100 Little Things I Love

Today, I've stepped aside from the fashion and beauty posts to bring you a simple favourites list. I'm all too aware that writing a style and beauty blog can seem like a very materialistic pastime, and while I love collecting pretty dresses and colourful eyeshadows, my life does not just revolve around money and possessions. I love so many other things in life; so many of life's little joys that are completely free or cost very little to enjoy. Of course, there are still a few materialistic favourites in the mix, but here is a list of one hundred of my favourite little things in life.

1. The excitement of waking up on the day of a concert.

2. The adrenaline rush of excitement when seeing a favourite band perform live.

3. Having a moment of interaction with a band member, if only just for a second.

4. Going to see Boyzone or Ronan Keating with my best friend and always having so much fun together, getting up to no good!

5. Going to see a musical at the theatre. (My fave is Phantom of the Opera).

6. Visiting the seaside town of Perranporth in Cornwall, one of my favourite places in the world.

7. The sound of seagulls at the seaside.

8. The sound of the sea, especially when heard from bed while on holiday.

9. Standing in the surf and feeling the pull of the tides around my feet as the waves progress and recede from the shore.

10. Body-boarding in the sea on a hot summer's day.

11. Going for a walk on the beach.

12. The taste of salt water on my lips after a swim in the sea.

13. Feeling the sun on my skin.

14. Pretty sunsets / sunrises.

15. Looking up at the stars, especially during meteor showers.

16. The sound of trees dancing in the wind.

17. The howl of the wind during a storm.

18. When the leaves changes colour in Autumn, and everywhere is transformed in to a backdrop of gold, yellow, rust, red, orange, and burnt sienna.

19. Crunching through Autumn leaves.

20. Watching the snow falling from the sky.

21. Taking walks in the snow.

22. Feeling the cold on my face during the Winter when I'm wrapped up in cosy layers.

23. Warm towels straight out of the dryer- especially on a cold day.

24. Crunching over grass after a heavy frost.

25. The coziness of a thick fog, when I'm at home.

26. Thunderstorms, when I'm safely indoors.

27. When blossom starts appearing on the trees in the Spring time.

28. When the leaves return to the trees after a long winter.

29. The smell of freshly cut grass.

30. Hearing owls hooting outside my bedroom window every night.

31. The sound of rain drumming against the windows and roof.

32. Going for a walk in the rain without an umbrella, then returning home to a hot bath or shower.

33. The smell of tarmac after a rain storm.

34. Curling up under a blanket with a good book when it's raining.

35. The blissfulness of spending an entire day reading a good book.

36. The smell of old books.

37. Yellow flowers- especially sunflowers, tulips, and roses.

38. When the mornings and evenings get brighter / longer after a long winter.

39. Baking bread and kneading the dough.

40. The smell of cakes and other sweet treats baking in the oven.

41. Receiving hand-written letters in the post.

42. Receiving a parcel... even if it's just something I bought for myself.

43. When strangers say 'hello' as we pass in the street.

44. Receiving compliments from strangers.

45. Giving compliments to someone and making them smile.

46. The first gulp of a cold drink when I've been thirsty for hours.

47. Cold showers on hot days.

48. Driving around with the windows down on a hot summer's day.

49. Blasting good tunes out when the sun is shining.

50. Turning my favourite songs up loud.

51. The relief that comes from taking off the bra after a long day. Ladies, you know what I'm talking about!

52. The affection from a pet who is so happy to see you.

53. The excitement of waking up on Christmas Eve and preparing for Christmas Day... the lead up is my favourite part!

54. Driving around to see Christmas lights in December.

55. The smell of real Christmas trees and foliage.

56. The smell of lit Jack O' lanterns on Halloween.

57. The nostalgia I get from wearing my favourite Escada perfume, which immediately takes me back to NYC.

58. Remembering a great memory, and breaking out in a smile I can't contain.

59. Wearing a new dress for the first time and feeling fabulous!

60. When I find the dress / top / skirt I've been coveting for ages, and it's the last one and in my size! Fate!

61. Discovering a new novelty print on a fantastic dress.

62. Discovering a new novelty bag.

63. Wearing green eyeshadow and feeling complete.

64. Painting my nails in beautiful bold colours.

65. The smooth feeling of freshly shaved legs... mine, of course! I don't go around stroking people's legs!

66. Watching Julie and Julia *contended sigh*.

67. Watching Steel Magnolias for the 1000th time. Utter contentment.

68. Memories of my fur babies, even though they're up in critter heaven.

69. Bunny noses.

70. Spending a day at the zoo.

71. Visits from my best friend.

72. Lovely messages from friends.

73. When somebody messages me to say "this made me think of you."

74. Going out for a meal or a few drinks with family and friends.

75. Men who open doors for you.

76. Laughing with my sisters until my sides hurt.

77. Movie nights at the sister's.

78. Dramatically singing along to great (or bad!) tunes, especially musicals, in the car with my sister.

79. Travelling by train or plane to go somewhere fun, and spending hours daydreaming out of the window with good tunes on my iPod. It always feels like an adventure.

80. Fun day trips out to London, especially on a sunny day.

81. Seeing loved-up old couples holding hands.

82. Seeing rugged tattooed men lovingly cradling tiny babies.

83. Looking through my memory box and remembering a life time of great memories.

84. Waking up naturally without the alarm.

85. Waking up before the alarm and realising I still have a couple of hours to sleep.

86. Buying myself flowers, just 'cause.

87. Irish accents.

88. Lazy days spent watching movies, alone or in good company.

89. When I walk in to a shop and my favourite song comes on.

90. Spending a blissful few hours listening to the back catalogues of Fall Out Boy, Linkin Park, Panic! at the Disco, Boyzone and / or Ronan Keating.

91. Writing on the first page of a new notebook.

92. Finding time to do some creative writing and actually having the inspiration to write.

93. Citrus scents.

94. Fresh bedding, straight from the dryer.

95. Cuddles from puppies / kittens / bunnies / any affectionate little critter.

96. Taking a walk in the countryside, especially alongside a river.

97. The peacefulness of waking up at dawn and hearing nothing but birdsong.

98. The peacefulness of going for a walk really early in the morning when people are still in bed, and feeling like I've got the world to myself.

99. Perfectly dyed hair after too many weeks/months with my roots showing.

100. Fireworks displays, especially on Bonfire night.

And that is 100 of my favourite little things in life! I could keep listing; I love so many random things. 

When you actually stop to think about it, you can see just how many great things there are in life. They may not all be particularly interesting or news-worthy, but they can bring a smile to my face just the same.

What are your favourite little things in life?

Make sure you link me to your lists if you decide to write your own!

Wednesday Wish List

Hi guys,

Who's ready for this week's Wednesday Wish List?

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Let's start with a few Lindy Bop dresses. I've become a little obsessed with their Audrey frocks, and a few new styles have caught my eye this week. The turquoise polka dot Audrey is especially stunning- I must make it mine!

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I've been lusting after Domino Dollhouses's beautiful meringue petticoats for years now, and I've been back for another gawp. I love the mint green for Spring / Summer, and the emerald and burgundy would be perfect for Autumn.

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ASOS Curve have some gorgeous new clothes this week. I'm crazy about the woodland print t-shirt; it has badgers, foxes, owls, and squirrels on it! It will make it's way in to my hands, even if I just wear it to bed. The rainbow tee is also really cute. The tapestry dress is absolutely beautiful and I adore the tartan tee and matching leggings.

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The Autumnal pieces have already arrived at Dorothy Perkins, which seems crazy when we've been basking in a heatwave for the past two weeks! I love the two sweetheart dresses, but especially the red and navy floral print one. I have three dresses in this style already, and they're fantastic little frocks for casual everyday wear. 

One thing that's missing from my wardrobe is a leather or leather-look biker jacket, and each A/W I always covet DP biker jackets from afar. It seems this year is no different. I love the style of the collarless quilted jacket above.

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I'm not usually the biggest fan of Disney themed nightwear, but these Bambi PJs from Dorothy Perkins are so cute!

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I've found a bunch of amazing novelty bags and purses this week, through ASOS, Domino Dollhouse, Aldo, and an Etsy site called Titina Store. My favourites are the studded cat ears bag from ASOS, the milk carton bag from Domino Dollhouse, and the sea shell bag from Titina Store, but they're all lust-worthy.

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Lindy Bop have some beautiful retro heels from Ruby Shoo online at the moment. The red and green 'Sara' heels are my favourite.

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The pastel petal stone jewellery set from Dorothy Perkins is so pretty and would be perfect for a final pastel fix before Autumn comes around. I also love the key and faux pearl necklace from ASOS Curve. Keys and pearls are two of my favourite things.

These are just some of the lovely things I have my eye on this week. If you'd like to see more of what I'm coveting, check out my Pinterest boards!

What's on your wish list this week?

Which of these are your favourites?

Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance Conditioner Review

I enjoy reviewing beauty products from time to time and I want to start sharing more of my favourite products with you guys. I don't know why I haven't been talking more about my established favourites, but I plan to start rectifying that. 

Today, I'm going to start with a review of Aussie's Miracle Hair Insurance, which is a light, leave in conditioner spray which I have been using religiously for more than a decade, and first discovered at the age of twelve. 

Miracle Hair Insurance is infused with Australian jojoba seed oil, which is designed to detangle the hair and protect it from everyday wear-and-tear, and as it says on the bottle, it's "a saviour for weak, distressed hair." 

This is one product that actually lives up to what it promises.

I don't have weak or distressed hair, but this conditioner spray has always helped to keep my hair in good condition. For most of the years I've been using the product, I've had very long hair (obviously, not now!), which needed to be looked after to keep it looking healthy, as long hair usually does. I've never had to splash out on expensive magical elixirs to get the results my hair needs; a simple leave in conditioner has always been all I've needed, no matter the length of my hair! (Seriously! All I do with my hair is shampoo and condition it, and spray this fantastic leave in conditioner in to my hair after a shower or a swim)! 

I actually remember using a Salon Selectives leave in conditioner when I was a tween, but it was later discontinued, and on my hunt for a replacement, I discovered Aussie's Miracle Hair Insurance. I was about twelve when I started using it, and I haven't looked back in seventeen years!

Why, you ask? Well, the conditioner is perfect for so many situations, and it works wonders on my hair. Here's why I love it so much:

♥ The conditioner keeps my hair looking strong, shiny, and healthy, and helps to revive it when it's not looking its best. 

♥ It detangles my hair and makes brushing any tangles out a breeze.

♥ It's ideal for spraying in to wet hair after a swim in the sea or pool, as it instantly hydrates the hair and protects it after it's been exposed to salt water and pool chemicals, while making it easy to run a brush through your hair when it's become knotted from your swim. (Have you tried brushing long hair after a swim in the sea? It's a nightmare)! I never go to the beach or pool without it! 

♥ It's useful if you've over-slept, can't be bothered to condition your hair in the shower, or find it difficult to shower for long due to illness or injury. Just shampoo your hair in the shower, and then spray the Miracle Hair Insurance in once you're out of the water! It's been invaluable for me with my back injuries since I struggle to stand up long enough to wash my hair, and it means I can skip a step if I'm not feeling great. It's also come to the rescue so many times when I've been running late for work. 

It's basically a miracle spray, and it really does deserve the name!

It's a light spray, with a consistency just a little thicker than water, and all you need to do is spray it in to wet hair, and brush through to make sure it gets to every lock. You can then blow dry your hair or let it dry naturally, and wait for it to work its magic! Simple as that! You can also use it on dry hair, although in all the years I've been using it, I've never tried it on anything but wet hair.

It really is that easy to use, and it only takes ten seconds of your time, so no commitment is needed to fit it in to your hair care routine. It's great for busy and lazy girls alike!

The good news is, it's a purse-friendly conditioner spray, generally retailing somewhere between £4.50- £5.00 for a 250ml bottle, but you often find Aussie products on 3 for £10 offers in most supermarkets in the UK, or on 3 for 2 at Boots and Superdrug etc. I usually get a couple of months use out of one bottle, so it's fairly priced.

I personally think it's more than worth it's price tag, and I would happily buy it if it cost £4.50 or £15.00. I couldn't live without it! If I was stranded on a desert island, it's the one product I would hope to be stranded with.

Aussie also have several other conditioner sprays in the range, designed for a variety of hair types and needs, although the Miracle Hair Insurance has always been my favourite because the scent is so fresh and pleasant, without being over-baring. I love the Miracle Recharge Shine and have used the Long Luscious Hair and Miracle Recharge Colour sprays before, which all work equally brilliantly, but I always return to this one because it's my particular favourite.

It can't be bad if I've been using it for seventeen years, right?

Have you used Aussie Miracle Hair Insurance yet? Do you use any of the other conditioner sprays in the collection?

A Little Update

Hi guys,

I just wanted to check in to apologize for the lack of posts here at the moment; quality and otherwise. It's been an over-whelming few weeks for me, and the stress and pain combined with a stifling heatwave and writer's block have all made blogging difficult.

I've tried to write so many times, only to find a lack of inspiration or motivation stopping me from typing. I actually have twenty-three posts in my drafts right now, and I'm not inspired to write any of them. I think I'll probably delete most of them and start again; there's no point forcing something that I'm clearly not motivated to write. Normal service should hopefully resume soon.

I have found the motivation to give my blog a little face lift, though. I've been trying to work out what to do with it for months, designing images with a lot of trial and error, but never liking the result when I put it all together. Now I'm doing it as I go along, I finally seem to be getting somewhere; although it's still a work in progress. I've added more pages and subjects to the right hand side bar, as you might have noticed, but I still have pages to edit / finish, and about 600 posts still to go back through and relabel correctly. It might take a few weeks, but hopefully when I'm done Polka Spots and Freckle Dots will be better organised and easier to navigate. 

Aside from the blog, as some of you will know, two and a half weeks ago, I began my journey in to private health care. I had three appointments in the space of one week- efficiency I'm just not used to after so little support from the NHS.

Last Wednesday, I got the results of my X-Rays and MRI scans. I didn't expect to learn anything I didn't already know- I'd had an MRI on the NHS in 2011 which (eventually) diagnosed my multiple disc injuries, so I wasn't expecting any new developments. 

Let's just say I was in for a surprise!

My Doctor began by showing me the X-Rays, and I could instantly see my spine was not exactly that of a healthy person. My discs were still all in various states of degeneration; the herniations were still herniated; they had not miraculously healed in the last three years... but I'd expected that.

What I didn't expect to see was that my spine was slightly- but visibly- curved in places, and that there was a little shadow near the base of my spine. Even to my untrained eye, I knew that was not how a spine should look.

The Doctor explained that near the bottom of my spine, there was a little bone on the side of one of my vertebrae that shouldn't be where it was, and there was a good chance it was causing a lot of my pain. It looked like a little butterfly beside another piece of bone. 

I was too overwhelmed by the new developments to remember to ask questions, so right now I'm not sure if the bone is out of place, or just not meant to be there at all, but I suspect the latter by what I could see on the scan.

He told me the curves to my spine could be a result of all the pain I'm in. Three years of relentless pain has obviously had some affect on my posture, but I never thought that it could physically affect my spine! 

I'm left wondering for now, and I'm curious as to what caused both of these 'new' issues. Whether they were caused by injury, I was born with them, or whether they're the result of a condition.. or something else entirely. I have a lot of questions to ask next time.

All I could do was listen to what he was telling me, respond with "okay..." and stare at the images on his computer as I tried to process it all. I wasn't frightened or upset by the news; I just couldn't believe there were more problems I didn't know about. The NHS hadn't picked up on them, or if they had, they didn't tell me.

The good news is, he told me he didn't see anything that told him to wheel me off to surgery there and then. That was a relief; the last thing I want is to go down that road, if I can help it. 

Instead, he discussed a few options with me and instead of telling me what to do, he asked for my opinions and asked what I'd like to do. We talked about physiotherapy and hydrotherapy, which I've already had; spinal injections, which cost a shocking £1500- each!; and CT scans- deep joy, another scan!

I asked him what he recommended, but also told him physiotherapy isn't working one little bit.

We came up with a plan...

The next step will take me to London for a CT scan. Early next week. I'm not quite sure why I'm going all the way to London for the scan, since it's a couple of hours drive from where I live, but he wants to get a more in-depth look at my insides to see what's going on. He also needs to find out where he should stab me with spinal injections for best results, as I'll be having three of them after the scan. I hope they don't hurt as much as being injected in the toe (with anaesthetic, not drugs!) did. After that, I think I'll be having intense hydrotherapy, since physiotherapy has never made the slightest bit of difference. I've had a few hydrotherapy sessions before, but not enough or often enough to find out if it could've made a difference. 

So, yeah, there's a lot going on, and things are moving in the right direction. There's no guarantees anything will work, but I have nothing to lose at this point. Hopefully the CT scan will tell me more about what's going on, so I can find out what the future holds, and what might help to get me back on my feet.

I'm looking forward to visiting London again next week, even if it is for a hospital visit. It's been three years since my last visit and I've missed those days out- I used to go several times a year to shop, sight-see, catch a musical, go to a gig, or visit an attraction. My Dad's driving me up, so hopefully I'll be able to persuade him to take a scenic route or visit something during the three hours between the dye injection and the actual scans. I can't even remember the last time I spent a whole day out with my Dad, just the two of us. 

The day is going to be a long one, and will involve more hours out of bed than I've managed in three years, so I'm preparing myself for a lot of pain and exhaustion, but I'm actually a little excited for the trip. Crazy, I know! I guess that's what happens when the most exciting part of your life is managing a trip to the supermarket. Haha!

Anyway, I'm sorry for so many personal posts recently, and I'm sorry for the lack of quality content. I'll do my best to get back in to the swing of things this week, starting with my Sunday favourites post tomorrow. 

I'm also sorry for leaving your comments and emails unanswered for so long, and I'll be setting some time aside to reply to all of them over the next few days. I have read them and I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who left me messages of support for my MRI scan; they meant a lot to me! You guys are all so lovely and your words have not gone unnoticed!

I'm a useless blogger, and I need to give myself a kick up the backside!

If you've made it through all of this, thanks for reading! And thanks for listening.

Have a great day!

What an MRI Scan is Really Like

A couple of Saturdays ago, I had an MRI scan, just three days after I met with a private Doctor for the first time. We rang the hospital to arrange an appointment that same day, and had an appointment confirmed a day later! I honestly can't believe how fast and efficient the process was.

It was my first MRI scan through private health care, but my third scan so far in my adult life, so I thought I'd write about what an MRI scan is like for anybody who might be unsure of what to expect from their upcoming scan. I know how nerve-racking the wait can be, especially when you don't know exactly what to expect.

On Arrival At The Hospital

My appointment was at a private hospital in Cheltenham, first thing on a Saturday morning, and I was asked to arrive twenty-minutes early. I had to register my details with a receptionist (just the usual contact information, date of birth, and so on), and was asked to pay before the scan. The MRI scan was only £228 at this hospital, and I was surprised by how inexpensive it was. Before I did my research, I thought MRIs would cost thousands, but they seem to cost anywhere between £350-£1000 (or more) in the UK, depending on the hospital and region. I don't know why they vary so much, but I certainly didn't expect mine to be so inexpensive. Apparently it was a third of the cost of an MRI at the hospital I'd been referred from!

After I paid, I took a seat in the waiting room, and was soon called by a nurse, who took me through to an interview room.

The Pre-Scan Interview

Before you can have an MRI, a nurse or radiologist will run through a lot of routine questions with you to make sure it's safe for you to have a scan. It's basically the same process whether you have the scan on the NHS, or at a private hospital. 

You're likely to be asked for details about the medical issues which have led to your scan; like where your pain is, do you get pins and needles, and how long you've had it

You will almost certainly be asked:

- If there's a chance you might be pregnant.

- If you're breast feeding.

- If you have diabetes.

- If you have a heart condition.

- If you have asthma or breathing difficulties.

- If you have had surgery recently.

- If you have any metal in your body (metal plates, shrapnel etc).

- If you have piercings or tattoos.

And on and on they go. They're very thorough with their questions. Obviously, I'm not medically trained, so I don't know what the dangers are with certain medical conditions, but they will run through all of that with you.

I'm fortunate not to have any other health issues than the ones relating to my injuries, and answered "no" to almost everything on the check list. I do have tattoos, though, but I've never experienced any problems from them during a scan. Most tattoos done in this day and age aren't an issue, but some older tattoos contain lead paints which may not be safe to be scanned. I was told if I felt my tattoos tingling or burning while I was in the machine I needed to let them know immediately. (They were absolutely fine).

What Not To Wear 

All piercings have to be removed, along with all jewellery, keys, coins, and clothing containing metals. This obviously includes under-wired bras, clothing with zips, metal hair accessories, and glasses. 

It's best to leave your jewellery at home and go to the scan in clothes that don't contain any metals, otherwise you'll have to take it all off and change in to a hospital gown. I went to the scan wearing leggings, a comfortable dress without zips, and ballet pumps that  I could quickly slip on and off. I only had to remove my bra, shoes, and glasses for the scan. You want your outfit to be as convenient as possible, and comfortable to wear. There's no use going to your scan in tight, fitted clothes that will just be uncomfortable while you're lying down; you won't be able to move to readjust anything until the scan is over.

After the nurse had gone through her check list with me, she sent me to change, and I was directed to another waiting room to wait until I was called through. This waiting room was outside a row of changing rooms, and also had lockers where patients can store their belongings during their scans. 

Five Minute Curtain Call

After a little while, I was called by the radiologist, who double-checked all the questions with me, and then took me through to the MRI room where I would have my scan.

What The Room and MRI Scanner Looked Like

It was a large room with white walls, and no windows, except for one which led in to the room where the radiologist would control the MRI scanner and monitor the scans.

In the centre of the otherwise stark room, was an enormous circular-shaped machine, with a gap in the centre- a bit like a giant macaron with the filling removed- and a rectangular bed connected to it at the front- similar to this one below, but larger.

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Getting Prepared For Your Scan By The Radiologist

The lady took me over to the scanner and ran through exactly what would happen, and then asked if I had any questions. I didn't, but I made sure to tell her I was claustrophobic, and although I thought I'd be okay, there was a chance I'd panic during the scan, like last time.

I was then asked to remove my shoes and glasses, and lie down on the bed. I never lie flat on my back, and it's funny that I'd forgotten how uncomfortable it can be. She made me a little more comfortable by placing a pillow under my head, a wedge-shaped mattress under my legs, and rolled up towels under my arms.

She then placed a plastic cage over my torso which would take some images of the area being scanned (my spine, pelvis, and sacrum). I was allowed to put my arms inside or outside of the cage, so I kept them on the outside, which seemed like the less claustrophobic option. I was also advised to rest my head to one side, which I did, so that  I wouldn't have to look at the ceiling just inches from my face and panic about being trapped.

She placed a squeezable alarm in my hand that I could squeeze to alert her if something was wrong or I needed to stop, and popped a pair of heavy headphones over my ears. The headphones are needed to protect your ears from all the noise the machine makes during the scans (it's pretty deafening), but also so the radiologist can communicate with you through them and visa versa. I was asked if I'd like to listen to the radio "to give me something else to think about", and was given a choice of radio stations, although I actually couldn't hear it during the scans because the machine was so loud. I presume she forgot to turn up the volume. Some hospitals will let you bring your own music on CD to listen to, so pop a CD in your bag, just in case.

3, 2, 1... We Go Live

Once all of that was executed, the radiologist slowly directed the bed in to the machine, so that my entire body was in the centre of the giant circular-shaped part (feet first). My head only had to go a couple of inches in to the machine, but I presume placement of your body depends on which part of your body is being scanned. She checked I was okay- I was a little panicked- and then she left the room to begin the scans.

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An MRI Scan Through The Eyes of a Claustrophobic Person

A moment later, she spoke to me through the intercom to tell me the first scan would begin and that it would take a couple of minutes. Then the deafening drone of the scanner erupted to life. An MRI scan is incredibly loud, even with a pair of headphones over your ears. The machine blasts out a repetitive sequence of noise, like a growling siren, and it's so loud the vibrations tend to pulse through your body, the way music does at a rock concert when you're close to the stage or a speaker. The noise isn't excruciating to the ear, but it can feel a bit overwhelming after a while. The best thing to do is distract yourself as best you can. Concentrate on what you can see outside of the machine; day dream about the good times; think about something you're looking forward to, and remember to breathe!

I had a few scans to lie through this time, ranging from a couple of minutes to what felt like fifteen, and the radiologist calmly told me when each scan was about to begin, and when each one had ended.

During a scan, you have to lie as still as you possibly can because the slightest movement can blur the images. It might seem like an easy task, but it can be difficult when your heart is racing and your breathing is heavy because you're panicked. I always find my nerves start twitching involuntarily during these scans, too. I had to redo one of the long scans because I started panicking because my mouth was so dry I couldn't swallow; and as much as I tried to calm myself I got a bit freaked out and couldn't stay completely still. I could've kicked myself for making a claustrophobic experience even longer.

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Open MRI Scans Vs. Closed MRI Scans

An Open MRI is supposed to be ideal for people with claustrophobia, because as the name would suggest, it's not as enclosed as the more familiar MRIs which are done in a very narrow tunnel. I didn't find it as terrifyingly claustrophobic as my last scan, but it was still a bit too claustrophobic to me. I was lying on a bed in the centre of a circle at least eight feet in diameter, perhaps even ten, with the ceiling just a few inches above my head. Both ends of the scanner are open most of the way along, as are parts of the sides... but the gaps only seem about a foot or so high when you're lying inside it, which was still too enclosed to pacify my claustrophobia. There was an open gap to the  right of my head, so I did my best to concentrate on the wall beyond it. If I can see I can easily escape from an enclosed situation, I can usually calm myself down long enough to get through it. This time my mouth was so bone dry I literally couldn't swallow my fear, which I think freaked me out more than being trapped. I often get like that when I don't have full control over my own mobility.

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If you're claustrophobic or have a larger build, I would definitely recommend having an open MRI over a closed MRI. There is much more space around you, and you will probably find it much less traumatic than the closed MRI. I've had two closed MRIs in my adult life, and trust me when I say it's not a pleasant experience. The procedure is still the same, but the bed goes in to a very narrow tunnel, and unless you are super skinny, your arms and shoulders will touch the sides, and your head will be a couple of inches from the top of the tube.  It's a horrible experience if you struggle with enclosed spaces. If you don't, you will probably find an MRI scan to be a piece of cake; the scans really aren't anything to fear... the worst part is not knowing what the scans might diagnose when you don't know what's wrong.

I actually had a panic attack during an enclosed MRI a couple of years ago. It only took a few seconds in the tunnel for me to freak out. I had to get out of the machine, which pissed off one of the technicians. He was an absolute twat, though. The other technician turned me around so I went back in feet first (which meant my head didn't have to travel far in to the tube), and I did my best to concentrate on the little bit of ceiling I could see to distract myself. It was not a nice experience. I didn't know about open MRIs until after that scan, but if I'd known earlier I would have made sure to ask for one instead.

Apparently there are also MRI scanners which scan you standing up, but I can't imagine how anybody could stand completely still for long enough to be scanned.

How Long My Scans Took

My scans were supposed to be about fifteen minutes long, but in the end I was in the machine for about half an hour. (The length of the scans can vary depending on what needs to be scanned. During my first MRI, it took about an hour).

When It's Over

Once it was over, the radiologist came back in to the room and brought the bed back out of the scanner. I was so glad to get out of the machine! I made sure to apologise for panicking and giving her more work, but she was very kind and patient with me.

I was free to go and get redressed, and then had to sit in the main waiting area while my MRI scans were being uploaded on to a disc, which was ready within fifteen minutes. I was asked to pass the disc on to my Doctor on my next appointment.

What Happens Next?

The radiologist will send a written report of the results to your Doctor, but some hospitals will give you a disc of the scans to give to your Doctor, too. Others will pass the images on directly.

You'll then need to make an appointment with the Doctor who is treating you to get your results; you'll need to ask your Doctor or the radiologist about when you should book the appointment. The length of time you'll have to wait for your results will vary from place to place.

How Long Did I Have To Wait For My Results?

I was told my results would be ready within five working days, which they were. In just three, actually. I had my results last Wednesday, just eight days after my first consultation with my new Doctor! (On the NHS, I had to wait two months!)

Thankfully (I guess?) my scans revealed a couple more problems with my spine I didn't know of, so spending money on these scans hasn't been a waste of time. I'm not going to talk about the results now, but I will write a personal post with a little update about the latest happenings soon.

I hope this post has answered any questions you might have about what an MRI scan is really like from a patient's point of view, and given you an idea of what to expect from the appointment. An MRI scan is nothing to be afraid of and the whole experience is worth it when you finally get some answers.

If you have any questions, please don't be afraid to leave me a comment below, although I must add I'm not medically trained at all, and can't legally give you any medical advice. I can only speak from my personal experiences of MRI scans as a patient. If you have any medical questions or concerns regarding your upcoming MRI scan, please contact your Doctor.

Thanks for reading.

Wednesday Wish List

Hi guys,

I've got a new wish list for you today, full of gorgeous things I've been coveting from afar.

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It's been a while since I last had a browse of Boohoo's plus size range "Boohoo Plus", and this week's visit led me to some of the boldest, brightest, and most colourful summer clothes I've seen all season! Everything is so fun! There are so many colourful kimonos, maxi dresses and playsuits covered in colourful prints that I've fallen in love with, and I especially love the rainbow coloured leopard and palm print pieces! The best part is, everything is so inexpensive. It's just fantastic to see another plus size range that isn't afraid to give us fashionable clothes in bold prints and colours, with pieces that show some skin for those of us who want to. Well, done, Boohoo! (Did I say colour enough in this paragraph?? I don't think I did...)

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ASOS Curve have made a button down skater dress with ZEBRAS ON IT! Oh good God, I need it! Why must they keep taunting me with awesome prints when I'm skint? 

I also really love the denim dress, which has crochet trim to the shoulders. I don't know what it is about denim dresses, but I have such a soft spot for them. They're so effortless, and the ones made from lighter fabric are perfect for wearing during the summer; just add sandals and a pair of sunglasses and you're all set.

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I'm still curious about culottes / skorts and whether I could pull them off or would just look ridiculous. I haven't worn a pair since Brownies, and I always hated them back then. (Though to be fair, they were the colour of bile). I want a pretty pair for wearing around the house now it's a million degrees, and I think these blossom flower print ones from ASOS Curve are really cute. The floral peg leg trousers are even prettier, but I can't see myself wearing trousers until this heat wave has backed off.

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I have a couple more Lindy Bop frocks high up on my wish list. The red polka dot Audrey is a classic, and the navy Hetty dress is what dreams are made of. Navy and white polka dots are my absolute favourite form of polka dots. 

I managed to purchase the brown polka dot Audrey dress last week with my remaining birthday money, which is so beautiful. The fabric is so heavy, though, that I won't be able to wear it until Autumn because I would just melt. I was expecting it to be summer-friendly, like the gingham Audrey I purchased. Roll on September! I honestly can't believe just how good the quality of Lindy Bop dresses is for such inexpensive prices. I have a feeling I'll be collecting a lot of them!

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While it's far too hot for blazers and biker jackets here in England right now, I can't help loving the two jackets from Dorothy Perkins. Dorothy Perkins makes the best jackets!

The one thing I actually need to buy is a new swimsuit, since it looks like I'll be starting hydrotherapy again very soon at my new hospital. I really want a swim dress because I hate my thighs, but I stumbled across this heart print bandeau one piece from Liz McClarnon's collection with Fashion World, and I'm quite taken with it. I also still want the flamingo and cherry print cossies from the collection, too. Decisions, decisions!

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Naturally, I've found a few more bags and purses to lust over this week. My favourite is the lips cross-body bag from ASOS. It reminds me of the Lulu Guinness clutches I'm constantly drooling over, but at just £18, it's a far more affordable dupe. I can see it making its way in to my hands before too long. I also love the Barry Barn Owl cross-body bag from Accessorize, and the pineapple print purse and light blue satchel backpack, both from River Island.

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I adore these cat and bunny ears rings from ASOS Curve! I saw them in the main collection first, which probably wouldn't fit my fingers, so I was thrilled to see they had been added to ASOS Curve's jewellery collection, too. I NEED that bunny ears ring! I am the crazy bunny lady, after all.

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And, finally, I've got my eye on a random selection of shoes. My favourites are the mint espadrilles, and the leather flatform sliders.

What's on your wish list this week?

Which of these are your favourites?

What's In My Bag? July 2014

Ah, the old What's In My Bag? post makes another return. 

It must be a year since I last did one of these posts, so I think it's time to give you another peek at what I've been keeping in my bag lately. Who wants a nosey?

Handbags have always been a weakness of mine. I have quite a few in my collection, and switch between them all the time, depending on what I'm wearing or where I'm going. I've never been one to stick to just one handbag for months or years on end; I like variety!

That being said, over the last couple of weeks,  I've mostly been using my new cobalt blue scalloped satchel from ASOS. It was a birthday present from my little sister just two weeks ago, and I'm absolutely smitten with it. It's such a lovely little bag; and it's the perfect size for carrying all that I need for short trips out. It may not look like it, but it actually holds a surprising amount of stuff. 

I'm generally an everything-but-the-kitchen-sink kinda girl when it comes to handbags, but I have to pack lighter these days because I can't carry anything heavy anymore; not even for short distances. I usually just cram everything I need in to my bag and then leave half of it in the car when I reach wherever it is I'm going to lighten the load a bit! It's usually easy enough to pop back to the car if I need to touch up my make up or whatever.

So, let's take a look at what I have in my bag today...

Clockwise from top left: 

Kodak PIXPRO FZ151 Digital Camera; Cath Kidston gadget case; earphones for my Nokia phone; Apple iPod earphones; my old iPod Touch; my new Nokia Lumia phone; and my old Blackberry Curve.

Like most people in this day and age, I love my gadgets, and this lot rarely leaves my side. I always carry my camera when I leave the house, because I love snapping photos of everything, and like to have it to hand in case I see something awesome that I want to document. I need my iPod for my music fix, and like everyone, I'm permanently attached to my phone. I just got a Nokia Lumia for my birthday, but for now I'm still carrying my Blackberry with me, too.

Clockwise from top left: 

Cards: Tesco Clubcard; Nectar Card; Boots Advantage Card; Knowhow Card (laptop insurance with PC World); Lloyds Debit Card; NHS Prescription Prepayment Certificate Card; National Insurance Card; Dorothy Perkins Store Card; and a Donor Card. Cath Kidston clasp purse; receipts from Morrisons and The Post Office; a scratch card (I wasn't a winner- boo!); a voucher off my next food shop; and a trolley token. I don't have a single penny in my purse, how depressing!

When I use smaller bags like this satchel, I use my small Cath Kidston clasp purse to save space, and just throw everything in together. I've had it for about five years and it's looking a bit worse for wear now, so it might be time to start looking to replace it. I'll be sad to see it go because I love it. I wish Cath Kidston renewed some of their old prints from time to time!

Clockwise from top left: 

B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful powder and blusher brushes; Maybelline The Colossal Volum' Express Waterproof Mascara; Clinique Chubby Stick in Oversized Orange; Clinique Chubby Stick in Super Strawberry (free with Glamour this month!!); Benefit Sun Beam highlighter; Dainty Doll click pen concealer; Paul and Joe blotting papers; and Bourjois Healthy Balance face powder in Vanilla.

I rarely keep a make up bag in my handbag, but sometimes I will chuck in what ever make up I'm wearing for touch ups. This little lot is still in my bag from my last visit to the hospital, as I did my make up in the car. I remembered to put my eyeshadow and blusher palettes away, but apparently forgot about this lot.

Clockwise from back left:

Mini Sure deodorant; pocket size Nivea Sun Lotion factor 30; Magicool body and face cooler spray; The Body Shop satsuma hand cleanse gel; EOS organic lipbalm in tangerine; and The Body Shop coconut lip butter.

In the summer, there are a few beauty essentials I like to carry with me. I couldn't get through summer without a bottle of Magicool; I keep one within reach at all times. I struggle with the heat, and the self-chilled spray instantly helps to cool me down when I get a bit over-heated. It's a God-send! I also make sure I have sun lotion with me whenever I venture out because I'm so pale. I usually use factor 50+ because I don't want to burn, but I bought a pocket sized factor 30 Nivea sun lotion on impulse, because it's the perfect size for keeping in my bag. I think it's also necessary to carry a good lip balm to keep my lips hydrated, and a little bottle of deodorant because, let's face it, getting a bit hot and sweaty during hot summer days is inevitable.

Clockwise from top left:

Trebor Softmints; Cath Kidston hair clip; two metal-free hair bobbles; various plasters, just in case; Tramadol and paracetamol blister packs (my painkillers); and one random drinking straw.

There are always a few random bits and bobs lurking in the depths of my bag. Sometimes I'm surprised what I find buried in there. A random drinking straw? Really? The painkillers and the plasters make sense, but a straw does not!

And that, dear readers, is what's in my bag right now.

What's in your bag today?