"I sincerely feel I am being very well cared for"

In March 2024 a marker came up in a routine kidney function blood test which led to a referral from my GP to Dr MacLaren and his team at Victoria Hospital. I was seen 4 weeks later in April 2024, much quicker than I was expecting, and came in having no real idea why I was there.

Dr MacLaren and his team explained the condition and confirmed his suspected diagnosis. This condition is rare to diagnose as it presents with few symptoms - I have Raynaud's which is one of the symptoms. In rare cases my condition can develop more serious complications, so I was given some benchmark testing (ECG, urine, blood pressure, chest x-ray) and they told me I would be periodically re-tested to check if anything looked amiss. I was told to contact them straight away if I developed digital ulcers or shortness of breath.

In January 2025 I was recalled to meet with nurse Marie to check how I was. I wasn't sent for any more tests (I have not had any symptoms develop since my diagnosis),  but Marie gave me lots of advice and recommendations in addition to the ones I was using to help manage my Raynaud's. She was very helpful and friendly.

We also discussed my blepharitis (which came on at the same time as my Raynaud's, when I was about 50). I manage this condition with steam goggles, and Marie suggested she add day and night eye drops to my prescriptions  which I agreed to readily.

Throughout this journey, I have felt in exceptional good care, and I feel I have further help at hand should anything develop. I sincerely feel I am being very well cared for, and I am very grateful.