health update Archives - Antony Simpson is an Author, Blogger, Nurse & Witch.

Health Update: Vasculitis Remission, Blood Sugar Reduction (Type 1 Diabetes) and the Hole in the Roof of My Mouth

Thursday 7 May 2026 / Antony Simpson / Leave a Comment

Reading Time: 2 minutes

I am pleased to announce that my vasculitis is in remission (see this page on Vasculitis UK for more information). This means that there are no active signs of the disease and my blood results show no signs of inflammation.

This is thanks to the excellent care of the Specialist Doctors in the NHS and the Rituximab infusions provided by the NHS.

All of the care I have received from NHS Staff has been nothing short of exceptional. Staff have been kind and compassionate. They have delivered safe, high quality and evidenced-based care.

The care has been driven by clinical need, without staff having to worry about the cost and without me having to worry about my ability to pay. I am beyond grateful.

My blood sugars have continued to reduce with my Hba1C currently being 52. My Hba1C was 58 in February 2025 and 99 before that. My Medtronic insulin pump (the MiniMed 780G) has played a massive role in this reduction, but so have better diet, increased exercise and loss of a bit of weight.

I have come off all medications, apart from insulin. This includes medications for high blood pressure, high cholesterol and mental health medications. I have made a number of changes to my life to become the happiest that I have ever been.

The hole in the roof of my mouth has gotten slightly bigger, now being about 1cm in size. However given the improvements to my overall health and the fact that the vasculitis is now in remission, the surgeon is keen to repair the hole in the roof of my mouth in the coming months.

That’s about it for my health update. Write soon,

Antony

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Health Update: 1 Year

Friday 4 April 2025 / Antony Simpson / Leave a Comment

Reading Time: < 1 minute

It’s nearly been 1 year.

One year since I developed a hole in the roof of my mouth. So I thought I’d give you a health update.

The hole remains the same size that it’s been for a while now. It is affecting my speaking, eating and overall mental wellbeing. I’ve seen a Surgeon who says he can fix the hole, but wants my HbA1C to be 40mmol/mol prior to surgery. It is currently 54mmol/mol. This has been achieved thanks to my insulin pump.

My diabetes team and GP both feel the surgeon’s goal is unrealistic and unachievable for a Type 1 diabetic like myself. My diabetes consultant and GP have both written to the surgeon.

I have written to the surgeon, asking about flexibility around this target and timescales for surgery. I’ve had a CT and MRI scan and am due to see the surgeon again in June.

I am hoping the summer will bring some good news on the surgery front.

My Best Wishes,

Antony

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