Black Dog 15

Goodnight to Doodle and *MrD - just hoping its a little better for you.
Hard work to keep up those exercises, with so much on Doodle as in "yet one more thing to have to do".

Wyllow When are you meant to be seeing family? I do hope you manage to go, and have a good time.
Doodle The tablets not working for your DH? Oh no, you must feel at the end of your tether with everything. I hope you can get some advice from someone about what can be done. You must be exhausted. Do you bathe your eyes at all?
SweetpeaSue The pain you keep having must get you down, but it would be such a shame for you to miss spending time with your family. If you can go, I think you should, and try it there. I hope you can manage it.

I had a restless night, over-thinking things. My legs weren't painful at all yesterday, but they felt numb and cool, which worried me. It's another wet day here, so I'm going to sort out more drawers and cupboards and get rid of some "stuff". Love to all BDers x

Just quickly - The Rheumatologist himself just rang me, said the nerve conduction tests from last Friday are normal and that he wants me to still see the Neurologist next week, and that when he gets the report from there, he'll see me and come up with a treatment plan (long-term steroids is likely). I'm SO relieved and so very impressed by the care I've had/am having. Brilliant.

HVDY - always so glad in BD's to read good news: you are right, so glad you are getting whats needed and promptly.

I'm here already in Co. Durham: medium sleep, pretty ropey motorway drive at times, and have a while of quiet before family descend from work/school.

Driving story. Until last January I had not driven on a motorway since 2005, well, didn't get out and about much anyway in my worst period of MH stuff, but from 2011 Ex was a superb driver so tended to do most of it. He liked the power of being" the driver" too although it only became an issue when we shrunk to one car. Anyway..obvs he did any motorway driving.

Then when everything finally blew up and the *hit hit the can the first time I came up here for respite DS collected me: DiL drove me back and got such a reaction for Ex she know the score...but 3 weeks later,

.....needs must..

I just got in the car (bigger than the little runabout) and drove for 3 hours to get here. Just like that. And calm. but I still won't drive to strange places in my own city. Weird or what.

Sweetpeasue thinking of you as you might get phoned back, and hoping Doodle last night was a bit better as you've had such a bad run. Candy how was your day off

Bests to all other BD's (forgive not listing by name!) once the family get here it gets extremely full on so pop in when I can x

Oh what a pain I now lost my post !!!
Forgot to post it 😩😩
Doodle- I hope you managed a better night last night- your poor DH such a difficult situation to be on. Hope perhaps you,ve had some help today. No wonder your poor eyes are so sore- do you have drops,to soothe them.
Yes I walk every day and think of Annie always. I,m a bit stronger now but the AF is what scares me now it is there all the time.I have a cardiology appt next month - first in 5 years so hope it,ll help.
SweetPeaSue- I hope you go to the caravan Park- it would be so nice to all be together. They would understand if you need to rest sometimes but maybe you will be OKand it will do you good. Yours son sounds kind and understanding. I,m sure you,ll be ok,you are braver than you think. As Wyllow says- nothing ventured.
HVDY-brilliant news about your tests so,pleased for,you.
Hopefully now tonight will be a peaceful one for you.
Wyllow- Yay!! You made it to Co.Durham that took some courage. I,m so glad for you that you re with your family. Enjoy every moment with them - they will be so happy to have you there. When you feel the need just take some time out to rest- look forward to hearing how you get on.
Nadaturbe- hope you are having a good day.
EllieAnne- hope you are feeling better today.
Best wishes to all regulars and visitors

Wyllow Well done . That's great. Enjoy your time with your family as much as possible.
ScaredyCat It's understandable that you worry about the AF. I hope the Cardiology appointment will help.

How's everyone else getting on? It's rained every minute of the day here - at times, very heavily. Aqua aerobics was good x

Wyllow3 very well done on that drive! I'm very impressed. I hope you have a really lovely time with your family and do say when you need to rest.
Sweetpeasue your son sounds lovely. Being with your family might give you a lift and they do understand that you need to rest.
HVDY great you're being given so much care and attention . I'm sure it's very reassuring.
Scaredycat I'm sure it's frightening having AF continually. I hope the cardiologist helps. 5 years is a long time between appointments.

I think I'll rest now. Went to look at new spring stock and my legs were very shaky, had to come home. Strange, never had the feeling before. Husband felt like that yesterday.

Hope you all (sorry to those not mentioned) have at least a reasonably good day.

What a night! Feel so sorry for DH. For some reason he developed stabbing pains in his feet and constant irritation. We’ve been up nearly all night which in itself isn’t so bad but him being suffering so much is. I think from what I’ve read it’s the peripheral neuropathy that’s causing this also made worse by the diuretics. Tried phoning nurses this morning but they can’t help. He needs the diuretics so we must continue. Neurologist on holiday for fortnight and our GP away rest fully booked. Resorted to online in depth searching and have been our and bought magnesium salts and gel for feet. Not tried them yet as bizarrely he’s been better during the day today.
Both of us so tired we fell asleep in armchairs after lunch and haven’t moved since.
HVDY so pleased your nerve conduction tests were normal. That is a relief and cause for celebration. Pub dinner tonight?
No I don’t exactly bathe my eyes as I find that makes them worse. I put a thin layer of vaseline round them (very fetching 🤣) as the irritation makes my eyes weep and they get sore. The vaseline helps and I have eye drops.
Yes been pouring all day here too. Got wet going to the shops. At least you expect to get wet at acqua aerobics. 😊
Wyllow I hate motorway driving too. You are very brave and I’m pleased you’ve arrived safely. I hope you enjoy your time with the family and it’s not too overwhelming.
Scaredycat funny you should say that about your post. I felt sure I posted here early this morning when we were up but obviously it vanished into the ether.
Sorry about the AF playing up so much. For DHs heart problems he feels nothing which is one blessing I suppose. I’m surprised you haven’t been followed up before. I hope they are able to help you when you see the consultant. I know you’ve had cardioversion have you ever had ablation?
nadateturbe sorry about the shaky legs. Not a nice feeling is it. Hope you have a good rest and feel better.

Sweetpeasue what did you think of Hamnet? I’m finding it difficult to concentrate on a book at the moment.
I think you should go and meet up with your family. Why deny yourself the chance to spend time with them. Your son sounds understanding and if you explain you want to take things easy it won’t spoil things for them if you just join in when you are able. Don’t think that if things are a problem you will never have a normal life again. We never know what’s round the corner or what might happen to improve them.
You really want to go so why not do so even if you just meet up for the odd meal or an hour or so during the day it means you will get to see them all and it will be a change of scene for you.
You’ll be miserable if you don’t go so why not chance it.
I would start pestering your Gp and the gynae and pain management people for an appointment. What is there to lose. Sometimes it’s only by kicking up a fuss you get anywhere and goodness knows you’ve waited long enough.
Candy hope you have a good weekend.
Ellie Anne as always, thinking of you. Hope you find some things to do over the weekend. Are you feeling any better?

HVDY Sorry you have had a bad night with the worry about your legs. You must have been so relieved that the conduction test came back normal. It's very reassuring when we feel we are getting good help and being looked after. Rain here aswell as thick fog.
Scaredycat I am pleased that you have an upcoming cardiology appt as you will get the chance to air your concerns about the constant AF. It must be scary having it constantly. We have let the walking slip recently and need to get back out there. Yes,it was kind of son to mention we were welcome to join though we would need to act quick to book remaining caravans. Doubting possibility at present.
Nadateturbe Its nice to look at new spring things in shops. Always feels so welcome and optimistic after the winter.We went out this morning too for a browse and DH wanted a canvas to paint on.Do you still do your art at home? How strange about the shaky legs. I hope you're both ok and not going to get something. Hope you ferl better for your rest.
Wyllow Wonderful news that you're there. You are so right about the problem of handing driving over to our husbands; we never know when we might be in position of having to take the wheel again. I am guilty of doing the same. Id hate to be on a motorway again. I think youve done amazing. Have a lovely time with family. Nurse phoned today and explained while I'm under present councillor psychologist thinks best to not get involved until thats finished. Can understand. My councillor trying to get a couple of follow up appts. Have number to ring nurse back after that because Im on their system.
EllieAnne Hope you're ok today.
Doodle Do hope you are both managing and your night wasn't too bad.

Tested myself out this morning at shops after an upsetting early hrs with head going over stuff. I was ok so thought Id book caravan but DH isnt. Pressed him (really hard) to call Dr over chest pain. Receptionist said at 2o clock no Drs available this afternoon but appt for GP at nearby area at 7pm. Could be Costochondritis, he says, that he had 25 yrs ago but insisted he see Dr to be certain. BP v low. Wont arrange anything for break until I know he's going to be ok. Trying not to get anxious

Hope everyone is ok. x

I’m ok. Still got sore throat but much better. Haven’t been walking much (sorry Annie) has anyone heard how she is getting on?
No plans for the weekend but will be out somewhere. Well done Wyllow on your drive. I’m contemplating mine again.
Going to my friends tonight. If circumstances were different I’d just stay in but am grateful for somewhere to go.

Doodle my heart goes out to you both. Such difficult times for you both. Sending big hugs. And praying.
Sweetpeasue yes lots of lovely new bright clothes, had to cut it short. Wanted to get a canvas too. Oh well. I forgot to answer you about my book. I have just started it as we don't meet for two weeks. It's an Irish story set in 1985. The club did Hamnet recently. I must read my husbands copy, it appears to be a must read. I hope your husband is OK and it's his condo. It can be very severe. Of course you don't want to plan anything until he feels well enough.
And Doodle is right. Those who shout loudest get heard. My experience and my siblings is that pestering works.

Just popping to send best wishes to you all and hope that tonight is a peaceful one.
Love to all and Annie xxx

nadateturbe Odd that you and your DH both had the shaky legs feeling. Do you think you're coming down with something?
Doodle Oh no, things never go right for you and your poor husband for long. It's important for him to keep on with the diuretics, but sometimes Amitriptyline can help. When his legs are uncomfortable, would a cold flannel/bag of frozen peas ease it?
SweetpeaSue Best of luck for your DH at the doctor's. Let us know later.
EllieAnne I'm glad you're going to see your friend tonight. Being with someone and just chatting is always good.

Nobody can be bothered to cook tonight - Son2 is off out to his friend's house, so DH and I are getting an Indian takeaway. I'll have a bath after that, then look forward to having a better night x

EllieAnne Glad the sore throat is better. Hope you have a nice time with your friend tonight.
Nadateturbe The irish dtory sounds good. Googled it and think it was nominated for Booker Prize though I know many other such nominations can be a disappointment. Tbh I wasnt really gripped by Hamnet myself though it could just be me as others seemed to enjoy it. Regarding DH, I'm not sure it's wise to go away at present. Hope your legs are ok now.
JoanneThankyou for your good wishes and so nice to have you pop
in. Hope you're doing ok too.
HVDY Dr doesn't teally know but examined him. He has pain in back and chest. Not strained anything-could be Costochondritis, could be jeart related. Told him he was going to prescribe strong painkillers then prescribed Naproxen. I was a bit concerned strong painkillers could mask something. If his pain gets much worse or his speech goes funny we have to go to A&E. Hope you enjoy your Indian takeaway tonight.

Best wishes for a peaceful night Doodle and everyone.

Sweetpeasue I hope the naproxen helps, If not I think I would play it safe and go to A&E. I hope it's not a big journey.
HVDY it is strange. I don't feel great but hard to tell if it's anything different to the usual.
Your evening plans sound nice. Hope you sleep well.
EllieAnne I hope you are having a good evening. Annie has been posting on a religious post.

Doodle Hoping you and your husband both get some sleep.

SweetpeaSue How's your husband today? How are you?
Doodle How was last night?
What's everyone up to today?

I've changed the beds, tidied upstairs, done some washing. The excitement never ends . Hope everyone is ok x

Afternoon all, I hope you are all ok. I’ve had an eventful few days. The situation with FiL is still ongoing so we are where we are. I had a disturbing day yesterday in that I had to have an emergency GP appointment. I’ve been on HRT for about 6 months and increased my dose in January. I initially started it to try and help with my mood but this didn’t improve and as most of you know, I’ve started AD’s to help with that. It did help with my joint pain though so I’m keen to carry on. However, on Thursday I started to bleed quite heavily so yesterday managed to see GP who referred me for an emergency appointment to gynae for a scan. This has unnerved me quite a bit and triggered my anxiety. It did feel like a full blown period (which I haven’t had for years) and I do feel quite hormonal, headache etc. so I’m thinking it could be down to the HRT. GP told me to stop HRT completely but I subsequently spoke to menopause clinic who told me to just reduce, which I’ve done. Im feeling a bit better today, both mentally and bleeding wise but it’s making me nervous as Im dreading the bleeding coming back. I wish I could cope with things better and again feel such a wimp when so many of you have all sorts to deal with. I felt dreadful yesterday, mentally and physically but I’d agreed to go out with a group of people from work as someone was retiring so I forced myself to go. I have to say, it did me good and took my mind off things for a while at least so trying to be a bit more positive today. Anyway I hope you are all ok and I’ve had a chance to catch up at last.
HVDY I’m glad your test came back as normal. A relief for you I’m sure. I hope your DH is ok today. I notice Doodle had suggested Amitriptyline and I know this is used a lot now for pain relief so might be worth a go? My DH used it, not for long, but it definitely helped. Hope you enjoyed your Indian last night and your washing dries today. It’s a nice day here, much different to the wash-out that was yesterday, so I’ve done 2 loads only to find my rotary line has broken. Great!
Nadaterturbe sorry you have a disturbed sleeping pattern. I do too at times. Have you tried the Calm app? I use it and find it quite helpful. They have sounds/music and sleep stories. I listened to a sleep story the other night when I woke up worried. It sort of help you to re-focus. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t but might be worth a try. I hope you are feeling better today with no shaky legs.
Wyllow well done for travelling to visit your family. I’m sure it has been well worth it and will do you good. I don’t mind driving any where but don’t relish motorway driving either. As long as I know where I’m going, I’m ok. Thank goodness for sat nav! Enjoy your precious time.
Doodle I’m sorry your DH is suffering so much. It’s a shame the diuretics are affecting him so badly when he clearly needs them. You must both be so tired. I hope you managed some rest last night.
Scaredycat I’m sorry you are struggling your AF and I hope your upcoming appointment is successful and they can help you. Well done on continuing to walk though. That’s why I want to stay on the HRT really as I love walking but it was starting to affect my joints. Good luck.
Sweetpeasue I hope your DH is ok too and you didn’t have to go to A&E. I dread those places. I fact, I dread having to try and book any appointment as resources are so stretched now, it make you feel more isolated. I was grateful I got to see GP quickly yesterday and I don’t want to be unkind, but he didn’t fill me with confidence. Recruitment is a big problem at my surgery unfortunately. Anyway, I hope you are both ok and will be well enough to join your family on holiday. If you do get to go, I wouldn’t worry about spoiling it for them, they sound lovely and I’m sure they’ll be glad you’re there, even if you do have to take some time out and rest.
Ellie-Anne I hope you enjoyed meeting up with your friend last night and you find something purposeful for you today.
Joane123 Hello. I don’t think we’ve ‘met’ but nice to hear from you. I hope your day is going well.

I’m going to do some shopping today. Going to the small City about 15 mins from me. My ‘me’ time was interrupted yesterday with my GP appointment and collecting GS from school. I hope it’s more productive today.
Hope everyone has a good day and ❤️ to all.

Candy6 That must be very worrying for you. It sounds as though it's connected with the lack of HRT. How old are you, if you don't mind me asking?

I had suggested Amitriptyline for Doodle's husband, not the other way around . It looks as though the treatment for my leg problem will be long-term Prednisolone (steroid). Mr Doodle has got a different leg problem.

Sweetpeasue I’ve never heard of that condition before. Must be quite painful for your DH. I hope the painkillers help but would, as you said, certainly follow up if it gets worse or he has speech problems again. Does your DH do a lot of paining? I love it but am talentless.
I can understand your reluctance to book anything until you see how your DH is doing.
HVDY thank you for thinking of us. DH is on some strong drugs for his RLS it’s just the symptoms have become worse because of the diuretic treatment. He has had amitriptyline a while ago but it didn’t give him any relief. I have got a cold pack which has helped before. I hope the steroids help you. Do they know what the problem is with your legs if it’s not nerve related?
You’ve had another whirlwind housekeeping morning. I’ve just been sitting here reading. 😱
Ellie Anne sorry you still have a sore throat. Do you have lozenges to suck. I often used to have sore throats and lose my voice for no reason then after 24 hours it would come back again. When I was pregnant the first time I lost my voice completely for a few months and had to go to speech therapy after he was born.
Hope you have a nice evening.
nadateturbe hope you start to feel better soon too. Are you having a quiet weekend?
joane thank you that’s nice of you. Hope you are ok too.
Candy sorry you’ve had such an upsetting episode.
Did they tell you the results of the scan? I’m sure Sweetpeasue can sympathise with your concern. I’m glad you are feeling a bit better today. Have you a follow up booked at the hospital or with the GP? Hope you enjoy your shopping trip.

Candy you're not a wimp at all! I would be a wreck with your problems, and yet you made it out. Sometimes going out lifts us which helps you cope. I hope you get the scan quickly.
I've tried lots for sleep, nothing works regularly. But thanks.
Doodle how was last night for you and Mr D.?
Not a great day, although the last hour or so I have managed some housework with lots of rests. Quiet weekend. I'm hoping if I am careful I'll make it to church tomorrow.

Doodle I hope your husband will get some help from a medical person soon. He can't keep going on like that. I've got Vasculitis (an autoimmune problem), which is inflammation of the blood vessels. I've had a letter today to say that no neuropathy was found, so I'm very relieved about that. How strange to lose your voice for so long during your pregnancy .

Son2 has gone to his GF's, says he'll be back tomorrow evening. DH is making him and me spaghetti bolognese. I'm just enjoying a pear cider . Hope all BDers have a pleasant evening x

A year today I had my diagnosis of HPX. What it a year it's been . Thanks to my HPX group I know I am not weird but normal for HPX but we all have some of the same syptoms but also we all have different ones as well if that makes sense.

Sorry my memory has gone walk about today . Someone mentioned Amptriplyine I have been on it for nerve pain since 1992 I take 10mg twice a day but when I have a pain flare take an extra one of a lunchtime until the pain goes back to the level I tolerate . Think I have already talked about this on CFS fibromyalgia thread. Anyway it works and have never had any side effects. I know in high doses it's an anti depressant. But like lot of medication it's multi purpose.

Think someone asked about me going out alone. May not be on this thread but like I said my memory is weird today. But of course I go out by myself . Even when I was having the limb jerks and seizures . My husband died 19 years ago. I had both parents and mother in law who needed me and I will not and have not let my bodies limitations stopped me doing what I want.

I promised my husband to live the best life I can and my promises to him mean the world to me.

Life isn't supposed to easy but it's life. And we have to cherish every minute we have . My husband's life was cruelly cut short . But he lives on in my heart and mind and my love for him will never end nor with my grief. But I accepted that when we knew he wouldn't live 5 years. He lived 3.

My husband lives on in my daughter ,son and grandson's in their DNA . That gives me comfort.

All on here are going through some really hard times not just your own health but that of your loved ones as well. But the courage you all show everyday gives help ,support , advice and unending friendship to eachother and I am sure to people who read this thread but don't feel like they can post their story.

I am thankful I wake up everyday and no matter how I feel, I feel lucky to still be alive. I don't believe in life at any cost but quality not quantity of life is what counts. We all have shitty things going on in our life's but we fight our way through it.

Like I said having a weird day but know it's just one day. Who knows what tomorrow holds and I look forward to it. Hope you all do to.

Thank you all for accepting me . I never say what I don't mean and never tell lies because I forget . Plus it shows on my face and lies takes hard work to keep them up. And I would much rather work hard at something else.

So sending hugs to you all. 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

HVDY Glad you've written confirmation that no nerve damage involved with legs. Enjoy the spag bol tonight.Things seem to taste nicer when someone else has cooked(usually!) Pear cider sounds good. DH 's pain milder this morning but has now increased last couple of hrs.Still think it's Costochondritis but watching for any different signs.
Candy You have so much and could have done without the bleeding issues. Certainly think it's sensible to reduce HRT dosage. I was started on lowest dose around 22yrs
and never had dose raised. Lots of women have 'breakthrough' bleeding or some 'spotting' at times and get referral to post-menopausal bleeding clinic(2 week rule) just to be checked out. Usually abdominal ultrasound(painless) to check womb lining thickness is normal then further investigation if its too thick. Even then nothing to be concerned about as very tiny minority of those are not serious. However, I fully understand your worries and anxiety, I'm so sorry. It maybe that lowering the dose as you were advised,will ne all thats necessary to stop the bleeding. Interesting that GP told you to stop HRT- mine did too, though my last Gynaecologist was ok with me taking it. We're all different but I'm hoping my next Gynaecologist will let me start it again if he thinks ok. Our GP surgery has problems with recruitment too. Glad bleeding has stopped (hope that's right) but so understand your concern of it returning. I'm like that too. Just hope my appt for Gynae comes through soon as night sweats have returned. Hope your weekend is ok. Sending you a hug. x