Black Dog 20

Doodle Your Easter crafts sound lovely. Iron tablets can cause constipation, can't they? Hope your cramps have stopped. Could you eat more red meat/eggs/green veg, etc instead?

SweetpeaSue Hope things have gone well for you today.

ScaredyCat My nephew has been recovering well, thanks for asking. He had a radiotherapy session (some sort of one-off treatment) the other week, for the brain tumour. He hadn't had the results up to yesterday, so I'm not sure what's happening about that.

How's everyone's day been? DH looked after Chubby Chops for an hour whilst DIL and I had our nails done at a salon. He (and baby) met us for a pub lunch, which was very good. CC is the happiest, most contented baby I've ever known - she sat with some snacks and cucumber sticks, and played with her toys. Hope everyone has been ok x

Nadateturbe- thanks for explaining about your sight- glad the screens haven’t actually affected it. I think it’s possible to lower the brightness in iPads and iPhones in Settings. Although I expect you have tried that already.
We didn’t walk yesterday as it didn’t stop raining but this afternoon went out with the big Brolley and boy did we need it😩
I wouldn’t colour my hair again - I quite like the colour it has gone now. I love football ever since my Dad took me when I was about 7. Now just watch on tv- not the same though.
SweetPeaSue- glad the hug arrived!! I,m not very good with the kind of book you describe either- I think it’s really hard to concentrate when you are worried about something.
I do hope this afternoon hasn’t been too traumatic for you- at least it will be over soon. We are all thinking of you I know.
HVDY- i really think that’ use it or lose it ‘ is such a true saying. It obviously hasn’t helped your SiL to be so pampered in the past. I always think of Annie every time I walk - I miss her.
How is your nephew doing after his Op. My neice has to have an Op in March to remove a big internal cyst.
Your hair sounds a pretty colour- it will look nice natural.
I expect you,ll feel more like painting when you feel better- I haven’t done any for ages.
Doodle- you’re right it’s the enthusiasm that goes when you feel poorly- and concentration too. Glad you enjoyed your Crafting yesterday- do you have an Easter Egg tree? That sounds fun. Easter colours are pretty aren’t they.
Hope the cramps are gone now- could well have been the iron tablets.
Candy- hope you have a good holiday.
Wyllow- hope you have a restful night tonightxx

Doodle Hope the tummy cramps have gone. It most likely was the iron tablets -they can have nasty affects on stomach.

Sat here in waiting room and bowel going crazy but taken buscopan and diazapam so should settle soon. Only one other person here. Hope Dr remembered he was going to do it for me.
Hope everyone is having a decent day. Quite sunny here.

And back to all BD's, may you sleep as well as possible xx

nadateturbe don’t feel too sorry for us. DH and I do have asthma but the medication takes good care of it and we rarely have problems.
Sorry the screens are so bright for you. Is there any way of toning them down. I dim down my iPad for reading as I find it quite bright in occasions. Glad you went to art. What are you doing in class at the moment? Do you all paint the same thing?
HVDY glad to hear you’re feeling a bit better.
Your poor son the eczema sounds so painful. Must be difficult to cope with. As I mentioned the asthma is bad but really doesn’t cause a problem as long as I take my meds every day. I take a tablet at night and inhalers during the day and mostly I’m ok. If I forget thought I soon know it.
I found that when I was ill recently I didn’t have the enthusiasm for doing anything. I’m sure when you feel better things will improve,
It’s so easy to let others do things for you, you’re right to try and encourage your SIL to do as much as she can.
I’m hopeless at sad films. Anything sad involving children or animals and the tears start to fall.
Scaredycat yes I did have fun with my friend. We weren’t doing anything very clever, in fact we were doing some children’s Easter kits. Painting plastic eggs to hang in on a tree and decorating some wooden Easter bunny shapes. Just something to do while we chat really.
Did you manage to get out for a bit? It was pouring with rain here most of the afternoon.
Sweetpeasue Glad today has been a bit better for you. I was thinking of you this morning. I had bad stomach cramps. Not something I normally suffer from and it was really painful. I was thinking of you and how much you suffer with your pains. So hard for you to cope day after day. I think my pains were as a result of taking an iron supplement which the doctor told me to buy OTC and to take as my iron is low. Iron is low because they want me to take blood thinners. Amazing how many times one thing causes something else to kick off,
Wyllow sleep well xx

I've been scrolling back a bit, I've missed so much.
I laughed at HVDY having a sore throat from talking, yes, I can believe that.
But also that your husband Doodle can only shave once a week as he can't stand for long. I'm sorry to hear that.
And Sweetpeasue your disastrous trip to the supermarket on Saturday. That was so much to deal with.
You're right, we're very fortunate to have husbands who understand and support us. I hope your husband is ok today.
You'll be ok tomorrow, the staff will do everything to make it as comfortable as possible. And we'll all be thinking about you.
Thinking of you EllieAnne and Whiff, apologies to anyone I haven't talked to.

Hope you all have a peaceful night. x

SweetpeaSue They say "Use it or lose it" about some things, don't they? Anniebach used to say keep walking, for instance. My brother used to do everything for his wife for the past 2 years, and all she did was sit in a chair all day, as he was afraid of her falling over - then, of course, her leg muscles became weak and small, and she did start falling over. I started a new painting the other week, but I seem to have lost interest lately. Perhaps I'll give it a go again next week. I hope you manage to relax and sleep alright tonight (have some wine or something if it helps).

nadateturbe My hair is blonde with lighter highlights (and a lot of white). I'm going to have it cut and highlighted in a fortnight and then stop having it dyed, I think. I've heard that the effects of concussion can last a long time. Son1 had delayed concussion, years ago, and had quite a lot of effects for some time. Your husband sounds as emotional as me - I even cry at Dumbo (the original, not the more recent version). .

Scaredycat my actual sight isn’t affected, its the bright screen and reading, my brain cant cope. I can’t do scrolling on tv looking for programmes. makes me feel ill. I wonder if it’s a hangover from the concussion. The neurologist said symptoms can take years to go. I hope the weather improved enough for you to get out for a walk. It’s nice to get out in the fresh air, even for a little while. Our weather has been sunny, but very cold.
The young mothers across the street go out jogging every day. Really annoying watching these fit young things!. My hair is going grey, I don’t want to colour it but my hairdresser recommended caffeine shampoo and it’s looking much healthier. Would you ever consider colouring yours again?
My husband is like yours, so sentimental. he cries more than me at sad films or news items. Big softies!

HVDY it sounds a bit like your sister in law has lost the will to do things. So it's probably a good idea to encourage her.
Your son's eczema sounds bad. So difficult to treat, my best friend suffered it badly. She had to wear cotton gloves under her rubber gloves. It was awful, I feel sorry for him.
Lunch sounded good, especially Eton mess.
Hope the cough goes soon. you're such a trooper. I'd love to see your hair. It sounds like you have a fun attitude to colouring it.

HVDY Yes that makes absolute sense and I know you will have witnessed many instances of that in the people you've cared for over the years. A carer has such a valuable job and experience can't be bought.
Thanks HVDY 🙂

SweetpeaSue It's a pain but it'll go. My SIL was always (before the Alzheimer's) been the type of person who would willingly let others do things for her. A carer was cutting up her lunch yesterday - I thanked her but pointed out that SIL is perfectly able to do it and feed herself (they apparently often help her to eat). SIL can't do some things herself, but the less a person does, the less they're then able to do, if that makes sense. I was always taught to "promote independence as much as possible". I'm sorry your pain was bad but glad it eased off later. You are brave. You endure such a lot. I'll be thinking about you tomorrow x

HVDY Coughing must wear you out it's horrid. Glad the day centre meal was good. As Scaredycat says, it's not that long since you went with SIL. So v sad.
I had my low bladder pain this morning and down legs. Horrible but OK this afternoon. DH not too bad today 🤞.
I've not been reading books for a while so feel a bit of a fraud. Book based on true life event in 1800s. Tbh I can't think of anything but want tomorrow over with. I'm not a brave person at all. So scared. Was going to say 'I'll just gritt my teeth' then realised I can't. Haha.x

ScaredyCat My hair has been every colour over the past 4 years - even a pink hue and dyed silver. My SIL has got no life, really. Such a shame. The only good thing is that she's not aware of a lot. Foxy came at 11pm last night, and had 2 chicken drumsticks, 2 eggs, and a block of cheese. Joggers go out in all weathers. don't they . It's rained every bit of the day here. Did you manage to get out?

SweetpeaSue I'm still coughing but feel ok in myself, thanks. I'm not much of a reader nowadays - I don't seem to have the concentration/memory now. Your book is about a shipwreck and murder then - should be interesting. How have you and your DH been?

Day centre was good - beef stew and mash, then Eton Mess. Hope everyone's been alright x

HVDY Hope your chest is better today. I'm lucky that my chest hasn't been a weak spot ,though my sons needed inhalers when boys , like their father. You are right about getting out- it's all too easy to stay in when you don't feel like facing people. Have you got another painting on the go? Our book is The Wager- a 'worthy'and well written book but a bit too heavy for my concentration as am not in reading mode. Have only read 10pges!
* Scaredycat* Aw that was some hug! Lovely thanks😊 Yes I've noticed that about joggers. I once tried myself -jogged for 30 seconds and walked for 30 over 20 mins. I pulled a groin muscle!
Hope you managed a walk. It's quite damp n dark here too.
Nadateturbe Still mostly Dad's here that watch the footie. DH not a sporty person but managed to persuade him to watch sons when they formed a team,haha. Glad you got out to your art yesterday. Have you a particular subject to paint? Yes I'm grateful that my DH helps out when needed. He's the only one that understands how things really are. You will know what I mean. Others don't see how things are. It forms a strong bond in a way. Hope you manage to renew your energy today.
Candy Hope you're having a relaxing holiday.
EllieAnne How are you? Hope your anxieties about DD are a bit more settled.
Doodle Nice to see your friend for some craft work today. It must help to take your mind away from your worries about DH- just a little.
Whiff Hoping you have not let any upset trouble you too much. You are a kind support to so many.
* Wyllow* A nice gentle hug coming your way and caring thoughts.

Hope everyone's day has been OK. X

Candy It's nice to get out with work colleagues, I hope you enjoyed it.
It's good you have a stand to be comfy at the football. I'm amazed how many of you enjoy watching games though. Is it an English thing? Its mostly dads who watch in NI.
I hope you don't catch anything before your holiday, I'm sure you're looking forward to it.

Hello all.
Nadateturbe- so pleased you were able to get to art again and DH to his music. Your husband sounds a kind,caring person- like yourself. You are so right - housework will always be there but unless it’s essential better to grasp those times when we can see people and do the things we love.
I think screens are quite damaging anyway but so sorry that ME affects your eyes.
HVDY- Hope ChubbyChops escaped your cold and that you’re now feeling better.
My hair is grey and has been for years but it’s not a bad colour. It sort of gradually crept up on me - when I was young I tried every colour under the sun!
I can’t understand why your Sons GP can’t just send a prescription to the pharmacist for him. - everything always seems so awkward doesn’t it.
Maybe Foxy has a secret family.
So sad to hear how badly your SiL has deteriorated- it doesn’t seem that long since you went to Lunch club together. It’s no life for her now- you were so kind to visit when you felt so grotty.
EllieAnne- glad you got to speak to your DD- keeping those lines of communication open is so important and you,ll be able to spend some time with her soon. You handled that really well.
Candy- yes the football Circle keeps going doesn’t it- one of my GGS plays now although I must admit I just listen to his match report!!
What a lovely idea to go out with your colleagues- no cooking either - WinWin!! Hope you have avoided Covid and the young lady is recovering.
Whiff- good to see you here. Why are people so unkind? Life really is too short to be mean and judgmental. You give us all strength.
Doodle- where do those sneaky posts go😩
I didn’t know you both had asthma either- as if you haven’t got enough to cope with.
Hope you have a lovely day with your friend. Look forward to hearing what you make.
SweetPeaSue- I,m glad DH scan was normal but of course that doesn’t help either of you with the continuing worry of his headaches.
It’s good your tongue problem has been seen so quickly but can imagine how scared you must feel inside. Sending you the biggest hug possible. Well done going to book club hope it helped distract you fo a while- you are very brave.
Wyllow- good to see your post- feel happy .when you check in.

Sitting here typing watching people jogging past in this horrible weather . Joggers don’t smile much do they! Hope it stops so we can have a little walk later. Hope you all have as good a day as possible , new and old and just reading.

Night night xx

nadateturbe I'm glad you were able to get to your art class and that your husband went out too. It's important to do things and see other people whenever possible. isn't it? I try to go somewhere for at least half of the week.

SweetpeaSue I feel better than I did, thanks. Still coughing and wheezing but ok in myself. You had a good day. What book did you discuss in the reading group?

Doodle Son2 suffers more with his Eczema (It gets absolutel terrible, almost like very bad scalding). He's been Asthmatic since about 3 months old, and used to have to stay in hospital a LOT as a child. I'm Asthmatic too, but only mildly. You and your husband must have it bad. I hope you have a nice time seeing your friend tomorrow.

Hope ALL BDers have a restful sleep x

Sweetpeasue Very well done on getting out to book group! I hope you had a good time. Sometimes we have to make a huge effort to do things (as long as we can manage it of course).
But we usually enjoy it and also get a great sense of achievement and that makes us feel more positive. I got out to art today and husband to music. Husband had to make breakfast and tidy after. I did absolutely nothing except shower and go. I was actually quite anxious about talking to my friends but it was fine. Tomorrow has to be a rest day. I'm so grateful for my husband. He is still coughing but much better and never complains about looking after things.
I too think you need to push for more investigation for your husband. Poor man, the headaches must be so debilitating.

I feel it's important not to waste energy if its very limited or if we are ill and get a good spell. As long as the essential housework is done, doing something enjoyable, seeing people is more important. Because it's so easy to lose touch and become very depressed.

My eyes aren't great with screens atm (an M.E. symptom apparently) so I'm sorry I can't answer everyone when I post.

Doodle I didn't realise you both had asthma. You have such a lot to cope with. I hope you've rested well, so that you can enjoy tomorrow. I'm sure you're really looking forward to your craft friends visit.

HVDY DH and I have to have assessments with the asthma nurse once a year otherwise we don’t get out meds either. Mind you we both take a lot and couldn’t exist with out it. Sounds like your sons is quite mild.
You don’t sound at all well. Do you really have to see your SIL today.
Sweetpeasue could you video your DH when he’s got a bad head and show the GP how bad it is. I would keep pressing them for some answers they can’t leave your DH like this.
Glad you have trust in the doctor that always helps.
Quiet day for us today after the hectic day yesterday. Got a friend coming tomorrow to do some crafting. First time since last year. So looking forward to something different.

Meant to say , lucky that I've been well enough to do a whole day.Dont think I worded it right. Extremely tired today and just going through the motions but I did go out so its still a positive. Wish I felt some energy. Keep telling myself everything will be OK.

HVDY You don't sound well at all. It was good of you to make the effort to see your SIL but how very sad that was to see her deteriorate so much. Its no life at all is it . I'm so sorry. Our GP usually on 2/3 dys a week so looking like a Monday now. He's on Friday but I have biopsy then. Hope you're feeling better soon.
Nadateturbe How are you? Is your DH any better? My DH not as bad today so far . I've been very luck today and had Psychologist appt this morning and Reading group this afternoon.
Hope everyone else has had a reasonable day.

So very sad HVDY for your SiL to end up like this. And sad to watch.
I'm glad you're OK, but it's awful to be like that regularly. I can empathise.

nadateturbe Thanks, I'm ok. I get like this quite often.

I visited my SIL - What a depressing couple of hours. . She's hoisted (no mobility at all now), catheterised, and doesn't speak apart from one-word answers to questions.
Hope everyone is alright x