My cleansing routine

One of my favourite parts of my skin care regime is the cleansing process. I just love the squeaky clean feel on my face of a good cleanse to wash the day away.

I wasn't always so thorough with my skin care but I think that when you get into your 30's, you know that you can no longer escape with a facial wipe scraped across the face. We will all age, that's an inevitable factor but with good care & maintenance we can begin a damage limitation process.

Obviously, skin products will only do so much for your skin. You need to feed & nourish your body from the inside out to ensure that you have optimum nutrition so that your hair, skin & nails are vibrant and radiant but you certainly also need to look after your body externally.

The one cleansing routine that I religiously do on a daily basis is cleansing with my Clarisonic. For those of you who haven't seen Clarisonic before, it is a chargeable facial cleansing unit that has a rotating brush head to deeply cleanse your face & neck. Because of the nature of this device, it acts as a superb exfoliator for your face. I use my Clarisonic, every single morning in the shower without fail. When it comes to using a facial cleanser with the Clarisonic, I have tried numerous different facial washes to find a good match. It is vital that the cleanser has the ability to foam well & to remove all excess make up, dirt and any residue from the skin. Effectively, the skin brush head should be perfectly clean once the Clarisonic process has been completed.

For me, the best facial wash cleanser that works with or without the Clarisonic is the Estée Lauder, Perfectly Clean. This cleanser, literally gives the squeaky clean feel from the skin.

Another item in my cleansing routine that I love is the Garnier Micellar cleansing water. This product only costs about €4.50 in Penneys and acts as a superb make up remover for even tough eye make up & liner.

So, with the likes of the Garnier cleansing water, it proves that you don't have to spend a fortune on cleansing products to get good results.

If you don't have a Clarisonic, I would really advise you to invest in a few good, old fashioned face cloths. A face cloth is such a great way to exfoliate your skin and again, achieve the sqeaky clean feel.

Have a great Monday,

Sandra xx.

My Endometriosis Treatment

It has taken me time to eventually get back to write my follow up blog regarding endometriosis. Not because I was busy but quite simply because I was and still am very much suffering post surgery and I am still going through my recovery phase.

I would like to start by saying however, that I was truly overwhelmed by the number of Facebook messages, tweets, emails and phone calls that I received from ladies all over the country to thank me for writing a blog on endometriosis and for bringing this cruel, painful and debilitating condition into the public forum. I was very shocked and very saddened by the number of women that suffer in Ireland on a daily basis with this condition - particularly when I spoke to patients who have advanced levels of the condition and now have very serious health complications as a result.

I will briefly start by explaining what endometriosis is but I have already written an extensive piece on my blog spot that explains my story regarding endometriosis to date. If you have not read the first blog that I wrote, I suggest that you do that now before continuing here - http://sandraisinthecity.blogspot.ie/2016/03/what-is-endometriosis.html?m=1

Endometriosis is a disease in which tissue that normally grows inside the uterus grows outside it. The main symptoms are pelvic pain and infertility. Nearly half of those affected have chronic pain, while in 70% pain occurs in menstruation. Pain during sex is common. Infertility occurs in up to half of women affected. Less common symptoms include urinary or bowel symptoms. About 25% of women have no symptoms. In essence though, it is a very painful condition where the tissue that normally lines the inside of the uterus (endometrial implant), grows outside your uterus.

In endometriosis, displaced endometrial tissue continues to act as it normally would - it thickens, breaks down and bleeds with each menstrual cycle. Because this displaced tissue has no way to leave your body, it becomes trapped. When endometriosis involves the ovaries, cysts called endometriomas may form. Surrounding tissue can become irrupted, eventually developing scar tissue and adhesions - abnormal tissue that binds internal organs together.

It must be noted that the only way that endometriosis can be diagnosed is by having a laparoscopy with a skilled gynaecologist in hospital. A laparoscopy is a medical procedure done under full general anaesthetic whereby in general, 3 incisions are made into the abdomen. Your abdomen is filled with CO2 gas so that it inflates to give the surgeon a very clear view of all of your internal organs and also so that with the extra space, there is ability to move around the organs and to begin treatment if you do have endometriosis and in my personal case, fibroids and cysts. If you are going for an investigative laparoscopy, you can expect to spend 30-40 minutes in theatre but if you are any way advanced with the condition, you can be in theatre up to 3 hours, like my last experience.

This laparoscopy was my 2nd laparoscopy. My first lap, took place in April 2015 in Cork and this one that I had this April was a very different experience. And I mean that in a very positive way.

With sincerity, I did extensive research in sourcing an expert gynaecologist who specialises in endometriosis. I also wanted to ensure that this gynaecologist was an excellent surgeon. But I also wanted a doctor who was "patient centred" and had a primary focus on what was truly best for each patient that sat in front of him.

I can only go on my own personal research and my own personal experience but I was very saddened to find that a consultant fitting that criteria was not to be located in Cork. I guess that, like all professions, they can't be good in every single aspect  - it would be like asking a family law solicitor to represent you in a criminal case - You'll get representation and get the job done - but it might not be to the outcome that you desire.

There is a very personal reason that I went on such a quest to find the perfect surgeon and that was, when I had my first laparoscopy in Cork, as I was waking from the general anaesthetic, I will never forget, the surgeon came in and stood at the end of the bed and said "You're a lucky girl that you still have your ovaries. The endometriosis was very badly stuck to them and I barely saved them for you". To me, it sounded as if he was referring to my tonsils or my appendix. I was obviously quite disoriented at that particular moment in time but I distinctly remember trying to stop the bubbling of tears that so desperately wanted to come. It was the tone and the matter of factness of what was said and all I could think was that - 'within one fell swoop, within 15 seconds, my life could have been changed forever. Any further chance of having a baby would have been removed. Just like that'. These thoughts stayed with me. I didn't talk about them openly as I just felt too sad to actually verbalise what had been said. And I know, things could have been so much worse but I felt my heart break a little that my chance of becoming of Mum may never come to fruition if I ever do decide that I would like a baby.

For those of you that know me, you'll know I'm definitely no Mary Poppins, and am fiercely independent and career driven - but maybe someday, I will change my ways. But all I know is that I don't want that choice removed from me without thorough and valid medical consideration.

In fact, a funny side story relating to having a baby is that when I had my consultation with the expert gynaecologist, Prof. Ray O' Sullivan, he asked the usual questions, one being -
"So Sandra, have you children?"
Me "No Doctor"
"Ok, is this by choice or it just hasn't happened?'
Me "(sigh) It just hasn't happen *shrugged shoulders with surprised look*
"So you're having fertility issues then?
Me (exasperated) "No doctor, I haven't found a man to have a baby with just yet! Jeepers Doc"
*Cue howling laughing*

So after combing the country from top to bottom, I found the surgeon that I had been looking for, in Kilkenny. When doing research I got about 8 testimonials from previous patients of his, and all had only positive feedback and successful feedback so I went and made my appointment.

I was seen in his private rooms within a few weeks of calling his office and he scheduled a date for a laparoscopy for May 2016. Due to complications and bleeding in my bowel, I had to have emergency surgery with Prof O' Sullivan on Monday 11th April 2015.

On the day of surgery, I was terrified. 

I have to say, that the full team at Aut Even Kilkenny are very skilled in patient care and I was made to feel as comfortable as possible for the situation that I was in. I was dreading the general anaesthetic as I never react well on waking and always suffer horrendous side effects which include, fainting and vomiting.
The anaesethetist that was looking after me was so kind and assured me that by proper management of each patient, that no patient should suffer such awful post operative side affects - and he was not lying. He administered extra anti nausea medication whilst I slept and when I woke, I was not half as unwell as I usually would be.
I was equally terrified of being put to sleep but with the very kind anaesthetist that was looking after me and the wonderful theatre nurses who kept me calm and kept assuring me that I would not die mid way through the operation, I did relax. I relaxed to the point until I heard "now we're putting in the propanol" and then I yelped "isn't that what Michael Jackson used?'.....but almost instantaneously, I was asleep.

(Sweet treats to thank to hospital team)

Of course, after waking I was in a lot of pain and discomfort but the medical team kept a very close eye and kept the pain at a level that was bearable. Prof Ray O' Sullivan then came to see me and even his presence reassured me that my operation had been successful and that I was safe. He did say that the endometriosis and fibroids were very extensive but he got them all. He excised and treated everything that needed to be treated and that once I recover (which will be a few weeks), I will be a different woman. I will have energy, be pain free and my immune system won't be as compromised due to the fact that I won't be fighting the daily pain of endometriosis.

I stayed in hospital for pain management for a few days and then came home to recuperate. I will not lie - the pain is excruciating. The tiredness is equally difficult. Unfortunately for me, I came down with a post surgery infection which I am still trying to battle. This infection is definitely increasing the pain and the tiredness but hopefully, within the next few days, I will be brighter and back to myself.

Once my infection has been cleared, I will then begin a course of treatment for 3 months in the form of injections to "mop up" any remaining endometriosis. Unfortunately, endometriosis is an autoimmune condition that will last for life. It has no cure and can only be managed. I hope that once I have the injections that I will have relief for maybe the next 5 years.

So, for now, I'm excited about getting better and excited about a pain free Summer ahead. I am definitely planning a return trip to Kilkenny very soon to explore the beautiful city but I'll be most likely located in Mount Juliet as opposed to Aut Even, and my choice of pain relief will be Prosecco instead of pethidine.

Since I have been to see Dr. O' Sullivan, I have also sent friends who are just thrilled. I will not talk about individual cases but all I will say he is Dr. O' Sullivan has given them hope. Hope that had been removed from them by any previous gynaecologists that they saw.

Like always, I am not a medical doctor and not in a position to give medical advice with regards to endometriosis and I am only writing about my own personal journey.

If you would like to contact Prof. Ray O Sullivan, you can locate him here http://www.womenshealth.ie/ and appointments can be made for his private rooms. I think that he also runs a public list in St Luke's Kilkenny. 

https://www.facebook.com/Womens-Health-Group-163639080378636/

I do hope you have enjoyed reading.

Sandra xxx.

It's time to learn, we can't have it all

As a child, I was raised to believe that I could have whatever I wanted and I could be whatever I wanted to be if I worked hard enough for it.

 

My parents encouraged me to study hard and to work hard so that I could have the ability to fulfil my dreams of achieving a life that I desired. Of course, this is the ideal & perfect way to raise a child. 

Instil a passionate work ethic and ensure a child sees a value on everything. Rewards didn't come easy in our house, and there certainly weren't any treats (it was the 1980's)! Nor was there a naughty step or bold corner but that's for another day!

All of my closest friends were brought up with the same ethic & therefore inherently have the same life goals & rules. 

I have to start by saying - I am truly grateful for the life that I have but God, have I worked hard for it and made sacrifices along the way.

But something that I am tired of hearing and a statement that someone needs to shed some true honest light on, is the one of "you can have it all". You primarily see this throwaway statement on the likes of big marketing campaigns for female beauty products. For example, a hairspray product with a 30-something female strutting in 6 inch heels and a sharply cut suit, with a big bouncy blowdry, telling us that we can have it all and we're worth it. The thing about advertising campaigns is that we start to believe them. After all, that is their aim. But when we find ourselves falling short of "having it all", we begin to feel like we have somehow failed. The irony of the lucrative advert campaigns including the likes of Cheryl Cole, is that in the advert, she "has in all", but we all know, her reality is very different.

My role model is, and always will be, my Mum. To me, she epitomises, strong women. I often ask her - how did she do it all? 

We never wanted for anything growing up. Through blood, sweat & tears, she ensured that we had a very happy & fulfilling childhood. But recently, she told me that things were so much more different and so much more simpler when she was raising a family. In some ways, she put her own life on hold to be a wife, home maker & mother and only when I, the youngest & only girl I might add (yes, it's obvious that I'm the baby & precious girl) turned 16, did she get her life back. And she did so by going back to college to study to be a hair dresser! A life long passion that she wanted to fulfil. 

But what about women now? Can we have it all? 

What I do know about life is that we are all busy and all suffering from some level of stress. Life most certainly is far from simple and I find myself asking myself - What are we doing it for? Is this as good as it gets?

We are expected to be - high achieving business women, dedicated girlfriends/wives, loving mothers, active gym-goers, weekend party animals,  supportive friends, charity campaigners, culinary & domestic goddesses, supermodels, role models and advocates of the myth that "you can have it all".

It has taken me to my 30's to defeatedly but contently admit - no, you quite simply can't have it all.

You can achieve, every single thing on the aforementioned list, but you can't do each thing to a high standard. And part of my rearing as a child was to do something to a level of 100% or just don't do it at all! So to me, that tells me that I will choose certain items on the list to fulfil my life, and I will do those well.

Even when I look at my own personal life, 'Fakebook' would lead you to believe that I 'have it all'. Reality is a very different thing.

I, in all honesty, dedicated the last 15 years of my life to my studies and my career. This dedication meant that I didn't have time for a personal life or much of a social life. An area of my life that I plan on improving this year.

Life is not a dress rehearsal. You don't get a retake. You have been given a leading role, and it's up to you how you play it. Make your performance one that is memorable for the right reasons.

 You'll never hear someone at a funeral commenting on someone's commitment to work.

Obviously, we all need to work. But, my point is to prioritise what is important in life. And funnily enough, the important things are those that money can't buy - like family, friends & health.

It is important to create a balance in life. A work/life balance. I believe that if you have a balance, you begin to fall in love with the stressful things in work that once filled you with resentment because your life is no longer just about work. You have more of a purpose and a written schedule to stick to. When you write down a work/life balance schedule, you have an aim. You're not simply trudging from one day to the next without enjoying life.

Life is for living, do it now xx. 

The miracle of "Meso-Botox"

I recently went to see Sandra Barry in Rejuvenate in Glanmire as I had heard whispers of miracle treatments that were happening at her clinic. On my first visit to the clinic, I had a Meso facial which I wrote a blog about and was highly impressed by the results.

I had spoken to Sandra Barry about other options for my skin during this consultation. 

Being very honest, I consider myself quite lucky that my skin is plump & therefore, I'm not that susceptible to fine lines on my face. I don't have any wrinkles in the tell tale zones, around the eyes or lips but I do find that my skin & face has begun to look tired. With a hectic lifestyle & stressful career, why wouldn't it? Aside from the fact that, I'm just not getting any younger!

I do take care of my skin with regard to regularly cleansing, toning, moisturising, exfoliating, masking etc. I also ensure that I eat plenty of fruit & vegetables and drink plenty of water so that my skin stays hydrated. Because I have such a good home care routine on my face, when I decide to invest in a facial - I want a facial that cannot be done in the home environment. I want a result that won't just be the simple glow from the serum that has been gently massaged to my skin to the sounds of a harpist in a spa treatment room. I want a result that everyone will notice but not be able to fully pin down the difference.

Sandra Barry assessed my skin & in joint consultation we decided that the best step for me, would be to try a "Meso-Botox Facial"! I can imagine the word that is screaming at many of you from that last sentence is Botox?!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. Botox or any other chemical treatments are a personal choice and should not to open to criticism from the anti-Botox brigade.

The Meso Botox Facial is a treatment quite like the Meso facial that I already blogged about - but this time, there are very small amounts of Botox used. The area that I wanted to tackle was my forehead area. I wanted my forehead to be slightly raised and pulled back so that my eyes would open up more. When we studied my face, the reason I looked tired was because my eyes were beginning to weigh down & were not as bright & open. During the facial, there were about 20-25 tiny little injections just under the surface of the skin - not into the muscle like regular Botox. They looked like little bee-stings after the treatment but soon settled down. 

The purpose of the treatment is for it to look natural. If you have been treated by the right person - you will look well rested! If you look frozen - a bad job has been done.

Please EXCUSE the picture in my mismatched pyjamas but I just wanted to use it as a point of illustration. In the above picture, the only make up that I have on is lipstick. This picture was taken a few days after the Meso Botox when the effects had started working & I personally was truly thrilled with the results.

As many of you know, I'm in hospital, after having an operation and even the doctors have said "for someone sick, you look great - especially your skin!"!! But, that's my little secret that they don't need to know!!

Until next time,

Sandra xxx. 

https://www.facebook.com/Rejuvenate-Clinic-Glanmire-181427128707125/

Growing old gracefully? Learn to be graceful please....

I have always found it interesting and irritating, how, in particular females are very quick to judge other females with regard to appearance. 

Time and time again, when we hear the shock horror of "Botox", you will inevitably hear someone tut, and say "I just don't know why people can't age gracefully?". 

Firstly, a person who utters such a sentence is displaying the complete opposite traits and qualities of grace. But secondly, it is up to each individual person, how they chose to age - or in fact not age.

It has to be noted that times have advanced. Particularly in the area of medicine & science and there are treatments that quite simply did not exist 100 years ago. These treatments will continue to advance and it really is a personal choice to each individual as to whether they chose to have treatments or not. 

Of course, I am sure we have all seen people who have gone that little step too far when it comes to cosmetic work but the reality of 'good cosmetic work' is that, people shouldn't even recognise that it has been done. The perfect result is that of looking as if one has had a very good nights sleep and for their face to look bright & awake.

I just think that people should learn to stop criticing someone's personal choice with regard to how they look after their body. How would it feel for someone to be on the opposite end of the scale and being told they look haggered & wretched! Yes, they say each line, especially laughter lines, tell a story of life. And each frown line shows a stress of raising children as they were younger. Just for the record, Botox and fillers don't erase your memory.

So ladies, embrace who you are. I do believe that beauty is on the inside and it shines through if you are a good person with a good soul.