Doctors Are Stupid

Happy blue Monday folks!

It's midday, overcast, and gusty. I'm in my pajamas, drinking tea, and writing this blog. 'That's the life!' you may say, but I assure you that I would much rather be out there pursuing my dreams of being a professional photographer, tutor, child caregiver, or any one of a number of other things. So what, then, has brought me to this point? 

About a year and a half ago, I went through a heartbreak. Boo-hoo. I was miserable for a while, I cried a lot, and I couldn't concentrate at work. I was tired all the time, and I thought my world was at an end. But, as people do, I got over it. I started to plan my new life, feeling free and empowered. But, as the months passed, I was still tired all the time. In fact, I was feverish and nauseous too. And my body ached all over, I couldn't sleep, I was losing weight. After a few months, I realised that I was seriously ill. So I made my way to a doctor and laid out my symptoms before him, expecting some tests to be done, followed by a diagnosis and treatment options. Much to my disgust, I was told that my problem was a lack of fun in my life and too much stress. He prescribed a large box of sleeping pills, and told me that I should head down to the local nightclub for some fun, saying that this would remedy all my troubles. 

Disheartened and angry at being so rudely dismissed, I tried my best to 'think myself better. ' After a few more months passed, my symptoms had multiplied and I was so weak and exhausted that my work began to suffer severely and my social life had dwindled to nonexistence. So I decided to visit a doctor again. This handsome young doctor listened carefully and nodded sympathetically as though he knew my plight all too well. After a battery of tests, he discovered that I had glandular fever. This chronic, active infection, caused by the Epstein Barr virus, was kind of like having a bad case of the flu for six months straight. He brightly told me that although there was absolutely no treatment for the virus, I would be fine soon enough, now that we had found the cause of my mysterious symptoms. 

Since my illness was getting no better on its own, I did extensive research on possible natural treatments. Since many people had found success in homeopathic medicines, off I went to the local homeopath and iridologist. He was a plump, elderly man with a thick, white beard, which gave him the appearance of a wise old sage. He peered into my eyes and spoke knowingly about my many and varied ails. He put me on a concoction of pills, capsules, and drops. My feavers eased and my swollen glands went down, my chronic sore throat disappeared, and I began to feel hopeful of a complete recovery. The fatigue, sleep distance, weakness, nausea, heart palpitations, and much more, though, remained.

That was ten months ago. At the beginning of this year, I had to leave my job at the bank since I could no longer cope with work, or even getting up in the morning for that matter. I have stopped driving my car since I'm too fatigued to focus or concentrate, I simply don't notice things in time. I suffer from headaches, neuralgia, muscle and joint pains, heart palpitations, insomnia, cognitive difficulties, debilitating fatigue, extreme physical weakness, nausea, and poor circulation, all made worse by physical exertion. As of now, I am still chasing a diagnosis, since, simply put, doctors are stupid. I have made a great many visits to doctors over the past few years, for both my scoliosis related problems, and my general ill-health. And what have I learned? That doctors know less about what is wrong with your body than you do. Unless the problem is as blaringly obvious as a broken limb, chances are, your doctor will be clueless. 

Whatever it is that is wrong with me, I have to take one day at a time. If I push myself one day, I'm practicality bedridden for the next ten. I feel like an old person in the body of young woman. But I will get my life back. No matter how long it takes, I will follow my dreams.

Have you had a similar experience? I'd love to hear your story! Keep smiling, and remember, you know your body! Trust your senses. 

Scoliosis - the Hard Reality in South Africa

Hello good people!

First off, I've added a 'Follow by email' widget to the right-hand side of the reading panel, so click on it and subscribe to my posts! It will be worth it ;) 

Today I'm going to write about a condition that affects so many people, including myself, but is often misunderstood - scoliosis. This will be a two part article; today I will focus on the statistics, and next time I will write more about the human aspect of the condition, including comments from other sufferers.

I presume that the majority of people today know, in essence, what scoliosis is - an unnatural curvature of the spine. However, that description is grossly limited.

• Scoliosis is a lateral curvature of the spine with an axial twist that causes a distortion of the ribs.
• Idiopathic scoliosis is a multifaceted disease that compromises five of the body's systems: digestive, hormonal, muscular, osseous (bones), and neurological.
• Scoliosis affects the entire skeletal system including the spine, ribs, and pelvis. It impacts upon the brain and central nervous system and affects the body's hormonal and digestive systems. It can deplete the body's nutritional resources and damage its major organs including the heart and lungs.
• 80% of scoliosis is idiopathic (cause unknown).
• Conditions arising as a result of scoliosis include rib deformity, shortness of breath, digestive problems, chronic fatigue, acute or dull back pain, leg, hip, and knee pain, acute headaches, mood swings, and menstrual disturbances.
• Scoliosis is a progressive condition that can continue to progress even after skeletal maturity. Millions of scoliosis sufferers are routinely misinformed about the accelerating nature of their spinal curvature progression.

I was diagnosed with scoliosis at age 14, and measured my lateral spinal curvature to be 40 degrees (according to the cobb angle) to the right. Within four months of diagnosis, I had undergone corrective surgery. I had spinal fusion done, and I now sport a titanium rod and four screws alongside my spine. 

What concerns me most about scoliosis in South Africa, is the lack of screening and knowledge. Patients are often unaware of their condition, until it has noticeably progressed, as is spotted by a family member. They are then not properly educated or informed about their condition in order to make good choices as far as their treatment is concerned.

Upon doing some research, I came upon A Study To Determine The Incidence Of 
Scoliosis In School Children Within The Metropolis Of Johannesburg, South Africa . This fascinating 2006 study screened 649 children, between the ages of nine and ten, from 32 schools in the Joburg Metro area. The results showed that 8.2% of children screened manifested scoliosis of the spine. The study also revealed that at the time, no scoliosis screening was routinely carried out in these primary schools. 

I also happened upon a site where I read a brief article, co-authored by the orthopedist who diagnosed me. This article states that the statistical frequency of scoliosis (apparently, not South Africa specific) is as follows:

• Scoliosis curves measuring at least 10° occur in 1.5% to 3.0% of the population
• Curves exceeding 20° occur in 0.3% to 0.5% of the population
• Curves exceeding 30° occur in 0.2% to 0.3% of the population
• Small spinal curves occur with similar frequency in boys and girls, but girls are more likely to have a progressively larger scoliotic curve that will require treatment.

The article further states regarding postoperative prognosis:

"Patients usually don't experience much pain once they have recovered from surgery. A return to most sporting activities is possible in 6 to 9 months after surgery. However, due to permanent limitation of some spine movement following surgery, participation in contact sports, such as football or rugby, is discouraged."

I would, however, beg to differ on both accounts. Without proper screening, it is impossible to know just how many children have scoliosis which is going untreated. As for postoperative prognosis, I am living proof that failed scoliosis surgery is an all-too-common reality. Although I feel that surgery has it's place in the treatment of severe and debilitating spinal curvatures, I feel that orthopedists are far too eager to put their patent on the operating table. I have connected with hundreds of scoliosis sufferers from around the world, and South Africa, who, as adults, suffer high levels of pain and limited mobility, due to failed spinal surgery. I have, to date, found very few postoperative adults who do not experience high levels of discomfort, due to surgery. 

I would in no way like to scare newly diagnosed scoliosis patients by this article. But I feel that there is far too little understanding of this disease and the consequences of various treatment options. It is a major and multifaceted condition that can ultimately affect one's life greatly, particularly as an adult. So parents, please check your child's back regularly, especially during growth spurts. If you are diagnosed with scoliosis, or you are the parent of a child with scoliosis, do research. Lots, and lots of research. Never take your doctor's word for it out of ignorance. Know your options and become an advocate for yourself and all other "twisties" out there. If you know someone with scoliosis, why not take a moment to ask them about how they are doing?

Thank you for reading this long post :) As you can see, I've included many explanatory links. If you are interested in scoliosis, look them up. 

Keep smiling and rocking your curves ;) 

Broodiness and Other Ills

Good afternoon to ya!

For as long as I can remember, probably from around age seven or so, I loved mothering. Forget barbies, I played with baby dolls. I would save all my pocket money to spend on baby clothes and toys for my dolls. Whenever I saw a lady with a baby, I was compelled to hold it. When I was eight, my niece was born, and I loved 'looking after' her when we visited. In my early teens, I began to consider my future career choices, and I felt that the obvious course was childcare. So from age fourteen I volunteered, and later worked, at a local preschool. I was in my element. I loved doing the tasks that other teachers despised, like nappy changes and feeding times. These were opportunities for me to spend one-on-one time with the little ones, and I grew extremely attached to them. I got to see their first teeth, witness their first steps, hear their first words, watch all the little milestones that their parents were missing out on. When I finally left the preschool, I began doing babysitting in my free time, and I enjoyed every minute of it. 

So, I was sure, for as long as I can remember, that I wanted to be a mom. I connected well with children, I loved nurturing, and I felt that when I had children of my own, I could provide them with everything that I didn't have growing up. I could do a better job than my parents, and give my little ones a stable and loving environment in which to grow and flourish. 

You may notice, I used the past tense. In the last year or so, my longing for motherhood had waned. This saddens me somewhat, for it was always one of the things that defined me. I was the mother hen, even amongst groups of my peers or elderly people. This having been said, I have come to realise why this change has occurred. 

I have been very unwell for the past year and a half, which I will discuss in a later blog post. But these days, I find it difficult to even look after myself, never mind a family of my own. I need assistance with everyday tasks, as I am chronically fatigued. It is quite obvious that childcare requires a great deal of patent effort, and is exhausting for the strongest of women. Children are full of energy, and their lively, boisterous activity now simply exhausts me before I even begin to interact with them. And the thought of long, sleepless nights in the care of an infant, is now, quite honestly, traumatic.Also, as I have matured, I have come to a few sobering realisations: 

1) I will repeat my parents mistakes. Okay, perhaps not all of them. But as an adult, I have noticed that I have a similar attitude towards the raising of children, that my parents had. I catch myself shaking my head at an unruly child, and thinking, "My parents would never have let me get away with that" or, "When I was a kid, I would have got a good smack for doing that." I see in myself the tendency toward the same attitudes of my parents. And that realisation puts me off the idea of being a parent.

2) I will make my own mistakes. Quite frankly, I have come to believe that anyone who says that they feel totally ready and prepared to be a parent, or who thinks that they would do a great job as a parent, is either too young or too immature to have children. I say this, in part, because when I was eighteen, nineteen, I believed just that. It took me a while to realise that we are all limited by our imperfections and upbringing, and that once we are in a situation where we have to decide what is best for another little person, we will undoubtedly mess up, at least some of the time. Do I really want to subject an innocent little human to all the mistakes that I haven't made yet?

3) This is a cruel world. If you haven't realised that yet, I guarantee you that it is just a matter of time before you do realise it. Every child that is born must live amongst crime, violence, death, and instability. No matter what you do as a parent, you cannot shelter them from all the dangers and corrupting influences around us. In school, your child will face drugs, sex, alcohol, weapons, bullying, racism, and much more. Now I, as someone who does not have children, can choose not to bring a precious baby into this world and let it go through all this suffering. A little melodramatic, you might say, but a legitimate line of reasoning non the less. 

I still love children, and every time a friend has a baby, I get broody all over again. Children are a precious gift from God, and if I ever did end up with a child, I would view it as such. But it must be said, that all too many young couples dive into parenthood with the selfish notion that it will somehow right the wrongs of their childhood, or fulfil their own need for something to nurture. To be a parent is not a light or short term responsibility. So, for 
now, I content myself with looking after my pets and cooing over other people's lovely littlies :) 

I hope you enjoyed today's post :) Don't forget to follow my blog via email so that you can read every post ;) Have a splendid Thursday beautiful people! 

My Top Tips for Job Applicants

Hello World :)

First off, these are my personal opinions, but I hope that some find this useful. I've always been in the  position of a job applicant before, but a few months back I changed roles to one who was reviewing CVs. In light of that fact, these are my top tips:

1) Don't make mistakes. If you mention that you saw a job advertised on a specific site, make sure that you get the name of the site correct. Check your spelling before sending your CV. Everyone makes mistakes, but a job application is one place where they will not be overlooked.

2) Include a cover letter / application letter with your CV. When going through a large pile of CVs, one's eye is immediately drawn to those that have an accompanying letter stating why you feel that you qualify for the advertised position. Especially appealing is a letter that mentions the specific job that you are applying for, rather than a standardised cover letter.

3) Show professionalism. Use proper grammar and avoid abbreviations of words or 'texting shorthand'. People most often write the way they will speak, so if you want to be considered for a job, write your CV using a smart font of a small size and word it well. It should look and sound professional.

4) Include a picture of yourself. A prospective employer will be drawn to a well groomed and smiling face more than simply words on a paper.

5) Don't include all your work history if it is irrelevant. This one could cause some confusion, but I'm referring to instances where job applicants have a long list of work experience. If you are applying for an office job, list your relevant experience, i.e. computer skills and switchboard experience. The fact that you were once a gym instructor is not relevant.

6) Lastly, when going for an interview, look the part! If you are applying for an office job, don't wear casual or sloppy clothes. Make sure your hair isn't wet or messy. Put in some effort to look your best. First impressions last!

If you are a job-seeker, I hope you found this helpful! If you enjoyed this post, subscribe to my blog or follow me on Google+ ;)

Keep smiling :D

What's for Dinner?

Good evening, from a chilly South Coast!

What's for dinner? That is the eternal question! I love cooking, although you would never say so, based on the fact that I hadn't cooked in months. I do have a good excuse though, but let me not diverge ;) For those of you who are not so drawn to the stove as I, though, here's an easy and delicious recipe to free you from that dreaded question, if for but one night ;) 

Yesterday I had a hankering for a satisfyingly rich beef dish, so I donned my apron and enjoyed experimenting to produce this delicious meal:

Hearty Beef Stew 

Ingredients:

700g of diced beef (goulash) 

4 potatoes, peeled and cubed

2 large carrots, sliced

2 onions, finely chopped

2 celery sticks, chopped

1 tin of peeled, chopped tomatoes 

1 clove of garlic

2 cubes of beef stock

1/2 packet of brown onion soup

1/2 packet of beef soup

2 tsp of mixed herbs

1 tsp of black pepper 

1 cup of red wine

2 tbs olive oil

Method:

In a ziplock bag, toss the beef pieces in a few teaspoons of the soup powder, setting aside the rest to use later. In a large pot, lightly braze the meat in olive oil, on high heat. Remove the beef using a slotted spoon, and set it aside. Throw your onions into the hot oil and add the wine to deglaze the pot - and add an amazing flavour dimension! Now add the stock cubes, (stir thoroughly to make sure they are well dissolved) as well as the garlic, pepper, and herbs. Next,put in the potato, carrot, and celery. Add a little water, until the vegetables are almost covered, and bring to the boil. You can now turn down the heat and let it simmer for approximately half an hour, stirring regularly. Next, pour in the tin of tomatoes and re-add the beef. Bring to the boil once again, then let it simmer on low heat for about half an hour, or until the vegetables are soft. Finally, mix the remaining soup powder with a little water, and stir into the stew for added thickness and flavour. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes, and viola! Your scrumptious stew is ready to be enjoyed over rice :) 

Remember, cooking with wine is a great idea! And sometimes, it's good to put some in the food too ;)

I hope you enjoy this recipe, feel free to leave your comments on it below, and share it with your friends on Twitter, Facebook,Google+ or Pinterest! 

Poetry Makes My Head Go 'Round

Hello lovelies! It is a warm April day, the air is still and the sounds of nature clear. What better day for a poem! Here is one that I wrote a couple of months back, on a dark night, in the light of the moon. I was inspired by a fleeting fantasy of what it would be like if we could visit people we miss in our dreams:

Under the Willow Tree 

As you drift off to sleep tonight,

The gusty wind enwrapping your house,

Your eyelids dropping slowly to the distant howls,

Remember, there is a magical place to travel tonight.

Cool mist hits your face,

You feel light and free,

The mood drops with honey,

The stars are fireflies.

You are floating above the silver-lit stream below,

Upon a cloud of candyfloss,

You feel like you’re flying,

The world drifts past.

Drop down onto the feather-soft grass,

Run through the falling dew,

Pick a dandelion and make a wish,

Smell the pale roses as you pass.

Dip your toes in the fresh lake,

Listen to the crickets and gurgling brook,

And meet me under the weeping willow tree.

We’ll count the stars as we lie on the clovers,

We’ll skip through the field and see the frogs jump,

We’ll watch the moths dance and the silhouetted owl,

We’ll draw pictures in the night sky and wish upon a star.

So take a trip on a cloud tonight,

And meet me under the willow tree. 

Thanks for reading! Don't forget to follow my blog ;) 

Toodles for today! 

Ta Da! Here's My Blog!

So I might as well start off with a little introduction, before I get down to the nitty gritty of serious blogging. I decided to start up this blog since I have some time on my hands and I love writing. I express myself much better by written word, and I am constantly thinking of artful ways to record events and opinions in interesting and amusing word pictures.

So how about a little bit about myself? Well, I'm an aspiring photographer, photography is a passion of mine, it's like poetry in an image. Each and every photo that I take has a special meaning to me. It speaks a message, tells a story, reflects an emotion, embodies a quality. What is portrayed can be interpreted in many ways, and I would like those who view my work to think about what the image they are looking at means to them. You can check out my photos here www.facebook.com/GnatWorxPhotography.

I also love writing poetry, although I don't write as often as I'd like. I'll be posting some of my poems as time goes by, so look out for that. I also love writing satire and journalistic reports. But the sordid world of journalism does not appeal to me. So I write mostly for my own sake.

On a slightly more personal note, I am 21 years old and I have an adorable black and white cat named Dusty and a cute fawn rabbit named Cinnabun. I drive a spunky little 1974 VW Beetle, Buttercup - gotta love classic cars! I hope you enjoy my posts from now on ;) Don't forget to subscribe!

So till next time, smile and wave folks!