The Lockdown Gang - 🦞 Lobstars Unlocked 🦞

Brilliant Doodle, if things are documented, you know they are and where they are, a different department can't argue that there's no record. Well done.
Well done you too for going to the radiography department as obviously someone had failed to book porters to take Mr D to have his CT scan, though it really shouldn't have been left to you to sort that out. Brilliant Doodle. You're brilliant Doodle.
Good for you booking somewhere to stay for a couple of nights, all the travelling back and forth is so hard on you.
I've got 🤞 that Mr D can come home before long, it's so good to hear that he seems brighter 😊. I hope the Dr has positive answers in that direction after checking the microbiology.

Don't mean to ignore the rest of the gang but I'm still rather unwell and struggling. Take care all.

Sending all love and fierce recovery strength to Doodlee & MrD
It all sounds a little better today.

Here, you can claim part of such accommodation costs - that's when a hospital doesn't have its own 'patient supporter' accommodation block, as they do in Hamilton. Perhaps you can in UK?

Take care Grammaretto. You soon be in warmer climes with your dear family.

Good for you Jan - driving is real progress .
Love to everyone.

At last some hopefully good news Doodle. Hopefully the scan results should be back today and the Drs can see what the next step is. Good idea to get some lodgings nearer the hospital even though you probably won’t sleep as well as you do at home you will be happier not having to drive backwards and forwards. I am driving again but need to make more effort to do more. Finding it a bit stressful and also need to go out on my own without DH with me!
Grammaretto have a wonderful holiday and hopefully you should get some warm sun. No snow here but it’s very cold.
Cherry sorry you are having such a hard time you must be exhausted. Fingers crossed for some better days for you
Kaimoana Gubbins sounds a sweetheart. How quickly she is growing up.
Nfk yes our hospital has building works going on all around it and what appears to be the multi-storey car park is growing daily. However there are concerns that it won’t be big enough to cope. Not sure how many cars it will hold but at the moment parking is a complete nightmare. One of the Drs told me she spent 45 mins trying to park at 8am! Whether the new hospital will be finished in my lifetime remains to be seen! Not holding my breath on that one!

We actually found that too Doodle when DH was moved to urology from oncology. The departments were virtual neighbours but when I asked if they had contacted the oncologist who would know all about his history I was told no they didn't need to!
I called him oncologist myself but even he seemed to not want to tread on anyone's toes.

I hope you now can have a decent rest in your new abode.

I bought some last minute essentials this morning and I think I have all I need for the journey. I also wanted to find a nice gift but failed.

I'm eating with my lodger tonight who will look after the house and have a friend to stay too.

We had snow earlier but it hasn't settled. It's the new term of Gaelic starting this evening and I don't want to miss it.

Nfk I hope probate answered eventually 💐

Morning All

Bloomin' freezing here today and Keira is pacing as I left her for half an hour and she got in a tizz.

How is your hospital getting on Jan? I gather the diggers moved in to start on the car park on the same day permission was granted. Is it growing yet?

We had a similar problem Doodle with our local hospital in Norwich, cardio considered themselves separate from the rest of the hospital and kept their information to themselves. They didn't like to share or have joint meetings.

Off to walk K presently. I've been on hold to the Probate Office for 40 minutes now and their 'On hold' music is doing my head in.

Whilst I have had some thoughts about frozen legs of lamb for some of the medical profession I have not resorted to ironing them. I rang the medical secretary.

Hello all. Think I’ve got a chill. Been freezing all day but just had some minestrone soup and feel better now.
I had a success today. The Consultant’s secretary I ironed yesterday has been great, she spoke to the Consultant about DH coming home and the Doc has documented fully our conversation and I know where on DHs notes the message is so now when they say we need to be seen by that team again I can point them to the right place. Today’s doc was very nice. Is checking with microbiology to see what they recommended for DHs infection now and how long the treatment. DH seems a bit brighter. I have booked myself lodgings for the next 2 nights next to the hospital so I don’t have the journey to contend with for a couple of days. I just need the rest,
Thanks Cherry. I might be getting somewhere. I have also requested a copy of DHs medical records. Probably won’t come for ages but it might help for future.
Grammaretto, you are so right, we do need Matrons back again. Every nurse who has attended DH has been so kind and thoughtful. But the computer system is a nightmare, DHs meds (of which there are many) take over an hour to be dispensed and he has to check constantly as they forget some or give them at the wrong time. Also they are so short staffed in wards the nurses are so busy all the time.
Have a wonderful holiday with your family. Please let us know How you get on.
ixion I am struggling to keep DHs spirits up whilst not well myself. I know he will tell me to go home if he thinks I’m really ill but he needs me here and it’s so miserable for him. *DS2 is coming in tonight so I might go home earlier.
Kaimoana, it’s this ongoing chest infection and infection markers that’s the problem plus the occasional burst of high BP.
At last the docs have started him back on his BPmeds (which he’s been on for years) that at least should help,
By the way. Please keep one Trevor for me. I know I haven’t sent details yet but I haven’t forgotten and will do soon.
Jan. I have heard many good reports about PALs but in this hospital they seem to be ineffective. Very nice but as much use as a chocolate teapot as they say.
You have hit the nail in the head when you say that no one seems to know what anyone else is doing. That is it exactly. All kind, all good in their own way but totally disorganised and no joined up thinking.
DH was due to have a CT scan yesterday. It got to 3 pm and no sign or porters. I mentioned it to nurse who said he didn’t know about that but would check it out. In the meantime I wandered along to Radiology and asked the receptionist when he would be coming down. The ward haven’t requested transport was their reply. At which point I asked with a big forced smile if it was possible to sort it out before the department closed for the evening. 15 mins later he was collected.!
Thank you all for your love and caring. Our “virtual Gang” is such a support. Never met but it really means so much that you care. I can’t thank you enough. I have told DH how kind you’ve all been and concerned on his behalf. He says to say thank you so much to everyone
Much love to all x

Hello Everyone. I have been reading all your posts and am horrified by the news from Doodle and her poor DH. PALS are usually very good I’ve used ours a couple of times. There should be a Matron in charge either of the ward or possibly a group of wards - that’s how it is in our hospital but suppose they are all different. It’s a shame there is no Day Room for you to escape too. Our hospital is falling down and we are promised a new one for 2030 but when I was in it was nothing like he one poor Mr D is in. Just seems as if no one knows what anyone else is doing. Keep fighting Doodle will be thinking of you both xx

Well done Doodle, I hope your endeavour kick all those involved in the jacksy into working together.

You're sort of right ixion - they're called MDT (multi-discipline team) meetings. They should be taking place weekly or monthly for any patient who requires treatment from different departments.

Dear Doodle you are such a wonderful battler, you are holding on and I know you'll NEVER let him go.

If your DH lungs and heart are okay, WHY can't he go home?
This has dragged on far. far too long , how can anyone get well under such circumstances?

Maybe a full-family face to face "Get your act together" as the Lobstars have already said, will make them understand they can't mess you about any longer.

I'm too upset to write any more but like all of us who love you and MrD, I'm with you all the way.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

They DO exist,Doodle. They're called Case Conferences or Review Meetings, generally over a snatched lunchtime trolley of coffee and elegant sandwiches.

Keep battlin'

(( ))

Brave Doodle! That was good advice from Matron. i don't know why they did away with matrons and good for you following it up.
Surely PALS should be querying on your behalf. It shouldn't be the job of the sick person.
I so hope you can snuggle up with DH in your own bed, soon.

No wonder you're upset Doodle. Neither you nor Mr D need this merry go round and it shouldn't be happening. Record keeping should be a basic so different departments are aware of what each other's treatment and plans are. The vascular team needs to be pulled up on this. Apart from this, what I don't get is if the consultant doesn't think Mr D is well enough to come home how does she think he's well enough to have the surgery. This shabby treatment needs to stop.
I hate the fact that this, dare I say incompetence, is happening to you and Mr D and bringing you down so much. No need to apologise. Send my love and gentle cwtches x

Hi Matron, that cheered me up 🤣 Been to PALS who listened then went and spoke to the ward sister and came back and told me all the information I gave them in the first place.
I am going to ask for a discharge plan tomorrow though. I have also phoned the Consultant Vascular Surgeons secretary to ask her to find out why the she did not document our discussion of last Thursday about DH going home. I’m battling on al fronts but don’t seem to be getting anywhere,
You are right it would be wonderful if we could get all these docs together and get them to agree what the way forward is.

Good Afternoon - Matron here!
Doodle this is absolutely not on so can I suggest that you hot foot it to PALS? Tell them that you need the consultants to confer with each other - and with you- because the right hand doesn't seem to know what the left is doing and your lovely husband's mental health and well being are suffering because of this carelessness. Tell them that you require a cohesive plan going forwards that they can all sign up to - today if possible, or you will make a formal complaint about poor interdepartmental communication having an adverse impact on patients' wellbeing or tell them to get their butts in gear because a posse of lobstars is on their way.

Your tiredness and sadness make me very angry on your behalf. They're treating you both very lazily and need pulling up sharply. Big hugs 🫂

Im fed up. Consultant came round today and said DHs heart ok. Lungs stable so she wants vascular opinion on surgery. I told her we had already agreed with vascular team that DH was going home and would have op later. She said vascular team haven’t documented that and she doesn’t think DH is well enough to go home.
Weare going round and round in circles, We’re both depressed and don’t seem to get a consistent opinion out of anyone. Sorry to bang on about it.
I really wish I could climb in next to him Ixion I would hold on and never let go.
Amazing journey Grammaretto. Hope it all goes well and you have a lovely time with your family.
Kaimoana no such thing as day rooms here, beds crammed into every spare inch. The memorial service sounds a lovely way to celebrate someone’s life. So glad your memory didn’t let you down and you performed the chant as you should.
Sorry I can’t see your post but I’m not in Facebook.
Sorry to be a bit of a misery all. Please take care. Much love x

Loud and clear Kaimoana! What an amazing ceremony. Thanks for posting it.

I don't know how many Lobstars can access this but at 0.14 look for my stick in the 2nd row of ladies and I am a little way to its right

www.facebook.com/waiwhanau/videos/371058992283995

I don't think you'll lack for haggis Gramaretto as many Scottish families produce authentic versions here.

Good news about the man who enjoyed his food. Doodle can't they find you a comfier chair? Move one from the Dayroom f'rinstance?

I was up at 5am, collected at 6 and at the Marae a little after for a Kawe Mate (rhymes with pâté). Broadly speaking it's a meeting to bring the spirit of the dead person back to his origins.
Others call it a memorial but its far more than that.

The mate, 34 year old and the son of Waipareira's CEO left a partner and 3 little children -so it was a deeply sad and spirtual time.

After that, we had a powhiri (welcome) for all the new employees of Waipareira, about 140 and I was inavertently included in the welcoming line. I thought I was just in a crowd milling around and talking but before I knew it, they'd formed a line and I was in the middle - Yikes!

Toia Mai is a welcome chant I know well and have performed in dozens of powhiri over the years but the last time was in 1995
I remembered every word and gesture, so didn't let anyone down. Phew

Now if my brain is capable of that, why can't it remember why I just walked into the kitchen?

Snooker balls do look better in colour ixion!
I fly with hardly a break. Edinburgh to Doha, Doha to Auckland, A to Welly.
I'm told the only time I'll need warm clothes will be the journey to the airport
It's hot and humid in NZ.

My DD also had horror stories from her gap year travels culminating in us meeting her in Edinburgh but although her luggage came off the plane, she didn't. It was overbooked so they put her on the following one.

I'm glad the dude is a bit better but sorry your back is sore Doodle. Have a good sleep in your own bed.

I've just been to see the film Oppenheimer. It was compelling and very good I thought.

I am much heartened by Doodle's post tonight. How are the heels progressing? Sorry to hear about your back😩. Could you try climbing in with Mr.D if he budges over a bit?
Do you have a TENS machine that might help?

Gubbins looks and sounds a real popsie, Kaimona. I'm glad you got your bargains and your larder restocked. I have done well for large Christmas puddings, all expiring December 2025 and half price or less. Thus far, two for the larder for the forthcoming months, one in the freezer and one in the Christmas decorations cupboard just in case ..

You sound, Grammaretto, verychilled about your forthcoming trip. Where do you stop off en route and is it for long enough to have a look round? I shall never forget Miss.I going off on one of her obscure long haul travels. One necessitated an overnight stay before picking up an internal flight to some outpost or the other. She had booked a hotel on line ('a cheap one') and proceeded to pay a local lad from the hotel, with transport, to give her a guided tour of the environs😳. One of the many things one wishes one's offspring hadn't told one about...

The new TV is fine, thank you, Cherry.😎 📺 😎.
Mr.I is particularly pleased, as now he can differentiate between the red and the brown balls in the Snooker final.
Apparently, it does make a difference.🤷‍♀️

Hello all. Back playing up again. Those chairs are so uncomfortable. DH better today. Enjoyed his food and had visits from both sons and DGD.
I’m off to bed for early night as I’m so tired and I need to rest my back, Hope your all ok. Catch up properly tomorrow .
Love to all xx

Hello Lobstars,

A joyous post Kaimoana. Isn't it wonderful when things go right! Great to see Gubbins enjoying herself.

As for FSFY Cherry. You are allowed to sometimes. But we do sympathise. It's hard to imagine what it must be like for you with those frequent seizures.

I'm sure I detected a slightly more positive feeling in your last post Doodle despite the disappointment. Let's hope Mr D can come home soon.

I have been laying out things to pack. I must do a clothes wash today and a last firing. I'm bringing out pots, books and boots as gifts so will surely have room for a few ducks 🦆 along with a possum wool sweater and wool for a df.
I suggested I take a haggis for Burns night. No chance!! The dogs at the airport would sniff it out.

Talking of dogs. DS who came out yesterday is interested in the science of DNA but does not want to have his own on a database. Instead he's having their pedigree miniature dachshund tested partly because they are convinced he is partly something else staffie?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202401/medium-776653-the-new-pool.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202401/medium-293589-on-giraffe.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202401/medium-923273-rose-headdress.jpg

You've every right to feel sorry for yourself Cherry and as my mother (the Queen of FSFH used to say) "If I don't feel sorry for myself, no one will."
I've never really understood why FSFY was such a bad tning, isn't it normal and natural when life is difficult?
Are you having warm-oil massages for your back?

Yes it was Mepa's car, so I got my fruit, vegies and some bargain eggs too: 20 @ 50cents each rather than the 75c to $1.20 per egg in the supermarkets. So I splashed out and made a 2-egg scramble. Boy, do I live the high life

Only a few days left now Grammaretto: don't forget to take an empty suitcase to fill with Trevor books!
I sold 7 this week, but the publishers tell me there are 1,000 left from a print-run of 4,000.
For some reason Amazon Oz say they can't get copies - that's a lie.

Like all of us, I have Mr Doodle and his darling wife on my mind all day and hope desperately for GOOD NEWS.

My son brought both DGC on Saturday and we had a lovely moring together.
Dgs is so tall now I had to look up at him. (I'm 5ft.7) he's has a killer smile.

I bought a paddling pool for Gubbins and before they arrived I filled it.
When she saw it she squealed with delight and then said, very sedately, 'I need to take off my skirt.'
She has a whole collection of these fairy skirts which I suspect are Mama's choice rather than Gubbins'.

The other pictures are from Xmas but only just forwarded.
She is wearing a rose headdress I made but it's fallen to the back; a lei, a popular gift here; is riding on the rocking giraffe I bought her and looking through the new Viewmaster (remember them?) Obviously a girl who gets full value from her gifts

Good evening lobStars 🙂

It seems strange that Mr D's blood pressure meds were stopped Doodle, no wonder he was breathless if his blood pressure was very high. Reinstating them should definitely help that. Good news that his lungs are clear and oxygen levels good, from that it does sound like his chest infection is clearing. Hopefully it won't be too much longer before the team are satisfied that he's ready to be released come home and you can be there to do more than just sleep 🤞

Sounds like you had a lovely Friday evening Grammaretto. There's nothing else like having a good meal with friends and putting the world to rights in my book. 😊.
Annoying about the new TV remote not working, unless it doesn't have batteries in it and I can't imagine that you trying it without. Some years ago that happened to us - we were third time lucky. I hope you have better joy than that 🤞

I hope it was Mepa"s rattle car that you heard Kaimoana and now you're suitably stocked up from the market 🤞
Those pesky dogs, or rather should I say dog owners 😤. Poor things, and poor you. Peace and quiet is invaluable, it can't be easy with the noisy contractors too. Noise pollution can be so stressful 💐

ixion, I hope the sunglasses are working and your new TV isn't so bright it's causing you a headache 😁

I didn't post yesterday as I had more seizures and was so mentally worn out. I could really have done with a good night's sleep. ... but didn't get any 🤦. My back's still bad. Yes. I'm feeling sorry for myself moaning! Our car's back on the road though for now at least 😁.