“PIN SITE CLEANING”
(27/09/2015) OK, this is going to get a little gross. At our first post hospital meeting our specialist advised us to keep an eye on the pin sites – these are the ceramic or titanium screws that attach HALO to the outer ring and are screwed into my skull. We were given a script and told to get antibiotics as sometime over the course of the 12 weeks they were sure to get infected. It was about the 3 week mark when I was doing a little morning cleaning, I wiped close to the pin site and a scab fell off. I picked it up and smelt it (don’t know why) pooh!!…. It stunk. I did this with others after washing hands and they did not smell. After further investigation we immediately started the course of antibiotics which left a mild after taste in my mouth.
“SMELLY SCABS”
Yes it's true I have smelly scabs, I’m referring to the scabs where the old pin sites are healing, these scabs are under my hair, behind my ears. 1 in particular smells like expensive cheese - I don't think I can wrap this stuff up and get $20.00 an ounce though. It's rank! I'm fascinated to touch it and find myself smelling my fingers. I wonder a little about this so I go to Dr Google… omg… I’m shocked at what some people do with their scabs… so I’m consoled and therefore back to feeling that I’m completely normal.
“MOWING THE LAWN”
Since being fitted with my brace my personal maintenance has been lacking (actually I think it was lacking prior to brace) It got me wondering what others do (both normal and ones fitted with hardware) Wax? Shave? Trim? Leave to the natural wonders of the world? What does your Partner prefer? Do you always keep your nether regions in tip top shape or just do it for special occasions? As mentioned at the beginning of my blog (WEEK 1 - BED SCRUB) I had been so busy I was of the opinion - "out of sight out of mind" I’ve now got a Sir Walter lawn growing down stairs and if I don't do something about it weeds will move in. Action is needed and soon.
So, being the adventurous type I decide it's time to get the tools out of the shed! I’m home alone, so now’s the time….Being one eyed, one armed and having my back in this brace shouldn't disable me too much - I'm sure there are others out there in worse condition that look after their nature strip, so let’s call it a morning out in the garden!
Like all jobs having the right tools for the job is important. After selecting my multi speed harvester I go for the gab and hack approach - imagine raiders of the lost ark going through the jungle and you have the right idea. Job done and as I look in the mirror…..let’s just say we needed to pay a little more attention to some areas. Lol.
I also wonder if my pillow master will notice my new look. I might need to put on a little light show - perhaps fireworks to draw her attention. Feeling sexy whilst wearing this thing is well....NOPE! A mask perhaps lol.... Oh, how I'm laughing.
“PROMISES”
I have failed to mention this to you but when admitted to hospital I made a promise to myself to do everything possible to heal and resume my old life. I know I might never be quite the same but I intend to return as closely as I can. The first thing to help heal was to get off the coffee and grog. I’ve read calcium absorption may be reduced by excessive caffeine and alcohol. Now I’m no drunk but I figured I needed to maximise calcium absorption into my body so those 2 habits needed to go. It’s now been 7 weeks and I haven’t touched either.
Why is calcium so important?
The following is copied from calcium.greennutritionals.com.au
‘Calcium is essential for building and maintaining bone. Almost all the body's calcium (about 99%) is found in the bones.
Our bodies cannot make calcium, so it must come from the foods we eat. When you are not getting sufficient amounts of calcium in your diet, some of the calcium crystals in bone dissolve and give their calcium back to the bloodstream’
I don’t smoke or have any drug habits if you do and are in my condition please consider finding this a good time to give up.
As my wife trained as a naturopath it was a no brainer to getting some additional help from this field. Sam has never practised as a naturopath so we picked the brains of her former college mates, who are practising. So I’m taking the following herbal remedies -
Please note this is by no way a recommendation on what you should take – always seek professional advice.
VITAMIN K2 - Involved in the body’s ability to produce, and maintain normal healthy bones, through the formation of osteocalcin - a protein produced in bone matrix. Osteocalcin binds with calcium and results in calcium being deposited into bones and bone
VITAMIN D3 Liquid - Plays an intrinsic role in calcium metabolism, the immune and nervous systems, and bone, heart and kidney health.
ULTRA MUSCLEZE - A great relief of muscular aches, pains, cramps and spasms among other things it’s also beneficial in times of stress.
GREEN CALCIUM - Green Calcium is an excellent source of plant calcium (1 level teaspoon provides over 950mg elemental calcium), it is really a multi-mineral complex. It provides 72 other trace minerals, all contributing to bone health and general well-being. It has a unique porous structure with a large surface area that allow for greater absorption and utilisation into the body.
D-RIBOSE - Last but not least, D-Ribose is a natural functional ingredient that delivers a unique way to restore and sustain energy. This ingredient helps reduces muscle pain and stiffness and helps to reduce the loss of energy during stress and accelerates energy and tissue recovery.
“BRIEF”
Feeling good about yourself comes from as much as within as how you also feel on the outside. Even the way people look at you will have an effect on your wellbeing. I’m a big believer of healthy body healthy mind.
It’s hard to feel good when you’re in pain – laughing soothes this. I hope you have had a laugh reading MARKVSHALO –WEEK 7. I have!
Top Picture - Dislocated HALO and full of Morphine.
Second Picture - Pin site screwed into skull.
Lower Picture - Smelly scab.
Bottom Picture - My Natural Meds.
(27/09/2015) OK, this is going to get a little gross. At our first post hospital meeting our specialist advised us to keep an eye on the pin sites – these are the ceramic or titanium screws that attach HALO to the outer ring and are screwed into my skull. We were given a script and told to get antibiotics as sometime over the course of the 12 weeks they were sure to get infected. It was about the 3 week mark when I was doing a little morning cleaning, I wiped close to the pin site and a scab fell off. I picked it up and smelt it (don’t know why) pooh!!…. It stunk. I did this with others after washing hands and they did not smell. After further investigation we immediately started the course of antibiotics which left a mild after taste in my mouth.
“SMELLY SCABS”
Yes it's true I have smelly scabs, I’m referring to the scabs where the old pin sites are healing, these scabs are under my hair, behind my ears. 1 in particular smells like expensive cheese - I don't think I can wrap this stuff up and get $20.00 an ounce though. It's rank! I'm fascinated to touch it and find myself smelling my fingers. I wonder a little about this so I go to Dr Google… omg… I’m shocked at what some people do with their scabs… so I’m consoled and therefore back to feeling that I’m completely normal.
“MOWING THE LAWN”
Since being fitted with my brace my personal maintenance has been lacking (actually I think it was lacking prior to brace) It got me wondering what others do (both normal and ones fitted with hardware) Wax? Shave? Trim? Leave to the natural wonders of the world? What does your Partner prefer? Do you always keep your nether regions in tip top shape or just do it for special occasions? As mentioned at the beginning of my blog (WEEK 1 - BED SCRUB) I had been so busy I was of the opinion - "out of sight out of mind" I’ve now got a Sir Walter lawn growing down stairs and if I don't do something about it weeds will move in. Action is needed and soon.
So, being the adventurous type I decide it's time to get the tools out of the shed! I’m home alone, so now’s the time….Being one eyed, one armed and having my back in this brace shouldn't disable me too much - I'm sure there are others out there in worse condition that look after their nature strip, so let’s call it a morning out in the garden!
Like all jobs having the right tools for the job is important. After selecting my multi speed harvester I go for the gab and hack approach - imagine raiders of the lost ark going through the jungle and you have the right idea. Job done and as I look in the mirror…..let’s just say we needed to pay a little more attention to some areas. Lol.
I also wonder if my pillow master will notice my new look. I might need to put on a little light show - perhaps fireworks to draw her attention. Feeling sexy whilst wearing this thing is well....NOPE! A mask perhaps lol.... Oh, how I'm laughing.
“PROMISES”
I have failed to mention this to you but when admitted to hospital I made a promise to myself to do everything possible to heal and resume my old life. I know I might never be quite the same but I intend to return as closely as I can. The first thing to help heal was to get off the coffee and grog. I’ve read calcium absorption may be reduced by excessive caffeine and alcohol. Now I’m no drunk but I figured I needed to maximise calcium absorption into my body so those 2 habits needed to go. It’s now been 7 weeks and I haven’t touched either.
Why is calcium so important?
The following is copied from calcium.greennutritionals.com.au
‘Calcium is essential for building and maintaining bone. Almost all the body's calcium (about 99%) is found in the bones.
Our bodies cannot make calcium, so it must come from the foods we eat. When you are not getting sufficient amounts of calcium in your diet, some of the calcium crystals in bone dissolve and give their calcium back to the bloodstream’
I don’t smoke or have any drug habits if you do and are in my condition please consider finding this a good time to give up.
As my wife trained as a naturopath it was a no brainer to getting some additional help from this field. Sam has never practised as a naturopath so we picked the brains of her former college mates, who are practising. So I’m taking the following herbal remedies -
Please note this is by no way a recommendation on what you should take – always seek professional advice.
VITAMIN K2 - Involved in the body’s ability to produce, and maintain normal healthy bones, through the formation of osteocalcin - a protein produced in bone matrix. Osteocalcin binds with calcium and results in calcium being deposited into bones and bone
VITAMIN D3 Liquid - Plays an intrinsic role in calcium metabolism, the immune and nervous systems, and bone, heart and kidney health.
ULTRA MUSCLEZE - A great relief of muscular aches, pains, cramps and spasms among other things it’s also beneficial in times of stress.
GREEN CALCIUM - Green Calcium is an excellent source of plant calcium (1 level teaspoon provides over 950mg elemental calcium), it is really a multi-mineral complex. It provides 72 other trace minerals, all contributing to bone health and general well-being. It has a unique porous structure with a large surface area that allow for greater absorption and utilisation into the body.
D-RIBOSE - Last but not least, D-Ribose is a natural functional ingredient that delivers a unique way to restore and sustain energy. This ingredient helps reduces muscle pain and stiffness and helps to reduce the loss of energy during stress and accelerates energy and tissue recovery.
“BRIEF”
Feeling good about yourself comes from as much as within as how you also feel on the outside. Even the way people look at you will have an effect on your wellbeing. I’m a big believer of healthy body healthy mind.
It’s hard to feel good when you’re in pain – laughing soothes this. I hope you have had a laugh reading MARKVSHALO –WEEK 7. I have!
Top Picture - Dislocated HALO and full of Morphine.
Second Picture - Pin site screwed into skull.
Lower Picture - Smelly scab.
Bottom Picture - My Natural Meds.