On the mend!

 I have had so many blood tests over the last couple of weeks I feel like a pin cushion, but I am finally getting somewhere! I have been bombarded with messages from the doctor and a follow up phone call this morning to explain that yes, I may have come out of this with issues I didn't know I had but, they all explain my symptoms! 

I had a routine full blood test a couple of weeks ago that didn't show anything, so back to the doctor I went, she then ordered a long list of blood tests that she wanted me to have, had those on Wednesday this week. Turns out I have:

Low folate - now on a 4 month course of folic acid to rectify this.

Vitamin D deficiency - now on a course of high dose vitamin D and I have to take a lower level permanently. 

Pre-diabetic hyperglycaemia - I have been referred to a group that can help me to manage my diet to avoid a full diabetes diagnosis.

And, finally, an underactive thyroid - I will be on medication for this for the rest of my life also! This also means I do not have to pay for any future prescriptions.

We did think the liver function tests were abnormal, but the vitamin D being ridiculously low could cause this. We are going to repeat this test in January to double check, then another thyroid check in 3 months time to make sure my prescription is the right dose.

I feel like a weight has been lifted. From being diagnosed with covid, feeling like the symptoms of fatigue, feeling breathless and lightheaded, joint pain and brain fog weren't going anywhere. I have spent the last 6 weeks convinced that people don't believe me and the relief of knowing that I wasn't going crazy and there were issues is like no other feeling. 

The last day I was in work was the 27th of October. It feels like forever. In a strange way I have enjoyed being off, mainly for the rest and recouperation, but there's only so many channel 5 Christmas Hallmark movies I can avoid! My Dad used to love watching those, Christmas was his favourite time of year and Christmas 24 his favourite channel! He used to call me to tell me about the hallmark film he had seen that day. I used to say:

"Let me guess, recently single business woman moves back to her hometown from the big city to sell the failing cupcake shop she has inherited and she finds herself in a battle of personalities with the town mechanic, almost ruining Christmas for the whole town,  but they end up falling in love and saving the cupcake shop at the same time as saving Christmas!"

He would reply with "Oooh, have you seen it??" 😂 

I really miss my Dad at this time of year, we have decorated our house like a 1980s Santas Grotto in his memory, he would've absolutely loved it. He would also be the one that would've been coming to and from the doctors appointments and holding my hand the whole time, like he always did, no matter how old I got. I have been very brave doing this all without him. Doctors surgeries, hospitals, all very scary places for me. 

Now I have Christmas to look forward to, even if I only get Christmas Day off. I am going to spend the day with just my Mum, it will be very quiet and chilled. I have a stack of presents that need wrapping, I keep putting it off but I love doing it. Still got a few more to buy but the bulk of it is done. Are you all ready for Christmas? I will be surprised if anyone even sees that question after all the ramblings above!

Anyway, back to procrastinating wrapping and another cup of tea it is!