Black Dog 23

ScaredyCat That Gypsy tart sounds good. Glad you had a lovely meal. The fireworks were good, and we had a very nice couple of hours. LittleGirl was tired (she doesn't usually sleep during the day any more). DH and I had an Indian takeaway when we got home.

Doodle Glad you saw your friends today. I hope you manage to sleep ok tonight and that you have a nice time seeing your sons tomorrow. Silent fireworks don't have the loud bangs and screeches, just a fizz and crackle. Much kinder to wildlife (birds especially).

SweetpeaSue It's good of you to take your aunt out. Has she ever been assessed for her failing memory? It would be so nice to see a bit of sunshine or a blue sky.

Off to bed soon, so hope ALL BDers have a restful night. x

I’ve caught up with your days. It’s been a nothing dressing gown day. Thank you for kind comments, I’ll talk more tomorrow. Doodle hugs for that feeling, understood.

Night night and see you all tomorrow

Bests for BD’s not in and just reading. xx

His daft face and his previously shaved parts

HVDY glad you had a good time at the fireworks. I like the sound of the quiet ones.
Jaffa looks really at home with you now.
Wyllow hope today wasn’t too bad. Weather not the best to lighten mood.
Scaredycat have you been out, I went to church and got wet standing round the war memorial in the rain but it was a good service.
Sweetpeasue hope you haven’t been in pain today. How is your DH?
I had a nice time with DS 2 this afternoon we had a long chat about DH and lots of happy memories, it was lovely.
Going out to lunch with DHs Brother and SIl tomorrow.
Sleep well all.

Doodle I'm glad you had a nice time with your son. It's good that you can talk about your husband. Jaffa is very settled, responds to me calling him, enjoys sitting on a garden chair on the patio for short periods (he's not bothered about going out much at all), and is very affectionate. Hope you have agood day tomorrow and a tasty lunch.

Son2 has just been here for an hour, chatted about his job, and we had a laugh about things. Hope ALL BDers have been ok today x

Hi all.
Doodle- Gypsy Tart is a small round pastry case filled with whipped up condensed milk and muscavado sugar and we had cream and blackberries with it.
Drinking too much= hangover= misery. I remember🤢
Had 2 hour chat with my DS this morning then went for a walk while DH at Golf. My Sis has to have her gallbladder out now- it never ends does it!! Glad you had a lovely day today.
SweetPeaSue- it’s a job to keep up with Birthdays and Anniversaries couldn’t manage without a big desk diary.
You are so lovely with your Aunt- she must so enjoy being with you both. Has she had any diagnosis ?
Glad you felt up to sewing- sometimes the faces on dolls and suchlike really creep me out. I agree - come back Sun🌞🌞
HVDY- like Jaffas silly face- does he leave his tongue hanging out? It’s lovely when cats are friendly and cuddly- so therapeutic when you have a purry,furry friend on your lap.
It’s great how your DS can pop in as they do- I would love that but mine is hundreds of miles away😩
Wyllow- hope you felt a bit more lively today- dressing gown days must seem very long.
Is it shopping tomorrow? If so how about a couple of treats- there’s some artichoke hearts with your name on them.
Hope tonight gives you some decent rest.
Nadateturbe- missing you and sending kind hugs
Candy - hope you,ve had a good weekend.
EllieAnne- hope you’re feeling better now and the weekend hasn’t been too trying.
Nanny- hope you,ve had some baby cuddles
For all thoseBDS new and old and readers hope the coming week is kind to you.

Oh dear, poor bare-bits Jaffa, HVDY His affection repays yours! Good to have a family laugh.

I’m glad to hear about your long chat with DS2. Doodle, that you really felt you could share.

As ever Scaredycat a lovely long post thinking of all. Yes it is shopping tomorrow you remember. Glad to hear about your DS chat, thats a good long term. Your poor sis - just when things seemed settled for a bit. I can recall just how ill she was when I first met you, you couldn’t talk to her.

I had a shower and did a wash today. Mood not at worst. TMI alert.
But plagued by tum troubles, not “going” - so uncomfortable not really eating - will have to put Tuesday aside for routine when I have to hang around the loo…..

Quiet in here today, but thoughts as ever with “regulars and readers”.

Night night all.

Hi all
Where is everyone?
Hope it means you are all busy with nice things to do.
We,ve had an exciting day doing Housework! If it doesn’t get done today - too bad!!
Wyllow- yes my Sis has been remarkable and is doing so well at the moment. Her Op is not urgent and she actually is more concerned for my niece who is still waiting for hers😩
Those tum troubles are such a nuisance for you. Did you try Movicol? Maybe you need to eat a bit more to give your tum a more to work with. I have stopped the movicol this year and have found that walnuts and raisins at breakfast are very effective. The Sertraline I take is a bit helpful too I think. Try and drink water too as that is essential.
Hope you got on ok with your shopping today- is there a coffee place there you could pop in to or would that be too much to cope with .
Hope DGD is doing well.
Thinking of you all.

ScaredyCat Jaffa often sits with his tongue sticking out. The vet reckoned it was because his teeth were causing him pain. She was wrong, as he still does it despite having 9 extracted . Housework is a necessary but boring task, isn't it. Has your sister got a date for her surgery? I had my gallbladder out many years ago, as a keyhole surgery and went home a few hours later.

Wyllow3 Hope your tum is better today. Did you get your shopping ok? Liquorice is a good and natural laxative.

SweetpeaSue Blue sky and sunshine all day here. How are you?

Day centre today was good. Beef stew, mash and cabbage, then home-made rice pudding. We observed the minute's silence (it always makes me cry) and did a couple of quizzes. Got LittleGirl tomorrow, but she's apparently got Hand, Foot &Mough again, so no playgroups this week . Hope everyone has been ok x

HVDY Jaffa's coat is such a lovely rich colour -ah sure the hair will grow back underneath him. I really am so glad Jaffa has settled in so well.
Oh no ,poor Littlegirl- hope it's not as bad as last time, bless her! She'll miss her playgroups.
Remembrance Sunday has much significance for me as my dad served in 2nd World War at 19 yrs old. He was member of Royal British Legion and at his funeral they placed Union Jack flag over his coffin and walked down with him to the front where they ceremoniously folded flag back up. His birthday also falls on 9th November.
My aunt hasn't been assessed- her daughters' decision.
Doodle It's good you and sons can have long chats about your your DH . I'm sure there will always be things you can tell them about him and so many shared memories over the years. Hope your lunch with his DB and SIL was nice and you could share more memories. It must be good to talk about him and happy times- though there also must be times you can't or its too much. I wanted to talk about my mum a lot after she died -I never wanted her to retreat into the past. My DH had his nerve induction test on his hands today. Results go to hand surgeon. Wish all the consultants could communicate with each other .he sees Rheumatologist next week.
Scaredycat I'm so sorry to hear your sister will need another operation. I'm sure you will be quite anxious as I know how close you are. Your poor neice is having such a long wait- that's awful for your sister too. Glad you had that long chat with your son. You must feel so much better and closer after that though of course you'll miss him so much.
My aunt has not been diagnosed - I think her daughter doesn't want her to be scared, though my aunt, herself, is always saying her memory is bad- I think she might already know, I'm not certain.

Back in a tic.

Just didn't want to risk losing the messages.

Wyllow Good to hear about your efforts yesterday in self care and your mood not at worst. The tummy pain is really awful though. Hope you managed today and are feeling a bit more comfortable before the day's out. I use Movicol too but sometimes it can be difficult to know how much to have with the medication. I'm always worse if I've not eaten the 'right' things during the day. I know you eat healthily when you do eat and don't like sweet things. I can eat porridge with a heaped teaspoon of Linseeds. Beetroot is good, though not everyone likes it. Sorry, can't remember, but did you like your hair-cut?

DH had hospital appt for nerve induction this afternoon and I nearly didn't make it. I always go with him but started with awful pain in lower tum going down legs and in back. The painkillers eventually kicked in but I was afraid I'd have to stay home. I just don't want him to be on his own as I wasn't sure if the test set off pain in his hands and he'd find driving difficult. Managed though felt out of it.
Last MH session tomorrow and don't want to go- been worrying all week- but feel I should because of the other ladies. I don't want to meet up after sessions finish - can't explain here- .
Been feeling depressed and dread waking up on mornings. Don't like to admit it here as it just sounds like I'm a pain. I'm sick of the physical stuff and affects me so much and poor DH.
Too late I've said it now.

Take care everyone and I do wonder how everyone is and those not coming in and just reading. Love and hugs to whoever is having a hard time.xx

SweetpeaSue So sorry that you feel so depressed. It's no wonder, when you and your husband have so much pain and discomfort to cope with. I hope the nerve conduction tests give some answers. All these medical appointments, prescriptions and treatments can get tiresome. Your pain needs addressing properly, doesn't it? You may have said before, but have you ever kept a food diary? By that, I mean a note of what you eat/drink and when you get the stomach pain.

Lovely story about your dad. You must feel very proud. My dad went into the army in 1936, aged 18. He was in the 7th armoured division, drove tanks and served in Africa, India, Egypt and Malta. He got Malaria and Dyssentry in Africa. He was a serving soldier until the end of the war. He then met my mum on a train in Nottingham (he lived here, she was in the ATS, stationed here. She was a Londoner)

Just got my fleecy pyjamas on and am all cosy. Hope ALL BDers have a relaxing evening x

Thanks HVDY My stomach pain is v low down - bladder pain- but also seems to affect the nerves in uterus ( which it didn't before botched op). Don't believe any food is culprit.
How very interesting your own story is about your dad. I understand why the 2 min silence affects you too so much. You must be so very proud of him too . 🙂
So many brave men and glad their time in service is remembered.

HVDY so good that Jaffa has settled and is content to be indoors. I bet he can’t believe his luck in finding you.
Your lunch sounded nice. I had a lovely roast for lunch today too. Nice to see my brother in law and his wife.
Poor Little Girl. I wonder if she’s picking up things from playgroup.
Scaredycat I’m sorry about your sister. She has so much to deal with. Do you know when the operation will be?
I have never heard of Gypsy tart before. I’m not a fan of condensed milk or tarts come to that but the blackberries would have gone down well.
I’ve been out most of the day which is why I wasn’t around. Busy week for me this week. Out all day tomorrow too.
Wyllow sorry about your tum issues, Have you tried Movicol. It works very well but gently. Hope you are able to do your shopping tomorrow. Glad you had a slightly better day.
Sweetpeasue I love talking about DH whenever I can. I spent an hour and a half talking to the bereavement counsellor about him last week and it was lovely. Our sons talk about him a lot.
Good your DH has had his test, will he be automatically referred to the hand surgeon?
So sorry you were in such pain today. Glad you managed to go with your DH though.
Not surprised you’re depressed with all you and your DH are going through. Could you talk to someone at your MH group about how you’re feeling. Perhaps they could offer further help. You’re not a pain. Don’t say that. You’re doing the right thing to owning up to being depressed. Sorry I’ve forgotten are you on antidepressants? Maybe you need your meds adjusted,
So many brave souls being remembered today.
Ellie Anne Candy Nadateturbe Nanny thinking of you all

You did well with all that housework, Scaredycat Yes, I recall all too well just how long your niece has been waiting - not good at all.
I just found out that the Sainsbury’s I shop at is going to get its cafe back, it’s going to be a Starbucks, and is roomy. Hoping was difficult, I was so down. DGD is doing very well - is crawling around with her heavy plasters. Yes movicol might be better.

Tum day is tomorrow, HVDY. As long as Jaffa can eat Ok, you have transformed his little life. Nice food there. Aw, poor LitlleGirl - a bit harder to keep her amused alone. Your fleecy PJ’s sound very comfy.

Sweetpeasue I hope the results of DH’s tests are helpful. I’m so glad you managed to go with him. Yes, probably go to the last group BUT - only if you feel well enough.
Yes,it is very difficult these days to get doctors to communicate, one finds oneself having to make the links. Maybe do what you did before, write a brief summary before the Rheumatologist.
Yes thank you I like my haircut but a lot of hair comes out washing/brushing.
I wake up like that everyday. You’re not a pain saying that….It’s how it is!

Doodle hugs and waves for today and tomorrow.

Crisis coming up. I will be alone at Christmas, thats not unusual for me except for the years with Ex, but I cant get anything together, presents and cards, dont have any ooomfp fighting whats the point.
But just found out that my care worker will be off for 2 weeks. Found out re a phone call from the agency. “Did I want someone else” in that period. Well, frankly, no, another stranger. And not enough MH support. My family all head north to see other family, always have, I’ve preferred a quiet time but not time with no support. Will talk to worker about it on Wednesday.

night night all xx

HVDY Hope Littlegirl isn't too bad .It must have been a bit more difficult to keep her occupied without the playgroups.
Doodle I'm so pleased you are comfortable with the bereavement councellor and are finding it a good help. It can be pot luck sometimes with councillors but she sounds a wise lady.
My DH saw the hand surgeon (he was the very nice man) a couple of weeks ago and it was him that brought the nerve induction test forward. It was originally requested by Rheumatologist. Today DH was called and told that another Dr has now asked him to go for the same test on the arm muscle so has to go back again. Not sure if they missed that or what.The MH group is a recovery thing with 8 weeks. It was 8th week today , so final one but there is a follow up that includes the psychologist I saw some time ago. I haven't found the 'classes' comfortable. Yes , on antidepressants.
Hope today has gone well for you - you'll need a rest after such a full day.
Wyllow Oh I'm sorry about your continuing hair loss. On top of everything else it's a horrible thing to happen and it's so difficult to take on board. Washing is having to clear the plughole every time so water can drain. I hope with yourself it will thicken up when your feeling better and eating more. Christmas can be so stressful at the best of times so I hope you can get some help. I understand about the 'stranger' thing though. Presents , cards - I think you need to be kind to yourself and not expect too much .Could you give Gift Cards this Yr from the supermarket? Celebratory occasions are something to be ' got over' with when people aren't well. So much mental strain and enforced expectations. Glad you can talk to worker on Wednesday.
Scaredycat * EllieAnne* and all not mentioned - hope your day has gone well.

Went to group and felt so nervous. Someone started talking about Ketamine and I felt panicky (my mum was given this a couple of weeks before she died) so leader got me glass of water. Felt so silly. I was silent through most of session.
Wondering why DH has to go back for this muscle nerve test. If they found anything yesterday?
Painwise better day. Thankyou for all your support. X

Hi all
HVDY- oh poor little girl- hope it,isn’t as bad this time. It’s sweet that Jaffa has that habit- he looks so,cute.
My sister has no date for her Op. my DH is like you he had his GB out and went home pretty quickly. Yes the 2 minutes silence is always touching- I,m glad most people treat it with respect. Glad your lunch was nice this week.
SweetPeaSue- you must feel very proud of your Dad - what a lovely story. My DH was in the forces for 25 years - I feel proud of that.
I hope,the tests your DH had will provide some answers to help him. It was a difficult day for you. I,m sorry you are feeling so sad . Your pain and worry have been pretty relentless lately and it’s wearing you out. You are certainly not a pain- you have much to contend with and deal with it bravely. Say how you feel always.
Doodle- it’s lovely for you to be able to talk and share stories about your DH. Your Sons must enjoy hearing things about him that perhaps they don’t remember or even know. Glad you had a good roast- it’s such comfort food isn’t it even the sprouts!
I have been out for coffee and cake with my Art friends this morning . They are such nice ladies and we get together when we can. It’s amazing how quickly 3 hours chat can go. I do hope you have had an enjoyable day today.
Wyllow- Good news about the’ Starbies ‘ coming to your Sainsbury’s. If it’s nice and roomy it might be a comfortable place to go if the weather is pants.
Brave little GD she is certainly a trier despite all her problems.
Movicol can be taken daily - which might help.
I hope your worker can help you to get some support over the Christmas period. Perhaps you could order cards off Amazon and put gift cards in them. But your family will understand if you’re not up,to it. I,just wish there was something we could do to help you find some joy and enthusiasm in life again,.
Continuity of care is so important for you. Think of you every day so sending a hug.
Love to all those who read or post occasionally and all BDs

Wyllow3 Your granddaughter sounds a brave and resilient little girl, bless her. How about emailing your family a gift card from Amazon? No need to worry about stamps and posting anything. If you're alone and feel very low over Christmas, some MH organisations are open, should you feel like ringing -

AgeUK
Samaritans
Silver Line
CALM
and of course, 111

I hope your tum will be more comfortable soon.

Doodle I'm glad you are able to talk about your husband. Your sons must be pleased that they can talk with you about him. I hope you've had a good day today.

SweetpeaSue I hope your husband gets an appointment soon. Perhaps this other doctor feels the problem might be caused by something further up the arm? Are you pleased the MH group has now ended? Will you go to the follow-up one?

ScaredyCat Coffee and cake and a good natter with friends is always good, isn't it. I'll see my friend on Friday for a catch-up.

It's been a long day - LittleGirl 7.30am - 5pm, although she did sleep for an hour. She's not got it so badly as last time but isn't quite her usual self. Parents have got something from the pharmacy for the blister inside her little mouth. DH out with Son1, so it'll be a cosy evening with the cat . Hope ALL BDers have a relaxing evening x

Wyllow my DH took Movicol for years and so have I on occasions. I would thoroughly recommend you give it a go
Do you think you will be able to go to the Starbucks and have a coffee and sit for a while? I hope you get some help over Christmas. Something needs to be sorted out for you.
Sweetpeasue it sounds as though at last someone is taking action over your DH. Hope all these tests help find out what’s wrong. I did have a nice day today but am so tired now. Will have an early night I think.
HVDY poor Little Girl. Hope the blister heals soon it must be painful. I expect you’re tired too. You and Jaffa have a cuddle together.
Scaredycat hope you’ve had a good day,
Sorry for the short post today. I’ve got a headache and off to bed soon.

Sorry I am reading but can’t post.

Scaredycat 25 yrs in the forces - yes you've every reason to be proud of your DH. My dad was a lot older than my mum (35 to her 19yrs) when they married and he died at 56 when I was 20. Your art friends sound nice and it's nice you can have fun with them. I'm sure they love to meet up with you. You are so kind.
HVDY Poor Littlegirl having the mouth blister. Hoping the cream will halt any spread. You've done well today with Littlegirl- hope you managed to snatch a cuppa during that hour asleep!
The Dr that rang DH today gave him appt for end of this month for muscle tests. It's the same arm he has bad circulation in due to the Subclavian Steal Syndrome he's been told he has.
Not sure yet about 'follow up' MH group. The psychologist I went to talk to for a long time will be there apparently. I think I'm scared of everything being 'done and dusted' and going it alone. Still get wobbly days but I'm much better mentally now.
Enjoy your well earned quiet evening.

EllieAnne I've been thinking about you as I know we all do. Thanks for letting us know you're there - hope if things are extra difficult right now you soon have some relief. Take care of yourself. We care. x

Night night Doodle. Hope the headache clears soon.x

EllieAnne sending very special thoughts for your situation, I’m glad you posted even if you cant say anything today

I’m glad that your pain was less today, Sweetpeasue. And I really hope you can clear up why DH has to go back and help can be found.
I can understand your not being sure about the MH group, excpet now you have the psychologist whom you know -increases the dilemma!

Glad you had a lovely chat with your Art friends today, *Scaredycat. 3 hours is a long time!

Thank you for your practical ideas HVDY. That was a long day with LittleGirl. Poor little soul very under the weather. I hope you enjoyed your cosy evening in with Jaffa.

Sending hugs Doodle and hoping the sleep clears up your headache.

Thanking you all for posting kind wishes for my stuckness.

Today didnt work out too well tum wise, will ring doc about Movicol as suggested.

Dressing gown day, didnt wash, got through it. Yes will talk to care worker tomorrow about more help.

Yes for vouchers or maybe try to find a family food hamper for my family for Christmas. Get some encouragement for writing a few cards.

Wyllow Hope your talk with the care worker today has helped and she's been ae to come up with some helpful suggestions. The Christmas food hamper sounds a great idea for the family. A really caring thought .
So hope the call to Dr's didn't turn out to be a big problem- a request for Movicol should be pretty straightforward you'd have thought ...🙄
You might need to take what you usually take with it as the Movicol may take a couple of days , depending on how your tum is. Hugs
Xxx

Dressing gown day myself today. Took painkillers this morning then went to bed for 3hrs and wanted the world shut out. Felt so tired and just wanted to be left alone so not in any mood for book group or anything else.
Got date for Rheumatologist-June. Expected really as Fibromyalgia not high on priority. Think I'll look up an online group to see how others cope.
Need to get myself sorted tomorrow - picking up DGS from school and having Fluffball.
Hope everyone's day has been as well as can be. Thinking of you EllieAnne