So how does it feel?

It depends on the day, but some days, it feels like I have what I imagine the much maligned chronic fatigue would feel like - a walk around the local supermarket and I have to sit down for a rest.

Other days, I can wake up feeling like it was all in my head and I have a normal few hours then the pressure starts to build in my abdomen causing a nuance of nausea and I recall why I need to take it easy. Coughing and sneezing make me apprehensive as the squeezing of the abdominal muscles is intense in both cases.

At times there is a stabbing pain, like when you're trying to pull a particularly well-stuck bandaid off a piece of loose skin. This can ease or grow depending on the amount of physical activity I've undertaken.

Most of the time, there is a "fullness", as though I've eaten too much after a big meal - small constant meals help. I don't know why I should be surprised as I have been told that I am carrying the equivalent of a 6-month foetus around inside me - I have a newfound respect for pregant women and their burdens.

All of these symptoms are usually eased by a bowel movement and thankfully I follow a diet which ensures that I'm reasonably regular! That said, some days the pressure in that area deadens the desire to go until I consciously think of it. This is one of the reasons that I feel I need to deal with this sooner rather than later.

So the paperwork's gone to the hospital, my blood test is booked and I've paid the gap in my hospital fee. The machine is in motion.