The OS Doorstep - a helpful and supportive thread in these tough times

FairyPrincessk

For those of you worried about coffee and tea products with the caffeine removed, I think many people find Rooibos tea a good substitute. It is naturally without caffeine, but is similar to normal black tea. I think you can also get it in blends--say Rooibos with vanilla etc. It does come in both a red and a green tea version, and it is the red which I believe is most similar to black tea. I've tried both and don't find the green version very pleasant!

[Deleted User]

FUDDLE that is the best, best thing that could have happened for DD1, she must have taken in the message about eating enough and 1 lb is a pretty good amount of gain in such a short time for an active littlie, whatever you're doing, you're doing it right pet, well done both of you, Cheers Lyn xxx.

Popperwell

So much good advice and support, thank you. When I had bursitis in the upper arm/shoulder I blamed the pressure and use of my walking stick. I do put a lot of weight on it...its not a light touch...rest stopped that.

I have had this before in the heel, this time its been close on 72 hours...I feel it could take most of this week to hopefully improve I found more ease through the night. Still tender when walking but there is a difference(painkillers may be playing their part too)

I hope I can ease into getting out again but by being sensible.

Pooky

Morning all

I think at one point or another everything has been labeled as potentially carconagenic, if you were to look deeply into every product you use you'd find the same warnings. Let's face it, the air we breathe is potentially carconagenic with all the pollution levels.

We watched the meteor showers last night, absolutely amazing, we saw so many shooting across the sky. Judging by all the excited "ooohhs and ahhhhhhs" we could hear coming from other gardens, we weren't the only ones enjoy a fab free show.

Chilly here this morning, nice breeze to dry the washing though. I've got to wait in for parcels today so will make the most of the time and try and get a bit further with the chair I'm stripping to reupholster. It's in a million and 12 pieces at the moment so I can get the sander into all the nooks and crannies, just hope I can work out how to put it all back together!

Off to London with my girlies tomorrow, Natural History Museum and dinner at Planet Hollywood. That will be the last of my holiday allowance spent so they will have to amuse themselves after that (which they can do easily). All "back to school/college" stuff purchased, including a pack of photo developing paper for DD1 at £45! Ouch.

Popperwell

I think what you say is a fair point Pooky regarding food. I have tried not to allow it to interfere with what I eat and tend to go by the everything in moderation plan.

PRINCESSX87

Morning all.

Thank you for all the wonderful advice, I promise, A lot of it has indeed become handy which I will be researching for my appointments on Monday.
In regards to state welfare, I think its our own stupidity that we’re not willing to actually take the time out to question why are entitlement is low. I was refused all the medical tested benefits other than DLA, which I have been awarded for 2 years on the lower rate. This is going to help us so much with joint medications that’s needed.

I also applied for the HC1 forms which Sc advised me on, Filling these out today & getting them posted ASAP.

I’m feeling a little more positive today. I think the lack of sleep didn’t help anything yesterday which in turn made my mood drop. I’ve also been keeping a diary of my up’s & down’s which will be taken to the doctors with me. I know now in my heart that my medication isn’t working & I maybe need something different.

More on a positive note: Yesterday evening OH & I had Baby Ruby for a few hours whilst her mum & dad done some chores, Doing a weekly shop with a baby in toe can be a nightmare for them - So we had the pleasure of her company. Its amazing how someone so small can make you relies not everything in this world is bad or reliant on money!

Thank you all again for your kind words. Welcome to all newbies and hugs to everyone who would like one. xx

FairyPrincessk

Princess, It sounds like you're making real headway, well done! I don't know much about applying for benefits and welfare etc. but I understand that the process is very complicated and even those who are old hands--say carers who have done it many times--still find it stressful. It doesn't make you stupid--in fact your motivation to look into it and make things right means you're getting on top of it.

Good idea keeping a diary of how you feel. If you're having lots of ups and downs it can be so hard to describe that when under the pressure of a short appointment!

Big hugs, and take inspiration from baby Ruby! You're doing a great job.

fuddle

If you're anything like me princessX you'll revel in the feelings that taking control and being proactive give you.

That's my shopping list done for payday. I've knocked fresh veg on the head other than potatoes and leeks, (for soup) in favour of frozen. Carrots and broccoli for sides, peppers for the chilli and green beans for our meat and peppercorn sauce night (sat night treat) each pack costs £1 and much more veg for your money. I feel with that saving it is well worth a try. I know the taste and consistency won't be anywhere near what we're used to fresh but will the nutrients be still in frozen? I guess what I'm asking is on a health level, will frozen deplete our intake of goodness from veg?

kidcat

Morning toughies, am energyless today which is a pain as DS15 has appointment at CAMHS and I was planning on dropping in to visit some relatives. I havent seen them since the whole funeral debacle and am not sure what my mum has said/been saying about why we didnt go or what has gone on since, so I have no idea of the reception we will get.

But I feel if I assume they want nothing to do with me and steer clear my mum will have won and succeeded in isolating us from our wider family, and to be honest I miss this Uncle and Aunt alot. Would have preferred to go in full of energy though

Possession - the book looks really interesting, I like to think I have a better than most understanding of autys and aspies, but I am still flummoxed by some of the stuff.

Princess - if you are in receipt of a disability benefit then technically your OH is a carer, now whilst you only receive low rate he cant claim carers allowance, he can register with your local carers centre. They are often able to offer good advice on your local area services and benefits as well, if they cant do it they will know someone who can.
They can also (in my area at least) get you into various places quicker - a friend of ours went directly to CAB and was told there was a six week wait to see someone, the carers centre got her seen the following week.


Stiltwalker - I do sympathise with your back issue, I have similar, thankfully my lot dont require much lifting though which is a major help.

Fuddle - I agree with your OH, if its getting you that upset then stop inviting them. I am now going out at times when I think my parents will show up - now whilst its hiding from the issue in some ways, it saves me the days of upset afterwards. The one thing I would advise is if you are going out make sure they dont have a key - we went out last week one day leaving DD18 in, she was upstairs about to get in shower when she heard someone try to use a key to open door - she peeked out of window and saw their car outside. Thankfully she had her key in the lock and it was turned to make it impossible to open from the outside.

Possession

Glad you're feeling a bit better Princess.
We have strawberry flowers too Fuddle - the birds managed to get most of the previous four, but can't really complain I guess since it was a 'surprise' plant anyway.
The rabbits have settled down so no more worrying about having to separate them. Looks like our future holidays might be limited though as they will need to stay here rather than go to a friend. Just as well perhaps. School shoe shopping today, they both needed a pair so that's *gulp* £72 out of my purse. DS is still only a size 2.5 at the age of 11, so velcro shoes are the only option for him still, I hope it isn't a big no-no at his new secondary school.

My new apple tree looks like it's dying. Other than watering it is there anything I could be doing to give it a better chance?

Fuddle - frozen will have more nutrients I think.