– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – The answer is revealed near the bottom. I often unintentionally reveal things from this area. It’s the catheter & protection pants, you know! Hehehe!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – This shot on the right is of a freshly bathed, medicated, shaved, and totally confused, Mentally disturbed, depressed, discouraged, disheartened, downcast, demoralised, distressed, disconcerted, dimwit, Inchy, with much help from . This was taken on Friday morning. Maryam could not have arrived at a better time to drag me out of my sinking lower mood. Her help, kindness, timing and patience were much appreciated, as she helped me finish shaving, getting the new PPs and dressing gown on. That was so good of her. She then got the diabetic socks on my legs (Well, we thought that was the best place for them, Hehehe!) and issued the medications for me. Bless Her! I’m writing this early cause I may forget later when the brain sags and keys fade. A glossy hue?
A morning view.
Took an anti diarrhoea capsule.
Later shot from the kitchen.
Carer Maryham.
First of the two mugs allowed. Thompson’s Punjana tea, this time.
Afternoon cloud views.
Urine lighter. I wasn’t drinking it, you understand.
A late shot of the sun downing.
I’d just taken the tray of potatoes out of the oven, using the new oven gloves to be on the safe side, of course. They seem to be made of rubber, although Carer Kara said that’s how they are nowadays. Anyway, I had two ailments attack at the same time, and as Cartilage Chloe gave way, a short Peripheral Neuropathy Pete’s right leg wobbled away. Apart from the pain, I dropped the oven tray, and it went down my now steadied right leg, causing more pain for Arthur Itis and from Cartilage Carole. It rested on the lower shin, long enough to have taken off Vascular Vanessa’s shell and burnt off a patch of skin! I later discovered another burnt finger. (That’s three now this week!) I’m not sure how I got that one.
The food had gone a little cold, but I didn’t want to warm it up because I’d already burned it before taking it out of the oven. Then it would have been too hard for my poor few rotting teeth left to use. Which reminds me, I must take a Codeine with so many things paining me at the same time now. Hehe! Still, I did quite enjoy it.
I had the second and last brew of the day. Glengettie this one.
An extra competition is called for. This one reminded me of an old black-and-white Police TV series that ran for donkey years, well into colour TV times. Can you guess what it was?
Here’s a clue, the only one you’ll need if you’re getting on a bit like wot I am: The starting and ending we heard were… Go On Then, Another clue: – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
04:00hrs: I clambered out of bed and onto my feet. I took the nocturnal Catheter Pouch off and emptied it. I went to the wet room for a wash in response to the need for the Porcelain Throne. Wow! What a difference this morning’s evacuation was! Constipation Conrad had returned after a four-week absence. A few Argh’s and oooh’s were verbalised. It took me a long time to encourage, finally having to force the gigantic Karki Coloured torpedo out from the innards. Lots of blood from Haemorrhoid Harold, but at least no mess to clean up. The cistern struggled to clear things a bit. Three pulls were needed. I was on the computer when a belated Caregiver, Joanne, arrived. She brought the laundry back for me and, helped sort the socks into pairs and hung up the dressing gowns. I appreciated that; it was nice of her. Medications were given, diabetic socks were put on, and we had a natter while this was being done. The Asda order arrived. I was not happy with it at all. The driver brought the food through to the kitchenette, but he did not give me time to get it into the carriers. The food was spread on the floor, and the cooker, microwave, sink, and any free spots were available. I was pleased to get the Lemon Tartlets (a favourite of mine) at a Special Offer Price. I found some things on the window ledge, like the lime & lemon water. I gathered the things and took these photographs of them. Beef pies, burgers, drinks, and patties for the Caregiver’s treats. Some tomatoes, bread, mushrooms, and vegan slices, for me. Three things annoyed me. The Polish-cooked belly pork should have been in the usual airtight vacuum pack. But it must have been punctured somehow because it was loose, and water was leaking out of it. It’s a horrible colour, too! One of the cheesy potato trays had had its cover ripped off! I had to cook it in the oven later, so I mixed some extra-grated Leicester cheese into it and cooked it until the edges were crispy. The third disappointment, was the wrapper on the pork pie had been partially torn off of it.
Caregiver Kimberley arrived on her cleaning mission, and I was duly ‘Domesticated’. Well, the flat was. Hehe! She titivated the kitchen and wet room for me.
Carer Kara did the midday checks, looked over the Catheter contraptions, and mentioned that she would try to find time tomorrow to call British Gas about the two-year confusion of not knowing which numbers they want recording from the current metre, and the new fitting a smart-metre con they are pulling.
Kodak Tim was storing some shots to the SD card, others not? With the usual blotches showing on those that it did. The odd one on the card, but was not recognised by the computer or CorelDraw? I’ve had a look on Amazon to see if a similar Kodak was on offer to this one, that Cyber-Mate Tim donated to me. Couldn’t find one. A shame because this one I am familiar with. The electric shocks from the leg were more frequent today, and they really do take the concentration away from what I was trying to do. Stopped computing as the eyes were getting too blurry. Made an early nosh. The extra cheesy potatoes came out okay. Surami fish sticks, sugar snap peas, wholemeal rolls, strawberry mousse.
Caregiver Christopher came. And he set about the Germolening of the Ankle Ulcer that was giving off so many electric shocks today. He spotted three new blotches coming up just below where the shocks were emanating from originally. They are climbing slowly up the leg now; in fact, it’s doing it as I type this. Almost feels like an electric eel inside, crawling up the leg. Hehe! Not that it bothers me in the slightest, of course. With my incredible pain tolerance, jolly-outgoing nature, and being such a happy chappy… I gave Chris some treats in thanks.
I took a few shots of the view after Chris left. But only one of them made it to the SD card. Still, at least it was one that partially hid the blotches this time. Haha!
I found it, Smug-Mode adopted! But not until Wednesday at about 13:00hrs. That may be a little far over the ten seconds allotted? Har-Har!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – A much disturbed night of sleep. But little bother all the same. As soon as I got back from the hospital, I got undressed and left the clothing on the floor… so tired!
I attached the nocturnal bag to the day pouch, did the safety checks, and climbed into the much-awaited bed.
Between the occasional waking up from my , they were copable with, I just drifted back into the land of nod each time. As I woke, I could sense the itching from my covered forehead. I could also see the flakes of skin all over the quilt. Tsk! I rose and nearly tripped over the clothes I’d left on the floor in my fatigue.
I then had to move the mass of skin from the bedding. I did all this while the nocturnal pouch on the long tube was being pulled about. I checked to see if anything was leaking. And what did I discover? The flipping night bag had nothing in it! Come think of it. I did wake up with the innards rumbling. I went into a Sherlock Holmesian mode and had a look. Had a tube come off, was one blocked, had blood from the fungal lesion blocked it? No. I’d not opened the tap! So, off to the wet room to the Porcelain Throne to check things out properly. Great Balls of Fire! A comeback from being in total control. Despite my best efforts, everything seemed rock hard and would and could not be encouraged to move. Still, I had a go at a new crossword in the book. Not that I did well, because I didn’t. Spit!
I cleaned up, returned to the computer, and started updating yesterday’s blog, finishing it off. I got it done.
I started getting calls for parts of the day, up until around 1600 hrs, when Carer Chris arrived. The early callers were Carers Favour and Sam, I think.
Tee sun broke through the clouds, and very pretty they looked, too. Despite the blotches, I tried again to get one that would be blotch-free.
But the kettle started boiling, and this was my first brew of the day. I’m only allowed two mugs, so I concentrated on mashing the Glengettie. Then just stood there, watching the clouds, for ages, almost talking to them. Then I got Kodak Tim and tried again for a snap. They looked a little darker this time. I took advantage of the lighting, thinking I may get a decent crisp photo of the housing on the street opposite. That’s the one with the suspected drug growers on it. It came out alright, but of course, the usual blotches were there. I try to ignore them now. Hehehe!
Here are the revelations of the differences quiz.
I blogged for a while, but the mind-blanks steadied up the progress and annoyed me. I’m waiting for an appointment at the hospital again for someone to check things out. I think it is a neuro-something or other doctor. The sun suddenly took a dive for some reason.
I got Kodak and captured it.
Minutes later, the sun came out again? But I didn’t catch it as I had to try again to pass on the . No chance. How can it change so often and quickly? Beats me! Then again, lots of things do that… like crosswords, hopes, arithmetic, women, Putin, and Peripheral Neuropathy. Then there’s Cataract Katie and Glaucoma Gladys, Cartilages Chloe & Carol, and so many other things, such as life and humankind. Do I sound depressed? Hehehe!
I made up a sachet of relief drink soda and took a Senna tablet. I’m determined to get some action going from the rear end! I also decided to have some of the vegetarian sausages with tonight’s meal. That should encourage things to soften and get moving again. We’ll see! Fingers crossed.
I took this shot with Kodak Tim through the balcony windows. The blotches were covered a little by the colour of the clouds, so it looked fine. It took a while to cook the meal. I saved everything, and as I got ready to close down the computer, I decided to have a mandarin in an orange jelly pot! I kept snapping away at the unique cloud formations that blended with the death throws of the sunshine. My Pareidoliaising on these two snaps went on and on. Animal’s mouths, so many faces, feet, swordfish, islands in the sea, and blotches that I just could not see! A ribbon of white on the horizon in this one on the left. But also, the blotches can be seen easily. Shame! I still liked this one.
There are veggie sausages, tomatoes, and potatoes. I would have some sugar snap peas to encourage the rear-end activities, but I left them on the stove. Say no more! I washed the pots, and before climbing into the bed (it’s a high one), I spotted and took my last snap of the day through the balcony windows.
I had a quick check on the weather. Misty, it stayed that way all day. Although, it wasn’t cold.
I felt the need to go and attend to an evacuation from the rear end. There was no rush, as there was no rumbling or grumbling from the innards. Indeed, I felt sure it was time for Constipation Conrad to make an appearance. I even got the crossword book ready… Huh! I was wrong again!
Another dollop of semi-liquid straw-like-waste was released. I decided to get a wash and wash after cleaning up the mess from the inner landslide of Trotsky. For a change, I got my magnificent lower parts of my body medicated first, then got the peggies done. And started shaving… Now, don’t ask me how I managed it, but as I was getting the dressing gown on, I spotted in the mirror that blood was coming from both nostrils! I know I get confused easily nowadays, but I was pretty sure I hadn’t shoved the razors up my nose! Hehe! Can you see the pale-looking, handsome, young features of my face?
That was thanks to the cream for the Acne and Excema being applied, maybe too liberally. Carer Christopher arrived and helped me get the PPs on, then issued the medications and got my socks on for me. Thanks, Chris! Then I popped into the kitchenette and took this depressing-looking Kodak Tim shot of the view. Not much sun got through today. I made up and took the waste bags to the front door. Being a keen, alert young man (Hehehe!) I espied some mail stuck in the letterbox. A new dosage sheet for the Warfarin from the Anticoagulation DVT clinic, Some unwanted selling bumph and a possible worry-letter. It looked official to me. I’ll get a carer to open it later. (I didn’t remember)
For the next five hours, I spent trying to sort out the CorelDraw, and learn why it was opening different dockers when I clicked to Edit a Bitmap? I never did find out, but it seemed to stop stop of its own accord later on? But, it also changed a;; pf the dockers back to a small size. I could barely see them, and my memory was not good enough to remember. So this is being done using my spyglass! Although, to be fair, for some unknown reason, I seem to remember where and which to us creating paragraph text. I stretched my legs and went out onto the balcony to take this ‘blotched’ snap of the end car park and standing rain or mud. Then, I spent another four hours on the blog. Carer Joanne came for the midday checks, and we had a little natter and laugh. It seemed to me an hour later, but it was three when Carer Chris returned. He spent a minute or two showing me how to get the Cheap Camera working. But we could not use it as the card that came with it was a mini-one. Another bash at the blogging. I got tied up with doing the ode for a while. It didn’t flow as easily as it normally did today. The blotches seemed to be getting bigger. So I got the cleaning stick, no good. Then, I used some spectacle cleaning sheets. I may have made it worse!
I was feeling a smidge down, so I thought I’d make myself a brew of Glengettie… ARRGH! As I stood up out of the computer chair, pain like never before came from Little Inchy! I grabbed at the Protection Pants to release their grip on Little Inchy and found he was bleeding blood! Haha! Off to the wet room to get the Germolene and Barrier cream applied. I thought the tube must have been chaffing against the Fungal Lesion – but no! It was too loose for that. I made sure that the catheter bag was emptied, but there was very little urine in it to have made it drop down. Puzzled and in pain then – well, I’m still suffering with it now. Gotten Himmel! The sun battled its way through so late in the day. Carer Christopher made his last after-nibbling and drinkies call. He returned the laundry for me, and I gave him a cold drink and pasty from the fridge. Then I got the washed clothes, hung them up, and put them away. I had a little bother trying to feed the belt through the eyes in all three dressing gowns—well, two of them. One didn’t have its sleeves inside out. All the socks were inside out, though. Hehehe!
I’ll have to finish this in the morning.
Good Morning. I was beyond doing any more blogging. Carere Christopher made the last call. I asked him not to attach the Catheter night bag, as I had plans to make a very late meal.
He left it in the bed for me, so I wouldn’t forget to put it on later. Removed the diabetic socks and gave me an extra painkiller due to Little Inchy’s Fungal Lesion and the catheter tube causing a fair bit of pain. It’s still leaking a few drops of blood as well now and then. Said our farewells, and got the meal prepared and served up. Vegan sausages, potato cakes (well burnt, how I like them), the last of the sugar snap and garden peas. A pot of ketchup with pickle added and two small pots of dessert. A lemon mousse, and an orange and lemon ‘Sour’ jelly. Oh, that was good!
There are times, quite frequently lately, that I don’t want to struggle anymore with problems… well, anything. Which, of course, is an impossibility to achieve. At my age, my mental and physical condition is a smidge on the slope to depths of unmanageability. With Carer Kara about to be off for two weeks, my problem-solving inabilities will no doubt get further behind; the memory devolves into “Sod-It-Mode”, “Self-pity”, and “Confounding-Confusionability” are already at the limit I can cope with at the moment. Now, this morning, as writing, the have started again; below the knee, lumps are getting bigger and thickened for the first time ever. And started failing, in the fashion of, currently not too bad & . Just three times up to now, but on one occasion, when I was in the kitchen, it could have had me over. But for my razor-sharp reactions and cunning anti-fall skills… Alright, I was standing at the sink when it kicked off. I grabbed the edge of the sink and knocked over some plates and cutlery as I fell forward onto the draining board, having missed my grip. First Carer Shaquille. Then, I got on with the blogging. Carer Kara arrived. She checked the finances for me. She opened a British Gas Email to try and make sense of it, which I couldn’t. Then, she addressed the Demand for a Meter Reading from me. She went with me to the housing in the lobby outside the door and found that according to the meter, I was on five different rates for electricity! None of them produced a five-digit reading, which BG was asking me to fill in on their website. We were baffled by this! Kara said she’d asked the wardens if they could help. I’m not hopeful. Then again, I’ve been bereft of hope ever since having the stroke. And still, no one wants to Adopt a Grandad. Hehehe!
I woke around 0215hrs due to the ankle ulcer and electric shocks and decided to get up, as sleep was not an option as the shocks became persistent.
I made a mess of the first attempt to snap the nocturnal pouch. I’m not sure what I did wrong, but the second one seemed to come out a lot better.
Even worse than yesterday!
Rubbish bag to the doorway.
Interesting shot through the balcony door. I’ve forgotten why it was interesting now. Tsk!
First of the day pouch emptying session Bits in the urine and bubbles. Erm?
End car park later on.
A late afternoon balcony shot.
Early evening skies.
A beauty to these, I thought.
Hello, back to the Porcelain Throns. Trotsky was well in command.
Did as described earlier. It helped me settle down on the electricity billing. Not only that, she worked out how I could get the publications linked to Linkedin! I was completely lost on how to do it! Bless her! I’ll miss her when she’s on holiday, by the way I will.
I missed this one, so I loaded it out of sync. Of course, that is nothing remarkable to me, as you know. My favourite Puffer Clouds soon disappeared as the low outer clouds fell. Or had I loaded one from another day? I am not sure why I put this in. However, I also found this one below.
So, I assume the sunshine sneaking through indicates they were taken together. I’m waffling on here! As the sun passed, these may have been taken early in the morning. Or not. I’m struggling with things today, although I’m doing better with blogging. I thought! Until I spotted the new Grammarly telling me, it had 27 Review suggestions for me. I’d better get them done then. Huh! That took me ages to get sorted.
♥ Nurse Hristina Arrived ♥
Coming from the Deep Vein Thrombosis, Wafarin, INR level, and Anticoagulation blood-taking clinic session. Such a lovely lady. Always a pleasure when she calls.
The intercom rang, and it was an Asda delivery, I thought I’d ordered this for next week? Never mind; the J Sainsbury one must be coming next week. I asked the driver to put the light things into a box so that I could carry them to the kitchen, which he kindly did. I then moved them from the doorway to the kitchen. By the time I lugged the bags and box into the kitchen, I was ringing with sweat and breathing heavily. As I just got them into the kitchen, Carer Israel arrived, full of beans and feeling perky. He sorted the medications out for me and took some nibbles as a treat. I gave him a can of grapefruit drink from the fridge, which would cool him down a smidge later. Hehe! Then I got back to sorting the delivery out. Getting the things in the fridge and freezer called for some jiggling about a bit. The fridge loading was easier than the fridge was. In fact, there was still some room in it when I’d finished. Plenty of drinkies in there for the carers to have in this warm weather. On the other hand, some fodder had to be removed and dished out of the freezer to make room for the newly delivered items. It’s chocker-full now! Damned good job that I ordered J Sainsbury’s order for next week and not this. Else I’d had another load of food to store away! Hehe!
I pressed on with the blogging.
Found this mystery photo on the SD card on Thursday morning. Looks like an accidental snap to me. Why, when, I’ve no idea! Where? Balcony curtains? More blotches than ever in this first evening cloud shot. I got the last of the lens cleaner out and tried to clear it again, but it doesn’t seem to work. The blotches are still there in the second photo I took. I’ll have to see if there is any other cleaner I can buy and try. I’m not too hopeful. I made a meal – a simple bowl for a simple man. Hehe! But it tasted fantastic. I still can’t believe these no-meat vegan sausages taste so good, but they certainly do. I cooked the sausages in the oven at 190° for 25 minutes. I added them to the can of tomatoes in the saucepan but forgot to add some salt. Yet the feast tasted so nice. I used Milk Roll bread to put each sausage in and dip it in the tomatoes. Bootifully Satisfying!
I fell asleep watching the Heartbeat episode on Virgin Media, which conned me into buying a new, expensive TV package. Night Carer Israel came and woke me up. (What’s happening? Have I died? What day and time is it? Hehehe!) and took my diabetic socks off. Israel attached the nocturnal catheter bag to the day bag, treated to nibbles and a drinkie, and off he went. Looking forward to his own bed. Thank you.
Minutes later, I needed to use the. Twice in one day! And what a controlled evacuation it was! I started quickly and kept flowing and splattering for ages! A lot of cleaning up was required. Which, I’m sure you’ll appreciate, was a little painful and messy, with me carrying the attached to the day bag nocturnal night bag by the tube and trying not to get it tangled up with , or the tube trapped against anything. After finishing the cleaning, I decided to check everywhere for safety, taps (faucets) in the kitchen, fridge & freezer doors, and the stove being left on. Seeing the view, I fetched and took photos of the evening view. The fanged blotches were still showing on the snaps. Humph! So much for cleaning the lens again. A fat lot of good that did for me! Tsk!
. Naturally, a man of my intelligence, know-how, keen, alert, spot-on eyesight, educated, mathematician-like operational brain and investigative skills… I got three of them in ten minutes.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Although Putin is threatening, The West doesn’t seem to be fussing, The danger they’re not appreciating, What’s this attitude accomplishing? Is their ploy not to do anything? Is NATO not amalgamating? With WW3 approaching, Will NATO end up acquiescing? I find the whole situation depressing, The last thing I see might be Earth’s atomising?
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Sorry for the missing regulars today. It was not a good day mentally, frustratingly, Whoopsiedangleplopwise, or medically.
In the midst of trying to sort out so many things that had gone wrong, I’d done incorrectly or failed. Several seizures visited me throughout the afternoon. These, I would have thought, would give me a break or rest of sorts. But, no. I was drained mentally and physically, earlier than ever in the day. I’ve got scribbled notes for the first few hours, so there is some gossip to tell. Hehe!
I imagine that last night’s tumbles played a part in the day’s struggles and tribulations today.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Jolly good colouring.
The burn scab had lost a few bits.
The ablutions seemed to go well, but of course no showering yet, too early in the day. The noise from the drain may bother my fellow oldies and cost them sleep.
Made up some waste bags for collection. Carer Chris arrived. Guesstimation here.No, it was Caregiver Richard. His foot was still playing him up.
Made a brew of Glengettie tea and got the computer on. I was already well behind and about to get worse. This is when the ‘Out-of-its’ started off.
Notepad scribble consulted: Not that I could read much of it. Did I really write that small? I must be mad. A lot of it was illegible. The fonts on the computer had changed on all MS programmes. The Helvetica font was now changed to Arial on all the MS sights… or even sites. Yet I could use it on CorelDraw? I lost hours searching for help with the problem. All seemed hopeful until I tried to follow the instructions, as with all four sites’ advice; the task got more complicated than it got me into dangerous ground of changing options, and what they suggested was not on the page they’d led me to. Afternoon, Carer Marie arrived and saw me, I carried on searching and trying things not too technical to solve the problem. I even uploaded different fonts Google said were very similar to Arial. Ha! Not on MS, they weren’t! They all changed as soon as I tried to use them. I’ve got hundreds of unwanted fonts now taking up valuable memory. Tried to delete them and found for various reasons, I was told if I delete this font, things will not appear the same on work done? Summat like that, repeatedly! I gave up altogether and did no more work on this blog until now, Tuesday AM, 07:00hrs. I started to concentrate on CorelDraw, and it froze! I turned off the computer really early in the afternoon.
Frustrated! But over time, I did get to take some photos of the sky & clouds from the kitchen window. First two. The blotches back on the camera lens. I cleaned them, we’ll see on the next ones. I can’t tell if the blotches were there or not. Ah, yes, this time I saw them. I’ll try cleaning the lens again.
Had an early meal. Ham sandwiches and chips. I forgot about the tomatoes. Tsk! A pot of ketchup with pickles to dip the sandwiches in. Hehehe! Mandarins in an orange jelly dessert pot. Nice!
Carer Chris called for the last two visits.
I fell asleep in the itch-creating, bruise-giving, catheter-tube-tugging, crumb-decorated from my nocturnal nibbling, God-awfully uncomfortable, cringingly grotty, no longer working, dirty beige, anti-sleep designed, c1966, second-hand bought for £300 ten years ago from the charity shop, recliner. But I was waking up every few minutes. There were no tonight at all. Talk about broken sleep! It was instead of the ankle shocks, it was to blame. It was purgatory waking up so often, then chewing over the put-downs and mocking coming from within my poor brain.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I was so pleased with the effects of the Covid Jab. That was until midday through Friday night. When Carer Maryham ♥ woke me around 06:00hrs. I’d been in agony with my right arm all night, and sleep was impossible when the joined in. A belated payment in pain, dizziness and the eye’s vision were blurred again. Maryham was kind to me, got the socks on, their nocturnal pouch off, and gave me the medications; bless Her. Friday, doing this catch-up on the blog was hard work. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Good colour urine today!
Carer Christopher called. With his help, I got myself ready by putting on trousers, socks, and shoes. Then, I went down to vote in the local elections.
Set on the long walk down Winchester Street Hill. Noticing a lot of dog-phoo en route.
This was the only short stretch of pavement that wasn’t cracked and broken. Struggled with the trolley a bit.
The first closed-down businesses are on the corner at the junction of Mansfield Road. On my way to the Continental store, I passed another closed shop. Years ago, it was a Tesco, then a Fine Fare, and then a Trustees Bank. It is up for rent now.
Hobbled up to the chemist. I’d got the timing wrong! Fancy that! The appointment was for 10:15hrs, but I arrived at 09:10hrs. The pharmacist was unhappy with me, but he fit me in anyway. I swear he smiled as he rubbed the medication on my arm after the injection. All done, I started the hobble back down to Winchester Street Hill, noting more closed shops.
Japanese restaurant.
This wasn’t closed; she opened it later.
Closed.
Closed.
Closed
Closed.
Vandalised.
Greengrocers as was…
Bottom of the Hill.
The long trek up the Hill.
En route, I counted the dog droppings, 28.
When I returned to the flats, I had a natter with some residents at the bus stop. Jenny, Frank, and Roger, I think. I really enjoyed this.
As days go by, I would not have missed this one had it disappeared into the ether. Cock-ups, confusion, worry, semi-panics, depressions, frustrations, apprehensions, fears, dejections, rejections, vexations, and complications. Making it even worse, self-pity visited a few times. More killings and stabbings. A , and the persistent today .
Still, it could always be worse. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Woke around 06:30hrs: Having slept, albeit a broken sleep, for over 6 hours! Dark urine again.
Topped up the freebie thank you drinks shelves. Much more choice for the Carers & Nurses.
Put the waste bags in one.
A hard work getting the motion to start.
The Asda order arrived. It took me some time to get all the bags into the kitchenette. In doing so, I suffered a little bit of a . I caught my ankle ulcer against something sharp in the bag I was carrying. I brushed the bag against it, but it was no bother. I didn’t howl, wince, swear, or anything of that nature. I laughed it all off and merrily carried on carrying the bags in.
Instant mash with cheese, pork pie, bacon off-cuts, Lactofree milk and some haddock goujons. Never tried these before in a light batter; it might just suit my taste buds, but …When I was taking them with the other fresh foods to the refrigerator, I dropped some stuff and then . And proceeded to tread on the goujon packet, and the pack burst open, distributing the crushed fish bit around the kitchen floor! This time, I did howl, wince, and swear a bit. Got some antiseptic cream on the wound, and carried on sorting the food out. A selection of naughty but nice desserts, seasoned potato slices and mash, tomatoes, pasties & a packet of coffee bags for the carers to make and drink in their restroom. The tomatoes were Dutch and delightful! Milk Roll soft sliced bread. Brown French baguettes, cheap kitchen towels. I think that the fridge has never been fuller. I’ve still got the pasta packets to use up. I think, just maybe, I am a little nervous from when I scalded my hand months ago. The Freezer is also fuller than ever. I will not receive any more food deliveries until next week. I even had to throw away some dated stuff to make room for the bread and baguettes, which now will fit into the freezer drawers. Carer Kara later took them with the other bags to the chute for me. ♥
Concentrating on blogging for ages and ages, I suddenly noticed that it was light now. Thought I’d take a picture of the view on offer. Such a gorgeous sky. I also realised that I’d been up for a long time, and it was now 11:00hrs… and no morning carer had been – or had they? I knew I’d had a earlier this morning and was toying with my head. Uncertainty, doubtfulness, and an unreliable trust in my own memory.Had someone been or not? That is the question at hand now. Surely someone had been by now? I could not get anything from my memory box about one. Not that this is unusual. The first clue of any positivity was that I had not got the diabetic socks on. (But this has happened often before, when I forget to ask the Carer to take them off at night or to put them on in the morning). In fact, I had wrapped a throw around my legs to keep warm while on the computer – doubts still lingered, and I didn’t want to ring about it for fear of being told that I was talking rubbish again. A lingering doubt in question… was could I be certain or not? I still couldn’t decide. I was too nervous to ring to check. I’ll wait until the midday Carer calls and check with her/him. I was baffling myself. Battling a battered brain and unreliable, failing memory-blank is not easy. I’d say the words to use are ‘Frustrating’, ‘Embarrassing’, ‘Annoying’ and ‘Hopeless! If only the social and medical helpers would read this blog, they would learn more about the problems that I will no doubt forget about within days. Humph! That’s something else that concerns me about my memory, well, more like amazes me. Sometimes, when writing the blog, I am able to press on, but once I am interrupted or waylaid by the door chime, a phone call, having to empty the catheter bag, the need to check if I’d left the taps running, a visit to the , cooker on, fridge door open, etc., getting back into it is a real struggle. I’m still not certain that a Carer did not call! Doubts linger on, and an awareness that things are not going to get any easier worry me now. Although, if (when) I do get worse, I may not be aware and stop fretting over the situation? I’m becoming a bag of nerves and fears. But only part-time, now and again? I waffled on a bit there, sorry.
I’m back on with the blogging. And shortly arrived. I was still in a state of semi-confusion when Kara came. I mentioned my doubts to her. She checked something on the mobile and then looked at the record log. (I wish I’d done that earlier, Tsk!). Kara gave me the early morning medications and got my socks me legs. She has no time now, but she’ll try to help me tomorrow with the confusing emails that I’ve received. She took the bags with her and did the Safety checks on the taps, doors, and stove were not left on. Thank you ♥!
Memory Blanks again. I assume I took these shots at different times in the late afternoon. I’m pretty certain, but not sure, of the artistic clouds in the sky. The second shot down tempted my Pareidoliaising instincts. To my eyes and mind, it reminded me of all things, of the Red Dwarf spaceship? Not so much now after I’ve put it in and looked again though. Can anyone else see it? Or is it just me? Hehehe! The well urine filled almost caught me out. What a relief! Haha! The backflow pains gave me the nod that it needed emptying post-haste.
Carer Chris did the last two calls. Nibbles and a drinkie. Night pouch attached, diabetic socks removed. He left me nodding off. Hehe!
I nodded off as soon as the lad had gone and had the best sleep I’ve enjoyed for ages. It was a short but Shock-free session, and I was soon back up again at 02:10 hours, needing the Porcelain Throne. It was another Constipation Conrad session. So I stayed up and got some tidying up done, then onto the computer. I soon drifted off to sleep after Chris had gone. But burst back into life at 02:20hrs, in need of the Porcelain Throne, despite Doing her best to have me over. Stayed up and back on the computer… It’s a hard life, full of strife, no wife, mental confusion, physical ailments rife! Still, it might get better in the afterlife?
This Friday, the brain had its usual periods of hazy craziness, with intervals of it being floury. You know, messy, unable to sort out. Perhaps it might have been mini-seizures, I don’t know. Others are more aware of my actions when one is visiting than I am. A Carer had the heart to speak with me after being present when I departed spiritually from reality. Assuring me all that happened differently, I could or didn’t speak, but my mouth moved as if I was doing so? I kept doing things silently, some actions not being relevant to the situation, and I had no idea this was happening. I wouldn’t worry about it, at least. So glad to hear someone explain the unknown to me. Hehehe!
This was the first time I’d had a seizure when someone was here to see one. At least, I think it was.
The mail was delivered. I usually put it on the old DVD so Carer Kara can go through it when she comes the following week, but I can’t find it anywhere now.
The Diabetic socks arrived, all three packages, within an hour, each delivered by a different carrier. Photos are further down. Two were extra-long diabetic bamboo socks that looked fine. The bigger one was cotton socks that I ordered by mistake. Mistake making? Me? Hard to believe! Hahaha! I left the oven and hob on as well. The hot water faucet (tap) I let run cold… again.
Three electricians arrived to install the new fire alarms and reset the power box. That was mayhem with a capital M. At one point, they had to turn off the power, which caused me to semi-panic. I was scared that the panic alarm box, the internet, and the TV might not come back on again. The very patient electrician checked everything came back on alright; damned kind of him, too! Thank you! All working! The Fire Alarm was somehow triggered in the flat. I sounded very soft and quiet to my hearing. To the others, the klaxon was driving mad. So, one good point in my being so deaf. Har-har! The brigade arrived and checked out the flat. One spoke to me and walked away. I’ve no idea what he said to me; he’d got his BA kit on. He was soon off after talking to the electricians; at least, I think he did.
Did Carer Victor’s Health Checks on his last call. Made a decent nosh, much earlier than usual. – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
. . . . .
Was the Catheter’s nocturnal pouch was not very full? Then again, I’d not been sleeping for long. The NHS colour grading looked like a number four or five.
I rose from the c1968, tatty, scruffy, unkempt, uncomfortable, virus, microorganism, bug, bacterium, bacillus, germ, parasite-producing, and disease-fermenting, bought second-hand, eyesorely horrible, grungy beige-coloured, £300, charity shop bought, crumb-retaining, moth-eaten, non-working, nocturnal-crumb-ridden, itch-encouraging, incommodious, Haemorrhoid Harold testing, catheter tube yanking, recliner. With insisting on giving way several times, I hobbled almost comically to the wet room. The attempted evacuation was a wasted effort. I was thinking that at least for once, a rarity, were not bleeding, and I was nearly caught out by collapsing, giving way, enough for a tumble. It should have been one, really, but I fell in the right direction and caught hold of the shower chair in time to stop myself from hitting the rather hard-floored deck. Infected ankles and legs looked so much calmer this morning. I washed Little Inchy, Harold’s Hemorrhoids, dried them, and medicated them. Then, I creamed the on my forehead and arms. I sprayed the eye treatment on the lids and olive-oiled the earholes. I just remembered at the last minute that I’d not put the barrier cream on the tummy infection yet. So, I did! It’s hard work getting old, Haha!
I took the wet-room waste bag and amalgamated it with rubbish from the other two bins. Making two bags of waste, and took them to the front door. The amazing blue-hued sky in this poor-quality photo I took from the kitchenette window is so pretty. Although that’s not the word I wanted to use; it’ll do until I remember what it was. Mind-Blank here!
I got the laundry bag sorted. I must remember to ask someone to take it down for me later. Then, I double-checked that I had put in the wash capsule and softener. They were all present.
Blimus! The catheter day pouch had filled up quickly again. The colour looked very much healthier, too. Bent down to empty the day pouch into the urine jug. As I was getting back upright… ! twinged into action. I was so surprised, with her being so kind to me lately. She hit me hard, and I took an extra Codeine 30g. She’s never hurt this bad before. But an hour or so later, the Codeine had done its job and had eased off. I’m so glad to report.
I scurried hobblingly back to the wet room . There was no doubt I made the right decision in rushing to get there. Whatever blockage stopped me from passing minutes ago, this time, was back in full charge of the procedure. Wet but sticky, smelly and splashy! Cleaning things up took me a while.
I made a grand strong brew of Glengettie tea. Then, at long last, I got the computer on. No biscuits dunked. Was I getting more dedicated to the new diet? No, I let the drink go cold, getting into the blogging. Humph! A few hours later, I took a break. I needed it because I was fed up with making so many errors on the blog (grammatical and chronological).
I decided to open the socks that were delivered yesterday. The cotton socks I wrongly ordered were a pack of 12 different-coloured socks. I must ask my brother-in-law Pete if he’d like to have them. They are long and warm. I’ll try to remember to ring and find out if he fancies them. Good quality they are. The next pack contained 4 pairs of proper diabetic long socks. dark grey, I think. The Carer later put a pair of these on for me. Excellent fit, comfortable and warm. The last pack included two pairs of knee-high bamboo socks. These looked far thinner and stretchier than those above, and they cost an awful lot more. I stored the socks, well, I say stored...
I took this snap of the late afternoon view with the sun and clouds. I am back on the blogging and have started creating the ode.
had once again filled up at a good rate of knots. Still a healthy colour, mind you.
I checked on the Asda order made for next week. To see if I needed anything taking off or adding to it. I took off three items and put a few on it. The original total was for £52.24. After toying with things, it now stands at £66.84! When will I ever learn?
Another snap of the view of the sky. I went into one of my spells. Can you see the bird, plane, or face as I did? Bearing in mind that is making me see double, a shadow of everything attached. So maybe you can’t see them. Hehe!
An early meal tonight. Potato rostis, Dutch tomatoes, Anya potatoes, and caramelised pork sausages. With a sliced baguette. The Heinz tomato ketchup with pickle was well used. It went down well. I’m glad I remembered to eat early, thus avoiding the Carer calling just when I was starting to eat.
What’s wrong with the lower circle? Fair enough, I can’t make out what it is.
Gums bleeding after teeth cleaning.
Shaving, eight tiny nicks, no bother!
Showering: I deliberately took my time doing this. And I got through it without a single Accifauxpas or Whoopsiedangleplop. Smug-Mode Engaged!
Medicationalisationing: Harold’s Haemorrhoids were exceptionally tender. Little Inchy was bloodied, but nothing unusual in this. Olive oiled the earholes.
I applied eye sprays. Phorpain gelled both cartilages; I put plenty on and rubbed it in well.
Then, the big challenge… Getting the Protection Pants on. A bit of a farce… However, I did eventually get them on, but a slight tearing of the pants was overcome by my ingenious (well?) plan to use the Catheter tape to hold them together.
I even walked out of the wet room without knocking into the door frame. Smug-Mode Mark2
I started this blog but haven’t gotten very far…
For then, the interruptions flowed.
The gentleman from Diabetes Support rang. He explained that they could not meet me face-to-face, but I could use the App. I asked what that was: On your
mobile phone! – My mobile phone does not have internet access! – What? – My mobile phone does not have internet access! Well, use your iPad! (I’m not sure if he said iPad or ePad) – What are they? I can use my computer, can’t I? – No, it is not set up for computers, ask your doctor if she can arrange anything!
So, my hopes of getting any help with Diabetes 2 were over. I’ll have to find the time to search for advice on my computer. Felt a smidge low now.
Another try at blogging… The landline chimed and flashed; It was someone asking about the bed. Had the bar been fitted or not? – Yes! – Then someone will come out to you with a new mattress. – The one on the bed is new, I think? – That one was the wrong size! – Yes, they sent the wrong-sized bar as well. – That’s why I’m checking to see if the new bar has been fitted – Yes…
Can we come to fit the new mattress today? It’s no problem; I’m in all day. – Good!
I was a little perplexed, but I had to get back to starting this blog (I never did; you’ll gather that as I waffle on about my busy day).
Back to the blogging…
Carer Kara called; she only had 15 minutes, but she did an amazing job getting my socks on, checking the catheter bag, and putting my mind at rest about an email I’d had. Got the medications given and had to rush off. Thanks, Kara! ♥
Carer Christopher returned the laundry, and I put it away. Now, it’s well into the second half of the day!
Back to blogging…
I decided to make the second brew of the day; the first went cold again. I filled and sealed the waste bag.
Back to blogging…
The man with the mattress arrived. He was helpful; he had to remove the old mattress and put the new one on from the junk room (but they are all junk rooms).
Showed me how to use the lifter/lower control.
Back to blogging…
For about five minutes, it gave me time to put the first photos on in the wrong order and change them to where they should be… I was sorting the wristbands out, and one of them snapped. I swore and bent down to retrieve it…
Clouting my forehead on the way down against the edge of the open drawer. Got up a little too quick, and paid me a visit. Naturally, this was of no bother to a man of my calibre and resistance to pain; I laughed the matter off. Ahem!
It was getting late, so I gave up on the blogging as the tiredness and fog descended.
I took this photo as I went to the kitchen to make some nosh. Carer Chris arrived, looking in a rush. Well, it was his last call before his going home time. Hehe!
The meal consisted of a four-bean stew with added mini sausages and baguettes. A lemon yoghourt, too!
I emptied the day bag and was ready to attach the nocturnal pouch. Getting so tired now!
