Welcome to Jesse & Julianne on tour in Taiwan... I thought that we'd write a blog for friends and family - it's a little bit more informal than that Transition podcasts/updates.
The last couple of days have been crazy. During June and July I (Jesse) have been on the road, doing concerts, working, demoing new songs, catching up on the cricket when I can (usually on my phone a bit more inconspicuous). I’ve been gradually having a few more aches and pains than normal. The most obvious being that I developed an insane thirst. I gradually slipped into drinking almost a fruit juice carton at a time (1 litre). I also lost 16kg in a short space of time.
Julianne persuaded me to go and see the doctor, i eventually got there on Monday morning. I thought that I would be there for 5 minutes or so, get some pills and go, but when the doctor looked at me he said you’ve got diabetes and you’re readings are off the scale. He had a pretty serious face and was expecting me to be quite upset. It all felt very surreal, like I was hearing him diagnosing someone else. I wondered what training doctor’s have to tell people they were ill. One of the immediate thoughts that sprang to mind was our trip to Taiwan. I told him about leaving to go on tour on Wednesday and asked his advice. He said “you’re not going anywhere for a week, I’m referring you to hospital now”. hmmmmmmm…..
So I walked back home, packed my bag, got a couple of books and phoned Julianne. Thankfully they let her leave work and come and be with me. I hadn’t banked on spending the week in hospital. Nor had she. Once there, I had samples, blood tests, and a massive needle in my arm ready for a drip. I didn’t realise, but normally blood sugars need to be between 4 - 7 mmol. Mine were 37. I’ve now found out that is because I had no inulin. It’s job is to take the sugar from the blood and into the muscles and tissues. It’s a bridge. Similar to the title of our album. I’m injecting myself with little bridges now, funny the ironies in life! Anyway there are loads of people with diabetes in the UK and I have a lot more sympathy for them and it makes me more sympathetic for everyone with illnesses. I suppose I just have to keep reminding myself that everyone is dealing with problems, physical, psychological etc, that we don’t know about and can’t understand.
Anyway, I was seen by a really nice doctor, Liz, who referred me to a really nice nurse called Lis. She taught me how to inject insulin and ordered me lots of needles and other medication. (6 weeks worth, which is a lot to travel with) I’m on 4 doses a day and am taking blood sugar readings. It’s certainly quite a lot to learn and an art to get the right balance of insulin. Lis helped us weigh up the risks - I felt is was only good to travel if I wasn’t taking a silly risk and I decided to trust her judgment. I knew if there was a fair chance that I could go to Taiwan, it was important to. We said we’d decide the next day (Tuesday)… Then she let me go home! that evening, so there we were thinking I'd be in hospital for a week, but i was o.k to go home. Miracle number 1 Perfect!
I got a better night’s sleep than I had for ages that night. On a return to the hospital in the morning, we talked more with Lis ( The diabetes specialist) she seemed pleased that we had managed the injections, and weren't freaking out about it. Then a moment of weight and significance, as she agreed that as I could now inject myself, I could go to Taiwan!( miriacle no 2) provided i took it easy and kept in contact with her. I was stunned, but really happy. A big challenge ahead, but it felt like the right one. Throughout the day I had loads of calls from friends and family - so much encouragement. I was reminded once again of how rich I am to have good relationships.
Just over 24 hours after the diagnosis I was getting ready for the crazy journey to Taipei. It was certainly more roundabout than I could have anticipated, with flight cancellations (KLM), but for the hassle it ended up being a much smoother journey with a taxi to London, T5 very calm and sophisticated for your average english airport (and thankfully no lost baggage), London to HK (BA), HK to Taipei (CX)... and into a black merc straight to our apartment here. I appreciated that one.
Now I’m writing from our apartment in Taipei with the air conditioning buzzing away. Our good friends here are taking great care of us as usual. They found us a great place to base ourselves while we're here. It's a real blessing to have such an amazing place. The guys let me leave the meeting early this afternoon which is great, because I started feeling faint and dizzy again. I want to build up some strength and be able to give out quality here in music and friendship. All the important things... and deal with being a user! Not a regular rock and roll style thing, but who would want that anyway!
We are well, being very well taken care of. We're excited to see what unfolds in the next weeks...
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