Health Diary Week 99: Step-by-Step

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Hi, welcome to another weekly instalment of what’s on my plate: health updates and smile-provoking experiences.

Medical Updates

Firstly, just a couple of small medical updates to share…

ENT appointment:

I was supposed to have my ears, nose and throat (ENT) clinic appointment on Friday. But the day before I was due to go, it was cancelled “due to unforeseen circumstances”. They’ve re-booked me in for next month – fingers crossed it goes ahead. I still wonder whether it can help identify or treat what I’m sure is a mast cell and/or vasoactive amine (e.g. histamine) issue that flared up after having what I assume was Covid-19 in March 2020.

Optician appointment:

At my review, the optician reported my eyelids weren’t so badly inflamed anymore (the eye drops must have helped) but I should still apply the twice daily cold compresses (I’ve been rubbish at doing the compresses – I must improve). Also, I was given varifocal contact lenses to try out – I think I adjusted well, although reading was a bit weird, but I’m confident it will improve when my brain learns to figure out when to prioritise each prescription (distance, computer or reading).

Image: Me wearing glasses (awaiting clearance to start trialling new contact lenses)

Work Updates: Health and Wellbeing Coach (Week Three)

It was my third week as a Health and Wellbeing Coach. I keep thinking about how much there is to do and learn before I can start seeing patients – so much! On reflection, I had a positive and productive week – networking and/or shadowing reception and several nurses, including specialists in diabetes, cancer, coronary disease and respiratory conditions. I also attended a network meeting with a surgery’s doctors, nurses, dietician, lead pharmacist and mental health practitioner, where I spoke a bit about my role and answered questions. Everyone seemed so enthusiastic about my job (and the other new starters’) and how we can all work together more holistically to provide a better patient experience.

Positive Thinking: What Made Watson Smile

I had a fairly quiet weekend as it was a tiring week at work. So, instead of my usual smile-provokers I thought I would share some memes/quotes that help me feel less overwhelmed in my new work roles…

Working hard for something we love is called passion:

I feel so incredibly fortunate to have two jobs I’m passionate about: Supporting patients and hospital staff with their health and wellbeing. (Now, I don’t agree entirely with the below quote, because of course stress can occur when doing something you love, but I liked the general sentiment):

“Working hard for something we don’t care about is called stress. Working hard for something we love is called passion” (Source: Turning Point Counselling Service)

Focus on things that matter and can be controlled:

At times I can’t help but think about the enormity of what I need to achieve. I remind myself to prioritise and focus on the tasks that both matter and can be controlled, sometimes re-evaluating and re-ordering priorities depending on any barriers experienced (e.g. IT issues) or arising opportunities (e.g. networking, training). This enables me to see progress, keep moving forward and feel more positive about what I can achieve:

Things To Focus on Venn diagram (Source: Your Fresh Beginning)

The importance of small steps:

Before meeting patients, I want to build professional relationships, integrate into the NHS culture, become familiar with various IT systems, undertake training, and of course set up my own processes. If I look at all the tasks together, they feel mammoth, but I remind myself I just need to focus on each little step, one at a time – I will get there:

“The Importance of Small Steps” – ladder visuals (Source: Unknown)

It’s okay to be scared:

Also, I accept that it’s okay to be scared by what I’ve got myself into. But what I’ve got myself into is amazing – I get to empower people by coaching them (gently) in taking ownership of their health, learn problem solving skills and build their self-confidence. I mean, this is why I left my comfort zone – to re-train for a new career in health care:

“It’s OKAY to be scared. Being scared means you’re about to do something really, really brave” – Mandy Hale, The Single Woman blogger. (Source The Simplicity Habit)

And lastly, some wise cautionary words that made me chuckle, partly because I might have fallen into the latter category occasionally:

“Courage is knowing it might hurt, and doing it anyway. Stupidity is the same. And that’s why life is hard” – Jeremy Goldberg, Behavioural Scientist and Mentor

I hope you enjoyed this week’s ‘What’s on Watson’s Plate’. Please feel free to follow my bite-sized updates on Instagram or Facebook. See you next week for another catch up.

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More from What’s on Watson’s Plate

• Week 98: Attempting Life Balance
• Week 97: Be Kind, and Surround Yourself with Kind People
• Week 96: Quality Family Time
• Week 95: Bittersweet
• Week 94: Believe in Yourself