Soop's kitchen refuge for the sharing of...

grandmafrench glad you are eating well and not just begging scraps from the dogs. ?. Glad the rash is subsiding.
susan little Henry is lovely. What a happy little chap he looks. ?

Henry is adorable susan, a very cheeky expression

Worry not Charley. The fish cake sandwich was my preference. Mr C had a ‘proper’ meal requiring a knife and fork. I just didn’t want a full meal today, little appetite, I’m sure my waistline will be delighted .

Listened to one of ours explain the difficulties he needs to find solutions for in his workplace. Do I understand the detail of it? Nope. Do I have answers? Nope. Can I listen and let him offload. Yes. It’s left me very, very pleased I’ve retired and no longer have a workplace to be responsible for.

Sleep well everyone. Another day tomorrow not touched as my Mum was fond of saying.

Lovely to see the photos of flowers and sunsets and the handsome males both young and a little older.
I am sorry to hear about your husband going down hill so fast Anneliese My husband's mother died from MND although before I met him. Then not long befire we left England a good friend of his died from it too which upset him.
,Anne60 I do hope you are one of the first to have an operation on your hip when operations start again. Being in such pain is so miserable as I know.
Dragonfly I am so pleased that you have finally found a comfortable bra which is so important. I havent been wearing a bra at all for at least 3 months but when I went to put one on yesterday it felt so tight that I took it straight off again. That's despite losing 3 stone compared to when I finished chemo last year. My friend said yesterday I expect with losing weight you are finding clothes that were tight are too loose now. Actually the answer is no and I am convinced any weight lost has come off my legs and not my body.

I haven't been on the last few days as was feeling very down and was avoiding anything about the virus or anything else upsetting for my own peace of mind. The dogs went to the vet to be groomed on Monday so they must be feeling cooler now having lost all that fur. But I did get to visit my DS and DDiL yesterday and we were both pleased to see them. We went to have a look round the new house they have bought that they will be letting out for holidays as they live in a beautiful area with a river beach next door. It is huge with 6 bedrooms plus 4 bathrooms and also has a 3 bedroom apartment over the garage as well. It will certainly be luxurious holiday accommodation by the time they have finished working on it. We then went for our first meal out since early February and all the safety measures in place worked well. We ate lunch under the grape vines on the terrace next to the crystal clear river. I managed to eat most of my main course but didn't attempt anything else.
I have finally got an appointment with the palliative care doctor on Friday at 12 to discuss coming off my strong painkillers which needs go be done slowly. The nurse who I speak with cannot understand why I want to come off them. But I am in very little pain and certainly don't want to stay on fentanyl any longer. Hopefully I will get a plan to reduce them on Friday.
I do hope your storm is not too bad GrandmaFrench and doesn't cause any damage.
Just to say I am thinking of you all. Night night from a warm Portugal

What handsome sons you have soop.

Susan Henry looks so bonnie it is hard to believe he has suffered so much. I hope your DD hears from the nutritionist soon.

Welcome Puzzler.

I was wondering where you were Daisy sorry you have not been feeling great but good that the pain is receding. Your son must be right. I lost a lot of weight while on chemo so I am pleased I kept old clothes as they now fit again.

Anyone know where Cherry is?

Thank you for all your lovely comments about Henry.He is a little chunk dragonfly,it is hard to believe he has been so unwell.

Daisy,I am glad you had a good visit with your DS and DDIL.Their house sounds lovely.I hope seeing them and having a meal out has lightened your mood.
I hope your visit with the dr on Friday goes well.

I heard from Cherry earlier,her pain has gone but she is taking it easy and resting for a few days.

What a lot of posts since I was last on line!
Ann, as I recall, your operation was actually scheduled and you were ready to go, when all electives were suddenly called off. You must have been at the top of the waiting list and I hope you will make that point strongly and often when you correspond with the surgeon and/or the hospital. You have lost so much in the way of mobility since you should have had the surgery that your GP ought to emphasise the urgency of the situation when he/she contacts the surgeon. I know you know all this already, but a friendly nudge never does any harm (grin).
I was quite glad to see that it had rained overnight, but not so happy when I looked at my car and realised that I had forgotten to close the sun roof. . I don't have to go out, but now I need more of that sunshine to dry out my poor car.

You have lovely sons soop and they are very like you. The sunset was like liquid gold. The ferry view today shows a sunnier day than here. Heavy rain this morning and grey seas, the rain eased off this evening so I managed a short walk which went a little way towards raising my spirits. I have had low mood today like so many of us.
Henry looks well and happy Susan, a joy to see. It is indeed hard to believe that he was so unwell so recently.
Our mobile hairdresser has been in touch too, but it will be a while yet before I'm ready for an appointment.

grandmafrench hope you battened down the hatches in time? Thunderstorms in Southern France can be pretty dramatic, our son when much younger slept right through one which kept the rest of us awake, we still tease him about it. We often fed our granddog plain chicken and boiled rice on the vet's advice, she loved it - though being a spaniel she eats anything.
corner I enjoy a fish cake sandwich especially with a little lemon and tartare sauce.
dragonfly a comfy bra, result.
Daisyboots I sorry that you've been feeling down. Your DS's house sounds lovely as does your lunch. I hope that your appointment on Friday goes well for you.
Best Wishes to Cherry xx

A warm welcome Puzzler
You have a very good case annsixty please do as the others suggest, it does no harm at all to give the medics a nudge ?
TOYA ?

Susan young Henry is a handsome young fellow now- he will be turning a few heads in a few years time.

My personal feeling is that the new dietician is skating on very thin ice. I cannot believe she has not contacted your daughter considering that young lad nearly died.

corner even if you cannot physically help one of your offspring it is good you could listen to his troubles regarding work even if you could not give him any advice. I agree with you- I am so pleased to be retired and have no more work problems to consider.

Hopefully, with time he will be able to resolve the work problems.
TOYA

What a busy kitchen! Lots of lovely photos too. It is good to hear some positive news about Henry, McSoop and Dragonfly’s bra but I feel for all in pain or struggling.
We are lucky that we have each other and that there is plenty to do in the house and garden, so no time to get disheartened.
There are fresh scones, strawberry jam and whipped cream on the table for elevenses or perhaps second breakfast! Now you know why I don’t get any thinner.

Morning All. Yes please to a scone nannyt, about to have coffee after a walk so good timing.

Oops anno, maybe a hot water bottle on the seats? When a window was left open by a child many moons ago I resorted to a fan heater plugged in via a long extension lead. Did the trick.

Sorry you’ve been struggling daisy, hope the trip out and lovely setting for a meal has helped, even if just a bit.

Did I see on the good morning thread the tree issue is still bothering you dragonfly? It’s never pleasant to fall out with anyone, just remember you did nothing wrong. I do think many people have a short fuse at the moment. for you and indeed for anyone else who would like some.

Tedious admin task to tackle now wish me luck along with the ability to concentrate .

TOYA

Time I popped my nose from around the kitchen door,and it was very pleasant seeing a plethora of happy posts and lovely pictures,an uplift and a tonic.

Between pictures of your good self and your MacS Soop together with those delightful sunsets you always capture my heart.
So sorry for your long health saga,and I can but hope you continue to overcome and press on ......smiling as you do.
I have long been yearning for to visit and hear the sounds of the sea and your pictures have helped "bridge the gap" admirably.
That day is getting nearer and I am having pleasure in putting plans in place!!!

I have never forgotten you Anneliese both you and your dear man are in my thoughts ever since both our husbands had such a damning prognoses around the same time.
It was good to read your more recent posts but very upsetting reading of this rapid deterioration in your husband`s condition.This Lockdown as well which has added to our many difficulties and hardship must have been most distressing for you both.Please know I am very much with you in thought and truly wish I could be of some real help.
We are simply plodding on,with the added difficulties of my own health deteriorating and adding to our overall distress.
So little we can do.
But please be assured you are constantly in my heart.

Susan your little son is a real charmer!So good that he has picked up well again,time perhaps for you to breathe afresh.
I have my own stories to tell regarding dieticians and none are exactly helpful!

I was drawn to your description of the weather "just up the road from ourselves " Lins 1066........we have not seen more than a few spots of rain for months.We were well prepared for some yesterday,indeed our lawns are now a golden shade and everything looks shrivelled up,totally bone dry.But we still have sunshine although yes, the temperatures have dropped considerably.

I have it on good authority that our Cherry is fine Dragonfly but merely resting,I hope that is as it is and she will soon speak for herself.
Whilst so sorry hearing the tree saga continues,this must be quite a headache for you.

I rather think once again we are in the position of "he whom shouts the loudest will be heard" regarding anything medical Annodomini, and your advice to Ann whom has been waiting and waiting,losing more mobility etc needs urgent action.
Yes very many are also in a long,never ending queue,but when of an age and everything is worsening around your life capabilities, then surely you have every right to shout loudly and clearly.
We are all in a very difficult situation in so very many areas,and one has to wonder how and when things might change again for the better????

It has been my pleasure to keep in touch with our Doodle whom has been taking great care of me,I shall never be able to thank her enough!

Good to "see you" Nannytopsy,Cornergran*,*Charleygirl
all my previous Playmates here and then there`s Daisyboots,
Grandmafrench and all the Grandmas!!A happy band here in the Kitchen,always a happy place to visit.

Wishing you all a pleasant day and I hope to drop by again before winter sets in!!!!
Keep safe.

Good afternoon all.
Thank you all for your advice and concern for me yesterday, it is so good to know that others have our welfare at heart.

I will explain why I will not be getting in touch with my surgery.
I have no reason to believe that anyone would help.
They haven’t before and I don’t they would now.
I never saw a Dr at all with my original hip referral, all done through a physio who visits just once a week..
In spite of my age, 83 in 4 weeks, I have not seen. Dr for at least 2 years.
I went for some help coping with my H, the Muslim Dr asked me if I drank alcohol and when I said I did she wasn’t prepared to help and I got up and walked out.
I can’t change surgery as I can’t get to another easily even if I wanted to.

The consultant’s secretary is also no use as I am having my op in a private hospital but under the NHS, the hospital admin just refer me to his secretary who, when I did speak to her, was very put out at them as she is his secretary for his private patients only and I was subjected to a tirade from her on their shortcomings.
I will not bother her again.

The upshot of this is that as soon as the electives start I will pay myself to get it done as soon as possible, unless of course my expected letter puts me well ahead in the queue.
If I had done this in the first place it would all be over.
I would, as everyone tells me, be a new woman by now.
How I wish.

The sun is trying to break through now after a damp morning , sadly not enough rain to do some good.

TOYA with every good wish.

Darling Henry has most certainly lit up our kitchen with a winning smile. He is adorable.

Charleygirl I enjoy fish finger sandwiches. In the absence of fingers, cakes would do very nicely.

Grandmafrench The leaves of 'Lady's Mantle' (cannot spell alchamilla?) help to reduce itching caused by insect bites. Some one informed us of this fact when delivering the daily paper.

Madgran You are doing a sterling job.

Doodle

We're all with you, Ann. I'm saying nothing further because I am too appalled at your treatment and what you relate! No wonder you are struggling.

Pay for your surgery? What a very good idea, and if it helps you back on the road to recovery, maybe do it very soon. Think of yourself now and plan for some happier times. Good luck!

Now Soop, do you think I have nothing better to do than loll about on this thread being educated and entertained by lovely Kitcheners? Well, I do,(occasionally) and you are now suggesting that I trawl through my Gardening books to find a photo of Alchamilla and then find out what it is in French and then go out and try to find it in some far-flung garden centre - by which time I shall have possibly caused all people within a radius of 50 miles to itch and scratch in sympathy ? No., there are no lovely English/Scottish/Welsh or Irish gardens in the vicinity that I could sneak into for some leaves and we have none in our garden, unfortunately. Meanwhile, I am covering relevant parts of my person with Eurax cream and sitting on my hands, when necessary, until the urge to scratch has passed.

Cooler today and dry now. We had continuous soft rain for about 18 hours, so no run off and no scary storm and we did indeed batten down the hatches in time Lins. I can see sunshine over the sea but we still have a Westerly breeze, which is never a good thing as far as rotten humidity is concerned. Don't get it often but it does play havoc with the Met. forecasts here. Tomorrow should be better, though.

Great to hear that Dreamkeeper is well and that Cherry is only resting. Come back soon, Cherry, there are no playmates surplus to requirements here!

I shall send hugs and fond wishes to all of you Kitchen types - you know who you are. Leaving you with a little thought - maybe we can put it to the vote? What do we like best............fishcake sandwiches (plus lemon, tartare, ketchup etc.,) or..........comfy bras? Maybe the jury's out on that one.

Keep on keeping safe xxxxx

Daisyboots Your wee outing sounds perfect. I would enjoy having coffee and cake in the local garden centre cafe. Goodness only knows when we'll be able to do so. (hugs)

Lins So many of us lot are having mood swings at the moment. Not at all surprising. Our usual routines have been curtailed and oftimes scuppered. We'll continue to support each other. I know how important you are to my sense of well being.

Nannyt Oh no...not more delicious food to sample. Hang on while I fetch a plate and a freshly starched napkin.

Dreamkeeper Thank you for your posts. You are a wizard with words.

ann I am shocked. Your latest post leaves me dismayed at the manner in which your condition has been monitored and treated. I'm waiting for the others to also respond.

Ann I am sorry you feel you have to pay for your surgery yourself.After a lifetime of working in the NHS this does upset me but we have come to the same conclusion re Henry’s continuing care.

My DD’s GP has found a private clinic in Chester which we will take him to as soon as lockdown restrictions allow it.
As Charley says,the advice given by the dietician could have killed Henry and the other baby who she mixed Henry up with and it doesn’t look like the new dietician will be much better.I am also doing a course online as I will be looking after him a couple of days in September so want as much knowledge as possible.

In other news,the pharmacy just delivered me the wrong medication.My name and correct medication details on four boxes of a completely different medication?

Ann,I hope it isn’t too long before you can have your surgery and be back enjoying life again?

I hope you get your trip to the coast soon panache.It is top of our list but we live a little too far away to go just yet.My sister in law went to Broadhaven on Sunday and to say I was a little jealous is an understatement!

Thinking of you all.

ann I can well understand why you wish to have your hip replaced privately but the admission and actual surgery are not the end of the expenses. You have to factor in possible physio post-op and the cost of the equipment you will need to buy unless you saved some after your knee replacement.

The minimum you will need will be a walking frame, progressing to crutches and then a stick. A raised loo seat is a must and you may have to purchase a bath board unless you are fortunate to have a walk-in shower. A gadget to put on knickers and tights. Some but not all items can be hired.

Also is the chair you sit on high enough for that surgery because it is easy to dislocate your hip within 3 months. How will you get to the loo during the night? Have you a loo downstairs and will you have to cart the raised loo seat up and down?

I know your GD will do the food shopping and cooking and will she also do the housework as well as keep an eye on yourself?

How are you going to get to and from hospital appointments?

I do not want to put a dampener on it all-I have a lot of past professional experience and I apply common sense.

Please think about it.

TOYA

At least post surgery with the NHS you receive 6 weeks of free personal care at home.

Susan your little GS looks a real cutie pie! And soop your young men look a delight too!
Grandmafrench if there is ever anything around that is going to bite anyone it always lands on me so I have become accustomed to reaching for my oils as a reflex action. I use a 100% pure Tea tree oil and layer it with Lavender but always remembering to keep away from the eyes - and use milk to wash the eyes if you have an accident!
Ann for you and a ((hug)). It is the current feeling of never having an end in sight that makes it all so difficult. I agree that you need to get your Dr to send a letter to push the boat down the launching pad and then ring the Surgeon's Secretary as often as it takes to get yourself on that list. This is your job for the moment. The summery weather is a good time for healing after the surgery.
morethan our prayers continue to be with you all. and ((hugs))
Dragonfly I so understand about the bras, such a relief to find comfort and I am glad you found something nice. The shop where I have bought my bras for years has closed and I am not looking forward to making the attempt to find another. I wonder how such fitting will happen in the future.

So many cares and concerns, reflecting all that is happening in the wider world of course, but impossible to reply to all. So ((hugs)) and to all who need them.

We are hoping to get an appointmen for a prosthetic fitting for Himself very soon - but not until the toilet facilities re-open. Driving a long journey each way with no facilities is just impossible. Since the shrinkage is going so well he is currently wearing five thick socks on his stump which is very hot in this weather and has consequences for the skin making it very sore and this is also partly due to the rubbing movement since the socket no longer fits very well. He is very determined to not let it stop him growing his veggies in his raised beds and greenhouse!
He has been cooking and making some lovely meals which has been lovely but I wish he hadn't forgotten to use gluten free for the sauce. I have been suffering the consequences for quite a while. Shouldn't be such a grump, I know!

Your post has stunned me into silence ann. Treatment in primary care has been abysmal. No one should be left in the pain you are experiencing. My only shot in the dark thought is if you had previously been allocated a specific surgeon make contact with their secretary and explain your plight. If you do opt for private treatment I understand it is possible to opt for a package of care, including the aftercare. Charley is of course right, the surgery itself is a small part of the process. I’m so sorry I can’t think of a solution. You truly shouldn’t be abandoned by the NHS. .

I have Tea tree oil, I have Lavender oil, I shall give it a try. Thank you so much synonymous

Don't worry Soop - starched white napkins and bone china plates are provided, along with tea in a china pot!
We started trying to sort out a problem with San ...... at 1 pm. it is now 2.50pm and I am on hold ....

Charleygirl
I have all the aids in place. I was given them, including two toilet frames with seats, crutches, stocking puller upper and a long handled shoe horn, when I went for my pre-op as it was only a week before planned surgery.
I received no home care after coming home from my TKR , things must differ in different areas.
I also didn’t get physio, only a visit back to the department 6 weeks after the op ,just to check that my movement, bend etc was progressing and it was.
I will negotiate if I can as to a package if it is necessary.
Thank you for the information.

Grandmafrench just keep on applying it until you find the itch has gone, I am quite lavish with it. Hope it works for you too.