Black Dog 20

SweetpeaSue Has Temporal Arteritis ever been suggested? It can be associated with Polymyalgia. Hope you have a better day today.

EllieAnne You must be relieved you're not going to the funeral. Don't feel dad about it, it's your husband's brother and your husband and son are both going.

nadateturbe Nausea isn't nice. I've had that with this infection. I don't think you're at all old in not socialising much - I'me the same, and so are a lot of people.

Feeling slightly better. Fed the neighbour's cat earlier, had a chat and cuddle with her . Been up since 7.30 but still not dressed. Hope ALL BDers manage to see a bit of sunshine today x

Sending love back to all BD's xx

HVDY I'm glad you feel a little better. Kidney infection can make you feel quite ill. Nice you had a visit to cheer you up. It's hard not to be cheerful with babies there.
I use cold packs from the freezer on my neck . Cold is recommended. And on my eyes too.
Scaredycat sounds like you're having a great time. So happy for you. No head pain today. Wonderful!
Doodle It's good to get caught up on everything but I hope you don't overdo it, when you are coping with the cough too.
EllieAnne I'm glad you decided not to go. Nothing to feel guilty about. You made the wise decision. You'll have the house to yourself for a while too.
I also take omeprazole every day, but it doesn't always stop the symptoms. I often take gaviscon too. And if I feel nauseous ginger tea.
Sweetpeasue I'm sorry you're having such a rough time. I too think you should complain to PALS. Any time I write to my MP on a medical matter I cc it to our equivalent of PALS. (Patient Care Council). It really is not good enough to be treated so uncaringly.
I don't remember what you posted about your husband's headaches. Are they constant? But they should be taken more seriously.
Thanks for the hug, appreciated. My head isn't painful today. But I'm really tired. Felt nauseous for hours during night, 2nd time this week. So I have brought the biscuit tin to bed with ginger biscuits. 😁
The thing I worry about is I don't socialise much with having so many bad days, and it becomes harder. And I'm getting too used to my own company. I wonder does anyone else feel like this, or am I just odd.

Wishing everyone on BD including those not mentioned a peaceful night.xx

HVDY Glad your little chubby chops popped in . Hope you feel better tomorrow.
Not sure about DH's headaches being connected though they did start after he got Polymyalgia.

Wyllow Sending love as always.

Wishing all a peaceful night's rest.x

Doodle The doctor didn't bother to test the urine sample - he (and I) knew from the symptoms what it was. Pandora isn't one of the fox-food thieves , she's in all night. Just been across to her. Owners have left the heating on low for her. Hope your cough soon goes. It's tiring to keep coughing. Hope your husband soon builds up his strength. Does he like sponge puddings and ice cream? Pasta, potatoes and other starchy foods would help him to gain weight.

SweetpeaSue I wish there was something I could say that would help you. It's disgusting that your referral is months away. Could you perhaps email the Urologist? Or contact PALS? Your husband is going through a horrible time, too. Are the headaches being attributed to the Polymyalgia?

ScaredyCat Family is definitely the most important thing in life. Enjoy your time together.

EllieAnne, Candy6, Wyllow3 and ALL Bders - hope you're all getting on ok.

We had a quick visit from DIL and Chubby Chops, for an hour, so that cheered me up. Hope everyone has a cosy evening x

I take omeprazole every day for reflux but sometimes it doesn’t help I was eating indigestion tablets in middle of the night!
I have decided not to go to the funeral. Son 2 and dh are going. I’ve sorted out accommodation and flowers today.
I feel a bit guilty and upset about it but it means I don’t need to put the cat in a Cattery and avoids some stress has been very bad recently.
Hvdy glad you got antibiotics in the end but really !!
Thinking of you all.

Felt so low so not been in ,sorry if I've not kept up.

Doodle Your cough is exhausting you.Its a damned shame when you were both hoping for a relaxing time together back at home. Do hope the Benylin is helping. It's a great choice of ADs for your DH as the Mirtazapine often helps increase appetite and will help build him up.
HVDY Oh 5hrs of waiting in centre 30 mins drive away because your GP surgery couldn't see you-its disgraceful. I despair of what's happening to basic health care! You will be feeling terrible , I do hope the antibiotics kick in early and you get some relief soon. Shambles is a good description. Thank goodness you have a weeks supply to tackle the infection.
EllieAnne Hope you've been OK today and are not having the funeral to worry about.
Nadateturbe I looked your head pain up and it sounds dreadful. I hope it won't continue for very long. It's all you need on top of everything else, I'm so sorry. It must be so difficult for you to post and concentrate on the screen with your neck bent over. Giving you a hug.
Scaredycat I'm so delighted for you seeing your son again and he's stopping for a little while too. The whole family will be sharing your joy , I hope everything is just perfect for you all.
Whiff Such helpful posts to everyone with practicle tips in so many areas. It's amazing how you get around difficulties in your baking and your tips save so much time. I wish I could be in your circle of friends-they sound lovely.

I've just been in pain so much and it's driving me so low. DH waited since Sept for 'urgent' Rheumatology appt (supposed to help with Polymyalgia diag, though decided taking steroids in Sept anyway). He went on Thursday ,on his own, as I couldn't go with him(pain). I've always gone with him. They believe it is Poly, and he had BTests and needs scan on shoulder. But I don't believe his head pains are being taken seriously enough. He's been bad today and something isn't right.
Taking more med than ever myself and everything getting worse.
See , I know I shouldn't have posted.
GP referred me to a 'certain' named Urologist but only got referred to dept Could see anyone including the one that passed me on to the senior one that doesn't think I've got IC. which is no good. Referral 136 dys anyway. Told by GP to call the sec of one he's referred me to. Answer phone says she's not taking messages. GP not right she could help anyway.
Just overwhelmed with worry.
Need to keep going for DH though.

Candy * Nanny* and so many that may be reading though not posting. Sending you warm wishes and hoping you're coping.
Love to all. X

Hi all
Sorry I haven’t posted much - just squeezing as much out of my Sons visit as possible. The time is going so quickly.
Doodle- glad your DH is sleeping better . Hope sleeping propped up helped you last night- you so need some good sleep.
Whiff- my young GGs with Crohns has a card so he can use any toilet anywhere.
My DH has just been prescribed Lansaprazole - hope it,ll do the trick for him.
It’s wonderful having my DS here and relaxing with his Sister and Nieces and their children. Family is the most important thing in life.
HVDY- so sorry you are poorly- it sounds horrible. What a long time you had to wait- you must have felt ghastly . Hope you enjoy your cat sitting!
Nadateturbe- can you use one of those wheat pillows on your neck. I have cervical spondylosis and they do help. But the head pain sounds most uncomfortable. Hope it improves soon.
EllieAnne- hope your tummy settles soon and the weekend isn’t too stressful
Candy- hope you’re relaxing this weekend after what I,m sure will have been another busy week.
SweetPeaSue- hope your weekend is being kind to you.

Wyllow- happy to see your post as I always am.

Love to all BDs old and new and any reading who are worried or in pain.

Whiff I remember the day you got that award and how pleased and relieved we all were for you 😊
Thanks for your thoughtfulness. DH can eat. He has a reasonable appetite. He doesn’t eat fish of any kind so tuna is out of the question. No rice pudding or custard but he does like rolled oats with nuts mixed with yoghurt for breakfast. I have been feeding him chicken, cheese, eggs and vegetables. I have a tin of Ensure chocolate flavour which I think is the same as the high fibre drink you mentioned. Also some Yakut which the doc suggested. The antibiotics have played havoc with his digestive system. Hopefully some time at home will help this.

Ellie Anne I am another binger. Always regret it afterwards and vow never again… till the next time. Hope you feel better now.
HvDY so sorry about the kidney infection. Good thing you got your urine tested but I can’t believe they couldn’t do that at the surgery. Hope the antibiotics kick in soon and you feel better.
I hope your neighbours cat isn’t one of the ones that steals foxies food.
Nadateturbe hope you are feeling better today. I love lemon cake too.

Been busy today trying to get all the washing and ironing up to date and finally put away my chrome decorations!
Sweetpeasue Wyllowhope you’re ok. Scaredycat have a lovely time with your son . 😊

nadateturbe I had to be seen by a doctor as it wasn't Cystitis, which, of course, can be treated with over-the-counter remedies. This was in an "urgent care" centre. The whole thing is a shambles. I finally had a shower and got dressed at 2pm today. Feel slightly better now (had 3 doses of antibiotics now). Would one of those heated wheat bag things help you at all?

How is everyone today?

Whiff very helpful post to Doodle.
You're obviously a carer by nature.
Btw, I love tuna and mayonnaise on toast. Your lemon cake is making my mouth water.
EllieAnne how are you? Have you decided about the funeral?

What a to-do HVDY, doctors surgeries are getting worse. 5 hours. Honestly how long does it take to test a urine sample.
I'll have to think about massage. Everything takes so much energy. I do exercises I was given.
You're very kind looking after neighbours cat.

nadateturbe Sorry about your head/neck pain. Have you tried physiotherapy? IMassage? I hope it goes soon.

Whiff Thank you for the clarification about PIP. That's good to know. It was me who asked about your baking. Your cakes sound delicious.

Doodle A good night's sleep certainly helps a bit. Hope you and DH continue to sleep better at night.

EllieAnne Hope your indigestion has gone now.

I'm not feeling well - got a kidney infection. I started with pain in my flank area a few days ago, assumed it was muscular. Woke feeling dizzy and light-headed yesterday, so DH got a sample bottle from the GP, took it back, hoping to get my sample tested. No, I needed to be seen by a GP but they were the surgery was "to capacity", they said. Advised to go to the walk-in place in the city centre (30mins drive). After almost 5 hours of waiting, I was seen and given a week's supply of antibiotics.

Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day. I'm looking after a neighbour's cat over the weekend - she asked me at 7pm via text last night. x

Ellie Anne can you have indigestion tablets? I have acid reflux was on Lansaprazole but had to come off it after a year as it reduced my sodium levels to much my GP told me to just use Gaviscon when needed as it didn't interfer with my tablets.
What did you decide to do about your brother in law's funeral?

Wyllow always glad when I see your post. Hope one day you will feel more your old self.

Forgot who asked yes still baking. Thursday took a hybrid cake lemon marmalade lemon drizzle cake . Since Christmas I can't use a grater anymore. Wanted to make a lemon drizzle cake so that was my solution and everyone loved it. Baking this week again as it will be for a celebration one of my craft group her daughter and boyfriend got the keys to their first house they are buying yesterday and it's a brand new build with 3 bedrooms So will make cake for the group and one for the happy couple.

Scardeycat hope you are enjoying having your son home and making the best of every minute and wonderful memories .

Doodle I was thinking about Mr D and building his strength back up ready for the next medical help he needs. He probably can't eat big meals and unfortunately he may get constipated due to being in hospital and not eating as much as usual . Plus he may be prone to mouth ulcers being run down . I did this for my husband and mom . Don't know if Mr D likes porridge but I made it with double cream and sweeten it was dark brown sugar. High in calories also the sugar because of the molasses can help the bowels. Instead of 3 meals a day it was 5-6 little meals. Soft things which where easy to eat and digest like home made soup with plenty of veg and red lentils blitz with my hand blender. Stews made with mince meats so no chewing large cubes of meat again plenty of veg and pearl barely. Cottage pie and fish pie. Plus my husband always liked to eat tuna mixed with salad cream on soft white bread. I did cut off the crusts less chewing. Old fashioned puds like rice pudding again made with cream as well as milk,steamed sponge with custard. Bread and butter pudding made with brioche and marmalade instead of dried fruit mix of cream and milk . Infact anything soft I could make high calorie.

My mother in law had those high fibre , protein drinks on prescription but she only liked the vanilla and strawberry ones . It helped build her strength to beable to eat. Again foods I already said.

I know you are probably doing all this plus you need to build your own strength up as your own health has suffered . I know I am guilty of neglecting my own health went looking after others. But it's what we do for our loved ones or in my case I hated my mother in law but couldn't not look after her she was my husband's mom and grandmother to our children without her I wouldn't have them.

We all have a code we live by and I can't not help where I can . It's how I was brought up. Even as with my mother in law nothing was ever right and she denied she had a son or grandchildren after his funeral. I could have abandoned her but I couldn't do that my husband loved his parents but never liked them and they treated him and then me and my family like dirt. But in a strange way by looking after them and never giving up on them it was a way of getting back at them .

Hope all the rest of you aren't in to much pain and get the medical help you need. Take good care of yourselves.

Checking in sending love BD's xx

Sorry I’ve not been around but am reading posts.
Pleased mr d is home.and sorry for those who aren’t so well.
I ve been so stressed and was awake most of last night with pain. Think it was indigestion because I was drinking too much and eating chocolate before bed.
It’s still not completely gone. My own fault.
Hope everyone has a peaceful night and a pain free and happy weekend.

Just a quick one if you are awarded PIP before you get your state pension you keep having it. If you are state pension age and need help with care and mobility you have to apply for Attendance allowance.

I am lucky mind you it only took me fighting for 35 years to get disability benefits and was awarded enhanced PIP for both living and mobility indefinitely. As it was awarded by the tribunal end August 2023 which is a court it can't be taken off me and they back dated it until March 2022 when I asked for the forms.

Any universal credit and health universal credit stops once you get your state pension.

HVDY DH slept well last night. I hope the new meds continue to work.
Wyllow sleep well too x
Whiff I have heard about these cards before. What a good idea.
nadateturbe sorry to hear you’re getting neck and head pain. It’s hard to find a comfortable place if the pain is in your neck. Hope it improves soon
. I did get some Benylin for my cough which has helped but I’m exhausted with coughing today. Been really bad so I think I’ll go to bed sitting up and hope I can get some sleep.
Sorry for such a short post. Take care all and a peaceful night everyone x

Hello everyone. Sorry to be missing recently, doesn't mean I'm not thinking of you.
Scaredycat so very pleased for you having your children there. I can empathise, although I've never had quite such a long gap as 3 years. I hope you're having a wonderful time.
Doodle Glad Mr D is at home. I'm sorry he has to have more treatment, poor man doesn't get much of a break. I wonder do you need something for your cough. Take care of yourself.
HVDY I hope your family are OK. Very annoying about your husband's scan being delayed so much. Not good enough. I'm glad you're enjoying the painting. And I agree ferns might not be the most inspiring to paint although I love them in the garden.
I remember recently you said your PIP stops when you retire, but as far as I know if you are awarded it before retirement it continues. I may be wrong of course but you could check.
Sweetpeasue I get what you're saying about sticking pins in a doll. When you never get a break. A bit how I feel sometimes. But the good times are still good. I'm sure the beach walk was lovely and cheered you up. I don't know how you are today but I hope your pain isn't too bad.
.
Whiff I hope you are well. Thanks for your encouraging posts to everyone. And you are right. When we are engrossed in a hobby/craft it does relax us and help us forget our worries a bit.
Candy I hope your week hasn't been too tiring. It's difficult deciding to retire without your pension. I don't feel able to advise but I hope you get manage to reach a decision that you're happy with.

I haven't been posting much this week as I'm getting continual neck and head pain, not headaches, more like skull pain. I'm told it's cervicogenic. (I can think of better words!!) And apparently it's chronic and can last a long time. And my eyes are affected too, so I'm having to limit screen time.

I hope your weekend is good or at least OK.
Love to everyone on BD.
xx

Did you know about the Access Card for various venues . Shops if you need the toilet and they haven't got a public loo but they will let you use the staff one. . I didn't know about it but a friend at craft group told me about it and applied for mine it costs £15.

www.accesscard.online. You will need a photo id, picture of any benefits and photo of yourself. It's easy to fill in and there is a list of symbols to have on the card . Including ,mental health,needing the toilet etc.

Night night BD's xx

Doodle It seems to be a popular choice of AD. I had asked my husband to ask for it, but he didn't need to, the GP suggested it anyway, when the Sertraline caused some unpleasant side-effects. So far, DH hasn't had any side-effects. I hope your husband gets on well with it.

HVDY Ah that’s the one DH has got too. I asked for something to help him sleep but GP thought something for anxiety that would make him sleepy too would be better. I think I remember you were pleased with it as you wanted your DH to go on it too.

ScaredyCat Have a lovely time with your son. Is he staying with you for a week?

Doodle It's MIRTAZAPINE, an AD. I'm on the top dosage of 45mg, as is Son1. DH has just had his increased to 30mg - the starting dose is 15mg. It's not surprising that your husband is feeling low. I can hazard a guess about what the treatment is but hope all goes well with it.

Whiff thank you, yes the physio at the hospital came and gave DH a printout of exercises to do and showed him how to do them. I’m glad your friend found the hydrotherapy of benefit. Poor lady sounds as though she has a lot to deal with,
HVDY I’m coughing for England at the moment. I ate an apple at lunchtime and I think it irritated my throat.
I hope you don’t mind me asking but I remember you taking a medication that you wanted your DH to take too as it helped you. I can’t remember what it was but thought it started with M. doc has prescribed something for DH as he is a bit low and not sleeping well. This last stint in hospital drained him completely. We are glad to be home but have some more treatment to come (don’t want to mention in GN) which is playing on his mind.
That’s bad about the scan being put back to March. So many delays in the NHs these days.
Scaredycat your joy shines out in your writing. So happy for you. Hope you have a wonderful time with him.