorry that surgery is necessary.

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:17 pm

      Thank you so much x

  17. 6 January 2018 / 8:53 pm

    Oh gosh Catherine, I'm sorry to hear that surgery is necessary – I'll be thinking of you on the 15th! Fingers crossed it's key hole Xx

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:17 pm

      Yes to keyhole Porcelina – you know I’m glad I need surgery in a way, it means something concrete is being done, rather than waiting for it to heal itself which is what I’d be waiting for all this time. Thank you so much sweetheart!! xx

  18. 6 January 2018 / 7:36 pm

    Catherine. My fingers are crossed for you–and my eyes are permanently crossed so I'll always be sending you good karma. Also, as a Catholic, I will say a Rosary for your health.

    We will all be waiting for your return. But first, your health is far more important. Best of luck and prayers are with you already!!

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:16 pm

      Hehe thanks Catherine, I did say keep everything crossed but you’re able to take it one step further!! ;))) Much love xoxo

  19. 6 January 2018 / 6:57 pm

    You do have to be your own advocate and kudos to you for keeping on it. There is such a feeling of relief once you get an actual accurate diagnosis. You will be in my thoughts my friend, and although it may sound trite, I truly mean this…if there is anything you need that I can help you with (from across an ocean…lol) just say the word.
    Debbie
    http://www.fashionfairydust.com

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:15 pm

      Debbie that’s really lovely of you to offer – thank you!! I can’t think of anything, just as long as people keep visiting the blog that’s all I really need!! xoxo

  20. 6 January 2018 / 6:09 pm

    Oh Catherine…what a tumultuous way to start the new year!! I can imagine that you're feeling a great deal of relief that something is FINALLY being done to alleviate this pain and discomfort you've been suffering; but now there's this uncertainty about the surgery and your recovery time. I'm keeping all my fingers crossed that the very "best case" scenario shall be the outcome…and that you will be back to optimum form in just a few short weeks. In the meantime, please know that I am thinking of you and sending a great big HUGE virtual hug!! XOXO

    http://www.StyleIsMyPudding.com

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:14 pm

      Actually Monika I see it as a great start to the year… the final outcome is what I’m concentrating on! But it doesn’t mean I won’t be gutted if it turns out I have the major surgery in the end – just keep all those fingers and toes and everything else crossed for me!!!! xoxo thank you thank you

  21. 6 January 2018 / 5:31 pm

    Wishing you a quick resolution to this long and painful saga, Catherine. And thanks so much for sharing your experience. A close family member has had excruciating back pain since last September and on her second MRI for it they discovered a cyst similar to yours. She's having keyhole at the end of the month. Although the specialist isn't linking it directly to the back pain, she and I are crossing fingers this is the cause of her pain and that it will hopefully sort out her excruciating period pains too. So big thanks as I can share your experience with her.
    Hugs for a speedy recovery, x

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:12 pm

      Oh please do send her my best – if her back pain is like my leg pain I can thoroughly sympathise!! Thank you so much for your good wishes, much love x

  22. 6 January 2018 / 5:07 pm

    Oh Catherine, I know how you feel to a certain extent. I'm still recovering from surgery on my vocal chords and have been banned from speaking. It's hard when you're a chatterbox! �� I have an appointment this coming Thursday to find out the results of the biopsy. The surgeon wouldn't tell me what she thought the outcome would be, but I'm positive about it.I've absolutely learnt my lesson because when I started losing my voice I didn't see the need to see a doctor.

    I'm glad you're finally having surgery. Fingers and toes crossed that you'll get the all-clear and will be fighting fit again. X

    • catherine
      Author
      9 January 2018 / 4:11 pm

      Oh gosh Emerald that WOULD be hard for someone who (like me!) likes talking… I wish you all the best for the results of your biopsy, we shall keep fingers crossed for each other!! Thank you hon so much xx

  23. 6 January 2018 / 2:29 pm

    I'm saying a prayer for you knowing that everything will be ok! I really liked your post and will share on my page! Thank you for the link-up!

  24. 6 January 2018 / 1:20 pm

    The very best of luck to you!

  25. 6 January 2018 / 11:42 am

    Wishing you the very best for op & recovery time.
    X
    Girl power to you!!
    X

  26. 6 January 2018 / 11:41 am

    Fingers crossed and prayers said for a simple surgery and speedy recovery!

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:45 pm

      Fingers and toes and everything else! Thank you sweetie x

  27. 6 January 2018 / 11:03 am

    I hope everything goes ok for you, it must be a relief to finally find out what the problem was, I know just how frustrating it must have been, after breaking my hip 4 years ago and still being in constant pain everyday it certainly gets a bit much sometimes. I am sure you will make a speedy recovery and be back to feeling well again very soon.
    Take care and all the best.

  28. 6 January 2018 / 10:25 am

    Crikey what a flipping palava (sp?) So glad you've finally got to the bottom of it and that it will be sorted – I always look at surgery as a nice day off with a bit of a snooze thrown in for free… wishing you all the best on the day and I know you will get yourself back on track pronto! xxx

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:44 pm

      Yes it has been a palaver (I looked up the spelling! 😉 – at least it's hopefully coming to an end very soon. Can't wait for the summer when whatever happens will be all over! Thank you Sara so much xoxo

  29. 6 January 2018 / 10:09 am

    Thank you for your honesty, thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery, please look after yourself.

  30. 6 January 2018 / 8:48 am

    Having been in almost daily contact with you throughout this Catherine, I know how frustrating it's been for you. Even so, reading this really brings home JUST how worrying the situation is.
    I've got everything crossed for you lovely lady. We'll all be here to cheer on your recovery!!!
    Michelle xxx

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:42 pm

      Cross everything, MLD!! ;)) Thank you my lovely – let's hope you get YOUR health problems sorted as soon as possible too x

  31. 6 January 2018 / 8:35 am

    wishing you the best Catherine, and that you ll recover all your mobility and no more pain after the 15 th .so indeed ,I ll keep my fingers crossed for you .take courage .

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:41 pm

      I can't even imagine what no pain will be like, Jacksonne! Thank you hon xx

  32. 6 January 2018 / 8:31 am

    I will keep my fingers crossed for you and wish good luck with the surgery and a quick recovery!

  33. 6 January 2018 / 8:25 am

    Oh goodness Catherine. So glad this is going to be cured finally. All the very best for your operation and be kind to yourself – give yourself time for recovery. Health is the most important thing ever. If there is anything I can do as a blogger friend please let me know.

    Huge Hugs
    Yvonne
    http://www.funkyforty.com

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:40 pm

      Oh Yvonne that's so lovely of you, and thank you!! Hopefully I'll be well prepared blog-wise… I'll of course shout if I need anything x

  34. 6 January 2018 / 8:24 am

    There’s a whole world out here willing a speedy recovery for you and a welcome return back. Thinking of you and sending love and every good wish. Thanks in advance, NHS, for getting our Catherine well quicky!

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:39 pm

      I can't tell you how thankful I am for the NHS Judy!! Thank you so much xx

  35. 6 January 2018 / 8:16 am

    So glad you persisted in finding the cause. I will keep my fingers crossed for you the 15th. For sure.
    Greetje

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:38 pm

      Thank you Greetje – and yes thank god I did!! xoxo

  36. 6 January 2018 / 8:15 am

    Goodness what a story
    Let's all hope keyhole does the job. I look forward to you blogging again on the 16th. Let's be optimistic.

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:37 pm

      Fingers crossed for keyhole!!!! Thank you Anna x

  37. 6 January 2018 / 7:40 am

    Hi Catherine, Soooo pleased you have finally had a diagnosis and wishing you all the best for the 15th and a speedy recovery. Big hugs, Kareema xx

  38. 6 January 2018 / 3:58 am

    Catherine, All of the good wishes and positive healing energy I can muster is being sent in your direction. I’m sure that you will come through it all with flying colors. Preplanning to cover for the first 10-14 days of blog content is quite smart. You may or may not be aware that I’ve had two surgeries in the last 6 months, one quite major and other more minor, and I know first hand how necessary it is to allow yourself time to recuperate and heal. Pain, especially when managed by meds, can be an inhibitor to any effort so take the time you need to resume any all activities. Your followers will understand. Godspeed to you.

    Rena
    http://www.finewhateverblog.com

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:36 pm

      Thank you SO much Rena – and gosh you've been through the wringer yourself lately!! Hope you're fully recovered xx

  39. 6 January 2018 / 1:08 am

    OMG Catherine! I can't believe the problem turned out to be a cyst further up (!) than you could have ever thought. I'm so relieved the NHS is sorting you out quickly and I'm keeping everything crossed it'll be removed swiftly and with very little pain and discomfort for you via keyhole surgery.
    But you must take it easy… although like you said, what will you do other than write?!! lol…
    Huge hugs,
    Suzy xxx
    http://www.suzyturner.com

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:34 pm

      Weird, isn't it Suzy…?! Let's hope I get that first outcome – and thank you my lovely xo

  40. 6 January 2018 / 12:58 am

    Gosh, good luck, hope it gets sorted out quickly.

  41. 6 January 2018 / 12:53 am

    What a story, Catherine. Hallelujah they've finally got it figured out and you can now have it taken care of. Prayers for the best possible outcome and a quick recovery. XOXO

    • 6 January 2018 / 1:33 pm

      Thank you so much Lisa – fingers crossed xx

  42. 5 January 2018 / 11:53 pm

    As I was reading this, I kept thinking, "Thank god she has universal healthcare!" Two years of doctors' visits would have cost a small fortune in America. I'm sorry you have to have surgery, but glad you finally know the cause of your pain. I hope everything goes well and will be thinking of you!
    Cheryl Shops | http://www.cherylshops.net

  43. 5 January 2018 / 11:19 pm

    Relief and worry at the same time! Glad you've got the correct diagnosis now – good luck, will be thinking of you. Best wishes. x Jacqui
    mummabstylish

    • 5 January 2018 / 11:28 pm

      Thank you so much Jacqui – the time can't go quick enough! x

  44. 5 January 2018 / 11:17 pm

    My fingers will be crossed for you Catherine! Please let us know how you are (or get someone else to?) At least finally you know what it is, and remember that blogging break last year? And then you won the awards, so I'm sure all will be fine. xx

    • 5 January 2018 / 11:27 pm

      Thank you lovely Laurie – yes I'll either get Keith or my assistant to tweet and/or Facebook something on my behalf…!

  45. 5 January 2018 / 11:15 pm

    I'm keeping everything crossed that it's the best case scenario Catherine. You must be relieved that it's finally getting sorted after all this time. Big hugs xxx

    Emma

    http://www.style-splash.com

    • 5 January 2018 / 11:26 pm

      I AM so relieved, Emma… just nervous for the outcome!! Thank you so much xx

  46. 5 January 2018 / 10:42 pm

    Good luck on the 15th. Hope all goes well, Catherine. Great message for all of us to persist when something seems wrong but doctors don't have answers right away. Also… great message about universal health care. As a Canadian I'm always grateful that we're lucky enough to have "free" health care (of course…I do know our taxes pay for it.) But at least we don't have to mortgage our house to pay for necessary operations:)
    Wishing you all the best for a speedy recovery.
    Sue

    • 5 January 2018 / 11:06 pm

      Sue thank you!! It's frightening to think something much worse could have happened at any time if I'd just accepted the pain…!

  47. 5 January 2018 / 10:33 pm

    Bless your heart Catherine, the not knowing part is so frustrating! I feel for you because you've had to deal with quite a bit of it – first getting properly diagnosed and now not knowing how surgery will turn out. I will be adding your name to our prayer list and most definitely thinking of you and your husband, who I'm sure is also beside himself with concern, on the 15th.
    God bless,
    Kellyann
    http://www.thisblondesshoppingbag.com

    • 5 January 2018 / 10:42 pm

      oh and as far as Keith is concerned he's probably going to get his own back – he's had two hernia operations and both times he said I purposely made him laugh all the time which hurt his stomach. I did NOTHING!! He was laughing at me for no reason, I think it was the medication…!!!!!!!

  48. 5 January 2018 / 10:32 pm

    Hope everything goes as planned and you can get away with keyhole surgery. My first thought when I read that you'll keep this as much "business as usual", was "no way, you should take whatever time off you need to recover", but then as you say it is your only source of income. Just don't over stretch yourself!
    I work in the Danish equivalent of the NHS, (I actually perform those MRI scans), so I'm only too familiar with cut backs etc. Here they have a real beauty, namely 2% increased production each year, for no extra cost! Of course this can't always be achieved, but we do what we can!

    • 5 January 2018 / 10:39 pm

      Oh wow you're an MRI person, Susan?! How cool!! If you're only half as nice as they are in the NHS then you must be wonderful…!!

      Thank you, I really appreciate your good wishes. I certainly won't be over stretching myself, just my fingers to tap away on my keyboard if I can 😉

  49. 5 January 2018 / 10:22 pm

    Catherine, I am so glad that you have finally sorted out the source of your ongoing discomfort. And your message is an important one…we cannot and should not ignore what our bodies tell us even if the doctors tell us something different. I will be sending prayers and positive energy your way.

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  50. 5 January 2018 / 10:11 pm

    You have to very much a vocal advocate ford yourself!! Glad u got it sorted, or will be after surgery!

    • 5 January 2018 / 10:21 pm

      Becky I strangely can't wait – for the surgery and recovery to be over, at least! Thank you hon x

  51. 5 January 2018 / 10:09 pm

    I will absolutely be praying for you, that you are completely healed and pain free through surgery. I've thought about you from time to time since your post two years ago.

    • 5 January 2018 / 10:20 pm

      Thank you so much Haley, how kind of you to spare my leg(!) a thought now and then 🙂

      I can't wait for it to NOT be painful anymore… I can't imagine what it'll be like?!

  52. 5 January 2018 / 10:07 pm

    Good for you for keeping after it, Catherine. Did you ever read "Cancer Schmancer" . It was quite a great reminder that we need to be our own advocate not give up.
    I wish you all the luck and I can totally understand your worry. But you have made so many friends, that we will help you out in any way, shape or form if you need it….
    XOXO
    Jodie
    http://www.jtouchofstyle.com

    • 5 January 2018 / 10:19 pm

      I've not read that Jodie…! Thank you for the support, it's times like this that remind us how supportive our whole community is! x

  53. 5 January 2018 / 10:06 pm

    Oh Catherine. We are of course in daily contact, but reading this made me tear up a little. Fingers crossed my darling and praise indeed for the NHS. Funniky enough, one of the posts I’ve just linked up makes a brief mention of my own health issues. And I *may have quoted you as a guru within that post. Lots of love. You know we’ll all be here for you xxxxx Love Liz xxxxx http://www.whatlizzyloves.com xxxx

    • 5 January 2018 / 10:18 pm

      Liz I've read it – I just haven't had time to comment as I've been writing this till late! I promise I will because it was SUCH a great post. Truly awesome. And thank you for all the love and support… it means the world! x

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