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I have spent alot of time trying to document what has happened to me over the past few weeks. Not because I wanted to obsessively record my life but because I felt that a running diary of events would be a good reference for others AND for me if I am ever struck by this illness again. |
Perhaps it will shed some light on some of the things you or a friend are experiencing right now and maybe it will help you prepare to deal with the coming days. Personally, I think this has been the single most important course of action I have taken. A complete and accurate account of events including symptoms, emotions, treatment, medication, advice centres, coping with the illness, meals, travel in fact everything you will go through no matter how trivial. |
If I sound repetitive, frustrated or hacked off through the days then maybe you will see how annoying it is to be suddenly confined to your bed and unable to do simple chores. They tell you to remain positive and determined but it's not that easy. Still you have to try to smile and reassure others because it hurts to see them upset. |
This is my diary. |
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Day 1 - Wednesday 5th February 2003 |
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I have a pain at the top of my head which isn't like a headache, suppose it feels after someone has pulled a tuft of hair really hard. It's hurting so much that I have taken a couple of Nurofen. |
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Day 2 - Thursday 6th February 2003 |
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Woke up in the morning and the pain is still there. Been to work all day and felt myself saying "ouch" out loud whenever the pain has occurred. It seems to hurt whenever I laugh, cough, move my head, stamp, smile, move my eyebrows, forehead etc. |
All I can do to carry on working is to wear my tight fleece hat. This seems to restrict hair / scalp movement but the pain is definitely getting worse. I have taken some more painkillers today but there's no real relief. |
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Day 3 - Friday 7th February 2003 |
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The pain is so intense that I can't even touch the ends of my hair. Again the slightest head movement sends a shooting pain to the top right of my head. Even the wind is hurting! |
I have finished work early to come home and figure this out. More Nurofen. |
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Day 4 - Saturday 8th February 2003 |
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The pain is getting really bad now. I'm taking regular doses of Nurofen but the localised pain a the top right of my head seems to be spreading. |
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Day 5 - Sunday 9th February 2003 |
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Today the pain has spread towards the hairline at the front of my head and towards the back of my head too (all on the right side). No matter what I do now I am getting pain, pain, pain. |
It's late on Sunday night and I have called the emergency doctor (Doctor's Co-Operative) who thinks it's just an inflamed nerve and "not to worry." Advised me to contact my GP on Monday. |
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Day 6 - Monday 10th February 2003 |
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Went to see my GP who suspects neuralgia or even shingles. I have been prescribed Cocodamol 30/500 for the pain and told to report back if blisters or a rash develops. This is where the shingles comes into play. |
There are no blisters at the moment but my right ear does feel a bit hot and tender. |
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Day 7 - Tuesday 11th February 2003 |
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The Cocodamol doesn't really seem to be making a difference to the pain. It's really quite bad now so I've called up another doctor's surgery for some advice. They recommend taking a dose of Nurofen in between the Cocodamol so in essence I'm popping pills every couple of hours. |
I feel a bit weird too. All day I have been a little dizzy at work and actually a little sick. I thought it was just hunger and early starts so I've popped over to the KFC for a wrap. Eaten that and had a drink but I'm feeling terrible. Back to the office for a quick update and then off home. |
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