Previous articles explain why I like to take a camera with me on a doctors visit, so I thought I would share a roll from one of those trips. This particular visit was shot on Ilford XP2 Super 400 through the 35mm Voigtlander lens on my Leica M2.
I had intended on pushing this roll and rated it at 800, but I forgot to process it that way. Lately, I’ve been feeling under the weather, and overwhelmed with keeping up with developing my film, blogging, and making videos for my channel. When I went to process some of my color film I totally missed the message printed on the box to remind me that it was to be pushed.
This “accident” though, demonstrates the tonal range of this film because even though some of it is under developed, the photos could still be salvaged. However, it did add a bit of grain and contrast.
My Visit on Ilford XP2 400
I have to have an injection every 56 days to keep my immune system suppressed in order for it to not attack my digestive system. In the past, I have been on several different injections for Crohn’s Disease and all of them either stopped working or my body developed an immune reaction to them. One reaction even put me in cardiac arrest and closed my throat. To say the least, I have PTSD from that experience.
As a result of my past reactions with medication, I have my latest medication administered in a doctor’s office, just in case, instead of at home.
I am always super anxious before these appointments, so bringing my camera with me keeps my mind off of it until it’s time to get the injection.
What Lies Within
I love to people watch when I go to these appointments, not because I like to be nosey, but because there is so much to be learned from the people who sit in these infusion rooms, some of them every single day. The first medication I was on 10 years ago was a 4 hour infusion, so I often sat in the chemo room for hours watching many people pass through.
The Infusion Center
There’s so much happening in the photo below. I shot it from the hip so the composition is a little off. There are wigs on display in the background, probably for chemo patients. On the television is a neutral program on HGTV and usually ignored by patients in the room. The silence in the room is strong and only broken by the sound of the TV or a nurse talking to a patient.
One man seemingly calm, was reading a newspaper, and was sat not too far from a couple. The man in the couple was in distress and moaning, which deeply hurt me to hear. Then you have the man with his feet up. You can tell he’s a regular, and must be coming for treatment often. These people are always known by their first name with all the staff.
I have watched these types of rooms since I was diagnosed 11 years ago. I have often been the youngest person there, and probably the most afraid. One thing I always pick up from the people at these appointments is their bravery and strong constitution. You can see it. I wish I had that.
After my injection, I always feel hugely relieved. I took photos of the building as I left, glad to be leaving on my own accord and not in a stretcher this time.
Watch Your Mental Health
Very often mental health is neglected when dealing with an incurable illness. The main focus has to be eradicating the disease. The trauma, anxiety, and degradation of ones confidence is often overlooked. That’s your job. Make sure you keep an eye on your mental health, because no one else will.
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Until next time, stay motivated and keep shooting.
Great photos and explanations. It shows that something seemingly mundane like a doctors visit can be mean so much in so different ways to different people. And you are totally right…we should not forget mental health…it is as important as the physical sort.
Thank you. Yes that is exactly what I was trying to convey with this article. I wanted to raise awareness for Crohn’s disease and what I go through personally but I also wanted to show what other people suffer through every day with other illnesses like cancer by pointing out patients that are regulars and things like that. I’m glad someone understands what I was going for 🙂
“Make sure you keep on eye on your mental health, because no one else will.” Man, that’s the truth! Especially when you make the rounds of new specialists, etc., and they do an evaluation and try to say you don’t need what’s been working for you … eh. It’s enough to drive ya crazy. Anyway, I love your “shooting from the hip” in these situations. Shows the reality. Thanks!
Thank you 🙏
Is that Bob Ross photo journal? It really fits in with your under-developed “happy accident”. Stay safe Aly.
Oh I didn’t even think of that LOL yes it was a happy accident 🙂
The window shot is especially nice capturing the shadowy indoors, (nice composition) and the over exposed trees through the window add a surreal and graceful effect. Very nice Aly.
Thank you Lee. That’s my favorite pic from the roll. How have you been? Were you able to scan those negatives?
You are strong. Nice article, nice photos.
Thank you 🙏