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"longer off topic comments" - Episode 31 Life Outside Ambridge
"longer off topic comments" - Episode 31 Life Outside Ambridge
Life outside Ambridge
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Life in Ambridge
THIS POST IS CLOSED "longer off topic comments' - Episode 8 Life Outside Ambridge Beach Chairs
Brrrrr Ruthy 🥶 but lovely picture all the same 😉
ReplyDeleteBeautiful. To be honest, I prefer it to a baking hot summer day.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Seasider - we were without our central heating when I first saw the picture 😮 all ok now 👏🏻
DeleteOoh, that’s not good, glad to hear you have it working again.
DeleteCowgirl 5th 6.48. Nooooo, not Emerald!!! 😭
ReplyDeleteOh goodness me no. A bought in Jersey calf when she lost her friend. He was nearly 2 and she was getting fed up with him, prefers being on her own it seems. Although they are supposed to be poor , he was hung for a month and the taste and texture is really good, not quite up to Kerry, but far superior to supermarket.
ReplyDeleteNo way will Emerald go for meat, none of my working girls did.
😊🐂
DeleteGlad Emerald is safe.
DeleteThe parents of my daughter's long term boyfriend (now just good friends apparently!) returned to Colombia after retirement . They live in Tunja, but his Mum still owns a smallholding high on a plateau on the eastern Andes. It is in a very isolated rural area and farmed, rent free I think, by a a native family who generally look after the place. My daughter stayed there on holiday with her boyfriend. The family occasionally slaughter one of their own cattle for meat, meat being considered a special treat not an everyday thing. My daughter ( plus the two young children of the family !) watched (I would have run a mile). The interesting thing was that they tried to do it as humanely as possible by putting herbs with a high opioid content in with its feed. My daughter said it seemed to go into a very relaxed spaced out state and showed no fear when it was slaughtered ( throat cut).
Sorry if that is too gruesome reading for some, but I found the method interesting.
The farming in that area was apparently very basic with virtually no machinery. When planting peas etc the ground was simply raked over by a small horse pulling bushy tree branches behind it.
Very interesting Janice., so much more caring than the traditional home slaughter of pigs in this country in the past. and apparently no more stressful than the putting down of animals for health reasons.( If you eat meat, then you need to be au faux with the process in my opinion.)
DeleteMy stock have always gone to a small local abattoir, sadly due to e u rules, these are rare, mobile abattoirs also no longer allowed, so much more humane than the large ones , the animals arrive stressed after their long journey without the additional trauma on their arrival.
Agree with sentiments above, Janice and CowGirl.
DeleteWhen living in small Wiltshire town a friend and I fed three dogs between us with meat from the local abattoir, and I often took my children with me to collect that meat. They laugh about it now and tell friends what a cruel mother they had, but since they and partners and children are all ' foodies' I don't think I was in the wrong in teaching them where food derives from.
Dubai : shopping.
ReplyDeleteThe majority of shops here seem to be in malls. Under the Burj Kalifa tower is the biggest mall in the world with hundreds of shops from every nation - bigger than anything we have in the UK or the USA. There is even a Hamley’s toy shop apparently. We are supposed to be going there tonight (not to actually shop, far too expensive, but just to look and then visit a restaurant)
In the housing estate where the family live (about 100 houses with a private swimming pool and gym) there is a small shopping mall. I was astounded at how luxurious it is, for what is, essentially, the local shopping parade. You enter through gold and glass doors into a magnificent vestibule with inlaid marble floors, Greek-style columns and gold leaf everywhere. The scent of incense hits you as you enter; lovely at first, like a National Trust Shop, but after 10 minutes it irritated the back of my throat and nose and I longed for fresh air! My biggest surprise was finding a Waitrose there.
The manager greeted us effusively and several staff came forward to shake hands. The stock was mostly Waitrose products, just like those at home but very expensive e.g. a jar of Simply Waitrose jam (their cheapest) cost over £5 and a small pack of sweetners nearly £10! Most of the fruit and veg were imported from Europe - iceberg lettuce £4, eating apples £1 each! Only the bread, baked locally, was reasonably priced.
A strange, but common feature here is that, being a Muslim country there are no pork products allowed in the supermarkets. But at Waitrose, there is a door at the rear of the shop, guarded by a security officer, marked “No Muslims may Enter”. Inside there is a fairly wide selection of pork items such as sausages, cured meats, pâtés, ham, lard and even bacon flavoured crisps and snacks, including Pringles! All available, at a price, for the delectation of ex-pats.
The family usually shop at a supermarket called Union Co-op where everything is very much cheaper and probably aimed more at the Asian residents. Superb fish, gutted and filleted while you wait, beautifully arranged mountains of fruit and veg and grocery products from around the world. You can buy real gold jewelllery there, have your hair cut, your shoes mended, you eyes tested and your djellabahs ironed. A magnificent melting pot of cultures under one roof.
Archerphile: This is a beautiful account of your daily experience in Dubai. I am thinking how we can capture these so they are accessible for readers later.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Ruthy, I do appreciate your comment, but I am worried that these ‘Diary Jottings’ may become too boring for most of our TA fans, or that they might think I am taking over the blog! All I can say is - if you are not interested, please scroll on down.
DeleteAlso, I have been warned to be careful what I write, as any comments that could possibly be construed as criticsm of the life here would not be appreciated - to say the least!
Whilst we should be able to return safely in 10 days time, I have to consider the future of our family here and definitely not ‘rock the boat’ with any injudicious comments.
Future jottings may be more carefully worded therefore.
Archephile I find your account of life in Dubai fascinating and look forward to reading them as well as other people's description of their travels or home towns.
DeleteArcherfile, I am thoroughly enjoying your entries of your time in Dubai. They are fascinating. I appreciate the need to be careful, but please don't stop.
DeleteI am not a traveller myself AP but much enjoy reading of others experiences around the world, and you are doing a grand job!
DeleteI have travelled very little so am very much enjoying your descriptions of the places you are seeing.
DeleteI have a suggestion Archerphile.
ReplyDeleteCould you write two versions.
The first, your honest jottings, the second redacted by taking out the difficult stuff.
Post the second on here now.
Then when you get home add the extra bits.
It may be too complicated, but I for one am really enjoying your accounts, especially as they seem to be capturing just the sort of stuff that I would be interested in if I were there.
They are NOT boring IMO !
Absolutely, Archerphile, with cautionary provisos. After all, folk write about football & cricket, neither of which interest me at all, but certainly don't begrudge the right of others to chat about anything that they want to - that's what the blog is for !
DeleteOnly point against would be if someone banged on about some passion which was consistently ignored by other bloggers - that would be a clue ...however, I've never noticed that happen here. Every topic raised attracts response
Like others, Archerphile, I lap up your Dubai diary, the highlights, the everyday, your impressions of both.
Archerphile, your travelogue is beautifully written and I also love to read it. I don’t think I have felt bored by anything anyone has posted on here. I love the varied contributions and insights into people’s lives and views.
DeleteLovely calming picture Ruthy.
ReplyDeleteI can here the muffled silence by just looking at it.
I wonder if we will have snow this winter.
So glad that Ruthy's wonderful picture, (another one again), has not come to fruition, well not just yet. .
ReplyDeleteYes, whilst I said how lovely it looks, I am anxiously watching the weather forecast to try to time my next trip up north so that I don’t drive into bad weather. Icy conditions are not good for most folk, especially when mobility is an issue.
DeleteDid Lily actually manage to get the "alcohol licence" appeal sorted out ready for submission, before she disappeared back to Manchester?
ReplyDeleteWill Elizabeth be able to present it and so get the ban revoked - not sure.
Wrong page.Sorry, 😀
DeleteMerci Ruthy for this.
ReplyDelete& Merci AP for your fascinating posts - don't leave anything out.
Archerphile, you’re travel blog is far from boring. I’m finding it fascinating.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to reading you’re next offering. Especially like the everyday bits of supermarkets etc. I’ve always got to visit a supermarket when we go away.
Ruthy , as I sit in my arm chair and write flipping American footy is on our tv, yet again!🤦♀️
So sorry 😐. Did you see Bohemian Rhapsody won Golden Globes last night?
DeleteYes I did. Surprised it won over a star is born. I haven’t seen that yet but it’s on at our town theatres pop up cinema in February so will see it then.
DeleteI caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror at a public loo the other day. Anyway, I was wondering, did anyone get the name of that miracle eye product that Natasha tactlessly (but helpfully) gave to Pat?
ReplyDeleteIt is a truth universally acknowledged that even Helen of Troy looks like sh*t in public toilet lighting....
DeleteGary, you have no idea how much your comment cheered me up! I always get a shock when catching a glimpse of myself when passing a shop window - and think “who’s that scruffy old woman walking past”, then realise it’s me! 😢
DeleteGary that’s made me laugh before even getting out of bed. A lovely start to the day.
Delete😂😂 and selfies were designed by young people. Rarely I have tapped my camera phone the wrong way round - I would never choose to do so - and I am horrified by what greets me.😧
DeleteThanks for the giggle, GG!
DeleteAm always horrified at how fat I am on photos but tell myself it’s because of the two dimensional instead of three then fell much better!
ReplyDeleteHave been watching on u tube Fred Astaire dancing with Rita Hayworth. What magic! She was reputed to be his favourite partner and she had it all it seemed. However, she didn’t have a happy life being married 5 times and ending up with Alzheimer’s and alcoholism. So often these glamorous women fail to find happiness. Let’s be grateful for being plain Janes!
Dubai: fish and chips.
ReplyDeleteThis isn’t just any old fish and chips, this is Dubai fish and chips !
Last night our son took us out for dinner, to the hotel where he stayed for his first few weeks out here, before finding the house.
He remembered that Monday nights at the hotel’s exclusive fish restaurant were ‘fish and chips’ night at reduced prices.
We drove down to the ‘front’, and along the coast with huge illuminated tower blocks on both sides of the highway, every block a different shape and style and beautifully floodlit. At the hotel we were met by several uniformed staff who took the car keys and whisked the car away for parking. Every member of staff in the enormous reception area was smiling, shaking hands, bowing and scraping, Sir-ing and Ma'am-ing so much it made me feel distinctly uncomfortable. Service is guaranteed here.
It was like entering a palace, with chandeliers, gold leaf on every surface, magnificent flower displays, marble statues, pianists playing in reception etc etc. No expense or luxury spared. And this is where my modest, country-bred son had spent his first few weeks in Dubai!! I couldn’t credit it at all.
The fish restaurant was down on the ground floor, with an outdoor terrace where we sat, overlooking vast ornamental ponds, then the sea. We ordered our ‘fish and chips’. At least four waiters attended, all dressed in beautifully embroidered Arab costumes. We were given complimentary starters of many little dishes which I could not identify but were spicy and delicious. Then our ‘bargain night’ main course arrived.
Harry Ramsden’s it was not! Each person was served an elegant, brass filigree tray loaded with pieces of battered white fish, another silver dish of proper British chips, but dusted with tarragon and other herbs, individual pots of a very creamy sauce similar to tartare, and miniature jars of Heinz’s tomato sauce for the boys to dip their chips in. Mr A was allowed to order a beer, though you are supposed to have a special license to drink here; our son has not bothered to apply for one as he hardly ever drinks alcohol due to a liver problem.
Half way through the meal the display started. The ponds and fountains opposite us were lit up in dozens of colours and ‘danced’ to classical music, laser pictures were projected into the spray and we saw ballet dancers appearing to perform through the water - absolutely magical! We didn’t want to leave but the boys had school in the morning so we had to get home.
That was a fish and chip supper like no other and we loved every minute.
Extraordinary ! Imagining fish & chips supper, accompanied by such ceremony, & visual delights...it can't be, surely, but it WAS, & you experienced it...
DeleteMakes a change from eating them out of newspaper on Blackpool promenade in a force 8 gale!
DeleteCheshire Cheese - been there also. It is worth it.
DeleteArcherphile. What an experience. Fine dining, my mouth was watering as I read. I shall never see fish and chips in the same way, ever.
DeleteCheshire Cheese and Miriam - Most memorable fish and chips for me was about six years ago. We (middle son and I) had taken our Scouts from our week long camp at Gilwell (HQ of Scouting) at Chingford, Essex to Southend to a fun fair. Then before we returned to camp we sat on the beach eating fish and chips, on a balmy, still night about 9.30-10pm under a full moon. One lass told my son only a couple of weeks ago, when home from Uni, that it was a memory she'll never forget!
DeletePtbY Have found out about emojis on laptop on Windows 10. I think it was you who asked.
ReplyDeleteRight click on taskbar at the bottom of the screen
Tick 'Show touch keyboard button'.
Then a small keyboard icon appears on the taskbar next to the clock/date.
Left click that icon to bring up the screen keyboard, which has emojis on it.
😎👍✔
Has anyone else noticed, how much lighter it is now in the afternoon's? Only put lights on + closed curtains, 15 mins ago. Bulbs are really showing in the garden and am optimistic that I will have "daffs" in bloom on St. Davids Day, March 1st. My window box, planted with winter pansies + hyacinths, is looking good - but no snow yet.
ReplyDeletePS I also have a "hanging basket" outside my front door,. This is planted with lovely, purple + yellow, violas (plus some narcissus bulbs) and is very colourful. The windox box + basket, certainly gives some wonderful and cheerful colour and lovely to admire.
DeleteYes Miriam, I am very aware of how quickly we are gaining extra light.
DeleteI have spent several late afternoons re organising part of my garden and have kept going until I hear the church clock strike five bells, before I down tools.
Thanks spicey, it was me. I will give it a go tomoz.
ReplyDeleteJust seen the above comments on reflections of oneself in a mirror and had a good laugh because I have been out into the Utility room and looked through the window of the door to the garden and the reflection is that of a tall slim (ish)woman -not very distinct!
ReplyDeleteWhen I put on my make up I go into the hall to do it because the light is poor.
Don't use the bathroom mirror and don't have a mirror in the bedroom.
Much better for one's confidence.
Gosh, I use a magnifying mirror for the eye slap + blusher ! No hiding there...
DeleteWith my current eye problems, even a magnifying glass doesn't help much. I must go out looking like a "clown" as it's really touch + go.
DeleteArcherpile: Love your fish and chips account. Funny enough, last weekend I had a graving for fish and chips but there aren't any good ones around my area.
ReplyDeleteArcherphile, another wonderfully vibrant account and what an experience. I hope you are able to save your posts as you will have a lovely journal of your memories.
ReplyDeleteMiriam, yes I am noticing the afternoons getting a little longer, helped today by the sunshine we had here. My hellebore by the garden gate has four creamy buds getting gradually more plump. I have one pink rose which has put out a flower in the back garden.
Lovley evening meal tonight, which my Grandma + Mum used to cook. A simple mince mix with mushrooms, lentils + carrots, topped with a suet crust pastry top. Tasty.
ReplyDeleteOver the moon tonight our friend had her latest scan result today (post Chemo since the Autumn) and does not have to see her Oncologist for 6 months which is just fantastic news and almost more than we dared to hope.
ReplyDeleteOnly now do I realise how tense I have really been. She is such a positive and active person which is something as 20 yrs ago she and her husband lost their daughter with Cancer at 25 yrs not long out of Uni and career going well.
So relived and pleased just wanted to share with my virtual friends 🤗
That's great news Lady R. We often don't recognise the stress or tension until we can fully relax, or the reason for it has gone.
DeleteLady R - Glad that we are "virtual" friends that you share this very good news with us.
DeleteVery true and thank you Zoetrope 🧚♀️
DeleteBrilliant news Lady R!
DeleteThat is very happy news - glad you shared it with us, Lady R.
DeleteReally good news Lady R. I have two close friends coping with cancer treatment at the moment so understand what you have been going through.
DeleteSo pleased for your friend Lady R. A good start to the new year.
DeleteWith regards to my ongoing thyroid problems....I seem to have turned a corner this last weekend. I suddenly noticed that the tremors in my hands had gone. I’ve cracked the incessant itching by drinking tonic water, seems to have stopped it. It’s only now, when I’m feeling much perkier, that I realise just how awful I have felt. Tablets must be starting to work.
ReplyDeleteHad bloods taken today and due to see consultant on Monday. Things are looking up !!
Even got the slight stirrings for a bit of spring cleaning. 🤭
steady on..
DeletePtbY - so glad to hear - get to that Spring cleaning!
DeleteGood to hear PtbY. Hope all improves in time and you are able to become and continue being stable.
Delete👏👍🏼🤗
ReplyDeletePTBY lovely to read you also have your own good news so pleased you are feeling much better- but stirrings of spring cleaning 🤦♀️ (this is not so good news 😂)
ReplyDeleteThank you all for your kind comments regarding my friends good news, and CC I feel for you and have everything crossed for your friends 🤞🙏🧚♀️
Been trying for ages to reply to Miriam, Lady R and PtbY, but it won’t let me publish replies, hence this new comment.
ReplyDeleteFirst Miriam - how lovely to hear it is getting lighter in the evenings now. I am dreading coming home to our dark little cottage which is always so gloomy at this time of year. I shall celebrate every day that the daylight increases!
PtbY - very relieved to hear that your medication is starting to work and that you are beginning to feel better. My GP tried lowering my thyroxine, I tried it for 6 months but was putting on weight again so am back to my old dose now and feel much better for it.
Lady R - very good news about your friend. These worries affect not only immediate family but the wider circle of friends too, so it must be a great relief for you.
Lady R and PtbY, just adding my best wishes to you both for continued health for you and your friends.
ReplyDeleteCC and anyone else going through health worries themselves or those of loved ones, hoping the new year brings strength and better news to you.
Very uplifting to hear good news on the health front from Lady R, and P tbY.
ReplyDeleteHope we hear some more soon from CC and Miriam and as Seasider says anyone else who has health worries.
I am able to share a little bit of good ( health) news.
DeleteSaw my GP yesterday and negotiated three monthly VitB12 injections, with the suggestion that I back them up with a high dose of over the counter medication.
New research shows this sub lingual tablet to be showing good results, even for those of us unable to absorb.
She suggested that V B12 injections would in due course be withdrawn by NHS.
She also confirmed that my query re sciatica in left buttock /upper thigh, was probably ?periformis? And that massage was the best treatment. Unfortunately my massage therapist seems to be very busy at the moment.
B12 injections to be withdrawn in favour of sublingual tablets one pays for oneself? Hmm. Or perhaps the sublinguals will be prescribed. I get 6-weekly injections: you might be try asking for more frequent ones than 3-monthly, though not all doctors are keen.
DeleteI get quarterly B12 injections and have been having them now for about 18 months. I have no idea what sublingual tablets are?
DeletePlease can someone advise?
Mind you as I get loads of other prescriptions (BP, cholesterol, thyroid and water retention) free I have no objection to paying for something that will help. I had assumed my need for Vit B12 was due to my vegetarian diet as I am aware I may not have enough iron in my food.
When I do see my lovely (in a professional, competent and reassuring way!) doctor I often ask about over the counter medication as a friend highly recommends glucosamine for joints etc. My doc says not to bother as they actually do very little!
Sublingual tablets are put under the tounge and allowed to melt. They enter the bloodstream very quickly that way and take effect sooner. They were/are often used to relieve angina attacks, where a tablet swallowed in the normal way would take too long to act.
DeleteDo you like Marmite, Spicy? It is one of the few sources of B12 apart from meat. I think it is also in very green vegetables. I am a Marmite hater myself!
DeleteThat is B12 is in green veg not Marmite!
DeleteThanks Ev! Yes I do like Marmite and hadn't thought of that! Green vegetables? - I'll have to cook Spring greens and cabbage more often!
DeleteArcherphile Thank you. Yes I remember a colleague when I was teaching (and have seen in dramas on TV) who had tablets for under the tongue. I looked up and saw loads of B12 tablets promising a quick pick me up and energy boost. I presume a doctor would have to tell you how strong and how many you'd need.
Oh well. Something might be said next injection, sometime in May I think.
Thanks all for information.
B12 is found in animal products apart from meat – quite a lot in milk, for example. It's a challenge for vegans, I believe, but shouldn't be a problem for vegetarians. I have pernicious anaemia, which means that ingesting lots of B12 doesn't do me any good as I don't absorb it: it goes through without touching the sides, as it were. Hence the injections, which deliver B12 straight into the bloodstream. But, as MrsP suggests, there is some evidence that heaps of B12 delivered by other means can be effective.
DeleteBootgums and others.
DeleteI went last night and asked for six weekly injections.
My doctor is very good, looks at the scientific aspect and also at the individual and the past and future of how and what you may, may not want.
We negotiated and arrived at the quarterly option with the use of sublingual tabs towards the end of each quarter. To be reviewed after six months with a view to moving to six weeks.
As I have recently written, I have since Christmas received a letter informing me that my Bath additive has been withdrawn nationally. I have also an NHS leaflet explaining that many other medical items available as over the counter will, in due course, also be removed from the permitted prescribing list.
This is what my GP and I were discussing last night and she is of the opinion that B12 injections will be withdrawn in due course, because there is so much dispute around the need for B12. This in turn creates much confusion around different points of view within and without of the medical world. In addition to this if research can produce more effective medication in the form of tablets then perhaps it is possible for the patient to self medicate.
I have learned of a group of people in this town who have created a what's ap group who are getting B12 from Germany and self injecting. When and if I can find out how to access this group I hope to join them.
Yes, Marmite and very dark green veg. My daughter has bullied me into eating Cavelo Nero.
I personally do not like marmite but eat bovril daily. It took a lot of effort to discover if bovril also contained B12. I understand it is.
Bootgums, have you been diagnosed with Pernicious Anaemia ?
I am still getting false negative results.
I have macular dystrophy which could mean loss of central vision in due course. The specialist recommended Macushield to keep the macular layer as healthy as possible but it is a supplement so cannot be prescribed. It costs £44 for 3 months supply in Boots but they often have buy two get one free on supplements. Even so I pay £88 for 9 months supply. I’m lucky enough to be able to afford that but many people can’t. It could mean my sight being saved or at least the loss of sight being postponed. It is the only medication I take! If I do lose sight I will be entitled to benefit so I wonder how it can b e justified that I can’t get it on prescription especially as my specialist and optician recommend it.
DeleteWarning: probably boring for most readers.
DeleteMrsP, I once had a marvellous GP, can't sing his praises highly enough, but he's retired now. I was seeing him quite regularly and mentioned on one occasion that my ankles were swollen. He prescribed blood tests, which revealed that my B12 level was low. He gave me an injection straight away and prescribed some more, also suggesting folic acid over the counter. He initially said I'd need a something-oscopy, which involves sticking a tube down your throat, but having done some homework (because he was a splendid GP) said there was a blood test for intrinsic factor, which would demonstrate pernicious anaemia. In the meantime I was having fairly frequent injections and blood tests, which showed that my B12 level dropped rather rapidly if I didn't have the injections often enough. I got the 'wrong' results for intrinsic factor, i.e. they suggested I didn't have pernicious anaemia, but my GP said he just didn't believe it and carried on injecting me every 4 weeks or so. When I seemed to be OK he suggested dropping it to every 8 weeks. I felt awful after 7 weeks and crept back to the surgery, and he said 4 weeks (but didn't record that!). I settled on about 5.5 weeks (I began to feel grotty after 6 weeks and wanted to avoid that but didn't want to have the injections more often than I needed them). When he retired the new GP resisted giving me such frequent injections because The Book said 12 weeks (he was younger, and less confident in his own judgement, I would say). After a bit of a battle we agreed on 6 weeks, on 'clinical' grounds, i.e. your symptoms. Then the guidelines were changed to be more flexible (thanks to the Pernicious Anaemia Society to at least some extent), and to recognise that how the patient feels does count. Later, I happened to see a different GP, who, when I described how I'd felt before I was diagnosed, reduced the frequency in my records to 4 weeks. I still go for about 5.5 weeks, but it's useful to be able to get the injection before the 6 weeks is up, just to have some flexibility when getting an appointment with the nurse. Several nurses have questioned the 6 weeks, insisting that everyone else is on 12 weeks and why am I different?, with the insinuation that I'm claiming more than I'm entitled to and must be imagining my symptoms. It's a pain, quite distressing actually. I've been tempted to offer a basic lesson in statistics: your own experience comprises rather a small sample and is not necessarily representative. But my present regular nurse is lovely. If I'd been condemned to 12-weekly injections, I wouldn't have died, but I'd have struggled to make a living, and wouldn't have had much luck getting benefits: if I'd said I was OK with more frequent injections, the powers that be would have said, quite reasonably, 'Then get more frequent injections', while the doctors were saying 'You don't need more frequent injections, because The Book says so.'
Ooh, I feel better for that. I do hope that helps, MrsP, if only in giving a bit of background information.
What it gives Bootgums is a big hooray to your elderly GP.
DeleteI understand what you have been through as I went through similar about two years after my diagnosis of under active thyroid. ( when it is auto immune it is known as Hashimotos, but was not labelled as such until several decades later) I had been diagnosed and treated by my wonderful, then GP, but when moved to another district new GP did not read notes properly and sent me to a consultant- old school gentlemens club type - who told me I was faking and needed to se a psychiatrist.
Fortunately I was rescued by my former GP, privately, and put back on my replacement therapy, but it took me another two years to get through the results of pregnancy birth and the aftermath of having my medication withdrawn.
Like you I show a false negative as far as the intrinsic factor, is concerned.
I was developing symptoms for as long as two years and it was not until I had collapsed at the surgery and then again in hospital that anything was accepted as being wrong with me. I was also informed that it was believed in hospital that I had faked my collapse.
These are the very bare facts only.
I did discuss a formal complaint and was told that my case would most definitely be taken seriously but I decided that I did not have the energy to sustain the months of excessive stress it would likely cause.
It was the rulings / guidelines, or book as you put it that my GP and I were discussing last night.
I am prepared to take this negotiating slowly with the end result an official diagnosis of PA. if I were still with my consultant at Chelsea and Westminster that would have been a firm diagnosis a year ago.
So, thank you for being prepared to share your story too.
Armed with various forms of similar experiences we are all in a better place to argue our corner.
MrsP, you had a much worse experience than me. The Pernicious Anaemia Society unfortunately can supply similar stories. Its chairman was collapsing in the street before it occurred to anyone to give him a blood test. Quite often doctors prescribe anti-depressants because they can't identify the cause of fatigue and conclude it must be 'all in the mind'. To be honest, I assumed my lack of energy was due to depression and only reported the swollen ankles, not the fatigue, but I'm not a doctor! It really was as simple as giving a full blood test and not being in thrall to The Book.
DeleteGlad to hear you're getting better, PtbY, what a relief after a rough few weeks, including Christmas + NY. I hope that the ongoing thyroid condition can be stabilized at least; if not completely eradicated - is that possible, or will it always involve adjusting medication ?
ReplyDeleteStability hopefully possible Carolyn, although some of us are difficult to stabilise as I wrote recently. Most unlikely to be eradicated, ever !
DeleteMedication is of the replacement kind and does need adjusting from time to time dependent on the individual.
The thyroid gland is a very tricky customer.
Carolyn...I’m going to see the consultant on Monday to find out what they’ll do. Mine is overactive thyroid so hopefully I can get it settled down and be fine. I do have a goiter though so not sure whether I’ll have to have an operation.
DeleteLeavings all plans for trips and holidays till after I’ve found out what’ll happen.
Thanks for everyone’s good wishes. Much appreciated.
Ps.... no spring cleaning yet, still just thinking about it! Lol
Oh, PtbY, I was thinking of inviting you to my place, if such was your urge to spring-clean. But seriously, all the best with your thyroid: I gather it can be very tricky getting the right dose, and that that is not guaranteed to be the right dose for all time so it needs constant monitoring.
DeletePtBY. " stirrings for a bit of spring cleaning " in January. So pleased you added the word 'slight'. I'm glad you and everyone else are feeling healthier.
ReplyDeleteI experience a lot of stirrings, but never for cleaning. 🍷🍦🌶🌞🎭🛳⛱💞
Stasia your stirrings are more my style 👏🏻😂 😉
DeleteMy thanks once again to everyone for their lovely comments regarding my friends good news and for others also posting in the same vein - always great to have some positive and happy news to share 🧚♀️
Lady R. It is so wonderful to be able to share such good + positive news, with some "virtual friends".
DeleteIt sometime helps to be able to express one's true feelings, in an anomynous way, which cannot always be communicated, when "face-to-face".
Delete✔️ and thank you Miriam 🌻
I would so love to know, how Jill's new "chicks" and her bees are doing.
ReplyDeleteThese are the Ambridge life interludes, which I so wish to hear about.
Also, how is Toby's "Scruff Gin" doing.
I bought a Christmas "extra" - a bottle of English Rhubarb Gin Liqueour. (28% proof). Can Toby compete with this type of competition, not sure.
Once he's read this blog, Toby will start planning his own rhubarb gin concoction. He'll wonder why he didn't think of it himself, and start raiding neighbouring gardens for rhubarb (in the appropriate season).
DeleteMy husband was diagnosed with pernicious anaemia 19 years ago and has been on 3 monthly B12 jabs ever since and it is quite noticeable when he is due his next injection. So I am interested in the debate regarding vitamin b12 injections and have been looking up research comparing high dose sublingual supplements. There is very little in the way of decent trials but I will suggest to my husband that he talks to the GP at some point and maybe try the oral supplements for a while, if he feels they don’t help then he can return to the injections, but as the Practice nurses are so busy it would be more convenient if he could manage without, plus I imagine it is better to avoid the ups and downs of injections as compared to the steadier levels that could be obtained with a daily dose.
ReplyDeleteSee my very long post above. Your point about steadier levels is an interesting one, if the sublinguals deliver enough. I do occasionally use something called Boost. It may work as a placebo!
DeleteI tried Boost, but felt it was a placebo.
DeleteI think my local group on what's Ap have got the best answer.
Be responsible for yourself as far as possible !
P S - Bootgums and KP Nuts.
DeleteInstruction written by my doctor - must get the highest dose.
1000mcg daily
So far I haven't entered the conversation about supplements etc.
ReplyDeleteHowever,Somenoe -Spiceycushion?- (probably not , I usually get it wrong ) mentioned Glucosomine.
For several years Mr LJ took the pills regularly and then I decided we didn't need them.
When I had to go to the acupunturist she suggested magnesium tablets might help .
I bought some .
Consulted Dr son afterwards who said they would not do me any good but to stretch my legs more and walk more.
I have ditched the magnesium.
I asked him about the Glucosomine and he said there was no proof that they did do a lot of good but if I had any in I could use them and it wouldn't do any harm.
I have now started to re take them and my joints do feel better I think.
I have also been doing the stretching though and a bit more walking.
The one thing he told me to take years ago ,was vitamin D -the sunshine vitamin.-in the winter.
Lan jan Yes it was me who said about glucosamine. I have osteo arthritis in my knees and some days they just don't work properly! That's why friend suggested the tablets. However I really don't like 'self-medication!' I would rather just ask the expert (my doctor.)
DeleteSometimes he is hard to pin down. My son who became vegetarian when back packing in S.E Asia and Australia many years ago (treatment of animals was the reasoning) 'found out' that fish was needed in diets. Back to the Old Wives' Tale of fish being brain food! I was reluctant so asked my GP. He wouldn't give a definitive answer because I think he didn't want to interfere with my 'beliefs.'
To be honest I don't really notice 'flagging' when injections are due. I just get on with it. However I do feel slightly perkier since changing the time I take the thyroid tablets and I am definitely sleeping longer through the nights in one go. So bonus.
Funnily enough my dil was, this morning, talking about Vit D tablets, especially through the winter. Actually because it was so hot last summer I didn't go out much then either! I'll start researching that too.
In all other respects I store up my questions and fire them at the doctor when I have to see him, rather than the practice nurse. Thankfully I am, on the whole, ticking over quite nicely (or I believe that I am) so I actually see the doc about once a year, if not two years.
I usually have quite a list then! 🙂
I take vitamin D tablets all year as I was shocked to find out that my vitamin D level was very low.
DeleteMy daughter has psoriasis and uses Dovonex ointment which contains Vitamin D. Her doctor checked the vitamin D in her blood that she wasn’t overdosing and quite to the contrary found she was short of it! She now has high dose Vitamin D tablets which has helped the psoriasis and reduces stiffness in her joints.
DeleteI don't take Vit D but do make sure I get as much winter sun as possible when it is out and about.
DeleteBecause of my Vitiligo I cannot allow myself exposure to summer sun, or at the very least must strictly ration it.
PtbY - just want to warn ya - another round of weekend (American) football coming up. I too need to escape somewhere - maybe a day spa :)
ReplyDeleteGo for it Ruthy. You deserve a treat.
DeleteFrom November to March, I take a Vit D supplement daily, at the correct strength. Remember also that Vit D helps calcium to be absorbed, which is so necessary for bone strength. Even with a really healthy diet, not enough Vit D and Vit B 12, will be absorbed to prevent deficiences.
ReplyDelete...should read - "to rectify deficiences".
DeletePlease don't anyone think they may be boring in exploring he
ReplyDelete....health problems, it hasn't bored me one not, when I've dipped in at times the last day or so. I admire everyone for pursuing different ways of managing intractable conditions, & the differing takes from doctors you write about is an eye opener. So confusing, disheartening often, yet you soldier on. This blog is something else, where people are free to compare experiences, often learn helpful stuff. It's very special, the sharing, makes me think that, given the right ambience, attitude & mutual trust, the human race has the potential to do so much better than it typically does. Sorry if that comes across a bit soap box thumping/ranty/ over simplified, whatever - just an observation I wanted to pop in here.
DeleteMy Current and last GPs are excellent, it is with consultants that I have had problems . My last GP referred me to the urologist . In his wisdom he referred me to the Nurse Practitioner, who said she didn't know why he had referred me to him (the consultant ). When I explained that I thought my condition was diet related, she poo pooed the idea.
ReplyDeleteNeedless to say I went back to the GP, who referred me to another hospital. AS that hospital had a long waiting list I was referred to the original hospital. The consultant was arrogant in the extreme and sexist, he just dismissed my condition. I had to fight for a proper diagnosis.
I did make a formal complaint, which was ignored, so I went to see my local AM (I was living in Wales at the time). I finally got to see the complaints manager, who told me as a rule she only saw people with serious complaints ! She did however assure me , both were no longer employed as they had taken retirement (enforced no doubt).
My next consultant, new in the job admittedly, following my diagnosis, suggested I take cranberries as this was good for Cystitis, I have Interstitial Cystitis, not the same, and cranberries is one of the worse things you can have as it is so acidic. I had done much research and he had to admit that I knew more than him. Treatment didn't help me, but diet does manage the condition. At least the consultant did listen and was prepared to learn. At the time not much research had gone on.
My concerns are always for those who , unlike me are unable to challenge. I do see change in the younger consultants who at the moment don't see themselves as Gods. When I asked about an experimental procedure, prior to having a new Knee, the consultant didn't know about it, looked it up immediately on his computer explained that my knee was too far gone, thanked me for drawing it to his attention and said he would research it later. It must be difficult to keep abreast of every new development, but it is attitude that matters.
Doctors don't always know best. We know our bodies as we live with them every day
My daughter has had similar problems with hospital referrals for psoriasis. She has had her liver affected and numerous other experiences making the treatment worse than the disease! She was put on steroid cream once which thinned her skin badly and was then abruptly withdrawn. As a result she was covered with the psoriasis which was itchy and very painful. As with you CG she knows more than a lot of the experts especially about herself and her body. She now manages the condition with Dovonex and anti histamines, doesn’t let it get her down and refuses any attempt to refer her to hospital!
ReplyDeleteI often had GPs refer patients to me with a diagnosis of depression, and other subjective comments about their personality, and after investigation, and a thorough history taking discovered that a small number of individuals had physical and or social problems. Many physical issues can affect the patients mental state, but with correct diagnosis these can be rectified. Some medications can also produce symptoms of psychological distress, unfortunately unless the individual and their medical team have the necessary knowledge they may end up with the wrong diagnosis.
ReplyDeleteFor example, I had a patient who was admitted to hospital with clear symptoms of bipolar disorder. We discovered her mother had died and the GP prescribed an antidepressant, and it was the drug that had caused her symptoms. Once off the drug she went back to living and functioning within her normal routines.
Why don't people read the side effects before embarking on taking the medicine. I have 2 friends who recently have had serious side effects with medication, one ending up in A&E. That way at least you can monitor yourself.
ReplyDeleteWhen I told my GP that I was ceasing having the injections for Osteoporosis, as my side effects had become intolerable, he said he wouldn't offer me anything to counter them, as the side effects of many drugs were worse than the symptons. Sensible man.
What seemingly obvious but often ignored good advice !! Read the label, read the instructions, read the smyptoms from common to rare...
DeleteI would like to add some more to the health, doctor, consultant thread.
DeleteFor six or seven years I was a volunteer at Imperial College Medical school in two different capacities.
Once a year a group of us would attend ' mocks ' for first year students, when we, the members of the public acting as a patient would meet and have a ten minute chat with a student. The scenario was that the patient was waiting to see the doctor, and the student needed to find out why we were needing to see the doctor,by asking questions. They would then have to give us feedback, a resume, of the information we had given them.
We, the ' actors' could re live a personal experience or fabricate a story.
The point was of course to expose these young people, only a few weeks out of sixth form, to a patient and to gain experience of how to interact with that person. They had three people to see in half an hour.
I met some wonderful and inspiring youngsters and a few smug ones over the years. They were all, always terrified.
Imperial College takes a large proportion of its students from state schools.
In the second instance, each year I would be allocated two second year students, boy and girl, who had to interview me in depth three times a year, usually in my home.
They would be armed with a comprehensive list of questions about my experiences in the world of medicine, and I was able to illustrate my answers with accounts from nearly sixty years and a number of different areas of medicine.
By the end of the year after three interviews we had usually covered most of my medical history, and they had an insight into how patients were treated in the past, and sometimes the not so distant past. Of how patriarchal and indeed patronising many consultants and doctors had been. And of course, as others have illustrated here, how often patients were not listened to and very little respect was paid towards the understanding of the patient about their own conditions and symptoms.
These students were often very shocked to hear about such experiences and it was often clear that they were learning from the past how not to behave in the future.
My personal experience over recent years has been that a new generation of consultants are a very different breed altogether and I do believe that some of the medical schools are changing the world of medicine for the good.
Fascinating to read of your experiences as a volunteer, Mrs P. The in depth interviews with students must have been very valuable to them in learning a good bedside manner and the importance of really listening to their patients.
DeleteThat was the objective of the education planners and I believe it works since this has been happening every year for well over a decade now.
DeleteAnd I miss it and would like to be involved again with something similar, but closer to home, now that I am in Gloucestershire.
Is there anyone who watches North West Tonight on BBC 1 after the BBC main news at 6.30pm?
ReplyDeleteAlthough we live in the south east,the local news is always so depressing that we turn to Channel 958 I think it is to watch NWT.
Very sadly the popular weather forecaster ,Dianne Oxberry has died after a short illness.
She was 51 years old.
She was walking part of the NW coast in aid of Children in Need less than two months ago..
One of the Presenters gave a moving tribute to her at lunchtime.
Lanjan. My local news is the Northwest, as it is my region.
DeleteI was totally shocked + devastated at 7.55am this morning, when hearing about the loss of Dianne
Oxberry.
Such a very sad and very sudden, event.
I usually watch NW Tonight at 6.30pm, before TA. I am not sure that I will tonight.
I did watch at lunchtime and Roger Johnson,one of the Presenters gave a very moving tribute to her.
DeleteThere was mention of her on the main news also .
Of course the principal story was of Andy Murray in tears because his career has come to an end.
Yes it is sad for him and for those who enjoy watching him play tennis but it is hardly the tragedy that Sue Barker was implying it was.
I was also shocked, I was unaware that she was ill. Very sad.
DeleteCheshire Cheese. Agree. You like me, are in the NW region.
DeletePoor Gordon Burns was nearly "in tears" on the NW regional news, lunchtime today.
Dubai: gardens
ReplyDeleteThought I might say a bit about gardens and plants here. Our family’s house, whilst massive by my standards, has a very small courtyard garden behind it. About 100 sq meters, surrounded by a 5 ft high white wall with decorative wrought iron panels on top. It is mostly paved and holds their garden table & chairs but there are squares of grass around the edge and very narrow flower beds with bougainvillea, and other climbing plants and a small frangipani tree. There are also tubs of herbs and pots of petunias. It is a condition of the rental that the garden is kept in good order and the estate manager sends a gardener 5 morning a week, to water, fertilise and replace any dead plants. (Wish I could import him to England!)
Yesterday we visited The Miracle Gardens (‘Miracle’ refers to some Muslim religious happening or other). I was amazed to see lush lawns, large and magnificent trees and beautiful flower beds of Wisley standard. All growing in one of the hottest countries in the world and in what looks like little more than sand.
All of the massive roads here are lined on both sides by long beds of petunias in full bloom, likewise roundabouts are a riot of colour - I couldn’t understand how they could survive but the secret lies in irrigation. Every bed is crisscrossed by irrigation tubes under the plants with a water outlet for every plant. The work that must have gone into the installation of these flower displays is incredible, and the maintenance must be enormous. But like everything else in Dubai, money seems to be no object!
Very well illustrated Archerphile, I can see it all in my minds eye, though if I googled I could probably see it on my screen as well.
DeleteIt is interesting to know that some Muslim countries are still great gardeners, since historically the grandest and most beautiful gardens known were in the world of the Muslims.
Meant to add that water is used copiously here in Dubai, with seemingly no restrictions on its use. It is all down to two huge de-salination plants that distill fresh water from the sea. There is no water shortage despite being surrounded by desert.
ReplyDeleteI have never understood why, despite being an island nation, we do not use de- salinisation to provide more water in the UK. Almost every year we have to put up with hosepipe bans and pleas to use water sparingly - and we are surrounded by sea! Mr A says it would be too costly to install such plants at home, but I can see a time when it will become a necessity.
Too right Archerphile !
DeleteWhen we were in Malta there were two desalination plants, the water was undrinkable and wouldn't lather! Bottled water had to be used for more or less everything, from making tea to washing my face and hair: the salt content was still so high it dried my skin, leaving my face red and swollen and my mouth a mass of nettle-rash.
DeleteDesalination - no thank you!
When we were in Tenerife over Christmas we learnt that as they have little rain desalinated water is the main source. Maybe the process is better than the Malta one but we found that we did get a good lather in the shower. We had two bottles of water in the fridge in our room and there were several machines dotted around where they could be refilled. Here on the island much of our water is piped over from the mainland and it is very hard so that lathering is not easy! I do wonder why we don’t desalinate! Water is also very expensive here and I am currently paying over double compared to our last house in Herefordshire.
DeleteI agree with you there Archerphile re the desalination plants and England. I have often wondered the same.
ReplyDeleteLovely description of plant life in Dubai. Must seem strange seeing all the flowers in such an alien situation for them.
Sounds an absolute picture though.
So pleased we are all enjoying your holiday with you. 🌺🌸🌞🌼
As well as the cost the downside of desalination is that it is very energy intensive which increases carbon emissions with the consequent effect on global warming.
ReplyDeleteThey are caertainly not worried about global warming here CC. There are thousands and thousands of cars here on the roads at all times of day and night. And most are big gas guzzling types and high performance cars like Ferrari’s, Lamborginis, Porches etc.
DeleteHardly any recycling seems to go on; our family conscientiously sort their rubbish into separate containers and take them to bins at the end of the street but these seem to be rarely emptied and very few residents use them. ‘Green’ this country is not - in more senses than one !
More eye openers. Feel a bit guilty about ignorance, but somehow your account from personal, lived experience, Archerphile, strikes home more than other sources of information about a) the need for desalination in dry places, b) the consequent threat to earth when it is used.
ReplyDeleteFirst reading of your account about gardens & public plantings had me wondering about no fountains, such a feature of moorish/Muslim life design, but the reason became clear.
Archerphile,when I went to Dubai in 1995 if anybody wanted to get rid of anything they were able to leave the article outside the house for anybody to collect.
ReplyDeleteThat seemed fine if it was something people wanted but if not it was no better than fly tipping.
Does this still happen now?
Have you been to the museum?
We ate on a large stationary boat one evening.
Lots of choice of lovely food.
My friend and I were treating the people we were staying with but were so shocked when we got the bill.
I haven’t seen any items left on the pavement for people to help them selves to, my daughter-in-law says she has occasionally seen this happening but it is not so common now. Most rubbish is collected by lorries, but not necessarily sorted into recycling etc.
DeleteNo we haven’t been to the museum yet, the family have been and we’re not too impressed. They say it has become a bit tatty and old fashioned now and the boys weren’t keen.
We shall be going instead to the Frame which is like a huge picture frame, or square arch reaching up into the sky. At the foot of one leg are many exhibits of old, ancient Dubai, you go up hundreds of feet in the lift, walk across the top of the arch which has a glass floor (very unsuitable for vertigo sufferers ) then back down the other leg which has displays of ‘new’ Dubai. I am told it is very exciting!
And yes, Carolyn there are magnificent fountains around, beautifully illuminated at night with laser displays and special effects projected in them.
DeleteI was in Ecuador, about 5 yrs ago, staying in very comfortable hotels. Our local guide (who was with us for 9 days, a lovely young female) told us about the poverty and struggles many experienced. She was a supporter of a charity for under-priveledged females. At the end of our holiday, we all decided to donate ALL our remaining toiletries, make-up, "sanitary" products, and even some clothes. She was totally n tears, with our decision and assured us that it would go to where it was needed.
DeleteBack catalogue of The Archers requested by Ruth Jones on Desert Island Discs this morning.
ReplyDeleteNot the first time it has been asked for apparently.
I listened to that. What a lovely episode it was, esp. as I have always been a massive "Gavin + Stacey" fan (I can watch it over+over).
DeleteI loved it when Ruth said how addicted she is to TA and can't survive without them.
I know that feeling 🤣
All the best tomorrow,P tbY.
ReplyDeleteThank you.
DeleteThinking of you, let us know how you get on.
Delete👍👍
DeleteWhat a very windy day today, but at least the sun has shone. I now know the inside of my windows need cleaning! It is added to my "to do" job list..
ReplyDeleteMr P does those..
DeleteCan you send him over to do mine, please.
DeleteWhen is Kate due back from SA, and where will she be living, on her return?
ReplyDeleteBet she ends up staying with Alice + Chris, who will not want her sharing with them.
She can always live in a Home Farm pickers caravan or one of her yurts.
I wonder where Jenny + Brian have stored her belongings. Kate did not pack these herself, nor say where they should be put, ready
for easy access, on her return to Ambridge.
I am expecting a major "discussion" about her self-centred life.
At some point in the last three weeks or so, Jenny said that Kate's 'stuff' could all ' go in the barn'. So I imagine that is where it has gone.
DeleteIf Kate does return, personally I hope not, she will make a fuss regardless of wherever or whatever has happened to it.
Having Kate around is like adding chilli to a lacklustre curry, gives it a nice warm kick. But not too much, otherwise it becomes inedible.
DeleteDubai : correction!
ReplyDeleteRealise I made a mistake about the garden we visited the other day, it wasn’t The Miracle Garden, it was a different, much nicer, one.
We went to the actual Miracle Garden yesterday, the family had not been before and it is supposed to be a big attraction.
What a difference - this place was like a combination of the Jersey flower show and Blackpool seafront. A fairly large area containing enormous statues of cats, elephants, birds, Disney characters, fairy castles, cottages and even a full size Airbus A380, entirely covered in ivy and flowers - almost entirely consisting of petunias in a myriad of colours. The pathways were lined by hundreds of ginormous hanging baskets - of petunias. The were long tunnels of climbing greenery and - petunias, where you could get some shade from the searing sun. Even the tall ‘palm trees’ were made of petunias!
Many small shops were selling tatty souvenirs and fast food. Dozens of hawkers selling balloons, hats etc were quite intrusive and persistant. There were swing seats and hammocks as well as leaf-shaped benches where you could rest awhile, thank goodness. Hundreds of visitors of every conceivable nationality were taking selfies and group photos, so much so that we had to stop every few yards in order not to spoil a picture.
I wondered where they grew these millions of petunia plants, how the huge (80ft high) models were studded with the flowers and how they were irrigated and kept in good condition. I do wish I could share a photo of the A380, all decked out in white petunias with the Emirates name picked out in yellow and the tailplane in the correct colours, it was amazing.
But on the whole we thought the place was rather tacky, very touristy and we never want to grow another petunia again!!
(I expect there might be photos online if you Google: Miracle Garden, Dubai)
Well Archerphile.......your description above describes some kind of hell as far as I can imagine it.
ReplyDeleteI have always disliked petunias. Gaudy unrealistic flowers to my mind.
But...... life is made up of all sorts of experiences and helps us to sort out our preferences. So thank you for sharing with us.
I've googled it.
DeleteYE GODS !
Sounds ghastly, Archerphile - now I'll Google it, too..
DeleteOh, dear, it looks like a wasteful, tasteless nightmare. Maybe a few fun things, but, no. At least you & family have now covered that one !
DeleteWow! Pass the Paracetamol please! 😓
Delete✔✔✔ to above comments 🕶
DeleteSomewhere to avoid on Valentine's Day, I would think. Well, most days. But like Blackpool, you should probably go if you're in the area, because then you never have to go again! Thank you for sharing that with us, Archerphile.
DeleteNow Bootgums - that is an interesting point of view.
DeleteI look at it from another angle however.
Why go in the first place ?
To avoid the argument that you can't criticise it if you've never been there/read the book/seen the film, etc.
DeleteOne often sees petunias in many shades in hanging baskets outside pubs where I think they can look quite stunning.
ReplyDeleteHowever last year we bought some surfinia trailing petunias all in the same shade -a particularly attractive lavender colour.-for our wall troughs .
They (in my opinion ) were very tasteful.
Often in a garden less is more where colour is concerned.
I love surfinia petunias. I plant these every year in the 4 foot window box, on the front of my home. They always do so well, and look really magnificant.
ReplyDeleteI have done the same colour, and also mixed colours. Whichever way, the display is wonderful - and it pleases me, which is the important factor.
ReplyDeleteBeen to consultant today.
Thyroid levels nearly back to normal so cutting down on tabs a bit.
They’d like to know why it happened but how they’d do that I’ve no idea.
Anyway I go back in 6 weeks with scan done and more blood work.
Looks like I’ll be having thyroid completely taken out. If they do radioactive iodine therapy it could come back again.
So looks like I’ll be taking thyroxine for the rest of my life.
Could be summer before the op.
So good news really.
I am feeling much better.
That sounds very positive even though an op. to remove thyroid is not a nice thought. Still thyroxine replacement tabs for "life" is good, as levels will then become normal and monitered to keep all well. Op is daunting, but it sounds the best option for you.
DeleteI hope the "wait" is not too long. This is the most frustrating aspect, waiting for that letter or 'phone call to give the date. I know, as have been waiting now 3 months, for my 1st cataract op. date. It is affecting my life, esp as will then have to wait for the 2nd op. 8 weeks later. The waiting time, is so frustating.
Really good news PtbY. Taking thyroxine for life should not be a problem and hopefully you will feel so much better for it. My sincere best wishes for the further appointments and the operation. 😘
DeletePlease you are feeling so positive,P tbY..
ReplyDeleteWell done.
Glad you feel better, PtbY, & there's a plan in place. Don't suppose anyone looks forward to an op. with relish, but is the thinking that you'd be free of nasty episodes for good, once it was taken out ?
DeleteI had an op to remove my thyroid 15 months ago. I went in on the Monday morning and was discharged on Wednesday. Since then I have been taking thyrocine tablets and I am fine. This was in Northern Italy where the health service is excellent.
DeleteThat’s good to know Gianna, thanks.
DeleteAnd the taking of those tabs is a very small effort PtbY.
DeleteChoose the most convenient time for you that you can stick to, they are very small, and take them the same time each day.
I think it was Archerphile who was told not to take them with tea.
I checked this with my practice pharmacist as I had never been given this information. I explained that I had been taking mine every morning with my first cup of tea for over fifty years.
He explained that it was the milk that obstructs the absorption rate, but added, that if I had been taking them like that then I should continue because my system would have adapted to this routine.
I am very pleased for you that you seem to have had an understanding and positive meeting.
Good Luck.
Mrs P. It was the patient instructions in the new box of thyroxine tabs that said to take them first thing in morning with water, at least 30 minutes before breakfast or a caffeine containing drink such as coffee or tea.
DeleteFor 40+ years I had been swallowing mine with a mug of coffee during breakfast quite happily. My GP said that recent research has shown absorption would be better if taken following the new instructions but as I seemed to be OK, to carry on as before.
New thyroid patients would be advised to follow the new instructions.
Sorry to have mis represented you Archerphile.
DeleteSo we were given the same pragmatic advice then.
Incidentally I did read the patient information in a recent pack, and it did not have the same information that you read. So I imagine that different manufacturers do not give the same exact advice.
And also your info identified caffeine, the pharmacist I spoke to identified milk.
Thank you all for your well wishes and your advice. It is invaluable to me. 👍
ReplyDeleteGood news PtbY.
ReplyDeleteI'm also on thyroxine for life - no probs, 1st thing with a glass of water at least 1/2h before 1st (long-anticipated) mug of tea.
poss interest - I checked the patient notes & found that soya can also inhibit absorption.
Hmm ....... soya too now. Thanks parsley.......... any more ?
Deletewell, reading the notes (French) again, if one is obliged to take any of the following this should be at least 2hrs before or after Levothyrox :
ReplyDeleteiron salts, calcium, treatments for gastro-intestinal troubles, sevelamer..
Oh my goodness! How does a poor patient know which instructions to follow and what to ignore.
DeleteIt’s like dietary advice, they keep changing their minds!
I am now taking Omeprazole morning as well as evening.
DeleteI am taking it at the same time as my thyroxine.
No instructions from any source.
MrsP - I was prescribed Omeprazole for a short while last year, to countereffect the side effects of another drug. I had to stop the Omeprazole because when I went out in the sun (only mild spring sun) I came out in a very itchy rash on the bits of me exposed to the sun. It is apparently a known side effect in some people and I was taken off it. I have now also been able to stop the first drug too, since my hip op. so no need for the Omeprazole.
DeleteAll I can say is - whatever your medical problem is - just talk to your consultant, GP and medical back-up team. They will tailor, and balance, the medication required to suit you, and give the correct dose alongside other medicines, already being taken, and other medical conditions.
ReplyDeleteThey are the very well trained medical experts, in so many fields, so just trust them. These experts are there to give each + everyone, the best quality of life.
Posted as a 64yr old, retired pharmacist, who worked for 37yrs in that profession. I look on the internet, but....
DeleteRuthy has posted a very topical photo for this board. If one is in:-Germany/Switzerland/Austria.
ReplyDeleteI cannot believe the pictures I have seen, with the avalanches and massive snowfall.
I have come across 2 serial dramas, to download, to listen to later. These are:-
ReplyDeleteLove in Recovery - R4
Paul Temple The Geneva Mystery - R4ex
I have tried the new BBC Sounds App, but have un-installed it. The BBC radio i-player app, is far better.
I agree re the app.
DeleteBy Timothy I was listening to Paul temple last night when I couldn’t sleep.
Try "Up the Garden Path" with Imelda Staunton (R4ex). Another one I will download in time.
DeleteI love Paul Temple & Steve!
DeleteMe too. Just the sound of ‘ Coronation Scot’ sends shivers of anticipation down my spine. Have been reading Francis Durbridges original Paul Temple books recently and learnt how Paul and Steve met and about their early adventures.
DeleteI only recently found out that Francis Durbridge was a fella! I had blithely assumed my whole life that he was a she...
DeleteFrancis/Frances... 'i for a guy, e for a girl'.
DeleteMistral, is there one of those thingeys for Leslie Lesley ?
DeleteYes Mrs P Leslie is male & Lesley female 😊
DeleteI have loads that I follow on the radio iplayer app. The small, intricate life of Gerald C Potter.....Ian. Carmichael.
ReplyDeleteWhimsey .....another Ian Carmichael.
Tom wrigglesworth.....comedy
Not to mention marple and poirot. My favourite though being “I’m sorry I haven’t a clue”. I tend to listen to all these when I go to bed and when “I’m sorry...” is on I get told off for laughing and waking husband up.
PtbY - your radio tastes are almost identical to mine!
DeleteI forgot to add another favourite....cabin pressure.
DeleteJust love Roger Allam on this.
The iplayer is great - I am spending more and more time with it. I love radio 3 words and music, the Moth Radio Hour...
DeleteMum told me her television has packed up and she has been listening to the Archers for the first time in years. Trouble is she doesn’t know any of the characters (Dan and Doris were probably still alive last time she listened). I offered to fill her in but I don’t think she was too keen. She’s never learned to use a computer or mobile phone so I think she’ll be getting a new TV soon.
I downloaded BBC Sounds and don’t like it at all. It is chock full of things I don’t want and seems much harder to find the daily Archers episode. I’m sticking to iPlayer Radio for as long as I possibly can!
ReplyDeleteExactly my thoughts. ✔✔✔✔
DeleteIt suits my needs.
Me too. I have yet to see the point of ' sounds '.
DeleteI listen to most of the choices that others listen to, but I listen when they are on, or often the repeats as well.
PtbY. Cabin Pressure was a brilliant radio series, with such a wonderful cast. Who can forget - Roger Allam, Stephanie Coles, Benedict Cumberbatch, John Finnemore (who wrote it). Also in the latter episodes there was an additonal prominent cast member, Anthony Head (as Herc.) aka Robin Fairbrother in TA.
ReplyDeletePS Loved the "lemon" game!!
And what's more Miriam, they were all having such fun doing it together.
DeleteI do love whatever Stephanie Cole does. She is brilliant.
Would love Stephanie Cole, to reappear as Roy's Mum, in Coronation Street - a role she played so brilliantly but sadly only for a short while. Can envisage her with Evelyn - Tyronne's granny (Maureen Lipman).
DeleteI agree with Ruthy + many others, that furnishing a home, is very costly, what with beds/bedding, table + chairs, carpets + curtains, sofa/settee, plus
ReplyDeleteTV/broadband There are also the "white goods" including their 'fridge/freezer.
They may also have the same problem that I have.
In a small house, it can often be difficult to just simply, get the desired furniture into it!
PS To get my new leather 2-seat settee + 2 chairs in, had to take the side gate of its hinges, to access the back of house, to then go through the "French door". It was touch + go. Gladly, succeeded.
Other R4 ex programmes I am enjoying are:-
ReplyDeleteSecond Thoughts - with James Bolam and the late, Lynda Bellingham
Also:- Rent - with Barbara Flynn.
Both good listening.