Firstly apologies for my absence over the last few months the title says it has been a full-on roller coaster
After being discharged from Barts, which I consider to be the best hospital in the UK, I started to feel unwell. Every time I have been unwell, it's always been out of hours, late at night, or on a weekend. This time was no different. My wife, Jennie, had to call for an ambulance because I had chest pains. To be honest, I thought I was having a heart attack. Within fifteen minutes, three paramedics burst through the front door like Charlie's Angels (only men of a certain age will understand) and sprang into action. The chest pain subsided and I felt okay, but I was reluctant to go to the hospital. The thought of Basildon Hospital filled me with dread, as past visits didn't end well.
Eventually, the paramedics persuaded me to go to the hospital my blood pressure was sky-high so off we went to my surprise they were taking me to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford and I have to say even though I was ill it was a pleasant experience the chest pains was a result of a pe (pulmonary embolism) in other words a blood clot on my right lung.
After spending a week in Broomfield Hospital it was time to go home the care I received in Broomfield was fantastic the nurses and doctors took the time to understand my condition.
A few days later it was time for my weekly visit to the clinic at Barts to see Dr. McCloskey it was time to reduce my steroid tablets and stop my anti-rejection drugs at this time I had just arranged to start my childhood vaccinations first on the list was a pneumonia vaccine the next day after the vaccine was given I wasn't feeling great few days later I still wasn't feeling great but I was due back at the clinic by now I felt so ill I was admitted back to Barts now I had a really bad chest infection what with the vaccine and the lowering of my drugs the perfect storm had been created so another week in Hospital begins lots of iv antibiotics once again the nurses and Doctors at Barts worked there magic another little battle won.
Graft versus host disease (GVHD) has decided to rear its ugly head again It is good to have some GVHD it is a sign that the stem cell transplant is working but too much GVHD is a proper pain unfortunately for me I suffer with it all over my body ie skin but worse I get it in my mouth which effects what I can eat and drink imagine if you will you all know how painful it is when you get an ulcer in your mouth well times that by a mouth full of ulcers tongue gums cheeks its awful.
The steroids have had to be upped again to try and keep the GVHD in check i have to say it is working but the side effects from the steroids aren't great by now I am starting to look like Mr Potato Head lol.
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