It's been a bit of an eye-opener to see that at least some friends and family genuinely believed my post on Facebook declaring that I had completed my first triathlon. I chose a snappy, attention-grabbing description in the expectation that nobody would actually believe it, but instead would be intrigued as to what I was … Continue reading Days +69 to +72: The invisible illness
Days +60 to +63: The benefits of remembering the tougher times
According to the Department of Work and Pensions' preliminary estimates for 2013/14 (bear with me here), around £1.1bn was paid out to fraudulent benefits claims, representing around 0.7% of the total benefits bill. Clearly there are a lot of people persuaded towards dishonesty by the promise of 'free money' in return for false claims that might never be found … Continue reading Days +60 to +63: The benefits of remembering the tougher times
Days +31 to +33: You’re only as old as…
Were I as orderly as I like the world to be in general, I'd have posted two days ago, on Day +31, as I had a rare combination of both news and a time-relevant theme to write about. However, I'm pleased to say that the news – that I was out of hospital again – meant I … Continue reading Days +31 to +33: You’re only as old as…
Day +30: The little big three-zero
It's Day +30 today, which may not carry much particular weight medically, except perhaps prompting another chimerism test, but feels good to have reached – albeit in hospital! Sadly the '3' and '0' balloons we used previously are at home, and I'm not, but it still feels like an achievement to have got through the first thirty days … Continue reading Day +30: The little big three-zero
Days +27 and +28: Better safe than sorry
I suppose all good things must come to an end – or at least a pause, in the case of my most recent wonderful time at home. One of the 'rules' I have to follow in order to minimise risks is to go straight to A&E when my temperature spikes over 38 degrees, which it … Continue reading Days +27 and +28: Better safe than sorry