Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile
Maria Esslinger-Raven

@esslinger_raven

Midwife with long covid and animal mummy.
If you haven't already please support our staff in the NHS chng.it/gbFnJFBZkh

ID: 1547283804145975307

calendar_today13-07-2022 18:16:31

560 Tweet

502 Followers

267 Following

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Stupid fricking Friday, pain patch runs out so my #LongCovid pain flares up. Bonus that the animals are freaking out because it's close to #BonfireNight and people can't wait. Partner has just been fired and he's out with friends so I'm alone. Fantastic... Just... fantastic...

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Having a really bad pain flares up. I started the day exhausted and unable to get going, but had a random burst of energy where I was productive at work and did well. I was tired, I should have slept, now it's crippling pain all over and I'm maxed out on everything. #LongCovid

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Is this forever? Hiding the pain, pretending to be normal when my body is screaming. An untamed monster eating away at my identity, work, life until nothing is left. There's no more we can do. You just have to wait. You have a pain referral, what else do you need? #LongCovid

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

TENs at full power, compression socks on my legs & arms, pain meds maxed, heated packs, there is no let up. #LongCovid & chronic pain/fibro winning this fight & the dark thoughts are returning. Chemist & GP can't help & I'm still waiting on pain clinic. 3 years but forever to go

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Realised today that I'm currently numb. I still feel overwhelming PTDS from past experiences & have #LongCovid pain; but my diabetic control isn't where it should be, I didn't want to be seen for a very infected, sore open wound - I didn't see the need. I just didn't care...numb

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

I'm trying to find myself, I'm lost & I don't recognise this person. I've the same body, job & soul but different symptoms, new issues & I'm darker, numb, alone. #invisibledisease has forever changed me & this journey's hard but #LongCovid won't defeat me. Not tonight not ever.

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

#LongCovid flare up. The first time in 13 years I'm single. I can't care for my zoo alone so they'll be rehomed, friends I've made with this partner have vanished - I'm alone in my home town & my friends live hundreds of miles away. It's the right thing, but it's hard & I'm tired

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

I actually stood up for myself today. I set boundaries. Granted it took a close friend being hurt to actually do it. When it hurt me I didn't mind, but now it hurt them and they don't want to pursue the friendship. If I had respect for myself would this have happened? #reflection

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

You'll never know that I spent hours in my car having flashbacks & panic attacks about entering my home. You'll never know the grief of knowing that it will be 7 years until I have a body you haven't touched. You'll never know how much guilt I have that I let it happen again...

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

I convinced myself that I might get an apology. That you'd see the hurt you caused. Instead I was gas lit, your family threatened me & I feel worse. #LongCovid is flaring up, #diabetes uncontrolled, but all I wanted was for you to admit & explain what & why you did what you did.

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

You said you loved me, that I was going to be your wife & that I have taken your life. But you did things that can never be taken back. I can't sleep, breathe, eat or live. I'm not as strong as people thought...You traumatized & hurt me. If you loved me, how could you do this?

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

It's crazy how everything impacts #LongCovid. I have nightmares reliving trauma; but then my pain, breathlessness, fatigue and symptoms all worsen. I was doing better, buried the issue down deep, but seeking help has brought it back and now I'm scared to sleep...

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

Too scared to sleep but being awake isn't much better. Rooms, words, smell, touch, serving as constant reminders but at least I can move, distract or drown out the thoughts. In dreams I relive it on repeat. Stuck, can't escape, trapped in my mind as it happens again. #NoMeansNo

Maria Esslinger-Raven (@esslinger_raven) 's Twitter Profile Photo

You assaulted me, but now deny it, after telling me it wasn't a character trait of yours, yet I'm the 3rd person you've done this to. You took my body, consent, mind, friends and now you're blackmailing me for my home too. Yeah, you're a good guy and this isn't a trait at all...