Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week centred around stomach troubles, health appointments, helpful friends and the slow but steady process of getting answers, with moments of normality tucked between swims, Kindle sessions and football.
Friday, August 6th
A small improvement, a lucky appointment, and a quiet evening with the saxophonist
I woke feeling a little better, the tablets and probiotic powders from the doctor were helping, and I wasn’t running to the toilet quite as often. Around lunchtime I went to ASSSA, my health insurance company. The doctor had given me the details of a gastroenterologist because he couldn’t get me an appointment before October. The lady at ASSSA phoned the hospital and, unbelievably, got me an appointment for Monday afternoon.
After that I met a new cleaner, the sister of a friend, and we chatted for a few hours before arranging for her to start tomorrow. In the evening I sat on my balcony reading my Kindle while listening to the saxophonist who has been playing in the square on Fridays and Sundays.
Saturday, August 7th
A new cleaner, chopitos for lunch, and an afternoon of football
I met my cleaner on the main road so she could find my apartment easily. She had to park in my underground garage because there wasn’t a space anywhere nearby. After showing her around, I went to the chiringuito for coffee and tostada. My stomach was still sore, but I needed to eat something.
Lesley did a great job cleaning the apartment, and I’m very pleased to have her. We arranged her next visit, which I promptly forgot and had to message her about. I spent the rest of the morning reading on the balcony. At lunchtime I went back to the chiringuito for chopitos, which they kindly let me take home so I could eat in the cool.
The afternoon and evening were spent watching football, Brazil beating Spain for Olympic gold, Leicester beating Man City in the Charity Shield, and Sheffield United vs Birmingham, mainly to see the goalkeeper linked with Arsenal. Hard to judge from one match, especially as Sheffield lost 1-0.
Sunday, August 8th
An unexpected memory, stomach pain, and a quiet night
For some reason, when I woke I remembered that 38 years ago today I joined British Gas as an apprentice gas fitter. I’ve done a lot since then, travelled, had great times and bad ones, but I’m still here fighting.
My stomach was bad again, and I made several early trips to the bathroom. I can’t wait to see what the specialist says tomorrow. I tried not to care about pre season friendlies but still checked the Tottenham vs Arsenal score. I wish I hadn’t, Arsenal lost 1-0. I’m baffled why players the club is trying to sell keep getting game time instead of the youngsters.
The saxophonist wasn’t around tonight, which meant I actually got to sleep early.
Monday, August 9th
A rearranged appointment and a day spent waiting
I showered, shaved and took the rubbish out before going to La Encarnación for tostada, coffee and orange juice. While there, the lady taking me to the hospital messaged to confirm details. It was reassuring to know I’d be in good hands.
I went home and packed an overnight bag, I don’t have a great record of going to hospital appointments without being admitted. But 30 minutes before I was due to be picked up, the hospital called to rearrange the appointment for tomorrow. Lesley couldn’t take me then, so she phoned them back and arranged a time she could do, Wednesday.
I spent the afternoon reading, watching a film and avoiding the heat. I picked up a few bits at Mercadona but didn’t want to fill the fridge in case I was kept in hospital. I had an early night.
Tuesday, August 10th
Reflexology and quiet preparation
I had cereal with yoghurt and milk before going to the chiringuito for coffee. After reading for a while, I went home for my reflexology session with Julie. The rest of the day was spent reading my Kindle and packing an overnight bag again, just in case.
Wednesday, August 11th
A hospital visit, a diagnosis, and a long list of tests ahead
I had coffee at the chiringuito, then showered and got ready. Lesley picked me up at 11:20 and we drove to the hospital in Cartagena. After registering, we waited less than two minutes before being called in. The consultant remembered me from three years ago.
After examining me, he told me my small intestine was poking through the hernia. He had a poke around, and whether it’s medically possible or not, it felt like he pushed it back in. I felt better almost immediately. He said I need blood tests, a colonoscopy and an MRI. Once those are done, he’ll operate, though it will take more than one operation because of my health conditions.
Lesley took me to reception to book the colonoscopy and scan. I can do the blood tests locally, so she stopped at the clinic on the way home and made the appointment for me. She then dropped me off, and I went to see George and Yvonne, who were sitting at the café near the doctor’s.
We chatted for a few hours. George offered to take me shopping tomorrow so I can get meat from a butcher in San Javier. After a coffee, I went home, watched a film and had an early night, I was shattered.
Thursday, August 12th
A better morning, a swim, and a successful shopping trip
I woke feeling much better, for the first time in a month I didn’t have to run to the toilet immediately. After updating my website, I went for a swim in the Mar Menor.
George picked me up at 11,00 to take me shopping in San Javier. First we went to Cammmpillo, where I bought meat, pizza bases and toppings, and a new frying, grill pan. Then we went to Iceland for sauces, soups and biscuits. Back home, I had carrot and coriander soup, my mum’s favourite. I used to make it fresh for her, and it brought back memories.
The afternoon was unbearably hot, so I stayed indoors with the air conditioning on, reading my Kindle and checking sports news. It looks like Joe Willock is finally leaving Arsenal for Newcastle. I wish him well, he’s progressed so much in the last six months.
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