Just Another "My DBS Journey" website

Yesterday I did my first shift of volunteering work. It was only for 2hrs 30mins but it was a reminder of what starting a new job feels like. A reminder of how I don’t enjoy the new kid feeling. Fortunately the staff were kind and friendly, which made me feel at ease. I was working on reception which reminded me of my Mum, when she worked A&E (accident and emergency) reception at a hospital. Luckily my patrons were polite. patient and all smiles. Even if the smiles were saying “do you know what you are doing?”

One major frustration for me, is that PD has made my handwriting for the most part illegible. There wasn’t much I had to write down, but what I needed to was not great. Not having a computer login (and maybe I won’t given one) I couldn’t type what had written – so I could refer back if anyone asks me later. With GDPR I need to take care with what and where I write too. I shouldn’t be writing down names and saving them on a computer. I only took one telephone message but fortunately I could read most back and remember enough to pass the message on. This highlights one of my concerns, lots of employers put in their vacancy adverts “fast paced working environment”. I think now even less I would not survive in such an environment.

While the job market isn’t great and I am finding more reasons employment is going to be challenging. The volunteering is good to get me out if the house, meeting people and exercising physically and mentally.  I need to bring in some revenue. I have an idea and if it works I’m sure you will hear about it.

Here we are, one week after being told that the team had agreed to give me surgery. How does that make me feel? Not massively anything but I am trying not to over think it. When the time comes and it is all I can do, or after when all I can do is rest I will probably feel more uncomfortable. For now, just focus on the positive and should it give a better future.

The hole they will make is small and if it is fitted well I don’t think I will really notice. The battery pack in my chest will be a bit unsettling but I think of all the people with pins and plates in their bodies so I will be fine.

I think I am most nervous about when they administer the anesthetic and waking up – what will be sticking in or out of me eg an IV. Part of me wants to know so I can prepare, part of me says its best not to know. I tell myself these concerns are over the most routine part so I have little to worry about. I have had a phobia over giving blood (tests) for a number of years but I have given a few samples lately, so I am sure I will be fine.

Web site update: If anyone is interested, I have added a RSS feed to the Movers and Shakers podcast. I must admit I haven’t listened to it recently but it I did enjoy it and it does have good content from real PD people.