Month: Aug 2021

Chronic Illness · Diagnosis · Hospital · Personal · Stress Management · Tips

My First Face to Face Hospital Visit Since Covid – and how it went

memyselfandchronicillness2 Comments

A few weeks ago I mentioned in my I Am Me: Positive Affirmations and Happiness Tips blog post (here), that I was preparing to go to hospital and today seemed a good time to share with you my experience of visiting a hospital for the first time since the pandemic started.

I wanted to share this blog post not only because I wanted to share my health journey, but because I wanted to help others like myself who may find their face to face appointments have started up again, and who are therefore scared at the prospect of attending, in the hope it can can give you some peace of mind with what is to come.

Firstly let me point out this is my experience at a hospital – this doesn’t mean you will have the same experience as me, and therefore you should contact your place of appointment with any concerns you may have.

The Last 16 Months

Like many people for the last 16 months or so, my consultations with my specialists have altered dramatically. In the early days of the pandemic the hospitals requested I had telephone appointments as opposed to my normal face to face ones, which provided major relief knowing I didn’t have to attend in person. During this time one of my newer conditions developed rather rapidly and I was placed on medication with more regular contact with the consultants, turning my review from every 6 months to 3. It was then they said they wanted to see me face to face.

Face to face appointments quite frankly filled me with absolute dread, I have hardly been out of my home for the past 16 months so the thought of going to hospital where there would be sick people was not something I was volunteering for. So, I kept putting it off and getting around it by changing them to phone appointments (which I managed to do for a while) until I had no choice but to go.

My Hospital Trip

The first obstacle for me in my hospital trip was getting to the hospital itself. I do not drive and neither do those close to me. To make matters worst I do not go to a hospital in my local area due to my requirements. So, it was organised that I would go in a community car – essentially like a taxi – which is run by volunteers and that you pay for, but who sit and wait for you in the car. My driver wore a mask which was reassuring on the long drive, as did I, then I got to the hospital.

It was rather strange turning up at a hospital and seeing so many people for the first time in over a year. I won’t lie, I was a little startled especially as some people were maskless on the walking up to the front doors, and instantly taking their masks off on their way out – no thought of the people coming towards them. Nevertheless, once inside the hospital there was a sanitiser station and masks you could take if you didn’t have one (maybe that was why there were people without them), and markings on the floor for a one way system.

Of course, my clinic couldn’t be on the first floor so I had to go in the lift (which luckily was empty), but nonetheless had markings on the floor to give you space and to face away from others if needed. Once inside my clinic there was another sanitiser station and the seating was for a max of 8 spaced out. Thus giving reasonable amounts of space away from other patients. The staff were all wearing masks as were the other patients, and people respected other peoples’ space without complaint.

Photo by Sandy Torchon on Pexels.com

I had felt really nervous going into the hospital, especially as I knew I would have to remove my mask in the appointment due to one of my symptoms, but I was surprised by how comfortable I was in the end due to the kindness of the staff and the patience of those around me. Probably my most uncomfortable part of the experience was going into the hospital and walking through the corridors (as there always has to be one or two who cannot follow simple instructions of a one way system!), but overall my stress levels subsided as the trip went on.

What I found helpful is my particular hospital (I am not sure if this is the case everywhere), had a video you could access online beforehand which showed you what to expect at the hospital – from the layout of the floor markings to the sanitiser points – which helped in showing me things were in place. If you have this facility, I would recommend using it just for peace of mind. I would also recommend taking your own sanitiser, face masks etc. because if you are like me it is nice to have your own things as a way of feeling prepared.

FYI – Make sure to check your face mask is the right type of mask to have in a hospital environment, so you don’t have to change when you get there.

My Health

So, while we are talking all things hospital, my appointment went well. Well as well as a chronic illness appointment where there is no cure can go. I have received another two diagnoses (woo hoo – I am collecting diagnoses like some people collect stamps!), and I am being sent for a scan and more bloods. Oh and a whole lot of monitoring!

At this moment in time I am not ready to discuss these new diagnoses. I think for now I would like to let this sink in for myself, because as much as social media and blogging may make you believe – you really don’t have to share everything.

Aside from some missing blood results and a lost letter to my GP (cannot wait to have to sort this out!), for me this was a good appointment. Not because I want these things to be the case, but because my suspicions were confirmed and therefore I am not losing my mind. But more than that my consultant listened and was kind and those things count for a lot. It really is something when you get to a point in your health where feeling listened to is all you want and need – it really makes the difference – now if only I could get my GP to do the same….

In conclusion..

The reason for this post today was to help anyone feeling anxious about any upcoming hospital visits to feel more positive and relaxed. I hope I could do that and show it is not half as scary as you might have first thought, but to recap..

  • See if there is any info online before you go such as videos to give you an idea of what to expect
  • Take your own bits and pieces such as hospital approved masks and sanitisers
  • Follow any guidelines
  • Practice those positive affirmations – see start of this post
  • Focus on what you are doing not everyone else! I didn’t mention this earlier, but I really think you need to remember the only person you can control is yourself. Don’t worry about what others are doing, just focus on what you need to do and that is more than enough!

I also wanted to take this moment to thank anyone who wished me well before my appointment – your kind words mean the world 🌍❤ !

Sarah xx

Chronic Illness · Dating · Single Life · Single Life Series · Symptoms · Tips

Chronic Illness and the Single Life Series – The Challenges of Dating – Part 2

memyselfandchronicillness9 Comments

It’s another week and another blog post, and today we are continuing with our single life series and part 2 of the challenges of dating. For anyone who missed part 1 you can find it here.

Last time we covered the challenges of how to find a date and when to tell someone about your illness, this time we are looking at the challenge of how to handle a date and how to manage symptoms when on a date.

Challenge 3 – Handling a date

So you have secured a date (well done you), and you may or may not have made them aware of your condition/s, but now you have the tricky task of getting through the date, symptoms and all. The problem with a first date is it can be stressful whether you realise it or not, and the problem with chronic illness is the fact it loves to feed off stress. You may be thinking well what is the point then, but you really shouldn’t allow this to put you off.

Probably the most stressful part of a date is the fear of the unknown, the loss of control in knowing what is to come, so why not take back some of the control and take the lead in the actual date planning yourself. By taking the lead in planning your date you can be prepared for any potential issues that may arise and try to work around them before they happen. Going forward once you are more comfortable with your date and vice versa you can let them take more of the reins as hopefully the stress will subside, and they will understand your needs better.

By planning the date yourself you can look at factors which are more inline with what your chronic illness requirements are. Do you find your energy dips as the day goes on? Then opt for a daytime date. Are your pain levels high? Then choose an activity where you are sitting down. Feeling lethargic? Then sitting in a warm indoor environment probably won’t help, so why not suggest going for a gentle walk? Is eating a problem? Why not plan around that incorporating or leaving out food depending on your needs? Personally for me I have digestion issues so eating whilst stressed is not a great idea when I get mega bloating, but equally I have several times a day where I have to take medication with food, so maybe a snack rather than a four course meal would be a good middle ground.

I want to also point out that with current Covid times it is not possible for everyone to just go out on a date. I would class myself as one of those people, yet this doesn’t mean you or I need to miss out. As I mentioned in my last post there are many interactive things you can do online, or simply having a virtual date over video chat is more than enough. You can even set the scene to how you would like it – all from the comfort of your own home. Alternatively if you want to meet in person (and it is safe to) opt for outdoor settings still basing it on your needs.

Another key element to handling a date is to set yourself a time limit. Now you can choose to tell the other person this or just keep it to yourself to give yourself a target. Give yourself a realistic timescale based on how much energy you think you will use and try to bring it to a close before it gets too much. But most importantly stick to it! It can be difficult when you are getting on with someone to want to leave, but if you know your body needs it there is no harm in making sure it finishes when you planned it to. Plus, if you like each other that won’t matter in the long run as all you need to do is arrange to speak again.

Of course, as with all things it is personal choice – our bodies are all different and we all tolerate things at different levels. You may feel the payback is worth it or equally you may want to end the date even sooner than you planned due to any aggravating symptoms – there is no right or wrong.

Challenge 4 – Managing symptoms on a date

Let’s be honest for a minute – you can plan, plan, plan and still be symptom overloaded. So, what if this happens? My suggestions are as follows:

  • Do a bit more planning (ahhh! This is never-ending!), and try to rest up the day before, and prior to the date
  • Take any aids you need with you on the date e.g. medications
  • Research menus if in a scenario where you will be eating
Photo by William Fortunato on Pexels.com
  • Take time out on your own – Just because you are on a date doesn’t mean you have to be glued to them, you can take some time to regroup if you need time on your own. Make excuses to go to the bathroom, or take a phone call, or if online move away from the screen and have a breather
  • Practice relaxation techniques – This is hugely dependent on the symptom bothering you, but you may find practicing mindfulness and meditation helpful
  • Alternate between standing and sitting – Mixing up the activities on your date may help with symptoms such as tiredness and pain
  • Avoid alcohol
  • Keep snacks and drinks to hand – This can be helpful with nausea, dizziness and blood pressure issues
  • Cut the date short – If symptoms are too much there is no shame in cutting it short. Let’s be honest this is probably way better than carrying on and leaving an impression you are not interested because you are too distracted
  • Be honest – This is probably the thing that will benefit you the most in a dating scenario. Because let’s face it, it is obvious when someone isn’t enjoying themselves and unless you are a A-list actor you will probably have it written all over your face, and if you like them you really don’t want them thinking it is because of them. Being honest also allows your date to really understand not only you as a person, but your illnesses too. As cliched as this sounds you will know if they are the right one for you because they will be the one who accepts all of you – chronic illness and all – and they will be the one who sticks around long after a symptom filled date!

Here we have it my final challenges of dating with chronic illness. I hope you found this posts helpful and that they resonate with those of you who are single pringles like myself. This isn’t the end of the single life series as I would like to share further posts of my own experiences of the single life with chronic illnesses, and more posts surrounding dating, relationships, body changes and sex – so stay tuned. If there are any topics you would like me to cover in this series, as always just let me know.

Sarah xx

Activities · Happiness · Mental Health · Positive Affirmations · Self-Esteem · Stress Management · Tips

I Am Me: Positive Affirmations and Happiness Tips

memyselfandchronicillness5 Comments

Today’s blog post is a little different from what I had originally planned. This is because the last week or so for me has been filled with many days of illness and symptom flare-ups, and therefore today I wanted to do a post that was simple yet positive.

In addition next week is my first face to face appointment at the hospital since the pandemic and I need this week to be as relaxing as possible. These things combined have inspired my topic for this week: Positive Affirmations.

Positive Affirmations are statements that have meaning. People use them for a number of different reasons including to motivate, to encourage, to inspire, to be happy, to heal and to change the way they think and feel. Positive affirmations are also believed to rewire the brain as they work to challenge any negative thought processes we may be harbouring.

Traditionally affirmations are said repeatedly aloud or inside your head. They are often short, used in the present tense, include the word ‘I’ and are of course of a positive nature! Examples include:

  • I am happy
  • I am confident
  • I am strong

Needless to say you don’t need to stick with tradition, you can say them to yourself whilst looking in the mirror, you could write them down, you can use them in longer sentences – in any way that makes them meaningful to you. The only suggestion I would make is you keep them positive and that you make them in the present tense because after all it is about feeling good in the moment – not in a months time. Examples could include:

  • Today is going to be a great day
  • I stand up for what I believe in
  • I can become anything I put my mind to
Photo by Binti Malu on Pexels.com

In line with the fact I have hospital next week I thought I would share some of my own positive affirmations to prepare me for what is to come.

  • I am calm
  • I am worthy of good health
  • I am important and therefore will be listened to
  • I love my body

In addition to affirmations I am going to spend the week finding little pockets of happiness to pick me up from the week I have just had, and to keep my mind productive knowing what’s to come. It sounds strange, but sometimes I think how do you make yourself happy? What constitutes as happiness? Here are some ideas:

  • Write a gratitude list – For more on gratitude lists read my previous blog post here
  • Better sleep
  • Get outside – Even if this is just sitting at your door or window.
  • Smile
  • Laugh – It’s difficult to just roll around laughing, but even watching some funny videos or programmes can help to realise some feel good hormones.
  • Treat yourself
  • Practise kindness – Do something nice for someone else if you struggle being nice to yourself.
  • Embrace the small things
  • Exercise – Highly debatable with certain chronic illnesses!
  • Keep learning
  • Do something you love – This doesn’t have to be major, something as small as having a cup of tea or a bath is more than enough.

Here we have it my list of happiness inducing ideas and positive affirmations. If you have any affirmations you would like to share I would love to hear them.

Sarah xx