"Pushed as far as I can go"

Hey guys,

I intended to put this post together yesterday, but an appointment with my physiotherapist left me mentally and physically drained.

It wasn't a positive experience, and I left feeling judged, patronised, and frustrated, wishing somebody professional could know exactly what I'm going through. It's easy for Doctors and specialists to think they know best, and to tell someone to work through the pain and send them on their merry way, but they only see what's on the surface. I might look fine on the surface some of the time, but they can't feel the pain I struggle with every day and how difficult it is to work through it. And I think if the roles were reversed, they wouldn't be so quick to judge.

 It took eight long months to get any form of help or guidance, yet I've been made to feel like my situation, my limitations, are my own fault (in the two months/three sessions I've had with the physio). The NHS needs to spend less time judging, and more time understanding how long waiting lists can affect a patient's health. I understand it, I've been patient and positive through every hurdle, I've gone on as best I could. I just don't enjoy being lectured for my limitations that four GPs brushed under the rug for eight months. 

I agreed to be referred for six sessions of hydrotherapy, partly to prove I'm not being difficult. I guess we'll see if that brings any relief or improvement.  I feel better for getting that all off my chest, and I'm grateful for your patience with me. Sorry for ranting!

Now, on to yesterday's OOTD...

I wore this to physiotherapy yesterday, and managed to take photos on my return before I crawled back in to bed.

Outfits for physio need to be comfortable and modest, (nobody wants an eyeful when I'm stretching my legs in the air- for physio exercises, I'm sure you'll understand). Most of my clothes are a bit too dressy for hospital visits, but I came up with this little outfit. The denim dress is very comfortable. I bought it last summer and wore it endlessly for the rest of the year. It has ruched detail to the waist, ties at the back, and has mother-of-pearl buttons to the chest, which I love. It's a little large on the bust on me, but you can't really tell so it doesn't bother me.

I added leggings for comfort and modesty and the crochet cardigan to cover up the arms. I dressed it with my blue ballet flats; pansy cross body bag (because it's new, and I wanted to use it); my Maggie Angus bear necklace; a black flower ring, and a pearl bracelet. It's a bit of a mash up, but I don't really care.

The little things...

I love the mixture of textures here.

The bracelet has a mother-of-pearl sheen to it's 'petals'.

Does anyone love mother-of-pearl buttons as much as I do?

I'm back to short nails again (sob!). I caught four nails at the quick recently, so I had to cut them all down for my hospital visit. I tried to make them look pretty with a few coats of polish. I'm currently in love with this Barry M Racing Green shade which is a dark blackish-green.

The ring is new and arrived on Monday. It's part of a set of four that I bought in the sale from ASOS.

And, this is the bag I chose to use. It's a lovely casual day bag. A good in-betweeny size, not too big or too small, and also quite light-weight.

Dress: Dorothy Perkins

Cardigan: Lovedrobe @ New Look

Leggings: New Look

Ballet pumps: New Look

Ring: ASOS

Necklace: Maggie Angus

Bracelet: Dorothy Perkins

Bag: Accessorize

Nail Polish: Barry M Racing Green

Well, that was the outfit. I also have a few other things to share with you...

These rings were sold together in a set. Each ring is adjustable, so can fit my fingers- yay! I bought them in the ASOS sale last week for just £6.00 down from £12.00! Talk about a bargain. They're still available and can be bought here. I can't decide which one is my favourite.

My freckles and skin aren't really this dark! I used a filter here to make the rings stand out better, and in doing so I've given myself odd looking skin.

I popped in to the supermarket while I was out and bought some magazines to cheer myself up again. I got Grazia, Look, Marie Claire, and Glamour.

Glamour comes with a free balance Me. daily essentials product.  Mine came with a 20ml  balancing face moisturiser for normal to combination skin. After discovering a 50ml tube of the product retails at £24.00 online, this seems like a generous sample! According to the packaging, it's 99% natural, suitable for sensitive skin, and made in the UK. I've yet to try it. You can buy and find out more about it here.

This month's Marie Claire comes with a free full sized Avon Mascara. I picked up the SuperCurlacious Mascara (black) which retails online for £8.50 and is currently on offer for £5.00 here. Marie Claire complete with a free mascara will cost you just £3.70. I know which option I would pick!

I used to love buying make up from the Avon book in my teens, but I'll admit I haven't used any of their products in my twenties. I'm interested to see if the product lives up to Avon's claims! This is how the mascara is described on the website: "Fast-drying, lightweight mascara gives lashes a full, seductive curve for up to 12 hours without stiffness, smudging, flaking or clumps". Challenge accepted!

And finally, while I was in Tesco I discovered some rare treats. I used to get Mikado sticks while on holiday in France, and have been very nostalgic for those days, so I was excited to find these. The hazelnut ones are to die for, but I've never tried the Daim/Dime bar flavour before. I haven't had a Wispa Gold since my teens when they were first around. I'm easily pleased!

Well, that's me done for now. I hope you didn't mind this long, photo heavy post and the rant it started with. I'll return soon with something lighter.

Thanks for reading,