Black Dog 18

Had some great news about the day centre - they've managed to get some funding to last until Christmas . That will make a lot of people happy.

ScaredyCat I'm glad you had a nice time away. Being near the sea is always relaxing, isn't it. As for health anxiety, I always Google things. I believe in getting information and then trying to face it head-on. I'm usually quite level-headed about things (I try to be, anyway)

*The heat has been too much for me. It's cooler here now (21) and it's rained a little bit. Hope you and your husband have a restful time now that you're home. Do you make friends with anyone when you go away? I can talk to strangers but don't keep in touch once the trip is over.

My brother has decided to let his wife's sister take over the dealing with social workers etc. She lives 150 miles away, but is an ex SW herself, so knows how the system works. She's very good at sorting things out, so hopefully, people will listen to her and do something. The care hoe apparently rang my brother, and SIL's son, when she fell the other day, and asked if either of them would take her to hospital! They haven't reported any of the 3 falls to the safeguarding department -they are obliged to do so. I think some heads will roll .

Hope ALL BDers are having a cooler day today x

Well we’re home again. So tired now after unpacking etc. Been a long day. We’re off to bed soon so just a quick post from me.
Candy sorry your dogs don’t get on. You obviously get lots of good walks and companionship from the younger one.
You are very good to take such care of your older dog. Must be difficult to cope with him sometimes.
HVDY now we are home we are struggling with the heat. It was much cooler at sea. Your brother sounds as though he’s trying to bury his head in the sand and not think about the future. I don’t imagine social services will offer much help at home. Yes I’ve got one load of washing done and another tomorrow should cope with all we brought back. Still got half a suitcase to unpack but I ran out of energy.
Your specs didn’t last long. I had the same problem with mine just before we went away. I would be a bit annoyed at the attitude of the Balloon people. As you say, it’s not your fault the balloon ride keeps being cancelled. I do Hope you get to do it soon though. Hope the MOT goes well.
Scaredycat your trip to the sea sounds lovely. I bet it was a bit cooler there too. Glad you had a nice meal with your family.
Aw, that’s a nice thing to say. I’m sure we would get on if we met. I can be a bit of a chatterbox on occasions (as DH would confirm when the poor man can’t get a word in edgewise) but he is a more relaxed manner than me and can talk to anyone.
Your meal out sounds delicious. I love a good roast.
Wyllow Sweetpeasue Ellie Anne thinking of you all. Hope today has been a better day. x

Hi all just back from a visit to our nearest sea side town. The weather was lovely and it was very quiet after what must have been a hectic weekend. I,m sooo tired but glad I managed to walk further than I have lately. The colours and the light by the sea lift your spirits so much - counting blessings.
SweetPeaSue- thanks for B,day wishes - we had a really nice time with our close by family.
Sensible of your DH to resume his ADs especially as he felt they were helping him. Please don’t give up on yours- you should soon start to feel the benefit.
Sometimes ‘ getting on with it’ is all we can do - but I know what you mean as I feel like that as well sometimes.
I hope your pain appt comes soon and that it will throw up some better help and solutions for you. You certainly need some.
Doodle- I hope by now you are safely home. It does sound like you had a lovely trip.
I,m surprised that you have trouble sometimes chatting- you always feel like someone I could talk very easily with.
Hope the weather stays nice so you can get your holiday washing sorted quickly.
Candy- I hate the dark evenings too- when I was younger I used to love them- drawing the curtains,lamps on,all cosy etc.
But now it’s like the day is finished and the night takes over and closes you in.
Ah your dogs sound lovely. I expect the younger one is like an annoying little brother for the other one. Glad you have a companion to walk with- dogs are great they don’t judge they just love.
HVDY- we did have a lovely time thank you- Sunday roasts and puds all round and yes it did taste better.
Your young friend with HA sounds like I felt over Covid amongst other things. The ADs have certainly helped me deal better with it and most of the time I am free of that eternal vigilance- just creeps in sometimes. I think you have been so brave with all your problems - a great example.
Your brother is waiting for the ‘caring fairy’ to,help,him.
Poor man he might be a bit more proactive if you take a backseat for a couple of days.
Can’t believe the balloon trip is cancelled again. The lady you spoke to sounds very ungracious to say the least- you haven’t kept cancelling they have!! The vouchers should stay valid until it’s safe for you to go.
Nadateturbe- had a lovely day thank you. Beautiful weather- we sat outside after dinner til quite late . First time this year!!
When my HA was really bad I would have worn out a zip if I,d had one!! Thank goodness for the ADs.
Don’t know why we can’t settle to our Art- pity we don’t live close we could do it together.
EllieAnne- Glad your weekend wasn’t too bad - did you get out anywhere? Hope you haven’t got Covid and that your GD recovers quickly. We have our jabs in 2 weeks time.
Wyllow- sending love and hoping that you will start to feel stronger soon.xxx
Love to allxxx

Balloon ride cancelled again! The woman on the 'phone was very snotty, said they would extend the voucher (it was a gift 18 months ago) as a goodwill gesture! That's despite it being cancelled 4 times becuase of the weather - not our fault. The next bookings are from Spring next year, and are not available until February. Vouchers are not refundable. Poor.

Oh I do hope you get your balloon ride at last.

How is everyone today? It's a bit cooler, but not much. The specs I bought 3 weeks ago have broken - one of the arms has come off, so I'll need to send them back. Good job I kept the old ones, although the prescription is different, but I can't manage without some glasses. Aqua aerobics wasn't on, but nobody told us until we all got there. My car is in for the MOT tomorrow, and to get a new bumper. DH had a bump in it last Friday. His first accident in 43 years of driving (unlike me, he's never had a speeding ticket or parking ticket either). Balloon ride later, IF it's not cancelled again (it's been cancelled 4 times due to weather). Hope ALL BDers are having a better day. x

Night night dear BD's, I really do read about you all but too bad to talk xx

ScaredyCat Health anxiety - a friend (ex of my Son1) of mine has got that. She imagines she's got all kinds of things wrong with her. She often rings me to ask my advice. When she got Covid, she rang me, sobbing, because she thought she was going to die (she'd had all the jabs). I had to be stern with her - I'm still here, despite being severely ill with Covid 2 years ago (she knows that). Hope you've been out and had a delicious meal. Food always seems to taste better when someone else has cooked it.

nadateturbe The cold water does help, but it's a temporary fix. I'm managing, thanks. How have you been today? It's been too hot here for me (Nottingham) and is still 20 degrees at almost 9pm.

EllieAnne Have a drink, if it helps you. I eat for comfort - sweet stuff. If I'm bored, lonely, fed-up, upset, I eat too much of the wrong things. Hope your GD won't be too unwell and that you don't catch it.

SweetpeaSue I'm glad your husband has started the ADs again. I hope you get through to the GP tomorrow. I wish we'd have a thunderstorm here, it's so clammy.

Doodle My brother feels overwhelmed with all the situation with his wife, but he knows that care home is not right for her. He's pinning his hopes on the social worker ringing him tomorrow and sorting something out. He told me off and hung up on me yesterday when I suggested that he ring around a few nursing homes and try to get his wife moved, so I'm leaving him to it now. Have you got washing and ironing to catch up with after your cruise?

Hope ALL BDers manage to have a more comfortable night x

Evening, just on the way back from caravan. Can’t believe how quickly it’s gone so dark. I hate the dark nights. Think a get a bit of SAD and I’ve been feeling a bit lower than usual so may need to up my ADs a bit.
Wyllow good to hear from you. Glad you’re hanging on in there. I really hope you feel well again soon.
hVDY my dog is mostly blind I think but I think can see very close up. Hope your online shopping is successful and you like the clothes you ordered when they arrive.
Sweetpeasue sorry you are bad today but good your DH is feeling better. Maybe you need to increase your dose too? I hope you have a better day tomorrow.
Scaredycat hope you’ve had a good day today and managed to enjoy your birthday.

Ellie Anne enjoy your wine. As long as we are aware of the dangers and limit our consumption when we can, then it’s fine. Covid is on the rise again. I hope you test negative.
Doodle I’m afraid the older dog doesn’t really like the younger one much. They tolerate each other but the older one has dementia too and sometimes tries to attack him (and us!). We manage ok though. The younger one has been a godsend to me through my MH issues. I love walking him. Hope you have had a good day today. Hope you’re all packed now. I don’t like packing at all.
Wishing everyone a peaceful evening xx

nadateturbe I can chat away to strangers reasonably well bu when it comes to family and friends after I’ve asked the usual catch up questions I dry up. We’ve been lucky with the weather. Not hot like you have all had but pleasantly warm. Nice trip but packing to do now.
Scaredycat hope I’m not too late to wish you happy birthday 🎂 🥳 today. Hope you had a lovely time with your family.
HVDY you sounded lovely and mellow Saturday after your drinks. I love that feeling. Sorry your SIL doesn’t sound as though she’s being looked after properly. Sometimes it needs someone to step in and question things but doesn’t sound as though your brother is much into that. Hope you enjoyed your online shopping.
Sweetpeasue we all care for you and wish we could help. Sorry it’s been another painful one for you. Pleased your DH slept well and is feeling a little better.
Good the ADs are helping him. Don’t be downhearted, it may take longer for the ADs to help you because you’ve been feeling bad for so long and the pain continues. That pain management appointment can’t come soon enough. Sending hugs.
Candy your little dog sounds loved and treasured. How nice he gets pleasure out of things even though deaf and blind. He must take a lot of looking after. I’m glad you’ve got a 5 year old too they will be company for each other. Enjoy your caravan break.
Ellie Anne I don’t see any harm in having a drink if it relaxes you and is something you look forward to. Life isn’t great for you with your issues at home so if it give you some pleasure then why not. Sorry your eldest has Covid. Hope it’s mild and you don’t catch it.
Wyllow keep on going. It will pass. We are all thinking of you. Sending another hug.x

Oh I must wish Scaredycat a happy Birthday. Hope you have a lovely family meal. 🎂X

Sorry cant post to all. Been bad day today for me though just slightly better for DH, at least he slept last night. He's started ADs again of own volition as hed noticed such a difference and felt better after the 4 wks. I thought Id noticed significant difference last few dys but tiday Ive been v down. Had some bad pain and just feel everything hopeless, abandomed to 'get on with it' till Pain Management appt.
DH phoning Drs tomorrow.
Thankyou all. I must try and koko as Wyllow says.
Started thunder here now. Something exciting for us to watch from back door.
Take care of yourselves all BDs. New day tomorrow. Wishing all a peaceful night. x

I’ve been having trouble sleeping too though we are not as hot as some. Much cooler today.
I wish I could take or leave alcohol. When it gets to half ten and he goes to bed I really want a drink.
Weekend not too bad but glad it’s almost over. Eldest gd has tested positive for Covid and I saw her on wed so I’ll test if I get any symptoms.
Everyone look after yourselves.

Scaredycat I hope you have an enjoyable family day for your birthday. HA – thank you. Not easy to deal with. I remember a psychologist once telling me what I wanted was a zip down the front of my body so that I could keep unzipping and checking I was ok. He was right of course, and my anxiety was irrational. But having AF, it must be difficult not to be anxious. I’m glad you have the Ads to help.

Like you I have tidied and sorted art stuff but not got seriously down to painting, just dabbled a bit. Why is it difficult to do something you enjoy?

HVDY glad to hear you have rested. Not glad it's because of your poor legs. I wonder if you put your feet in a basin of icy water? I hope you were successful in your clothes shopping. I need winter things but have no idea what to buy. Watching QVC for inspiration. Your poor SiL, it seems never ending. She's not really safe to be left alone.

Candy, your poor little dog. Great idea to take him for a swim. I'm sure he enjoyed it. Hope you enjoyed your meal. I love roulade, although I limit sweets. M&S do nice roulade.

I agree you have to be assertive and persistent sometimes to get results.

Sweetpeasue, everyone is thinking about you and I'm sure wishing we could do something to help if we could. Good luck with the GP tomorrow. xx

And you too Wyllow3 hoping you are getting through the day.xx

EllieAnne hope your weekend has been OK.

Doodle hope your day has been OK and you haven't been too warm.

It's been difficult to sleep the last few nights. Luckily our weather in NI is due to cool down.

Hope you're all having as good an evening as possible. x

Candy Your little dog sounds very lucky to have such caring owners. Hasn't he got any sight at all? I certainly did enjoy my vodkas. I don't drink on a regular basis - probably once a fortnight or something, I can take it or leave it.

Wyllow3 Hope you have some better days soon.

SweetpeaSue That's what's so nice on here - we all care for each other, and "know" one another, even though we've never met. Hope you and your DH have a better day today.

It's a bit cooler this morning, thankfully. I've been wasting time for the past 2 hours, doing online shopping for groceries and clothes. Hope all BDers manage to have a decent day x

Followed your ups and downs BD's and thank you for wishes - much needed but still unable to write how bad it is xxx

HVDY awful that your SiL hasn’t proper assessment 🤦‍♀️ pity her sister can’t take over her case. Knowing what to say and to who is key. One thing I’ve learned over the years through DS is that you have to be forceful (in a nice way) and persistent. It’s the only way. My dog has been deaf and blind for about 18 months. We used to call him the “eternal teenager” then he became “old” all of a sudden. We’re trying to give him the best life possible in his later years without pushing him too much. We have a 5 year old too so it’s a balancing act. Hope you enjoyed your vodkas. I’ve had a few Proseccos. I enjoy a drink but try to limit is to around 3 days a week .
Sweetpeasue thanks for acknowledging. We care. Take care.
Night all. Wishing everyone a peaceful, restful night xx

Just wanted to say how your posts made me feel so cared about and not alone. They mean more than anyone can realise. I will get back to you all tomorrow. Just thankyou so much. Goodnight all and holing you have a restful night. Hugs to Wyllow. We care.

Candy6 SIL hasn't had a proper assessment by the hospital. I expect they want her out because they need the bed. Medically, there's no reason to keep her in. Her sister in an ex social worker and knows what to say, and who o talk to - but she's 150 miles away, and isn't next of kin. My brother is clueless about what to do or who to speak with. Hope you have a lovely time at your caravan. Your dog is really old, bless him. How long has he been blind and deaf?

I've had a few vodkas and am feeling nicely drowsy. Going to have a shower and watch whatever rubbish is on tv. Night all x

Goodnight everyone. Will answer tomorrow, need an early night. Its been a good day. Hope everyone is OK.
Goodnight Wyllow3.
xx

Evening all.
HVDY your SiL doesn’t seem to be getting very good care. Surely they need to reassess her? It’s good she’s recovering ok but then it must be a worry as to what’s going to happen next. Bless her.
Scaredycat fully understand why your birthday is so bittersweet but I hope you have a nice day with your family tomorrow. It must be nice to have such a big family. I’m glad the ADs have helped with your HA.
Sweetpeasue your poor DH. He’ll need to start the ADs again to help him cope with his other health issues. I suppose GP advised stopping as it’s a bit of a process of elimination. It sounds like he needs a hospital admission to get proper assessments done? Probably easier said than done in the current nhs climate. I hope you are ok and his pain has been manageable for him.
Doodle enjoy the rest of your holiday.
Wyllow thinking of you and sending special ❤️.
Ellie-Anne you too. Hope you are getting through the weekend ok.
Love to everyone else too.
We are at our caravan. Weather been a bit mixed today but we have taken our older dog (16) for a little swim he’s deaf and blind but seemed to enjoy it bless him. We’re going to a local bistro to eat and they do this amazing raspberry roulade for pudding. I don’t really do puddings much but I make an exception for that 😋. Hope you all have a good evening xx

Doodle Glad you had a good holiday. I wish it would rain here. It's too much for me, at 31 degrees.

nadateturbe I really haven't done anything. I'm too hot, and my legs are too painful. How's your day going?

Brother just rang - the hospital is sending SIL back to the home today (the one where she fell 3 times in less than 3 weeks). They've stopped her BP pills in case it's making her BP too low on standing. Not really any assessment done. I expect this will happen again and again. Brother is at a loss to know what to do. He keeps crying and over-thinking everything.

Hi all.
SweetPeaSue- your poor DH - I don’t think the ADs have caused his problems either- I think he needs a blood test ASAP.
I expect the Dr just wanted to rule that possibility out.
I expect the heat is difficult for you both too at the moment.
You keep going because you love each other and being able to help him at the moment is helping you too I believe. I hope you can both have some moments of relaxation this weekend.
Thank you for your kind wishes - we are going out for a family meal tomorrow for my BD- hope it cools down a bit.
HVDY- at least now you can say your appt is next month!! Your list of questions must be getting longer by the minute.
Glad you are having a more restful day today- I,m doing nothing too . Not very good at it but getting better!!
I had a great mental picture of you two doing your getting up from the floor routine😀When I was young I could never understand why older people found it so hard- now I know from experience.
HA is Health anxiety which has been a hard thing to live with and for my family. But the ADs have helped so much . You have dealt so well with these last few years and all they have thrown at you.
Have a nice rest.
Wyllow- so pleased to see your post- just wanted to know you were ok.
Sending love and making a virtual visit to just sit and keep you company.
Doodle- at least the raindrops are keeping you cool!!
It is sooo hot today and talking to my Sis this morning it’s hot where she lives too many miles away.
Thank you for the B,day wishes it’s tomorrows. Yea I,m very lucky to have such nice stepchildren and their families.
We are very worried about our friend but hope things improve
For her.
Have a lovely last weekend at sea.
Nadateturbe- how is the painting going? I tidied up and sorted all my stuff a couple of weeks ago. Haven’t felt like doing anything for ages but maybe this Winter will try and start again.
My DH sometimes rescues me saying I have a call if door step visitors rabbit on. Wish I knew why talking was so tiring - still enjoy a bit of meaningless chatter though!!
HA is Health anxiety. It still lurks in the background but the ADs have helped so much with this and other anxieties.
I do admire how you deal so well with your ongoing problem.
Whiff,Candy,EllieAnne,Allsorts,Hairspray etc hope you have as good a weekend as possiblexx

Doodle Glad you're a little more awake. I marvel at how some of you can write such long thoughtful posts, even when you have little energy!
I tried the sitting cross-legged and standing up without using arms this werk. Used to be so easy, but couldn't move.
It's good to know others have problems with making small talk, although I think going hoarse is a good excuse to stop!
My husband can't see the point in meaningless chatter.
Great idea to show local art in a community hub.
Candy I hope you get funding too. I think since the pandemic there is more awareness of how people can be lonely and isolated and we need these spaces. It actually helps people to stay happy and healthy. .