OS ways and Poor Health

pollyanna_26

Tink I hope you're still managing decent sleep and your husbands back is settling down .
Any resolution of the work problem yet ? Don't worry replying right away I imagine if it's hot where you are you'll be feeling pretty wiped out at the moment .
Regarding the budget I've found both food , utilities and many other things are going up steadily . There's usually a little window for school uniform buys before the main buying rush starts so maybe worth looking online .


Food wise I used to do lots of mixed salads in the hot weather with protein such as eggs and cheese . I know you follow a vegan plan so your protein could be quorn and similar substitutes .
If you have a food processor it's easy to prep both veg and salad foods and herbs etc . Quiches are useful and vegan alternatives to sausage rolls and savoury foods .


You've done really well with the growing . Raised beds are very disability friendly but large ones like some of mine are quite expensive to buy . I did find some big wooden troughs in B&Q at a good price but that was about 8 or 9 years ago and they don't seem to sell them now .


I use either No 1 or No 2 John Innes soil based compost to fill all my containers and it can work out pricy if you're doing a lot in one go .


Large pots are a good start and I think that's what you're using now .


I can see you mainly shop online but if you get near a shop it's worth hunting out suitable things for growing in . I know one of the £1 shops was selling tall Charlie Dimmock bags for veg a year ago .
Freecycle , Local FB if you use it and free paper ads can bring up offers of pots and containers .


Sometimes people change all their big planters and pots for a different colour and either sell them cheaply or offer free to collect .
The big blue ikea bags are ideal for veg and so are buckets , bowls and even baby or tin baths .


As long as there are holes for drainage and some fine grit or tiny stones in the bottom it should be fine until you can build up your raised beds as and when possible .


It's vintage and eclectic and very all over the internet . We called it make do and mend back in the day . Take care .
polly x

Wednesday2000

pollyanna_26 wrote: »

How are you Wednesday ? I worked my way through the Matt Haig book and did find some useful bits . I have always kept everything except a lamp and main light clear of the bedroom but although I'm not a great tv watcher usually 3 - 4 hours a week , I've cut it down to Poldark and Casualty when it's on . Trying to minimise screen time seems to help .

I haven't read it yet as I have lots of books to get through on my kindle. It's one of my guilty pleasures - reading books! I will get to it in the next couple of months.:)

I've been okay apart from itchy rashes that I have had on my ankles and legs. I went to the GP a few weeks ago and he thought it was probably insect bites. I have tried various creams and cleaned my house top to bottom as well as the bedding lots of times and put white vinegar all over my garden but it's still there. Not so itchy but still a rash. No new shower gels or washing powders either.

We treat our animals for fleas once a month so I am really at a loss.

I thought maybe it was hives or a heat rash?

I have another GP appointment next week if it is still there.

LameWolf

pollyanna_26 wrote: »

I'm wondering how many osers have dropped a bike on their leg over the years . I did it with a beast of a Triumph back in the 60s and have the scar and ache to prove it

Not a bike, but twice I've had the mobility scooter overturned on top of me; both times when Jack Spaniel (RIP:() saw a dog he wanted to say hello to, and pulled me off it, taking the scooter along as well.

pollyanna_26 wrote: »

Wolfy Re your post earlier on another thread you mentioned low self esteem . There's probably extreme anxiety in there too and if you're like dd some worse case scenarios going on .
All natural and not helped by not knowing the when and the how of things . It's natural to be worried for both yourself and your husband . I am always concerned about the future .

Obviously the diagnosis is worrying you both but although I have a fair idea of what it may be due to similarities in friends and an uncle it's up to you whether it would help to talk about it or not .
No problem either way .

Now I seem to recall mention of two Cavapoos heading your way . When are you expecting them ? At least the weather should be dry for dog walks which always makes life easier provided it's not too hot .

Candle is sending love and light although it's so sunny at the moment it's hard to see the flame .
polly x

Yeah, I'm worried out of my mind about Mr LW; also worrying about how we'll manage, as we're now both going to need assistance, and I just hope that between us, we can manage all we need to, if that makes sense.
He called the hospital to ask about the letter he's supposed to get regarding him being prescribed Dopamine - it's been typed, but not yet sent. :mad: Oh well, at least we know it's not gone astray in the post (a common occurrence around here).

The Cavapoos arrived this morning - they're sprawled on the lounge floor at the moment. It's still hot, so we'll defer their main walk til this evening; if they need to go out for toileting reasons, they can use the back garden.
Bless him, Buddy has a "minor neurological condition", so he's got to have Gabapentin twice a day, and half a Prednisolone tablet every second day. He's good though, just put it in his food, and he takes it. He's a very loving little dog - first thing he did was climb on Mr LW's lap and try to lick him to death! :rotfl:
T'other one, Indi, is twice Buddy's size (his dad was a standard poodle) but only just a year old, so still really a baby.

Wednesday I'd have thought you'd see evidence of actual fleas if that was the problem. The fact that you treat your furries regularly in any case makes fleas unlikely, too. Whatever it is, I hope it goes soon, for your sake.

Tink_04

Thanks Polly!

It's cooled down a lot here & has rained on and off the last couple of days.

I've really enjoyed my garden this year and have quite a collection of things growing! I've found the big toy tubs that the kids use are a great size for veg growing!

I'm full of cold still and the work problem is getting sorted but is taking so long! I don't understand why they need to drag it out so much?

Me and DH have talked about the money and re jigged the budget - I've been to the bank and closed some account and opened some new ones so we are all set - it's our pay day today so we are starting afresh and going forward!

The school stuff can wait - I have some money put away just not loads - it's not going to get any cheaper (missed the 20% off offer) so will get on that soon. Need to do the shopping tomorrow (trying weekly) so going to make a list and a meal plan and see how I go!

LW your visitors aound lovely! Lots of hugs sent to you and MrLW as I know you have a lot going on right now.

Wednesday I know a lot of people have had insect bites - maybe the heat and time of year is causing it too? Have you tried putting sudocream on it? I find that fixes most things!

Cranky you are certainly not a fraud! HT's health affects you health too! Hope the last day of school went ok for him!

AOT hope you appointment goes ok!

Take care all

Tink

pollyanna_26

Wolfy love I'm so sorry to read Mrwolf has Parkinson's . On the bright side it is very variable in different patients as I hope the consultant has explained . Reading of the letter you are waiting for is it possible the GP has already received the information to proceed prescribing the Dopamine ?
Some consultants go direct to the GP others do a little drug education thing at the hospital first . DD had that with the Rheumo nurse for the Methotrexate although our gp did a far better job .


My uncle lived a long life he would sometimes fall or lose the thread of conversation . It sounds as though your husband is quite reserved so I doubt he would want in home intervention at this point . It may not even be necessary for OT assessments and similar .
Friends with it have either involved all the services or done things their way . Physio can be very useful for the muscular and joint movement . If your dh feels he could take part in sessions out of the home it could help but as you already know there is so much information online and trusted advice on dealing with Parkinsons without needing to leave home .


Hopefully he'll now know he will only need to not drive while doses are being increased . he should start on a low dose which will slowly be upped to the correct level .


The practicalities of day to day life will be what worries you . There will already be tasks each of you cope with more than the other so you need if you already haven't to identify what both of you struggle with and see if there are ways around them .


I know your husband mainly cuts the grass . Is that starting to be a problem ? Dealing with the bath hoist could be something else too .
I'm probably teaching my granny to suck eggs here so forgive me if you've already made your lists .


It isn't a disease that is feared as it was in the past . Each of my friends are still here . Exhaustion and confusion are things we are already familiar with . With the knowledge and medication now available some planning and thinking things through hopefully it will be adapting as you go .


Enjoy your time with Buddy and Indi . Dear Buddy we have our own thread pet complete with his meds


I need to sort the next wash load but will be back later .


Take care

polly xx

Wednesday2000

Hugs to LW.xxx

Tink_04 wrote: »

Wednesday I know a lot of people have had insect bites - maybe the heat and time of year is causing it too? Have you tried putting sudocream on it? I find that fixes most things!

I haven't tried that yet, I will do!:)

pollyanna_26

Wednesday There have been all sorts of heat rashes and insect bites going on . I was in a queue at the Pharmacy and almost everyone was showing rashes , spots and bites to the pharmacist .
I'd say it wont be related to fleas or other things related to your pets .
I've mentioned before we can't have the windows open here in hot weather . We have the sea , marshland and farmland and open windows bring in all sorts of bitey things .
I generally have to leave it until evening to venture into the garden .


I know you have been on a number of meds . Have you ever been prescribed Mirtazipine ? I have a feeling Wolfy had it at one point . DD has only just started her 2nd month on it so it's early days yet .
I know it has to have a fair trial before making a judgement on it's effect but it's been like a miracle . It's as though a switch has been flicked in her head . She is sleeping proper restorative sleep . I missed a phone call a couple of weeks ago on the landline . It was then sent to her phone which is the missed call back up . Without a word to me she rang them back . She never phones anyone but sorted out the change of appt by not texting but talking .
I was gob smacked to say the least ! She also took herself , the anxiety and agrophobia for a little walk aroung the block .


The only med I can ever remember making a difference was nearly 20 years ago when the gp gave her Efexor . That helped a lot for a few years then started working against her so we aren't thinking this could be the missing link yet .


I always keep things in for bites . Aloe vera is good if you don't have anything in . The gel deals with all sorts including minor burns .
polly x

LameWolf

Hi Polly

No; the way our horse-piddle works, they send the letter to the GP and send the patient a copy at the same time. Once he gets it, the average wait to get a GP appt if 5-6 weeks.

You're right about us not wanting outside intervention; he would prefer not, and I cannot even contemplate the idea of my home being invaded.:eek::eek::eek: I bought my own wheelchair, scooter, bathlift et al bypassing OT and we fully intend to continue thus. It's just a question of finding out what we can get our mitts on that will be useful.

He'd also never attend any group session, any more than I would; when his lungs were being investigated he was offered the option of a group thing, and his answer was a flat No.

The scary bit is the "exhaustion and confusion" which, as you know, I am already contending with, with lupus.

I'm so cross that I already have an illness that requires a "Carer"; if I was fit and healthy, I'd be in a much better position to look after him as he will ultimately need; in the meantime, we shall source whatever tech we can to help us, however large or small.

I recently purchased a bread guide thingy so that I can slice our bread without cutting off my fingers (she says, crossing them) and I've bought a 2nd lap tray so we can both have our dinners on those, as we have no dining table. Mr LW has been borrowing the lap tray I use for my netbook, for having his meals, but it occurred to me I could do with one as well.

Oh lawks, I'm waffling now.... sorry, I'll shut up.

pollyanna_26

I pretty well knew Mr Wolf would not want groups or other forms of intervention .
I find it incredible the GP has such a long waiting time . It really beggers belief ! I know neither of you like phoning but generally GPs have a few appts in hand . We're lucky here if needed I can phone and the doctor will see dd that day . Don't think it's so common to see that now .


If that's the time scale once you have the letter it's delaying the med being started . One advantage could be it will give a bit of time to work out any little adaptations that can be done now . I would be tempted in this situation to make an appt now in advance for the GP as one would hope both parties will have received the med confirmation in the interval .


How is Mr W regarding balance and gait ? I know you get around mainly sticks or bum . I'm mindful space is at a premium in the bungalow ( thank the Gods you are single level ) Do you have a walker with or without seat ? One may help if he's unsteady I know Prinzess and her mum make good use of theirs .


I know you like us buy your own aids but would there be a benefit which Mr LW could claim to help with extra costs . I know he's now retired and it would depend on income and would also involve the dreaded claiming process so one to think about .


I remember you had work done on the back garden to make it more disability friendly . One of those raised stool things is handy for balancing while weeding . If planting is low level it could be worth moving some stuff to pots to make it more accessible .


Good thinking on the bread slicer , always thought they missed a trick not inventing a bread maker that could slice the loaf .


Ooh there's posh , you are now a two lap tray couple .


I'm waffling but one last thought . If Mr W is now unsteady on his feet the worry will be falls . You're probably already thinking this already regarding who can pick up who . I imagine you're googling away as I type .


Don't blame yourself for your illnesses . No one asks for poor health . There is actually an odd advantage to having the experience . Physically I can understand my dds difficulties much easier and we sort problems from pooled knowledge . You wont be pushing your husband to try harder or make more effort as you know only too well things don't work like that .


polly x

Tink_04

LW I am part on a group for my MS and although I attend there is people who never attend but still join and can access grants and services it's just a written request that goes in and the money is sent if it goes through - we have people who use this yearly for a holiday or for home improvements to make life easier.

I know you like to support yourself but this may be a less invasive option for you!

Also you could hire a gardener to help you with the garden - they don't need to be in your home - just a couple of hours here and there to take the heavy stuff off?

Never feel bad because of your illness - you do amazing with what you have to cope with and you and MrLW will support each other!

Keep posting - even if it's just a quick Hello!

Tink