Health Issues 2022

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title: Health Issues 2022 type: topic created: 2026-04-05 updated: 2026-04-05 sources: [diary-2022-part1]

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Major Health Concerns

Balance Problems (Progressive Deterioration)

Timeline of symptoms:

• January-February: Initial concerns about unsteadiness
• February 24: "My sense of balance is giving me serious problems" (dinner with Jessica)
• March 19: Balance problems worsening, affecting daily activities
• March 20: "My only health worry is my speaking, which is deficient, and my sense of balance — deteriorating"

Specific incidents:

• Difficulty walking to appointments
• Avoiding standing up when feeling faint (Mar 6)
• Problems navigating school children on pavements
• Affecting driving confidence

Dental Health Crisis

Lost incisor tooth: Required extensive treatment

• February 24: First dentist appointment for examination
• March 1: Dentist appointment scheduled (cancelled due to tube strike)
• April 1: Tooth replacement fitted, poor initial fit
• April 2-9: New denture causing pain, removed at night
• Gradual adjustment: "My tooth is gradually settling in"

Professional Medical Diagnosis

April 9, 2022 - Northwick Hospital ENT Clinic:

• Diagnosis: Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Treatment: Ear wax removal by nursing staff
• Prescribed exercises: 3 times daily bed-based maneuvers to reset ear crystals
• Duration: 2-week treatment program
• Staff: Indian, Filipino, and Chinese nurses described as "efficient"

Blood Pressure Monitoring

Regular measurements showing elevated readings:

• Typical patterns (March 25):

- 59/85/139 - 61/83/146 - 59/61/137 - 56/94/145 - 58/92/138 - 60/86/139

• Concerns: Consistently elevated systolic pressure (135-145)
• Heart rate: Often 56-61 (bradycardia)

Cognitive & Memory Issues

Progressive concerns throughout period:

• Typing deterioration: "My typing is still all to pot" (Mar 16)
• Memory problems: "My memory is fading" (Mar 25)
• Working memory: "My working-memory is today weaker – I have lost certain items, from it" (Apr 19)
• Long-term vs. short-term: "My long-term memory is better in the mornings, gradually declines"

Speech & Communication

Voice problems affecting work:

• March 15: "My voice is playing tricks and I can barely speak" (dinner with Jessica)
• Ongoing concern: Voice deterioration affecting potential speaking tours
• Phone difficulties: Problems with medical appointments due to speech issues
• Impact on plans: Considering cancellation of planned Latvia/Poland speaking tour

Medical Appointments & Healthcare

GP Registration Crisis

February-March 2022: Mysteriously removed from GP practice registry

• Bente's investigation: Called practice, told Irving "no longer registered"
• No explanation provided: Practice couldn't explain removal
• Resolution efforts: Bente writing emails, making calls
• Impact: Delayed routine medical care

Private Healthcare Attempts

• Harley Street appointment: Booked by Bente for March 24
• Cancellation reason: NHS appointment became available April 9
• Cost avoidance: NHS treatment preferred over private fees

Medical Appointment Frustrations

March 22 - Failed clinic appointment:

• Scheduled: 2:10 PM appointment
• Wait time: Over 30 minutes past appointment time
• Outcome: Left without being seen at 3:00 PM
• Walk required: 1.5 miles each way to clinic
• Bente's reaction: "Why is it that everything always goes wrong for you, David?"

Treatment Compliance

BPPV Exercise Program (April 11-21):

• Frequency: 3 times daily, 10 minutes each session
• Method: Specific bed-based positions to reset ear crystals
• Duration: 2-week program
• Compliance: "I am doing the balance manoeuvres solidly"
• Progress: "I think there is an improvement, but can't be sure"

Health Management Support Network

Bente Hogh's Role

Medical advocacy and appointment management:

• Booking GP and specialist appointments
• Following up on medical issues
• Pushing for treatment compliance
• Monitoring overall health status
• Quote: "In order for you to complete finishing your book you need to be HEALTHY"

Family Concerns

• Jessica's observations: Noting father's unsteadiness and eating difficulties
• Kathy's monitoring: Observing health during Florida stay
• General worry: Family members concerned about progressive decline

Lifestyle Factors

Diet & Eating

Swallowing/eating difficulties:

• Problems with sea bass at restaurant (Mar 15)
• Requiring smooth soups instead of chunky varieties
• Paloma's assistance: Bringing appropriate food textures

Physical Activity

• Walking tolerance: 1.5 miles to medical appointments manageable but tiring
• Driving ability: Still driving Rolls Royce but with some concerns
• Garden time: Able to spend time in garden when weather permits

Sleep Patterns

• Generally good: 7-8 hours with 1-2 wake-ups for bathroom
• Denture issues: Removing painful denture at night
• Recovery: Gradual improvement in sleep quality

Environmental Health Factors

Allergy Reactions

April 12: Sudden lip swelling

• Treatment: Anti-allergy loratadine tablets
• Pattern: First use in 5-6 months
• Recovery: Symptoms resolved

Pollen/Environmental

Kathy's observation (Florida): "thick layer of pollen" possibly causing eye problems

• Irving's response: Eyes completely dry after leaving Florida
• Seasonal factors: Spring return to London timing

Medical History Context

Family History

• Brother John: Previous stroke, providing genetic risk context
• Genetic factors: Family cardiovascular history relevant to current symptoms

Previous Health Issues

Referenced but not detailed:

• Hip replacement: Shows in X-ray screening (TSA incident)
• Previous medical care: Established patient at various London practices

Future Medical Planning

Scheduled Appointments

• MRI scan: Scheduled for May 20, 2022
• Follow-up care: Monitoring balance improvement
• Regular monitoring: Blood pressure, general health

Concerns About Medical Access

• Brexit impact: Potential complications for healthcare access
• Age-related needs: Increasing medical support requirements
• Financial considerations: NHS vs. private healthcare costs

Impact on Daily Life & Work

Professional Impact

• Writing schedule: Afternoon intensive writing sessions sometimes interrupted
• Phone aversion: Difficulty taking medical appointment calls during work time
• Travel limitations: Potential impact on planned speaking tours

Independence Concerns

• Driving: Still independent but balance issues concerning
• Key management: Episodes of lost keys causing isolation
• Daily activities: Requiring more assistance with practical matters

Social Impact

• Restaurant dining: Difficulty eating certain foods affecting social occasions
• Family relationships: Health concerns creating tension in family dynamics
• Support network: Increasing reliance on Bente, Paloma, and Kathy for health management

This health profile shows a progressive deterioration in balance, cognitive function, and general stamina, with some successful medical intervention (BPPV treatment) but ongoing concerns about independence and work capacity.