Hospital Check-up

Having the misfortune of being born with a rare chronic disease (Gaucher) and diagnosed with Young Onset Parkinson’s at age 44, I am never short of what to do. Being chronically ill is a full time job! Kept constantly busy with doctor’s appointments, prescriptions to be filled, physiotherapy, and all the challenges that are thrown my way, just making it through each day and night is an accomplishment in itself! Yesterday I spent the day in hospital for my regular six monthly check-up for Gaucher, and as I have often mentioned, this outstanding hospital with marvellous staff are well deserved of the high reputation they hold. I am indeed fortunate to be under such care, and never take this privilege for granted. At the Gaucher Clinic they have a Multi-disciplinary team, who work together providing the very best of care for the patients, and  hold a weekly meeting to discuss particular cases or bring staff up to date with new information. Yesterday was a long day for me; a battery of tests which I undergo enabling the doctors to keep a close eye on my condition. On the way home, I naturally fell asleep in the car, and want to tell you of a little tip someone suggested. The last time we flew, a thoughtful airline stewardess, seeing my discomfort, gave me a small blow up pillow that fits snugly around the neck. When sitting in a chair, or in a car, using this pillow enables one to fall asleep, keeping the head in place, instead of  flopping to one side and later painfully waking up with an aching neck. If you have one of these little pillows - they are great for car journeys, or if you take a power nap in an arm chair at home.