Sunday, September 18, 2011
Not the best of days
Probably the best bits of today were those when I was sleeping.
It hasn't been a good day.
What went wrong?
I know that the trip to the Pease Pottage car boot sale was not good.
There was nothing to buy.
And it was cold.
I had not dressed up well enough.
And I came home musing on yet another medical problem.
I did a bit of research and realised that I must, after Thailand, make sure that I have another piece of medical equipment to hand......literally, a pair of gloves.
I think it almost certain that I have Raynaud's syndrome. I have wondered about this before.
My hands are normally quite chilly - people comment on this. And my hands react badly to cold.
In cold air I quickly get a weird tingling sensation on the back of my hands - even walking along the aisles of a supermarket.
I also find these days that if I handle frozen food I can get frostbite burns very quickly. I generally use a towel to get food out of the freezer.
But worse than that are the times when my fingers go white and numb. My research showed pictures of fingers looking a good deal worse than mine. Wow, I feel sorry for those people; they must have been in quite a state. I just don't know how a feeling of numbness can be so painful.
Well, I do know because my toes have been like it since the early 1990's and it is thought a chemo drug set that off.
So, it seems I might have Raynaud's syndrome or phenomenon, but not too badly. My research tells me that there is little to be done - except gloves; or maybe a permanent move to Thailand.
Oh, this time next week I will feel warm!
I don't know why, but the experience with my fingers made me feel very tense. That is bad because cold is not the only cause of Raynaud's.....stress can also set it off.
But it was definitely cold that set it off today - my whole body was cold.
I spent a while watching The Great North Run - until I fell asleep.
Ashley commented that Newcastle and Gateshead were teeming with people this morning.
All those thousands of people running for so many good causes was inspiring.
I was inspired later by more athletes.
I found a programme about dwarfism and the rivalry between two young dwarves, competing at a high level in disabled sport. I would like to see their competition next year at the paralympics....must book for tickets tomorrow.
And that basically is it. The TV schedules are now well into the winter programmes. The new series of The Antiques Roadshow began this evening....and I slept through most of it.
It hasn't been a good day.
What went wrong?
I know that the trip to the Pease Pottage car boot sale was not good.
There was nothing to buy.
And it was cold.
I had not dressed up well enough.
And I came home musing on yet another medical problem.
I did a bit of research and realised that I must, after Thailand, make sure that I have another piece of medical equipment to hand......literally, a pair of gloves.
I think it almost certain that I have Raynaud's syndrome. I have wondered about this before.
My hands are normally quite chilly - people comment on this. And my hands react badly to cold.
In cold air I quickly get a weird tingling sensation on the back of my hands - even walking along the aisles of a supermarket.
I also find these days that if I handle frozen food I can get frostbite burns very quickly. I generally use a towel to get food out of the freezer.
But worse than that are the times when my fingers go white and numb. My research showed pictures of fingers looking a good deal worse than mine. Wow, I feel sorry for those people; they must have been in quite a state. I just don't know how a feeling of numbness can be so painful.
Well, I do know because my toes have been like it since the early 1990's and it is thought a chemo drug set that off.
So, it seems I might have Raynaud's syndrome or phenomenon, but not too badly. My research tells me that there is little to be done - except gloves; or maybe a permanent move to Thailand.
Oh, this time next week I will feel warm!
I don't know why, but the experience with my fingers made me feel very tense. That is bad because cold is not the only cause of Raynaud's.....stress can also set it off.
But it was definitely cold that set it off today - my whole body was cold.
I spent a while watching The Great North Run - until I fell asleep.
Ashley commented that Newcastle and Gateshead were teeming with people this morning.
All those thousands of people running for so many good causes was inspiring.
I was inspired later by more athletes.
I found a programme about dwarfism and the rivalry between two young dwarves, competing at a high level in disabled sport. I would like to see their competition next year at the paralympics....must book for tickets tomorrow.
And that basically is it. The TV schedules are now well into the winter programmes. The new series of The Antiques Roadshow began this evening....and I slept through most of it.
Labels: health
Monday, November 01, 2010
New people and new medical conditions.
Tired!
I can't blame it on overwork today. Sales have been poorer than on most Mondays I recall.
I did enjoy a long chat with a young woman from Durham - Dawn.
She has dreams of opening an antiques shop. She is already involved - helping a friend in his shop, stocked from house clearances.
She knows of an ideal little shop, but feels scared about abandoning a regular wage.
She would like to do small furniture, vintage clothing and appropriate china.
When she left me, she was feeling bolder about the notion of taking a risk.
And she came back later because I had directed her to another shop which does vintage clothing. This had really inspired her - I think she felt clearer about the next chapter.
I have an email address and I look forward to adding her to my contacts and friends who have come into my life through the business.
It has not been as cold today - so hard to judge the efficiency of some new measures in the shop to beat the cold.
But I did actually feel warm.
Over the weekend one of the rooms has been completely re-decorated and it looks good.
I am not sure how much I am looking forward to the renovations at the back of the shop - the three of us using that area have so much that needs moving.
But improvements are always welcome, I guess.
On arriving home I opened the mail.
There was a letter from the hospital - a copy of what is being sent to the GP.
There just might be more than I picked up from the doctor I saw last week.
He said that "her (that's me) recent CT scan is more or less the same as before with mild hydronephrosis"
This had me turning to Google of course.
In this condition the kidney (one or both? - I don't know) become enlarged because urine cannot drain as it should.
Having a urostomy would be enough to cause this I think.
Some of the symptoms I have described recently could be caused by this problem.
I wish he had discussed this with me last week because I have questions. I guess I had planned to see Dr Oliver soon anyway. It is possible that he might contact me.
The various sites suggest that the condition should be dealt with before it becomes bad enough to cause kidney failure.
Perhaps it really is too mild to bother about - yet.
There is always something!
But this week's medical appointment is just routine - flu jabs on Thursday.
That is when I will make further appointments for Vitamin B12 jab and to see the doctor.
Time for bed soon - I'll make a cup of tea and take it up to bed and read my book.
I am reading "The Welsh Girl" which was longlisted for the Mann Booker prize about 3 years ago.
It is the closest I have got to prize winning literature for many a long year.
It is set in North Wales.
I can't blame it on overwork today. Sales have been poorer than on most Mondays I recall.
I did enjoy a long chat with a young woman from Durham - Dawn.
She has dreams of opening an antiques shop. She is already involved - helping a friend in his shop, stocked from house clearances.
She knows of an ideal little shop, but feels scared about abandoning a regular wage.
She would like to do small furniture, vintage clothing and appropriate china.
When she left me, she was feeling bolder about the notion of taking a risk.
And she came back later because I had directed her to another shop which does vintage clothing. This had really inspired her - I think she felt clearer about the next chapter.
I have an email address and I look forward to adding her to my contacts and friends who have come into my life through the business.
It has not been as cold today - so hard to judge the efficiency of some new measures in the shop to beat the cold.
But I did actually feel warm.
Over the weekend one of the rooms has been completely re-decorated and it looks good.
I am not sure how much I am looking forward to the renovations at the back of the shop - the three of us using that area have so much that needs moving.
But improvements are always welcome, I guess.
On arriving home I opened the mail.
There was a letter from the hospital - a copy of what is being sent to the GP.
There just might be more than I picked up from the doctor I saw last week.
He said that "her (that's me) recent CT scan is more or less the same as before with mild hydronephrosis"
This had me turning to Google of course.
In this condition the kidney (one or both? - I don't know) become enlarged because urine cannot drain as it should.
Having a urostomy would be enough to cause this I think.
Some of the symptoms I have described recently could be caused by this problem.
I wish he had discussed this with me last week because I have questions. I guess I had planned to see Dr Oliver soon anyway. It is possible that he might contact me.
The various sites suggest that the condition should be dealt with before it becomes bad enough to cause kidney failure.
Perhaps it really is too mild to bother about - yet.
There is always something!
But this week's medical appointment is just routine - flu jabs on Thursday.
That is when I will make further appointments for Vitamin B12 jab and to see the doctor.
Time for bed soon - I'll make a cup of tea and take it up to bed and read my book.
I am reading "The Welsh Girl" which was longlisted for the Mann Booker prize about 3 years ago.
It is the closest I have got to prize winning literature for many a long year.
It is set in North Wales.
Labels: health, home and daily life, shop and stock
Monday, October 25, 2010
Great nephew Caleb. Health. Cold shop.
At any moment I feel I might topple over the brink and land in the nasty world of coughs, colds and bugs.
As long as it's nothing worse I really have nothing to be bothered about of course. But.....not happy!
There might also be some anxiety deep in my subconscious this evening.
Tomorrow I see the urology team. I assume that this will be no more than a routine appointment.....but there will be results from a recent CT scan to be considered.
Subconscious can't quite avoid thinking that there must be a reason for headaches, nausea and exhaustion.
My conscious brain reminds me at this stage there should be nothing to fear.
But I can't help looking back at past fears.
This week is the 3rd anniversary of that precious gift I was given - my stoma. It has given life to me.
It can't help feelings of well being to be feeling cold today.
It was a lovely sunny day in Dorking, but chilly.
The temperature in the part of the shop where my area is had reached the dizzy heights of 10 degrees centigrade this morning.
Despite improvements to the heating - and the fact that we had taken in an extra heater from home, we never got the place above 15 degrees.
Cold tenses my body.
We both sold things today and we were both pleased with the sales of the week.
Caleb was in fine form yesterday afternoon. He is a great nephew, now 14 months old, son of our niece, Fiona.
Fiona and Caleb had come visiting for a few days.
He is a charmer!
A charmer cutting teeth.
With his Uncle Antony - Fiona's brother.
Great Uncle Bill looks a bit grumpy in this shot - shame, for that is not how he really was. He enjoyed a chat and a game.
Snuggling up with Uncle A.
Bill's sister, Pam - proud of course of her grandson.
And here is a picture of one of Pam's orchids - I was attracted because it was just beautiful.
As long as it's nothing worse I really have nothing to be bothered about of course. But.....not happy!
There might also be some anxiety deep in my subconscious this evening.
Tomorrow I see the urology team. I assume that this will be no more than a routine appointment.....but there will be results from a recent CT scan to be considered.
Subconscious can't quite avoid thinking that there must be a reason for headaches, nausea and exhaustion.
My conscious brain reminds me at this stage there should be nothing to fear.
But I can't help looking back at past fears.
This week is the 3rd anniversary of that precious gift I was given - my stoma. It has given life to me.
It can't help feelings of well being to be feeling cold today.
It was a lovely sunny day in Dorking, but chilly.
The temperature in the part of the shop where my area is had reached the dizzy heights of 10 degrees centigrade this morning.
Despite improvements to the heating - and the fact that we had taken in an extra heater from home, we never got the place above 15 degrees.
Cold tenses my body.
We both sold things today and we were both pleased with the sales of the week.
Caleb was in fine form yesterday afternoon. He is a great nephew, now 14 months old, son of our niece, Fiona.
Fiona and Caleb had come visiting for a few days.
He is a charmer!
A charmer cutting teeth.
He was feeling the need for a chew on his fingers.
That was when he wasn't walking round with a huge grape in his mouth.
It was a novelty to him that good food could be found just lying around in the fruit bowl!
With his Uncle Antony - Fiona's brother.
Great Uncle Bill looks a bit grumpy in this shot - shame, for that is not how he really was. He enjoyed a chat and a game.
Snuggling up with Uncle A.
Bill's sister, Pam - proud of course of her grandson.
And here is a picture of one of Pam's orchids - I was attracted because it was just beautiful.
It became a family gathering when we joined by Bill's sister, Lesley and husband Peter.
It was nice to meet up with them all again.
Now to bed - sleep might provide the power to fight any hovering bugs.
Labels: family, health, shop and stock
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Submission - listening to my body. Nai Harn, Thailand.
Today I gave in.
Life is not as it should be and I decided to make an appointment to see a doctor.
I was persuaded to do this by the blood pressure monitor.
My readings were higher than normal - 140 plus. Normally my BP is about 110 over 65.
One time this afternoon I took it again...hell's teeth! 159 over 84.
It is lower than that now.
Having accepted that I needed advice, I crumpled a bit....acknowledging just how rotten I have been feeling.
Tomorrow Dr Alexander will either tell me that nothing much is wrong and I must be patient or I will get sent for blood tests.... and waiting for results will require patience too.
So, I haven't done much today. When I try to do anything I begin to feel too nauseous and faint.
I do try to keep positive and keep up the fight, but the walk at Wakehurst Place that we thought might be a possibility just felt like too much.
Bill has had medical appointments of his own today - a check up with the dentist and a visit to the osteopath.
Pictures from Thailand today feature Nai Harn, a long bay at the southern end of the west coast of Phuket.
The waves always seem to be bigger there than in the north.
It was Monday - Jamie was at work and the children still had a few more days of school before the long holiday.
A few surfers were out - maybe practising for an international competition that was due to take place a few days later.
Low season - a near empty beach. Sunbeds were out, but there were few holiday makers taking advantage of them.
I really don't know why I was holding my stomach - there were no problems.
Its that surfer again! I was filled with wonder - at his antics and that his hat stayed on.
Our table looked out across the water.
Bill waits for dinner.
That's my dinner - too much really.
Jessica devised a game using the bottle tops. They were both fully absorbed, though I am not sure that either of them knew what their objectives were..... except to win.
Life is not as it should be and I decided to make an appointment to see a doctor.
I was persuaded to do this by the blood pressure monitor.
My readings were higher than normal - 140 plus. Normally my BP is about 110 over 65.
One time this afternoon I took it again...hell's teeth! 159 over 84.
It is lower than that now.
Having accepted that I needed advice, I crumpled a bit....acknowledging just how rotten I have been feeling.
Tomorrow Dr Alexander will either tell me that nothing much is wrong and I must be patient or I will get sent for blood tests.... and waiting for results will require patience too.
So, I haven't done much today. When I try to do anything I begin to feel too nauseous and faint.
I do try to keep positive and keep up the fight, but the walk at Wakehurst Place that we thought might be a possibility just felt like too much.
Bill has had medical appointments of his own today - a check up with the dentist and a visit to the osteopath.
Pictures from Thailand today feature Nai Harn, a long bay at the southern end of the west coast of Phuket.
The waves always seem to be bigger there than in the north.
It was Monday - Jamie was at work and the children still had a few more days of school before the long holiday.
A few surfers were out - maybe practising for an international competition that was due to take place a few days later.
Low season - a near empty beach. Sunbeds were out, but there were few holiday makers taking advantage of them.
I really don't know why I was holding my stomach - there were no problems.
Its that surfer again! I was filled with wonder - at his antics and that his hat stayed on.
We walked back along the beach to chose somewhere for a spot of lunch.
Our table looked out across the water.
Bill waits for dinner.
That's my dinner - too much really.
Noodles and a most delicious soup of chicken and coconut milk.
Later we joined up with all the family - we probably dined at the Kathu Waterfall Road cafe.
John collects up lots of bottle tops at the cafe.
Jessica devised a game using the bottle tops. They were both fully absorbed, though I am not sure that either of them knew what their objectives were..... except to win.
Jessica had the upper hand there - for she could change the rules of play to her advantage from time to time!
I heard "No, John...you are only allowed to move one square and I can move 2 squares".
I hope I feel stronger tomorrow. Our good friends Pete and Jean, from North Wales, have planned to spend the day with us.
"One day at a time".....and all that!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Wednesday - getting sorted.
My brain is wobbly - it has been for many weeks.
Maybe it is the wobbly brain that has been causing my physical symptoms?
Whatever, my wobbly brain has dragged me along pathways that I didn't really want to go.
I was deeply affected by something I saw on my birthday - not the wonderful paintings by Eric Ravilious or the photographs by his son - no, not affected by any of the art we saw.
But I was disturbed as I read details of James Ravilious's life and death.
It reminded me that I may never be free of the cancer fear.
He had lymphoma as I did - nearly 20 years ago now.
And 20 years after he was first diagnosed and treated, it returned.
This fact hit my brain with all the force of a mighty punch.
Combine this sudden fear with my wobbly brain and the symptoms of tiredness, headaches and nasuea and you see which road I was being taken along.
One day, I may well reach that road.
But not today, according to Dr Oliver.
He reported that the recent blood test revealed no problems with Vitamin D or calcium levels.
He is not sure why I am feeling so run down.
He wonders if I have a urine infection. I will get a sample in on Friday - so after our Thailand trip we will all know what is going on in that department. Meanwhile I have some strong antibiotics to start taking once the sample has been taken - which might knock any infection on the head quite quickly.
Things have to be a bit up in the air for the next 4 weeks. We will return to more medical appointments.
Dr O is sure that Thailand will work a bit of magic for me - I guess he wishes he were there right now.
It is chaotic at the doctor's. The new medical centre in Ifield opens on Monday. This morning was the very last time there will be a doctor's surgery in Brighton Road - after 70 years of looking after Bill and over 60 years of looking after me.
We popped into Asda after seeing the doctor and collecting medications.
We didn't want much of course. We felt we ought to supply Frieda with more Dreamies - cat treats.
Bill came out with pyjamas.
And for some reason I bought 2 white (and not very lacy) items for £4 each. And do you know what? They might be the most comfortable that I have.
Ah well, the next shopping trip will be to a different supermarket - Tesco Lotus, close to home on Phuket. I have a list of things to buy already.
This afternoon I received an email from South Africa.
The sender might well be a distant second cousin on the Monk side.
He would be descended from Bill's great great uncle William.
I need to check out one or two things to be sure - but it does seem to be that this South African family belong to the monktree.
When we return from Thailand I think it will be time to pay out a bit of money to have access to all the census returns.
Up until now it hasn't been really necessary - and it has been possible to ask people who have paid to help.
So, I have a project already set up for our return.
Tomorrow's project is to get out and feel alive - forget about the packing and this feeling of not being very grounded.
We will go to Ford, have a breakfast, walk and enjoy life.
Maybe it is the wobbly brain that has been causing my physical symptoms?
Whatever, my wobbly brain has dragged me along pathways that I didn't really want to go.
I was deeply affected by something I saw on my birthday - not the wonderful paintings by Eric Ravilious or the photographs by his son - no, not affected by any of the art we saw.
But I was disturbed as I read details of James Ravilious's life and death.
It reminded me that I may never be free of the cancer fear.
He had lymphoma as I did - nearly 20 years ago now.
And 20 years after he was first diagnosed and treated, it returned.
This fact hit my brain with all the force of a mighty punch.
Combine this sudden fear with my wobbly brain and the symptoms of tiredness, headaches and nasuea and you see which road I was being taken along.
One day, I may well reach that road.
But not today, according to Dr Oliver.
He reported that the recent blood test revealed no problems with Vitamin D or calcium levels.
He is not sure why I am feeling so run down.
He wonders if I have a urine infection. I will get a sample in on Friday - so after our Thailand trip we will all know what is going on in that department. Meanwhile I have some strong antibiotics to start taking once the sample has been taken - which might knock any infection on the head quite quickly.
Things have to be a bit up in the air for the next 4 weeks. We will return to more medical appointments.
Dr O is sure that Thailand will work a bit of magic for me - I guess he wishes he were there right now.
It is chaotic at the doctor's. The new medical centre in Ifield opens on Monday. This morning was the very last time there will be a doctor's surgery in Brighton Road - after 70 years of looking after Bill and over 60 years of looking after me.
We popped into Asda after seeing the doctor and collecting medications.
We didn't want much of course. We felt we ought to supply Frieda with more Dreamies - cat treats.
Bill came out with pyjamas.
And for some reason I bought 2 white (and not very lacy) items for £4 each. And do you know what? They might be the most comfortable that I have.
Ah well, the next shopping trip will be to a different supermarket - Tesco Lotus, close to home on Phuket. I have a list of things to buy already.
This afternoon I received an email from South Africa.
The sender might well be a distant second cousin on the Monk side.
He would be descended from Bill's great great uncle William.
I need to check out one or two things to be sure - but it does seem to be that this South African family belong to the monktree.
When we return from Thailand I think it will be time to pay out a bit of money to have access to all the census returns.
Up until now it hasn't been really necessary - and it has been possible to ask people who have paid to help.
So, I have a project already set up for our return.
Tomorrow's project is to get out and feel alive - forget about the packing and this feeling of not being very grounded.
We will go to Ford, have a breakfast, walk and enjoy life.
Labels: health, home and daily life
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Scanned.
No breakfast this morning.
Had to have any empty stomach for the CT scan.
Arrived at the hospital at 9 o'clock and was greeted with a plastic jug and a glass. Oh no! Not that stuff.
But I had forgotten that the new scanner doesn't need that stuff; the jug contained water.
I sat and read a paper for almost an hour as I drank.
The scan went very smoothly. The last time the radiographer really struggled to inject dye into my veins - this time he did it first time.
I explained before the scan that since this appointment was booked I had been diagnosed with parathyroid problems and he said he would include up to my neck in the scan.
This, at least, means that at some point a doctor will know a little more about what is happening.
The dye is weird - suddenly my mouth felt really hot and then the heat crept right through my body.
These days a CT scan takes very little time at all - much better than 20 years ago; I cannot begin to count how many CT scans I have had since the first one.
Bill and I popped into Asda on the way home. We hadn't intended to get much, but with special offers on washing gels and stain removing stuff I ended up buying enough to last me for the rest of the year.
Then I flopped - back to dozing mode.
I was not happy about this.
Nor was I happy that the new item of clothing I bought yesterday clearly was the wrong size.
It was beginning to hurt.
So, there will be a trip to M&S again tomorrow.
The woman who measured and advised was so sure I couldn't be the size I think I am - and yes, for a short while the new bra felt OK.
But tomorrow I shall have to get one size larger.
I'll go back after seeing the doctor in the morning.
This appointment has nothing to do with today's scan. I want to report about how the parathyroid glands problems are progressing and see if Dr O wants any other ways of managing the situation.
Bill also wants to sort a few things out with him.
Surely this will be the last doctor's appointment at the surgery in Brighton Road. The new surgery/medical centre opens in Ifield on September 13th.
The one opposite our house will not be far behind.
Tomorrow afternoon we will visit our most recent member of the great nephew/niece clan - George Robin.
Despite negative exhaustion I realised I should make plans to do something. It will be good to see Michaela and her boys.
Had to have any empty stomach for the CT scan.
Arrived at the hospital at 9 o'clock and was greeted with a plastic jug and a glass. Oh no! Not that stuff.
But I had forgotten that the new scanner doesn't need that stuff; the jug contained water.
I sat and read a paper for almost an hour as I drank.
The scan went very smoothly. The last time the radiographer really struggled to inject dye into my veins - this time he did it first time.
I explained before the scan that since this appointment was booked I had been diagnosed with parathyroid problems and he said he would include up to my neck in the scan.
This, at least, means that at some point a doctor will know a little more about what is happening.
The dye is weird - suddenly my mouth felt really hot and then the heat crept right through my body.
These days a CT scan takes very little time at all - much better than 20 years ago; I cannot begin to count how many CT scans I have had since the first one.
Bill and I popped into Asda on the way home. We hadn't intended to get much, but with special offers on washing gels and stain removing stuff I ended up buying enough to last me for the rest of the year.
Then I flopped - back to dozing mode.
I was not happy about this.
Nor was I happy that the new item of clothing I bought yesterday clearly was the wrong size.
It was beginning to hurt.
So, there will be a trip to M&S again tomorrow.
The woman who measured and advised was so sure I couldn't be the size I think I am - and yes, for a short while the new bra felt OK.
But tomorrow I shall have to get one size larger.
I'll go back after seeing the doctor in the morning.
This appointment has nothing to do with today's scan. I want to report about how the parathyroid glands problems are progressing and see if Dr O wants any other ways of managing the situation.
Bill also wants to sort a few things out with him.
Surely this will be the last doctor's appointment at the surgery in Brighton Road. The new surgery/medical centre opens in Ifield on September 13th.
The one opposite our house will not be far behind.
Tomorrow afternoon we will visit our most recent member of the great nephew/niece clan - George Robin.
Despite negative exhaustion I realised I should make plans to do something. It will be good to see Michaela and her boys.
Labels: health, home and daily life
Friday, August 13, 2010
Diagnosed as a moaner!
A little while ago, you may recall that I was wondering if might have developed diabetes.
Strange really - I had buried deep within me the condition (diagnosed) that is causing me problems; hyperparathyroidism.
Last evening I suddenly remembered and did some checking up.
Yes, I really do have many of the symptoms.
Tiredness, weakness, depression, wakefulness at night, irritability, thirst etc.
I don't have any more aches and pains in my bones now than I have experienced for quite a while.
These I know about. Other things would have to be checked by a doctor. Kidney stones are common and I really don't want them - imagine passing them through the stoma!
Levels of Vitamin D and calcium can be checked again in blood tests.
I have an appointment to see Dr Oliver next Friday. He is rare amongst doctors in having a wide knowledge of this fairly uncommon problem.
I shall ask about when we might have to consider removing the glands.
By the way - the only connection that parathyroid glands have with the thyroid gland is that they are quite close together in your body. They do very different jobs.
One web site summed up the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism with the words....."moans, groans, stones and bones with psychic overtones!"
So, probably no diabetes, but yes to a condition that I think will get managed.
Bill will also see Dr O next Friday.
We did call in at the doctor's surgery this morning to pick up a letter I asked for. It briefly tells any airline or airport security check person that I have a medical reason for having a bag of liquid under my clothes. I will also get a card from the Urostomy Association.
We called in on Jenny for a cup of tea after being at the doctor's surgery and just about caught Ruth and the boys after their trip to Tilgate.
The weather has been miserable this afternoon - but nothing like thunder here.
I hope it improves in the morning.
I would like some time out at Ford and then some exploring somewhere.
Now scroll down and see the monsters of Crystal Palace - no, not the timekeepers at an athletics meeting!
Strange really - I had buried deep within me the condition (diagnosed) that is causing me problems; hyperparathyroidism.
Last evening I suddenly remembered and did some checking up.
Yes, I really do have many of the symptoms.
Tiredness, weakness, depression, wakefulness at night, irritability, thirst etc.
I don't have any more aches and pains in my bones now than I have experienced for quite a while.
These I know about. Other things would have to be checked by a doctor. Kidney stones are common and I really don't want them - imagine passing them through the stoma!
Levels of Vitamin D and calcium can be checked again in blood tests.
I have an appointment to see Dr Oliver next Friday. He is rare amongst doctors in having a wide knowledge of this fairly uncommon problem.
I shall ask about when we might have to consider removing the glands.
By the way - the only connection that parathyroid glands have with the thyroid gland is that they are quite close together in your body. They do very different jobs.
One web site summed up the symptoms of hyperparathyroidism with the words....."moans, groans, stones and bones with psychic overtones!"
So, probably no diabetes, but yes to a condition that I think will get managed.
Bill will also see Dr O next Friday.
We did call in at the doctor's surgery this morning to pick up a letter I asked for. It briefly tells any airline or airport security check person that I have a medical reason for having a bag of liquid under my clothes. I will also get a card from the Urostomy Association.
We called in on Jenny for a cup of tea after being at the doctor's surgery and just about caught Ruth and the boys after their trip to Tilgate.
The weather has been miserable this afternoon - but nothing like thunder here.
I hope it improves in the morning.
I would like some time out at Ford and then some exploring somewhere.
Now scroll down and see the monsters of Crystal Palace - no, not the timekeepers at an athletics meeting!
Labels: health
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Dealers may be revolting - and Bill's beautiful Bodnant.
Bill had an appointment at the hospital at 9 o'clock - keeping watch on his rheumatoid arthritis.
There have been changes - but nothing that interferes with life too much.
It was suggested that he work a time for walking into life - not strolling at boot sales or with eyes on photo opportunities, but striding out a bit.
We all know that to be wise and just maybe we will both do something about it now - but not today.
But basically, Bill's instructions were to carry on as he has done for a few years now with medication and pain killers.
We were due in the shop again today. We had warned that we might be a little late and therefore didn't mind doing an about turn to check out a deer I saw by the war memorial by North Holmwood church.
Mother deer had moved further away by the time we were alongside again and she had her two little ones with her.
They stood and watched nervously as we peered through the car window at them.
As they were a bit behind a fence I failed to get a picture of the three of them.
And then suddenly mother could trust us no longer and off they scurried.
The shop has been a bit dull today.
Perhaps I prefer the company of Monika and Julie, but most of all I prefer for there to be more customers about - though Bill and I both sold.
The talking point of the day has been the electricity bill.
I am sure there must be some error - but Stephen blames those of us who have tried to keep the place warm with fan heaters during the winter.
But he really ought to double check this bill that he has paid - seemingly it is 4 times higher than he has come to expect for the winter 6 months.
I know he makes no money out of running the shop - he is no business man, but a willing, nice man.
Last week he suddenly had to find almost £2,000 for electricity.
He has now issued letters to us all asking for a contribution of £50 or the rents will have to go up.
Frankly I would rather pay an extra 10%, which within a year would give Stephen lots more money than the £50.
I sense that there will be a revolt - I can already hear both the plaintive moans and the strident indignations.
I feel that a 10% increase is fairer to the people who only rent one small cabinet.
And there is nothing to say the rents won't have to go up even after paying out an extra £50 each.
We chatted briefly with Jonathan at the end of the day - I sensed he feels he wants to go along with Stephen - he rents a lot of space, so I guess his extra 10% would be about £30 (at least) every month.
I hate conflict, but we all want what's best for the shop and therefore ourselves.
Now back to Wales.
On the Saturday we went to Bodnant, a wonderful National Trust garden.
I think it was the most perfect week to visit, with the gardens at their best.
There will be Bodnant pictures two days running, because Bill and I have our own stories to tell.
We separated at Bodnant, which gave Bill more opportunity to take his time and observe things in the way he wanted to.
I walked around with Ashley, Liz and Ecky and set them against the beautiful views and backgrounds.
Today you have some of Bill's photos.
The laburnum walk was truly magnificent.
The azalias, too were mostly blooming at their best.
I now have a Bodnant blue iris in our own garden.
I loved these too - but Bill's picture is better.
I love the simplicity of this shot.
And this one - I think they look better enlarged.
The house was once a family house - not sure about now. It is not open to the public.
There have been changes - but nothing that interferes with life too much.
It was suggested that he work a time for walking into life - not strolling at boot sales or with eyes on photo opportunities, but striding out a bit.
We all know that to be wise and just maybe we will both do something about it now - but not today.
But basically, Bill's instructions were to carry on as he has done for a few years now with medication and pain killers.
We were due in the shop again today. We had warned that we might be a little late and therefore didn't mind doing an about turn to check out a deer I saw by the war memorial by North Holmwood church.
Mother deer had moved further away by the time we were alongside again and she had her two little ones with her.
They stood and watched nervously as we peered through the car window at them.
As they were a bit behind a fence I failed to get a picture of the three of them.
And then suddenly mother could trust us no longer and off they scurried.
The shop has been a bit dull today.
Perhaps I prefer the company of Monika and Julie, but most of all I prefer for there to be more customers about - though Bill and I both sold.
The talking point of the day has been the electricity bill.
I am sure there must be some error - but Stephen blames those of us who have tried to keep the place warm with fan heaters during the winter.
But he really ought to double check this bill that he has paid - seemingly it is 4 times higher than he has come to expect for the winter 6 months.
I know he makes no money out of running the shop - he is no business man, but a willing, nice man.
Last week he suddenly had to find almost £2,000 for electricity.
He has now issued letters to us all asking for a contribution of £50 or the rents will have to go up.
Frankly I would rather pay an extra 10%, which within a year would give Stephen lots more money than the £50.
I sense that there will be a revolt - I can already hear both the plaintive moans and the strident indignations.
I feel that a 10% increase is fairer to the people who only rent one small cabinet.
And there is nothing to say the rents won't have to go up even after paying out an extra £50 each.
We chatted briefly with Jonathan at the end of the day - I sensed he feels he wants to go along with Stephen - he rents a lot of space, so I guess his extra 10% would be about £30 (at least) every month.
I hate conflict, but we all want what's best for the shop and therefore ourselves.
Now back to Wales.
On the Saturday we went to Bodnant, a wonderful National Trust garden.
I think it was the most perfect week to visit, with the gardens at their best.
There will be Bodnant pictures two days running, because Bill and I have our own stories to tell.
We separated at Bodnant, which gave Bill more opportunity to take his time and observe things in the way he wanted to.
I walked around with Ashley, Liz and Ecky and set them against the beautiful views and backgrounds.
Today you have some of Bill's photos.
The laburnum walk was truly magnificent.
Stunning - and we really saw it in its perfection.
There will be more laburnum pictures tomorrow; but on the whole I have attempted not to duplicate too much.
The azalias, too were mostly blooming at their best.
I now have a Bodnant blue iris in our own garden.
I loved these too - but Bill's picture is better.
Bill spent a lot of time on the terraces - wondering where the rest of us were, no doubt.
The terraces have large water features.
Bill is a dragon fly and damsel fly fan and was happy to capture images of them on the water lilies.
I love the simplicity of this shot.
And this one - I think they look better enlarged.
The house was once a family house - not sure about now. It is not open to the public.
Labels: family, health, nature, wales
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Brutal blood lady and Bill's birthday in Rye.
I wanted some fun today.
I can't say that this afternoon's trip to the hospital was much fun.
Short - but painful.
I had a blood test.
You know how it is, they say "Just a slight prick" and normally it is. Today I was hurt.
She said I would get a bruise and she was so right.
Never mind, I smiled and said "Thank You" - and I meant it. It is quite wonderful how well we are both being monitored.
This morning we went on the bus into town - might have walked, but it was raining. We still had not bought a present for the latest great nephew, who we will meet tomorrow.
We have 31 great nephews and nieces, with 2 more expected very soon.
We had a big Lidls shop after the trip to the hospital. Hadn't been there for some time.
Now back to Bill's birthday.
We went to Rye in the afternoon. Rye is known throughout the world and attracts many tourists.
It is fascinating and beautiful, with many narrow cobbled streets on the hillside above the River Rother and lined with very many old inns and houses.
The church is right at the top of the hill.
We are climbing up towards the most famous street of them all - Mermaid Street.
The Mermaid is a famous old inn. I quite fancied afternoon tea there - as a birthday treat.
But I think Bill fancied more the sort of place we are accustomed to.
A meal would have required a bank loan, maybe!
We walked through the inn to see the courtyard beyond.
This is looking back to Mermaid Street.
I was not the only one to see the potential of this view for a photo.
We stood behind, quietly chuckling.
We continued to climb, past the house where Henry James (the author) lived.
I loved these Rye tulips.
Steep and narrow stair cases up to the top.
Church bells.
Whilst Bill was up the tower, I did leave the church for a while and looked up to see if he could be seen.
And Bill saw them from above.
The views over the flat lands to the sea were very good.
The River Rother - the estuary is where the small harbour now is.
Winchelsea is on the dark green hill across the flat land.
Ornamental defences below the Ypres Tower with the cannon facing out to sea along the river.
The Ypres Tower.
I can't say that this afternoon's trip to the hospital was much fun.
Short - but painful.
I had a blood test.
You know how it is, they say "Just a slight prick" and normally it is. Today I was hurt.
She said I would get a bruise and she was so right.
Never mind, I smiled and said "Thank You" - and I meant it. It is quite wonderful how well we are both being monitored.
This morning we went on the bus into town - might have walked, but it was raining. We still had not bought a present for the latest great nephew, who we will meet tomorrow.
We have 31 great nephews and nieces, with 2 more expected very soon.
We had a big Lidls shop after the trip to the hospital. Hadn't been there for some time.
Now back to Bill's birthday.
We went to Rye in the afternoon. Rye is known throughout the world and attracts many tourists.
It is fascinating and beautiful, with many narrow cobbled streets on the hillside above the River Rother and lined with very many old inns and houses.
The church is right at the top of the hill.
We are climbing up towards the most famous street of them all - Mermaid Street.
The Mermaid is a famous old inn. I quite fancied afternoon tea there - as a birthday treat.
But I think Bill fancied more the sort of place we are accustomed to.
A meal would have required a bank loan, maybe!
We walked through the inn to see the courtyard beyond.
This is looking back to Mermaid Street.
I was not the only one to see the potential of this view for a photo.
We stood behind, quietly chuckling.
We continued to climb, past the house where Henry James (the author) lived.
I loved these Rye tulips.
By the time we reached the church I was feeling just a bit rough - doing too much? eating too much?
Whatever it was I really didn't feel like the climb up the church tower.
So Bill had a birthday treat all to himself.
I sat in the church and waited.
Steep and narrow stair cases up to the top.
It was on these stairs that Bill met people that we know - members of the post card club.
Church bells.
Whilst Bill was up the tower, I did leave the church for a while and looked up to see if he could be seen.
I didn't see him.
But I did photograph the cherubs over the clock.
And Bill saw them from above.
The views over the flat lands to the sea were very good.
Rye had once been an important sea port until the land silted up and the sea shore become a couple of miles from the town.
The River Rother - the estuary is where the small harbour now is.
There are still lakes of trapped water within the Levels.
The Ypres Tower is below on the right.
Winchelsea is on the dark green hill across the flat land.
Ornamental defences below the Ypres Tower with the cannon facing out to sea along the river.
I am sure they were not always just ornamental.
The Ypres Tower.
After our walk we had a cup of tea and some cake in a tea shop.
I had to escape to "make myself comfortable".
When I returned to our table, Bill was surrounded by cloths and wet patches. He had knocked his coffee over.
We chuckled and apologised to the tea shop lady and explained that she would have to forgive him, for he had become an old man that very day!
We stayed for only about 2 hours in Rye. There is lots to return for - the same can be said of Winchelsea too.
Do you know we didn't set foot in any of the antiques shops to be found in Rye!
We decided to drive back to our barn and relax a while.
We had fresh eggs from that hen.
Once we found some energy we set off for Hastings for something to eat.
