Dear Diary, it's Day Surgery Day

Dear Diary,

It’s Day surgery day. That means an early morning start, with no sleep because I've been anxious all night about one thing.

My last meal was at 2am and I am not allowed to drink any water. Today will be a lot of waiting and shuffling around.

The nurse checks me in. Consent signed✅️ Not pregnant✅️. Time to wait. The next visitor is the anaesthetist. I always ask what she plans to give me after a bad experience many years ago. I mention being cold the last time I was coming to from being under K (relevant for later). A trick question - "what I ate for breakfast?" "Nothing" - and a few reassurances, she double checks of my allergies and I wait some more.

The surgeon comes round next to check we are on the same page about today’s procedure. Consent forms are checked again. I make sure to request my sick note now because post anaesthetic delirium will make it hard to remember. This is step 1 of a longer term plan so it should be straight forward. 

I'm shuffled to the next floor to wait as I'm up next. Time to get ready to go under. This is the part I was anxious about - the cannula in my hand. I have had these many times and it still isn't easier but she is good and we manage after a little wiggle on the first try… God be with me… 2…1. 

The body-mind disconnect while coming out from under is such a strange feeling to describe. I don't realise I'm shivering until a nurse offers a warming blanket. I’m struggling to move my arms for observation. I'm not sure how much time passes. 

The next time I manage to look at a clock is 3pm. I need 2 hands help me to the loo as the meds wear off so that I don't fall in. Nurse and a sister. Small but strong arms support me either side. Look up and straight - no matter how much you want to close your eyes - you won't fall. 

A few hrs later and a delay from pharmacy I'm able to leave. First stop food.

Summer Mindfulness Activities

Summer break is here. Here’s some tips to enjoys a slower more mindful summer through the chaos.

1. Find a comfortable spot outdoors and close your eyes. Focus on the sensation of the sun on your skin, the breeze rustling leaves, and the sounds of nature around you. How does this grounding experience make you feel?

2. Take a leisurely walk in a natural setting. Pay attention to the details you often overlook, such as the intricate designs of leaves, the patterns in the sand, or the different shades of green in the trees. How does this focused observation change your perception?

3. Set aside a few minutes each day to sit in a quiet space. Close your eyes and take deep, intentional breaths. As you inhale, imagine drawing in positivity and peace. As you exhale, release any tension or negativity. How does this practice influence your mindset over time?

4. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, both near and far. Allow each sound to come and go without judgment. How does this auditory mindfulness exercise affect your state of mind?

5. Dedicate a few minutes to a body scan meditation. Start from your toes and gradually move your attention upward, focusing on each part of your body. Notice any sensations, tension, or areas of relaxation. How does this practice help you become more attuned to your body?

Long Haul Travel Tips

I recently got back from a trip to South Korea. Being on the road from 3am on Wednesday and finally getting to my hotel at 3pm on Thursday was intense to say the least (allow for 8hr time difference). Over 24hrs of travelling, plus jet lag will have people saying you look tired - so here's what I do to help myself.

My number one holy grail piece of advice is - get airport assistance. Ideally get in touch with your airline 48hrs before your flight but if you're reading this while on your way to the airport, you can request the assistance you need at the check in counter. Some airport have more... assistance on hand than others (In Seoul I had to wait 1hr for my assistance to arrive). The sunflower lanyard is univerally recognised, at least in airports, as a way to indentify people with disabilities (if you don't have one - get one from the assistance desk, you can reuse it every time you fly)

The assistance I get in airports is the same:

Access to priority lanes through security.

Access to priority lanes in customs and immigration.

Someone to walk with me through the airport (I like this for long trips mainly. Having someone to help navigate security while carrying medications is a massive mental load off)

An aisle seat on the flight

Access to preboarding

A cart to get around - which was very useful on my return to Heathrow

I did get offered a wheelchair at every airport. I only accepted in Amsterdam after we got to the gate and the person accompanying me was informed we'd have to walk to the other side of the airport for precheck. I was able to board the flight early but at what cost. I could feel people staring at me, wondering why I was in a chair because of the invisible part of my illnessess. The person pushing the chair, super sweet and kind though.

I should add here preboarding is the best thing and worth a few awkward stares. I was able to get to my seat before other passengers and sort out what I needed during the flight. Eye mask, face mask, headphones, compression socks, nutritional drinks. It's also an ideal time to a chat with the air stewards if I need store meds and check my access to toilets.

I've done long hauls trips many time and they are usually a cake walk, when I'm not flaring. But I am in a flare right now. And I haven't been to Korea in 6 years.

I did get the go-ahead from my doctors before I booked the flight and made sure I got travel insurance that same day. Shop around;  there are many insurance companies that cover pre-existing conditions but you do pay a premium. I paid around £65 for 10 days. I got mine through my car insurance comapany as they had an offer for adding additonal policies. Getting insurance is an added layer of protection if for any reason you fall ill or need to leave your holiday early. Booking it asap, gives coverage from the day you purchase the insurance to when you return from your holiday.

My final tip of course is bring food and snacks. I had breakfast with me because I'd driven to the airport before dawn. I had a 1hr flight to Paris and a 2hr layover, so food wouldn't be served until well after 10am. I wasn't prepared to navigate French duty free for anything more complex than water as I am on a restricted diet. I panic bought rice cakes and made too many rice flour rotis just in case the day before, which came in handy around lunch time.

Remember to carry a water bottle and stay hydrated.

My long haul essentials

Assistance

Insurance

Food

Compression socks

Face mask

Water Bottle

Sunflower Lanyard