Black Dog Gang 4

Joce my brother didn't come home so it has always been difficult for me, no idea what it was comforting this year.

We could compare ourselves with others on this thread because, however we look at it, there is someone here worse off than ourselves. None of us has all the things others have.

I have a positive today! I have spent the morning chopping, grating, measuring and mixing my homemade mincemeat. I've adjusted the recipe for the one who doesn't like chopped peel and now it is maturing until I add the brandy tomorrow. I'm feeling far too pleased with myself for doing this instead of buying some.

Aww Nonnie I am sorry.. I was so desperate for my son to come out of HMF, may be selfish of me, I never told him that.
You should be pleased your own mince sound lovely, beats buying every time, well done you...
yes there is always someone worse than our selfs that true.

Hope everyone else is having a good day..

Hi all

Great nonnie* , truly a positive

Joce how are you ?

Was listening to this and thought others may want to , Claire Weekes, a two minute talk

youtu.be/8XC8S_T3tGE

Annie do you know I am doing ok thank you for asking.. don’t think you dare say you ok just in case..
I am the best I have been for years.. I have had one small blip, soon got past it fewww.
We still keep getting rain just pray for the people that have no home to go back to, hopefully it will hold off but there are giving warnings again.
I will be listening to Claire weekend Annie for sure.

Joce you are doing great, you battled through x

Thank you Annie how are you doing, have you tried your new hand rail out yet? That would be brilliant if you could.

How is everyone else’s doing?

Not so good today. Yesterday we heard that the father of one of DS's friends was ill in hospital and not getting the care he deserved. Today we heard that he died. So sorry for him, he has been very supportive since our son died and is going through a tough time. Less than a year since his mum died and his marriage has ended too. He has all the material stuff but not the loving support he needs. He lives in Belgium so sorting it all out is going to be very hard.

Nonnie so sorry to hear you sad new.

nonnie so sorry x

joce I have walked half way down the path several times and
put the recycling out this evening .

Wow !!! Annie that’s brilliant news. How did you feel? I am so so pleased for you, you are so brave...

annie Well done indeed! You couldn't have done that such a short time ago. Baby steps maybe but steps!

Hi all x

Thank you, I am pleased I have made a start to recovery.

I have a problem, my physiotherapist ! She is very nice person but sooo bossy . Last week I walked to the end on the path with her. She said before she left ‘ I will see you in two weeks and I want you to walk the front path, then onto the path leading from it and walk into the Cul de Sac.

When I open the curtains in the morning I see the three paths and get very anxious, she will not accept that reaching the end of the garden path is my limit until I am comfortable with it and then I will take the second path . Now I dread her
coming next week, if she keeps pushing me I know the anxiety will rise , I want to cancel the appointment, coward ?

Anniebach, Physios are notably bossy, they always try to get you to do a little bit more, but stay with it and I am sure you will achieve the targets she has set for you. I wish you well.

Tell her just how you are feeling Annie and don’t be afraid to say NO to her, she is a physio to help with your mobility, I am sure she not a psychologist as well. And there is no way you are a coward, you are so brave. Don’t let her knock you in any way Annie..

Oldand the problem is I have agoraphobia.

Joce yes you are right, I have made a start, if she pushes me it will cause me to stay in the bungalow again, x

Hi Annie
It would be better if she gently cajoled you. Anyone with any leaning towards anxiety likes to do things when they feel up to it and generally in the way that is within their control.

Well done for everything so far and it took me along time to realise that we as adults don't have to do anything that we don't want to do or that is totally out of our comfort zone. At our own pace should be our motto.
Take care Annie.
We will get there.
Dawn xx

Hello all. Not been in for a few days. Been busy and going to bed early as I’ve been tired.
How are you all?
Glad you are still ok joce.
nonnie sorry to hear your sad news. That must be difficult for him being so far away.
annie you’ve been on the path! That’s fantastic news.
You have done really well annie but don’t get anxious about doing all the physio wants. Don’t let her set you back. Tell her you appreciate her encouragement but you have to take it at your own pace or it causes you to withdraw. You’ve been out annie. Remember that. You’ve done it. Now maybe one more step every day or so until you feel a bit more secure.
Sleep well all x

Well done, Anniebach! It's great that you've managed to get outside a bit. Is your Physiotherapist aware of your Agoraphobia? Go at your own pace, don't be put off by her. x

Thank you Doodle.
Annie you should give your self a sunflower you have earned one..
Night all sleep well ? sending hugs for you all ?

Hope everyone is ok been very quiet on hear last few days.

Well done annie. How many times have you done it? Perhaps do it a couple of times a day until you feel you can add one more step? After suffering so long you are bound to be nervous.

Had a couple of days when I wasn't up to coming on GN, not great today either but I will improve, yes I will.

Nonnie you will improve .. no one feel A1 every day if only it was that easy.. god bless you stay strong Nonnie x

Hi all x

Joce how are you . X

nonnie off days come but they pass x

I have been busy researching for some family trees .

My younger granddaughter called today , I have missed her,
haven’t seen anyone for 4 weeks with the exception of the physiotherapist and she really annoyed and upset me

Hello all. Bit sad today. My DGS had to say goodbye to his beloved dog yesterday. She was his best buddy and they had been together a long time. My heart hurts for him, just hope he’s ok.
Hope you all are ok. x

Annie - they are not called physio terrorists for nothing! But being pushed is part of all physical recovery so you will need to get her to understand that you are dealing with a complex situation which is only partly physical. Perhaps just tackling the one path every day until your confidence improves?