What are you doing today (Number 2)

[Horus]

Having glaucoma in my left eye (only) I can sympathise with Grandad's plight and being diagnosed with something 'benign' has to be worrying even though it is better than something malign. However these things can cause us much concern, so let hope that in both cases the diagnosis is good.

[LovelyLadyLux]

What worries me is the speed at which I got the results as NOTHING in our health system moves faster than a crippled tortoise in winter AND how do you know something is benign when you haven't biopsied AND I was almost on verge of getting me to ER last week due to extremely painful spasms that just came on suddenly and then after several hours subsided. Anyway I have an app't to go and SEE the Doctor a week Monday. I want to know HOW this diagnosis came about so fast and why no biopsy (not that I really want one BUT ?) and are these benign spasms apt to start again and if so what do I do cause I was really going to get the dtr to take me to ER 'cept her husband was away on course and it would have meant all the grandkids coming ........

Personally I think they're wrong (I've thought I've had a kidney stone cause of the pain) and definitely will be pursuing it first hand.

[Horus]

Probably they are just erring on the side of caution

[Grandad]

Could be Diverticulitis LLL. Again I speak from experience. You name it, I've had it, done it, felt it.

[LovelyLadyLux]

Today is the day our Income Tax is due Darn greedy gov't! So today I've got to go and see the Accountant. My income tax was done and complete and then way late I got an "Amended" document from the Bank re: reporting earnings so my stuff had to be gone over again. Hate Income Tax time as income tax here is now so ridiculously complex nobody can do it. The schedule of deductions take 3 university degrees to understand! And IMO there is no way any regular person can do the Income Tax form.

[Jayway]

Well, BEST WISHES for you two, Grandad and LLL, GOOD LUCK. Yesterday I visited my "family doctor", she was very pleased my BP had gone down, she said, "There, I told you the Ramipril and Simvastin were good drugs"- I just agreed as I need to keep in her good books. I have taken NONE, tried natural supplements instead. Then I took Glory out. She had a nice warm shower at it was 30 * and out to her tether. I de-bottled my tomato and strung them up, some have little toms on. Made bottle snakes to take to the rubbish, the cats loved them ! Then lounged and read till 5pm. Nice day. TODAY- Thunderstorms and 20*, back in jumpers - its very windy too, not a bird in sight.

[Grandad]

'Ramipril and Simvastin', thought they were for cholesterol Jay. I take Ramiprip and my cholesterol is below 4. My sister won't take them and relies on some herbal tablets. Hers is well over 6?
Bright sunshine and clear skies so far today. Nothing interesting planned but that is what retirement is all about. And right at this moment there are no outstanding jobs around the house....

[Mad Dilys]

Very busy today again, as I have another hospital stay looming. The chaps who delivered my new bed a few months ago brought it down stairs for me in readiness. They are very quick and reliable well worth a good tip.

Unfortunately, I appear to be entering a gout storm. I haven't had one for several years, I always thought it was arthritis that didn't respond t the usual medication, but when I had blood tests in Luxor for typhoid they found I had gout as well, so treated me for it to my great relief. It's affected my right foot and hand. I've been putting off getting more cherry concentrate as it means a fair bit of walking, think I'll have to grin and bear it later. I have to go to the pharmacy to collect a prescription my doctor is leaving for me anyway. The next routine appointment is on 24th May emergencies only until then.

[Ruby Slippers]

I had a visit from my baby sister. The result is four pairs of trousers to make!

[Grandad]

Holiday packing this afternoon. The bit I hate is neatly folding and bagging about a dozen shirts. Doing it on the bed...back aching (no comments please )

[LovelyLadyLux]

I'm home after a 2 nighter to the USA to bring stuff back from the storage unit. Had a full load and other than the Ferry being 45 min late in leaving everything was uneventful. Just finished unloading the Prius and and am now sitting having a cuppa.

[Ruby Slippers]

Where are you off to this time, Grandad?

[Grandad]

@RS. A return trip to Dubrovnik, just a chill week. Relatively short flight and very Mediterranean. Will post some pics on return.

[Ruby Slippers]

I hope you both have a wonderful time, and I'll look forward to the pics!

[Mad Dilys]

I too look forward to your holiday report Grandad, they always inspire me about the possibilities available if/when I can travel again. Thank you.

Dentist very early today, then quick visit to Poundland on my way to get Black Cherry concentrate which I found was £3.00p cheaper than the last time I bought it, and not on special offer either!

I got more small pots for the begonias still in their trays. If this weather holds I shall start putting everything out during the day to harden them off.......... on the other hand I'm scared of the slugs so might kill all the small weeds first so the slugs move into the "proper" garden next door. Sorry Jonathon.

[Jayway]

Grandad, she said Ramipril was for my heart/blood pressure and the Silvastine was for cholesterol. So I use Magnesium, and open the artichoke capsules and get the green dust out, I have 5 a day on a wet spoon . .( breathe on it and it goes everywhere --- ) What does your sister use ? and dont say Flora, muck in a box. . . You can buy plant sterols from Natures Best in UK. ( Oh , and sea buckthorn, cider vinegar, turmeric+ ginger mixed with honey. ) So I should be in perfect health until my next accident - -

[LovelyLadyLux]

Painted the bathroom walls last night in prep for the man putting in the new countertops tomorrow and the tile guy arriving to tile the bathroom floors.

Yesterday I did manage to track down the old fellow in town who makes bird houses and bird feeders (Grandad is now really going to get a run for the money!). I got the open bird feeder to put on top of the post and I bought a bird house from him and a lattice.

His wife came to the door and took me out into the garage to show me where his bird houses were and then he (Willy) appeared. His wife chided him because he was supposed to be resting. He is 85 and was a master carpenter and now makes garden stuff. He had a white medical device in this throat. Last December his voice got hoarse and he was diagnosed with cancer of the larynx. He is getting radiation treatments but has to travel Monday all the way down island to Victoria for treatment and stay there all week as that is the only place he can get radiation. They have 5 more weeks to go before his treatment course is done.

[Jayway]

So sad for your friend, such a long way for someone at that age. I hope it works for him.

[LovelyLadyLux]

Getting ready for a run to the USA to get more stuff from the storage locker Otherwise watering and gardening - LOTS.

[Mad Dilys]

Well, finished potting up young plants and have one 20cm pot of compost over from the 50 litre sack.

This gout is driving me crackers! With medication it's bearable when sitting with my legs up ( the mind boggles slightly) After three steps the pain kicks in and foot starts to swell so I can't wear my slippers - so frustrating when I have so much to do before I go into hospital on Friday morning. I guess I'll lose some of the young plants but I've enjoyed playing with them all so far.

I had to put the lights on before three this afternoon as it's been so dark and stormy today. I've go to put all my "Nursery stuff" in the shed, but not with the rain coming down like stair rods.

Random thought - it's been ages since I've seen any stair rods in the UK - I always admired the ones down the outside stairs at the entrance to the Old Winter Palace, really gleaming against the red carpet.