BLACK DOG 26

Wyllow Our surgery's system-- ring ip at 8am join the queue- receptionist asks you about reason and GP you hope to see. Then GP calls ' sometime that day and ,usually, discourages or doesn't allow a F2F and wants to deal with it on phone. Can't make pre- bookable at all.
So, got through this morning and awaiting call.

Got a quick note from Sweetpeasue, she's in there now. 👏

Busy, busy, but lovely carer number 2 is here helping out (and nattering, its a bit hard to do stuff and not natter) Targets are, it being nice for my Nephew and wife tomorrow, and later of course the big bike pickup...

..it dawned on me why they thought I was daft about matters - my previous bike carrier was high up on the car back, so needed no new numberplate, so of course for that I have to bring in my licence and the V5c proof of ownership.

Will I get cross about the borderline mocking - no I attempt "charming" as things will run smoothly.

How have others days begun? I don't like singling people out, but nadaturbe I just so hope you can get out of bed today, and Ellie Anne you drive goes OK.

Quick update.
F2F with GP and in there 40mins and thorough. Believes its Subclavian Steal ,took BP in both arms and top BP figure 60 less than R arm. Couldn't find any pulse in left arm because of Vascular deficiency. Agrees shouldn't have been dismissed by Vascular consultant-- twice! Could send to a different hospital and trust but no Vascular team there so would probably refer back to consultant who dismissed the SS. ( the Vascular consultant said he wasn't bad enough as didn't keel over when lifting left arm up.)
GP is referring DH to Newcastle Vascular team as urgent referral though couldn't say how long it would take. Sigh. With Dr's strike I'm guessing delays .
I'm obvs still terribly worried. If we went private it still couldn't be in this area with this local Vascular team.
Still thinking about other options ( ie calling 999 on weekend - I know - not advised by local authority because of strike)

Back later.

Hey, what about you? 🫢

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Today has been the most steep learning curve for a ver long time, brain and brawn and keeping steady.

Phew.
Back later.

But I am very glad about the Newcastle referral, Sweetpeasue, its clear at last and though hour hard work you've got it.

But hey, who cares for the carer? When do you get to talk about needing support?

Evening all
Nadaterturbe I’m so sorry you are so debilitated, it must be so frustrating for you. If the weather is pleasant enough, are you able to sit/lie in the garden? At least it’s a different view and you could get some fresh air. Sending you a big hug 🤗.
Ellie Anne I hope you got to your destination safe and sound. Brave lady.
Sweetpeasue good news about the referral. I imagine it will be in a bigger hospital then? My theory is that the best doctors work in the bigger hospitals so DH will hopefully be seen by someone who really knows their stuff. I hope you don’t have to wait too long.
Sorry can’t respond to everyone personally as we are on our way out to walk the dog and stop at village pub. Hope all ok and have the best evening possible.

It's OK Wyllow I can call trainee psychologist - she said if I needed them again. Didn't want to risk GP not giving F2F about DH- if she thought she'd have to do it for 2 appts ( myself too).
Yes, I'm getting so stressed about this cock-up with the Spirometry test that wasn't needed and has gone on since last November. Now DH has to wait again for another referral.
I can ring trainee psychologist Monday .
Just so extremely tired now and just feel like crying. Going to look up private Vascular consultants just in case we have too long a wait with NHS.

Hope everyone is ok.
Wyllow Lovely bike there and saw what you did with Croc on the back.
EllieAnne Hope you've been OK travelling and have arrived at DDs.

Candy Was good to read your post and yes, it is encouraging that the Newcastle hospital is bigger. Should be better Dr's I think too. Hope you have a nice walk and pub meal.

Sweetpeasue. Is the Newcastle vascular team the same one DH saw before or a new one. So pleased the GP listened to you. Hope you get an appointment soon. You could phone the secretaries at the hospital and ask them how long an urgent referral will take. Hope you tt a copy of the referral letter so you know it’s been sent and who to. My advice would be to keep phoning them. Make sure the referral is received and then keep phoning till you get an appointment. Well done for perseverance. What a trying time it is for you.
Wyllow the bike looks good, hope you have lots of nice places to cycle near you.
HvDY you’re certainly doing a lot of decorating. Will you be finished when this bedroom is done. Colour scheme sounds nice. It’s hard work decorating though.
Ellie Anne thinking of you and hoping you’ve arrived safely, Hope all is well and you cope fine.
Scaredycat nice you’re having a relaxing time and enjoying yourself. Hope the weather is being kind to you

Hi all
Wyllow- hope you enjoy your time with nephew and his wife tomorrow. Family time you so need.
Great looking bike- I remember Chris Boardman in Tour de France. Your pillion passenger is a bit snappy.
HVDY- enjoy your weekend Barby.
SweetPeaSue- Hope DH doesn’t have to wait too long for his appt and well done for your dogged perseverance .
Please now take care of yourself - Wyllow is right.
Candy- hope you had a good walk and enjoyed your drink afterwards. Nice way to spend the evening.
Doodle- So far so good with the weather- it was very windy today but dry. We sat on the beach with seals going in and out of the sea- such a lovely thing to watch.
EllieAnne- hope you had a hassle free journey and are now feeling less stressed.
Love to all. May your nights be peacefulx

Aren’t they lovely

Thank you all. I m here safe. Was a bit scared at times. Getting on well with the cat. She’s a beauty but it’s odd watching her walk on three legs.

SweetpeaSue What a trial - you've been right all along, it seems, about the Subclavian Steal. I'm glad your GP was thorough and is making a referral. It should have all been sorted out ages ago, shouldn't it? I hope your poor husband won't be waiting too long to be seen by a hospital doctor. He's lucky that you've been so persistent. It's hard, but please try to rest a bit.

Wyllow3 The bike looks good, and I see you've got the croc on the back . There are some lovely places to cycle to in Derbryshire. Hope your visit tomorrow goes well.

EllieAnne I trust you got there ok and that all is well.
Nadaterturbe Hope you had a better day today.
Candy6 Did you have a meal at the pub? I love doing that.
Doodle After the bedroom, it'll be stairs/landing. The trouble with decorating one room is that everywhere else looks shabby. Have you been out today?

DH and I had a pub lunch, then looked in various charity shops for things for Little Girl. Got a few nice books and an electronic toy for her (cleaned them all well), then we sat outside a nice bar and had a beer. It turned cool at teatime. x

Good evening everyone. I hate that I haven't the energy to comment on all your posts.
HVDY I'm sure your bedroom will be lovely when it's finished. I love a total makeover.
That was a nice day out. Charity shops are good for children's toys.
Wyllow3 it's wonderful seeing how well you are doing. I'm so pleased for you. Thanks for your YouTube links and advice. Wishing you lots of happy cycling with your new bike, but yes, get used to it before attempting a long trip..
Scaredycat I can't believe your DC are that age. You don't sound old enough! Your beach photo is lovely. I'm glad your holiday is going well.
EllieAnne I'm glad to hear you've arrived safely and the cat is comfortable with you. There's lots on BBC Sounds if you have no TV.
Candy thanks. Hopefully get some fresh air tomorrow. Sounds lovely -an evening walkto the village pub with your dog. . I love the village pubs in England, so different to Northern Ireland.
Doodle Sounds like you've had a lovely day with friends. Mint sauce isn't my thing. I'm more likely to smother everything in mayonnaise. I hope you're ok and having a good rest now.
Sweetpeasue I'm sorry you're still having to wait for answers. It sounds like the GP today took his time and listened. But I know it's depressing and worrying for you. Perhaps you could ring when you are notified of the referral, ask how long the wiait is and say that you are available at short notice if a cancellation comes up. Take care of yourself too. It was good you managed an enjoyable outing yesterday. M&S jewellery is nice.
We are NT members (not that we use it much). But I love visiting those grand houses and all the history.
Sorry if I've left anyone out, love to everyone.
Not been out yet, not enough energy but up and dressed today. Did jigsaw. Head gets dizzy and eyes strain easily although its eased a little as I have rested them. Think I needed to rest again today, and then hopefully energy will pick up tomorrow enough to go out.

Wyllow3 I do posts as draft emails. Then I can do a little at a time eith breaks. Then select all, copy and paste inbyo GN. . It's the only way I can do a long post. Also means it can't be lost .

With breaks.
Paste inside GN.

This us what happens when you don't preview!

Crying is fine, as it lets out the tension, and maybe there is some relief in there, that "the" proper appointment is now to happen, Sweetpeasue

Yes, nadateturbe I have started previewing, but made a right mess up on one of the Gaza threads 🫢. As for spelling, BD's will notice quite a few here, but to me in BD's it's fine, except when it changes the meaning (opps).

I like your little bits approach.

I do it myself unless its one of the "Essays"...it makes sense on a thread where there aren't too many people.."essays" get written first (just as well), but they are usually bits of the diary I'm still keeping but with less obsession now.

You did really well with that long post, and yes, a wee bit of fresh air could lift your mood tomorrow. Being an NT member is good, you can do very little or a lot, in their many varied places, and there is always a cafe.

A huge well done you, Ellie Anne and what a nice pic too. I'm glad there is a furry friend there.

Was the meal out nice, Candy, what did you have?

Oh, Scaredycat, you just give me the encouragement to travel! It reminds me of St Davids and Whitesands beach, and saw many seals there. they were the best times with Ex too, because he was far bolder than me travel wise, I would never have gone to Crete 3 times without the support.

Well done the croc spotting you and others 😊

PS Doodle - I have drafted a short letter to Ex, which got the full thumbs up from DocSis. it commits me to nothing, its left in his hands if he even wants to respond, but I've said what I wanted to.

I know your bedroom will be spiffing, HVDY, you are a top practical and emotional organiser. I hope a not give away too much pic might be possible. The toys in charity shops are just wonderful, I dont understand why more people dont go. My DiL is very into them too, with 4 children she has a buy and return system running and the 9 yr old girl is totally into going with her.

TBH I dont need practice on the bike at all, except to get used to the gear changes. I have cycled all my life - as a kid, bike outings with friends - when I was about 10 me and friends cycled all the way from Hull to Hornsea - used it for school - used it to get around as a teenager...

at Cambridge it was all bikes -
(before you think I'm dead posh or top brain, I was a girl admitted because the womans college I went to - Newnham - realised they only had girls from public schools or grammar schools so had a special scheme for the likes of me, it was difficult at first, I wished I had gone to Leeds with bessie friend till a kind tutor took me under her wing)

..then I didn't get a car until I was 33, so it was all bikes again, then bike outings with son on a child seat....you get the drift.

I'm up late cos I was so tired I dropped off until 7.30 and dont have to get up. My busy and extremely demanding week is over: I have things most days next week but they are nearly all good nice things - just the hearing tests at Boots will demand a lot of concentration when they measure the frequency levels.

Night night to all BD's, reading, and posting.

Hi all
EllieAnne- you made it!!So glad you got there OK . What a beautiful cat- was she born with 3 legs?
Try and enjoy these few days of freedom to do as you please- the little cat will be happy to have you as company.
HVDY- Charity shops are full of treasures aren’t they. Yesterday I saw a huge teddy in one very clean and fluffy and only £5.
It’s lovely in the warm weather to sit outside with a drink together. Hope the weather is OK for your family BBQ tomorrow.
Nadateturbe- thanks for that lovely long post- it must have required a lot of effort. Hope you have been able to get out today if even for a little while.
Wyllow- glad we’ve inspired you to think about travelling.I love Crete - one of my favourite islands.
I guess now you,ve written your letter to Ex you can feel you,ve got rid of things you needed to say- a seal of approval from helped too.
Can’t wait to hear about your maiden voyage on the new bike- it,ll be just like riding a bike😀
Hope you enjoyed the company of your younger visitors.
SweetPeaSue- oh you’re so mentally tired after fighting for so long. Let the tears out - you,ll feel better afterwards.
Glad you were able to get out and treat yourself- you deserve nice things. Hope the weekend is kind to you both.
Doodle- weather still ok thanks. It was windy yesterday and the seals were playing in the big waves.
Tomorrow DD and SiL are coming for 3 nights . They don’t have much luck with weather so keeping our fingers crossed..
Hope you enjoy a bright morning at church and the company of your kind friends there.

Love to all- may not post for a couple of days as DD and SiL will be here with us Having a rest this afternoon building up a bit of energy reserve!!!
Hope you all have the best weekend you can.xxxx

Wyllow- a seal of approval from Sis!!

Scaredycat lovely pics. I love the sea. The air feels different round the coast.
Beautiful cat Ellie Anne. Well done for getting there ok.
HVDY. One of the best toys I ever bought came from a charity shop. .cost £2.50

nadateturbe Hope you've had a better day today and perhaps manged to get outside, if only in the garden. It warmed up here by lunchtime and is now really warm and sunny.

Wyllow3 Wow, you did a lot of cycling over the years. DH and I went to Crete (Heraklion) one year - it was 36 degrees in October! I'll take before and after photos of bedroom2, when it's all done.

EllieAnne What a gorgeous cat. How did she lose a leg? Cats do adapt very well with a missing leg.

ScaredyCat How lovely to have your daughter and her husband to stay with you for a while. Will you have to cook for them?

Sorry my IPad on a real go slow.
nadateturbe what a lovely post. I’ve just finished a jigsaw too.
Wyllow well done on the letter. Hope you said all you wanted to. I’ve never been able to ride a bike. You must be looking forward to going out on yours. Glad to see you keen on something.
Scaredycat how lovely for you to spend time with your DD and SIL. The weather won’t matter (although I hope it stays dry) you’ll just have fun being together.
Sweetpeasue I hope you’ve had a more relaxed day today. I know it’s hard but please keep chasing your husband’s appointments . You’re doing all you can to keep him safe. Have a bit of a rest this weekend.
Had a friend round this afternoon. Church tomorrow then Waitrose shop.

I dont know the whole story but dd thinks she had kittens and was attacked possibly a dog and was protecting her kittens but she was badly hurt. Leg had to be amputated. Dd got her from a rescue centre. The kittens were all adopted. She’s just coming up for 2.
I thought I’d be able to watch programmes on iPad as long as not BBC or live but she says no so it’s you tube and radio 4!

EllieAnne She had a rough time then, and must have had kittens when she was still a kitten herself - cats aren't fully grown until 12-18 months old year old. Poor thing. At least she's ended up in a good home. I watch things on YouTube when my husband's watching tv programmes I don't like. One favourite is Kay's Cooking (she can't cook at all but is entertaining). You could watch stuff on the iPad (who would know??)