The Unexpected Benefits of Journal Keeping

In the midst of a difficult wrestling match with a "health" system that seems intent on denying me appropriate treatment, I am once again reminded of the practical benefits of journal keeping. The story begins when the symptoms of my rare autoimmune condition first appear in August 2010, which "coincidentally" contains an image of the way I looked only 5 years ago.

Over the next month my condition deteriorates to the point where I am writing an entry about "SNOT" ...

and by October 5th I have my first hospital admission. Given that I was sent as an urgent case with a referral letter from an ENT specialist it is fascinating to read that the admissions clerk tells me that "I probably just need my ears syringed"!

Given that I actually have a condition that is 100% fatal if left untreated, it is not surprising to find renewed reports of my symptoms recurring in May 2014

By 26 July I am back in hospital in a state of multi-systemic organ failure

:

In August 12 I have a record of a doctor solemnly diagnosing Legionella, as my symptoms "are not consistent with an autoimmune reaction." 

Which is somewhat strange as the very next day I have an entry about a visit to a specialist who finally gives me the correct diagnosis : granulomatosis with polyangitis popularly referred to as Wegener's Granulomatosis - try saying that when you've had a drink!

I also see a theme of cats emerging here! These entries are supplemented by pages from my Hobonichi techo where I also record re emerging symptoms:

with the occasional wallow in self pity:

Leading up to the latest round of hospitalization with a fractured femur caused by side effects from 

one of the drugs that I was prescribed:

As Leif G. W. Persson said: "The best informant is the one who hasn't understood the significance of what he has told."

Or as my lawyer put it in another context, it all constitutes legal evidence, "but God help the judge who has to read it all!"