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Health & Future Plans Update: A Dramatic Reduction in HbA1c thanks to Medtronic Insulin Pump

By Books & Authors, Creativity, Gigs & Shows, Happiness & Joy, HealthNo Comments

Health Update

There has been a dramatic reduction in my HbA1c thanks to my Medtronic Insulin Pump. I’ve gone from a HbA1c of 99 to 58. This means I’ve gone from being in the red to the green. It’s all thanks to the insulin pump’s SmartGuard, an algorithm that helps manage my blood sugars and insulin through use of a sensor and pump that work together via Bluetooth.

I’m feeling the benefits of a better controlled blood sugar – less tired, more energy, less susceptible to infections and next to no symptoms of a high blood sugar. There are benefits to my mental health as well, I don’t feel like I’m constantly failing to manage my diabetes anymore and like it is a constant battle every minute of the day.

The hole in the roof of my mouth is still there and still causing me problems with talking, eating and drinking. The surgeon wants an MRI and CT scans before proceeding, but there is a two to three month wait for these on the NHS. I often find myself apologising when I can’t be understood by others and it inevitably impacts on all areas of my life. But it will get fixed and that’s the main thing. This is temporary.

Future Plans Update

A friend and I are planning to go to some of Lancaster Literature Festival. This is in part to get ideas for Wigan Literature Festival. A festival I am hoping will be held later this year.

A friend and I are going to see Comedian Larry Dean in Salford.

Mum and I are going to meet some Alpacas and to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Finally, I get to go away to Wales with my unofficial adoptive family.

In October, my next book Z-Virus Monsters is released. You can pre-order a signed paperback copy here. Fanatic Members will get the ebook free on release.

I’ve also had another idea for either another article or book, depending on its length and have started the research for it.

I’ve got a lot to look forward too.

Write soon,

Antony

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Friday 21 February 2025

Morris the Mould

By HealthNo Comments

Let me introduce you to Morris the Mould:

This last week I’ve seen Max Fax about the hole in the roof of my mouth. Their immediate fix is Morris. He reminds me of a retainer brace I once had when I was in my teens.I’m thinking about getting him googly eyes and a wig.

But seriously, although currently uncomfortable he covers the hole allowing me to eat and drink without things coming out of my nose.

But it doesn’t seal the hole by sitting flat against it as I hoped. This means my ability to talk and be understood is still impaired.

They are looking to surgically fix the hole and potentially rebuild my septum in my nose in January. Providing that:

  1. The hole doesn’t get any worse in the meantime – not something I really have control over.
  2. That I remain smoke-free.
  3. That I manage to improve my blood sugar readings to reduce the risk of surgical complications. I’m going on an insulin pump soon, which should help with this.

I’m disappointed that Morris doesn’t sit tight against the roof of my mouth, essentially blocking the hole so that I can speak normally. In every conversation, I am struggling to be understood. For someone that’s always relied on verbal communication this is heartbreaking.

My mood is low and I feel like Vascuilitis is winning.

Take care,

Antony

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Friday 26 July 2024

Mental Health Focus: I’ve Been One of the 1 in 4

By HealthNo Comments

At any one time, 1 in 4 people are experiencing poor mental health, albeit to varying degrees of severity.

I have experienced poor mental health at different times in my life and to varying degrees, as have many other people I know. Depending on what I’m thinking and how I’m feeling, I’ve used a number of strategies to manage my own mental and emotional health, including:

  • Reminding myself that my mental or emotional state is temporary and will change.
  • Monitoring my mind and mood to look for improvement or deterioration.
  • Keeping my negative internal voice in check – including silencing it, being kind to myself and thinking positive thoughts to counter the negative voice.
  • Asking from help, support and understanding from family & friends.
  • ‘Off loading’ to friends.
  • Distracting Myself.
  • Sleeping – I guess you could say avoidance here.
  • Taking time out to rest and relax.
  • Meditating.
  • Imagining and Visualising a better future – giving me hope that things will get better.
  • Reading for Pleasure
  • Having an up-beat music playlist.
  • Being creative to connect with my soul.
  • Visiting my GP.

How do you manage your own mental and emotional health? Leave a comment below.

I’ve wrote a series of Mental Health Focus blog posts to help to #EndTheStigma around mental health and to encourage others to talk openly and honestly about their own mental health.

If you are experiencing an episode of poor mental health, two useful websites are: Mind and SANE. If you are feeling suicidal please visit your nearest A&E Department for crisis support.

Blog soon,

Antony

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Friday 16 January 2015

Getting Into The Festive Spirit: Manchester Christmas Market

By Friends & Family, Happiness & Joy, LifeNo Comments

Manchester Christmas Market Manchester Christmas Market Singing Tree

Manchester Christmas Market Bar It’s become a tradition that once a year, around this time, I go to the Manchester Christmas Market for a mooch around and a Bailey’s latte.

At the weekend, my friend and I completed this tradition together. Considering it was the end of November, it was relatively warm and the sun shone brightly – at times blinding our vision.

We arrived about midday and it wasn’t overly crowded (top left photo).
We started at the stalls straight outside of Manchester Victoria Train Station and began to make our way towards St. Ann’s Square and the City Hall Square. Along the way we saw a singing Christmas Tree (top right photo).

The stalls either sold food or gifts. The food choices were very varied from delicacies to more mainstream dishes. Generally most of the food stalls smelt devine.

The gift stalls had some lovely trinkets, some unique and original products (that would make perfect presents for Christmas), but also some over-priced tat.

Manchester Christmas Market Bailey's Coffee

Midway through the markets my friend and I managed to get seats at a coffee stall (above: left hand column), where we were able to enjoy our drinks. I had the Bailey’s latte as always (above: right hand column) while my friend had his Bailey’s white coffee. As we drank we talked, about many different things including: Christmas, our plans for 2014 and tablets (the Kindle & the iPad Air).

As the afternoon got later, going into early evening, the markets got busier and busier. I had expected that it would get quieter as it got later, but I was wrong. It felt like we were sardines (below: left & right). We had a great time, but maybe next year I’ll avoids the crowds by going midweek.

Manchester Christmas Market Giant Santa / Town Hall Manchester Christmas Market Crowds

Blog soon,

Antony

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Wednesday 4 December 2013
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