When the cold weather started I immediately assumed it would be the cluster attacks that would cause the most problems but I was wrong. The main issue at the moment is the damaged nerve on the left side of my neck which effects the entire left side of my body. Not only do I get sharp shooting pains constantly on and off all day but also strange nerve pains and symptoms that even the doctor doesn’t have a clue what’s going on.
The entire left side of my body suddenly feeling like its been frozen and turns icy cold to the touch. Sharp needle like pains over the entire surface area of my skin on the left side of my body like I am being stabbed by thousands of needles over and over again. The left side of my body becoming completely numb where I cant even feel the tips of my fingers or my toes yet I can still move them. Its a horrible feeling that can last several minuets before the feeling begins to return.
The constant sharp pain up the left side of my back into my neck from the nerve feels like someone has cut my back open with a sharp knife but had forgotten to use anaesthetic. All these pains have magnified now the cold weather has started and instead of only happening now and again, seems to be constant and I can feel the effected areas even after the pain has eased away. I knew the cold weather was going to be a challenge this year but I wasn’t expecting this.
Once again there isn’t really anything that can be done about it, it’s another issue that I have to adjust my life and learn to live with as the only alternative was a cervical nerve root block that may or may not cause me serious problems. That’s not a gamble I want to take at my age and I am still young enough to fight this. I promised myself years ago that I would never give in to the pain when I was diagnosed with the cluster attacks. It was one reason I decided to concentrate on my fishing rather than blogging about my illness and the effects it has on me. I would do anything to try and keep myself busy rather than feeling sorry for myself and try and remember there are people out there who are worst off than me.
My mother, who is the strongest person I know, has to deal with Dialysis every day or 2 days, My friend has his voice box removed due to throat cancer and he never smoked a cigarette in his life but can no longer talk or taste, A friend of mine passed not long ago due to cancer taking her very quickly and my friend passed from having Liver disease, failing kidneys, heart problems and a number of other illnesses. I think about these people and the fact they never once complained about being ill. They just seem to get on with things and inspire me to be strong.
Once again another year has almost passed and we are approaching Christmas and I can honestly say I am feeling better than I was a few years back despite having these extra issues. My clusters have reduced in numbers so I no longer have to hide away. I am now able to get back on with my fishing and pick up where I left off and can’t wait to get out on a fishing trip as soon as possible. Things are slowly starting to look up and I have a feeling will continue to improve as long as I stay positive and continue to get out in the fresh air and get on with life rather than hiding way behind closed doors. Lets hope things stay on track and continue to look promising. That’s all we can do!
