18/05/2026
People often ask how I manage to do my job every day while living with chronic pain disorder, slipped discs in my lower back and neck, coccyxdinia, nerve loss in some fingers and toes, and other issues.
Honestly, I take more meds - but what really keeps me going is seeing an old dog act like a puppy after a groom, or a nervous dog finally trusting me. That’s the best pain relief I get. If I miss work, I worry I’m letting my clients and their pups down. I need those doggy cuddles to stay sane 🥰😂
BUT…
There are times when I simply can’t do anything. I can’t sit or stand without crying out in pain. I can’t take a step without excruciating pain and buckling. I can’t even lie down without being in agony. Then there is the toilet… but we won’t go there!
This week I’d planned to take time for myself, but last Wednesday I started getting twinges that warned me I might be heading for a flare up. Thursday was the same, but worse. By Friday, I knew I needed to rest, but I was waiting to hear from a client about Saturday. Saturday morning, I couldn’t get out of bed. The pain was (and still is) so bad I cried when I moved. This is the reality of my illnesses.
I don’t post about it, but I feel I need to make people aware. If I say I’m off next week, it’s not because I don’t have clients or can’t be bothered. It’s because I need to rest and heal, so I’m ready for the next few weeks. I want you to be aware of how much I push myself, and what success in “my world” looks like.
I too have a home, a family, my own jobs and other responsibilities - all of which get put on hold when I’m laid up.
I don’t want sympathy, I don’t want people to think I’m not able to do my job; I most certainly can - just my own way!
This is my dream job, and I’ve finally found something I truly excel at. Even at my worst I’m thinking about my diary; who’s due in next week, where I needed etc. I will NEVER give up this job - I’ll just keep finding new ways to work around my illnesses and keep doing what I love. This is all from the result of me working every day to make my business the success it is!
(And yes, I hate this photo, but it’s real life!)
