Black Dog 14

Doodle What an awful shame that your husband's health has deteriorated in a sort time. If he can possibly keep using the treadmill, albeit slowly, it will surely help.

How is everyone today? My new washing machine has just arrived, so DH will have the job of plumbing it in and getting the old one outside (son is out at work today, so he can't help me to move it). I'm not going anywhere in particular today - I've got to "do my roots" and wait in for my grocery delivery at lunchtime. What's everyone up to? x

Allsorts Im so sorry you have these days where yiu just feel you cant stop crying. Your circumstances must be very depressing and you must feel so hopeless. Thinking of you today, 💐
Doodle Thats such a disappointment about the treadmill. You are really thinking of everything that might help. I hope you can get somewhere with adjustments to husbands medication. This cold weather isnt very conducive to walk outside when your husband's pace is very slow. Hopefully the warmer Spring weather will help.
HVDY Glad the washer has arrived. You will be wanting to try it out. You dont want to be lifting it with anyone surely. Theyre very heavy indeed. Don't go doing yourself an injury.
Ive decided not to go to class today. Will be staying in I think.

Take care everyone.

I've just tried the new washer - it's got a 15 minute quick wash, so I put a couple of things in. It's nice to have a quiet machine again. I've sent off for a headband thing that's got built-in headphones, is compatible with Bluetooth, etc. Amazon (I love Amazon but don't know how to do a link) so I'll see if it's any good when it comes.

Evening all. DH has just fallen asleep half way through his dinner. Poor man is so tired. All these drugs have their consequences.
Wyllow we are persisting with the treadmill. Hopefully practice will improve things. DH was commenting today how much his walking has deteriorated in the last 3 months.
You’ve been busy today. It must be hard going though paperwork etc but hopefully it will be worth it in the end.
I’m pleased that as long as you are physically well you will try going to see your son and family. I hope you cope well and in fact enjoy the visit.

HVDY yes we will persist with the treadmill. I think it’s been a shock to us both how unsteady and slow DH is. Still waiting to hear back from the assessment centre.
I have a quick wash on my washing machine too. I use it to do DHs compression socks (ok they are supposed to be washed by hand ) also things that have just has a little use. Lovely when the machine is a quiet one. Ours is too. Living in a flat it’s important to make as little noise as possible.
Hope the headband works. Let us know how you get on.
Sweetpeasue I’m pleased to see you posting . I was worried that you were so down after your GP visit you wouldn’t feel up to it. I realise you aren’t in the best of places but appreciate your efforts to keep in touch.
I’ve been watching Amanda Holden and Alan Carr on BBC renovating a home in Italy. Not particularly keen on either of them before this programme but come to see them in a new light. I’m quite enjoying it last thing before bed as a little light relief from anything serious.
Annie one day closer to having a working TV.
Scaredycat I hope there is better news of your sister today and that your BiL is not feeling too bad.
Your name reminded me I bought a cat tote bag for my DGD for her birthday at the weekend. She loves cats.
Lovely service in church today. Such a nice bunch.

Doodle I'm so sorry that your husband is having such a bad time. It must be so hard. I hope he will find a way to manage the treadmill. I used to have one but my DH could never get away with it, he just didnt like the 'feeling'. Hope he can manage a better sleep tonight.
Youre right feel v low as bowel pain is bad. We went to Sainsbury's (10mi drive) yesterday and bowel spasming violently every couple of minutes. I couldnt move when he drove into car park, I kept spasming, so returned home. It was like being in labour. Then it settled immediately after diarrhoea. No spasms today but pressure-like pain. I was a well person 2 yrs ago. Everyone has their own problems here on BD and it feels wrong to complain.Sincere regards to your DH from myself Doodle.
HVDY Wish my washer did a 15 min cycle. 30 mins is shortest it does. Sounds great. Oh, hope the headphones will help. They sound good. Good luck with sleep tonight.
Annie It will ne lovely for you to have TV back. As HVDY says, you might be able to get catch up TV too. Hope you're still enjoying your meals.

Scaredycat, Wyllow EllieAnne and all. Thinking of you and hoping youre all ok. x

Sorry you had such a bad day Sweetpeasue btw are you on tum drugs for spasms as well as painkillers?.

Bests for you Doodle and MrD he feels very much part of our lives on here! Glad you got your quiet church time.

HVDY I have a lovely quiet basic Bosch (gift from DiL) its wonderful I do everything on a short wash 30 mins 30 degrees except for sheets and thats 40 degrees. And best of all its so simple to work no thousands of choices and Digital Screens...enjoy and hoping the new gadgets will do the job when it comes.

OK day. Gym was fine..got meds sorted...had a sleep.. much less troubling thoughts..bowels OK...attended a L Party Zoom meeting on Mental Health ideas how to go forward and spoke up quite a bit in the breakout group it felt powerful tho already getting predictable feelings of "oh I was too clever by half"tho I wouldn't agree to be spokesperson for the group, usual situation of articulate appearing as confidence.
I always expect to be pushed for having a good day well lets see if my brain will let me break the pattern.

Allsorts still holding you in my thoughts and other regulars who both come in and post and all those who just read. It was so good to be in a group tonight that wanted to change things and get more resources for the better.

Hi all x

Was too mentally drained to join you yesterday, had a meeting ,on line, two and half hours.

Today ? possibly a tummy bug, much need for bed pan !

my positive- tv being installed today , I hope .

Love to all x

HVDY- bet you,ve been washing everything in sight today. I,d love a new one but have to wait for this one to die first- it’s a geriatric!
That headband sounds good - will be interested to hear how you get on.
One of my daughters little rescue cats had to have lots of teeth out today- poor little thing at least he will be comfortable now.
Doodle- Oh your poor DH he must be beyond tired now. So distressing for him and you too. Hope you hear from the assessment centre soon. Yes side effects from meds can knock you for six.
I think the treadmill will take a bit of getting used to - it’s quite a weird feeling to start with .
I meant to watch that programme - we always try and watch something light at the end of the day. We like Bradley Walsh and his son on their travels.
Not really any good news re my Sister - the consultant said she is still very ill. I feel so sad.
SweetPeaSue- how upsetting to have that awful pain again. So debilitating especially as you were doing something to keep occupied - so sorry.
Never stop sharing your problems here. It’s not complaining - health problems get you down and being able to share with people who care helps so much.
Wyllow- you have had a good day . Why do we always worry about what we,ve said and what people think of us. You have so much to offer to your group - empathy,experience and such a bright brain. Don’t let those worries spoil a good day full of achievement.
Annie- that was along meeting no wonder you were so tired afterwards.
Hope that tummy bug is soon gone- they make you tired too don’t they.
By now you should have your telly- you,ll be able to relax and enjoy all it has to offer.
My positive for you- Sun has been shining all day and DH is cooking dinner tonight😀
Whiff,EllieAnne, Joce, and all BD have a relaxing eveningxx

Poor you with the tummy bug Annie and crossing everything for the TV.

Scardeycat was so wishing that your sister would slowly be better - that's so sad for you, waiting and so far away.

I didnt wake up til 9.40 and slept again, my brain has been on relatively quieter mode. I have to pack now for tomorrow:

but just got a WhatsApp from DiLaw who says the plumber has had to make a large hole in the ceiling in the playroom where I sleep as a tap has burst. She wasn't saying, "don't come" so just hoping now I've mentally geared myself up it will be OK.

Doodle Your poor husband, he has got such a lot to contend with. All the tablets he takes must have side-effects (sometimes then doctors prescribe other meds to counteract the side-effects). It must be a lot for you both to cope with. I hope he hears about an assessment soon. Those compression socks can be difficult to get on (when I did care work, some people wore them right up to their thighs and it was hard work getting them on and off, until I sent off for a gadget made of nylon - much like a slide sheet).

SweetpeaSue How have you been today? What do you take for stomach cramps? Is Buscopan any good? I hope this headband with headphones arrives soon - his bloody snoring is too much.

ScaredyCat Poor cat. Is he/she old? Mr Cooper had a couple of teeth out, but he was about 19. The cat will feel better now. I remember the first automatic washer we had - we sat and watched it . How's your sister?

Anniebach Not nice having a stomach bug (hope it's settling down). Have you got the TV done yet?

Wyllow You have got so much to offer the group. I hope you've had a good day again today.

It was a good day at the day centre - beef stew with dumplings, then rice pudding. Hope everyone's day has been decent. x

HVDY haven't had dumplings in years...not sure there would've been room left for rice pud. glad it was a good day.

Trying to pretend I haven't got wound up about going!

Wyllow You do so well to go to these meetings and you've so much to offer. It sounds as if they make you feel valued and it helps you a lot to have purpose and it will really be helping others. So glad your day went well. Hope today was good regarding bowels too. I hadnt had those actual spasms as bad as that since the op in September so not on medication for it. Thanks for letting me know about them-its so reassuring to know about just in case it gets worse.
Annie You must have been exhausted after such a long meeting. Oh dear a tummy bug, that's nasty. I hope that clears up v soon. I thought youd have had the TV sorted by now. Hope thats worked out for today and youve something to distract you from tummy problems. My positive'my' Blackbird friend has returned and is perching on back door handle asking for titbits of cheese. 😊
HVDY I hope the weather's been ok for all that washing to dry. Will it be long before the headphones turn up? Ive found a good decaff coffee after getting a poor one. Supposed to be only 3% caffeine as opposed to 97% in ordinary coffee.
Doodle Hope youve been ok today and your lovely persevering DH. Ive had a decent day today. I've not seen the renovating house programme. Its good to see something light to take our minds off things you're right. I hope that assessment for DH comes through soon.
Scaredycat Ive thought of your sister today and I'm sorry there's not much better news. I hope her husband is not too bad and can see her soon. You will feel so anxious about it, I hope your AF hasnt been playing up today. You really are so kind in your words when you are having a hard time right now. Ive been well today. Its just been snowing here thickly and side rds covered. So cold. I quite liked those Bradley Walsh n son travels too.

EllieAnne, Whiff Joce Nanny and all BD, Hope you're all ok. x

Oh noAnnie Don't know how the lines happened there in your message as I dont know how to do that. Hope you can read it ok. Sorry about that.

Wyllow After youve geared yourself up to go to son's the burst tap. Lets hope not too much damage to room.
HVDY Yes I remember switching from twin tub to automatic. It seemed such a luxury not to have to haul clothes into spin dryer. Have Buscupan in though the spasms I had on Tuesday were worst Id had--were so vicious. Been ok today thanks.

Evening all. A busy day for me. Baby and toddler group this morning which was full on and hectic. Then walk this afternoon. Good news is that we have had some success with the treadmill. I have tied the handle to our large and very solid dining table so DH can hold on whilst walking. He has has two good 10 minutes sessions today as have I. We are both exhausted but hopefully practice will improve things.
Sweetpeasue those spasms sound very unpleasant. I hope that doesn’t happen again. I think DH feels a bit like you. Two years ago he was well and climbing 20 or so flights of stairs a day. Now he’s afraid of falling over when he stands up from his chair. Glad you’ve had a better day today and you feel a bit better.
Wyllow I’m like you a basic machine. Who needs 20 different programs. I only use 3 which covers all our needs.
Glad you had a good day and enjoyed your zoom meeting. I’m glad you spoke up. So many times people sit and say nothing. I’m sure your contributions were very helpful. I never know what to say in such circumstances.
I hope you have a really good night tonight and everything goes well on your trip.
Annie hope the TV is installed and working and that the tummy problem has settled.
Scareycat poor little thing. As you say hopefully more comfortable now.
I’m so sorry your sister is still really ill. I can understand how upset and worrying that is. Praying she improves and you have better news soon.
DH and I both have aching muscles from going on the treadmill but feel more positive about being able to use it now.
My positive for today is that we finally fixed the treadmill and my friends son has found somewhere to live.
HVDY I’m amazed how many meds DH takes for so many problems but at least he’s still here.
Fortunately DHs socks are only knee high and he can manage them on his own. They do he’ll keep his legs slim and keep the fluid at bay.
Ooh dumplings. Like wyllow I’ve not had them in years and I love a good stew too. Lucky you. I don’t like rice pudding though so wouldn’t have had that 😊
Had a scare today with DHs credit card number being used for 3 transactions in America. Fortunately, Nationwide were on the ball and blocked them straight away then, after speaking to us, cancelled the card and we are now waiting for a new one.
Sleep well all

Aw Doodle I'm knocked out by what MrD has achieved! Brilliant idea to fix it. I've actually thought of a Treadmill at home for different reasons - today was a day in dressing gown day needs must but for bowels sake (get blocked up) having a treadmill whilst TV is on in the evening wouldn't be a bad thing, but it would have to be a fold up one, no space. Phew that was scary about the card use! Did they alert you by text it looked dodgy?

*Sweetpeasue glad it was an OK day. The anti spasm drug I'm referring to is called mebeverine, its prescribed but not a rare or difficult drug for them to "hand out in case" unless contra-indicated. this is not a recommendation btw that wouldn't be right but a possibility for you to discuss with GP.
www.nhs.uk/medicines/mebeverine/

I think I've wrapped my head in fluff so's not to be anxious!

What I'd love most of all is to feel I have a better relationship with DiL. Its not that we are at odds, more lack of any real communication. Unlike her parents, they are close....there is no long term connection me and her as I was out of it with depression for 10 years of DS and DiL time together. I was pretty difficult to relate to at times - no hiding that. and she got pretty p'd off and scared by Ex last year as he was abusive to her after Ex had been pretty good with them and kids especially.
His issues are well out of her comfort zone and I think unresolved feelings or not wanting to think about it as in cutting difficult thoughts out as well as it affecting the older child especially as he was fond of Ex.

Hi Wyllow our treadmill folds flat for storage. It has wheels on to move it but it’s still quite heavy. DH has been on it again tonight. Amazing the difference it makes having something sturdy for him to lean against. Our dining table is solid wood and weighs a ton so it’s quite safe.
Yes Nationwide sent a text first saying they had blocked a transaction and then they phoned. We were both impressed with how efficient and easy it was.
Give it time with your DIL. Hopefully your son and his wife now realise a bit more what you have been through. Just try and relax with them and keep in contact. Hope all goes well.

Thank youDoodle and for the treadmill information and also I'm glad MrD has been on it again, any positive atm is great for you both. Some would have given in - and you both haven't.

Its my birthday today as well and I am greeted with a purple finger. Yes, a purple finger and a bit of swelling. googled it - and its very obscure- so hoping over the weekend it just goes away

Wyllow Happy birthday! . I hope your finger settles down ok. I hope you have a good time with your son and his family. Don't overthink it, just enjoy the time there, if you can x

Wyllow happy birthday from me too 🍰💕
Hope you have a nice day. Oh your poor finger. Hope it settles down soon. Hope your weekend goes well

SweetpeaSue How are you? I hope the pain has subsided.
ScaredyCat Any further news on your sister? How's your BIL getting on?
Doodle It's a good job the bank was on the ball about the credit card. My son's card was cloned, a couple of yours ago, and so was his Amazon account. There are some clever criminals about. Great news about the treadmill .
Anniebach Did you manage to watch TV?
EllieAnne, Whiff, Joce and others on BD - hope you're all getting on ok.

I tried the headband/headphones thing last night (I looked a sight). It connects (Bluetooth) to my mobile, so I started off with "brown noise" - whooshing, trickling, then bird sounds, including a cockerel! Then I switched to reggae music, "pink noise" and whale sounds - I tried different volumes. I could STILL hear his bloody snoring AND breathing above it all. I can hardly wait until son goes and DH sleeps in that room (I can still hear him there, but it's not like having the noise right against my ear!).

Sunny and bright today. I've done some washing (the new washer can be programmed via Bluetooth (why??). I'll only use 2 or 3 programmes. I've done some ironing, and vacuuming. Aqua aerobics later. Hope everyone manages to have a decent day x

Happy Birthday Wyllow Hope finger recovers soon and you have a good weekend. 🎉🎂x

Doodle I'm so pleased that youve found a way around securing treadmill so your husband can use it. He's doing well to have been on it again too. It may even improve his balance as he's walking on a moving surface. Fraudulent transactions made on credit card is scary. I didnt realise it could happen from that far away-naive or what?
HVDY I only ever use 2 cycles sometimes 1 on washer. Your DHs snoring really must be so loud. What a shame those headphones are not going to help. Cockerel sound before you've even slept, and the trickling sound would have had me rushing to the bathroom. You must be so frustrated.
Wyllow If those bowel spasms keep happening Ill ask about that med. Thankyou for that info. Hope yours are not too bad and dont spoil your weekend. Do hope you manage ok with sleeping arrangements.

Bought a few items, jumper, had a toasted t-cake out now back home and hope to use exercise bike. Just pushing myself as so low. Take care everyone.

Hi all x

No tv yet, another problem to sort out, will try next week.

Don’t cook , don’t clean, don’t do laundry so can’t join in your
chats.

Happy birthday Wyllow .

Good to read some have positives to share.

My positive today , glorious sunshine all day, certainly helps
with the physical and mental.

Love to all x