The Garden Fence - help and support in tough times

elona

monnagran

I even looked out my rolling pin and cast iron pot . All riled up and no where to go

Hard_Up_Hester

Thank you all so much, I'm sorry about the armour Monna I'd have loved to have seen a pic!
Lol Elona, I must admit I felt a bit like that, there I was, notes in hand, with dates and times etc.
I was quite deflated to be told 'please don't worry, we know this isn't your fault'.

camelot1001

Great news HH, perhaps you could store that 'worry' in the bin!

FairyPrincessk

Morning all,

Mila Big hugs. I'm glad your DGD is bringing you some smiles!

Hester I'm so glad that work is one thing you can take off your worry plate! It must feel nice to be able to just put one little worry to the side!

Nursemaggie It was very impressive! I'm glad your electricity was only off momentarily. I read it was off overnight for some people. Interesting that it was barely in the news. I haven't been into town since, but I understand there are some places that will be cleaning up for awhile.

Well, yesterday's work never arrived. Not a peep from the company meant to be sending it to me. First thing during 'business' hours this morning I'll have to e-mail them. Yesterday I sorted out some small tasks for myself to do once it became apparent that it wasn't going to show, but it is annoying as I have big tasks I could be getting on with if I knew I had the time to get stuck in. Still, there are worse things! Yesterday's walk was very nice, although I did not succeed in identifying any new plants. I attempted it with one flower but it always had one significant feature missing so I still don't know what it was. I also check some other elders. These do have berries which are not quite ripe. Unfortunately they are high up on a bank and the lower branches have been cut by the council. I don't think I'll be able to get them even if I bring out the loft hatch hook or some other implement. Still, I'm pleased to know I wasn't completely off about the season/timing!

Today is a gym day and I have the WI this evening so I'll be grabbing some quick leftovers from the fridge for tea.

Hugs to all who need them.x

ivyleaf

Hester That's great news :T

at monnagran and elona - I think we have all been ready to wade in and yell "How DARE you treat Hester like that!"

Got a nasty headache today, which has carried over from yesterday. I think it's just the heat

The storms sounded horrendous, I hope no one on here has been flooded!

mardatha

Not had any heat up here, been stuck on 13c and mist! Although it doesn't bother me since I spend my entire day in the recliner in the corner anyway. I might ask you lot to arm and gird yerselves to help me battle a real dragon though... this bl**dy heifer of a consultant I see on Monday morning. I'm going to copy the idea of note-taking, for a start.

FairyPrincessk

Right. Unpleasant e-mail now sent but worded as pleasantly as possible!

Mar, I only just put the virtual rolling pin away but I'm happy to pull it back out if necessary. A bucket of cold water might help. I hear most dragons' fire can be quelled with a good dousing. I think notes are actually a really good idea. Not only will they show you fully intend to have a say in your treatment and won't be pawned off, but a new diagnosis always has so much stuff to manage anyway that they might just be useful to you for other things!

westcoastscot

Mar have two pieces of paper with you - one with very visible questions on it .......... if you don't have any, then along the lines of "I've read on the internet that ....." or "I've joined an online support group who suggest..." sometimes makes it easier to ask awkward questions.
Write down every point she makes - ask her to pause, explain or spell if necessary.
Makes professionals really think about what they're saying. If you feel brave at the end say, " so, you're saying this, this and this?"
Keep a vision in your head of Monna in her armour - if you don't need her for your consultation I know an ex-husband who might [STRIKE]appreciate[/STRIKE] deserve a visit???
Pocket duties from me for monday :-)

Edited to add - very autumnal here, winter def on it's way. We have gales interspersed with days like today, misty cool and mellow - it's lovely. Couldn't stand the heat and the dryness!

mardatha

I'll be sat there giggling like a maniac visualising you lot - and she'll end up referring me to mental health
I've been so weak and exhausted this summer, I cant stand long enough to cook a meal, only to make tea. I can't do housework or gardening or visit the grandkids. If the RV takes me out for a day to get me out of the house, I can only walk a very short distance and then waves of terrible weakness, shakes and sweats, and 3 times I've passed out in the street. Not saying this for sympathy so don't gimme any - but just to let you understand how I am.
And this heifer has told my gp (before she's even seen me) she is going to "wean me off the steroids and see if my adrenals will kickstart themselves back to life". I think I'm more likely to drop dead
So that's why I have a backup plan of going private. But I don't want this heifer to dismiss me, I want to make her explain herself.

greenbee

Mar - it's perfectly acceptable to take a smartphone into the appointment with the consultant and ask whether you can record the session. It's always difficult to remember what happens during appointments. I do this regularly. I also take written notes with me with the questions I want to ask/symptoms I want to remember to mention etc.

I'm currently writing up notes for the police. An ex's behaviour has got to the point I can't cope with it. So I now have to document every incident over the past 3 years. I have to say, the police have been fantastic, and really made me feel that I'm not over-reacting or being over-sensitive. Which helps a lot.