tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64781944196593312642024-03-28T09:38:02.979+00:00My Autoimmune and post ICU JourneyThis is a blog about my medical journey from start to current and everything that comes in the future. This is not medical advice and everything I say is my own opinion. This blog is about the issues that occurred in my life. I am writing this to help other people who have similar issues as me and to help them see that they are not alone and perhaps glean something useful. You can also find me @MarkThomHudson on twitter if you want to hear from me on a more regular basisMark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-46291597545134529572024-03-12T18:59:00.000+00:002024-03-12T18:59:23.325+00:00Thoughts on the A-F bundle<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"> I was always told to stay humble,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was told let others speak about the things you do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">So I’ll talk about the A to F bundle,</div><div style="text-align: center;">It should be fundamental in every ICU,</div><div style="text-align: center;">If your not then that a major fumble,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Mobilising is good for patients research shows it’s true.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I’m tired of listening to all this squawking,</div><div style="text-align: center;">People who never been intubated telling us what is true?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Maybe you should all start listening and stop talking,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Delirium and acquired weakness are game changers,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Making your body feel like a dam stranger.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">People who think sedating is humane,</div><div style="text-align: center;">What is going on in your dam brain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Increases length of stay, delirium just to name some,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Disabilities, distress and insecurity what you’re imposing.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Let’s look at the bundle and what it does,</div><div style="text-align: center;">A- assess for pain and manage it appropriately,</div><div style="text-align: center;">B- breathing and awakening trials, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Pausing sedation and making patient do more of the breathing work,</div><div style="text-align: center;">C- choice of sedative and analgesia, </div><div style="text-align: center;">ensure your using the best ones,</div><div style="text-align: center;">D- Delirium assess, prevent and manage,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Stop the things that cause it and make the patient feel safe,</div><div style="text-align: center;">E- early exercise and mobilisation, </div><div style="text-align: center;">Protect what’s there and reduce damage that will be done,</div><div style="text-align: center;">F- family it’s the worse time for them too,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Help them survive the stress their going through,</div><div style="text-align: center;">So they can help you too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So let’s review all the things we do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">When you think of ICU ,</div><div style="text-align: center;">We all know what we should do,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Use the bundle that’s proven true,</div><div style="text-align: center;">To help more people survive the ICU.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-5917223420124969132023-10-10T09:21:00.001+01:002023-10-10T09:21:26.885+01:00Talk is cheap but here’s the cost<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Why do I lay my trauma out for you to look?<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I do it so you can stand and stare,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Wondering how we even got there,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Figuring out how I am still right here.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I tell my tale reworking it every time,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">So that the impact gets better every time,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I relive the torture just so I can refine the talk every time,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">When I’m done people question why I keep doing it every time.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">It might stunt your recovery, might make worse,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">You are not that important, your story doesn’t matter,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Thought banging round in my mind,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Trying to get any hook in it can find.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I might not be important but I am to some,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I’d still be happy if it was only one,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I have found friends in the worst of my trauma,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">Ride or die friends I never thought I’d have,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">But for each one I’m eternally glad.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">I tell my story for those who can’t,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">For those who pass or those who still suffer,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">For those left defeated with no hope,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">And for those who can give words to this rope.<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">The trauma like a noose squeezing out the life,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">But we shan’t give in we will fight,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">On the stage or the call I bare my trauma,<o:p></o:p></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center;">So there will be less mes tomorrow.<o:p></o:p></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-26769034924429570482023-07-21T07:38:00.003+01:002023-07-21T07:47:54.828+01:00ICU Rehab Day 2023<p> </p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We need to talk about
the value of ICU rehab,</p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It is as important as
drugs made in labs,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The battle we face
after intubation,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The effort it takes,
the shot heard across nations.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The A2F bundle formed
to reduce the harm we cause,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">But in a lot of ICU, the damage does even give pause,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Rehab in my home
differs so much from the others,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We should all band
together as sisters and brothers.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">So heed this my call
to join our movement,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Which is focused so
fully on getting us moving,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Because never forget
that not lost does not need to be regained,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">That patient will not
have to know the pain of muscle growing again.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">So join us in voice,
in spirit and in body,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Let’s do this
properly for we can’t afford to be shoddy,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">These people's lives
we affect will impact so profoundly,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">As for every person
in a bed has people 100 deep,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The family and
friends who witness the struggle,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Can be saved from the
horror of seeing them suffer.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We all seek the
solution which has eluded us all,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">But we are not here
to drop the ball,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We work hard each day
to improve the world in tiny ways,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Because in weeks,
months or even years,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Those tiny actions
will reap us some gold.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Whether you stand at
the bed, research or other,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The work that you do
will be seen by fathers and mothers,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Your actions will be
burned in that patient's brain,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Let’s not leave them
with only a legacy of pain,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Working together we
make rehab the focus,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We motivate, drive
and support the goals that are chosen.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">For in the end, we are
all just supporting roles in the life of the patient,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We are stagehands,
extras and even directors,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Managing the
situations and bringing the important to focus,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We show the best that
we have to evoke emotion,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Because of these plans, we are setting in motion,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">They will impact people
all across the oceans.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">So I leave it here
with these most feeble of words,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The patient in the
bed wants to be heard,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We want to be seen
and treated as a person,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We want to live life
not simply surviving the crisis,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">For when you look at
the whole you will see too much more,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Learn about the
person they were and who they’ll become.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Thank you for reading
this I hope it evoked some emotion and I hope we can make ICU rehab a part of
every icu patients journeys. But also make the time in ICU less traumatic and
thus need less ICU rehab after.<i><o:p></o:p></i></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-6055091899755863942023-05-16T21:49:00.002+01:002023-05-16T21:49:24.499+01:00A-F bundle lets get liberated<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">ABCDEF bundle<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Assess for pain, analgesics so that they can engage,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Autonomy is key sedation's not a cure,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Alternate on and off intermittent is the key,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">All together makes everything easier you’ll see.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Begin with SAT put a hold on sedation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Before SBT to see if they are capable of breathing.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Back to the start for another day if their failing,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">But a good start to think about extubation.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Choose carefully and aim for reduced agitation, not heavy sedation,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Choice of sedatives is very important Benzo’s should be avoided,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Could we use propofol in your thoughts in planning,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Can we use dexmedetomidine sure but only short term.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Delirium now that’s my enemy incarnate,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Do an assessment CAM-ICU the preference,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Different types, hyper or hypo active as well as mixed,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Dysfunction of the brain can affect behaviour.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Early movement prevention is better than cure,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Exercise protects the lungs and against weakness,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Every step taken helps to stay ahead of their illness,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Early is best when in the ICU as you can save before it's lost.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Family is so very important and helps to reorientate,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Fun how communicating effectively can leave an impression,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Feed them with confidence that they can help you,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Find ways to help them help your patient.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Get these points straight into your head,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Great to learn about what you should do,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Guidelines are important they support practice with facts,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Gathering understanding it’s a guidebook to success.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Hopefully, this helps you get to grips with the bundle,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">How it works and why you use it,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Happy to help you with the words I am choosing,<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: OpenDyslexicAlta;"><b><span style="font-size: medium;">Horrors lie ahead for patients whose care team don’t use it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15.693334px; margin: 0cm 0cm 8pt;"><o:p><b><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></b></o:p></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-45111818998297394412023-04-30T20:03:00.001+01:002023-04-30T20:03:53.511+01:00Confidence <p style="text-align: center;"> I always as myself if people are proud of me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Have I had an impact do I matter,</p><p style="text-align: center;">When I am no longer here will I be remembered,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Will I be thought kindly and bring a smile,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Or will my name make people run a mile.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Everyday I look and reflect upon my failings,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Everyday worry that everyone’s time I’m draining,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I wonder all the time are my actions oppressive,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Or is this merely a reflection of poorly managed depression.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">When I look upon what I’ve it brings lots of sadness,</p><p style="text-align: center;">As my health has took so much even most of my gladness,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I look at what I’ve done and think how much more I could’ve achieved,</p><p style="text-align: center;">If only my body did not hate me and kill me from inside,</p><p style="text-align: center;">December 28th 2015 the day I almost died,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Infection nearly made me face my maker.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">If they looked upon my book what would he see?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Would it be very different from how I see me?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Would they welcome be into the fold a project complete,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Or will they shake their head in disappointment and defeat.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I know my many failings and it is more than one,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know I’m too hard upon my self that’s failing number one,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I should treat myself with kindness that would be such fun,</p><p style="text-align: center;">But all I can ever do is reflect on ICU and make that gun is never a real one.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I’m turning corners now, I’m planning now you see,</p><p style="text-align: center;">With examples like Julie, Dorothy and Megan how great can I be,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know see myself in futures never dared,</p><p style="text-align: center;">For in but just a moment it might not be there.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">But after speaking with the greats,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I started to believe maybe I could dream and achieve,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you goes to these council of three,</p><p style="text-align: center;">For giving my hope and faith I can believe.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to all who lift me up,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to everyone whose ever gave a fuck,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to those who brought a smile in dark days,</p><p style="text-align: center;">And finally thank you to those who support me everyday.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-72886812537193407222023-04-13T15:01:00.000+01:002023-04-13T15:01:19.264+01:00Doctors Strike<p style="text-align: center;">The government trying to paint em as evil,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Well hot dam can you believe em,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I listen as they say they are putting me in danger,</p><p style="text-align: center;">What a dam joke are you trying to offend me?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Are they out of their minds when they say Dr as harming,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Listen to me I'll be disarming or maybe even charming,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You can't abuse a system, underfund and supply it,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then expect everyone inside to be happy about it,</p><p style="text-align: center;"> The gaslighting and abuse is what is dam harming,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You tried to break a system and met with resistance.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The Doctors are standing for what is right,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You are standing on wielding might,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Trying to undermine the public service that supports us,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Trying to villainize those who saved me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">When I was in ICU I know who was saving my life,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know who did everything they could to bring me back,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You made sure I was here to write this.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I stand with the junior Doctors doing what is needed to make the NHS safe for all and be paid an amount that they can live life when they are not in the hospital. </p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-54937700608659673832023-03-15T20:45:00.003+00:002023-03-15T20:59:28.244+00:00PINCH ME, a few of my favourite things<p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Pain should be managed and well-controlled,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Infection finding the source and treating quickly,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Nutrition are they getting all the sustenance that they need, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Constipation are their bowels moving or blocked up inside,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hydration are they dehydrated, let the fluids flow,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Medication look for deliriogenic medications you might be giving,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Electrolytes the ions out of balance can lead to real trouble.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">These are a few of the Delirium things,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Remember night and day for sleep is essential,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Overstimulation is harmful like machine noises in ICU, </p><p style="text-align: center;">Antipsychotics are a big no-no except in the rare time when it is needed,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sedation, is it required or does it need to continue,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Moving while delirious is a bad idea,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Speaking calmly and creating safety is what needs to be done.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Delirium is a problem but is spoken about like Macbeth,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Can we please use the name, not using it won't kill you but it might cause harm,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Delirium causes patients and families a great amount of alarm,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Its a clinical diagnosis it is not a sentence of death,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do we need more training and understanding to clear the air?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Delirium is everybody's problem, we all have to tackle it together otherwise we will never get on top of it. We need to understand that the hierarchy from inside the hospital does not transfer here, delirium is a peer problem we are all in this as one. The leaders we select for all that they have done, not what degree they have earned or job they have but the impact in the field that they've had. Delirium heroes come in all shapes and sizes but all have one thing the same, they don't want the patient to suffer again. Delirium undermines then very essence of you, it breaks down your thoughts and inhibits what you can do. The legacy it leaves is long and deeply effecting but we can battle it back by teamwork and not pretending. We can't go on using terms oblique to the problem, pleasantly confused a phrase I never want to rehear, it shows a lack of understanding after all of these years. So please friends join me in standing up to delirium by calling delirium delirium and treating it accordingly. </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-49524509071778134652023-02-03T17:27:00.001+00:002023-02-03T17:27:51.636+00:00Delirium Awareness<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"> The first thing you need to do is stay CAM in the ICU,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If I had SQiD for every time I was told THINK delirium,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I would be rich as can be but I DOS protest too much,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">My experience with delirium is a 4AT best,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Maybe I should invest in a Nu-DESC so I can write at my best,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am always asked which tool is the best,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I usually answer under duress but its simply the one you can use,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The one that will be sustained because if not its of no use,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Delirium is no kind of game, it is a failure of the brain.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And sure I might write a rhyme but I ain't wasting my time, </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am working hard I'm on my grind,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I am not writing in lines of code this ain't no DOS,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I want everyone to understand from the trainee to the Boss,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you look closely, the tools you can find.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Everyone thinks I have some great insight,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">All I have are tales of my fights where I nearly DIed,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">DRS tell me all of the time the delusions are all in my mind,</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The GARnish is their thinking is far behind.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-447410043189788442022-12-21T21:28:00.004+00:002022-12-21T21:28:32.855+00:00Merry Christmas<p style="text-align: center;"> Merry Christmas, why when I feel like I am dying inside,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why should I feel happy when nothing is right,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why should I smile when I don't feel happy tonight,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why do I fight every day of my life?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Because I won the fight and scars don't define me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Because I am strong but my weakness is not a flaw,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Because I am loved and needed by many,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Because I will not give in to whatever faces me.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">In 2015, on December 27th I nearly took a step into heaven,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Taken to ICU for three weeks I did stay,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Many times, with my life I did pay,</p><p style="text-align: center;">But I clung on with the love of my family and will.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">This time of the year really does suck,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hopefully, this year will be great with a little luck,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Maybe this year the trend I will buck,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Even if my brain in that time is stuck.</p><p style="text-align: center;"> </p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-19128011038183328982022-08-12T10:55:00.002+01:002022-08-13T06:41:50.602+01:00Bad days<p style="text-align: center;"> Todays a bad day in the worst way,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hard times have been coming from all sides,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I’m stressed out my mind and it’s all of the time,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I can’t see an out at this even if I do grind.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The pressure is building and I’m ready to pop,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Every night sweating so much I needed a mop,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Strains on my body are showing their signs,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Ectopic beats weighing down on my mind.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I sit in my house wondering what path my future takes,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Praying to god that nothing else inside me breaks,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hoping and wishing to be healthy enough to do it all,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Constantly waiting for that doctors call.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Temperature rising, inside I am dying as I feel like I’m frying,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Boiling from the inside out can be trying,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then I get the antibiotics and now I’m crying,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Because they mess with my mood and leave me drowning.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-75741102974744594092022-03-16T19:41:00.002+00:002022-03-16T19:41:40.051+00:00WDAD 2022<p style="text-align: center;"> What does Delirium mean to you,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Does mean hard work and effort too?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Alarming, confusing or losing your mind,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do you know how it feels inside.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">2 times I have had delirium,</p><p style="text-align: center;">0 times people have spoke about it to me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 experiences where I had no control,</p><p style="text-align: center;">2 times where damage was done to my soul.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">4 delirium days I’ve spoken or worked on,</p><p style="text-align: center;">A huge amount of effort to improve education,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Time for us to reflect and improve our behaviours.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Some times the small things make differences,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Quiet times can help us to sleep,</p><p style="text-align: center;">in our rest we can refine our feet</p><p style="text-align: center;">Delirium is tough can you spot what I’ve done.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-42956935481466441922022-03-15T17:08:00.002+00:002022-03-15T17:08:43.983+00:00Delirium<p style="text-align: center;"> Delirium is a sudden change in mental status,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am going to tell you what it's like because it matters,</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you have further questions feel free to @ us,</p><p style="text-align: center;">At the end of words, I'll serve perspective on Platters.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm suffering from a kind of confusion,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My brain is acting slow, my thoughts I'm losing,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Drifting away and my control is gone,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Doing things that are definitely not me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't know where I am can't count to three.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I can't feel safe here I don't know you,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why are you trying to hurt me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Where are my family, where did you take them,</p><p style="text-align: center;">What have I done to deserve this treatment?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The world is black as they attacked me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My mouth won't work, why can't I move,</p><p style="text-align: center;">What are they plotting at the end of my bed,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why do they want me dead?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The world is fussy what can I trust,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Everything looks clearer but can I trust,</p><p style="text-align: center;">These people looking after me were torturing me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now I've to trust them with my life,</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I just got my sanity back, I'm so tired,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll just have a little nap, why do you keep talking,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My ears are blocking what you're saying,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I can't focus on you, I'm so tired,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Can't you tell I'm fighting for my life.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-71613304453660313602022-03-04T14:14:00.001+00:002022-03-04T14:14:18.823+00:00I'm Fine<p style="text-align: center;"> I'm Fine is what I say when asked,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Fine even though I'm distressed,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Fine even when the darkness holds me,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Fine with a smile and dying inside.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I Need help and ask for it,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I Need help but they turn me away,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I Need help but I can't cope,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I Need Help but I'm not bad enough.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Adrift lost in my thoughts,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Adrift untethered floating away,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Adrift in the storm coming,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Adrift without a hand on the tiller.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Not alone I have more support than I thought,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Not Alone I've people to talk with,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Not Alone the darks not so dark,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'm Not Alone in being failed.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;">I think when someone goes to healthcare professionals and they agree that they need some mental health support/treatment and refer them to the service, I don't think its OK for that service to reject the referral. I also don't think its OK to send out a letter to arrive on a Friday when they won't be able to contact you. I don't think the content of that letter should sound like you are speaking to someone who has not made any attempts to help themselves. Nor should the only alternatives they offer be a mixture of Self harm and suicide hotlines (if people need these you shouldn't be rejecting them) and online resources which all cover the same things which I have done before and are no longer working. I understand that Mental Health resources are stretched beyond what they can cope with but rejecting a referral the day they got it is dangerous. Letters sent out like the one I received may be the last straw for someone who mustered up the courage to ask for help.</p><p style="text-align: left;">Asking for help with your mental health as a Man is hard and was not helpful to my recovery.</p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-18467266062292052022022-02-22T21:24:00.005+00:002022-02-22T21:24:43.953+00:00 The eye of the storm<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I sit here in the
calm,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The Wind Battering
the defences,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Listening as it
passes through the gaps,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Feeling like the
walls may give?<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The calm at the eye
sees the destruction,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">It sees what will
come to consume it,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Damage it will reek
if the eye moves,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">If the eye collapses
in on itself.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">I look at the trees
fell,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">The world brought to
a halt,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Held in place
wondering what’s going on,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Watching as the wolf
blows down the house.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Now we walk in the
damage,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">We try to patch the
holes, replace the walls,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">Put roofs back on,
bring back energy,<o:p></o:p></p>
<p align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">And Figure out how to
cope in the new reality<o:p></o:p></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-14090726096651021302022-02-04T12:26:00.001+00:002022-02-04T12:26:08.343+00:00Friends<p style="text-align: center;"> I never knew what true friendship was,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Until I found you all, it makes me so glad,</p><p style="text-align: center;">To find out how many true friends I have,</p><p style="text-align: center;">The support and encouragement fills me with joy,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You give me confidence and faith to achieve,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Even when in myself I don't believe.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Thank you to you all for the love you have shown,</p><p style="text-align: center;">With your support, my confidence has grown,</p><p style="text-align: center;"> When times were so tough you lent me your ear,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Even in those dark days filled with nothing but fear,</p><p style="text-align: center;">A debt I now owe that can't be repaid,</p><p style="text-align: center;">But I'll try my best till my dying days.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">My journey nearly ended six years ago,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My life nearly ebbed when it needed to flow,</p><p style="text-align: center;">But I am here now with resolve for the fight,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Trying my best to fight for what's right,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Stand up to delirium is my passion forever, alright,</p><p style="text-align: center;">To beat it completely will take all of our might.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">So to end this verse on a high,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I'll say but a few words,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Lets keep moving forward not backwards,</p><p style="text-align: center;">We'll band together to say to Delirium Goodbye.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-30650506853062976242021-12-24T22:17:00.001+00:002022-02-24T09:59:16.667+00:00The Pandemic Blues<p><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-size: 11px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">This time of year people say is joyful,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But this year it’s the anniversary of the worst time of my life,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Everyone is excited and bouncing with joy,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But inside me the grief is pulling me down,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">While everyone is bouncing about town.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">My life nearly ended to a bird flu in those happy times,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Now in a pandemic I sit with no immune system,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Stressing about what might come my way,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">With covid and flu running rampant around me,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">My castle, my fort nothing allowed in.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I watch my friend go heroic things everyday,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I watch as what we ask of them to do and who to save,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">They achieve more than we should ask of anyone,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I am in such awe of these humans who call me friends,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Do all that’s asked and get through all the strife,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I would entrust each and everyone of them with my life.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Every bleep and noise sends me back to ICU,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Back struggling for breath, drowning in fluid,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Those flashes of trauma burned into my brain,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Lessen with time but never going away,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I send every so often and relive my pain,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">So others won’t have to live my pain again.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I stand up at conferences and tell you my tale,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But my suffering a footnote in the effect it had taken,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Every single day my family’s hearts where breaking,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I was fighting with every ounce of my being,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But me laying lifeless all they where seeing.</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">So this time of year for me not filled with joy,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Even the thought of getting new ‘toys’,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But I am happy I am here and my friends still are too,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">If we all stand together we will all get through,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Supporting each other holding each other up,</p>
<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">At the end of it all we will all have a cup’.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-48340619431061302832021-12-10T22:18:00.001+00:002021-12-10T22:18:43.391+00:00Life<p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't a cruise, sitting in the sun,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't a smooth ride and fun,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't fair to me or you,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't to be walked alone,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't a quest you can complete.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Time is not everlasting its finite,</p><p style="text-align: center;">At the end of our journey, we all have to alight,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Every step we take leaves a mark on those around us,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Then in a moment, we will be soundless.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">We give more energy to those who harm us,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Than those who love us, those we cherish,</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes in our lives, we have to be selfish,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Put ourselves first cease selling,</p><p style="text-align: center;">That which makes us unique.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't always filled with Blues,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't always feeling under the gun,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't always about what your due,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't always about that ringing phone,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Life ain't always about taking a back seat.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we just have to love,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we just have to leave,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we just have to believe,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we just have to scream,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sometimes we have to trust.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-52741192302411082652021-11-27T22:31:00.003+00:002021-11-27T22:31:28.051+00:00Omicron<p style="text-align: center;"> Oh you should never touch your face,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Might be time to wash those hands,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Inside you need flowing air,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Currently maybe just keep some space,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Rethink about if you can work from home?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Or maybe not go into those crowded spaces?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Now is time for masks again.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Can we try and stop the spread,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Outlast this virus as a whole,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Victory will come if we all behave,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I would love to go outside and enjoy life</p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't mess it up this time.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-81134679791363910382021-11-27T22:02:00.002+00:002021-11-29T12:50:15.361+00:00Thinking of you<p style="text-align: center;"> Sometimes all I think about is you,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Sitting here in the middle of the night,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I remember every single fight,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I remember having to pay my due,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I mourn everything you took from me.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I can't fight you but you will never leave,</p><p style="text-align: center;">No matter how strong I am you come in the dark,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hit like a flash as I sit in the park,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You leave me unable to believe,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Breaking down my reality.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">You're not pleasant and I am left confused,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I listen detached to the diagnosis bemused,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My body is a testament to your victories,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Your causes are often left to mysteries,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My Scars are proof of my wins.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Some times all I can think about is you,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Thinking of the suffering you have brought,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Leaving me to pick up the pieces and rebuild,</p><p style="text-align: center;">But each battle a lesson taught,</p><p style="text-align: center;">The Old me you have killed.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">But I brushed myself off got to my feet,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Standing up after every single defeat,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I know you will win in the end,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I won't go quietly into that night, </p><p style="text-align: center;">With every breath and fibre of my soul, I'll Fight.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-71259246830507879562021-10-13T13:15:00.005+01:002021-10-13T13:15:59.257+01:00Your Workplace is my Prison<p style="text-align: center;"> You come to work got a lot to do,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Lots of paperwork for you and conversation too,</p><p style="text-align: center;">IV's to change, drugs to dispense, people to move,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Getting in your groove another shift to get through.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">I wake up in the hospital again,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Looking out to my view, what am I going to do,</p><p style="text-align: center;"> I am stuck in the room feeling kind of blue,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Not feeling safe as even when asleep people intruded.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Here I have a question for you?</p><p style="text-align: center;">In someone's hotel would just walk into their room?</p><p style="text-align: center;">It would be kinda rude, that's true,</p><p style="text-align: center;">So what would you do?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">You would knock on the door,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Give them a chance to answer before you came in,</p><p style="text-align: center;">When in the hospital patients have no choice,</p><p style="text-align: center;">You go home at the end of your shift,</p><p style="text-align: center;">But we're here till we're alright.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">It's hard to feel safe in a place when your personal space is non-existent,</p><p style="text-align: center;">If you don't feel safe how can you heal?</p><p style="text-align: center;">It is where you work but its where we live,</p><p style="text-align: center;">We have no choice in being here so give us a thought,</p><p style="text-align: center;">We just want to feel safe in these hard times.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-20088158673643446052021-07-13T17:30:00.000+01:002021-07-13T17:30:45.040+01:00The Last two weeks<p style="text-align: center;"> This Infection climbing up to my liver,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Swelling the tube will this pain last forever,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Nauseous most of my time, will I be sick?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Is it the heat that makes me feel shit?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Antibiotics make me feel better,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Until something hits me hard,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Every time I have to overcome it,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Crawl my way back to normal.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Sit watching the TV anxiety screaming danger,</p><p style="text-align: center;">As I see on the internet all of that hatred,</p><p style="text-align: center;">My mind runs to my friends and those small-minded men,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Looking for an outlet for anger so offend.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Violence and streets filled with filth,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Their entire personalities spilth,</p><p style="text-align: center;">People who live small want to drag down those who don't,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Can't understand they have something they don't,</p><p style="text-align: center;">The drive and determination to dream big,</p><p style="text-align: center;">And the effort and hard work to achieve it.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Hate breeds hate it's not what I'm about,</p><p style="text-align: center;">We need to help reeducate,</p><p style="text-align: center;"> Put love back in their heart so we can be one,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hopefully, we can recover and banish the negativity,</p><p style="text-align: center;">It's the only way our society will have some longevity.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Don't let this darkness take over your soul,</p><p style="text-align: center;">We want to advance together that's our goal,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Love each other like family,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Banding together as One.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-55119314897736474582021-06-22T16:16:00.001+01:002021-06-22T16:22:42.258+01:00The 13.8%<p style="text-align: center;"> I am sitting here battered and bruised,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am sitting here wholeheartedly confused,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am sitting here listening to the hate being spewed,</p><p style="text-align: center;"> I am sitting here wondering what I can do.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Do these people understand what we'd lose?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do these people understand what they do?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do these people understand Isolationism is bad for us too?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Do these people understand the cliff that's in view?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Whitewashing a problem solves nothing,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Hiding from reality will surely be discovered,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why are we hate those who came to care,</p><p style="text-align: center;">I am and standing listening and pulling out my hair.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">Why does it matter if they came from here or there?</p><p style="text-align: center;">Why are we so insular, why are we afraid?</p><p style="text-align: center;">What can we do to change this foul direction?</p><p style="text-align: center;">What can we do to correct or doomed course?</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;">The '13.8 %' should have nothing but love,</p><p style="text-align: center;">They came here to care for us heavens above,</p><p style="text-align: center;">We need to reset this air of hate,</p><p style="text-align: center;">Replace it with love on this very night.</p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: center;"><br /></p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-73391372341825995602021-05-31T17:58:00.000+01:002021-05-31T17:58:21.825+01:00Immunodeficiency and the Pandemic<blockquote style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Its hard to fully explain in words what it feels like, I have had many challenges in my medical life, I was diagnosed with Autoimmune Hepatitis when I was 14. This was the first bump in a very bumpy road that has twisted and turned through a very unfriendly terrain. I have had times where my platelet count are 0, Neutrophils were 0 and a whole bunch of other fun things which include and not limited to an ICU stay and several bowel operations.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So after my preamble lets get down to how I am going to rephrase total and utter fear fest. So lets break down a day eyes open. A period of time is taken to check my equilibrium. Is everything ok, does something ache, does anything hurt. Then you get up, avoid the news and limit the type of social media you read. The news is a constant bombardment of SARS-CoV-2 numbers, deaths, hospitalizations. These are a constant reminder of the danger that exists. not just outside my house but there is a clear risk to me from people coming in from the outside, food coming in, groceries etc </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Anxiety builds day to day as the numbers increase because the reality is that if I catch it it will most likely put me into ICU and I won't make it out. Now tell me knowing that reality how would you feel? How would you modify the risks in your life? For me I don't go outside for about 3 weeks at a time, I wear a mask outside and when I go for a walk I plan time and route where there is low risk. It is easy to find yourself quickly a hermit after all the lowest danger is inside without exposure. However, I cant do that because of my health, I have had to see a lot of Drs in person over the last year. I also have to get outside every so often so I don't lose my mind.</p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">So how have I avoided losing my mind, bold of you to assume I haven't, but there is a few things. I used to go to a weekly wargames group, we have two groups I am a part of from that group where we play various games every Sunday. That has helped a lot, talking to my friends online people like Heidi Lindroth, Miguel Rodríguez-Rubio, Kate Tantam, Segun Olusanya and Megan Hosey. That helps flatten out the anxiety and keep me able to manage it. </p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">Daily life is tough and I am not saying I am having it harder than most, there are Doctors dying to Covid for doing their job. That said I am not going out and things are not normal and its a weight on me. It is an anchor on my neck and its dragging me down and I am swimming as hard as I can. With my friends and family I will make it out but like after my ICU stay I am not going to be the same person I was, I can't be. </p></div></div></blockquote></div></blockquote><p> </p><blockquote style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; font-family: UICTFontTextStyleTallBody;" type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><blockquote type="cite"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><p style="font-family: "Times New Roman";">In Covid times I have developed another immunodeficiency disorder which also causes painful abscesses Hidradenitis Suppurativa. Another issue eating at my resolve and having been found in Covid times it has meant seeing a specialist has been extremely slow. That in itself is causing anxiety and is adding to the burden already weighing on my soul</p></div></div></blockquote></div></blockquote>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-20853179170411040462021-03-17T21:25:00.001+00:002021-05-09T18:01:52.433+01:00WDAD 2021<p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">As I sit my world delirium awareness day is closing,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Trying to wrestle with the questions it is posing,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Wondering what delirium care will look like in the years to come,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">From these complex problem we must never run,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">We must battle them all together as one.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Delirium is a problem so vast in scale,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">It cares little from which shores you hale,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">It takes every opportunity to make you fail,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">It can break you down make you weak and frail.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Delirium has no master it affects all ages,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I’ll repeat that delirium cares not what your age is,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">It will undermine your thinking regardless of strength,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Destroying confidence it’s first offence.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Delirium my enemy, My Moriarty, my nemesis and foe,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">But I will stand here and fight it go blow for blow,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">The tools in the fight are normality and homes,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Making them feel safe and protected a killing blow,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Delirium can be felled we have the tools,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Stay CAM, 4AT is your friend in detecting that which offends,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Once the fo4 is discovered, reorientation a most powerful tool,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Addressing the root cause stops you looking a fool,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Think delirium: PINCH ME and TIME AND SPACE,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">If you need mnemonics to help you in the race.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">The faster you act then the more you can save,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">The longer it goes on the more they are impaired,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Antipsychotics not proven to those that suffer,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Might keep keep them quiet unable to mutter,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">They should be the last port of call but often first action it saddens us all.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">This is my plea, I beg from my knees,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Don’t use agitated or pleasantly confused when it’s delirium you really should use,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">It is not dirty to call it what it is, but it’s a disservice to call by anything but,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">We have came so far in just five years, </p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I’m so impressed by how hard work is done to end my fears,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">I never what delirium to ever do unnoticed but sometimes it does,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">So this is my call to action we must make sure that it won’t,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">We must wrestle delirium grab it by the throat,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Expose it to the light and show it with hope,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">That eventually we will live in a time with no need to hope,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">To live in a time where delirium is rare,</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">When it is addressed as soon as it’s there.</p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; min-height: 13.1px; text-align: center;"><br /></p><p style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue"; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">Thank you to all the great advocates who started the ball rolling in delirium awareness and who keep it moving in the battles we have coming up. Thank you to every patient who shares their story to improve understanding of what delirium is. Thank you to every staff member who listens, who sees the problem and stands up in the fight against delirium. Thank you for your energy, time and drive to make things better. We will make things better and by the end of the Decade of delirium I hope and wish we make delirium so rare due to great practice and effective interventions that everyone knows how to handle it and get the patient back to normal.</p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6478194419659331264.post-79589686489141620522021-02-28T11:00:00.000+00:002021-02-28T11:00:04.975+00:00Rare Diseases Day <p> So today is Rare Diseases Day this is a big deal to me, it is a day set aside to highlight that rare diseases exist and improve to treatments as well as improving advocacy for these conditions. You might be asking yourself, Mark why is this day so important to you? or you might be we know why its important to you we have read some of your other stuff or follow you on twitter we know. But for those who don't I am a collector of Rare Diseases they flock to me like I am their puppet master. </p><p><br /></p><p>But seriously today is important to me because of the tireless work organisations like <a href="https://www.raredisease.org.uk/">Rare Diseases Uk</a> who do such a good job of making sure these conditions are known about and that a fully coordinated plan to address rare diseases. It is great work that they do,<a href="https://rarediseases.org/"> NORD the National Organisation of Rare Diseases </a>which holds the database on recognised rare disease is another useful resource not just for identifying what is a rare disease but also telling you a bit about them, Symptoms, diagnostics, treatments etc it is a really useful resource.</p><p><br /></p><p>So let's get down to the nitty-gritty why am I writing a blog, after all, my last umpteen have just been poems so why the divergence? Well it's simple, this is very important to me and needs to be talked about. So why is it important to me after all things are most important when they affect you right? So I must have a rare condition right?</p><p><br /></p><p>But not just one? So I have 2, nope higher 4, higher, 6 nope higher 7? Yes I have 7 rare conditions and I hear you saying now am I still kicking about and the answer is simple I am held together with love and bluetack. So I hear you asking what rare conditions do you have Mark, Calm down I was just about to get there.</p><p><br /></p><p>I have Autoimmune: Hemolytic Anemia; Hepatitis; Neutropenia, Immune Thrombocytopenia, Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis, Short Bowel Syndrome and Tinnitus. Now I hear you say Woah Mark you're so greedy why don't you let other people get one. Fair enough I wish I had not been so lucky to have all these issues but like a lot of things in life, there is brightness in even the darkest of times. Living with some of these conditions for nearly two decades teach you somethings.</p><p><br /></p><p>What have I learned about having rare diseases? First sometimes it takes longer to diagnose than a run of the mill condition as things like Autoimmune Hepatitis are a diagnosis by exclusion ie they test for everything else and if nothing comes up then its that. This means dealing with a lot of its not X,Y and Z before you find out what it is. I am so grateful to all the researchers and Physicians who chose to work on Rare diseases and find new treatments for conditions that have small numbers of people affected.</p><p><br /></p><p>I would say my rare diseases fall into two tiers the life-altering and Daily impairing. AIN & ITP are Life-Altering AIN makes me highly susceptible to infections meaning especially just now I am extremely worried about any infections going around and any fevers I get. ITP requires me to use a weekly injection which means I can never travel too far from home for more than a few days. The others are Daily impairing Short Bowel requiring Daily medication so I don't lose Litres of fluid through my stoma by slowing my bowels down. AIH & PSC reducing energy and increasing fatigue, intermittently leaving me jaundice and in sever pain and wondering if I will need a transplant. Last but not Least tinnitus its effects are more psychological the constant ringing means if I have to listen closely or if it is quiet I have difficulty thinking or concentrating.</p><p><br /></p><p>Rare Disease can have huge impacts on peoples lives and often are not really understood by others which means considerations are not always given to their suffers. I just wanted to write this blog to give a little peek into what it is like to have multiple Rare Disease and the difficulties it brings with it and highlight the great work NORD and Rare Disease do to increase awareness and understanding of a whole range of Rare Diseases. Thank you for the hard work both organisations do, it means a lot to me as a patient and me as a human to know that there are people fighting my corner. </p>Mark Hudsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17673242568839982139noreply@blogger.com0