Sam’s Story
To celebrate Book Lovers Day we wanted to share Sam’s story, written by someone close to him, about how the love for his favourite book helped him when he was unwell.
Winnie the Witch and the GP visit
At the end of every month, Sam goes to a local disco. He counts down the days, eagerly awaiting the next dance party, and when the day comes, he excitedly bounces over to the dance floor, his smile absolutely beaming.
At the most recent disco, Sam’s support worker, Sandra noticed he wasn’t his usual bouncy self. Feeling rather tired, Sam decided to sit out, and left the disco early.
The next day, Sam appeared unwell. Sandra asked Sam if he had any pain.
“Yes”, he said, as he held his tummy.
Sandra showed Sam a map of the body and asked him to point to where he felt pain. Sam took a pen and circled everywhere on the body map.
Louise, the Manager, booked Sam an appointment at his local GP surgery.
Sam went to see the doctor, and the doctor explained they wanted to perform some routine checks and a blood test. He was very nervous about the test as he does not like needles. He had been invited to blood test appointments in the past but was always too nervous to have them done.
Sandra and Louise sat with Sam and explained what to expect at his blood test. They put the information into an easy read, to help Sam relax, including the nurse who he would see on the day.
On the day of the blood test, Sam was getting ready at home.
Louise asked: “Sam, would you like to take your iPad to keep yourself busy while we wait?”
“No” replied Sam.
“How about a book?” asked Louise.
“Yes” replied Sam and he proceeded to pull out his favourite book from his bookshelf.
“‘Winnie the Witch’? Great choice”.
Sam, Sandra and Louise arrived at the doctors’ surgery. As they checked in, Sam, appeared a little nervous.
“Would you like to read ‘Winnie the Witch’ while we wait Sam?” asked Sandra.
“Yes”, he said, as the pair began reading.
As the pair lost themselves in the magical story , a voice called out:
“Sam?” it was the nurse.
She greeted Sam and asked him why he was visiting her today.
“Blood test”, replied Sam, as he put his arm out. No sooner as he extended his arm, he withdrew, his nerves getting the better of him. Sandra began reading ‘Winnie the Witch’ with Sam, as he looked at the pictures and focused on Sandra’s voice.
The nurse explained Sam needed to keep his arm still.
“Hand, not here” said Sam, pointing to the dip on the inside of his elbow, before going back to reading.
Moments later, the nurse said “All done!”
Sam relaxed back in his chair, echoing the nurse’s words,
“Done… thank you”, he smiled proudly.
