Chronic pain at 25

Physical and Mental Health / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Part of the reason I decided to begin blogging again is also part of the reason I stopped blogging before. I am a Chronic pain sufferer and have been for over 5 years now. I struggled to get the help I needed when it first began which caused me to become extremely depressed and anxious.

Shutting Down

I shut off from a lot of my friends and closed my blog and deleted all trace of it as I was fed up of ‘moaning’ about the pain constantly. I’ve recently realised that sometimes to cope with chronic pain you need an outlet where you can vent and moan so you can clear your mind and take control again.

Keeping Track

As I’ve come to realise this I’ve decided I’m going to document what goes on with my various appointments, to help me keep track, vent & moan on bad days and make others aware of how chronic pain affects lives, and hopefully find other’s who have learnt coping techniques and to hear their story too. If you’ve got this far then here is my story.

Lower Back Pain

Since my pregnancy with my eldest daughter in 2010 I have had excruciating lower back pain. It all began with struggling to climb the stairs in our first flat whilst pregnant, I’d struggle so much I’d be in tears. I thought at the time it was just typical pregnancy pains until it continued about 6months after my eldest was born.

X-Ray Results

I eventually got to a point where everyone was telling me I had to go to the DR’s and find out what was going on. Eventually, I did and an x-ray showed I had scoliosis of the lumbar spine and low disc space in L4-L5. My GP referred me to physiotherapy which wasn’t helping and due to unfortunate circumstances at the time I became unable to afford the fare to get to my physiotherapy sessions and gave up trying to seek help.

Chronic Pain

After a few years of struggling with the pain and trying to manage it with over the counter medicines, I got much worse especially a few months after the birth of my youngest daughter. Over time it got to the point where I could barely pick her up, so I went to my local GP to try and get some help.

Physiotherapy, Again

Again I was referred to physiotherapy which didn’t go well at all. After the first session, I hurt for almost 2 weeks! By the third session, I was barely able to walk for the next 3 weeks. I went back to my GP and explained the pain was worse and explained how it travels down my leg and at times I can’t walk or move my legs, attempting to lift my youngest up gives me extremely painful spasms, all of it combined is exhausting and depressing and on top of it all on really bad days I’m extremely nauseous too.

Medication

I was prescribed Amitriptyline, Duloxetine, Naproxen and Co-dydramol to try and help manage the pain & the depression. I was surprised to find out that some anti-depressants are also used for nerve related pain but after doing a bit of research discovered they are quite regularly prescribed for this reason. Unfortunately, the medication does very little but I am at least able to sleep a bit better on the Amitriptyline which is some relief.

Another X-Ray

I was sent for more x-rays which showed lordosis of the thoracic spine which shows signs of muscle spasms. This indicates its likely to be a nerve problem which it seems my GP must have worked out as she prescribed the amitriptyline from the start. When I attended my last physiotherapy session the physio decided it was best to release me and refer me to pain management as he said it was clear the exercises had aggravated the situation and he didn’t want to hurt me more and he made me a referral marked as ‘urgent’.

Pain Clinic

I now have to wait until the 14th December for my pain clinic appointment, which after seeing the waiting times at some hospitals I’m quite lucky I got an appointment this year. I’m hopeful I can find ways to manage the pain and remain as active as possible with their help as being stuck indoors most of the time and unable to enjoy simple things without suffering for it has had a major impact on my mental health and my family.

Reaching Out

I’m hoping to connect to other Chronic pain sufferers by sharing my story here and keeping track of my progress. If you read all of this post then, Thank you for taking the time to do so and please feel free to contact me in any way if you want to share your story or just a chat.

SmartThinking with Samsung SmartThings

Product Reviews / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple
sensor monitor

Last week I revealed the Samsung smartThings package sent to me from TheInsiders, I explained how I had used the SmartThings Power outlet to control the table lamp in my living room. It was so simple to use via the SmartThings app on my phone.

SmartThinking

I was sat for a while struggling to think of ways to test the other SmartThings and I had no suggestions. (hardly surprising after a 2yr break from blogging and a slow start!) Then a delivery driver annoyed me by posting a card through without knocking last week, he gave me an idea of how to use the SmartThings

Missed Deliveries

I’m sure we have all had it in the past where a sneaky delivery driver tries to silently push through a missed delivery card. I guess it saves them the few minutes it takes for you to answer the door and sign for a parcel. Its happened to me several times, some I’ve caught out and managed to get the parcel. Others I’ve missed and ended up having to collect from a sorting office. I was trying to think of a way to catch him out using the SmartThings. Living in a tower block of flats I wasn’t keen on the idea of attaching anything on the outside to alert me of their presence so the Multi-Sensor was out of the question.

SmartThinking Motion-Sensor

Motion Sensor

Eventually, I decided to try the Motion Sensor. I figured if I attached it to the inside of my letterbox, I could probably set it up to send me a notification on my phone if anything came through. At least this way I will know as soon as the card is put through the door. Then I can get to the door before they jump in the lift!

Letterbox Motion Sensor

Setting Up

I attached the monitors and synced them to the SmartThings app This really is simpler to do than I thought it might be! I chose to be alerted whenever the letterbox opens and closes. Then I set the notification tone to the noisiest one I could find. Now, whenever I receive letters or ‘Miss’ a delivery I receive a notification saying ‘You’ve got mail!’. This has helped us out loads this week as we have begun ordering presents ready for Christmas. I have already managed to catch a delivery driver before he got in the lif,t, so I’m really pleased!

Easy To Use

I have been majorly impressed by how quick, simple and easy it has been to set up & use the SmartThings and control them via the SmartThings App. Admittedly I get notifications whenever the door is opened and closed however as I have a 5yo daughter who has recently begun to try answering the front door alone it has actually been more useful than annoying. It also lets me know when my 16mo daughter is trying to post toys and pegs out the door too!

More SmartThinking Needed!

I’m still unsure how to use the SmartThings Multi Sensor and Presence sensor so if any of you have any idea’s you’d like me to try I’ll give it a go! Otherwise I shall hopefully have something figured out by next weekend!

Samsung SmartThings

Product Reviews / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple
SamsungSmartThings

I previously posted here that I had been selected to test the Samsung SmartThings starter kit thanks to The Insiders!

So after a few weeks of having the Samsung SmartThings and trying to work out what to do with them, I eventually braved opening the parcel to see what The Insiders had sent me.

SamsungSmartThings
Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit

Inside the Samsung SmartThings Starter Kit

  • SmartThings Hub
  • SmartThings Multi-Sensor
  • SmartThings Motion Sensor
  • SmartThings Presence Sensor
  • Smarthings Power Outlet
SmartThings Plug

Setting Up

The Hub itself is a simple design. It connects to your router enabling all your Things to wirelessly connect allowing you to control them via the SmartThings app.

It is easy enough to set up the hub and connecting the SmartThings app to it is done by entering a short code that is supplied in the box.

Once you have connected the hub and set up the SmartThings app your ready to go!

SmartThings Power Outlet

The first thing I tried was the SmartThings Power Outlet to control our table lamp in the living room. To do this I plugged the lamp into the Power outlet which goes into your usual Plug socket.

I then went into the SmartThings app and Added ‘Living Room’ as a room. Then I had the option to turn the outlet on and off.

I was instantly impressed I could just simply use my Smart phone to turn the outlet on or off, set a timer or set it to interact with another product such as the Presence sensor or Motion detector. This means the possibilities are almost endless allowing you to use your imagination to come up with all sorts of useful ideas. After playing around with the app I also discovered you can see what the power usage is of the Power outlet.

Having Fun

I considered testing out all the Things and sharing the results all in one blog post. Instead I thought perhaps I could make this even more fun. Since I will be testing this for a few weeks I’llask my readers for some suggestions! So, What would you do with the Samsung SmartThings? What Should I test next and what should I try to do with them? Leave a comment with your suggestions and ill try them out!

Watch this space…

Helpful Ramblings / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Watch this space! The Insiders have once again allowed me to participate in one of their amazing campaigns. I can’t wait to share it with you all!

In a previous post I mentioned I received the LGG4 and LG Infinim headphones to test and review and posted a short & sweet review here.

This time However I have been invited to test out the Samsung Smart things! Im very excited to see what is in the box as the description describes the Samsung Smart things as being “the best way to cheaply and easily keep you connected and in control of your home.”.

I’m expecting the box to arrive within the next fortnight and will be sharing with you all just what exactly is in the box and my thoughts on the product itself so watch this space!!

Strange words from the 5 Year Olds mouth

Parenting / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

Kids always come out with weird stuff dont they? Or is that just my daughter? Over the last few months she has been coming out with some rather odd stuff..

Admittedly having the parents she has its hardly surprising as we aren’t exactly ‘normal’ but even I’m a little shocked by the following things she has come out with recently…

  • Can I get a my little pony? Then cut its eyes out and chop its hair off, pull out the stuffing and colour it in and make a zombie pony?
  • Mum can I have some dead squirrels? So I can draw with them and make things out of them?
  • I’m going to buy vanish gold for my birthday. So I can throw it in your face and video it and put it on youtube. That would be so funny!
  • (Latest one! April) Mummy so & so has a willy, he told me! Daddy doesn’t though…

My Favourite product tests so far this year

Product Reviews / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I’m sharing my favourite product tests so far this year as it’s quite nice to see what is possible. The world of product testing and reviews is huge and I’m so glad to be a part of it.

My Favourite product tests:

LGG4

As I mentioned previously TheInsiders sent me my lovely LGG4 along with the LG Tone Infinim Bluetooth headphones back in may which was a lovely surprise as I entered the Campaign unsure if the site was legit or not even after doing some research.


Luckily for me TheInsiders really are legit and I was able to test both items. For the campaign I had to enter a photo competition which unfortunately I didn’t win as I was stuck indoors with a teething baby most of the time, I also had to write a review for them and was then allowed to keep the phone and headset. I have really come to love the phone as it covers the main things I look for in a phone, Good camera, good battery & speedy with good connectivity. 

The LGG4 has an amazing 16MP Camera as well as an 8MP front facing camera which is used daily by myself and both my daughters who now love a good selfie haha! The battery in comparison to my HTC ONE X I previously owned is impressive even with my overuse. The system keeps up with me at least 98% of the time even with my photo gallery overflowing and killing the memory.

I had a lot of problems with the ONE X when it came to wifi however with the LGG4 I’m not only able to connect via wifi anywhere in my flat but also approx 100-150m range from my home! Rather handy for friends with no credit/data to let us know they are here haha! All in all a perfect phone for me and one I would most definitely recommend!

Relentless

My second favourite isn’t technically a product test of my own but my Mr’s, He completed a survey and we received a 4 pack of relentless which just so happens to be my favourite drink 😉

Jacobs Cracker Crisps

Doing a campaign for Bzzagent I received a box containing Jacobs cracker crisps in all 3 varieties, Thai sweet chilli, Sea salt & balsamic vinegar and Cream& chive along with a few vouchers to hand out. I like the Thai sweet chilli but I can’t eat too many at once, Sea salt & Balsamic vinegar isn’t a flavour for me at all, however, the Cream and chive were absolute heaven! I could (and did!) eat a whole bag to myself, they are so moreish and lovely dipped in Philadelphia, these are going to become a regular snack for me.

Garnier Ultimate Blends

Another Campaign run by Bzzagent was the Garnier Ultimate blends nourishing repairer collection, In the box, I received a lovely big bottle of Shampoo, Conditioner and 2x 1-minute hair treatment. After testing them for a few weeks and having impressive result’s I have swapped to the range but I am currently trying out The marvellous transformer collection and again I am pleased with the results and has even made me make time to straighten my hair regularly. There is a wide range of collections available to suit every hair type I would most definitely recommend finding the right collection for you and trying it out for yourself!

Pretty flowers On The Way To Physio

My Sunday Photos / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I spotted these pretty flowers on my walk to physio last week. They really stood out so I had to take photo! I love seeing bursts of colourful flowers dotted around, it makes such a difference.

Pretty Flowers 

Pretty Flowers

Since winning my LGG4 I am really enjoying taking photo’s of everything. Last month a took a shot of my stretch marks which I’m quite proud of too. I love how you can capture the beauty of everything with a camera handy.

Do you enjoy taking photo’s 

Stretch Marks

My Sunday Photos / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple
Stretchmarks

My stretch marks after having my 2 beautiful daughters. Taken with the LGG4 I won!

Stretch marks

I used to hate my body before children and it’s been a learning curve since. One thing I have learnt to love is my stretch marks. They remind me my body has been useful enough to carry two healthy girls into this world. It might not be ‘pretty’ but these stretch marks tell a story.

Product Reviews & WOM Campaigns

Product Reviews / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

I take part in Product Reviews and WOM campaigns alongside taking surveys. With most of these, I also receive vouchers to hand out to friends and family. I hand these vouchers out when I tell people about the product I have received.

Product Reviews

Several of the Survey site’s I use randomly invite me, however, there’s also 2 specific product reviewing sites that I use and have absolutely loved reviewing for.

Buzzagent

The one I use the most is Bzzagent you regularly check the site for surveys and once invited to receive a product you are given several ways to spread the word and write reviews earning you reputation points towards your Bzz Score. The higher your Bzz score the more likely you are to receive products to test and review. I’ve been with this site now since 2013 and have received a range of products from Ribena, Vanish, Jacobs amongst others. You usually get a few money off vouchers to share with your friends to help spread the word too! If you are a Tesco Clubcard holder you can register to earn points for Bzzing too!

TheInsider

The second site I’ve joined within the last year, TheInsider has invited me to join 3 campaigns so far, one for Purina Cat food which I never received but admittedly forgot to chase up and the second is the reason I’m still signed up… An LGG4 phone with an LG infinitim Bluetooth headset!

I signed up to test the phone thinking I would never actually receive it until to my amazement it arrived! For 6 weeks I had to take part in competitions testing the phones camera capabilities (amazing even for a total amateur like me!), reviewing both products and showing friends and family the phone and asking them to take part in a questionnaire on the phone once I’ve let them have a play with it. All 200 participants got to keep both products in the end. You earn points based on your activity throughout campaigns, the more active you are, the more points you earn and the more likely you are to be chosen for future campaigns. The third campaign I have just signed up for and if I’m lucky ill be blogging about it soon!

Survey sites, do they really pay?

Helpful Ramblings / 8 years ago / RelentlesslyPurple

A lot of people that know me know I use survey sites as well as write product reviews and constantly ask me how to get started and how they all work, so here’s a few Q&A’s. Check out my latest post on Survey sites here too.

Survey sites

Survey Sites do they really pay?

Q. Do they really pay out?

A. Yes. If you are actually willing to put the effort in. Come on people you cant expect a miracle, if you’re not the type of person that can sit at a computer for hours on end asking similar questions properly then just don’t even bother setting up accounts, to earn you have to be dedicated.

Q. How long does it take to earn my payout?

A. This one I cant give a time frame for as it all comes down to the individual site, survey frequencies, and time put in completing surveys. Some sites can build up in weeks others literally will take you years.

Q. How do these sites payout?

A. Some pay via BAC’s, bank transfer, Paypal, Amazon credit, High street vouchers & gifts.

 

Q. Which sites are best?

A. Each site is unique so it all depends what your interested in sharing your opinions on, how regularly you want to be doing surveys, and what rewards you would prefer.

Q.How long does it take to receive my rewards?

A. Some sites are instant others can take up to 6 weeks, I have noted on each listing below how quickly they payout.

Most survey sites will give you free prize draw entries on completion of surveys, some you can use your points towards more entries too.

Here is a list of survey sites I find the best for me.

  1. YourSayPays – Another good site to check daily! This site is the simplest one out of them all. You are paid anywhere from 5p per survey and can redeem once you reach £20 via PayPal or Amazon vouchers. I rarely receive emails from this site but log on daily and usually have at least 1/2 surveys a day to fill out. I average a £20 payout every 4-6 months. Up to 30 days to receive payouts.
  2. OnePoll – This site is similar to YourSayPays and is well worth checking daily. The payout threshold is £40 paid via BACS or paypal. It can take anywhere from 6-12months to build up depending on how regularly you check the site. Payouts can take up to 28 days.
  3. I-Say – This site regularly has surveys and if kept on top of you can easily earn the 1380 points (£10) every 2-3months. This site pays out via vouchers (Compliments, Amazon, John lewis & Leisure). Amazon vouchers are received via email & the others are posted out. This site gives from 5-25 points even if you don’t qualify for a survey. Takes up-to 4 weeks to receive vouchers.
  4. Univox Community – This site I’ve been signed up to for a while but forgot about it until recently, in the 2months I have been checking daily for surveys I have reached the $25 Amazon payout (£16.05). Most surveys I dont get through however the 5 points you get per survey you are disqualified from soon builds up! With the addition of the univox community forum & polls you have an even better chance of reaching your threshold sooner! Payouts can take up to 30 days to process.
  5. GlobalTestMarket – This site always has surveys available however I get through on very few yet still manage to get a payout once every 3-4 months. This site is great however the minimum requirement to redeem your points is 1000. This site pays out in a huge variety of ways including Paypal, Amazon, Nectar, Itunes, Boots, and many MANY more! I tend to go for Paypal (544 points x 2 to redeem = £30!). Physical merchandise and paper vouchers will generally be delivered to winners’ doors within 4-6 weeks from order date, unless otherwise specified in the Rewards Zone. Truck-shipped and speciality items are generally delivered within 6-8 weeks from order date, unless otherwise specified in the Rewards Zone.
  6. MySurvey – GlobalTestMarket sister site, this site works in a similar way however unlike global where you need 1000 points and have to order over 1000 points worth each time this site allows you to redeem your points as soon as you reach your target. Again this site like its sister site pays out in a huge variety of ways including paypal & Amazon from as little as £3 paypal.
  7. Vivatic – This site allows you to earn cash doing a variety of things including surveys, connecting to accounts, cash offers, polls/competitions, tasks & writing jobs. I cant put a time frame on payouts for this site as I tend to forget about this one, which is a shame as when I spend a bit of time on this site I can build up cash quite quickly. Payment threshold is £20 via paypal only and is credited to your account on the last working day of the following month.
  8. MyVoice – This site sends you emails regularly for surveys, once you reach 2000 points you can redeem a £20 voucher including Amazon, Argos, Boots & more. If you are screened out of a survey it pays out 5 points. (Taken from Myvoice FAQS – We gather your Amazon voucher requests and send them to Amazon once a week. We send Amazon codes every Thursday/Friday. If you requested your voucher on a Thursday therefore it can take up to 7 days to get it. If you requested your voucher on a Wednesday it will be up to 2 days.)

I have received payouts from all of these survey sites listed, some quite regularly with no issues so far.

To receive more surveys keep your profiles updated regularly, some such as Univox even credit you for updating your profile too!

Answering questions honestly and to the best of your ability enables you to access more surveys more regularly.

You do occasionally have hiccups where a survey might not work, usually passing on the details to the survey panel helps resolve the problem so the survey can be reissued, some will credit your account and others just acknowledge there was an error but it was unresolvable.

All in all if you have some spare time and are generally sat on a pc/laptops this is a brilliant way to make some extra cash, its never going to be a permanent well paying income but it helps out with birthday’s and Christmas and is well worth doing.

There are loads more survey sites out there this is just a broken down list of some I use the most however you may find others that are more suited to yourself, take a look around, read some reviews and see what you think.