Time to Rest and Reset
Christmas has been a rather strange one this year. I caught ‘the flu and ended up being hospitalised. So instead of being home with my mother, I woke up in isolation in the Guthrie Ward at King’s College Hospital, Camberwell, London, on Christmas Day.
The NHS is in crisis, but I had the most wonderful Doctors, Nurses, Ambulance Crew, and Security looking out for me. It took hours to get an ambulance, and then I was in A+E from 1 pm until 11 am the next morning, being nebulised and given Magnesium AV drips (only for severe asthma attacks). The pressure was on. There were no beds or cubicles, but I finally found a bed in a ward. Quite traumatic to be sitting in A=E exhausted, having an asthma attack with the ‘flu for so long! I was diagnosed with Type ”A’ Flu and a respiratory infection and put in isolation. I was finally discharged on Christmas Day evening. Taken down to the entrance in a wheelchair, I managed to get an Uber and went home alone. Not easy!
So it’s home for me until 2023. Time to rest and reset.
Convalescing time.
I have been needing to rest for some time. It’s been non-stop with work and events. It’s also been a difficult year with a relationship split up and bereavement. The Universe seemed to force my hand this time and commit me to a hospital stay for Christmas! After 30 hours of no sleep and 22 hours of those in A+E. I was exhausted by the time I was put in a ward and so badly needed to sleep. It’s time to convalesce. Rest and reset!
Top Tips
Christmas is an amazing time, but it does always have its challenges. Whether, like me, it’s your first Christmas missing a loved one. Or you are not able to make it home or be with people you love. It’s time to count our blessings and connect.
1. Missing a loved one
Most of us will miss loved ones who are no longer with us. It’s the first Christmas since my Father died, and I will be thinking of his family in the states this Christmas. I also miss my Grandmother, who I used to visit in her home with my mother until she passed away a few years ago. It’s important to remember our loved ones who we miss as well as celebrate the time with the people we have left. I woke up on Christmas morning to a fantastic video call with my family, which was just wonderful.
2. Treat yourself
I bought a food delivery and Christmas present online just in case I was discharged in time for Christmas. Advised not to go home alone, but after being discharged on Christmas Day, to be by myself. I managed to cook myself a Christmas dinner, although very slowly! Waiting for me was a hamper of spa treatments I bought and a long overdue shower! I spent the rest of the evening eating, moisturising, and then sleeping!
3. Be thankful
Christmas 2022 won’t be one I forget in a hurry! It was quite an emotional start to the day, but despite not waking up with family around me and in isolation. I was thankful for the team who looked after me. Also, for the people who have been messaging me throughout my time in hospital. As much as I was feeling a little bit sorry for myself! It’s important to be thankful for everything too. Love to everyone who was there for me!
