Last chance diagnostic saloon Yesterday I went in for a biopsy on my Liver. If you’ve been a reader for a while, you’ll know that I’ve been seeing a Hematologist since late 2017 and as of yet, we have yet to really pin point why my LFTs – Liver Function Tests – have continued with their trend of being very high since 2014. The transfer of my notes from my specialist liver consultant…
adventures with a chronic illness
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My Love for Self Care
Here comes that word “self care” again. It seems that self care has morphed into what can sometimes be seen as being selfish, spending excesses beyond your means and overextending your limits; to create a perfect excuse for ‘treating yo’ self’ to anything and everything. And while elements of those expressions do exist, caring for yourself is something we shouldn’t have to feel overwhelmed by or think negatively about. When done right,…
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The Importance of an AUR – Appliance User Review
** Warning: this post contains details about my stoma, it’s appearance and output. If you would not like to read, please stop now ** That ‘aha!’ moment Lately, I’ve been experiencing some quite bad leaks with my stoma bag. What started off as just because I’d change my bag after two days of wear, it soon became daily and then multiple times a day. Sometimes, it would happen before I’d…
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Why Share, Why Blog?
Living with an invisible illness is tough and most often we endure silent battles; we may look well on the outside but inside we are suffering. For some, sharing their experiences and stories is tough. I get this – it is personal, private and at times overwhelming. Wanting to share and talk takes courage and it opens you up to being more vulnerable. It opens you up to judgement and…
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Life Lately | The ‘Final’ Step
At last, answers and a plan. I last talked – openly and frankly – about my current predicament back at the end of November; re my rectal stump. Since then, we’ve had some improvement with its produce but it’s still a massive pain in the butt; metaphorical and literal. But we have had some appointments come through and we are now at Stage Three of the process. This being; I…
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Surviving the Winter with an Ostomy: A Guide
Winter time can be a daunting and challenging time when you have an ostomy. Worries can focus around how routines change with the season, what you’ll be able to eat and drink during the festive period, whether you will be prepared for the ramping up of social activities and ensuring you have supplies to see you through and how to cope during a period of time when there can be limited…
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2018 – Year in Review
Hm. It’s been a bit of a wicked one hasn’t it, 2018? It’s been a weirdly complex year since Day One, to be honest. What can be taken from 2018 is that I can take quite a fair bit of the ‘rough’ times; but let’s be honest, rough times shouldn’t be the norm should they? I’ve had to do alot of fighting and convincing this year; something I was sure…
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2019 Goals
At the end of 2017, I was recovering from a low blow my health dealt me a couple of months previous and wrote this about my goals for 2018. And whilst I am still a goal orientated and goal driven person, I know that ‘goals’ don’t always fall nicely into a calendar year, nor do they always feel complete. With this in mind, I reflect on 2018 with some closure…
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Ostomy Supporting Products – Information
Disclaimer: The information in this post is based on product knowledge from product information direct from the manufacturer and also personal use of products within my own stoma care. All experiences given here are my own and should not be taken as medical advice. If you require advice or support about any aspect of your stoma care, please contact your SCN in the first instance or your GP. If you…