Black Dog 20

* Nadateturbe*
It's a v sad state of affairs when patients seem to have to bear pain , in our NHS , as never before. It is shocking isn't it?

Very windy again here. Fortunately I'm done Christmas wise. Bought a chicken for tomorrow and intending to have a walk tomorrow if possible.
Pain now subsided so will have to get dressed. Still in dressing gown.
Hope everyone is OK today and Doodle's DH has some relief.x

Doodle - feel so sad for you both. DH for his constant pain and you for the worry that accompanies it. Do hope you managed to get some sleep. There must be something he could take- maybe 111 could help .
Take care dear friend and hope today brings some respite for you both.
Hope this Christmas Eve brings everyone moments of peace.
Love to all xxx🎄🎄🎄🎄

Thank you all. Yes we did manage to get some sleep. The ice pack certainly helps to calm the nerves down and deaden the pain. No, no point in ringing 111 there is nothing that can be done as the doctors are aware and the District Nurses. Just a matter of living with it till the heel heals. The only thing they might suggest is a return to hospital which is, of course, out of the question. That’s the last thing he needs right now.
He is comfortable at the moment the pain killers have kicked in and things are better, thank you all for your concern and care.
Hope you all have a happy Christmas Eve 💕

Doodle Thank goodness the painkillers are now having some effect. No, a hospital stay would be unthinkable, especially at this time of year (skeleton staff, strikes looming).

I've hoovered and polished everywhere. DH has been out to get things for tomorrow (we're going to have curry), and we'll meet sons and families for a couple of drinks at about 3. Hope all BDers have a happy Christmas Eve x

I'm glad it's eased a bit Doodle. And you too Sweetpeasue sending loving hugs to both of you.
Can't write much, have had visitor and now have a long drive to deliver presents. Oh to be normal. I'm sure you all agree.
Keep smiling 🙂

Normal....healthy..... You know what I mean!

Yes we understand what you mean Nadateturbe 😅. Hope your journey not too long there and back.

This is my first post although I have been doing a little reading of this thread. I think I've always had low grumbling anxiety most of my life, not that anyone would have known. An on going family issue flared again about 4 weeks ago. Usually I manage to cope but for some reason this time it completely floored me. I thought I was having a breakdown. The doctor prescribed sertraline and I'm now on day 13. Feeling a little better so far.
We are going for dinner to my step son and family. There will be 17 for dinner. Today I've done 40 roast potatoes and 70 pigs in blankets. My contribution. Will just finish them off tomorrow and take them wrapped in foil and towels to keep them warm. It's only 10 minutes by car.
Last week I was dreading going but now think I'll get through it ok.
I don't think I'm up to chatty posts yet but just wanted to introduce myself. I will keep reading and try to get familiar with all you lovely ladies.
You do a wonderful job of supporting each other. Well done.

* Coolgran65* You're very welcome. Glad the Sertraline is helping and you're finding it a little easier. I'm sorry about the upsetting family issue and I hope tomorrow will go well enough and you have a reasonably good Christmas. Sometimes the thought of having to go somewhere and mix can be worse than the actual thing so hope this is the case for you. It's so hard to have to 'put on a face'. We don't have any miracle answers but sometimes just knowing someone cares can mean so much. Take care of yourself.

Coolgran 65- just wanted to say hello and welcome.
Yes Sertraline does take a while but one day you will get up and realise you feel a bit better and more able to deal with the things that were wearing you down. I resisted for years even during terrible times but March this year the Doctor started me on them. I don’t care if I have to take Sertraline for ever - it has helped me so much. I hope it will you too.
I hope you have a wonderful meal with your Stepson and family- that’s a lot of potatoes and pigs!! Just think last week you were dreading it.
Doodle- glad DH is feeling more comfortable. Have a rest and see after yourself.
HVDY- your poor nephew - I hope his op goes well and he recuperates well.
Enjoy your meet up for a drink with your boys and families. We too are going for a drink and dinner at 6 with DD ,SiL, elderGD and family and younger D and BF. It will be a lively evening! I so appreciate feeling better able to do things again
Nadateturbe- safe journey on your delivery trip. I know what you mean - just like we used to be!!!
SweetPeaSue- so glad you are anticipating a walk tomorrow- hope you enjoy your day.
Wyllow- will think of you tomorrow as always . Christmas hugxx
Love to all

Sweetpeasue, Yes. I'm sure I will be ok once there. I'm also well experienced with a happy face. I hope tomorrow is good for you.

Thankyou * Coolgran65*
Scaredycat I'm so glad the Sertraline has helped you so much. Its always a bit scary starting to take ADs I think. Oh enjoy your meal out with your family and nearest and dearest. X

Evening all. We have just had our first Christmas dinner.
I cooked the Turkey today and decided we should have some tonight. It was really nice and were relaxing now.
Hoping DH will have a better night tonight.
HVDY you having curry on Christmas Day. That’s different but why not. Have what you fancy I think. Hope you have a lovely time with all your family tomorrow.
nadateturbe hope you got all your presents delivered and are back home safely now and relaxing. Hope you didn’t over do it before tomorrow.
Hi Coolgran thanks for popping in. I wonder if you are like some of us who keep our worries and troubles hidden.
Family issues are the cause of a lot of anxiety. I’m pleased you’re finding the ADs are starting to help. My goodness you’ve been busy cooking. I hope you have an enjoyable day tomorrow and everything goes well. 17 is a lot of people to cater for. It’s good you are helping out.
You are welcome to post at any time. You don’t have to reply to everyone just pop in and tell us how you are. You will find we all just chatter on between us.
Please tell us how you get on,
Sweetpeasue hope you’ve been ok today. Have you got everything done that you wanted to? Hope you get your walk tomorrow. I’m sure it will help.
Scaredycat your evening sounds lovely with the family. Hope you all have a good time.
Ellie Anne are you all set. Hope the day goes well and you have a good time.
Have a lovely Christmas Eve all. I’m going to see if I can catch a church service online. Take care all x

HVDY your poor SiL sounds so weak, and the son so ill too. I hope his treatment goes well.They are all going through a very difficult time. It must be hard for your brother too.
It puts all the rushing around into perspective.
Sweetpeasue I'm sure there'll be a nice Carol service to listen to on Christmas day. As you say It's about the message of hope.
About reneging on something, maybe when Christmas is over just "take the bull by the horns" and do it. I'm sure it won't be as bad as you think and then you can relax.
It's good that others are keeping Auntie company, takes the pressure off even you're not able.
Doodle You are right. We need to remember those in our prayers who are going through such terrible times. Like Gaza, and Ukraine is still ongoing. We have so much to be thankful for.
You picked a good time for shopping!
I'm so glad you've had a nice meal and are relaxing. Hope the pulled muscle has eased.

Sweetpeasue sometimes the thought of doing something, going somewhere is indeed worse. So if you can shorten the time you worry it helps. I can manage to do this with some things.
I have a kind of social anxiety but I am more anxious with 1 to 1. In a group I feel fine because the attention is taken off me. It must be awful to fear groups, and doctors should understand.
I hope the pain is still eased, and you and your husband are able to enjoy your evening. I hope the weather is ok and you get your walk tomorrow.

Hello Coolgran I'm glad you got the sertraline and it's helping. Family issues can be stressful.
Hope you have a nice time tomorrow. That's quite a gathering. Enjoy.

Scaredycat I hope you're having a nice evening, sounds lovely, and it must be so good to feel you can enjoy things again. I'm happy for you. I agree, why wouldn't you just keep taking the ADs.

Well, I've been to visit sister and brother. My sisters gc were there 😊 Two little boys. I loved it, albeit a short visit.
My poor brother has had infection in his legs for over a year. Dressings need changed but no one came, and won't now until Wednesday. (Great NHS service). He's such a sad person. Just sits in his special chair every day, hasn't been out for years.
I'm very tired. Sorry if I've accidentally ignored anyone.
Wyllow3 Derby are you OK?
Listening to an album my husband just gave me, Aled Jones new album. Easy listening.

Happy Christmas everyone.
Just wanted to send best wishes to you all xx

Sorry everyone just lost my post!
All I can say is wishing everyone a peaceful and restful, painfree night.
Wyllow Hope you have someone you're in contact with wether it's a Quaker friend or sister. Sending love and wishing you peace of mind.x

Nadateturbe I think there are different social situations that must affect us all differently. I think I'd be v nervous of a 1 to 1 interview for instance. I've been really nervous if I see a MH worker for first time.
I am anxious at the thought of a group discussing pain in PM as I know mine has been instigated by a negligent surgery op. Negligence is a strong word and I would never use it if I wasn't 100% sure.
Anyway ,enough about that.
I've just remembered you asked me what I was reading. Picked it up in a charity shop and it's called The Other Mrs Miller by Allison Dickson. Never heard of author but I struck lucky as it's quite good .
Wishing you a good day tomorrow.

Evening all, sorry I’ve not been on for so long. I’ve had so much to do prepping for Christmas, all in a good way with family coming to stay. I’ve tried to catch up with your posts but I’ve not been able to and so I’m not able to respond personally. I’ll do so after Christmas. Special thoughts to Wyllow and to the new members too. I hope you all manage to have a lovely Christmas and are pain free both mentally and physically. Take care all ❤️ xx

Doodle regarding keeping anxieties hidden, Yes indeed, always. But not this time. I've told my close long time friends, told them I started sertraline and that I'd had my first telephone counselling session. It helped to be open.

Thank you everyone for your welcome. Sorry I'm not using names.

Night night all. So 😴 night night Wyllow