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6th June

So today i had double appointment....

Blood tests first...I have to have monthly blood tests to check my iron levels.  

I was slightly anaemic towards the end of last year and had to start iron tablets.  I was on a drug that could only be prescribed by my consultant at the hospital.   This wasn't a problem having to go and collect the drugs from the hospital because and am always there for various other appointments.

Taking blood from me can be so difficult.  My veins are so bad these days find the right vein is like an operation in itself.    However i got lucky today.  Only took 2 attempts.     Doesn't really bother me how many times it takes....the record is 8 attempts in one sitting.   The team wanted to give up after 5, but i let them carry.   I did make a deal if they reached 10 then they could stop.

Second appointment was with my GP.

Now i have to admit i have one of the best GP's i could ever ask for.  She is just amazing.   I have regular appointments with her, every 2 or 3 weeks we have a review from all the appointments i have been too, explains everything so that i understand whats going on.   Some of the copy letters i get from hospital make no sense to me at time.

She also gives me support on how i am coping mentally.    Today we talked about my impending surgery next week and my hospital admission.    I find it very difficult going into hospital and it never gets any easier.

I have had problems in the past being in hospital with my stoma care.  I have discussed this today with her and i now feel mentally prepared for the challenge ahead to get me through those 3 days whilst i am in hospital.

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