So, I had a phone conversation with the Diabetes Consultant and maybe felt a little more confident in the treatment and service as I have changed hospitals due to the nurse at Prince Phillip and then, decided to make the change through my GP to Gwangwilli.
I received a letter to attend an appointment at the hospital where it clearly stated if you do not attend you will be thrown off the list. Thus, I made my way with my husband who took the morning off to drive me.
It was sunny and so, I aim to keep out of the sun as much as possible due to a complete intolerance to it.
To cut a long story short I went in and out of quite a few buildings around the hospital whilst overheating as it said to report to the outpatient’s department first. I was then, after driving around for another 15 mins, told to go to the Diabetes clinic, (why was this not said in the first place on the letter,) which said closed by the way. We made our way inside and the receptionist told us the letter was a ‘glitch in the system,’ and the Doctor was not actually in the hospital. Meanwhile again I have had no treatment.
This is my ongoing saga and why I changed teams but so far, not so good. According to social media, many are disenchanted with their Diabetes care, if Type 1 and therefore, try to manage on their own. However, this is not going too well for me as, in my phone call it was discussed that I would be given a blood ketone tester by the nurse and was to see her within 2 weeks to discuss a pump and how my carbohydrate counting is going.
So far, no letter to see the nurse.
On a positive note, I am enjoying my hypnotherapy course and learning a lot about how the mind and body work, where our symptoms occur from thinking certain thoughts, when events happen usually as a youngster and we form beliefs or certain patterns of behaviour that can cause physical symptoms. I am yet to get feedback on how mine are doing as I have had one full session and am learning how to treat people so, it will be practice sessions before becoming a fully qualified practitioner. I am treating physical symptoms, sleep issues, stress and anxiety, fear of flying, stopping smoking and losing weight.
Many report that they cannot sleep so here are a few tips:
A circadian rhythm is a natural, internal process that regulates the sleep-wake cycle and repeats roughly every 24 hours thus, to regulate sleep:
1. Get outside as close to sunrise and sunset as possible.
2. Expose yourself to natural light throughout the day.
3. Normalise mealtimes.
4. Avoid napping (just for now).
5. Switch to amber lights after sunset.
6. Limit screen use after sunset.
7. Go to sleep as soon as you are sleepy after sunset.
General stress symptoms include: Feeling overwhelmed, irritable, wound up, anxious, racing thoughts, constant worrying, difficulty concentrating, difficulty making decisions,, headaches, racing heart, tiredness, pain, tension, sleep problems, eating too much or too little, drinking or smoking to excess and snapping at people. I am sure we can all relate to some of these symptoms and we therefore need strategies for when stress strikes, or scenarios become overwhelming. These can include:
Counselling for stress management, where stress leads to drug and alcohol abuse. Counselling can also help with other stressors such as divorce, bereavement and family pressures (see your GP for a referral).
Relaxation techniques include deep breathing, articulating short and long-term goals and identifying steps to achieve them. Abstaining from alcohol or reducing intake as well as caffeine. If bullying is a factor at work, for example, contact ACAS or your union. Stress should also be assessed in an employer’s risk assessment.
It is important to take up a hobby. Many are knitting, making rugs, baking, keeping chickens, going fishing or spending more leisure time with loved ones. Listen to stress management podcasts or those on managing anxiety. Many are now advocating a mental health day, that is not being selfish but taking time for ourselves for self-care. When our spouse is at work or our kids are at school. It can help regroup our mind, body and soul, so go for that spa day! My recent visit to Machynys turned out to be more men than women!
You will become more productive and nicer to be around. It will also give your immune system a boost by recharging and preventing burn-out. Nothing beats being out in nature or having a good night’s sleep for restorative properties after a stressful period, so go for that massage.
The B&B has been fully booked the whole summer and into September, as many were on staycation in the UK. We had our visit from the food standards department as we registered and then, I had a chronic hypo (low blood sugar, as she was talking to me). So I ran upstairs with orange juice, (still dropping), coke, still going down and then, packets of sugar. Finally, the shakes stopped and I went back downstairs.
I should have listened when she asked to leave and come back as, who knew how many ways there are to clean and wash your hands, only one way apparently! We aim to clean and always do this very well as we have completely cleared the kitchen but still thought we would be lucky to get a decent rating.
My Father stayed with us for 6 weeks, where he enjoyed Pembrey country park and his time in Wales, (although not the rain) and so did his beautiful little dachshund Mia. We are hoping to get to Spain and as I do not fly at the moment, watch this space!
