This is something of a letting off steam, cathartic exercise so please indulge me GNetters.
Some of you will know I had an accident about 20 months ago resulting in a wound to my leg which became ulcerated, led to lymphoedema and refuses to heal 100%. The road to recovery has been fraught. I'm going to have to wear some kind of compression garment for the rest of my life and I absolutely hate compression. It's like having a medieval instrument of torture on your leg 24/7.
I've been unable to drive for much of the last 20 months and as I'd only just moved here when I had the accident, I didn't have the chance to cultivate new friendships or fully explore any social activities.
As a result I'm feeling quite isolated and a little despondent. Most weeks I only see my wound nurse and the Sainsbury's delivery man and my cleaning lady comes once a fortnight.
My (lovely) wound nurse picked up on my low mood and spoke to my (lovely) GP. GP contacted me by phone very quickly and has arranged for me to have cognitive behaviour therapy to see if it helps with my loathing and dread of compression. She sent me details of various mental health agencies - but I don't think I need to go down that route . She also referred to me the Social Prescriber.
I know Social Prescribers are a sort of signposting "one stop shop" but that's about all I know. So yesterday the Social Prescrber phoned me.
Now I have a Bachelors Degree and a Master's Degree. I worked extensively throughout Europe and North America, with stints within the European Parliament. I worked with very high profile political figures and a smattering of well known household names. Whilst I'm no Einstein, I like to think that I come over as reasonably well educated and articulate with a brain that can still hold it's head high!
Lucy, the Social Prescriber, sounded about 12 years old. I tried to explain a bit about my situation and a bit about myself as she requested. I told her that before the accident I had gone to a couple of talks put on by the local Arts Society and was interested in some of the visiting speakers they have who cover a wide range of arts. I'm keen on local history and I also used to do a few pub quizzes with friends. Used to cook a lot and love to try out new cuisines and visit new restaurants.
Lucy's suggestions were -
1. There's a painting class at the local Age Concern as I like art.
2. She knows a lady who for £20 an hour + petrol costs will take me to the seafront for an ice cream.
At this point I'm not sure how I didn't blurt out "I'm not *** 5 years old!!!".
I suppose many of today's older generation don't fit a young person's perception of how an older person should behave. They forget we were the originators of the sex, drugs and rock 'n roll society. (I don't mean that in a literal sense, but many of us were children of the 60's when life changed for young people). They forget we wore skirts up to our armpits and had Fathers who told us we weren't going out like that and that the Rolling Stones should be put in the army.
Thanks Lucy, but no thanks.
