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I’m thinking of writing a blog about “How to Get Nothing Done, but find it needs amending or correcting, then run out of time doing it!” Yes, I reached a new low or high today in brain-befuddledness. Overlooking the obvious, missing the intentions or inclinations of my own tormented mind. I’ve never been so busy getting nothing done… well, done satisfactorily, or to a semi-acceptably state, competently, effectively. But conditionally.
My senses and intentions are in remission.
02:30hrs: Better shade.
High morning sky. Lower down. Wonky, wobbly view.
First…
AARGH! . I’ve done it again!
I left the Dang tap (faucet) running last night. There is no hot water for a shower or shave. Spit and grumps!
I put the kettle on and had to return to the Throne! It gets better! Hehe!
Made a brew of Glengettie. Of course, I started writing a blog post and forgot all about tea. Huh!
A third visit to the bog! Where’s it coming from?
Carer Chris (took the laundry down) and then Carer Kara called. Both were in a rush, up to the neck in it, methinks. Kara looked at the whiteboard and checked the Catheter for me.
MIND BLANK or SEIZURE A whopper, too!
When I came around, it was obvious that I had been working on the computer. To my amazement, I’d posted the Wednesday Post off; I hope I finished it first. The scribbled notes I’d scrawled meant nothing to me. I was aware of things because I went to check the cooker and taps. The taps were off, the kettle was cold, and no hobs or ovens were left on. At this moment, I looked out at the view from the balcony window.
My eyesight was worse than ever at long distances today. Every house seemed to have two roofs, and they were both moving independently of each other, according to my Glaucoma’s eyes, anyway.
The day bag dropped down the leg, so I must have been drinking well enough while half out of it?
I did notice the nibble box had been well-raided. Haha!.
Well, that’s what it’s there for.
I realised I’d not sent the blog email notification, so I did.
For an unknown reason, Googlemail would not let me import any pictures (and still didn’t on Friday?). Luckily, they went in when I copied and pasted, which made the job messy and protracted.
Can you believe this?. And was bleeding.
I seemed and cleaned things up. After being up so early, when I returned to the computer, I decided not to continue. Then I realised that the evening carer, Chris, must have been. Could I recall it? Nope! I checked the log book, and he had been.
Despite having been up for about 21 hours, and there must be chunks of the day went off into the ether, I didn’t feel too tired, physically; then again, I’ve not nowt physical, have I?
Time to get summat to eat. Garden peas, potato cakes and caramelised little pork sausages. These were eaten with bits of the baguette wrapped around each one and dipped in the new Heinz tomato ketchup with pickle!
Got the bed ready to receive the mini-elephantine body and decided to have a bag of chip sticks to round off the meal. I checked the taps and heating and got down 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, to eat the treats. Zzz!
Throughout the next three hours, I did not move from the recliner; I just spent the time getting oh-so-regular. I gave up and got up at 04:00 hrs. I decided to finish the stand-up ablutions. It was far too early to use the shower, and the noise would wake up the tenants living below. I’m coughing and sneezing a bit now. Tsk!
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!
Good Morning! Photo kindly taken by Carer Maryham after she helped me wash & shave and get dressed. ♥
Dark wee-wee, bloodied pee!
A red-hued morning view. Tsk!
Computer on, and reduced some things on the order for the week after next from J. Sainsbury.
Made up the bed. Well, flung a quilt over it.
Today’s fodder order arrived.
Not a lot this time.
Took these shots. .
These came out okay.
Computed for a couple of hours. Then, I made a brew to dunk some of my sugarless biscuits. .
Taste Rating: 3/10.
Took two shots of the kitchen window view.
Then arrived. At this stage, I was doing well mentally… no, that’s a fib! I was not doing too badly in the concentration stakes. We had a little natter after she’d medicated me and checked the taps and cooker.
After departed, things took a long lasting turn for the worse. The started. I was using the small blue plastic
picker-upperer, and as I leant down to retrieve the dropped hearing aid, I injured the picker-upperer. Bent it rather acutely… it’s not working. Now… I may have said an assortment of naughty words. So, I was frustrated and self-critical as the landline burst to life. The Physiotherapist made sure I was aware of his arrival. Haha!
The gentleman arrived minutes later. But with my having just broken the picker-upperer, my mind was all over the place. What I can recall, is he tested both & s abilities, by my lifting the legs as far as I could without too much pain. Won that competition easily. He asked if the walker was better now that he’d mended the ‘wiggle’ on the right handlebar, and I thanked him, as it was a lot easier to use now. Many questions were answered, hopefully correctly, by me. But details of them have now gone into the ether. I recall losing what I spoke of a few times and feeling foolish. The man was understanding about this. I think my using the bed was referred to. He said he’s had a word with my doctor about the cartilage. Maybe it’s more pain relief. Almost sure. Ah, I did tell him of getting more frequent now I’m using the bed. But I sense that an awful lot more was discussed.
Variety is the spice of life. Hahaha!
I found on the reminder notepad that I’d scribbled what I thought was Rachael. No idea why?
Eventually, at long last, I started updating Sunday’s blog and got it posted very late in the day. I was now getting exhausted & weary. And just had to give up the blog working. I may get up early in the morning and try to start early on it… or not.
I got the stew and potatoes cooking and put the TV on… Oh dearie! I was baffled by this message that came up!
The remote control, was not affecting anything I tried to get to the later button to click on it. Then I dug out the Bush TV remote, which the engineer who fitted it up told me I would not use, and he said to throw it away; it was not needed. I tried to see if that would work to get to the set-up button, but that wasn’t doing anything either. So now, paying three times as much as before for the TV & phone service, which I didn’t want anyway but got conned into taking, and having to buy a Smart TV to use the service… I’m left without any TV at all! I don’t know if the message was from or the Bush television people? I need help here; if anyone can and knows what I can do, please chip in. I’ll ask a Carer if they can phone for me. It said a reset will be needed, that scares me; I could lose my internet service? Depressed again now!
Got the fodder served up, but I was not in a good mood to enjoy it. But still ate it ravenously. .
Took two-night shots from the kitchen window. Well, I’d not TV to watch. I spent £400, and £88 a month, and may end up with no landline, or computer supply… I’ve virtually lost the TV anyway. Grrr! The first artistic one. Haha! The second one.
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I’m fuming, frustrated, frumpy, fed-up, frightened, frazzled, and flagitated. Fighting a ferocious fiend, fragmenting my brain & body, without any help, physiatrics or therapy! Did I write that?
In the early hours of this morning, I had a virtual epiphany… so natural, pleasant and unbelievable. I stood up from the itch-creating, bruise-giving, catheter-tube-tugging, crumb-decorated from my nocturnal nibblings, God-awfully uncomfortable, cringingly-grotty, no longer working, dirty beige, anti-sleep designed, c1966, second-hand bought for £300, recliner. I had no pains, aches, bleeding… even the catheter had gone. I chose to float and did so. Landed back on the carpet and could hear Acker Bilk singing ‘Buona Sera, Señorita, Buona Sera’. Angels descended all around me, miniature-sized; my beloved lost cat Cyril was lying on the recliner, purring heavily; I could hear him clearly. I made my way to fuss him… And then I woke up! Blimey, that felt so genuine as well! Tsk!
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Seeing the colour of the overnight wee-wee in the night pouch pulled me back to reality quickly! This is not good. Thankfully, the colour lightened later on as the day progressed. I hope it continues; it’s just a smidge of worrying this dark. The end car park on Citrus Way looked different for some reason… Ah, the mudslide had reduced vastly.
Off to the wet room. No luck again. Still, I did get to have a go at the crossword book and counted eleven cracks on the front wall.
Chimed, and into the room entered Carer . Who got the diabetic socks put on my legs and sorted the medications. As I went to put the kettle on, the Intercom rang out. Unbelievable! I’d got yet another food delivery arriving, Ocado this time. I can’t even remember making one with them. I need help with this problem. I got the bags in and tried again to get some activity going. Although definitely was in charge, I felt was fighting back. A little messier than of late. Back to sort the food. Surimi sticks, fruit in pots, brown sauce, lemon desserts, lavender Dettol, lemon mousse, black bean sauce and a can of ratatouille. I’ll try that tonight and see how it goes. Well, that’s the plan anyway. Chunky vegetable soup, Lloyd tomato-type sauce with Mediterranean vegetables. The two brown Italian tomatoes. came as three for a ridiculous price. But Ocado decided to send the pack with one of the ready-crushed semi-mashed and all runny. These brown tomatoes taste almost like meat; those I’ve had in the past have, anyway.
Carer Sam called. And Chris returned the laundry bag – Yee-Haa! It may have taken me a few days to get someone to take it, but it came back this week. That’s a positive improvement. I got a landline call from the QMC Deep Vein Thrombosis & Anticoagulation teams Angel Nurse, Hristina. She will be calling on Monday for the next blood-taking test. ♥
Then, I got another landline call from Sister Jane. She was in her new posh flat, getting things sorted and ready to move in properly. She said they had a fish & chip shop a few minutes’ walk from the apartment block. Jealous? Me? Ha! Yes! Hehehe! She gave me some advice on cooking the pasta. I think we mentioned something about football referees but didn’t use any cus words. I got the ratatouille in the saucepan and added some canned garden peas. I could not resist trying some as I put them in the pan. With the Lloyds sauce, Tomato with Mediterranean vegetables. I think I’m going to enjoy this one!
I took these photographs from the kitchen window. At least it was clear enough for me to take a decent couple of sky-cloud shots as the sun began to dip. As I looked at the camera screen on Kodak Tim, I was chuffed with these, and after washing some utensils, I took a few more, which were a little darker than a few minutes earlier. I did spot some figures in the clouds. An animal’s head, eyes, angel and fish. Bet there were more to find. I pressed on with finalising Thursday’s blog. Then…
Well, a treble one, really. Getting really tired and concentration ebbing away, I went into the kitchen to check on my meal cooking progress… but didn’t get there first try. I tripped over the jacket that had fallen off of the chair onto the floor, which I’d not noticed. I caught a hold of the door when sent me all a-wobbling as I tried to keep upright. Of course, that didn’t help, as the door was open. I hit the deck first, followed by few choice self-blaming naughty words flowed. Both knees, and for the first time, I noticed the backs of the knees were painful too? Mission Impossible (Painwise) was tackled. Crawling on all fours to get to the recliner to haul my body mass up into it to stand upright again. It was only a few feet from the door, but it seemed like a couple of hours to get to the chair. Inching painfully along, moving the knees a few inches at a time. After I finally made it into the chair, I had to sit for a moment or two for the pain to die down. Which I now realise was not such a good idea because both knees and whatever is at the back of the knees seemed to have stiffened up. I rose up gingerly and carefully, using the recliner arms, and got hold of, first, , leant against the chair then . I was thinking how much this hurt, and at, of all times… it chose this moment to go into action… Who was it? A !!! This had me lunging backwards into the recliner, landing with such a thud – burst and bled instantly! Cleaning up, changing the Depends, and the medicationalsationings took me hours! Extra painkillers had to be taken. I Phorpain gelled the Cartilages. I was not in a perfect mood at this time.
The sunset view cheered me up a smidge, though, all the same. I took a wide shot first, then a zoomed-in shot. Bootiful!
The old memory blanks blanks kicked in. No idea what happened next for a couple of hours; There were no photos or notes to refer to until I found this evening shot. Not a good one, by the way. The meal was ready to serve, and I had a spoonful to try it. Well, excellent came to mind at first. Undoubtedly, it looked good, so I saw how it tasted. For once, no phone went, no carer called, and I ate nearly all of it with great relish and satisfaction! The lumps of Aubergines in it were so tasty! I’ll try this again, no doubt! Did you find the spectacles? I went straight to them the second I looked at the quiz picture. .
Sleep was a non-starter tonight. But after the attempted Har-Kari, the causes were varied. Pains, Shaking Shoulder Shirley, PN electric shocks from the right ankle, and Thought Storming Steven cocked up my hopes of a decent rest.
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Another hazy, confusing day. Constantly fitting between tasks and somehow not getting many finished. I had a few minutes of almost clarity of mind when I was replying to the comments… it was heaven as long as it lasted. But that was it productiveness-wise. I struggled when the Community Rehab & Falls people were doing an update on my condition. I remember a lot, at least I think I do, but so many blanks, and I can’t find the numbers they left to contact them; if I remember anything, I’ve not told them as I fumbled along, losing track of what was going on. Stuttering Stephanie caused embarrassment, and (there’s a word for this, but I can’t recall it) when I used the wrong words a few times when answering their questions. I look up the word again; it is ‘Receptive Aphasia’; I’ve now given this ailment a name, calling her Receptive Aphasia Phyllis.
Confusion reigned, and I was out of it more than in. And, I forgot to record, or can’t find where I wrote it if I did, the time of their next appointment. Humph!
Once again, it’s the next day, and I have only just started on this blog. (Friday 09:30hrs)
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Getting my head down so late in the morning again and Thinking Storming Steven having regular go at my sanity, I was finally settling into a decent period of sleep, and the Carer arrived. (07:15hrs). This I recall. But what happened on the visit, is a mystery to me. I can’t read the scribbled notes about whatever happened, well, the odd word, like, no pouch… waste bags, throne and view. This, I assume, was the view. The first picture on Kodak Tim. Not many were there, with the two-hour-plus visitation from the Falls & Rehab interview. A lot of that I can remember, along with the blanks. Another reversal in style and content from the first failed visit to the Porcelain Throne. Waste bags were sorted out and placed near the doorway into the foyer. I recall seeing Josie’s as was, door and started to worry about her. I’ve found out she is in a care home in Arnold, but not which. I want to visit her, but no one seems to know where she is. Her family have been emptying her flat all week. So sad! I did ask for the carers on each visit to take the laundry down for me. But it’s still there, a bulging bag that is only going to get fullerer! Hahaha!.
Ah, I remember now; the first Carer was Christopher, and he came back later to check I was alright. Apparently, I was ‘Out of it’ and expressing depressional feelings on the first visit. Bless him!
NHS FALLS & REHABILITATION VISIT
Miguel, with Trainee Charlotte from the Falls Team, arrived at the flat, to do an assessment on me. Some of this section may be out of sync or missing altogether due to my FND. Had to put new batteries in the hearing aids, and they are all fine now with the hearing problem. But things being told me were not sinking in, and I was… well, what the word? Disorientated, adrift and losing track of what I was replying to as much as the advice and questions that were coming my way. The medical history was updated. After an hour or so, I was told that an appointment would be made for a visit from a Physiotherapist. Which may be affected by the Physiotherapist’s Strike Action. I’d hoped to get help with the FND symptoms and Cognisant Impairment Iris. They bother me more than anything physical; I know the falls and pains are caused by a combination of Peripheral Neuropathy, Pete, & Receptive Dysphasia Phyllis. I think I mentioned the electric current tingling in the ankles and feet getting worse. If not, I meant to!
Miguel got me to do some exercises with stretching, leg lifting etc. Concentrated on the knees, and Cartilages Chloe and Carole. Carole was far more painful when lifting the right leg. I mentioned that it sometimes the left leg worse, or both of them. He mentioned something at this point, I think, but that has absconded into the grey haze of forgetfulness along with other things. Talking of getting about difficulties, he had me walk around the flat with the trolley. I mentioned , and her wobbly handlebar. Miguel had it sorted in a short time for me; it works fine now. Grrreat! Thanks. Reflux Roger kicked off while we were talking, and Miguel looked very concerned. I’m sure I explained how the problem arose after the Mechanical Aorta Valve operation. Ensuring him that there was only a vague imitational bit of pain each time it blasted out the air through my mouth, and it happens every day or night. The night ones would have woken me up, but with Thought Storming Steve and Shaking Shoulder Shirley, I was usually awake when he hit me, anyway. After they had left, I could not find the contact numbers for them, as I mentioned earlier. Tsk! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
The late afternoon is a mystery to me. I know I was a little peed-off at myself for not recalling or recording matters of the visit and self-loathing at the time, but rather than a Memory Blank this time, it may have been due to Receptive Aphasia Phyllis. As I had not got anything done between drifting off and coming back for about an hour, on the computer. Of course, I may have nodded off in the computer chair?
Can of 3-Bean soup, with a vegetable and tomato sauce. Two cheap but nice Asda baguettes. A pot of 10-calorie strawberry jelly for afters. It tasted lovely, rich, flavourful and most of it was eaten. (I made too much, methinks!)
I thought all that veg might have helped me on the Porcelain Throne Evacuation. It didn’t. This was my third failed attempt today! Hopefully, by the time the food works its way down into the guts, things will improve. Of course, I could be wrong!
How did you do at guessing what the thingamabob was in the photo? Hehehe! Did you spot the face in the foam cleaner? I have to admit, I can’t see it now, but did at the time? No, no, I can see it again now! I took a terribly bad picture of the evening view from the kitchen window. I’m getting good at doing this… something of an expert almost! But I tried one higher up, thinking it would be easier to get a decent-quality shot of the clouds in the night sky. The clouds I saw with my eyes taking this, seem to have melted away? Ah, well!
I clouted my right shoulder against the wet room door. As I checked, I’d not left any taps running. This produced the longest-ever bout come attack from Shirley’s Shaking Shoulder I’ve had for a long time.
Shirley’s shuddering carried on to when I got my head down. Typical, the one night out of the last ten, that Thought Storming Steven was giving me a rest, and Shirley takes up the mantle of keeping me awake!
Unbelievable! I finally nod off in the early hours of the morning, and REflux Roger wakes me up repeatedly with his gigantic emissions of wind! Not that they hurt a lot; they just wake me up with the power of the gastroesophageal emissions. Humph!
05:45hrs: I tackled the removal of the stubborn attachment on the nocturnal and day bag and got it done by 06:00hrs. Hehehe!
It was damned cold this morning! Mind you, I’d not got the ankle & leg straps on yet. Took the first shot from the kitchenette window, and I knocked a bottle of Lloyds Tomato & Basil sauce off of the window ledge. It landed on my right foot. I may have cursed a bit? On the plus side, it didn’t break, missed my , and it was the only item that I dislodged. I disrobed and went off to the wet room. It was too early to use the noisy shower to get a stand-up wash and shave. I got the dressing gown in the laundry bag; it was well full now. I collected a pair of protection pants to change into later, and as I did so, I decided it best to check on the computer first to make sure that the Iceland order was not going to arrive while I was doing my ablutions. A rare moment of temporary mental clarity and memory activity there! Smug-Mode engaged temporarily! The session went well… Yes, that’s what I said! Only two weeny cuts shaving, mind you; there’s always something, and the gums gave me the only bother I had. Even getting the PPs on went almost easily. Great!
Confusion Reigns… I knew I’d got an hour and a bit before the earliest possible time for the Iceland delivery. So I was about to try to get the sink cleaned; I’ll get it done one day... And . Well, Iceland was well early? Within minutes of pressing the unlock button, a rattling came on the door from the food deliveryman. It did not register with me when he said do you want it in the kitchen, I said please, and adjusted my now rather loose dressing gown, and adjusted the day pouch that was slipping… and he’d put the stuff all over the kitchen, loose… this was when I realised it was not the Iceland man at all! He was from J Sainsbury, with whom I had a mess on last week’s order on Friday, delivering the order I’d made for next Tuesday, not today! He shot off, and I went into a semi-panic mode. I’ve got all this stuff to get in the fridge and freezer, but I knew it would fit in… and the Iceland order was also due shortly! It was hard work, but some fodder had to get ditched from the fridge to make room for the new stuff. I ended up taking a carrier bag full of short-dated stuff to the waste chute and ditching it. Then started rearranging things to use less room on the shelves and freezer, suddenly realising I had all the JS stuff to sort yet… These were sorted… Then these… I hope I can get the soda bread in. Great news here, though. The terrible foul-looking meat in a jar that tasted heavenly was delivered, Yummy! More sorting… I got some of the Anya potatoes into the slow cooker for later with the mushroom risotto. Took this shot of the blue-looking view. It wasn’t this blue; I can’t understand why it came out like this. If I remember, I’ll ask Tim from New Mexico later on.
Carer Marie, with a new carer with her, Sanamal and showing her the ropes. Marie is an angel; she said she would get me a pair of slippers from Primark when she goes to town again. ♥ Bless her!
Then, the Iceland delivery arrived. I had to empty the day bag as the chap took the bags to the kitchen for me. Thankfully, not a lot of frozen stuff. Some sauce was substituted, but I gave that and the bread I could not get in the freezer to Carer Kara later; she can hand them out to whoever she thinks. I had a heck of a job getting the fresh stuff into the fridge. I’d bought treats for the carers. Just look at the choc-o-block fridge now! Still, I’ll not starve. Haha!
I took this shot and got on with the blogging. For hours, and hours… it’s been seven up to now.
Teatimish, I took a couple of more… Through the glass of the balcony. The one above showed rejectionist patterns in the rain. Har-Har! How did it get a copy of the cars not in the shot, in amongst the trees and bushes? They look like ghostly cars.
Carer Christopher came, taking the wee-wee out of my peed-on several times and washing designer slippers. Haha! He dished out the medications, and as we chatted, I told him about my not being able to get at the hairs growing on my neck to shave them. We went into the wet room, and he dry-shaved my neck for me… I’m sure the bleeding will stop eventually. (Only joking!)
Back to the blogging. The blue sky returns.
Carer Christopher arrived on his last visit. I was just getting my dinner out of the oven and plated. He took it to the front room for me, and I forgot to photograph it. Mushroom Risotto with some Anya potatoes. Nothing like as delicious as the mushroom Risotto Sister Jane did for me in 1989. That was so good, I can still remember the taste of it! But it was a processed meal, so I couldn’t expect too much.
Zzz! But not for long… soon kicked off. He was vehement tonight, waking me up many times, & starting again within minutes each time I nodded again.
Making the late… or early morning meal, I dropped a saucepan on the kitchen floor. It took me ages to clean up the mess that I made. Accompanied by a few select curse words and name-calling to myself.
Cor, the urine bag had filled up sharpish again; It’s been doing that the day or so now.
I got my cooking hat on. Hehehe! Taking care of not having another ‘dropsies’, I added some potatoes to the veg mix, come stew. Added a jar of chunky tomato-vegetable sauce, some peas, and butter beans to the pan. Putting the last of the roast mini potatoes in as well. Stirring and tasting all the time. Grrreat! By gum, I enjoyed that! Washed the pots.
I retired to the £300 second-hand shop bought in 1966. moth-eaten, bedraggled, grotty, cringingly-beige-coloured, much-dilapidated, crumb-containing from my nocturnal nibblings, bug-ridden, itch-inspiring, not working recliner… get my head down. That was another farce. He was in good form. He really peed me off! I got about three hours kip but woke up needing to use the Porcelain Throne. Two extremes at the same time?
As I removed the night pouch, the urine was dark enough to concern me.
My first view shot of the day.
By the time I’d taken it, the day pouch was pretty filled again, so quickly? But a slightly better colour.
Took a second snap.
Arrived. We had a chat and laughed as the medications and jokes were shared. I took her BP before she left, and it’s all looking good!
I must try to get more slippers… maybe a few pairs if I can find some on sale at a reasonable price. Cause as sure as the Rishi’s Tories are condemned to lose the next election, go into near extinction, as they wait for the Labour masqueraders to financially cripple the nation, Legalise grass, and Nationalise the railways; I’m bound to have another escapade of fluid from the , via a burst, a leak, a strap coming undone again, or perhaps another messy . I think I’m averaging one unanticipated a week this month. Tumbles, faulty valves and walking into a door frame were the last three main reasons.
The next pouch emptying session, and there were so many today, was it back to dark again?
A sticky, gooey edge! Hahaha!
One of my worst ones ever. I read on my notes that the Carer called, yet I have no recollection of the call or who it was either? As I regained a degree of logicalness and awareness, I saw that I’d been working on CorelDraw and this blog. I found many errors in both, but I must have missed many more.
Over the next hours or so, the day pouch was emptied so many times that it seems I took photos of each one; they were on the SD card in this order; They started (apparently) a good colour but grew grimmer at emptying time. Fed up with this!
The clouds could be seen in the dark. The high winds maintained a presence for some time. Aircraft had been grounded – I’m not surprised at the speed at which the clouds were being driven across the night sky. It’s a wonder that they didn’t leave a contrail. Hehe!
Came & went for the rest of the night. Sort of mini-blanks.
I can easily recall taking this shot. I think my cyber-mate, Tim, would call this photo artistic, that’s not the word, but I can’t recall it now. Ten seconds ago, it was all in my mind, ready to type it, and it went AWOL. I can only pass on any praise to, supported by sweet .
. Just Bootiful! Thanks, Jane & Pete!
Another Mystery?
CK was unwilling to come forth, then, as he did, TT controlled the watery, almost splashing out into the Porcelain, stinky finale.
The last leftover vegetable stew was doctored with more borlotti beans and chunky vegetables.
Have a Magnificent Martian Meeting on Monday! In May 1959, Mandell Meggendorfer, predicted Monday’s date as the day the aliens will arrive, and openly reveal all to the earths masses. It’s too late to bet now, but apparently, one German bookie was offering odds of 1 million to 1 that this would happen. Just thought I’d mention it!
06:15hrs: Up to get ready for the food delivery of the week from Asda. Took these shots from the kitchenette window… Not too bad… or not.
Carer Marie arrived. Did the leg straps; I forgot to ask her to put the diabetic socks on; I’ll ask the next caller. Marie helped me with the dates on the food, and the Asda order arrived while she was here. I got the bags in the kitchen, and we carried them with the medications. Marie checked the new dates for me in the bags. Checked the taps and cooker for me too.
Then I got the delivered stuff stored away. Fresh & frozen chips. Freezer filled, Marie helped me get the cobs in ♥. Cleaning products. Treats for the Carers, Nursed. Sauces Galore! A great range of sauces. Topped up the treats shelves.
Blimey, pouch filled quickly again.
I got two of the Lamb & mutton burgers in the oven… got back on the computer…
Minutes after Marie left, Carer Maryham came to do the Domestics for me. Did a good job; bless her.
This seems to be happening more and more.
As I woke, I could smell the smoke on the kitchenette from the burgers, and the aroma was scary, but it did smell absolutely gorgeous. I grabbed a hold of , and hastened into the kitchen… Oh, dear… Slightly overcooked? Hahaha!
Not edible? Rubbish! Admittedly, they were well burnt around the edges… but then again, so am I! Hehe! I still enjoyed it!
Cor filled up again!
Carer Chris called and took these photos from the balcony on Kodak Tim for me.
Left hand-drive not being mentioned? Wing mirrors and wipers missing!
Inchy Consumes a 2nd Meal! A biggun, too! Gannet!.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Could have done without the tumbles, though!– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Sister Jane sent me this graphic below, and quite funny it was, too, I thought!. Ha, Ha, Ha! I thought of a few more straight away:
LHA: Lost hearing aids.
CPF: Catheter Pouch Full.
ACA: Arthritis Cartilage Agony.
WDII: What Day Is It?.
LMDS: Laddered My Diabetic Socks.
LTVR: Lost TV Remote.
LTR: Left Tap Running.
DNC: District Nurse Calling.
FMDOBATB: Forgot My date Of Birth At The Bank.
ROPP: Run Out Of Protection Pants.
LCO: Left Cooker On.
FOG: Fell Over Again.
DMOT: Dropped Mug Of Tea.
FAOTB: Fell Asleep On the Bog.
TWTA: Took Wrong Tablets Again.
FAOTB2: Fell Asleep On The Bus.
LBP: Lost Bus Pass.
CMS: Cut Myself Shaving.
LMS: Lost My Spectacles. Hahaha!
I hope Jane likes them.
Another bad night’s sleep. Mid afternoon I was well out of it. Struggled to get this blog going. Hence, it’s now gone 22:00hrs, and I’m still working on it – mostly doing things wrong and making corrections. But the ode today did take me ages to do, and three pretty young carers distracted me somewhat. Haha! It’s only natural for a man with my sex appeal. Har, Haha!
More in the pouch this morning.
I made a point of not counting the empty crisp packets. But this did not assuage the guilt!
Off to get my done. The shaving had only one tiny nick under the chin. (I used this photo later as part of the Ode header). Getting the PPs on after finishing was a work of painful art. The Stroke and Peripheral Neuropathy affected right leg, which was joined by and in making the task one of the most painful jobs of the month. Boy, that leg did not want to bend or lift at all. Somehow, I eventually, with cunning, I might add, got them on. I got the towel and picker-upper, wedged myself in the corner of the room to avoid any tumbles, and lifted the leg ankle with the towel flipped over the ankle, while grabbing the PPs with the picker. I’m still amazed at how I didn’t go over, but I didn’t. ! Then realised I had not yet ointmentated the piles! No problem, I Germoloided the rear end, then , and Phorpain Gelled both knees. I think I did a good job, really. Yet another brief !
Carer Kimberly arrived. Took the laundry down for me. We joked about last week’s bag of laundry getting lost and never found. She later returned with this one… the clothes were there, but the new B&M bag it was in had been snatched, and a dirty old bag was left in its place! The diabetic socks were inside out and still damp, so I reversed them and got them on the airer. Kim helped me hang the dressing gowns up, bless her.
The Phantom bag & clothes nicking resident… Are they doing it for bedevilment? Twice on the trot now, so blatant! Compensation, can I become a claimant? If it happens a third time – disappointment… Annoyment, cursing and discontentment, Is someone turning belatedly delinquent? For warmth, on my dressing gowns, I am dependent, To stop these thefts, we must be diligent… Will I ever know where my washing went… I want my leg straps back; I’ll be lenient, I’ll not get uppity or militant, Though it makes me slightly malcontent, Could it happen twice, both an accident? It could be, or maybe, malevolent!
Carers & Nurses drinkie-treats, and the last remaining warm dressing gown hanging over the door.
The carer earlier helped me get the leg straps on. I took this photo in the wet room ages ago, and have only just remembered it. Tsk! Sad?
Gorgeous clouds in the afternoon. Plenty of contrails higher up.
I got and took three shots of the views in different directions. So that, my mass of foreign followers can both see how tight the housing is. Slightly to the right. Ahead… And to the left.
The close-up shots are terrible!
A few hours later, and this one was terrible! A little betterer?
I planned my meal for the night. The other pack of battered chicken that I forgot to put the SD card in the Kodak and took a photo of last night. I’ll have some chips with them, methinks. With some potatoes. Back in the mooring to catch up – I hope.
Mystery photo?
Last of the ‘I shan’t bother buying again’ battered balls’, with potato cubes, a pot of side sauce, ready sliced wholemeal cobs, and pickled green tomato salad, was plated and consumed. A late picture of the nosh. Part-eaten.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Last night must have been the worst one for me for months. It seemed to me I was waking up more times than falling asleep! Worse still, each time I woke up, I had other ailments playing up. With the over-bearing belief that it was about 04:00hrs or so, I had Violent up comings from , the bladder and bowels were both rumbling away, too. I could hardly believe it as burst from the door alarm, and in walked . It was gone 07:00hrs already! , along with the were having a go at me.
I did inform Maryham of how I felt. She then recommended to me that after she had gone, I get back to sleep. (Which I’d been trying to do all night) But only managed a few minutes each try before waking up again. Hehehe! She made sure I had the Alert-Alarm on, telling me to use it if needed. A very sensible suggestion, gal. No idea what I looked like, but I felt properly poorly, weary, in pain, & tired out. I was so confused, that I forgot to remind her about the new medications to take in the mornings.
The PM caller remembered and asked me if I’d had one, but I wasn’t sure or not. She checked the amount used, and decided not. So gave me one, only one a day, incidentally… Later on, when I’d started to feel a bit better, I looked up Folic Acid; and found some interesting things it is taken to counter. ① To limit hair loss. ② To help your baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord develop properly in pregnancy. ③ As a medicine used to reduce side effects treating arthritis. ④ To treat iron deficiency & anaemia. ⑤ We suggest that folic acid may play a role in improving the repair of peripheral neurotransmitters, nerve injury, and dying by promoting the proliferation and migration of Schwann cells, & secretion of nerve growth factors.
And all these years, they have told me there is nothing they can do to mend my dying Neurotransmitters? Peripheral Neuropathy?
No time to ponder on this now. I’ve just read the possible side-effects of Folic. SIDE EFFECTS – ANAPHYLAXIS Symptoms of anaphylaxis happen very quickly.
Symptoms include Swelling of your throat and tongue. Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast. Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice, wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing, Feeling tired or confused, feeling faint, dizzy or fainting. Skin that feels cold to the touch, blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue. If you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. You may also have a rash that’s swollen, raised or itchy. Sometimes it’s not known what caused an anaphylactic reaction.. Well, that takes a lot of sinking in. I’ve got the majority of the listed side effects already! I’m glad I looked it up now – Not. Hehe!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – It is not one of my best-ever morning view snaps. I tried again.
had kindly got the pads, straps, and diabetic socks from my feet. My plan was to get a shower & shave later. But I’d forgotten about the ladies from the social services who were calling on me later today, so the shower & shaving have not been done for three days now. Dirty, Boy!
I tried my best to concentrate on starting the blog… but it was not easy. had never been so vicious, loud or painful with his valve returning all wind up the tube, gullet, I mean. In fact, he was so noisy and forceful that it encouraged his partner to join in! At this very moment, I heard the access requiring hallway intercom tune playing. (I’d got my hearing aids in) It was the ladies from the Social Prescribing & Community Support team. They arrived and introduced each other to me. Very kind ladies, with a tendency to listen to me as I answered their questions. As , and was blasting away, so loudly at times, I turned down the hearing aids volume so I could hear their voices. Roger seemed determined to try and stop me from listening, as indeed, Stuttering Stephanie tried to stop me from talking. Hehe! The kind ladies’ names were Katarina and Belinda. During the question and answering, I had a mini , and a few minutes later, gave way. Which I think was a good thing, for them to see what I have to go through daily? Both were very understanding and patient. I think we agreed on some actions to be taken to get me more help, but am not sure what. A possible cooker that could not catch fire, I believe was spoken about. Assistance with travelling to and from medical visits. Many other things were discussed. But seems to think it best if I cannot recall them all now. But as usual, some things stick with me, and others fade quickly. A vague help with washing and dressing lingers in the brain, but, of course, I could be wrong. Doing this ode makes me realise that my spending so much money on Grammarly saves many errors, not all of them, but I think most of them are still being made & missed by me.
The ladies departed, and I got back onto the blogging.
I put the TV on and spotted that the ‘All Quiet on the Western Front’ film was on. So I watched it for a while then I had a mug of Glengettie and dunked some of the lovely LU and Maryland cookie biscuits. But I soon lost interest, thought back to the ladies’ visit, and wrote down the details above, which I recorded on the pad to use later on.
Arrived and gave me the Folic Acid. Checked the taps and the cooker were not left on, for me. We had a little natter
. Well, that was different!
I had a look at my book of favourite poems. And, I found… A new best one for me pleasure.
Balcony views parade! End car park… With the least-ever mudslide! A close-up of the almost a puddle! The gravel footpath, into Woodthorpe Grange. Park, that I can no longer get up to visit my beloved tree copse on the left. A single young man walking on the far path.
The gal from the salon arrived at the flat, and she got my toenails cut. What a relief… it also relieved me of £30!
Checked the time, and got back to working on this blog again. I felt the pouch on the left leg pulling… Blinking Heck! Got it emptied just in time!
Going to get a meal sorted out now. Mayhap, I’ll get some lamb & mutton burgers… in the oven, with some… Pickled green tomato salad… Eat the burgers in sliced cobs… And, maybe a brew of Glengettie?
Back in the morning to finish this off… I Hope!
I made a rather pathetic-looking meal. I was not really all that hungry. I was so tired & weary again, but really enjoyed the lamb & mutton burgers I made.
Washed the dishes, checked the taps and cooker were not left on, and proceeded to nod-off and wake up again all night long! Humph!
