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Case studies

In these personal stories of health and illness people describe the choices they've faced and the decisions they've made.

'How I chose a new GP'

Isabel, 38, moved house in summer 2008. She describes how she chose a new GP and why she changed GPs twice in one year.

'I insisted on a second opinion'

When Alan Bentley was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer he was told it would be impossible to operate and he was given six months to live. But with the help of his daughter he insisted on being referred to a specialist unit where he did have an operation.

'We lived on pizzas and Chinese'

The Byrne family diet used to consist of Chinese takeaways, kebabs and pizzas. When Debbie and Brendan, both in their forties, realised that their diet and excessive weight gain were having a detrimental effect on their health, they decided they had to act.

'My MMR pressure'

Charlotte Sanger’s daughter, Harriet, 2, had her MMR jab in 2008. Charlotte, 32, a writer and editor at NHS Choices, recalls what went through her head at the time and how she felt under pressure to make the right choice.

'Why I'm a blood donor'

Rudolph Isaacs, 44, has been donating blood on a regular basis for more than 15 years. Because his blood is a rare subgroup, U-negative, it's especially valuable. He explains why he keeps donating.

‘I quit smoking for my son’

Cecelia had been a smoker for 26 years when she realised she didn’t want to contribute to her own death by continuing to smoke. She describes how driving past a stop-smoking poster with her 12-year-old son marked a turning point for her.

‘How I cut my blood pressure’

Caroline, 46, didn't know she had high blood pressure until it was discovered at a routine health check. Determined to avoid medication, she made a number of changes to her lifestyle to bring her blood pressure down.

Last reviewed: 19/07/2011

Next review due: 19/07/2013

Also on NHS Choices

Video wall: making healthier choices

See how people are making active choices about their health and wellbeing.

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