Health updates - Summer 2018

And now for all the boring stuff. I'll keep it all as brief as possible!

Here's what's been happening since my trip to London...

The experiment 

On the advice of the London physio, my own little miracle worker decided to try and unlock my thoracic spine (which we believe has been locked since childhood). As this being locked is causing immense pressure and strain on my c spine (meaning that my head has less support and the neck is struggling to keep it upright daily as the c spine is doing so alone), unlocking it would help bring about some strength and stability. Maybe even decrease the neck dislocations.

She explained to me how this slow process would go. I would lie down on my front and she would gently touch along my t spine, encouraging the vertebrae to open slightly. There are apparently four stages to this process, although with my issues she was reluctant to even suggest that we get to stage three. She was hesitant, as she has never attempted this on a patient who dislocates/ has EDS, but as I was keen and London agreed it was the best option for me, she was willing to go ahead with the treatment.

We would start at stage one and build up, I would see her one a week to try and progress to the next level. It was somewhat experimental, and neither of us could predict the outcome. Firstly because, well, everyone is different, and secondly because she has never performed this treatment on anyone with complex issues. I could sense her fear, so I really appreciated her agreeing to proceed.

I lay down and she gently touched along my mid spine -tiny, little nudges. Not even taps. Muscles that hadn't been activated in years began to spasm as the vertebras were moved. Odd twinges along my sides, radiating from the spine. It was a strange feeling but not unpleasant. The movements were so tiny yet so powerful. I left that day with an appointment for the following week.

Unexpected side effects of the bizarre kind

Within minutes of leaving the clinic my gag reflex went into overdrive. I started making the strangest sounds as my body lunged forward, violently spasming along my diaphragm. It wasn't painful, but was annoying, and uncontrollable. As well as hilarious. I sounded ridiculous. Something almost goat-like. Bicky was in stitches. This was a very unexpected side effect from what seemed like a simple manipulation of my spine.

Repeal - A film review

As a proud Repealer I was very excited to hear about a new short film on the issue, written and directed by Karl Callan with the aim of showing his audience the faces behind the 8th amendment.

Three stories, from three Irish women, depicted in poignant scenes by actors Maureen O'Connell, Lynette Callaghan, Aidan O'Sullivan, Michael O'Kelly, Niamh Walsh, Rebecca Thompson, Maria Fiorentini, Patrick Bokin, Conor Waldron and Sofia Bwcka.

For those who have been out canvassing, handing out leaflets, engaging in those everyday discussions on the subject, you'll know that real testimonies about how the 8th effects women and sometimes families, has a far greater impact that opinions and sometimes facts alone. Putting ourselves into their shoes can be difficult, but seeing and hearing situations from those who have lived them is a step in the right direction. It's a step towards helping those on the fence, those soft yeses and those soft no's, make a responsible voting decision on May 25th this year.

"I researched the stories, spoke with women I know who had been through similar situations. I also spoke to medical professionals and learned of the difficulties they go through as a result of the restrictions put on them.I wanted to make sure the film was as realistic as possible"

- Karl Callan

The feature opens up with the story of Samiya.  After a dramatic beginning we quickly change to the scene of Emily, abortion from another point of view. We know immediately these scenarios, before the scenes even really come in to focus. Cut to later in her story, a stark change in circumstances, another dramatic and poignant segment.

Be pre-warned for serious content warning throughout. I realise you may already know this if you are aware of the theme of the film, but there really is no holds barred.

Repeal - A short film

Did you know I'm pro-choice? Really, seriously? You didn't? Ok newbie, check out a couple of previous posts if you plan to stick around...

More than just abortion; more than pro-choice

and

In my shoes

In my shoes

I was inspired to write this piece because of the brave and harrowing tales that have come out of late, on the Facebook page In Her Shoes. This is a marvelous page, and the perfect way for those who don’t understand the complexities of the 8th Amendment to see how it has affected everyday Irish women. When you’ve never been in a situation yourself, it might be difficult to grasp others stories -especially when each case is so different to the next. It’s also hard to understand how the 8th amendment effects far more than abortion laws and has had detrimental results on the health and lives of wanted pregnancies, and the women involved. 

For those who wish to learn, In Her Shoes highlights these stories perfectly.
If you live in Co. Louth and have a story to tell, please contact Dundalk4 Choice and we will write it up on our page.

CW: Miscarriage, foetal tissue, trauma. 

_________________________________________ 

“I can’t detect the heartbeat” -A dreaded sentence. It still hits me in the face.

I was 23 and pregnant -unplanned but I knew I didn’t want to have an abortion. I had been using contraception, but these things happen. Shortly after we found out I broke things off with my boyfriend as I didn’t see a future with him anyway, and decided to go it alone. It was going to be tough, but I knew it would be the best thing to do for me and my future child.

My first appointment went normally, the nurses were nice, and I filled in the usual forms. I looked a lot younger than my actual age and I was very aware of this, it’s always been something that has worked against me. As there was a query over gestational ageing I was sent for a scan. I think I had missed at least two periods, but was unsure if more. The doctor had guessed I was about 10 weeks along.

Going for the scan by myself everything happened so quickly. “I can’t detect the heartbeat” was all that was said at first, that sentence ringing in my ears and hanging in the air for what seemed like an eternity. As utterly devastating as that moment was, I knew there was no hope. I knew I was far enough along for a heartbeat to be detected. They estimated the foetus to be around 8 weeks or so, meaning the pregnancy had ceased about two weeks prior to my scan. I waited, shocked, to hear about how they would go about a D&C. But it was not mentioned. Instead they hurriedly tried to tell me “there’s still hope as you aren’t bleeding”, and “we just have to wait and see, but there’s nothing we can do”. I was confused, even more confused and lost than I had been at hearing the news I had miscarried. What did they mean, was the scanner broken? Even still, they knew the growth should have been more than 8 weeks along…

More than just abortion; more than pro-choice

[Originally written in August 2017. Updated December 2017]

By now most people have probably watched Amnesty International's video regarding Ireland's 8th amendment and why it should be repealed and what issues it currently causes (if not, watch below).

25 Annoying Things About Being Pregnant

For me it brings to mind of when I was diagnosed with cancer, back in 2013.
It's probably best to start with a personal story.

No I was not pregnant, no I was not planning to become pregnant, and no I was not planning on having an abortion. Yet the tone was set for many a discussion around such subjects, the very minute I was diagnosed. One might assume this conversation would take the form of discussing options for egg preservation, in case of future fertility problems. Although this was never mentioned really, only glossed over very vaguely, and only when I tried to bring the subject up. A simple "I'm sure you'll be ok" was all that was given in this respect. Something I realised later was vastly different from the experiences of UK cancer patients, through discussions on support forums. I can only assume such options aren't granted free by the HSE, and perhaps some doctors just see it all as a bit "icky"? I really have no idea. The only guidance I was given with that side of things was the nurse whispering to me during chemotherapy inquiring about my periods, stating that a regular flow (sorry lads, not sorry) was a good sign at least.

No, this was not the route of the pregnancy conversation. The one and only topic was around what would happen if I became pregnant during my treatment. Of course I was advised to use all the contraception possible, to not purposely become pregnant during this time -obviously, that would be irresponsible. But as we all know, even with all the contraption in the world -shit happens.

Playing princess (#RepealThe8th)

I left the house for some fresh air, and me and Bicky played around Roche Castle. It's nearly on our doorstep and we had never visited the ruin -slopes and hills are my enemy and I was always put off, however the climb really wasn't half as bad as I thought it was/ as it looks from the road. Encouraged by Bicky, we took the short drive so I could play princess for a while. Wearing my new Repeal The 8th sweater (obligatory, cool photos of which are also a must). Very tired afterwards, but it was worth it... I'll just have to be Sleeping Beauty.