Balsam 🪷 @DrBalsamAhmad Twitter profile

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

This 👇 is so very true.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Just gave Daniel a kiss on his forehead as he went to sleep. He has gone into theatre now. I leave my heart with him. Trusting the medical team with my precious boy. Please pray for him that there are no complications. I am just holding it together.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Leaving ITU tonight after a 13 hour shift. Tearful & on the brink. I leave my heart behind. Trusting an excellent & dedicated team with the care of my son. Hug your loved ones tight. No one knows what happens next. Thank you all for your support & care. Health & hope in 2021.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

I am a consultant in public health. I am up-to-date with all my vaccines including #CovidVaccine & #BoosterJab My family is too. My son aged 15 is clinically vulnerable, has had COVID & needed hospital. He would have been a lot worse had he not been fully vaccinated #VaccinesWork

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Every minute here is like a lifetime. My son has just been moved to intensive care. Today Is crucial in the course of his treatment (non-Covid). Fortunate to have an excellent team @NewcastleHosps working with him-surreal at such time. Please keep him (& us) in your thoughts.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Daniel is out of surgery & is doing well. One step in the right direction. Thanks to the medical team who has been amazing. Thank you everyone for sending well wishes. The last day was tough. Daniel’s song👇as well as prayers & your thoughtful messages carried me through it 🙏

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Daniel wrote this @PICU_gnch “I have to change the way when the road is closed Facing the fear and I’m still composed Today’s the day I breathe out the negative energy All the bad memories, all the thoughts the voices are telling me How did I know my body would be my enemy”

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

To everyone praying & sending +ve messages to my boy in hospital a HUGE thank you. I am now with him & I saw firsthand a tiny step of healing happen. He is brighter tonight & has written lyrics for 3 songs. Thank you to the amazing healthcare team looking after him @GreatNorthCH

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

I may still believe prayers work or miracles happen. They have until last night but Daniel has had a a serious setback. The trauma of the early days of his illness return. Please send positive thoughts/prayers. I will be logging off social media for some time.Not in a good place!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

At this time last Sunday my eldest, a healthy boy went up to his room after 2 games of chess with his brother & me & collapsed with pain. Since then his life & ours has changed beyond belief. I am at home now with my 2nd child but it is so eerie without him. We miss him so much.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Daniel is due surgery shortly. Please send him prayers & positive thoughts. Keeping my calm. I fully trust the brilliant medical team. Fingers crossed he will be feeling better soon.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

Today I have experienced serious trolling because of my post below. Solidarity with all scientists & colleagues who have been experiencing this since the start of the pandemic.

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

I am a consultant in public health. I am up-to-date with all my vaccines including #CovidVaccine & #BoosterJab My family is too. My son aged 15 is clinically vulnerable, has had COVID & needed hospital. He would have been a lot worse had he not been fully vaccinated #VaccinesWork

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

#NewProfilePic

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

After a 50 hour shift in hospital I am off home (for the time being). Instead of saying good night I share this greeting from my native language. After the events this year it holds a deeper meaning “May you wake up to good news” تصبحون على خير

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

The space of happiness in our lives has shrinked to a dot & suffering has taken over our world. My son, the kindhearted once life loving child is in so much pain & at times I feel like I am losing him. I am helpless. Thank you for all your kind words & support. I appreciate.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Every hospital should have one. I am now a regular customer of the fruit & vegetable stall at the RVI @NewcastleHosps Without exaggeration all my daily meals in the last three days in hospital are from it. Thanks to everyone who has made it reality @Newcastle_NHS @nuthdietetics

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

So that is it. A standing ovation for D with many in his MD care team lined to say goodbye. The veteran on Ward 1B @GreatNorthCH has left it now to start the next phase of his journey: home & then the Spinal Cord Injury Rehab Centre at Stoke Mandeville. Onwards & upwards Daniel!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Please send prayers & positive thoughts our way. We need them all. Hours pass slowly here & the memory weighs heavily on us. Waiting for Daniel to be stable & a bed on a ward. The staff are amazing despite working under immense pressure. In the right place now @NewcastleHosps

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

1 year

Every minute is a lifetime. Waiting with Daniel at ED. He was blue lighted to hospital this morning from a GP appointment where he deteriorated rapidly. Posting this to ask all to keep him in your thoughts & prayers. We are on an edge but we know he is in the right place for now.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

Daniel has just turned the difficult corner & is on an upward trajectory. He is a true warrior. I can’t describe how much he has been through. Thank you to everyone who sent positive thoughts and prayers. That worked.

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Watching the dawn set over the hospital grounds taking stock of an hour of agony helping my boy drift to sleep. His pain is huge. I hold his hand tight & together we search for an image he cherishes from the past to hold onto. His distress cuts deep. I cannot take away the pain.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to everyone who has taken time to comment or send private messages for your sentiments, positive thoughts & support. I am sorry I have little energy left in me to respond to each message at this time but I read all. They really helped me. I appreciate a lot.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A very proud moment. Congratulations son. Well deserved. #UnitedAsOne Helen McArdle Young Achiever Award Winner. Thank you @NU_Foundation

Newcastle United Foundation

@NU_Foundation

3 years

Our #UnitedAsOne Helen McArdle Young Achiever Award winner is 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗶𝗲𝗹. Paralysed by a one a million condition a year ago, Daniel was bedbound in hospital for months. We've been with him throughout his recovery, playing adapted sports, learning and laughing again.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to everyone who contacted me, sent prayers & good wishes. It is heartwarming to know that many people from all religions & denominations have been praying for my son. He has now moved to a ward @GreatNorthCH & although in a lot of pain he has made tiny steps of progress

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 months

Just received a text informing me of the confirmed closure of my GP surgery of two decades. Our named GP left two years ago. He had been my family’s anchor since my son’s tragic illness. Primary care is the backbone of the NHS. What will we all do if it goes? I feel scared & sad.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

Not a year I want to remember but how to forget? Its end though not the plan turned more traumatic than its start. In full PPE for days on end. My son connected to tubes & wires, is at worse shape I have seen: his last straw! My family is torn again.Heartbroken. 2022?🙏is better!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

My grandad died early hours of this morning. His funeral took place this afternoon. He returned to the land he loved most in his favourite time of the year: the Olive harvest. May he rest in eternal peace. “From the earth We created you, and into it We will return you” (20:55)

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

22 weeks since Daniel’s hospitalisation & 3 since relapse-all Sundays-but today we are back together as a family in the sunshine at home. Life now is focused on recovery. We celebrate small steps of normality whatever that means & try hard to find purpose & meaning in a new life!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

The last few days have been the toughest. How to be there for my child yet protect myself from a highly infectious virus & stay mentally/physically strong when confined ALL the time to a room with him on a hospital #COVID ward. At times all I can do is hold him tight #motherhood

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to everyone who has contacted me & has helped in different ways. Your love, kind words & prayers have carried me through. Back home for my youngest but my heart remains in hospital with my eldest child. Treasure every minute in good health. Our bodies can be so fragile

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Taking a break walking in the hospital. This will be our ‘home’ for time to come. One sees things in a different eye as a carer. Coming here I almost broke down seeing a runner. My son was a fine athlete & the best junior runner in his club. When will he go back to normal? Hope🙏

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Earlier the nurse in charge told me she noted a difference in me from last week “you look worn down”. She is right. I have run out of tricks to hide exhaustion: make up, coffee & meditation aren’t working. It has been a long stretch & 3 solid weeks on a ward have gotten into me.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

For 5 months in hospital I have been referred to as “mum” or “Daniel’s mum”. I don’t mind it because I am & don’t expect healthcare professionals to remember everyone’s name. But today I was addressed by 1st name. It felt strange yet special that someone made an effort to do so!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

4 years

On a positive note (few on twitter these days), this is a picture of the fruit & veg stall at the Freeman Hospital site @NewcastleHosps I missed its opening last week as on leave. A fantastic addition & high quality. Much needed in the neighbourhood too! Please spread the word.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A friend shared this with us recently. So true & good to share.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Reunited with his piano at long last. The fear that he had forgotten his pieces & won’t be able to play the piano as he did again dissipated within minutes of getting his hands on the keys. #Music is back. It is so good for the soul. Another step towards healing? 🙏🙏

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to Liz, OT @GreatNorthCH for enabling D to come home today on a brief visit. 1st family meal together under one roof in 3 months since his hospitalisation. It was special. #OccupationalTherapy a small team yet what they do is vital, especially the service on a weekend.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A big shout out to our GP & all GPs who provide outstanding care to their patients. Our GP attended to my son within the 1st hour of him collapsing this Sunday 3 weeks ago. He remains our rock and check on my son & us almost every day. We are lucky to have a GP like him who cares

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A huge thank you to #OccupationalTherapy a small but highly competent team @GreatNorthCH for enabling our first family car journey with Daniel since his illness 11 weeks ago. A short but special time together & an important milestone in recovery: the best gift on #MothersDay2021

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A busy day. Daniel continues to recover well. A question “how are you” made me realise how shattered I was. Later a short break in nature helped me recover my inner peace. Everywhere reminds me of Daniel, my walking & running partner. Finally today I move away from grief to hope.

Ramblings

@ramblingsloa

3 years

Even in the midst of life’s many storms We have the capacity to stand in the center of our own peace.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

The beginnings of spring-in our life too? How did we ever take this for granted: Our family is together under one roof tonight. A brief hospital break. Many adjustments to make & life isn’t the same but we will cherish this time. We are truly blessed. Praying for D’s healing 🙏

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

The pandemic has been tough for children but doubly hard for my two. They have always been close & enjoyed outdoor pursuits together. Their longest apart was a week! Today marks 7 weeks since Daniel’s sudden illness & hospital stay. Hopefully the two brothers will reunite soon.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

D’s consultant recently told him: “There is nothing now you can’t do”: 6 weeks since discharge from hospital & a recent setback but he was determined to do the GNR, his 1st on a wheelchair. Thank you Dr. Ian Thompson @Tanni_GT for lending D an enabling wheelchair @heatonharriers

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Daniel’s motto is “if I have 5% that works I will focus on that rather than the 95% that doesn’t”. Last few days to support his fundraising for @Newcastle_NHS to help caregivers of sick children in long term hospital stay. Thanks to all who have done so

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to everyone who has continued to pray for the healing of my son Daniel & for our strength. Thank you for all the kind words on my latest posts & for your support. These means a lot. I wish I was able to thank everyone individually. Maybe one day.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Attended the final MDT meeting chaired by D’s Consultant. The count down to the end of his/our stay @GreatNorthCH starts today. Surreal but 6 months is a long time. We may have witnessed a miracle. Credit to Daniel, a dream patient as all call him& his brilliant healthcare team.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Two years ago I walked near the Grey Monument in Newcastle. Someone offered passersby free hugs. How I wish I could get one right now. All I know is the unlimited love I have for my child carries me through the most testing nightmare but I am a human too. Should I try to be one?

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

Mums of children with #SEND Do you feel at times defeated? That you &your child are treated like scrounges by the system? That you are so tired & alone? Today is one! I could weep losing an appeal I spent weekends & nights putting together & compiling evidence. Another unmet need

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

An improvement seen today described by the consultant overseeing Daniel��s treatment as a rare success story. Our take: A #healthy #diet throughout has been crucial to this. Thanks to the Fruit & Veg stall @NewcastleHosps All below-fraction of cost of unhealthy meals elsewhere!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Still awaiting to be called for surgery as an emergency operation. Daniel & I were discussing how calm we felt although the wait could have been agonising. We feel the power of positive thoughts & prayers. Thanks to everyone who sent our way. Appreciated.Will send an update later

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A shout-out to all paediatric physiotherapists @NewcastleHosps You have been amazing & made a difference all the way from the toughest of times in critical care until now. Today the team (& us) celebrate a small yet important step in Daniel’s rehabilitation journey. May it last🙏

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to everyone who has been a “rainbow in our cloud” & for those who have not given up on supporting us. Things are getting tougher the longer the journey. It is a lonely place to be-a tormenting ride! Daniel is undergoing an operation on Thursday. Please send prayers.

Ramblings

@ramblingsloa

3 years

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud. Maya Angelou

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

I can testify to this “You never know how strong you are until being strong is your only choice”. Bob Marley

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

1 year

I waited long for this moment to come & planned to perfect its capture on my camera but I failed. I was so emotional my hands were shaking. First reunion for Daniel with his maternal grandmother after four years. In between his life has changed beyond belief. A moment to cherish

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Little did we know when we went for a family walk on the beach at Christmas Day what was awaiting us round the corner. In ICU earlier today things took a downturn. It was scary. Only now it has sinked how real & serious this is. Please send us positive thoughts of hope in 2021.

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

The best place to spend time with the family at #Christmas #Longsands #Beach #Tynemouth #ItsCannyUpNorth

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Daniel was congratulated by the new owners of @NUFC A great evening & a beautiful memory to last him a lifetime

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Not news I was hoping to convey. A last minute decision after deliberation was extra assurances would need to be in place before proceeding to surgery. The medical team always treading a fine line. I can weep from exhaustion but better safe than sorry. Thank you for your support.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

1 year

Daniel is finally out of hospital. Full recovery is some time away but home is the best place for him now. Thankful to all healthcare professionals, especially the therapists @GreatNorthCH who oversaw his care last 2 weeks. Thankful to everyone who supported us on this rocky path

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

At the age of 14 his life turned upside down, paralysed in a split of a second. Many painful setbacks on the way. It is a lonely & tough journey but Daniel shows so much resolve, resourcefulness & patience. I have learnt a lot from him. Happy birthday today son #SCIAwarenessMonth

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

An extract from Daniel’s letter on the persistent issue of smoking under his bed window overlooking the hospital entrance “I don’t feel it is fair that I or other children on the ward have to breath in smoke, especially when we cannot go out in the fresh air. This is upsetting”.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Posting again these images👇 from @charliemackesy book: a reply to those who criticise using this platform to share emotions & a personal story. Also: Public health is both science & art. From this side of the fence as a carer/mother I will continue to do the art #storytelling

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A huge thank you to everyone on ward12 @PICU_gnch & all AHPs @GreatNorthCH involved in the care of my son-outstanding (observed 1st hand). Improvement noted since AM. Thanks @NChaplaincy for your support. Meeting colleagues in a different capacity. Proud to work @NewcastleHosps

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Nothing ever prepares a parent to see one’s child suffer so much. Time freezes when awful things happen. In hospital earlier I was reminded by Daniel’s consultant that it was a month today since he came to hospital. A long silence remembering his life journey until that date. 🙏

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

The last 24 hrs were like watching a sad drama except my son & us were main actors. Things took a downturn yesterday evening. He was transferred to critical care. Back on the ward this pm & feeling a little brighter. We were advised to take it a day or an hour at a time-so hard.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

One can’t make this up. On eve of Daniel’s illness anniversary here we are again:ER but different hospital. It was supposed to be a holiday his medical team strongly recommended & one he so needed. My heart aches but love of our family & friends here is carrying us through-again!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thread. Thank you for all your messages of support. I am overwhelmed. Your prayers & positive thoughts sent our way have worked. My son has done well so far in his procedures @PICU_gnch Grateful he can receive such high quality care in the midst of a pandemic.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Sunday: The four of us are under one roof. Special to be together as a family. We remembered the Sunday in Dec that changed our lives. Things are still tough but w’ve gone a long way since. We are no longer who we used to be: wiser & more appreciative of the small things in life!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

I wish I had a safe & non judgemental shoulder to cry on right now. It is the unexpectedly rough corners on this hard road that catch me off guard but being on guard all the time when exhausted isn’t possible. No guidebook to go by: How to hold on & up. Will need to make my own!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

1 year

This young man CAN. It takes incredible grit, determination & courage to pick oneself up again after every setback. He had many since starting on this journey two years ago. Each takes him steps back after moving forward. Perseverance at its best. A lesson for all: don’t give up!

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A tiny miracle of healing happened. Praying and hoping the miracle of healing continues. We will never lose #hope 🙏

Ramblings

@ramblingsloa

3 years

Never lose hope, my heart Miracles dwell in the invisible. Rumi

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

XX years of blessings Today I celebrated The calm of walking in my favourite places The brilliance of the team looking after my son The love & togetherness of my small family My strength to hold on in such difficult times Thank you to everyone who made today special #gratitude

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

@meropemills Thank you for sharing your story. An unimaginable loss-broke my heart. A must read by every medic & carer. As a parent who spent >8 months in hospital with my son I relate as we witnessed extremes: medics with inflated egos who dismissed us & inclusive ones who embraced our views

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

This pm in hospital we had a scare: The trauma of pain in the first days of D’s illness came back. Thanks to the effort of the team: doctors, nurses (& parents) for steering him back to a safe shore. 1st thing I see when I opened Twitter is this quote👇 @charliemackesy Poignant!

charlie mackesy

@charliemackesy

3 years

One day.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Full time care can take its toll no matter how much love a mother has for her sick child. Easy for #selfcare to slip even for someone who knows a lot about its benefits. Thank you to the nurse in charge on the ward today for encouraging me to take a break. It helped me recharge.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Small yet successive setbacks in the last few days have left us mentally & physically drained. My 1st wobble-could not get myself to write. Thankfully Daniel is on the up today. The icing on the cake was AM meeting the lovely #ClownDoctors @tcfcharity @GreatNorthCH Cheered us up.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Leaving work at the Freeman hospital @NewcastleHosps just now & seeing this beautiful projection. It has truly brought a festive cheer & brightened my mood. Whoever’s idea it was, thank you.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Home: Feeling the silence in the absence of Daniel’s piano lesson at this time every Saturday. He is physically absent but his presence is deeply felt. Remembering his contribution a few yes ago to a music concert in aid @GreatNorthCH Foundation 🙏 soon he & music will be back.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Another chapter in D’s journey came to a close later today. Seven months of being an inpatient in the #NHS ended. It felt strange & somehow scary walking out of the paediatric ward at Stoke Mandeville Hospital with bags of medicine & equipment but we were assured we weren’t alone

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

1st time tonight I attend a support group for parents & carers of children with a similar diagnosis to my son. It lasted 2 hours but was worth every minute. It felt different to patients support groups. 1st time I felt understood & my experiences as a mother & a carer validated.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Should I get a #COVID19 #Vaccine or not? Succinct, clear and convincing messages here by @devisridhar referring to the Pfizer Covid Vaccine

Channel 4 News

@Channel4News

3 years

"The balance for me has shifted towards that it's safer to get the vaccine than to expose myself to Covid-19 - and I think that's kind of how we have to describe it to people." Edinburgh University's Professor Devi Sridhar discusses the Pfizer Covid vaccine.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

Thank you to everyone who has sent us messages of support in this space or individually. Much appreciated. Daniel is improving everyday but still in hospital. In a few days he would have been two weeks. This was the toughest so far as isolation. Just 🙏 for a negative PCR soon.

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Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Leaving the ward tonight dragging my feet for I am beyond drained 👇I did not expect this journey to last this long. D & I looked through the journal I have made for him. He has gone far but this has taken so much from us. Huge thanks & appreciation to everyone who stood by us!

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Leaving ITU tonight after a 13 hour shift. Tearful & on the brink. I leave my heart behind. Trusting an excellent & dedicated team with the care of my son. Hug your loved ones tight. No one knows what happens next. Thank you all for your support & care. Health & hope in 2021.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A huge thank you to Daniel’s consultant Paediatric Neurologist, Dr Roncero & the wider team overseeing his treatment @GreatNorthCH The last 2 weeks in particular were incredibly hard but he pulled through. It was a team effort-a brilliant one. D’s determination was applauded too.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

1st weekday at home since D’s illness 6 months ago. The hospital day though only yesterday seems like a distant past. I can say it has been hard & we are all exhausted. Today as parents we took on nursing & physio roles. A huge responsibility but it can only get better with time!

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

A brief respite in the park. I walk fast to undo hours of sitting. I breath in all the air I can get for the long hours indoors have taken their toll. Signs of spring everywhere. I want to believe it is coming in our life too. Guilt! Can’t be here & there. I miss my boys so much.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

@FoxNikkiFox Few weeks ago my 15 year son-CEV-was hospitalised with COVID. It was scary & traumatising. He was in ICU on same date as the year before after the illness that turned his life upside down. His dreams now are simple: I just want to live like any teenager, go to school & feel safe!

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@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

I can’t believe we are going through this again but this time it is way harder. The last 24 hours were the toughest Daniel endured this year. Thankfully he is stable now. The irony of this cruel fate/year: it stole again precious things &rare moments of joy he desperately needed!

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Every minute here is like a lifetime. My son has just been moved to intensive care. Today Is crucial in the course of his treatment (non-Covid). Fortunate to have an excellent team @NewcastleHosps working with him-surreal at such time. Please keep him (& us) in your thoughts.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thread. I come out of my break briefly to share a painful experience. It may help some to change their views & follow the COVID19 rules. Important to note the impact of our actions on NHS staff & the frontline delivery of urgent COVID & Non-COVID Healthcare.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Just in time from hospital to watch the sunset & spend much needed time outdoors with my youngest. Nine weeks today since the world as we knew it collapsed. Nine weeks of being torn between two places & trying to be there equally for both children. One day this will be over!

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

For the 1st time in a while I had a dream of normality; I am waking up to go to work; I wake my children up to school; I prepare breakfast, we rush But I wake up in a hospital room; my back hurts, my son lies in a bed across; sleeping but in pain..meds time. I count. A deep sigh

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@DrBalsamAhmad

11 months

#Gratitude GCSE exams are over today. Daniel did them with his peers. A huge milestone after missing over 2 years of schooling. Few months ago when admitted again to hospital we weren’t even sure he would be able to sit them.A huge weight of his/our shoulders. Onwards and upwards

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Week 9 of Daniel’s sudden illness. Accompanying him yesterday to an emergency MRI scan left my heart in pieces. I fix my eyes on his. In them I see his life journey. What is yet to come? Life has become a rollercoaster. The hardest is constantly being in this space of unknowns.

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Nothing ever prepares a parent to see one’s child suffer so much. Time freezes when awful things happen. In hospital earlier I was reminded by Daniel’s consultant that it was a month today since he came to hospital. A long silence remembering his life journey until that date. 🙏

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Nine weeks since Daniel’s journey through a devastating illness started. Today another miracle in #physiotherapy happened. 🙏 #teamwork ‘There is always light. Only if we are brave enough to see it. There is always light. Only if we are brave enough to be it.’ @TheAmandaGorman

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@DrBalsamAhmad

2 months

It is so lonely. I doubt my strength to pull through most times. My heart breaks each time a new diagnosis/relapse happens. I feel guilt. There’s no guide to be best #Mothers of a child with a rare life long limiting illness: only love, being there &creating hope #MothersDay2024

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

In hospital today it has been non-stop since early. I have done a bit of everything: nursing; portering; healthcare assistant duties; assistant OT & physiotherapist; patient advocate; assistant teacher; full-time carer, companion, friend & mother: doing all above with much love.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

The last day was hard. This pm things are brighter. Reflecting today on a staff development session by @SteveHeadSpeaks I encouraged my son (& I) to practice the 1,4,9 rule. My 3 were: I can be by his side; he is cared for by an outstanding team @NewcastleHosps &he is improving.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

I am taking a few days off Twitter. The news on my feed has been causing me anxiety that I can do without, especially as the count down to our crap anniversary is real now. Thank you to everyone who supported us during this difficult year. Wishing all health & a joyful Christmas

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Arrived late pm at the National #SpinalCordInjuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville: a long drive from home. 1st impressions: a positive place & the right one for D to be in at this time. In self isolation until the results of swaps come back-hope negative! For now we will try & rest!

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@DrBalsamAhmad

2 years

Just gave Daniel a kiss on his forehead as the anaesthetist put him to sleep. I have done this so many times these last 20 months but it has never been easy. He pleaded with the surgeon for the operation to be early so he could watch @LFC 1st game of the season 🙏 #PremiereLeague

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to everyone who has commented & sent messages of support & prayers. The result of the scan has been assuring. Hopefully an upward trajectory of improvement from here onwards 🙏

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Week 9 of Daniel’s sudden illness. Accompanying him yesterday to an emergency MRI scan left my heart in pieces. I fix my eyes on his. In them I see his life journey. What is yet to come? Life has become a rollercoaster. The hardest is constantly being in this space of unknowns.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Thank you to friends from Newcastle Quakers for sending these flowers that brought a rare ray of sunshine into a gloomy & tough day. One month on I thank everyone who has continued to support me & my family at such a difficult time. Love has special powers. It keeps us going.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Six months in a #hospital is a long time for a young person. The ward became home & its people like family. A few goodbyes said & more to come by discharge. The most emotional were with nurses & HC assistants who looked after Daniel in his darkest hours #LifeJourneys #ThisIsTM

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@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

Attended the final MDT meeting chaired by D’s Consultant. The count down to the end of his/our stay @GreatNorthCH starts today. Surreal but 6 months is a long time. We may have witnessed a miracle. Credit to Daniel, a dream patient as all call him& his brilliant healthcare team.

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@DrBalsamAhmad

1 year

Tonight I return home in a bid to sleep as have hardly slept for four nights. I find my youngest asleep. I have hardly seen him this week. Mother’s gilt. I enter Daniel’s room. I fight tears falling. The best greeting I can say now👇تصبحون على خير “May you wake up to good news”

Balsam 🪷

@DrBalsamAhmad

3 years

After a 50 hour shift in hospital I am off home (for the time being). Instead of saying good night I share this greeting from my native language. After the events this year it holds a deeper meaning “May you wake up to good news” تصبحون على خير

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