Under Observation Down Under

Before you all jump to conclusions – NO, I have not tested positive for Coronavirus. I am having a flare up of my UC which suckkkkss.

So I did not think I would be sat writing my next blog from a hospital bed. Obviously I am fully aware of my condition and the risks and complications which come with it. But being the stubborn and strong-willed person I am, I was not going to let it stop me from living my life. (Plus I’d booked non-refundable flights and quit my job so I wasn’t in a position to back out.) I’d done soooo well and I’d made it sooooo far (literally all the way up the East Coast to my final stop) before BOOM, emergency room.

Thank goodness for reciprocal health care. If you are coming to Australia from the UK or other participating countries (the list can be found online) you can sign up for free to Medicare. This allows you free public health care whilst visiting Australia. After a visit to the local bulk billing (look out for this term when finding GPs) doctor I was sent straight to A&E where within 10 minutes I was in a bed, tubed and hooked up to various machines. I had bloods and x-rays done within the hour and was moved onto the relevant ward after another couple. Although I arrived onto the ward in the afternoon, I was booked into have a investigative procedure that same evening.

Because of this I was nil by mouth (basically no eating or drinking) and as I had not eaten I was starving by this point. This was also when my family back home woke up and saw my messages. I think this was the scariest part. After my mum freaked out, replying to every message with ‘OMG’ and insisting I get on a flight that day I calmed them down reassuring that I was in the best place. And I really am. (Also my dad got shut down after he sent a picture of his swollen thumb on the group chat to which my mum replied that it was ‘the least of her worries’ and I can only imagine the conversations going on back home! LOL)

I mean other than the obvious cons of being in hospital whilst I should be seeing Australia it’s not all bad. I have my own en-suite room, which I haven’t had for over 2 months. I had a peaceful and undisturbed nights sleep (probably also down to all the drugs I had been given). I get fed three times a day (plus snacks!) and drink numerous cups of tea whilst looking out of my window at the sea. That’s right- the hospital is literally on the beach!! Plus it is actually raining right now so I’m not missing out on tanning time. The efficiency here is phenomenal and the consultants even seem to know some of my consultants from back home! The staff are all super lovely and helpful and make being alone not so scary. At the end of the day they are working their hardest to get me better as soon as possible and do not want me to have to cut my trip short (which may be the outcome although I’m fighting this).

The hostel I was booked into have also been amazing support. They have moved my booking, stored my luggage (believe it or not my clothes were the last of my worries before I was rushed to A&E) and even offered visits to keep me company and check on me. It’s completely overwhelming to know that even on the other side of the world I am not alone.

Finally, my friend Pihla who has been with me since Sydney has been the biggest star. She actually had a flight to Perth the evening I was admitted but still sat with me all day, making me laugh and keeping me from losing my mind with boredom. She also went to get me more clothes and the most important thing – SNACKS!!! You better be reading this girl because I want to say the biggest thank you for being my home away from home ♥️. Hopefully I’ll see you in Perth when I get out of here.

That was day 1 of my unplanned excursion in Cairns. Stay tuned for the rest of my stay (which I’m hoping won’t require multiple blog posts!)

P.S. I wish there was someone with me when I came round from being sedated as the nurses said that apparently I was jokes and nobody got to appreciate the only time I am funny. Damn!

Annabel x