04:55hrs: After an often-broken sleep caused by dear , I still got about 5 hours of sleep in bits, so that wasn’t too bad; I woke most unenthusiastically. I pondered over things as I sat there on the £300, second-hand, c1968, charity shop-bought, eyesorely-horrendously grungy coloured, Harold Haemorrhoid-testing, easily-falloutable from, unfit-for-use, not working, recliner, not fully aware of things, trying to figure out why I felt like this. I put it down to my having woken up with an activating seizure. My confusion started to clear after a few minutes. But I still felt a little off-kilter, mentally. Voids in my memory, despite believing I had been dreaming, there were no indications of what of. Annoying that, innit? I eventually, gingerly rose from the £300 second-hand, most uncomfortable, decrepit, Haemorrhoid Harold-testing, creaking, sleep-deterring, nauseatingly beige-coloured, not-working recliner and caught my balance. I took off the Nocturnal Catheter pouch to free myself to start the short mini-exercises… Well, that was the plan.
Within seconds of starting the stretching, I was on the floor, with a decent bruise on the forehead gained on my way down to the carpet. I still have no idea where or what I hit my head against. It all seemed to occur so quickly. Getting back up was as easy as it could have been, with me landing next to the recliner. Obviously, it was painful clawing my massive, flabby body back up into the recliner. Sensing that this was much more painful than usual, I considered pressing the Help Line Alarm. As my head cleared again, there was no blood at all coming from the wound, just hardly seeable scratch and bruise. I went into my Sherlockian Mode and realised why it hurt me so much, and I found the cause of the original tumble! Yes!
Had given way. I feel sure! After a few moments. The head bump was painless and only was hurting… until a minute later, when Took over as the ‘Head Ailment’. Confusion Konrad remained. And I’m not sure all this is in order of happening now. I forgot all about doing the balance routine after that.
I’m not sure why, but I thought a mug of tea would be a good idea or of any benefit. But I made one and adjusted the old-fashioned clock-calendar. I nipped to photograph the morning view from the kitchenette window. Misty and cold out there again. This snap came out all right. But I thought when taking it I saw a planet, albeit a tiny one, on the top left. No signs of it?
Carer Selina arrived. She noticed the bruise on my head. I made her laugh, telling her how it happened. Haha!
Back to my blogging. In ten minutes, I had five short visits . Then, nothing for an hour or so. And back she came, I had to give up, for fear of making so many mistakes that I didn’t realise then and losing hours of precious time to correct them. Humph!
I got pm Word to write the day’s Ode.
Came back on again. I had to give up again. I will sit down and wait it out, hoping it will not be another long one. They seem to tire me out.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Shasha is one of Tim Price’s
Colony of Cats. Bootiful!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Made a meal and settled the football game.
There were two FA Cup matches to watch, and I did not move out of the recliner for hours and hours. I took this in a break between games. The first one was Plymouth Argyle beating Liverpool!
Made the nosh and settled down to see the second match. Aston Villa v Tottenham Hotspurs.
Then I realised that Quatermass & The Pit film was showing on the same channel after the footy. 1967 FILM NOIR They don’t make them like this anymore!. From 1953 to 1967, They made three Quatermass treats. The first one was made for a TV series. But, 40% of the original tapes have since been lost by the BBC. There are DVDs, but they have a lot of missing action. But I loved them them all. The TV one was poorly scripted, badly acted, and as for ‘Rocket Ship’ landing in the house’s bedroom, without destroying it… well, it was part of the fun and mystery. This was given the title, The Quatermass Experiment. The film concerns three astronauts launched into space aboard a single-stage-to-orbit rocket designed by Professor Quatermass. A TV series. Then (1953) QUATERMASS II film. Strange metallic meteorites rain down over Winnerden Flats, an eerie new town near a strongly guarded chemical plant. Professor Quatermass discovers that contact with the meteorites causes an unusual infection. He is also astonished that the chemical plant is modelled after his design for a moonbase, where life can thrive in an artificial atmosphere. Investigations uncover a conspiracy that extends from the Government level to the zombie-like workers who will stop at nothing to protect the plant. Quatermass deduces that aliens from one of the moons of Saturn travel to Earth in the meteorites, possess human minds, and share knowledge through a collective consciousness. I loved it! Especially with Sid James getting killed in the pub on Winnerton Flats. Ah, Memories!
. The last photo was taken as I looked around to ensure I had not left anything on that I shouldn’t have. All looks good!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I’m off to bed now!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I got about four hours’ worth of Kip! Great!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I could never do a headstand, I’ve never had a house husband, I did once get stuck in the heathlands, Can’t get out now, I’m somewhat housebound, I found a hairband on my hatstand?
I was confused, not worried, I’d taken some tablets that were Cabbinoid, Hehehe! My Carer was jealous and annoyed, No sleep for two days, and I was bed rid? More alarms, something smelt putrid & fetid…
The computer was acting like an invalid, So many problems I was fumid, I’m giving up now; it makes me sick. There must be someone who can help me a bit… I’ve got no teeth left to grit,
On my second night without sleep or rest, Couldn’t sort the computer, tried my absolutist, Anne Gyna was at her painfullest…
Phlegm from the nose and stuck in the chest,
There are little medications left in the medical chest!
Angina tablets for three days at best…
Beta-blockers; the chest is dereft!
Carer Richard is off ill, none ordered from the chemist,
I’ll ask the morning Carer if he or she can assist,
There was a moment. Mayhap the days blessedest…
I dropped the catheter bag and tripped over it…
Fell forwards headfirst down into the WC abyss!
A smug mode, I just had to utilise…
Confused and tired, but I did realise…
I stopped myself from hitting my head and eyes.
The smugness didn’t last for long after the accidents…
The Trotky Terence evacuation was fluid and icterious,
My next problem was a smidge more serious…
I hit the doorframe with Shaking Shoulder Shirley.
And Anne booming Gyna turned on the pain, serious!
To the kitchen, already feeling delirious…
En route, I realised the piles were bloodless…
I soon turned to feeling self-piteous,
I’d left the hot tap running, disastrous!
Cause it had overflowed, The alarm was cacophonous, The phone sounded, and a half-asleep voice asked us… Are you all right? Your kitchen overflow alarm is sounding, I lied, telling her that everything was fine, apologising.
The phlegm in my throat and chest was almost choking, The sore throat hurt so much when coughing, It was even worse when I did any sneezing,
Got the bucket & mop from WR, & started cleaning,
By which it was not so easy, breathing,
To the wet room, the cleaning things returning,
What I saw was almost blood-curdling…
I’d left the washbasin hot tap running!
At least it wasn’t overflowing,
I wondered what the next Fauxpa would be coming!
After that, I, more or less, shattered…
My interest, plans, and hopes no longer mattered,
In search of sleep, I got the bed battered,
Spent an hour getting the up-down positions mastered,
I threw on a giant thick quilt and got under the mattress
Stayed there until the arrival of the DVT INR nurse…
I consider Hristina to be genuinely precious…
She is kind, caring and pulchritudinous, This photo of her on the balcony is priceless to me…
It was framed and sent to me by Cyber-Mate Timothy,
Lovely Hristi, I wandered off-track there, sorry,
Back into the hospital bed, not feeling sleepy…
I covered myself with the giant quilt completely,
I didn’t know it then, but consequently…
Tomorrow morning was to go worse, astoundingly! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
This bug is depressing, to say the least,
No sleep, depression, at least at the moment. The seizures seem to have died down a lot.
I’m a little worried about the Anne Gyna medications and others that are about to run out again. Richard’s not coming on Monday was not his fault; the lad’s was so poorly. The stock was not checked, so no order was sent to the doctors for prescriptions from the chemist. There are only three days of Ansoperapol left to treat my Anne Gyna pains. I mentioned this to the late Carer Colin (I think) on Thurs.
I kept trying to catch up on sleep every day, but it failed. I wish I knew why. I have been without shuteye for three days now. Concentration is just a memory. CorelDraw and the computer are playing up, and there is no camera. The Caregiver, who was off for a few days, needed his camera to record the birth of his second child. Hope it all goes well for them. 👍🏼
I still need sleep, but I don’t feel all that tired? This bug is a bugger!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I’m Struggling Here, Midears!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
I wish I didn’t hate Liberty-Global anymore… My distrust of them makes my brain sore, L-G bought Virgin Media, costing $24b for sure! The internet service has grown evermore poor… Phone to complain you get an AI advisor, an IVR, I wish to leave! You’ll not get an answer… You get put through to talk to another, You listen for an hour to a musical overture, Another robot answers: pick options 1 to 24, Get to speak to a human with their own agenda, Offering packages that can save you more… You stop to take a tablet, an antiseizure. Upgrade to the £240 monthly package, It’s on offer, 25.2% off until November! Of course, it’s all crap, a load of bilgewater, Then the line goes dead, Hell & Highwater! These Virgin agents are getting smarter… Their whims, cons, & deceit is getting cagier, Days later, they ring you! To tell yer… EE have a fantastic new customer offer? Also, BT has one that’s a little costlier… But their broadband is so much bigger? You’d be better off going onto our fibre! You say I’ll think about it, my dear… You ring off, thinking there’s summat queer… Are they using a sort of counterpropaganda? Their response you can’t decipher, So puzzled, you decide to consult Alexa!
The reason soon becomes plain to see… Liberty-Global bought Virgin; we agree… The Chair of L-G get a $64m salary yearly, They are so rich, beyond any moderator, Bought out/invested in many a supplier… Vodafone, BT, EE, UPC, Canal+, Three… The world’s largest cable company., Mango, Yves Rocher, Pizza Hut, & ITV plc, So, recommending offers from another company, Makes sense now, at least to me, clearly… So, they might be the biggest Oligarchy? With the world facing its fatal finale, Oligarchs beseech: Can I take it with me? – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – What an odd day! I can honestly say, Come what may, The morning was alackaday, The afternoon… Oh yay… The seizures refused to go away, Nothing could be done medically, I considered my options, alcoholically, Ruined my chances of adaptability, Errors in spelling, a missed apostrophe… Grammar, spelling, correcting, abominably, Plans executions all with indeterminacy, The entire day flowed with ambiguity, I say flow, twas a stutter in reality, So long and often spent condemnatorily, My own thoughts & intentions were a mystery, Ideas created, seconds later were history… No contentment, satisfaction, peace or equanimity, Yet a Carer saved the day, it was Chloe, An email arrived; Telegraph was taking my money, £239 for my supposed subscription pay?
Chole soon made this worry go away,
She cancelled it for me – Hurrah!
Seizure Sandra started again, alarmingly,
More blog mistakes, I got little done accurately,
I struggled to analyse even simple things today,
Until 1700hrs, when Sandra went away…
Typing this, expecting her to be back shortly,
I apologise for this blog, which is also shortie,
Not the right word, but it rhymed, you see,
After regaining a modicum of semi-logicality,
I did my best to try to be poetically witty
So, I wrote you all this funny little ditty,
Which you may consider a pity?
It’s less exciting than embroidery,
Neither is it extraordinary,
My mind’s less fragmentary,
I feel better; fractionally,
I’ve lost my lunacy,
I now feel… solitary,
Alone, lonely,
Is it January?
I’m hungry,
It’s back… the caducity! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I got carried away there. It is now 18:25hrs. I’ve no chance of getting this done unless another one of my working through the early morning sessions. I’ll rush; forgive any blaring mistakes & cock-up, please. Here I go. No, I don’t! I just remembered I’ve got a food order coming! I’d better wait until that arrives; otherwise, I’ll be lost if the Seizures start again. Here I go, a quickie, I hope… I must not get so carried away when typing, do you hear me? Me: Yes, sorry.
Nocturnal Pouch.
Waste bags were collated & taken to the chute. Feel guilty now; it was too early in the day!
Changed the date and day on my super-modern 1972 calendar clock. Shot through the kitchen window. Rain relacing the snow now.
Made a brew of Co-op 99 tea.
Seizures started, and the following may be out of chronological order.
Balcony shot. What a mudslide!
In the afternoon, most of the morning events were lost. Carer Richard came, but I can’t read my memory notes for Richards’s visit. So, no details.
I recall taking this shot. I was flabbergasted to see they still had scaffolding on this home. Over a year now since I first saw it? Cowboys?
It took this one later.
Afternoon blue skies.
Food en route.
Evening.
Found my sense of humour when the seizures eased off. Took this snap of the Nurses and Carers nibble box. Then, this close-up. I think the Mars bars and Twix have been mating? Hahaha!
Carer Chloe helped me sort out the email from the Telegraph about them charging me for my subscription. What I can’t remember taking out? For over £200! Chloe sorted it out and showed me how to cancel it. ♥ Well, she did it!
Carer Promise did the last two calls today. With me coughing & sneezing, he found a short pair of diabetic soaks to go on and took off the long ones. Kind of him.
Later in the evening. I took these snaps
Here’s some of the nosh delivered. From the Co-op via Amazon.
Now, I am going to get something to eat, And see if any football is on the telly to watch. If I can stay awake, of course.
I will be back in the morning to update you on this.
G’d Morning! Two cheesy rolls with non-butter butter & cheese spread. Sliced tomatoes (No finger cuts). Marmite & salt added! Onion rings, pickled mushrooms, pickled green tomatoes & onions. Water chestnuts, chicken thigh. Two naughty strawberry doughnuts to follow. The chicken was tasteless, hence a lower rating.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Inchy: Why do you mention I’m depressed? Grim: You are obviously out of it detracted! Inchy: Detracted? No, but I am dim-witted, Grim: Delipidated, & diabetically demented, Inchy: Well, to a small degree, I do feel dejected, Grim: And discriminated, against, disenchanted? Inchy: Well, possibly disjointed & dislocated, Grim: You’re feeling undiagnosed, disregarded? Inchy: How do you know all this? I’m dumbfounded, Grim: You look & sound like an eggheaded plod! Inchy: You’re saying I’m dunderheaded? Grim: Yes, & downcast, discontented, disoriented, mentally dissected, & obviously diapered, Inchy: Hang on… am I or not being Grim Reapered, Grim: You’re on the waiting list, position 623rd! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
0315hrs: I sprang awake more slowly today. A certain reluctance lingered as I noted what the time was. I tried to get back to sleep, but it was impossible. I removed the overnight Catheter Pouch. Cartilage Carole did not bother me as I tried to rise, but Cartilage Chloe had it for me. By the time I’d carried the nocturnal bag to the WC for emptying, she had given way twice. No falls or tumbles, though. I emptied the pouch and wrapped it up. Then I had a search for the reading spectacles lost yesterday, in I thought, the wet room. Talk about reversals; after days of Trotsky Terence in charge, Constipation Conrad was back in charge. After a determined and painfully encouraging, pushing session, I gave up any hopes of achieving evacuationing.
With figuratively crossed fingers, I put the computer on and started to upload and save the photos for yesterday’s post updating. One went okay this time.
Within ten minutes, I needed to visit the Porcelain, hoping that this time Constipation Conrad had eased off enough for me to evacuate. Off I trundled to the wet room. After I bought more toilet rolls to counter Trotsky Terence, Conrad Constipation returned with a vengeance!
It may have only been a few minutes to force things along. Painfully! It was more like the shape of the H-Bomb, Little Boy. I needed another couple of minutes to recover from the effort! Hehe! I can laugh now! On the bright side, cleaning up after the evacuation was easy.
I poddled back to the computer. After four more hours, around 0800hrs, I realised the Carer had not arrived yet. And it showed the outside temperature at -3°c when I first put the computer on. It’s showing 0°c now. Still too cold not to have my socks on. Brrr! I will make a mug of tea to help warm me up, then put a quilt over me when I return to the computer. They can leave off the midday call now; no point in medications. I have to leave 4 hours between each tablet and medicine taking. 08:10hrs now.
0905hrs: Carer Christopher came as I took photos of the cold-looking morning views. First, Chris got the medications issued. He remembered to put on the diabetic socks for me, and after I reminded him, the Friday fitting of a fresh day pouch was carried out. Hehe! We chatted, and he nibbled on the treats throughout. Haha!
The lad did a decent job fitting the day catheter. The socks are now keeping me warm, and I feel a warm sensation that things could turn for the better now.
Why? A Good questions.
Answer: I’ve no idea.
But it could be because I got help yesterday from outsiders. DVT Warfarin INR blood nurse Christina, Catheter bags ordering. Matron Julie, with the BP and health checks, and Anne Gyna were not playing up so much.
Here are the photographs taken just before Carer Chris arrived. I’ll change that. Here is the picture taken just before Carer Chris arrived. The Kodak sent the other one taken into the ether. Humph!
I went to the wet room to check I’d not left any taps running. I’m doing this too often lately, and it gets me mad at myself… feeling guilty and depressed. But not this morning. I came out and went to put the kettle on and found the missing pair of long-range glasses sitting on top of the mini oven. This cheered me considerably, and I took the spectacles to the junk room, where I cleaned them, finding out… . I must have put them on there and then cooked the sausages for half an hour… the frames are now warped! I didn’t cry, but it was a close thing. But it doesn’t bother me.
Frustrated, I made a fresh mug of Glengettie tea. And raided my biscuit box. I wish I hadn’t now. The first dunk in the tea with one of the large LU cookies and the biscuit crumbled and fell in the mug, splashing the old-fashioned clock/calendar, cabinet me, and the notepad. Humph!
I was peed off with myself again. I carried on with the blog and finished yesterday’s work. A text message told me the food order would arrive between 1100 & 1200hrs. So I got some boxes and carriers near the door to use when the delivery arrives. I took the large waste bag to the chute without walking into anything or finger-trapping.
I looked at Cavendish Vale houses to see if the loft drug growers were at it again. Looks like it to me. Do you see the roofs that were defrosted earlier than others? That looks suspicious to me. And there were two police cars and a van on it yesterday evening. I went into a Sherlock Holmesian mode then. Sorry about that. Hahaha!
Around 1400 hrs, the Mini-Seizures, the kindest they have ever been since she moved in with Peripheral Pete and Nicodemus’s Dying Neurotransmitters, started making a belated charge and engaged her attack mode. During this, Carer Joanne called, and we started sharing jokes and events; it was like having medicine. I was almost entirely with it suddenly. No sooner than Joanne departed the flat, then began again, and stayed with me a long time. Everything went hazy. They were extremely short events, but was that a good thing? It seemed I could not get anything right on this block. Each time I came out of one, I had to check everything I’d done and correct it. Also, this is the first time I’ve gone back into a mini seizure so quickly, and on one occasion that I recall, I was putting things right and went off again. What the… I nearly swore then; heck is going on. And this morning, she was all but absent? The nurse thinks they are a part of Peripheral Neuropathy Pete. I searched the web to see if I could find anyone who suffers from it and found anything to counter it. I only got as far as this bit that I’ve copied on neurotransmitters.
Here are some key facts about neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers in the body & brain. Their function is to transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells. These signals help regulate bodily functions ranging from heart rate to appetite. Neurotransmitters are part of the nervous system. Neurotransmitters are released from the end of an axon into the synapse, where they travel across to receptors on the next neuron. The neurotransmitters fit into the receptors like keys into locks.How they influence neuronsNeurotransmitters can influence neurons in three ways: excitatory, inhibitory, or modulatory. Excitatory neurotransmitters promote action potential signalling, while inhibitory ones prevent it. Examples of neurotransmitters Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, behaviour, sleep, and memory. Epinephrine, or adrenaline, is an excitatory neurotransmitter that stimulates the central nervous system. (Hence Shaking Shaun? Shaking Shoulder Shirley & Twitching Neck Nigel?) Abnormal levels of neurotransmitters can lead to dysregulation of brain functions and various diseases. Examples of Disorders Associated With Defects in Neurotransmission Autism, Anxiety, Autism spectrum disorders, Brain injury, Depression, Seizure disorders, Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Pain, Parkinsonism, Parkinson disease, Schizophrenia, Tardive dyskinesia, Myasthenia gravis, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Episodic ataxias (that’ll be Seizure Sanda?), Hyperkalemic periodic paralysis, Hypokalemic periodic paralysis, paramyotonia congenita, Rasmussen encephalitis, & Organophosphates.
I was going to go on to check Peripheral Neuropathy and my other ailment, but after reading this about my dying neurotransmitters… what’s the point? It all baffles me. With so many things connected, it’s not surprising that the clinic gave this answer when I asked years ago, What is the treatment? “There is none; no one can save a dying nerve end”. Of course, as I knew, it was slowly getting worse, and I was getting more depressed with it all.
I just had to force myself to check on the first Peripheral Neuropathy explanation that came on my search. PN: Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
Numbness, tingling, or prickling: (Yes, I’ve got all of them)
These sensations can start in your hands or feet and spread up your arms and legs.
Pain: You might experience sharp, burning, throbbing pain or pain during activities that shouldn’t cause pain. (Yes, that’s me!
You might experience muscle weakness or loss of muscle tone. (Yes, I’ve got them)
Loss of balance: You might experience difficulty coordinating or falling. (Yes, I’ve got all of them)
Changes in sensation: You might not feel temperature changes or pain. (Spot on again!)
Other symptoms: You might experience cramping, muscle twitching, changes in skin, hair, or nails, or emotional disturbances. (Yes, I’ve got all of them)
Autonomic changes: You might experience heat or cold intolerance. Or related problems.
Problems with blood pressure, bowel or bladder control, or swallowing. (Yes, I’ve got all of them) In fact, the DVT Warfarin INR level is dropping again, and they are going to send me some Enoxaparin injections to go in the stomach three times a day on both sides. I’m looking forward to injecting myself, if not needed to, for over a year now. No problem, really… apart from the pain. Which is something I’ve learnt to live with… Live? Me? Cope with, is a more accurate statement.
To add to possible concerns, there’s Metal Micky in my ticker. Toothache Tiffiny, Bad Hearing Boris, Gladys Glaucoma, Catheter Cathy’s Contraption, Diabetes2, FND, Colin Cramps, a daily Porcelain Throne Visits with a choice of Trotsky Terence or Constipation Conrad (it’s always one or the over, never normal), Diabetic Polyneuropathy, Deakness, Cognitive Impairment Iris, Arthur Itis & Cartilage Damage in both knees, Little Inches fungal lesion bleeding, Mind-Blanks, Short Term Memory Problems, Peripheral Neuropathy Pete’s Leg Dances & Right Arm Hitler Salutes, both involuntary, Back-Pain-Brenda, Onychovryptosis (ingrowing toenail), Earaches Erasmus, and Eczema & Acne. I may have missed a few. Hehehe!
Do you know, the chinwag & laugh with Joanne, then the nurse, had was a reet treat.
The later seizures seem to be a little different. Gar more shaking from the right arm & leg. More persistent with it as well. My head was involuntarily bent down and forward on each of the last four episodes. I’d be lost if I didn’t have at least one new ailment or quirk to worry about daily. The shock could be fatal. Haha!
Daily FodderCheesy cobs & tomatoes were lovely. As was the pickled mushrooms, red cabbage & onions. The pork pie & potatoes were not so good. Ah, well, can’t win ’em all!
I suddenly felt weary and tired. Almost instantly, after turning off the computer, Carer Christopher arrived, removed my socks, and medicated me. He covered me with a quilt after putting on my night catheter pouch; bless him. He knew I would not make it into the hospital bed tonight, and he was right!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – I met a lassie in Aberdeenshire,
She offered me a cuppa, & romance with tincture,
She was married but delightfully, an advoutrer,
We blended into one sort of amalgamator,
We mangled certain limbs in particular…
We ended up boozier and bouncier,
I hope to see her again later…
I found Aberdeenshire to be boshter! – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Yet another horrible night’s sleep. Forever waking up with jerk or jump, and this wrangled me last night. At 0440 hrs, I most unwillingly climbed onto the side of the hospital bed and removed the Nocturnal Night Pouch. I had given the urine a too-low rating, so I must change that on the NHS card later; Carer Chris said it was a six. I keep forgetting to change it.
I gathered the waste bin bags into one and left it near the door to take to the rubbish bin later.
Went to the kitchenette to check the tops, taps, stove, and doors.
On that short little hobble, Dizzy Dennis nearly caught me out; luckily, I’d got with me and avoided going over.
I arrived in the kitchen, I performed the safety checks. Nothing was out of place, left open, or running.
The fog outside still looked thick. But maybe a little less than yesterday’s did. I thought that his shot had an eerie aspect to it. I made a brew of 99 tea and got the computer booted up. I seemed to be doing well this morning. Only Dizzy Dennis, Cartilage Chloe, and Arthur Itis have been any bother up to now. Then, a summons ensued from my innards, warning me to urgently attend the Porcelain Throne.
A splurty, messy, smelly, and gooey dollop of excrement splodged into the ceramics. It took a while for me to get cleaned up. I mean for both the WC and me. Hehe!
I went to empty the urine from the day catheter pouch, and for the love of me, I could not get it to flow out. The thinnest, slowest, barely a trickle did flow. I tried to encourage things along. Jiggled and juggled the day bag, pulled it up, twisted it around the leg, and then lowered it… which brought on Dizzy Dennis again, and I had to give it a rest for a minute or so. I tried squeezing the transfer tube, twisting the plastic bag, and even praying, but to no avail.
I was on the computer. Something was playing up again with the text writing, and I was unsure what I’d done on Friday to prevent it from acting up again. After I pondered what I could do to correct the situation, Carer Maryham arrived.
I told her about the wee-wee being so reluctant. “Drink more water!” So I did. I also mentioned that I had only two nocturnal catheter pouches left. I didn’t think anyone would be working on a Saturday. Maryhan helped me find the telephone number for City Care on the computer, Bless Her! I was in a bit of a panic now, but I realised I’d got the days mixed up. IF… I can get through, and IF I can hear the voice on the other end on Monday, the situation may be saved… (or not); thanks, Maryham! ♥ She rushed off, taking the waste bags with her, so kind.
I kept on the computer and taking the water, but it was still a trickle at best. I went through the same procedures as before, and it didn’t get any slower, but the flow did not increase.
Drinking and blogging away, and a text message came on my super-modern mobile Nokia phone. A message told me my food order would arrive today within two hours. That will be the food order I’d just told Maryham was due next Tuesday… I assume. Erm?
CorelDraw was playing up now! About an hour later, during which I got nothing achieved on the blog, the intercom chimed in. I was the food order arriving. The driver placed them in the mini-hallway for me, I thanked him, and he asked if I was over 21. I said I’ve not ordered any alcohol, only soft drinks and water? We both laughed, which was nice! Four bags worth. I carried them one by one into the kitchenette. I seem to have treated myself to more fish balls, fishcakes and fish fingers, too! Oh, and a bag of potato croquettes. I got the frozen put away first. Once again, I had to take the fish balls out of both boxes and jiggle with the food in the freezer to get them in. It also took a bit of planning to get things in the fridge—not that I had a lot of stuff. I can’t recall ordering some of the items, but I did no fear dying from hunger.
That must be heartbreaking news for Pensioner killer Sir Keir Rodney Starmer. Rodney, as Del used to say… “You Plonker Rodney!” In the fictitious Trotter family. Har-har-har!
Afternoon Carer Joanne came, and she was very welcome. I showed her the photo of the last pouch emptying. Can you see the fluff-looking clump that came out after I rejiggled the bag and tube again? I expected the flow to be freer on the next emptying, but no! The flow is still about the width of the darning-needle-eye… at best! I have to bend to encourage it, which merely invites the attention of and has joined in the assault! Joanne is having trouble with her catheter, so we have that in common and things were not going right for either of us.
We shared a chunter. Hahaha!
I was not getting on well with the blog. After Joanne departed, I sulked a little and returned to the computer. I found some of the same types of
They were expensive but had no drainage pipe fitted and were half the price of the others. I ordered some, but they will not arrive before Tuesday, so I’ll not be able to wait until then. All the more important thing is to get in touch with City Care – Option Three on Monday. There may not be a blog on Monday cause I shall keep on trying to get through, and if they say you are the 19th customer in the queue, I’ll stay online and wait. Although knowing my luck, I’ll fall asleep or have a seizure and not recall what I was ringing for! I feel a depression coming on!
I had another go at the blogging. And the landline chirped! It was a lady from the Social Services. The line was terrible. This reminded me that the hearing aids still need sorting out, repaired, and mended. And how do I get a lift there and back? Anyway, she asked if I had time for a Q&A session. I hadn’t really got the time. But this rare, almost unheard-of opportunity to tell someone my problems could not be missed. It was hard work, and the lady shouted some questions after I’d asked her to repeat herself a few times. I mentioned the problems with the ablutions, the hearing aids getting repaired, shopping, the bank, etc. Of course, when she rang off, I thought of so many other things I struggle to get done, but it’s too late now.
She kindly said she would ring me back to update me on any plans made or altered. ♥
I got some potatoes in the slow cooker. Hopefully, I can have it later with cheese. But we’ll see, it’s getting late now.
Oh, I forgot to mention the crushed cream cakes delivered earlier. Most dissapointing. It looked like finger marks on the icing and cream. The cream had left the bread altogether. Maybe not so bad. I’m going to chew them up anyway. Hehe!
Gotten Himmel!
I went into the kitchen to see how the potatoes were coming along, and the fog was gone—there was just a light mist in the air! So, I took a left, centre and right shots of the view. The Carer may arrive soon. I’ll now go and get the oven warming up and try to get the cheese into the flesh of the potatoes. I’ve not had any of these for months now. Lack of injuries permitting, of course. Or seizures, tumbles, falls, walking into things… take your pick.
Chris made his last call around 0920hrs. The lad was rushing to go home, and he looked all in. However, he kept his chirpiness up and made sure Chris took the diabetic socks off, and he attached the next-to-last nocturnal catheter pouch we had. Gave the cream cake treats, and off he poddled. A nice lad.
Nosh started. Cheesy potatoes, fish balls, and garden peas.
Nothing else was needed!
This was the first proper cheesy potato dish I’ve made since the old oven conked out. I used the new mini-cooker, which was great because it was on top of the old cooker. I could check the crisping colouring at eye level as it cooked to ensure it was spot-on. I so enjoyed this one. It was worth all the time, bother and cleaning up afterwards! Great!
The cod balls I did in the air-fryer. I’ve not yet mastered this air fryer. But I’m slowly getting better.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
A lousy day and a rotten night. The top dog today was . However, I did find a new resolution today. After getting yesterday’s blog finished and posted, I grafted away at this unintentionally long one. Getting the news snippets and doing the graphics on CorelDraw took me at least nine hours! Bearing in mind my recent scarcity of sleep and getting up at 02:30hrs this morning, I kept going for ages. It was the flipping and the pains from the that combined to wake me up so often that I gave up trying to sleep. This has happened for the third night now. The PN Shocks seem to be much worse when I get my legs up. But, the District Nurse said If I do not get my legs high when in bed, then the will not empty and would start again. Well, not sleeping is not doing me any good, either! That’s my moaning moments over. Well… we’ll see about that; I’ll try not to, with so many ailments and confusion to think about. Tsk! Poor Git!
Cripes!
Well, well, well. Three shots of the early morning view; whatever did I do wrong?
Ah, there it is!.
Early morning mug of Glengettie. Slurp!
The legs looked great. I’m surprised that this photograph did not capture the lightning coming from my right ankle. Haha! Just as I took this snap, a couple of quick hit me. That’s the first time I’ve had two together; it’s always been one at a time. It doesn’t look good, does it? Talk about fill-up quickly! Checked to make sure I’d not left the taps running on leaving the wet room… I found this photo on the SD card that I must have taken in the wet room cause the next one was the waste bags. What was it of? Confusion reigns. The waste bag. Hehehe!
Hours and hours on the blogging done. Carer Chris, Joanne and Victor came.
The day flashed by.
An odd glow for this time in the afternoon? I wonder if I got it chronologically out of order? It’s all questions without any answers today, innit?
I went for the second and last mug of tea allowed and saw smoke from a garden, I think. I’ve put the pictures in a higher-up graphic, so I’ll save time and just put a few on here. Ah, what’s that then? That’ll please his neighbours! Ayup, it’s off again.
Oh, filled to bursting point again!
Better get some nosh done. Nosh done… I had just gotten down to eat it when Carer Victor arrived. He kindly left me sat there eating as he medicationalised me, took off the diabetic socks, and checked the taps and stove. He found I’d left the stove hob on. He turned them off for me, saying it was all clear in there now, and shot off, taking the waste bag with him. When I finished eating, I went to wash the things up, and the pan of peas I’d left on was now liquidness, with grape-nut-sized dried peas. Tsk!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Yet another sad day, concentration-wise. I swear I was more out of it than with it for the majority of the day. Doing the blogging, or trying to, I’d wander off to the Porcelain Throne; on the way back, I’d see some bits on the hallway floor and get the hoover out. A Carer calls, and my attention varies. The ten-minute Carer’s call was over, and I’d forgotten about finishing the hoovering and moved on to check what was in the fridge to cook for my meal for tonight. I returned to the computer and was amazed that so little was done on it. Searching for a Local News Snippet on the Your Area News site, something reminded me of my youth. I spent ages casting back my mind to my horrendous school days, musing at my bad choices, the bullies, the neighbours, etc. I went to make a brew of Glengettie and found that the hot water tap had been left on and had run cold. Stubbing my toe en route back to the computer, I could not find my notepad with the scribbled reminders to use. A seizure or mind-blank took over, and suddenly, the pain from a PN electric shock in the leg (it’s moved up from the ankle now) brought me back from wherever I was, and it dawned that I’d been AWOL for two hours or so. As I stood up, the pain from the Catheter tube pulling on Little Inchie was excruciating. I felt the warm wetness as the blood flowed down from the PPs onto my leg and off to the wet room for cleaning and medicationalisationing. When I came out, I set about setting up the template for the blog, not realising that I’d already done that and had some work to do. More time lost. No doubt I did many other things; the proof was in the few photographs I found on Kodak Tim’s SD card. These also prompted some remembrances. But what I did most of the day was a part of the mystery. I reclaimed a degree of awareness of things, but not until the evening Carer called. I think Carer Sam came and put some prescriptions in the medical drawer. Vagueness is the word to describe today, I guess. Belatedly doing, the nurse’s ode flowed easily. And although, as per usual, I was getting so tired and weary, which in itself was another mystery cause I’d done bugger all today. I didn’t even get back to this blog until late Saturday morning! I think I’ll add Confusion to Vagueness. Ah, yes, Carer Maryham did the first call. (I think) She was not very well; I think she had caught the ‘Bug’, bless her. I seem to recall worrying about her. Only a few photos to go on, with the odd prompted memory added where I had one… Thank heavens, I at least got the top graphics done early. I’m waffling well, ain’t I?
Front car park, from the kitchen window.
Misty morning.
Late morning, I think.
The new bed, with the fall-out bar and a slide-under-table. It’s comfy enough for me!
It looked like the road resurfacing was all done.
Afternoon or teatime sky.
I missed the sunset due to a mind-blank. But took this as I went to make a meal.
See the difference twixt reality (above), and how it looked on the box? Most disappointing taste, too!
Sorry, there are so many errors in my grammar and typography. I’m so far behind again. The concentration is bad enough; but I’ve started wandering off and doing other things before the original job was done, repeatedly so. FND and Cognitive Impairment Iris, Who do I blame? Here we go, with the many items and incidents missed, forgotten or I gave up on.
Far too dark again! I’ll try to remember tp mention it to the social lady on Monday when she comes of telephones me. Or is that on Tuesday?
Gloomy morning view… and sky.
Hours trying to get the blog started. But Iris sent me off on so many other things to do. Carer Chris called, and I have no idea what took place.
Boy, the skies had changed.
I rang Sister Jane. Getting ready to go to the football match at the City Ground.
Ginormous! I’m glad that’s over!
Carer Joanne came. Poor gal has lost her hair. And her catheter is giving her grief too! Not feeling up to much, bless her. But we still managed a laugh or two. I hope she’s going to be alright. ♥
My concentration and confusion was so bad, I decided to make a brew and watch the TV for a while to try yo unwind… Then… I made the mug of tea, but could I find the TV remote? No, I couldn’t! You can see why I’ve got nothing done today, can’t you? I spent over half an hour trying to find it, without any luck. I’d search every room, pocket and drawer. Baffled! I returned to put the computer back on and thought I’d have a last look for the remote I emptied out everything off of the c1966, £300 Oxfam charity shop bought, second-hand, wincingly grotty, beige coloured, crumb-covered from my nocturnal nibblings, itch-making, uncomfortable, positively unhealthy & dangerous, no longer operational, virus-breeding, easy-to-fall-out-of, Catheter-tube-trapping, recliner, but didn’t find it. I thought the only place it could be, was underneath the £300 second-hand shop purchased, c1966, welt-causing, uncomfortable, not-working, itch-inspirational, crumb-containing recliner. So, despite the orders not to bend or do any heavy lifting, I struggled… painfully to edge the recliner away from its usual position a little at a time. Each move was almost crippling my back and knees, but I was determined to find out if it was hidden under the chair. I could only do one chair move at a time. had to rest a minute or two between each one. Also, the rubbish I found each move had to be cleaned up. Another hour or so later, I remembered I’d not collected the brew of tea yet. I was leaning on the arm of the recliner to lift myself up, and got a double-attack at just the wrong time. !, gave way, and the at the same time! I crumpled, banging down in the aged, grotty-looking c1966 made, charity-shop-bought, horribly beige-coloured, £300, Harold’s Haemorrhoid-testing, non-operational, acne-giving, virus-breeding, rickety, easy-to-fall-out-of recliner. Bursting open poor when I landed! The agony only lasted for five minutes or so. Then I gingerly rose, grabbed a hold of precious , to the wet room to medicate my rear end, and Phorpain gelled . I was feeling a smidge sorry for myself and agree at me at the same time. The day was getting dark, and the blog had still not been started properly yet. Standing still or sitting down hurt after that, let alone trying to hobble around. Carer Chris arrived to break my concentration further on what needed doing. When I told him of my farcical Accifauxpas, he found them amusing. Haha!
I still had to get the £300, second-hand, musty, Haemorrhoid Harold Testing, cringingly beige, not-working, rickety recliner back to its original position. The thought of having to contact the oligarchical about getting a replacement TV remote, I found daunting. Then I went to get the chair repositioned, and guess what I found, when I moved it? Yep! The remote Control!
I can’t see things improving much.
It was well dark now, sod all done.
Went to try making another brew, and noticed the kitchen window view. Bootiful, too!
Back on the computer, forgot all about making a mug of tea again. For a few minutes, things were going reasonably well… Carer Chris arrived. Full of the joys of spring, that cheered me up a bit.
Took two shots before the sun sank.
Gave up on the blog. no concentration left.painfully. The ribs I hit going down on the recliner. And then, the cartilage & ribs were aching away. Then, a flipping and dusted my spectacle and dressing gown with dried flaked-off skin! I got a letter telling me the rent was going up, along with the communal electricity, caretaking costs, and CCTV charges.
And I still had to make a meal yet. The moment I got up, more pain from the back I twisted and ribs. But these things didn’t depress me, not at all. I was already depressed anyway!
At least the skies were changing and nice.
Early hours of the morning, I made a bowl of vegetable chilli. Grand!
I found this photo on Friday that I’d missed earlier.
He looked poorly. No, cheering him up at all was successful. He must be going through hell with the diabetes symptoms. Poor lad.
Got on with the blogging catch-up. (Of course, I never caught up; I just got further behind as the day crawled, mistake-ridden on!). I thought yesterday was the worst day in months for typing and memory loss, which was annoying, but today was worse!
The intercom rang out. It was the Parsley Box delivery that Kara had arranged for me. The access button was pressed, and I realised the catheter pouch had to be emptied and hastened to do so. During this, I heard a loud thud. I thought it was the chap in the flat above; he has been getting noisier daily this week. I’m not complaining. I believe he also has to walk with a stick, so I know how he is, like me dropping stuff all the time, hence making noise for the poor tenant below me. I got to the door and found what the earlier thud must have been. The DHL driver had dropped the box of ready meals on the floor outside the door. This was poor; the box split and tore… will I use them anymore? I spent a long time using to take photos of each meal I’d bought. Collectively. Mushroom Risotto Vegetable & Lentil Hotpot Three bean Chilli Vegetarian Cottage Pie. Meat Free Chilli. Cumberland Pie. I read each meal to find the cooking time it needed. Each one varied a little, but the timing and the sell-by dates were written large enough for me to read easily. The shortest sell-by date was Nov 24. Some had Jan 25 dates. They can be stored without a fridge or freezer. I’ll try a Cumberland Pie tonight and add some canned garden peas.
Finally, I finished the blog. As arrived. She rang the Community Nurse’s place and told them about the new Catheter pouch being too long and the tube too thick. They said they would replace them with men’s day bags ASAP. Thanks, Kara! ♥.
I realised when I got back on the computer that I was out of templates for the blog. So, foolishly, thought I’d do a month’s worth in advance. This time, determined not to make a right hash of it and get things wrong, like dates and days for each one, and have to re-sort them like last time. I went into concentration mode and proceeded to make up the templates. After three hours, the next Carer arrived. It was . We had a natter after she’d sorted the medications, and she had to rush off, busy, busy, busy; bless her, leaving with a smiling face. When I got back to the template making. I was like another different creature. Confidence was all gone, and I got myself lost for a while, trying to find where I was up to with the task. Another hour later, I felt delighted and thought I’d done an excellent job this time. I almost went into an undeserved . This belief later turned out to be fallacious! Humph!”.
I smugly turned off the computer; I’d tired myself out with the concentrating, I think. Mind you, I’m not getting much sleep due to my fixation with doing this blog… for far too many hours each day. But I love it when I can raise a smile or two with the truth.
Arrived to carry out the late call. I showed off to him and looked at the list of templates I’d done. Dagnabbit, and balderdashski! I’d missed two days off and doubled up on another. And now they are all out of order and sync. Crying was an option, as was cursing and self-recrimination… not as far as suicide, though! Chris thought it was funny. Huh! Boy, was I irked at my own stupidity! No meal or TV watching tonight; I had to correct the errors and spent an aeon getting them sort of nearly, well, something like an imitation of a workable order. A really mixed-up mess to tackle every day of the month now. I fear dates, days, etc., may get flummoxed!
Not a good shot, Tsk! A smidge betterer?
A commonplace late-night event here. I wanted to stay awake to watch the film The Rock. Every single time the adverts came on, I drifted off into slumber. But not for long. Because I kept getting woken up with . I gave up and turned off the TV, but the mini-shocks kept coming regularly. Thankfully, took the night off, and it didn’t bother me. Then again, with the ankle shocks, he wasn’t needed to ensure I gave up not only on watching the box but also trying to sleep. I got up at 03:15hrs and rose up like a behemoth… is that the right word? Pondered on what day it was and got my feet down on the floor again as I climbed out of 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, ten-years ago from the Scope charity shop in Sherwood, recliner.
.
Fare Thee All Well… Luck’s coming your way, Yes, I can tell… If not, have a day that’s swell!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – Terribly up-and-down day today. Alternating seemingly every five-minutes to me, looking back.
But, so busy. Carer Kara helped me sort out the meal ordering. As well as the diabetic course booking.
This period was the most up one of the day.
Electric-like shocks from the ankles came on so often, far more than any other day since they started.
The new day [ouch on the catheter is leaving scars much worse than the old type were. Bleeding f from the fungal lesion is far worse. Plus, Reflux Roger with his blasts of wind coming up, making three carers, Shaquille, Maryham and Kara, all laugh.
Trouble with the Liberty-Global TV.
Watched the Forest vs Man Utd match. It’s a shame they lost; they deserved a draw, at least; the refereeing seemed biased to me… again, against Forest.
The mind blanks/seizures and Electric-like ankle shocks were both persistent today. When asleep, a rarity that… the ankle shocks often wake me up, but when awake and out-of-it, wither they do not strike or wake me up? Conrad’s Confusion reigns.
The Catheter Katie night pouch did not have much in it, and it was far too dark. Removed it from the day bag. This new style, which I believe is a woman’s version, has a really thick, long tubing. The release valve at the bottom is touching my slippers; it’s that long! When it fills, the weight drops it down even further, making reaching it to release the valve to be emptied, is difficult and painful.
Morning view ahead. The misty sky.
called on the first call of his day shift.
The lad looked in top form. He gave me some tips on cooking pasta, after sorting the medications out.
A few minutes later, arrived. On a financial help call. Sorted the letters that had arrived. Then handled ordering the Parsley Box order for me.
She checked the bother with the new-type catheter. I’d hoped she call the District Nurses to see if they could be swapped, but don’t know if I asked her not now.
I’m lost when Kara does not call.
Maryham, Marie, Christopher and Shaquille have all helped me this week. Much appreciated, too. But it is only Kara that the bank will talk to on my behalf. She also helped me through the options for the Diabetes Course. Manuel is phoning or calling on Monday; I’ll mention the painful catheter to him.
A nearly full front car park this afternoon.
Sometimes, I miss having a car or motorbike to use. But it was sensible to voluntarily hand in my driving licence when I started getting the seizures. I don’t regret doing this usually, in fact, I’m kind of proud of myself for doing it. The thought that I could kill an innocent person should I drop off while driving was the reason I surrendered the licence. I was thinking of this and had a look at the mobility scooters available.
called. She had a giggle at my revelations and jokes. Did me a lot of good that did! Kimberly found my jokes funny! Grrreat!.
Diabetic socks were put on, and medications were issued. Safety checks were done.
After an hour or two constantly sat down at the computer, the bag was filling again. I painfully bent down to get to the release valve, which with the weight of urine, was now on the floor! And noticed afterwards the state of the top of the leg, where the extra-thick (No, I’m not talking about me, Hehe!) and long tube had worn a shape into the leg. I wiped off the trickles of blood and took this picture of it. I’m hoping Kara can call the District Nurses, or wherever she calls it, to ask them if there is any chance they can swap back to the old shorter ones.
Easy-peasy one today… even I spotted the mistake. Albeit, it took me longer than the 4 seconds.
