Gransnet forums

Health

Black Dog 30

(476 Posts)
Scaredycat Wed 08-Jul-26 15:53:35

Welcome. This thread is in support of those who wish to share their mental health problems as they affect their daily lives,share aspects of our lives supportively and give and take support. And is a continuation of Black Dog 29.
It’s been going for some time, so this is a jump in at the deep end.
All are welcome- don’t be put off by some of us being here long term - people come and go

nadateturbe Tue 11-Aug-26 08:30:48

I must sound such a wuss. Just a bit fed up, 3 days of about one hour of energy each day. Had to make a huge effort to get to the hospital.

Scaredycat Tue 11-Aug-26 10:11:38

Hi all
Sorry I was absent yesterday but we had our hot water tank thingy replaced yesterday and it took 7 hours!! I left DH to it at 2 as I went to see my poorly friend and do a couple of chores.
It was hot again and so I was as usual knackered. Not moaning just reporting!!
Today We are going to the Seaside with DH and SiL- as HVDY says we never turn down an invitation!! It’s so hot but hopefully there,ll be a sea breeze.
Hope do be in later.
Nadateturbe- those BP machines are the Devils work!! I only have to look at one and my BP skyrockets!
Doodle - have a wonderful Birthday week - many happy returns🎂🎂🎂🎂
See you all later. Stay cool and have the best day you canxxxx

Wyllow3 Tue 11-Aug-26 12:21:38

Thank you HVDY, phew, I got the feeding hedgehog bit really wrong, I should have googled before posting.

Ooo, I hope you have a sea breeze and a good time out Scaredycat. Pop me in your handbag for the day, ta.

nadateturbe oh you poor love - you are not not grumbling at all. It would drive up my BP and probably drive down my Oxygen levels down fretting about the wretched thing. Hugs and more gentle waves music. Or Radio 3 unwind.
They need to find a better solution to get an accurate picture xx

I'm knackered after yesterday so just pottering, still in nightie amongst the Great Unwashed.

EllieAnne how are things?

EllieAnne Tue 11-Aug-26 12:24:16

Hvdy the 3 legged one responds to treats but the young ones ddon’t. They are sitting staring out the patio doors and I feel so guilty but I can’t go through all that again.

Been to a garden centre this morning but got a message from dd To say a parcel was arriving so rushed back to find it on the doorstep

Wyllow3 Tue 11-Aug-26 12:28:08

Oh...just as you went for a bit of R and R. It is hard to keep then in but I would do exactly the same as you and caution first.

But do go for another bit of R and R when you can. xxx

nadateturbe Tue 11-Aug-26 12:39:48

Thanks folks for understanding. The good thing is I was able to drive to the hospital to leave it back with a typed letter for the cardiologist. And I'm now going into Tesco. A good day. 😃.
I hope to chat later. I have been reading posts.. Love to you all.xxxxx

EllieAnne Tue 11-Aug-26 13:25:16

Had a strange thing happen yesterday. I sat on the sofa about one. I wasn’t feeling sleepy just a bit drained with the heat us Scots. Aren’t used to it. Then it was 3,30 and I came to in the middle of a disturbing dream. It wasn’t like drifting into a sleep. Just one minute I was there then I wasn’t . Strange,

HowVeryDareYou2 Tue 11-Aug-26 17:31:51

nadateturbe You're not a wuss. Those BP machines are awkward. My GP is obsessed with my BP. It all gets on my nerves. Glad you felt able to drive to the hospital. Hope you bought yourself something nice to eat.

ScaredyCat 7 hours of work in this heat! How was your friend? Hope you had a lovely day out. Perfect weather for being at the seaside.

Wyllow3 A rest day for you today. That's what you need. I'm so tired - LG was here, 9.30 until 5. I'm looking forward to a very lazy day on Thursday.

EllieAnne You must have needed a sleep. It's been too warm here in Nottingham - 27 degrees, but 32 tomorrow and 36 on Thursday. I hate it. About the cats - could you let them out, but get them in at teatime?

Busy day with LG - Park, fed ducks, went on the slide, etc. Then more shopping, back here for lunch, sandpit, paddling pool (her little one), crayoning, Tom & Jerry. Parents came at 5. LG had a massive tantrum when Mum said she couldn't have her dummy (even though she'd brought it here). We could hear her screeching outside at their car shock. Hope everyone else has been ok x

Scaredycat Tue 11-Aug-26 18:59:36

Hi all
Back from the Sea and a happy day with DD and SiL- we so enjoy being with them. It was break for SiL as his Dad is still in hospital after his hip operation.
Wyllow- There was a quite strong breeze which was lovely - it’s somewhere we really like and so good to see families enjoying the beach and sea.
You probably needed a nightie day after your lovely busy weekend.
EllieAnne- those furries are doing what cats do. When they are in they want to go out and vice versa!! But I would be scared like you if I was looking after them. Sorry your time out was cut short. Make sure you get out though - you need a break.
Nadateturbe - nice to hear you,ve had a better day
HVDY- I feel like you do over BP readings - I just wish I never had to do one.
My friend is frightened and has so many problems. Then Friday her DS1 had a detached retina operation so won’t be able to drive for 6 weeks. It’s just one thing after another.
There is another friend we always see together on Mondays and we get on so well and despite everything always have a good natter together.
No wonder you are tired that’s a busy day for you especially in this heat. LG probably was tired too hence the strop!!
Dreading the next few days of heat - at the seaside it was lovely to feel the breeze.
SweetPeaSue- hope you are OK and DH still dad dancing.
When is your holiday if you go?

Love to all - wishing you a cool night

Doodle Tue 11-Aug-26 19:22:31

Evening all. Another lovely day with friends. So very hot still.
Hope you’re all ok. Xx

Sweetpeasue Tue 11-Aug-26 19:31:53

Nadateturbe Ooh ,even the ordinary BP monitors really hurt while on. Never had anything that takes BP like that and needs to be on all night- it must have been horrible. Dont blame you for taking it off in the early hrs. Youve done your best ,and I agree - whats the point of taking BP readings when you're upset and hassled? Its not going to be a true reading. Hugs for you.

HVDY That must have upset you a bit - hearing LG getting a uptight and crying. Youve had such a full day and LG must have loved every minute.
Wyllow Dont blame you for having a quiet day after your trip to famy. So.etimes it can be exhausting trying to 'do the right things' when you're away . Im so glad its been a good visit.
Scaredycat DH not dad dancing today. His hip is really bad and he was in pain when we took DGS out ,he used a stick.
Oh I dont envy you the heatwaves where you are - it must be unbearable. Glad there was some relief at the sea-side.
EllieAnne I dont see you have much choice but to keep the cats in when you're afraid theyll go wandering, though I bet they'd soon return for food. Awful that you're so stressed with it all. 'This too will pass' as they say and I hope you can get some r&r while you're there. Shame you had to go back after you were enjoying some time away from the house.
Doodle Hope youve had another nice day with your friends.

Lovely to be with DGS and he's enjoying chatting to us now about things. Growing up so fast. Hes looking forward to joining us for a few dys in Wales( son and DIL coming down to stop with us) Hope everything goes OK.
DH not great today.
Wishing all a peaceful night.x

Wyllow3 Tue 11-Aug-26 21:07:31

It must have been a much needed snooze your body telling you just how needful it was EllieAnne

I guess the heat gets to the little ones too, HVDY. A really super day out for her, tho.

Its was truly good to hear of your day out, Scaredycat. And the families running in and out of the water and building sandcastles….it is one thing after another with your friends and families at the moment however. Not being able to drive will make it harder for her to visit your friend?
I hope it is nice next Monday when you meet up.

Yes it is hot, Doodle. You all take it easy on your outings this week. X

Aw, sorry to hear that DH has that severe pain, Sweetpeasue. I hope it eases soon.
But oh, how lovely with your DGS. It’s a lovely age when they chat away interested in this and that 😊.

Well.. I dragged myself to the gym at 3ish and am so glad, as soon as I walked in the air com hit me and I perked up, and maybe the morning taking it easy was enough. Bumped into 4 natterers and got some good advice on Sciatica type stuff from a young trainer (just a bit, under control due to the exercises I do), but it reappears after a sleep as I like to sleep on my side.

I went then and did the big shop - another aircom experience and cooler than the gym, then such a lovely Q zoom. Early night I think, got a big outing with a friend tomorrow.

Best sleeps, BD’s, present, and reading.

Wyllow3 Wed 12-Aug-26 09:49:58

It's going to be a scorcher, and I've committed to going out for lunch with a friend and then a lovely historical old house.

Hoping they have air com in the pub, but hardly in the historical old house. It's forever since I have visited it tho, and it's a delight.

Scaredycat Wed 12-Aug-26 14:25:39

Doodle- glad you had a lovely day yesterday and hope there is more to come today. Happy Birthday I believe.🎂🎂🎂🎂🍸🍸🍸
SweetPeaSue- Ah so sorry your DH has more pain in his hip- it’s one thing after another poor man.
Phew it’s a hottie today- it just drains away your energy doesn’t it. The boys and both of us are indoors as it’s unbearable outside. Such a shame cos it’s the most beautiful Summer but just too hot🥵
I,m glad you’re enjoying your DGS company- it’s so nice to have proper talks and learn things from each other. He will enjoy Wales and you will experience it through his eyes.
HVDY- Hope the girls are not too hot today and LG has recovered from her protest.
It’s the sort of day for somewhere watery and buckets of ice
cream. I,m good for nothing today after our day out yesterday but wouldn’t have missed it for the world.
EllieAnne- hope the cats are behaving themselves. Mine just loll about in this heat so hopefully the 3;of them are just
Chillin.
Do hope you,ve managed to get out and do a few things for yourself.
Wyllow- my friends DS lives on the next road to hers so can see her without driving. But he is one of the drivers she needs to call on for appointments etc. we will all do what we can to help .
I,m taking her out for coffee and a gentle bit of retail therapy tomorrow. It’s only 5 minutes in the car.
You accomplished a lot yesterday - hope you slept well so you have plenty of energy for today. It sounds like a perfect day.

Love to all XX

HowVeryDareYou2 Wed 12-Aug-26 16:29:56

My long post last night disappeared! Boiling hot here (32). We took two GDs home at 3.30. Just awaiting for Son2 to turn up for dinner (salad and bits) and then take LG home. Back later.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Doodle x

Sweetpeasue Wed 12-Aug-26 19:41:50

Just come in to say a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Doodle 💐🎂 xx

Its certainly hot here too HVDY though not as hot as in the midlands and south.
On a small walk today with F saw these lovely ponies cooling off.
May not come back later but hoping all have had a decent day. Love to all.xx

Wyllow3 Wed 12-Aug-26 20:24:07

Scaredycat I think it was hotter where you were. I imagine you and the boys stretched out hopefully with a fan. I bit of retail therapy - with aircon? Is an excellent option for someone who doesn’t get out much and needs some friendly strolling with people watching and shops to look at.

It’s so frustrating to lose a long post, HVDY. A LG day as well, that takes energy in the heat.

Doodle - loving wishes on your actual birthday xx

I love those pictures, Sweetpeasue I think I would have paddled at the very least and be tempted for more.

I had spectacularly curious day in terms of mess-ups but crazy fun. My friend had two German friends staying, and we had to set out in two cars.
First of all we had to go via my house, as I had forgotten my hearing aids, then friend went the (very long) way round to get to the pub.

I was with the German wife, whose English is very good, and we got on really well from the start, hots of laughter level and sharing stuff. Eventually made it to the pub. I t was a very nice meal, but the delays had made it impossible to go to where was intended, which HVDY might know, which was Haddon Hall.

So went for a Chatsworth walk instead, a shady one. Lovely. I think we were all enjoying the company and scenery around more.

Set out in two cars, and this time I messed up followed the wrong car, toured another small town in the rush hour, chatting along gaily at how the houses and shops were different etc. Ooo look at this and that.

Long story short: they had gone the right way to a pub just for a coffee: we had followed the wrong car: I had taken the wrong road at the crucial roundabout, and after some phone calls realised we had been following the wrong car, I hadn’t looked out for road signs, and they were waiting

and I was 1.5 hours late 🙄

It was a complete mess up and I found it incredibly funny, but friend in the other car had imagined a break down. A delightful couple however,

I’m just extremely tired. Early night.

HowVeryDareYou2 Wed 12-Aug-26 20:46:15

SweetpeaSue I bet those ponies loved the cool water. Do they belong to travellers? Hope your hussbnad's hip is better today.

ScaredyCat Hope you had a nice time with your friend. Did either of you buy anything?

Wyllow3 90 minutes late! I would have been completely stressed out - I can't bear to be late for anything. What did you have to eat? I don't know Haddon Hall, but have been to Chatsworth, which is great at Christmas.

Hope you and the cats are ok, EllieAnne

All 3 GDs were here, 9-4 (LG until her dad fetched her at 6.30. We love having them here - but all 3 are so very loud! They're all very entertaining, too. This weather is too much for me - at 8.30 it's still 27 degrees! My Vasculitis has flared up (tiny pinprick burst blood vessels on lower legs and hands today). Love to all x

Doodle Wed 12-Aug-26 21:27:43

Thank you all for your birthday wishes, I’ve had a pleasant day. Church this morning then hospice for a while. Home for Prosecco and chocolate eclairs with my friend then son and grandson came round for a while.
Still so very tired but probably the two glasses of Prosecco and one of red wine don’t help.
Take care all xx

EllieAnne Wed 12-Aug-26 21:52:44

I m drinking too much. Half a bottle of wine anight. It’s a combination of boredom and stress.
I ve been watching a lot of old stuff on you tube Because I can’t watch anything much on my iPad or she freaks out because of no tv licence. Almost all the plays I watch have a young Pauline quirk is in most of them. So sad that she now has dementia.

nadateturbe Wed 12-Aug-26 22:53:30

Doodle sorry, I meant to pop in early and wish you a happy birthday. Sounds like you had a lovely day, a combination of all the places and people that mean so much to you. Prosecco and eclairs sounds delicious. Sending love xx

Wyllow3 Thu 13-Aug-26 00:01:30

Doodle I thought you may have gone to the hospice xx and glad you did.

Look all, sometimes we have to let go and have those extra drinks - or tablets, if thats what you have (and I can do).

You may feel lousy tomorrow but you have to get through the "now". Just watch out if it goes on and on for a very long time at a high level - and EllieAnne and Doodle tonight was one of those times.

Lovely to see you in nadateturbe.

Phew HVDY yes the noise levels with teenagers around and LG too are exhausting on a hot day.

(The food was the sort I like - simple, but well prepared, herbs, spices, fish, samphire, other vegetables with amazing flavours and sauces - and not expensive either. But came home and heated up a "sides for two" saag paneer...)

Haddon Hall is really pricy - (gasp) - but is an old house built between the 11th and 16th centuries, that old, kept as a family home so's lovely, old, tapestries, old oak furniture, carved, simple but exquisite, and a real feeling for lives lived - 500 years ago, gardens of the time, and of course a nice cafe.

HowVeryDareYou2 Thu 13-Aug-26 08:53:30

Doodle That all sounds very nice. Glad you've had such a good week so far.

EllieAnne Has your daughter got any DVDs you could watch? Or could you go out somewhere - park, cafe, shops? I expect it's the evenings that get boring and lonely, though. If having a drink helps at night, have it, so long as it's not too regular.

Wyllow3 We're going to stay in today and have a lazy & quiet day. The food you had is the type I like, too, when we go out. Haddon Hall sounds very interesting. Son2 and DIL love places like that.

Slept 10pm to 5, without waking! Fell asleep again until 8.15 - Jaffa didn't wake me at all. He's off his food, as it's already 23 degrees. Hope ALL BDers manage to have a decent day x

EllieAnne Thu 13-Aug-26 09:15:58

Hvdy she has dvds but nothing to play/watch them on.
I’ve found a lot of old plays on you tube and have read a lot too. I went to a farm shop yesterday and had ice cream.
I’ve to wait in for a parcel this morning so will do some washing and cleaning. I don’t have the energy to go for walks in the heat. How do those of you further south cope with it?

Wyllow3 Thu 13-Aug-26 13:51:16

Not well EllieAnne
It feels like what you are doing is making the best of a very tough time. Very well done for yesterday's little outing. I'm hoping it's so hot for the cats that they are just lying around.

(I have given up on activity, except some light pottering - and but thats not surprising given energy use yesterday either. I would have headed for aircon gym.
DiL has just ordered and gifted me a good solid sunshade for my garden table, one happy bunny here ☺️ - just fitting in a delivery tomorrow).

It's a good pub price wise HVDY given the quality. Will PM you if you want it. I think they would love Haddon Hall - just google the prices before they get too enthusiastic! Apparently the best time to go is at 2.30 when the lunchtime people have left, and it's open till 4.30, last entry 3pm.

Oh, zzzz. Brain melting. I have also found out my roofer will not come to do roof tiles - poor man's marriage is breaking down, he was not pulling a fast one as I have always been thoughtful - I will need to look around - mould growing in front bedroom but of course all OK until it rains a lot in the cool.