Black Dog 11

Doodle Glad your husband (you too) managed to sleep better. I use eye drops fairly often, have you tried any?
Scaredycat Summon up the courage, if you can, to go out. I had Covid (Delta) last year and was on a ventilator - I hadn't had the vaccines then, but have now. I go out, eat out, see people, etc. We have to carry on with life.
SweetpeaSue It's natural that you're worried about having any treatment. You went through a horrible ordeal and fear something bad happening again. Tell the doctors, they'll make a note of it.
Anniebach Could you have soup/stew in a flask?

Nonnie, Joce345, rafichagran, anyone I may have missed, how are you all?
Hope everyone has a decent day. I'm going to Aqua Aerobics this afternoon, then going to have my mop chopped - it's like a candyfloss

Nonnie how are you today? DH had a decent night last night. He was up for about an hour but only the once which is a big improvement.
Hope you got on ok at the dentist. For some reason I dislike having my teeth cleaned more than a trip to the dentist. It always seems to put my teeth on edge.
We went out for a walk today. Still blowy but not as bad as it has been.
HVDY oh dear. Sounds as though you have some family worries. Hope things aren’t too bad. Er….you did say aqua aerobics didn’t you……washing your hair, eye brows and mascara….doesn’t it all wash off. ?
Wow Annie that’s a much better idea. Microwave meals in pots would be so much easier to handle and oats are full of nutrition and filling too. I have oats for breakfast/lunch every day. Jacket potatoes are a good idea too. You could have quite a nutritious meal without having meat. Taking it slowly as you say would be the best way to go about it.
scaredycat I agree it’s amazing how Annie keeps battling on. Yes my eyes are much better thank you. They still feel heavy and tires but don’t irritate so much.
Hope your DH has a good birthday and you enjoy your time at the pub.
HVDY oh I’m sorry what a shame about the parking fine. Spoiling a nice evening.
Take care all x

Anniebach I can't think of the the name of the meals I was going to suggest, but there is one place called Parsley Box. I hope you get something sorted out.

I went to Aqua Aerobics, then across the road to the pub for a snack and coffee. When I got back, I'd got a parking fine (council). I'm appealing it as the ticket machine was out of order when I parked.

My eyebrows didn't wash off

Hope everyone has had a decent day x

Nonnie- take care in the wind it’s blowing a gale here too! Emotions like you have been feeling make you very tired don’t they. Hope you can get some beneficial rest soon.
HVDY- Hope you enjoyedthe Aqua Aerobics and that your eyebrows didn’t wash off!!
Annie- you have had so much to deal with in the last couple of days. It just isn’t good enough how you have been treated-where is the compassion and thought. However I do feel that it would do you good if you could manage to start eating again-albeit tiny bits to start with. Good idea to have a fridge as that will enable you to be able to heat up small portions safely. I think that you can do lots of things in the microwave as long as you can reach it safely. It’s good that your carer is willing to help you. You never cease to amaze me with your fighting spirit
Doodle- hope your eyes are a bit more comfortable it certainly wouldn’t help going out in this wind. I hope it dies down a bit tonight as we are going to the pub to celebrate DH birthday. I wish I wasn’t such a wimp about going out since Covid. It doesn’t stop me but I feel so anxious even thinking about it.
SweetPeaSue,EllieAnne,Joce,Rafichagran and all I hope today is being kind to youxx

Hi all x

I have calmed down after my rant yesterday. Thought things
through. Stupid woman, anyone who hasn’t eaten solid food for 4 years can’t tuck into a roast dinner, my ulcer would bounce. And who wants to buy a meal for £6 to eat a few teaspoons then throw rest away.

Will buy a fridge, have the microwave in the living room and
start with a jacket potato. Quaker Oats in pots heated in microwave, carer will cook veg and put it in a food thermos,
she comes 10 to 11 so don’t want to eat then.

Thank you for such helpful suggestions x
How is everyone?

Nonnie
Joce345 I hope you enjoyed your time with your GS
ScaredyCat It's always best to ignore/delete any strange message. We get scam calls on our landline. I let them waffle on but I don't speak, so they get bored and hang up.
Doodle I have been positive, until my eldest GD told me a few things about what's been going on at home. I'll be back later to explain.
Anniebach Could your carer prepare something for you to eat? There are some ready meals which don't need to be kept in a fridge. I can't remember the name but I'll have a think and be back later

Just off to Aqua Aerobics. I had a shower, washed and blow-dried my hair, drew my eyebrows on and put my mascara on. Madness

HVDY you seem rather positive at the moment, good for you. Not always easy.

Doodle that sounds like things are looking up, ong may it continue.

Joce another positive one. Hope as I read down there are more.

Scardycat well done for seeing that scam for what it was. These things always confuse DH.

SweetpeaSue it is heartening to read your post and see that this thread is doing you good. Your contributions help us all.

I think that is the same procedure I had a few years back and the result was a huge relief, very reassuring for me.

Annie just Grrrrrrrrr! How about talking to the OH and see if they have any ideas? I haven't a clue. In the meantime could your carer heat something up for you when she comes, just a small something as a trial?

Blowing a gale here today. Going to the dental hygienist at midday. Still very tired.

Sorry Annie I miss read your message and thought it was what Dr recommended not pharmacist. Even so, it does sound out of the question. Doodle is right. Certainly it should be your choice. What a mixup it all is, you must be getting sick of it all.
DoodleThankyou, Great news that your husband is sleeping much better.

Evening all.
Joce I bet you love spending time with your DGS.
I’ve been sewing today too but not very successfully. Got some fabric caught in my machine and it took ages to get it sorted out again.
Scaredycat not been out again today. Still windy and wet and keeping away from pollen to save my eyes. DH was walking last night but only for a short while. He is sleeping much better
Well done you for not being tricked by these scammers. I find it shameful that people try and con us. I often get texts saying I have a parcel that needs payment. I know they are scams but some are so clever you can’t blame people for being tricked.
Sweetpeasue you are certainly one of us. We all were new here to being with. Annie was here long before me but I have been here quite a while now.
Annie is the heart of this thread. I think she’s been on it since the beginning. Having suffered so much herself i am truly grateful Annie that you share your wise words and thoughts with us all.
Sweetpeasue I hope your procedure won’t be too bad. Shame you can’t get to discuss it with the nurse first.
Your suggestions for Annie may not be Einstein but are kindly and thoughtfully meant. Don’t be unkind to yourself. I think, from what I have read in here that you are a kind and caring person who for some reason always thinks badly of yourself. Don’t put yourself down. Kindness to others is a virtue.
Oh Annie what a situation to be in. How can you possibly cope. It’s ridiculous.
I think the only course available is to phone Gp surgery and demand to speak to the GP and explain everything as you have to us. If they refuse, tell them you wanted recorded on your notes that you have requested to speak to a GP and been refused. Then tell the pharmacist what you have told us. What is the matter with these people. I’m so cross on your behalf.
Is it possible to speak to age concern or someone similar about the problems you are having.
Rafichagran kind of you to pop in to support Sweetpeasue hope you are keeping ok.
I’m still taking antihistamines for my itchy eyes and runny nose so am quite sleepy.
Take care all

Yes, Rafichagran The people on here are very special.

Oh I do feel for you rafichagran
This will be a colonography or virtual colonoscopy. I thought it wouldn't be as invasive but after reading paperwork they've sent out with the 3 bottles of liquid containing iodine(helps to show up bowel) I see there will be no sedation. Am terrified of the whole thing especially blowing up colon. ?
Thankyou for thinking of me.
I know many have had more to cope with.

I dip into this thread Sweetpeasue I wish you well with your procedure. I am sorry I will catch up and read all your posts, I am very busy today, if it is a colonoscopy you are having I have had 3 myself, and due to alot of pain I may have another. I wish you well.
All the posters on here are lovely, they care and support, they also welcome me when I come here feeling anxious, depressed or I have been overthinking
I am very glad and grateful for this forum.

Oh dear. Those suggestions weren't from Einstein!

Anniebach First thought--would be lovely if you could adapt to eat some food instead of only bottles.
Don't see how you could keep anything safely without a fridge.
Inevitable that there will be food wastage at first.
Handling hot trays from an oven could be tricky but if you had a microwave on a worktop much easier. Scrambled eggs would be a light and nutritious start and can be done in microwave. Then thought could you break eggs. ?You could get carer to whisk some in bowl for later use? If you could handle a certain knife at all, toasters would be easier for toast. Ready meals can be microwaved too though I'm thinking the cellophane over top would be awkward. If you could handle small serrated knife could perhaps cut it round sides.
Will think about it Annie. Sure others will come up with more suggestions.
Its so awkward for you but there may be ways, with certain implements. My aunt ie, who I see every week has such bad hands and finds many things difficult so I see all these difficulties. I do hope you can find a way to manage this.
Much love x

Hi all x

I need to talk ! Yes an epistle. Have spoken of problems with
liquid meal replacements. Was prescribed a different one,
2 - 3 a day,dietician had said 5 a day .

Telephone call on Friday from surgery, a pharmacist , I am to
try food, look on a site of a firm who delivers frozen meals. She
will ring me in a month to check how it’s going.

With exception of rice cakes I haven’t eaten solid since 2017.
I haven’t a fridge or freezer, I was put on liquid meals because
arthritis has twisted my hands, only use of thumb and four finger, couldn’t put baking tins in oven or take them out.

If I managed to put food in oven, when cooked how to I carry it
with one thumb and finger whilst sitting on a wheelchair?

The prices of the delivered meals are about £5 to £6 , a jacket
potato is £3. I could only eat a few spoonfuls because stomach shrunk and have a stomach ulcer.

Any suggestions? Can’t speak to a doctor the pharmacist deals with ‘eating disorders’ ! ! ! !

How is everyone?

Sorry Scaredycat Hadn't seen your post. I will have to 'gird my loins' I expect. Its just with all the bowel pain I already have I can't imagine what this procedure will do to me. I noticed on an old thread about colonoscopy that people had chance to put concerns to a nurse previously to procedure but it's not happening now, well not where I am anyhow. There was a number to call for any queries on paperwork that was sent. When I called there was recorded message saying the desk is unmanned but they hope to be up and running sometime in future. Guess hospital very short-staffed.
Anyway thankyou. Scaredycat.

I'm truly at a loss as to how to respond to all of your kind words of encouragement. I'm overwhelmed and can only say a big thankyou to you all. I haven't exchanged messages for very long and I know there are others that have been here a long time but I feel a part of you all. I can honestly say I feel your support and it has made such a difference to me.
I hate leaving anyone out but if anyone is ever not mentioned its not that you are forgotten.
Nonnie The Aloe Vera plant flowering is, indeed amazing. Bittersweet at such a time for you. A beautiful gift, so special. I hope it flowers for years to come. My mum gave me a Cyclamen just before she died 21 yrs ago in March. It is STILL flowering right now on my dining table. I wish yours to do the same.
Anniebach This thread is unique and provides kind words but much more. Keep taking the bottles! Hoping you will get much pleasure from planning your planting pots, so nearly Spring (planning your planting pots? never mind) You have made us laugh with your first 'escape'.
Doodle Thankyou. You all make us newbies so welcome. My Colonography or 'virtual colonoscopy is 1st March. Quickly moving on.
When joining Gransnet I wasn't sure what to call myself--never done anything like this before. Gransnet suggested to use a favourite flower so it was easy for me as I plant Sweetpeas every year. Love them. I thought it was OK to use Sue as there are trillions of us. Only afterwards I've thought it perhaps sounds a bit twee but after what you said in your message I wouldn't have any other name. X
Scaredycat Thankyou too and also Joce Ellie Anne
HVDY Hope your granddaughter enjoyed the match and hopefully a victory for her team.

Wishing you all a peaceful night. Oh and another please, for Doodle and husband. Great news Doodle.
X

Nonnie- Oh I really do know how you feel but enjoy the success of your boys and be proud of them and their brother . I think the flower is a gift too. Thinking of youx
HVDY- your GD will love her ‘footie’ day with her Grandad and never forget it. Enjoy your meal together.
Doodle- glad your pots survived. Thank goodness the wind is less fierce today.
Great news your DH had such a peaceful night and I hope you did too.
SweetPeaSue- oh how I feel for you. That kind of fear is so understandable - it is the unknown and you have been through so much. I had that procedure a few years ago and it wasn,t as bad as a colonoscopy. No pain but uncomfortable was how I would describe it too. I think it’s called a virtual colonoscopy as well but I,m not sure. I hope you don’t have to wait too long but in the meantime be kind to yourself and enjoy your lovely grandchildrenxx
Joce- I,m ok today thanks and hope you are toox
Annie- our posts crossed yesterday! So glad you enjoyed your time in the fresh air although next time maybe wear some big red knickers to go with your purple hat!! And a coat!
It has so cheered me up to know you have been out and starting your venturexx
Well yesterday I had a scam text supposedly from NHS and instead of panicking saw it for what it was and deleted it. This was a positive for me as normally anything like that makes me so anxious. So sad to think that so many people are being tricked by these nasty fraudsters.
Love to all the gangxx

Hello all hope your all having a relaxing weekend in doors to keep warm...
my little man is off it today. So lots of cuddles for Gran...

Doodle I have been doing a bit today made a peg bag that’s all , seem a bit more motivated today I pray it last for me...

Nonnie yes I would take the flowering has a gift how lovely x

Sweetpeasue I the same has you and others on this thread I care so much about other even if I have never met them...

HVDY I not a football fan but a meal out sounds lovely...

Annie how are you doing today ?

Have a nice evening all ?

Hello all not so windy today. My poor pots took a battering but are ok although leaning at a precarious angle.
Had lots of rain this morning and still blowy so not venturing out today will do some sewing instead.
Sweetpeasue thank you yes my eyes are a bit better today and DH has had his first night for ages without being up walking. So good to get a good nights sleep.
Dear Sweetpeasue you have a kind and caring nature. You are one of those like others on this thread and elsewhere on GN who can have sympathy and compassion for others that we don’t know and aren’t likely to meet. Some people never can feel that sort of emotion but we all care for each other on this thread.
Well I for one would have exactly the same feelings as you if I was to go through a similar procedure. Nothing wrong with being afraid of the unknown. Yes reading about things online often doesn’t help but we all do it. I have been afraid in the past of medical procedures for myself and for DH. We all fear pain and discomfort. I pray that you will get through this without being too uncomfortable and the results are helpful in establishing what treatment you require. You are indeed our Sweetpeasue and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
We will all be here virtually holding your hand as you go through this as we have with others before.
You may have said but I have forgotten, when is the procedure?
Yes try and keep plodding on. Distract yourself by whatever means you can and never forget “this too will pass”. It always does. Take care x
Joce can’t believe your little man has grown so quickly, it’s lovely watching them grow isn’t it.
Just like being out and watching nature take it’s course. All the buds first then the blooms start.
Nonnie I can’t imagine how hard it is for you to be pleased for your two sons but sad at the loss of your other son and all he could have seen or achieved. I would take the flowering as a gift. A lovely thought,
Annie I hope you are better dressed for your next escapade and don’t forget your purple hat to keep you warm. I hope you make it outside again soon. Any planting plans made yet?
HVDY lovely for your DGD to have a reward for her good work. Children should be encouraged. Hope you all have a good time and enjoy the meal after.
I’m off to start some sewing. Take care all

Hello all, hope everyone is having a decent day so far. My husband has just gone to pick up GD1 to take her to a football match - she got some tickets from school, as a reward for some good work she did (unusual reward?). Anyway, they're going to go to that - I'll drop them at the match and go back later to pick them up, go out for something to eat

Hi all x

Nonnie the flowering Aloe Vera is a gift , you have three sons,
if we didn’t feel the grief we couldn’t feel the love x

Sweetpeasue sending you a cwtch, we are here for you, x

How is everyone?

Annie not sure of the saying but it is something like 'nothing to fear but fear itself' You did it!!

Sweetpeasue you are close to the edge but know that we are all here for you. We have different pains, different things to cope with but the result is the same for all of us. Try not to compare none of us is worse or better than another.

Yes, GC make such a difference even if only on video calls.

Joce that sounds lovely.

Struggling with mixed emotions. Reasons to be so proud of DSs who have both had excellent feedback from their bosses and yet dead DS's Aloe Vera is flowering for the first time ever. Maybe not in itself amazing but it is the timing, feels like he has sent us a gift at a very important time of our year. Very tearful while knowing how fortunate I am

Sweetpeasue yes keep plodding I do it a lot... my grandkids are my world and definitely keep me going....

Annie I have the same image it’s made my day, I’ve done a lot of smiling today thank you..x

Doodle hope your eyes are feeling easier tonight. Yes our little man is walking keeps me on my toes, he’s definitely coming into his own now very loving little man.

Scaredycat how are you, I walk with him most day helps my head some what. I definitely do see the world through different eyes it’s so thing to treasure that’s for sure... I have to stop at every bush tree for him to feel the leaves, does make me smile some he like but the ones he doesn’t like the feel of is so funny.

Nonnie hope you are ok...

Have a peaceful night sleep all ?

Oh and my little granddaughter too!