There are some gory details to follow. This is a partial explanation of why I’ve been quiet for the last couple of years. No obligation to read any further. 

In September 2023 I visited my doctor with symptoms that required investigation. Blood tests, scans and various other procedures followed – all of which were inconclusive. Sadly at that point our doctor went on maternity leave, so follow ups were now conducted by a locum who kept insisting that the symptoms were too nebulous to investigate further. All the time I was struggling through each day, in pain and feeling very weary. A year ago today something changed. Instead of fully celebrating a family birthday I put on a brave face, but came home and collapsed into bed. 

By 1 am it was obvious that something was very wrong and an ambulance was called. 

My temperature was 39C and I felt very nauseous. I was duly delivered to our local emergency department where I was triaged, moved on to the real emergency department wher I was fitted with an intravenous drip .. and then waited.. 

and waited.. 

We read about this in the newspaper and sometimes feel it’s exaggerated to make a point. This was very real. There were other people nearby, all waiting, but then the nausea became too much – and you can guess what happened!  

Apparently I was number one on the list for a bed, but that was not apparent until 15 hours later when I was told a temporary one was available. 

More tests ensued. I was given innumerable multiple doses of antibiotics and other drugs too, but no real diagnosis. A week later I was discharged, only to be taken back the next day when more symptoms raised their heads. I was now told that I needed an op to remove my gallbladder – but the waiting list was  L O N G ! 

I was fortunate to be called for it in September 2024 – a year after that initial visit to the doctor. 

It should have been a quick and easy procedure – in and out in a day! But .. lo and behold the reason for my state became apparent as soon as the op began. Pancreatitis had spread to all my other organs, and I was at the risk of losing my liver! The surgeon was horrified nothing had been picked up earlier, but thanks to his care and attention I’m here to tell the tale. 

The last year has been hard. I’ve slowly built up my strength in spite of complications which are still ongoing. Why wasn’t it picked up sooner? 

Apparently my immune system is too robust! 🤔

Life is nowhere near back to normal! But praise the Lord, I’m still here and battling on. Crochet has helped – it can be done anywhere, albeit a single stitch at a time! This year I intend to celebrate the birthday properly (not mine) and look forward to going from strength to strength before July 2026!