The first day, arrival

So today the big adventure as a patient for two weeks begins. I don't want that, but it has to be done. The plan: 5 plasmaphereses when diagnosed with cryoglobulinemia type I and monoclonal gammopathy type IgM Kappa with vasculitis and Raynaud's. I don't want that either, but you can't choose.

So now two weeks of inpatient stay. The worst part was deciding what clothes to pack in my small suitcase. It's hard for me when the jewelry doesn't match the top, the shoes don't match the rest, etc. But it doesn't really matter because I'm a patient now. Not one of those who runs to the scales in the morning wearing slippers, but also the one who wants to feel good. So wait and see how I can satisfy this inner need.

Today it started. Via the emergency room, where the first person recognized me, to the private ward on the 8th floor. The view is a dream, the station is very dark and outdated. And you can actually tell from the clientele that it's a private station, but I won't comment on that now. I have a bed by the window in a twin room. The bathroom even has a bathtub. However, everything is very tight.

I was welcomed and informed. Tomorrow a Shaldon catheter will be installed and then straight away plasmapheresis. Blood samples taken every morning to prevent me from bleeding to death during therapy. This is probably very important...

I had two visitors on the first day. That won't happen either, as some have already announced their participation. But wait and see how I feel tomorrow. Today I was still bored and went to my station to eat dinner and chat with my lovely colleagues. Tomorrow it might not even be possible.

I'm really excited to see how it all turns out tomorrow. My roommate is leaving me tomorrow and someone new will be moving in. Otherwise I'm looking forward to the normal process here. Today was a holiday. But overall I still feel quite uncomfortable, I'm not a good patient. It's strange sleeping in a room with strangers. It's also strange not having everything in your own hands. Not knowing how everything will turn out.