*Soop's kitcheners*

Oh yes, there was plenty of laughing and chatting, when! Now...whose ears were burning? [just kidding emoticon]

A lovely time at the NW meet up. We spent a happy four hours putting the world to rights. Time passes very quickly when you are having fun

soop, I hope the doctor has something definite to tell you about McS's strange affliction. And hopefully they can now do something to make him feel a lot better. He may need a lot of Magnums to get him well again.

soop! I retrieved it on the way down. I'd have hated to lose it. It's one of a pair!

Thank you for the hugs Soop. Much needed at the moment as our fingers are crossed and hoping for the best. DH sends his thanks too.

Hello everyone, not had much time to pop in lately but thought I'd call to wish soop and MacS luck today with finding a diagnosis. And also wish Mr Agus well. Not forgetting (((hugs))) for Bella and her DH.

It sounds like the NW meetup was a success - I wish more people were interested in one round here. I might try again.

It's raining here so I thought nice hot, buttered crumpets would go down well! Enjoy!

I'm sending all my lovely kitcheners rays of Kintyre's wonderful sunshine.

Agus A mixed posy of sweet peas and freesias. They smell heavenly.

Galen Yay! If you lived across the way, I would try to persuade you to let me borrow them for a very special occasion.

I was thinking of all the Granspals who met for a blether and a noisy chortle. I would need to redraw the Scottish map to get you lot within a decent travelling distance. Never mind, we have the kitchen.

MacS's scabby top fell off the place at the base of his spine where the infection/whatever kicked off. There is a nasty crater and it's still inflamed. Poor love! Off to see the doc at 10.00. I shall tell you what he had to say when I log on later this afternoon. Need to do the weekly shop and...having returned and put stuff in cupboards...it will be Andy's match. No idea when he'll be on court. Hoping like mad that he waits until I'm in my seat and ready to yell..."*COME ON ANDY"*...titters

hello dear kitty and yes, (((hugs))) for Bella and her dear husband. They are never far from my thoughts.

soop Andy is no.3 on centre court. It will rain heavily later so at least he will have the cover pulled over. You should be home by then, feet up and a cup of coffee to hand.

It sounds as though MacS's base of spine needs regular dressing but that will be sorted out today I hope. With any luck he will be on the correct antibiotics.

Me too Kitty.... may I echo your good wishes.
I've been dealing with a vast crop of gooseberries, picking, topping and tailing, sorting to freeze or make into jelly.
Now to make 2 more batches then pack, off to Cornwall tomorrow.....phew!

Just back from the Surgery 'boosted' by a B12 top up injection. Have a mountain of ironing, unwashed windows, unhoovered carpets, a filthy car and a mountain of work to do in the garden but, as this is the first day I have had to myself for 3 months, without DH needing round the clock attention I think I will have a 'day off'. DD2 has taken DH off to rehab (or to be more specific the Frailty Clinic at FVRH) for the day, where he has physiotherapy and is encouraged to be more independent. They have still not given a diagnosis or reason for his complete collapse a couple of weeks after his broken and dislocated elbow although, he has had every test available - all clear except for a shortage of B12 and Sodium. Saw the specialist on Tuesday re his elbow which is quite obviously still not right, is sore with only partial movement. Consultant NOT recommending a further operation but will do it if DH insists. To make up his mind by next appointment in September. Meanwhile he is making steady progress, walking with a zimmer, is much brighter mentally but still cannot carry anything, climb steps, take a shower unaided or (most frustrating for him) drive.

Sorry if this sounds selfish but I am still waiting for any of the medical people to ask ME how I am coping. According to his notes he 'has good support at home' but I have no idea how they reached this conclusion as they have never asked me, nor Himself how we are managing. I must admit that it came as a shock when I was first addressed as his 'carer'. My response was 'I am not his carer - I'm his wife'. In fact we have and are coping most of the time, with lots of support from the DDs and neighbours. I do resent the curtailment of my own activities, particularly being tied to the house when I should be out campaigning for 'YES', and being unable to do as much with the DGC, spend time on Gransnet and having to do ALL the housework and gardening and I do get fractious if I miss out on sleep. However, I can now see light at the end of the tunnel, DH has regained his sense of humour and I feel able to leave him 'home alone' for the odd half hour to get my hair cut and collect DGC from school etc.

I have not had a chance to do more than skim through all the posts on this thread but see that many of you have heavier burdens to bear than me. I am so grateful that Soop has created this peaceful haven where we can unburden and chill out for a while. I am leaving a huge bowl of freshly picked raspberries for all to enjoy - don't think there will be much jam made here this summer.

G23, it's always a good thing to unload on us. You have had a trying time lately and so has your poor OH who is so lucky to have you. Nothing better than good Scottish raspberries. Thanks, I don't mind if I do.

granny23 You've been missed on Gnet, enjoy your day and I'm glad you can see the light!

Thanks for the raspberries (yummy) do help yourself to the fresh coffee, and scones with cream and jam that I've left out of Rory's reach!

G23
Have you claimed AA65+?
You may be eligible.

Granny23 Don't feel selfish. This is a massive change in your life,

For me the idea of me being "a carer" terrifies me for a whole number of reasons.

Thanks for the sweet peas Soop One of my favourite flowers. Still waiting here for ours to flower.

The crater you describe, if deep enough, may need surgical packing and hopefully clears up quickly. Enjoy the tennis

You have my complete sympathy Granny23. A bit similar to our situation at the moment and sadly it has been an eye opener for me realising this is when you find out who your friends are! Thank god for DDs. Very pleased to hear things are improving for you and hope you get a little more 'me' time. Look after yourself too . Hope your DH continues to make good progress and your situation will soon be a thing of the past.

It's a hard slog at the moment but my heart goes out to those I know are having to deal with much worse than me.

No, Galen Quote - 'You must have a long-term condition or health need, and have required help for six months, before you can receive
Attendance Allowance.' It has only been just over 3 months so far and fingers crossed DH will be much improved by the time the 6 months is up. We could certainly have done with a boost to the budget to help cover additional costs e.g. petrol for all the 45 mile round trips to hospital, extra £20+ per week on food shopping bill due to needing home delivery from ASDA instead of shopping at Aldi or Lidl, £40 for one-off hedge cutting and so on and so on.

I also wish there was a quick way to get a temporary blue badge. It would be a boon if they could issue them at the fracture clinic.

Perhaps we should start a campaign for a "pink badge" ie a temporary parking pass with its expiry date on large user friendly numbers thatcould be issued by #clinics or GPs?

That is a very good idea Galen.

Darling Granny23 Phew! Reading through your latest message made me want to scream out loud on your behalf. You are shouldering a huge burden which may well continue for some considerable time. Bless you. Have you contacted Citizens Advice? You really do need and deserve support.

MiceElf We've just returned from the Campbeltown weekly shop. A carrier drove up the drive. I was presented with an important looking box, Inside, a gorgeous basket of beautiful, colourful flowers together with a very kind message from you to me. An enormous thank you. You have indeed put a on my face.

The doctor still hasn't had the results of the blood samples sent to the lab two weeks ago. He promises to "chase them up"...in the meantime, MacS's sore places remain just that. The first symptom presented itself just short of a month ago. So, he's to continue using the special cream containing steroids. I'm convinced that a few new spots are emerging over his face. I want to jump and down with utter frustration. But, there are many of you lot with far, far worse problems...so I shall continue to be patient and wait for the phone call that the GP has promised.

What a frustration Soop.

Just think this could be a case of 'No news means good news' given the circumstances. Sometimes it's more scarey to be contacted quickly as time is against you.

Does that make sense?

Will be watching.

Thank you POGS...I'm know that I'm being a silly old fart fusspot.

Soop.

The Dr should get a grip of the blood test.

I do not know who your MP or MSP is but send them a mail PDQ to get the blood test sorted out.

The whole scenario, is so upsetting for you .

My words are hard, no hugs etc but a dose of reality.

Enjoy the tennis an a Magnum for himself

I must admit to being mildly surprised by the use of a steroid cream on an undiagnosed rash. I would never do so.

But perhaps that's modern medicine?