It was getting tough in 2006 and the workhouse still threatens us in 2011

ceridwen

GreyQueen

I think many of us have "been there" re doctors who "know nowt" (at least about the ailment that we are suffering from specifically).

I think the one that annoyed me most was the woman doctor who simply didnt seem to believe in <ahem> "Wrong time of the month" problems...well...obviously she didnt experience this herself then (lucky her...) - but the figures show that a heck of a lot of women DO - so I simply couldnt understand why she didnt seem to "get it". Ahem...I changed to a male doctor on the assumption that none of them would know about this from personal experience and all of them would (in the circumstances) understand that it IS a problem (I was correct - they do..).

When you take into account that a consultation with an NHS doctor is only 7 minutes long then, with the best will in the world, the best they are going to do for anyone is a double length appointment (which will be rare). It was a revelation to me how long doctors' appointments "should" be on the one occasion that I visited a private doctor and he sat there with all the time in the world and finished with "...and is there anything else you'd like to talk about?"

IMO people should ALWAYS ALWAYS look up information themselves about any health problems they have/investigate alternative health care/be prepared to pay to see a specialist if need be (even specialists - if they are NHS ones - seem to spend only just about long enough to check they have the correct patient sitting in front of them and likely wont take as long as necessary in the consultation:().

I must admit to being shocked on reading the papers yesterday to find that women cant even rely on having a caesarian if they decide thats the way they will give birth (as the NHS might refuse to do this on the grounds of cost unless its deemed medically necessary). Not in this position myself - but I believe its a womans right to decide for herself how and where she gives birth.

HariboJunkie

redlady_1 wrote: »

I am sorry but right now I feel like a total failure and very bloody thick. These were my worst results ever.

You are very far from thick Missus but your confidence has taken a knock and you are understandably upset.

Please try to turn this on its head and be proud for what you HAVE achieved. You have a lovely OH, hold down 2 jobs, run a house and a garden and an allotment. And you took two exams that I would not have been brave enough to take. :cool:
You are very lovely and your OH obviously thinks so to when he's willing to invest in you.

As for work. Stuff them. You are so much better than anyone who takes pleasure from someone elses pain and you always will be.

You know where I am if you need me. :kisses3:xxx

Sorry I still haven't caught up on the thread but I'm a wee bit under the weather. Hopefully I can catch up today snd I haven't missed any major news.

Red_Doe

When you take into account that a consultation with an NHS doctor is only 7 minutes long then, with the best will in the world, the best they are going to do for anyone is a double length appointment (which will be rare). It was a revelation to me how long doctors' appointments "should" be on the one occasion that I visited a private doctor and he sat there with all the time in the world and finished with "...and is there anything else you'd like to talk about?"

Couldn't agree more Ceridwen. When I was in Belgium I had to visit a doctor there. You pay for healthcare there of course, although if you are a resident and on benefits, almost all of it is refunded.
The difference between there and here is marked. I was in there for half an hour and could have been longer if I'd needed. He was kind, patient, and efficient and at no time did I get the conveyor-belt feeling I get over here, nor that can't-be-a*sed feeling the doc here gives out. It turned out I needed to see a consultant and that was arranged, without a lengthy wait, and again, politeness and efficiency were keynotes, as was ensuring I was calmed, informed and comfortable.
I know the NHS is struggling nowadays and no, I'm not suggesting it be scrapped in favour of private practice! But I can't help but notice the difference in the attitude of doctors. I used to say to my fiance (who is Flemish) that of course they would be 'nice' since their wages depend upon keeping their patients happy. But our doctors are also paid to do their jobs and with almost every single doctor I've seen over here throughout my life, you get the distinct feeling many of them couldn't give a damn.

squeaky

bonnie_bumpkins wrote: »

I know some of you have [STRIKE]forgotten[/STRIKE] [STRIKE]lost interest[/STRIKE] been anxiously awaiting the results of my little piece of research. Out of the six manufacturers I asked, four replied, and all of them said (in different ways) that they do not have a recommended minimum/maximum number of uses per week for any of their machines. Therefore I conclude that the man who claimed that manufacturers would consider any more than four loads per week as commercial is very much mistaken!! That's the politest way I could think of putting it.

I reckon this is a mis-interpretation of the standards that would normally be met.

Back in the day when I worked for Servis (just after the dinosaurs disappeared) the design life of a machine was 2,000 washes.

So if you did four washes a week they'd expect the majority of machines to last ten years.

Two washes a week - twenty years.

Eight washes a week - five years.

There was no expectation that there was a set average number of washes per week.

Rosanna79

Red Lady You are not thick! Just tell yrself that once you have regained yr strength & got yrself back on track you WILL do the exams with double the determination & effort & prove them all wrong. Had to do that a few times meself & it's all the sweeter when it happens (( )) good luck

Rosanna79

As for the NHS having spent over 40 years nursing in it I have to say a large part of that time was spent fighting patients/ clients corners & challenging dismissive drs. Best care we found in NHS is the teaching hospitals & my oldest friend found that after FIFTEEN years of being told her symptoms were all in her head she was suddenly referred by her dentist of all people to a teaching hospital 40 miles away. Suddenly she had a diagnosis! I once lost a practice nurse job because I couldnt process elderly patients at 6 minutes a head! Nor have I ever been prepared to treat patients like that-seems in the NHS it's so variable. Must agree with Ceridwen on private healthcare-used to do agency nursing in a BUPA hospital. Feet would be in blisters at the end of a shift but I would feel like I'd been able to do the job properly like it had been done in the early days of my career. Trouble is nowadays staff shortages etc etc plus 12 hour shifts no meal breaks endless unpaid overtime plus the constant threat of violence do little to encourage h/staff to be very userfriendly. Those of us who gave it our all , listened etc finally ended up in burnout on the professional scrapheap. Now on a lower fixed income life is much more peaceful. The only thing I miss is fighting corners! When I look at the 96 lb plus of onions we've harvested drying in the garage I'm glad to be living a simpler life

littlecal

Hi all,back from hol and desperately trying to catch up with all the posts - Red lady ((((hugs)))) time for a deep breath,you are doing so much already! There aren't many people who could take on so much, so be proud of yourself:D :beer:


OK,why am I getting a strange box come up whenever I try to thank someone???? Is it something I've missed:cool:

greent

Good morning all! Have finally caught up on the thread since the 13th - we were in N Devon 14th- 21st and got back early evening yesterday.

redlady - sorry to hear about the exams, but I'm sure you can do it next time - and s0d them at work - at least you've had the gumption to go for them in the first place x

I know there were more hugs needed, but I lost track trying to catch up on 22 pages!

Tomatoes - hippeechiq - bigger ones definitely watering related. As to spotting of smaller ones, I've had that on non-red tomatoes. hasn't affected taste, they just look measle-y I find HG produce is often not very pretty, but very, very tasty

We have a lovely day weather wise here today - and lots of rain predicted tomorrow through to Thurs at least - so am washing like a mad woman today. Have ran out of pegs and line space, so need some of it to dry before I can get more out. Have washed 4 sleeping bags (1 more to go) 2 large baby blankets, 8 towels, lots of clothes..... Want to get it all done today, as no chance then for a few days to get it dry

Came back to my car tax reminder Will do that online in a mo (SOOOOOO much easier that way!) Still need to get the 3 bigger kids school shoes, school trainers, rugby boots for DS1, non-school shoes and trainers and also new shoes for DS3 (I expect - he's 2 and has had the last pair 4 months (I have had him checked in that time!!) - will cost an arm and a leg at least! Will aim to try and get that lot done THurs or Fri if not too rainy....

Have harvested beans and tomatoes from whilst we were away. Am also harvesting all potatoes today because of upcoming poor weather - will take ages to do that. With that and the washing the house can look after itself! Although I could do with a supermarket run, really.... argh!!

Must get on - back later

elona

DH is removing some raised beds in the garden as they are not in the best place. Can hear him scraping away while I am upstairs with a coffee and laptop.

Felt awful yesterday and think I had a virus so crawled off to bed out of the way. Will have a roast dinner tonight to make up for missing yesterday.

Found some double duvets at halfcost for about six pounds each and free postage so ordered some for spares over the winter in case we can't get things dry quickly. Will offer DD one for her flat if she likes them.

Youngest is shattered after a week of a temp summer job so leaving her to her own devices this morning. I would offer to take her shopping for a couple of smart tops etc but don't think she can face it.

Happy belated birthday to Charis.

Redlady

Take the wind out of their sails at work by smiling and saying what good experience taking the exams were and how it has prepared you to do better next time when things are not so hectic.

Hug to all

[Deleted User]

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