The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

Desperately sorry to read your news, Doodle. Bet you're tired of hearing it, but - DH is now in the best possible place. Know that and try to have a good night's sleep. Just you and That Machine watching your every move. And please don't rush to bring him home until he is sorted, difficult as that may be. Let your boys take the strain too, as they are currently doing. 💐.

Kaimona, we are thrilled with dear Trevor and hope he takes to us and this part of the U.K. Well done at your marvellous achievement, can't wait to impress with my throw away line 'I have a friend in New Zealand, a published children's author, who .....'😂. Keep writing - and publishing!

Jan, how are you feeling now? Sorry about the tumble, hope you are fully recovered for the family at the weekend.

Grammaretto, sorry I referred to hip, when it should have been knee(s). How is your tree holding up? I expect you will come across the decorations in June or thereabouts, when you least expect to. I have stocked up today in the Sales for next Christmas. Packs of decent cards for £1, table decorations, crackers, unapportioned gifts (which I will angst over even as they are wrapped- hang on, this would be better for x type thing. You know the score!).
I used to tease the children by stating that I might convert to Russian Orthodoxy so we could celebrate their later Christmas with sale bargain prices.

Mamissimo- one step closer to checking out whether we are 4th cousins once removed. DNA kit in the post😱. Tickled to hear that Aoife is feeling more at home🤪. Perhaps they don't have real growing rhubarb in Wigan/Widnes/Warrington or wherever she hails from. Somewhere round there IIRC.

I am proceeding with caution tonight as one lens keeps dropping out of my new glasses. Most disconcerting. I shan't tell them I dropped them on the kitchen floor this morning.

To those loyal supporters of our team, you will be pleased to know we played our socks off yesterday and pulled off a very big upset by defeating one of the big teams on their home territory. Tee hee. Much rejoicing in the cheerleaders' camp.

I rang an elderly relative today. She had fallen before Christmas and lay on the floor for 14 hours. When friends realised something was not quite right, they rang the next door neighbours, who were emergency key holders. Unfortunately, she had followed previous advice from the Fire Service always to leave the front door key in the lock on the inside for swift exits.
No-one, therefore, could get in😳.

A sad shock to read you had to ring 999 but perhaps that's what it takes to get them moving on effective care.

Hoping for a better response and outcome than you've had so far. Rest, rest, rest now dear Doodle in case you need to resume battle.
So relieved the family are at your side.
Love to you both.

I'm glad your DD's power is back on Grammaretto, having had that happen to us recently I empathise. It must have been doubly difficult for her with the road closed and her husband working away 😬, we were lucky enough to be able to go to my niece's house for a bit and cram her freezer with our food.
I really can't see you as a #meangrannie, I'm sure your DGD and her friend thoroughly enjoyed themselves making nest boxes 😊
I think I remember you telling us back then that your DS took command in springing your DH out of the hospital prison ward. 👏

Nfk, I'm pleased that you had a good Xmas with DD2 and it's lovely that Keira has settled in with you so well. I hope your DS is recovering, I've heard that this latest strain of covid is a nasty one.
I really feel for Jan, what I experiencenormally is miniscule. I hope her latest setback doesn't set her back too long

It's fair to say we've had a bit of a mixed xmas/twixmas. My WP wasn't too well after eating a mince pie on xmas eve, we had a lovely time with my niece1, our team beat one of the front runners for the league title ... and despite several attempts we can't get our car started 😕. Now we've got two how we ended up with two I don't know battery chargers charging in the hope that one will be able to charge the battery 🤣

Oh Doodle I am so sorry to hear your news. Hopefully DH will get all the help he needs to get him back to full health but sorry you have had such a battle. Surprised PALS weren’t much help. I used them twice while I was in hospital and they were brilliant and sorted out my problems really quickly.
Ixion Thanks for asking. Yes I’m ok now except for my still sore coccyx! Had physio yesterday. New physio is brilliant but think I overdid it. He did say was he working me too hard but it felt ok at the time but I’ve been a bit stiff today! Also fell asleep this afternoon despite sleeping well last night!
Wising everyone a Happy New Year and a healthy 2024 and once again love to our Doodle and her DH

My long post vanished 😯

But the page jumped to the last cruise you were on Doodle. I hope you 2 will be able to enjoy your cruises again.

Well done for dialling 999. Let's hope the dude is comfortable and you can sleep.

Thinking of you.
Goodnight Lobstars.

Yes Doodle, well done for the 999 call. It is for real emergencies and I rather think you had one. Feet as bad as Mr D’s cannot be ignored not to mention that bad morphine reaction. Hopefully he’ll get the serious attention he needs now. I do hope so, and that you can get a bit of respite knowing he’s being cared for. You need a break. A bit of time to catch up on sleep and get yourself back together. Then you can come out all guns blazing again. I have oft wondered how on earth those on their own manage with no one to fight their corner. Look after yourself. XX

(If PALS don't help, I have in the past written directly to the hospital CEO. They have very good secretaries!)

Hello all. Sorry another brief message. Been another long day at hospital and I’m so tired. DH is miserable and I don’t blame him.. why can’t the medical profession work weekends. It’s madness. Just think of all the people who could be discharged earlier if they had proper treatment. Then there are those like DH Ho isn’t having any treatment at all for his feet so it’s all starting off all over again which is why he’s so down.
His spine is starting to develop sore places too.
I’m getting shoulder pains from sitting in the hospital chair all day. What a pair.
Hope everyone is ok. Sorry I can’t reply to all but I am thinking of you. Much love Doodle xx

Oh Doodle I do feel for you both. Your poor DH I’m not surprised he’s starting to feeling down. It’s so frustrating lying in a hospital bed with no-one doing anything. And you must be absolutely shattered sitting by his bed all day. You must take a break Doodle or you too will be ill. Maybe one of your sons could take a turn sitting so you can have some me time and have a break. Fingers crossed for someone finding a solution to his problems very soon. Thinking of you both Janet

This is despicable, poor Doodle and DH. What on earth can be done?


Ixion I'm so glad you like the book. Should anyone envy you, I'm happy to post out. Could be a smidgen more expensive, as NZ Post is increasing their charges in January.

Nfk What do lone people do when healthcare isn't up to a viable standard? We just lump it - what choice do we have?

In 2023, almost 20,000 NZ nurses took their registration to Australia, some left the profession completely.

Doctors are going to various parts of the world when a massive, and failed re-structuring of health administration became the last critical straw.

After my last 2 bouts in hospital in 2019, ambulanced at 1 am in excruciating pain, I was told, despite clear evidence to the contrary it was constipation.

Never again, how can you trust such people? Who know what other mistakes they might make? Gubbins would have been a better diagnostician.

I'm 77 in a couple of weeks, so I've had a good innings, if anything else ails me, I'll deal with it myself as it's obvious the health profession cannot.

Signed
Disgusted - Tunbridge Wells

I'm not at all surprised that Mr D is feeling miserable Doodle or for that matter I wouldn't be surprised if you are too. Oh how I wish I could answer your question. It's a ridiculous anomaly. There's absolutely no excuse for not treating his feet nor is there any excuse for allowing him to develop sore areas in on any other part of his body, it's completely unacceptable. These are basics of nursing care and they're aware that he's having his feet regularly dressed by the DN, they shouldn't be ignoring his needs, or your concerns. I wish I could give them a piece of my mind. I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering from shoulder pains from sitting in those hospital chairs again and that you're, unsurprisingly, exhausted. Know this, dear Doodle, we lobStars are all thinking of you X

Kaimoanna2 I read your post and I share your frustration . I've been let down with medical services. But in the end we haven't anything better? I just don't know.
I'm just so sorry that Doodle is not getting the help she deserves. No I'm not- I'm furious.
Sorry. I keep looking in to see how Doodle and DH is coping. Hope you don't mind.

I have a heavy heart reading the news from you Doodle.
It's all wrong! It's as though you've been abandoned.
If wringing my hands will help, I can do that. it won't make the dude well but it won't hurt
Sending hugs and cwtches to you.

Doodle, this is dire.
I am so sorry it has come to this - again.

Stay strong🥊, watch that spine and check that the heel observations/actions are correctly written up and documented in a timely fashion - I can see why you don't want to leave Mr.D for a minute. But take breaks, gently discreetly do some arm exercises for your shoulder and feel the warmth and weight of our collective arms around you.
If only we could really shield you from all this hurt😢.

Yes Grammaretto, and if cursing and glowering would help you and Mr D I can do that Doodle. It should not be this way for you both. As ixion says stay Strong. Still thinking of you both and sending love and heartfelt cwtches X

I don't know yet if I can post tomorrow as I have two birthdays in my little family and much to do. It doesn't seem right to wish everyone a happy new year but I hope it brings better things for you and Mr D Doodle. I know it's already January 1st in New Zealand so I will say I hope it's a fair one for you Kaimoana. I hope it's a fair one for all the lobStars ♥️

Happy New year to all Lobstars xxxx
I'm probably going to have an early night. Fire's lit, spag bol heated up and TV on.
Jeeves can you please provide suitable drinks for toasting us all.

Thanks for all your company this year.
I'm very grateful.
* That's not just addressed to Jeeves *

I hope Doodle can join us for a wee dram xxx

Well here I am again. A disappointing day for DH who hadn’t realised tomorrow was New Year and therefore bank holiday so yet again no tissue viability and no podiatry.
Doctor did come on his rounds and I’m afraid I let him have it with two frozen legs of lamb. I told him I couldn’t believe a hospital the size of the one DH is in could not find anywhere on the premises a dressing large enough for DHs foot. Dr replied it was dressed yesterday. So I pointed to the bare foot and said show it to me. He looked perplexed then asked his registrar what happened and she said the dressing would have to wait till podiatry were back on Tuesday. At last he seemed to understand how ludicrous the situation was and said no the foot needs to be dressed today. Right now. Well right now was an hour later but at least it’s done.
Dh is feeling a little better I. Himself think the infection is getting under control. He seems happier tonight .

Can’t remember who asked but someone said could our sons come in and take over for a bit. Both our sons have been in every day and spent hours with their dad while I had lunch in the canteen then a little sleep in the chair. So yes they are very good and helpful as are our two lovely DILs and the DGC too.
I will try and catch up more tomorrow. Just want to wish you all a Happy New Year. Thank you so much for being there. It means so much to have your support, dear lobstars you are amazing. 😍🥂Happy New Year.

Did someone mention a wee dram 🥃 Yes please 😊*

Glad you used the lamb Doodle - it's on special in Sainsbugs so I'll get enough in to tackle all the eejits that the lobstars have to deal with in 2024. Will a couple of dozen suffice? 🤔

Mr M and I have eaten and drunk but our chocolate tummies are still empty and we think we will be away with the sandman by midnight

Wishing you all Health, Peace and enough lamb in the coming year x

Goodnight, Lobstars, may the New Year bring you all good things.
Thank you for your company over the last year - it means a lot.

Slightly better news from Doodle makes me hope this is a turning point at the beginning of 2024.
Thank goodness the Dr came in and you, Warrior Queen, still had enough energy to Tell It Like It IS. Good for you

I had another unexpected visitor today but not as unsettling as the last.
My grand-daughter from Tauranga (222km away) came for the night, arriving at 3pm, and stayed for most of this day, leaving at 2pm to visit her Uncle (my DS2) and the other mokos.

We talked ourselves hoarse, had many a laugh and this morning went out for a lovely cae brunch. Wonderful.

She took some slippers for her grandfather who regularly attends hui (meetings) on the Marae.

Sorry, my DGD arrived yesterday of course - sheesh, I get worse.

Morning all Happy New Year.
Glad you had such a lovely visit Kaimoana.😊
Was woken at 2am by Dh who hadn’t slept because of the pain in his feet. Apparently the doctor had decided he couldn’t have co codamol any more because he might get addicted. I’ve got a good mind to stamp very hard on the doctors foot and see how he likes coping with the pain without pain killers. 😡

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202401/medium-530461-img-20240101-135157827.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202401/medium-805114-img-20240101-130634940-hdr.jpg

The poor dude. Better to be addicted to codeine than suffer intolerable pain
I take neat codeine phosphate on prescription for my hip pain. This way I only take it at night but can have paracetamol separately if needed.

I sincerely hope the foot stamping works Doodle. Well done warrior queen 👑💪

I decided to go for a long walk today but it was almost too much for me. I had to climb over 2 farm gates and nearly came a cropper. I saw the gorse in flower which cheered me.

Your New Year visitor sounds perfect Kaimoana.

I stayed up until midnight and had a glass of single malt which I had bought in Skye last summer. It was excellent.

I hope all Lobstars are surviving the holidays

Mr.I has codeine phosphate on standing order on his routine list of repeat meds, no questions asked🤷‍♀️. Are you in the same hospital as last time, with the flouncy Pain Team? Only 12hours to go til the Cavalry hopefully come over the hill. I like it when you come over all feisty. Shows your spirit is undiminished. DLTBGYD.

How lovely that your GD came, Kaimona. Did I know you had one? Is she a cousin to DGS and Gubbins?

Grammaretto, your home and life are coming across as a little haven of peace and serenity over this Christmas-tide. I could be wrong. A quiet and contemplative NYE and a country ramble today. Would love to have shared an hour or so with you. I had a FT message from DS, acknowledging that he had his days muddled up and had forgotten it was was the 31st until DGS(8) told Papa he could hear fireworks. Photos ensued, little people sat crossed legged in the park with a look of wonderment at the skies unfolding above them in the city. Cuddled with parents... Suddenly and I'm pretty robust the enormity of distance, physical and emotional, flooded over me and I had a little silent weep.
*Not many people know that.*

Hope Cherry, AKA the Party Animal, had a great family celebration.
I'm off to do my domestic goddess bit, last push of the festive season. Oven on, half a dozen assorted 'party nibbles' boxes thrown in, serving platter at the ready
Bring it on. Apart from Mr.I wanting to know what he is actually eating.
😡.