I just thought I’d jump on here to give you all the good news. I’ve finally managed to get upstairs for the 1st time in about a week. That means that I’ve finally, had a shower. It’s only been about 3 weeks, so not that long.
Why so long?
Well, most of the time I can’t get upstairs (I live downstairs). By the time I can get upstairs, I’m in so much pain, I need to lay down on a bed. Then I have to wait until my back allows me to get back up. But, by then I need to lay down on my sofa-bed in the living room.
If I’m able to get a shower, I can’t lift my leg up my feet or bend my back. Then, once again I’m done in for the rest of the day.
Needless to say, I can’t try to get a shower unless I’m having a very good day. Then there’s only about a 25% chance of my finally getting a shower!
You scruffy Git!
Luckily, my trade in my army was sitting on the top of a hill spending 12 hours a day alone. One of the basics was getting a good strip wash, so I normally end up getting a strip wash weekly(ish).
You have to remember (or at least appreciate) that it takes a lot out of my body just to anything. Most things end up being done on a night when my body is better. I can’t just get a strip wash every night, or even every couple of nights. I’m trying to get into to where I can get off benefits and work from home while on my back. Obviously not in the way you may think. Every time I get a strip wash it means there’s something else I can’t do.
Does that mean I stink?
No, not really. I don’t do much physical activity and so sweat very little. When I do start to smell I make a strip wash a priority.
Honest, or what?
Look, I don’t know why I’m even putting this out there in the public space. I don’t consider it washing my dirty clothes in public. The washing is now on the line, albeit a bit stained.
2.5 years in Iraq & Afghanistan have resulted in both suppressed & non-suppressed memories. The British Army didn’t recognise my back was broken for 8 years, so now my body is messed up. The resulting medication has messed them both up.
My morphine is now starting to kick in, so I’m starting to fall asleep (again). With that in mind, I’m off, but if you want to support me you can always follow me at HASSCASTS.
