Member’s Stories

My name is Tanya, I’m 48 years old. I have Thalassemia Major and I have had Diabetes since I was 13.

Over the years I have practiced many different approaches to benefit myself mentally and physically. I have been finding ways to help with current symptoms as well as preparing for possible future issues that may arise so that hopefully they will have less impact upon my life.

My intention in writing this blog is to give you some hints, tips and ideas and share with you the things that have helped me along the way.

Things that we are not always advised to do by our doctors. A little inspiration from one patient to another.

I hope it helps!

I have decided to write a piece on exercise…

One of the most striking things that I was told by a counsellor many years ago was that I had 2 choices to overcome anxiety… I could either take anti-depressant tablets or I could join the gym. Thankfully I chose the latter and have never looked back!

Now when I`m feeling low, I am able to practice meditation and breathing methods along with performing some exercise to overcome how I am feeling. I would at times experience physical pain purely caused by anxiety and I didn’t want to live like this any longer.

Life can be tough at times and living with an illness brings added challenges and it is up to us to make the most of what we have and help ourselves. Not only has exercise helped me mentally but I`ve found that it`s really improved how my body feels.

I truly believe that my bone density is where it’s at right now because I have practiced using weights over time. By doing lots of repetitions when exercising with light weights, you can improve your bone strength which reduces the chances of injury.

I have also found that Pilates has helped me considerably.

Experiencing lower back pain for many years as a lot of us do, this gentle form of exercise concentrates on strengthening the stomach muscles which in turn strengthen the muscles in the lower back. This can help to prevent strain or injury as well as many other benefits such as relief from stress or tension. It also improves joint mobility, balance, body strength and flexibility.

I now walk better, stand better, my bone density has improved in the spine and I`m in less pain!

During lockdown, I haven’t been able to go to a class or the gym so I have started to follow Lucy Wyndham- Read. I found her exercises ideal because her moves are low impact and are all performed standing which is great for me as my knees have become a little painful recently from arthritis so it can be challenging to get to the floor and back up again these days! She has a huge range of videos to follow for every concern and it`s all free on YouTube. She also focuses on keeping the heart healthy and avoids anything high impact to avoid injury. What I also love about Lucy is that her videos are quick and varied. She’s really motivational!

At other times I simply go for a walk in the park to make the most of the fresh air. This also helps me to appreciate nature more which is fantastic for our wellbeing.

Because I`ve been exercising for many years, I`ve varied the exercises so that it never becomes boring as I`ve grown to understand how beneficial keeping active has been for me.  I have adapted the exercises over the years to suit my lifestyle and physical levels. I used to do lots of high impact classes when I was younger and now I`ve found that a gentler form of exercise is more appropriate. There is something we can all do regardless of ability. Even gentle stretches in the morning can help the body relax and release pain.

So, to sum up, exercise helps with…

• improving our mental health and mood
• helps the body manage sugar and insulin control
• builds bone density
• reduces pain
• improves flexibility
• helps the heart muscles become better able to pump blood throughout our body

These are just a few examples of how exercise can benefit patients but there are so many more positive reasons to keep moving.

It can also be very social!

I don’t want to harp on too much but perhaps I have given you something to think about?

A little effort goes a long way!

Until next time…

“Physical fitness is the first requisite of happiness.”– Joseph Pilates

Hi again,

I hope you enjoyed reading my previous blog about the importance of exercise for us patients. This time I would like to share with you how introducing small changes to my lifestyle has helped me to become more calm, happier and at peace with life.

Living with Thalassaemia can sometimes be overwhelming and it’s so important to stay strong and level-headed with it all. If somebody with no underlying health concerns is depressed, they are likely to overcome it with no physical problems, but if we as patients fall into this spiral and we stop taking our medication, the consequences can be very serious.

I have witnessed this myself with a good friend. He passed away in his thirties which is so heart breaking because now more than ever before we are living longer.

Why wouldn’t we want to stay as well as we physically and mentally can to prolong our lives now that we have the chance to? My aim is to share small suggestions that perhaps may help you to try something new to help yourself should you ever feel the need.

                                                       Life really is too short…. for everyone!

Firstly, I have always liked to surround myself with things that I love or memories that put a smile on my face. For example, I always have flowers in every room of my home. They simply make me happy.

I also keep a lot of plants. As well as looking pretty and giving life to my home, they have health benefits too. My Peace Lily promote restful sleep and purifies the air. A good one for the bedroom.

A good night’s sleep helps…

• keep your immune system strong
• keep your heart healthy
• take care of your emotional wellbeing
• reduces stress levels
• help maintain a healthy weight

I also choose to be in the company of people that lift my spirits. People that I call my true friends. The ones that I just love

Because I do like to surround myself with things that are aesthetically pleasing, I have created a `happy mood’ board at work. It`s filled with positive quotes, beautiful images and good news stories about what my colleagues have achieved.

I even decorated the day unit at my hospital with lampshades, flowers and curtains to make it look and feel homely and comfortable…and of course we have a `happy mood` board full of photographs of staff and patients.

The things I have mentioned are actually things that a counsellor suggested a friend of mine do to overcome a difficult time during her divorce. I had already been doing this for many years prior to finding out it was professional advice, so it was good to know that there is a method to my madness!

Every now and then I pick up my ‘happy book’.

This is a blank little book which I have filled with lovely experiences that have happened to me and encouraging words that people have told me. I find this a great pick me up especially if I have had a challenging day or may be doubting myself.

I often remind myself that we should always think about what we do have and not what we don’t have.

              It’s not about your glass being half full or half empty. It`s that you have a glass.

Affirmations can also be useful to some. This is something that you need to do regularly but doesn’t take up much time. These are positive statements that can help you overcome negative thoughts. When you repeat them often you start to believe in them which is when you can start to make positive changes.

I had practiced this a few years ago which did help me through a difficult time. It can feel like an odd thing to do at first, but it soon becomes part of a daily routine. Breathing and meditation are a couple of things I currently practice on a daily basis.

I allocate specific times throughout the week to sit peacefully with a lit candle in the dark to collect my thoughts, breath or simply shut my eyes and think of nothing but stillness and calm.

If like me you have anxiety, these are two excellent ways to overcome this. They also help with…

• Improving immunity
• Relieving pain
• Stimulating the lymphatic system
• Improving digestion
• Helping to support correct posture
• Enhancing self- awareness
• Generating kindness

During lockdown I have been going to the woods for long walks with my husband and dog. This is another place where you can be completely at peace and inhale some much needed fresh air. We tend to have some of our best conversations whilst out walking.

It`s also been thought provoking to think about nature   and really appreciate what we have for free.

Being amongst nature is a great stress reliever and can actually help reduce inflammation.

A while ago I had seen a counsellor which can be daunting however this was very beneficial for me. They didn’t say much but before I knew it, they had helped me to rationalize my thoughts.

These are simply a few of my ideas that have helped me along the way. Everyone will have their own thoughts of what they would like to try. In this beautiful however sometimes challenging life, we need something to believe in, something to keep us safe (mentally) knowing that we have options and we are not alone.

These ideas and practices may seem alien to some of you but don’t knock it until you`ve tried it!

Welcome whatever makes you smile, laugh, be happy into your life every day.  I’m listening to Lenny Kravitz as I write this. It’s not so much about the music if you get my drift.  This is really putting a smile on my face!

Until next time….

“What is the difference between an obstacle and an opportunity? Our attitude toward it. Every opportunity has a difficult and every difficulty has an opportunity”  J. Sidlow Baxter