And like that, another week has come to an end. Another busy and eventful week with A&E visits, The rather fabulous Dr Chris at the RFH Emergency Dept, a broken rib, an overly opinionated man on the bus telling me I was dressed inappropriately for this time of year...and no- it had nothing to do with the lack of clothing I had on. More the opposite. He told me that my need for my winter coat and scarf was ridiculous- but, what he didn't know is that I am always cold. And I thank my not-so-perfect kidneys for this. I think I once read that impaired kidney function not only leaves you exhausted, full of water retention (even though you're on limited fluid intake)- it apparently makes you feel cold even during the summer. So thank you kidneys for yet another unwelcome symptom.
Anyway, the kidneys are becoming old news. I mean, they are still the reason I am writing this blog, but come on, lets focus on Dr Chris. He's far more interesting and good looking. And plus, there has to be some silver lining to a late night A&E visit. It's just such a shame that you (I or anyone) never looks their best in a hospital waiting room. I hadn't planned on visiting last Monday night, cos trust me, if I had, I'd had bothered to do the full outfit change, make-up and hair just so I could spend 2.5 minutes with him while he reported back on my X-Ray. He casually told me there was nothing to do for the rib- other than to continue to breathe and take pain killers. He did remember me though (BONUS) and after a brief chat, I managed to find out that since I was last on a ward, he has been permanently placed in A&E. (Good news- so next time I do find myself in the emergency dept, I will make sure he knows that I have more to wear than an extensive range of Primark and Minion themed pyjamas). I was kind of hoping he'd need to examine me a little bit further- but no such luck this time. I joke, but I'm actually doing well for me. No hospital admissions since February (If we don't count the 3 A&E visits).
In other news, I've been happily Tweeting away still trying to make it big and live the Social Media dream. I managed to find a man who had the same operation that I am waiting for 8 years ago. He is still Diabetes free and generally doing well after living and battling with Diabetes for 31 years. Secondly, (and quite excitedly) I was contacted by the NHS Transplant/donor people (through Twitter) and they have asked me to get on board their Organ Donation Awareness Week campaign. They need me to tell my story; submit a photo and explain how I ended up here- in this whole mess.
I may be required to talk to journalists, chat on the radio, do interviews etc. So another exciting thing to add to my bow- another step towards meeting David Beckham!!! (IF, IF, IF anything positive is to come out of this experience) We need to inform people and make them aware about the current need for organs; that we need more people to Opt In and join the Donor Register. There are currently 6.500 people actively waiting on the transplant list today and 500 people died last year while waiting on the list last year. This is why I agreed to do my part. And what's horrendous, is that I would never have even considered joining the donation register if I hadn't have been one of the people actually waiting for organ(s). It never even crossed my mind to enquire/ do my part to help save a life. I'm sure I'm not alone in this thinking, but since I am faced with this situation, I need to turn it in to a positive and do something worth while with my life while I still can.
I also contacted a guy on Facebook that shared his experience when someone accused him of injecting recreational drugs at the bus stop, not realising it was Insulin. I tried to offer my support as I've had a similar situation in a restaurant a couple of times. Anyway, I had a brief conversation with this guy called Ben over social media. He's currently trying out this continual blood glucose monitor and I asked him about that as I am getting one fitted next Friday. I have to wear it for 2 weeks (as a trial) but it means that I just need to scan the gadget to get my latest sugar levels and not prick my fingers each time. This isn't available on the NHS yet and is fairly pricey to run on a full time basis- but if the trial goes well, maybe I'll end up investing in this super-sleek-state-of-the-art-diabetes-scanning-systems. However, when I weigh it up, it's this or 3/4 new pairs of trainers a month that I'll be spending- and tbh, I know what I'd prefer to be buying right now!
I can't believe it's been a month since the last time I was writing/ moaning about this- but this coming Tuesday is the Kidney consultant again. Its the day when I have 4 appointments one after the other. The consultant, the psychologist, the co-ordinator etc. How can it be here again? Who's around to celebrate surviving another month of Kidney interrogation? Anyway, I think I am going to invent a show called I'm a Patient Get Me Out of Here. I'll sell the concept to ITV or Channel 4...
I've been trying to find other bloggers out there in similar medical situations to myself. I just think there is so much we can do if we club together. I'm just one very small person trying to take over the illustration world while simultaneously trying to teach all diabetics (and non diabetics) that Diabetes is no joke. That Diabetes can be life threatening if not managed and taken seriously. That's one big task for one relatively little person.
Thanks for checking in with Kev this week. The fight continues. Much Love xx
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