Black Dog 22

Doodle, not trying to fix the situation and its very early days but Griefworks is worth a look. Julia Samuels.
Its an App and on line community or she writes books.

Well done on those chores Wyllow

How is everyone? It's cold here, windy and raining. Went to aqua aerobics but didn't do some of the exercises - all the jumping and kicking. Got pain but it's manageable, thanks to the Codeine. Brunch with my friend. Just put the heating on for a while!

HVDY Managed F2F with different GP who phoned hospital and now sat in Emergency Day Care. DH had blood tests , now waiting for Dr. Being taken seriously thank goodness!
Sorry about pain ,hope it stays manageable.

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sweetpeasue good work. hope you get some results, and aren't there too long. xx

Been here 3 and half hrs so far and DH looks so bad. They are sending him round to opthalmology dpt to see if there's any eye damage, which can happen if Temporal Arteritis is left too long. They believe that's what it is ,so far.
Not sure how long we will be here.

Good afternoon everyone. I hope this reads ok. I visited my son and DiL yesterday, hadn't seen DiL for months, although they live 45 mins away. It was good and i stayed too long, (2 and 1/2 hrs)
but I was enjoying it. So today, an hours tidying and now the afternoon is for GN. I do wish we had more sunshine. It always lifts our mood. I'm dreading winter coming. How depressing is that?
I've tried to read and chat to everyone. I'm sure I've missed a lot.
Thank you everyone for your kind remarks about energy. When I listen to you I am very aware of how little I manage to achieve, but I'm trying. It's great to have such understanding from people who don't know me. I wish my friends and family understood more, and made allowances. My eye problem is ongoing but I'll get there. My daughter is going back to work and they are accommodating her needs, which sounds hopeful. My son, I am worried about him, but also annoyed, as he has left his lovely partner to cope alone with his sudden departure. She is so affected by him leaving. I'm so puzzled, there were no signs.

HVDY Firstly, sorry about your balloon ride being cancelled. Is it ever going to happen?! What a great sleep on Saturday night. Isn't it lovely when that happens? I'm sorry your hip is bothering you so much. I think you're right to go easy on the aerobics. Just do what is safe. I would never take codeine and wine together. Does it not make you fall asleep? What is your dress like that you've ordered? Nice to think of GD too. I must try thinking of things like that.
Fence painting and then lasagne! Gosh. homemade lasagne is delish, I used to love making it. My first husband taught me many years ago, his grandmother was Italian. But it seems like a mammoth task now. Perhaps if I prepare the cheese sauce early and split up the tasks. .
Wyllow Thanks for your kind thoughts. It's great that you managed to shower and do some washing today, after having two what's-the-point days.. I hope you get some more help soon. Are you in touch with anyone else yet?
Whiff, thank you for sharing with us about your husbands funeral. You must still miss him dreadfully, and you had such a hard time afterwards.x
EllieAnne Concert, I've missed that. I tried to find it by scrolling back. Glad you enjoyed it. I'm sorry life is so bad for you. I don't want to take ADs either, but I somehow wish I would. They sound so helpful. I just remember side effects from them many years ago. I think U3A is a good idea. would maybe give you more to do in winter.
Sweetpeasue how did it go contacting the GP? Your garden sounds lovely. I wish you could come and do mine. It's gone downhill recently. Thanks for understanding, and for your prayers. Appreciated. Rest days are unpredictable, I can be in bed or do a little painting. But mostly jigsaws. I picture myself being described as "the little old lady who spent the last years of her life in the bedroom doing jigsaws". lol. Fence painting and ironing, well done. You definitely sound more cheerful .in spite of your pain and worries about DH. I hope you get somewhere with the appointment today.
Zakouma66 Well done on going for a swim. Neurotransmitters is an interesting area under research. There's something about autoimmune conditions and brain getting the wrong signals. It sounds very logical to me. All they need to do is find out how to reverse it.
Doodle. I can't imagine how you are feeling. Even with my mum the feelings were so hard to cope with at that stage. Just the thought that I could never hold her again. See her smiling face. So my heart goes out to you. I wouldn't even try to offer advice, except one day a t a time. I'm glad your children are looking after you so well. It's good that you're eating.
Scaredycat, I hope your echo wasn't too uncomfortable, my last one I was lying at a very awkward angle. Good news that the fluid around your heart isn't any worse. I'm sure that was good to hear. My consultant usually arranges an appointment after it's done so youll probably get the results then, I hope it's ok. i have a checkup tomorrow. . Four generations together, that was a lovely afternoon.
Thanks for your kind words.
Candy lovely post to Doodle. Yes, after a while we do come to terms in some way. The pain is always there, but it becomes more manageable. I know it's great helping with gc, I wish I had the chance, but it's important not to overcommit yourself. My brother and SiL are shattered and fall into bed when the GC are collected.

Sorry if I've left anyone out. not sure whenI'll manage to post again, but will be reading. love to all.xx

Poor husband Sweetpeasue. Hope he's OK.xx

SweetpeaSue you might be in for a much longer wait, but I'm so pleased that at last, someone is doing something about your husband's pronlem. I hope he's seen and can go home soon, but IF he ends up needing to be admitted, he'll surely get the correct diagnosis and treatment. It just goes to show that a 2nd opinion can be helpful

just popped in to wish you both the very best Sweetpeasue

Thanks Nadateturbe
HVDY I'm just so annoyed that the first GP wouldn't listen . We'd been there 4times to tell him we thought it was Temporal Arteritis and I was so forceful the last time. He just wouldn't listen and kept saying he thought it was stress related. He finally agreed to write to Rheumatologist but he said that I'd been reading up and thought it was that. ,but he didn't think it was. What sort of letter is that? A week later he got notice his July appt was cancelled and another made for Jan. I think by him making light of it could have been reason Rheumatology postponed.
GCA a serious and painful condition as you will have read
I've been a wreck over it. We really put it right this morning that he'd had vision problems as other GP said he hadn't.
Anyway so relieved now we're here.
Be in touch later.

Aw thanksWyllow x

nadateturbe I only had the 1 glass of wine, a few hours before the Codeine, so I was no more drowsy than I usually am . The antidepressant has that effect on me. The dress I've ordered is a wrap one, navy blue with white polka dots, 3/4 sleeves and a V neck. I didn't want to spend a lot (can't afford to) on a fancy dress, but I'll wear this one again. Need to find shoes/sandals now. The weather is miserable, but I'd rather have this than scorching heat. It was nice that yous aw your son and DIL. I expect you had a good old chat. As for your other son leaving his wife, he must have his reasons. It's difficult to not be upset, though.

HVDY good to know. There are times I've needed a painkiller and was afraid to take it because I had drunk wine.
Your dress sounds nice, and one you will wear more than once, which is good. I hope you find shoes that are comfy.
I get what you're saying about DS having reasons, I hope you're right. He's not keeping in contact now.

zakouma thanks for the tip I’ll look it up. How are you today?
Sweetpeasue pleased someone has listened to you at last . Good your in hospital hopefully DH will be getting the correct treatment. Do let us know how you get on.
nadateturbe how lovely to meet up with your son and family.
Sounds as though your really enjoyed it.
Good to hear your daughter is being helped by her work. Hopefully that will set your mind at ease a bit. I know you are worried about her. It’s a shame about your other son and his partner. She sounds a nice person and you obviously like her. It’s always sad when relationships fail.
HVDY your dress sounds really smart. Lovely for the summer. I’ve been looking for some summer sandals but I have painful feet so can’t wear anything scrappy or fancy. I usually get them from Hotter as they have wider fittings.
Wyllow hoping for a better day for you today.

Ellie Anne I can understand about the ADs but perhaps there are some more modern ones that would work for you but I do understand about not wanting to take them. I’ve got some tranquillisers /sleeping tablets which the doctor gave me, I’m so tempted to take them but don’t want to get addicted so haven’t touched them yet,
Glad the concert went well.

Doodle- it must be lovely to be able to watch your videos | such a precious thing to have. I,m so glad you can- I have no videos but lots of photos.
I,m glad you had a good lunch and that you are able to eat and enjoy your food. What lovely Sons you have. They must take after their Dad.
Zakouma- well done with the swimming . I guess it was one of those things when you are really pleased that you,ve done it but the thought of it a bit daunting. Do you go alone or with a friend? Hope you had something nice to do today.
HVDY- rainy and cold here too- lovely June weather!!
Just the thought of jumping and kicking makes me feel ‘hurty’. I think you’re brilliant going to Aqua Aerobics.
Your new dress sounds lovely- I love polka dots.
Have a good day with Chubby Chops tomorrow,.
EllieAnne- so pleased you enjoyed the concert and had a walk too. It’s a shame about the ADs not suiting you but maybe there might be ones to suit you better now.
Wyllow- well done with the shower and getting some washing done. I know what an effort that must have been for you.
You really are KOKO.xx
SweetPeaSue- thank goodness that at last your worries re DH have been taken seriously and that he should now get the care he needs whatever the diagnosis.
Wishing you both kindness and the best of care .
Nadateturbe- thank you the echo wasn’t uncomfortable but I once had -like you- a very uncomfortable one. Yes hope I get a consultant appointment- but won’t hold my breath!
Glad you had a nice visit with your Son and DiL. I think you manage wonderfully with what is an unforgiving illness .
We feel like you too and dread the thought of Winter. Just seeing the sun out makes you feel lifted doesn’t it.

Tomorrow we are going to stay with my Sister for a few days .It is ages since we went last and I can’t wait to see her and all her family.
Whiff,Nanny Allsorts, and everyone who posts or just reads wishing you a peaceful night.

nadateturbe Your son will always be your son, no matter what. Perhaps he's probably not in touch at the moment because he thinks you'll want to ask questions (as mums, we do), and he might be wondering what to do about the whole situation.

Doodle I hate buying shoes - I live in trousers with trainers or these Sketchers (the most comfortable things I've ever worn). DH's sister is mother of the bride and plans on wearing flip-flops as she's got terrible bunions. We just need some decent weather. How has your day been today? I think you're wise not to take tablets unless you really cannot sleep. Have you had the heating on? It was so cold here earlier, I put it on for 45 minutes. In June!

EllieAnne Glad the concert went well. The ADs today are quite different to the ones from years ago. I was on Prothiaden about 35 years ago, for 9 months. I felt like a zombie on them. If you can manage without anything, fair enough.

I hope SweetpeaSue's husband is getting on ok.

Sweet pea sue so glad you are being taken seriously at last. I hope you don’t have to wait too long.
I’m sitting by the sea(in car because it’s really cold) watching the sun go down. I’ve been to my bible study group but don’t want to go home yet.
I was on prothiaden years ago. They made me lethargic and I put on wait
Been on several others since.
Nadateturbe family worries get you down. I’m in that place too.

Thankyou all for your good wishes.
Just got in. Been there over 7 hrs and was told by a Dr he believes its definitely Giant Cell Arteritis. DH looks so ill. We're told an opthalmology Dr would come up after seeing his patients. Only us sat there in the end. Asked a couple of times is the Dr def coming - was told yes. Then at half 9 a nurse came to give him more steroids (he has to take 60mg a day) and said we have to go back tomorrow to see him.
Very tired and though relieved now believed so worried that him having it so long there's no eye damage.
Love to all. X

EllieAnne I'm sorry you're in the same position. It's hard to put it out of your mind.x
HVDY thanks for your good advice about my son. I think you're right - worried about me asking questions. I'll take that on board.
As you say he's my son. And he must have his reasons.

Sweetpeasue I'm glad that you are at last believed. I pray that your husband is ok and has no eye damage. It's disgraceful that you have had such a struggle and perhaps at some stage you will complain, but the important thing now is to look after your DH and yourself. Hope you get a good rest tonight xx

Well done on aqua aerobics , HVDY. That dress sounds great. I hope you find the right shoes.

Warm waves Zakouma.

I’m glad you got to see your son and DiL, nadateturbe. I wish your family understood more, too. Its difficult to know how much to tell them about how we feel.

( It will be a week or so before more help. Forcing myself to shop so I have food today, but no appetite for life. I look at the flowers and the sun to music - and nothing speaks to me)

Doodle on those meds - you can just take them now and then and not be addicted, if needs be -they are for Bad Times after all x

Scardeycat I hope all goes well with your sister, I know you are close.

Ellie Anne sorry its so hard to go home.

Such a long wait, Sweetpeasue I hope its a lot better tomorrow.

Best nights, all BD's

Scaredycat I'm sure you're really looking forward to your visit. I hope you have a lovely time and the sun shines a bit and you don't get too tired.
HVDY we used to have ShoeZone here which was good for choice and great prices. And I have a shoe stretcher as well.
Wyllow3 it's awful to feel so low. I assume you're on ADs , I can't remember. It's good you went shopping. Things will improve. Just keep trying for little achievements each day.x
Doodle I take amitriptyline for sleep, but only every 3-4 nights. I've done it for years.
EllieAnne I hope you didn't have to sit too long before going home. I wish there was a solution to your intolerable situation. Sending hugs.x
Thinking of you and DH and hospital appointment Sweetpeasue.

SweetpeaSue At last someone has listened to you and shown that your husband has got GCA . You were right all along. Your GP was very wrong in dismissing your concerns. I hope today's appointment goes well for your husband.

EllieAnne I hope you didn't sit in the car for too long. Your home situation sounds intolerable.

Wyllow3 Koko, you're doing well in going shopping. Little by little, you'll get there.

nadateturbe Both my sons split with long-term partners and it was all very upsetting, but both are in happy and settled relationships now. Your son will need your support.