Soop`s superbly supportive,caring and fun loving Kitchen.

Just diving through this kitchen door before it closes. My thoughts are with all of you experiencing worry, stress, fear of the unknown or dreading the inevitable. Too many brave persons to name in case I miss one, which would be awful, but I send hugs and a shoulder to lean on for all you lot

I also send thanks for sharing the ups and downs of your lives - and turning what seems my own slough of despond into a little trickle

Morning everyone. annsixty. Thinking about you with a sore heart for the struggle you and your husband have just now. I remember watching my mum “disappearing” and oh how I struggled to visit her. Please do not hide away and do come into the kitchen even just to post the word “hello”. Even if you don’t I will be thinking about you.
soop how good you are at keeping on going.
kittylester. Every time some says mrkitty I giggle and wonder ... does he have whiskers???? Please tell.
To all the rest of you with, it has to be said, some big problems, kind thoughts and keep on keeping going.
I am off to see my perfectionist daughter and remind her that sometimes ‘good enough’ is all right.
izabella double chocolate muffins on the side. Make sure you take two and have a cuppa with your OH.

Good morning dear kitcheners. I can hardly believe what a good sleep I had last night and how much better I feel today. I know I still have to pace and I don't have long lasting energy, normally about ten minutes at a time, but if I am careful it works out ok.

I have read all the posts - hugs to all!

Having well and truly exercised my writing skills?!? yesterday I promise not to be so long winded today!
However with the Kitchen membership reaching such staggering numbers, and so many of you with in dividual worries or blessings to share... one gets easily carried away!!

Firstly Anneliese wishing you both a belated Happy anniversary, with the hopes there will be a big health improvement before you celebrate your next one.

Thinking of you Soop (and stalwart of course!!) heading to the Hospital again,great comforting news about the lack of pain,with drain removed and radiotherapy scheduled, you my friend are sailing through these problems..........and for now the "bot" issue can happily await its turn.

I guess you are both rather flustered and fearful about your man`s recall this soon Kitty.... but probably wires have been crossed which is not unusual in the NHS!! ........at least you will soon be enlightened and that is a big help.

Some cwtches I think for our Ann.......thinking of you.

At least you are much more knowledgable about your painful issues Corner, and strangely enough that does often help "to lighten the heavy load".

Good to hear your David did not find his first Chemo session too bad ......boredom is usually the main complaint Callgirl
Hope your long journey is not too tiring for you.

Found myself almost drinking in the sea air you described there Willow........surely the best pick up of all!
The sea side holds many happy memories for us both too.

You really do read our posts and take them into heart Doodle by remembering our previous "fall out" with MCarthy & Stone.A big Thank you for your thoughtful suggestions, and were these available within our Medical catchment area then obviously seriously worth thinking about.
Sadly our County may have many distinctive qualities but Retirement homes are certainly NOT included.

Trusting this is a better pain free and new day for you Synonymous

I am fast in danger of doing it again......but am determindly calling a halt before this Kitchen closes..............and I shall end with some good news regarding myself........just learned my 3/4 weekly visits to our Hospital are again cancelled(for now)........so the flags are flying high outside the Panache household!!!

Take it nice and easy dear friends,what can`t be done today can well be done tomorrow...... or even the days after that!!
Hope all those many trips go well.

Oh Ann I am thinking of you (((((((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))))))))))

ann I am really sorry you are feeling down at the moment but I suppose it’s not surprising considering all you have going on in your life. As the saying goes, it will pass, things will get better and there will be more peaceful happier times to come. Whether you post or not we will all be thinking of you and hoping your spirits lift soon

Izabella I have always enjoyed reading your lovely posts and look forward to future readings. I remember a while back when you fell off your bike with some uncomfortable dental treatment that followed. I hope you are back on your bike now. Cycling was one if my favourite things to do, but then it all got a bit dangerous with increased traffic. I have a cycle with 21 gears so I will get it serviced and get back on it. Well that’s the plan! Do you still have your chickens? I hope you go on being a free spirit for as long as you can and I look forward to your posts.

Soop you are an incredible lady. I wish you could bottle some of your positivity and post it to me so that I could put it in DH’s coffee! (Permanently glass half empty kind of guy). I hope current drainage issues get sorted quickly.

Good morning to you lovely lot, I love being able to type those words.

Anneliese I apologise for not wishing you and your husband a suitably stress-free special day. It's a big ask. You have shared and weathered many setbacks (or "buggerations") recently. Life isn't fair. However, with the support of a loving partner, family and friends it's possible to glean something positive with which to recharge the batteries.

corner the problem from which you are suffering is a blighter. I have heard how very painful it is. Chronic pain saps one of energy and resolve from time to time. Us lot are with you.

Izabella and Synonymous Gentle hugs for you together with all poorly Granspals and their loved ones.

Callgirl Canula = Ouch Big Time! Bless your son and your dear daughter. Although...

GrandmainOz for you too.

N&G I took one brief look at my naked body this morning and thought...sod it. It is beside the point to fret about a few inches of extra weight. I shall enjoy my food as and when. Calorie counting took a nose-dive the moment I sampled Baggs's banana loaf. I know. I know. I should have shared some with you lot. Too late!

The bed sheet and jim-jam top are soaked. Not all blood. Mostly pinky fluid. Date with GP very shortly. The drain is not secure and the wee bag I'm attached to is showing very little fluid. That's all over my bedding. Never mind. GP has to now guess how much may have been collected in the bag (if the line had held) because the Royal Alexandra do not want him to remove the drain if the contents are between 100/200 mls. The district nurse drained off 300 mls yestday late morning. No big deal. A wee fartation as opposed to a big buggeration. Wash yer mouth out, Soop.

I must wash and brush-up. Most likely return to discover that a new kitchen is about to open or is already bustling with activity and the happy sound of laughter. Keep a watch on my behalf. I trust you to open just the one. I get lost if I have a choice ...it's an elderly lady thing.

Ann so sorry that you are having such a hard time - I hope you are being kind to yourself but I know that’s far easier said than done. Let off steam here and the load gets lightened for a little while. Kettle’s singing!

Good wishes to all troubled today and those waiting for hospital visits , results etc.
I am in a dark place at the moment so may not post regularly but am thinking of you all.

Morning all,

Wont be long till the new kitchen !!

I think sharing how your illness affects you is not only brave Izabella but priceless. How often have we wished to understand a person better ? This allows us to all walk a mile in your shoes so to speak. And then apply that knowledge to others who have a similar issue. I for one , thank you x

Belated congratulations Anneliese !!

I cant stay long this morning as we are off to get weighed :-( which could go either way quite frankly LOL . I am tired of this diet already , the constant thought and planning required before eating anything . A life time of coffee and cake habit when we are out is hard to stop despite knowing my health would be better for not .

I wonder at what stage you just think 'sod it' I have less in front of me than behind ( except for the size of my bottom of course :-) ) I might as well enjoy myself !!

Anyway, that's far too deep for pre breakfast ( I obviously cant eat before weigh in , in case it makes a blind bit of difference !!)

Back later , hopefully lighter and in better form ( one way or another !!)

Dear All. Just popped in for a catch up. As always, so much going on for everyone. I was happy to read that soop isn't suffering any pain. That's marvelous. izabella what an inspiration person you are. panache I hope your stress is eased soon. So many other lovely posters I would like to mention, but I'd be here for hours and would hate to offend by confusing names.
to everyone. I must call in more frequently to keep up to date. It's such a lovely, warm haven

Thank you Soop for thinking of saying hello to David tomorrow, so typical of you when you should be thinking of you. All the best for when you get to the surgery, look out of the window and admire the scenery whilst you are being "done".
Panache, that was a post and a half! You never cease to amaze me, managing to produce these lengthy tomes for us when your not feeling tip top, thank you.
Corner, you may be drawing a veil over your troubles, but we`1l still be thinking of you and wishing all the best to you.
Anneliese, Happy Anniversary to you and your Mister.
David said the chemo wasn`t as bad as expected, in fact, not too bad at all. He said the worst bit was when the nurse struggled to get the canula in, had to try several times. Despite taking a book with him, he was very bored for most of the 7 hours he was there.
I won`t be here till late tomorrow, I`m off to Lancashire, 150 miles away, to my nephew`s funeral, My 2 youngest daughters are going with me.
Lynne had a bit of a shock when the carer arrived this morning...……….it was a fella! She whispered, "I`m not being undressed!", but then he got stuck in and she said nowt, lol!
Sincere apologies to all those I`ve failed to mention, my memory is blurring lately.

So much to catch up on - I've read the last 5 pages but now can't remember all of the news.

Wonderful that you are home and not suffering any pain Soop but as everyone says please remember you've had major surgery and your body needs to heal. I hope the drain comes out tomorrow as that will feel more comfortable.

Congratulations Maw on your new arrival - a special little bundle to spoil.

Izabella I echo what everyone else has said - it's very brave to write down your daily experiences - have you thought of keeping a diary? I wish I had known what was in my parents' minds as they made the slow progression through cognitive confusion - I do remember my dad forgot how to make his famous pastry and had to resort to prompts from Mum. As for the washing machine I only ever use one program - I have no idea what the rest do and am forever searching for the oven manual to reset the clock when the power goes off!

We have been to the bungalow for the weekend to attend the christening of brother & sister in law's great granddaughter who is just a year old and very cute. We arrived at the church in time to see BIL coming to tell everyone the event WAS taking place - apparently little one had been sick all over her beautiful christening outfit minutes before they were due to set off so her granddad had gone to cancel the proceedings. Meanwhile after a change of clothing she was fine so all went ahead in the end.

We had a lovely walk along the sea front this morning - the weather was beautiful - it's 50 years since we 'courted' down there so we had some nostalgic moments - followed by fish n chips from the award winning chip shop. Needless to say as usual we couldn't eat them all so they're in the fridge to heat up tomorrow - twice cooked chips are the in thing

Apologies to all those I've missed - Syn I'm sorry you're suffering too and Panache your posts are always so inspirational to all.

Hope tomorrow brings pain relief to all those suffering. I must go to bed - I had no sleep at all on Friday night being up all night feeling ill and last night Alfie was such a pest. We really need a catio so he can go out during the night!!

Will catch up in the morning!

Oh Lord, Nannytopsy, please don’t say that! We have been nominated at Easter to look after the two Guineas that GS got for his birthday last month! It is already giving me sleepless nights just thinking about what could go wrong. It is thirty seven years since we had experience of caring for small animals! We managed to pass the class gerbil on only a week before it turned its toes up!

When I had to send the class bear home, I never told the children that we had two identical bears - just in case! But have you tried to buy an identical guinea pig when the precious pet dies during the holidays!

Happy anniversary to you both anneliese, hope your husband is more comfortable soon.

Evening All. Last mention of my ailments, you must all be tired of my moaning. Physio says there’s a rotator cuff injury causing weakness and discomfort plus a compromised nerve linked to long standing neck problems causing intermittent loss of feeling and the ‘ouch I’ve banged my funny bone’ sort of pain. I’m a lot more comfortable after today’s session and will have another in 10 days once this one has settled. I feel so much better knowing what it is. I’ve also given myself a real talking to and will stop (or try to stop ) fretting about what I can’t change. Put the both together and I do feel lighter. Phew. Thank you all for your kindness, normal service will be resumed now .

Hope tomorrow goes well soop, it does sound as if you are mending which is wonderful. A phone call seems eminently sensible rather than a long journey. Happy family photo again. Sleep well tonight.

Your husband’s start to the day sounds dramatic izabella, I’m finding your posts very interesting and admire your courage in recording your experiences. Washing machine instructions are, in my view, written to torment us all. What happened to the straightforward and simple?

Your husband sounds a sensible soul synonymous, can understand the desire to get on with the surgery. CFS/ME flareups are a major pain in the rear, it was diagnosis number one for me before fibromyalgia was added. I agree about the benefits of pacing, it’s the primary tool in my management tool box and yes, pain clinic staff are unfailingly helpful and kind in a very non fussy way.

Seems hopeful on the house front panache, interest without pressure is no bad thing just now. Shame about the bungalow steps though. Wishing you both a peaceful night.

Goodness, the NHS is supercharged for your husband kitty. Strongly suspect a cancellation, be good to have the waiting over. Sending love to you both.

Hope your son coped well today callgirl, good wishes to him for the treatment and a hope for positive outcomes.

I can never see Cooper and not smile n&g. . Oh the responsibility of the class mascot, one of ours left hers over 200 miles away, it came back in the post . Hope the weather will favour your new construction project.

I’m about to consume a large glass of dry white. Think I deserve it ! Hopefully a clear head in the morning to meet a GN friend, fortunately she’s a tolerant and kindly soul.

Many apologies to those I’ve undoubtedly missed. Thank you all again for your support. Today has been much brighter so onwards and upwards here.

Happy Anniversary anneliese. Sorry your DH is in pain. Hope things will get better following his appointment

Today is our wedding anniversary. Like many of you, this year has been worse rather than better, and about sickness rather than health! DH still awaits a diagnosis regarding his speech problem, and as he also has torn a tendon in his shoulder, is having a bad time. Hopefully his orthopaedic appointment later this week will lead to pain relief, even there is a delay to repair the tendon.

I’ve been trying to catch up with everyone. Dear Soop do take it easy! Our bodies use a lot of energy when they are healing, and you need lots of rest.

Congratulations Maw! It’s lovely news about the baby and it will be good to have you back in the kitchen.

N&G I love roast pork but just lately I can’t make good crackling! Probably a good thing for both my waistline and my teeth!

Izabella it’s so good that you are sharing your experiences with us, hard though it is. It will be such a help for those with loved ones who have this cruel disease, and for anyone who may be affected in the future.

Syn I’m like you and can’t remember all the posts! I’m so glad that you’ve had good news about your DH and his surgery.

Panache I really enjoy reading your posts. As Soop says, you are a great comfort to us. And we all hope you find suitable housing soon.

As quite a newbie, I would love to know how the kitchen came about. I’m so glad it did, as it’s a great comfort to know there is such support.

I know I’ve not remembered all you kitcheners, but best wishes to everyone.

panache I have been thinking (yes it does happen on occasions ?). I know you had a bad experience with McC and S before when they let you down. I was just wondering if you had heard they have some new schemes now like rental or part buy part rent. I just wondered if that might be of some interest in your current situation whilst although not sheltered housing they do have Retirement Living Plus sites where you can purchase (everything at a price) personal care and help. Also the sites have big bathrooms and good wheelchair access throughout (been looking at it for a relative which is why I mention it). No need to reply to me, I know you find it hard work to post. Just thought I’d mention it in case.

Oh soop how typical of you to think of others. So glad you are not in pain.
The kitchen demolished and not re-opened. That will never happen soop. There are more kitcheners now than ever before. Along with the popper inners (?) we are huge in number. All thanks to your idea in the first place. Thank you soop. ?

Dear kitty, please keep us informed. Our thoughts will be with you both tomorrow. Buggerations to ironing. For the first time ever I have folded stuff neatly and placed in drawers. The iron is for the time being, redundant.

synonymous All that I can suggest is rest. As much and as often as you need.

Izabella It's a fact that your insight, along with that of others relating to a whole host of chronic conditions, is invaluable.

callgirl
Special thoughts for hoped-for positive treatment for your son. Will say hello to David tomorrow. We'll be going to Muasdale to have drain removed.

Did as you lot directed. Had a wee lie down and a short nap.
Phone call came from breast clinic. Path lab report will be relayed to me over the phone on Thursday. That's a good thing. It means we don't need to motor all the way to Glasgow to hear details. Attend clinc the following week. Likely start of radiotherapy on April 4th. Drop-bot surgery for April 3rd on hold. There is a limit to how much I need to put my wee body through.

Although I'm black and blue and stiched up to the nines, I have had no need of painkillers since returning home. The medication remains unopened. Just thought that any other Granspal awaiting like-surgery, need not be horrified and afraid of distressing pain.

Off to put my feet up. Lazy mare. Should we need a new kitchen between now and when I next check in, please will one of you remarkable lot do the honours. There, I've left the key under the chaise. Gettogether and enjoy whatever goodies you happen across in the new establishment. Just be there. I couldn't bear for our kitchen to be demolished and not re-opened.

kitty at least it is tomorrow and the pair of you do not have to stew for a week or longer. With luck, you will be able to get on with your lives after tomorrow- good luck.

kitty I expect they just had a cancellation. I wouldn't worry. As they said the scan was clear.