Always telling the story
Back in August, I set a goal to stay consistent with my medication routine. It’s a vital part of my health journey, but, as with many routines, it’s easier planned than done! I began recording each day in a planner, tracking when I had taken each medication. Initially, I thought planning ahead would help, so … Read more
I want to say that I woke up yesterday morning after a night of bad sleep, but it would be more accurate to say that I woke up after a night of very little sleep due to coughing because of a chest infection. Andrew went to our pharmacy as soon as it was just about … Read more
Yesterday, while I was on dialysis, a secretary from the Vascular Clinic at Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore called to schedule an arm scan. I’ve been waiting for this scan for several months to determine if there’s enough space in my arm for another arteriovenous (AV) fistula, which would aid in dialysis access. Given the … Read more
In January 2024, I was diagnosed as autistic. This diagnosis confirmed what we had suspected for some time. Nothing has changed since then, and I am still me. But, with the diagnosis, it is easier to explain to others why I react in ways that most people do not. I still find it difficult when … Read more
I am always being reminded by my renal medical team that I need to be physically healthy for a kidney transplant were one to come up; therefore, I’m looking at renewing my active lifestyle to help with that. Follow the Positive Exercise blog for future updates there.
I have just been sent (and have now completed) the EMIS study (European Men’s Internet Sex Survey) 2024. It is completely anonymous and provides vital information about gay men’s health in Ireland and Europe. EMIS, a collaborative effort involving the academic, community, and governmental entities throughout Europe, was initiated in 2010 and reiterated in 2017, … Read more
Wednesday saw the routine of ‘monthly bloods’ taken and sent off from the dialysis unit. In recent months, the most worrisome result has been the Hb or Haemoglobin level that has been recorded. Back in May and June, it hit a bottom point of 6.2. This week, however, it came back as over 10. This … Read more
The Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission‘s offices wer the venue for the launch of HIV Ireland‘s latest report: HIV-related Stigma in Healthcare Settings in Ireland: Findings from a Collaborative Joint Stakeholder Study by Dr Elena Vaughan of the University of Galway’s Health Promotion Research Centre. There were two sets of surveys: one for healthcare … Read more
Yesterday morning I was whizzed down the M4 from Tullamore to Tallaght for 0830 by two helpful ambulance crew from Medicall Ambulance Service. (Being Ireland, one of them I knew from my volunteering in St John Ambulance Ireland. It’s a small world!) Despite arriving at 0830, it was nearer half past two before I was … Read more
It’s been a relatively quiet day in the hospital today. With no visitors, it has meant that I have had to find other things to do. This morning I attended a church service online via Zoom. They were talking about Christian meditation. It was great to hear them mention the Jesus Prayer, Jesus Christ, have … Read more