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Frump to Fab 2024

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  • @thepurplepixie Thanks - that sounds just what I need. I will certain check it out.

    It’s pouring down with rain here, but luckily I don’t have to go out. I am looking forward to the better weather so I can kickstart my walking regime. I’m going to start small and build myself up. 

    @chanie Your little vanity unit sounds fab. Yes, post a pic when you’ve set it up. I’m sure we’d all like to see it. Just think, that will be your own personal little “fabbing” place. I’ sure you’ll love it.

    @applepad Welcome to the thread and thanks to Helen for starting it. I love how we can all share tips and you will certainly get some good advice on here. We take care of a lot of others, but we also need to take care of ourselves, not just for our physical appearance/health but also our mental health.

    @Watty1 Good luck with your private menopause appointment, and you’ll also feel better with a haircut. I go next week for mine and I always feel better. Yes, as said, It’s a pity that the NHS is stretched and that we have to pay for the things we need, but if we can afford it, it’s well worth it.




  • Watty1
    Watty1 Posts: 6,797 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    @helensbiggestfan no not the Louise Newton one but I'm off to google them now in case that might be an option.

    I'm not going to criticise the NHS other than one particular, specific GP who told me i should just put up with menopause symptoms because it was normal and if I felt I couldn't work then I should give up.  When asked how I was supposed to support myself he suggested I lower my expectations.   Frankly he should be fired but he set me on the path to a private clinic and that has worked for me    Subsequently the surgery has apologised, prescribed what they can on the NHS but looked at  part of my private prescription and said it was too unique and could not be supported.  That GP was lovely, she offered alternatives and really tried to help, but did say that if I had something that was working and I could afford it then maybe considering sticking with it?  I agreed and am only trying a new clinic because the last one doesn't listen or seem caring more a money making enterprise.  . I'm paying - even if it is fake care, they can try LOL

    The NHS was designed for critical things and urgent care and for that it is fabulous. I had a cancer scare last year (which was a false alarm) and the NHS was fabulous.   I was rushed through, supported and cared for.  It is my 3rd scare (so hopefully no more) and every time they have been awesome.
    Made it to mortgage free but what a muddle that became

    In the event the proverbial hits the fan then co-habitees are better stashing their cash than being mortgage free !!
  • I have been on HRT patches since the 1st of January and one thing I have noticed is that the pain in my fingers from osteoarthritis has completely gone. I asked the rheumatologist at the hospital if he thought my hormones could be causing the pain and he said it definitely could be. I'm not sure I like having the patches as I find it annoying to have to remember to change them twice a week and they leave red marks on my skin. I was going to ask about taking the tablets instead. I have to refer to that Davina McCall book to see if there are downsides to the tablets. The woman who cuts my hair and does my facials recommended a private doctor and the lady I met from this forum who lives near me said she had also heard good things about this doctor so I might go private.

    I did have botox the other day at my dentist for TMJ. My dentist says she has it done and it works for her. It has helped a bit, but I'm not sure if I need more time for it to kick in. One thing I read said it can take 10 days.

    Fabbing wise I am having my hair cut tomorrow. I had it done before xmas so quite a while. I have booked a facial for next week as we got a £1200 refund for my husband's train ticket as he hasn't been using it for months as he is off sick. 

    There used to be a good chazzer at Barking near where to my husband worked. I got a long black wool coat there for £1! I can't remember the brand but when I googled it was worth well over £100. I had to donate it as I lost some weight and it didn't fit.
    2025 GOALS
    18/25 classes
    22/100 books



  •  I agree Helen. I think I am only in peri-menopause, but there is so much information that it is quite daunting. I think I will stay on the patches for 3 months and then review. Obviously the pain in my finger joints going is a massive plus so I am going to stay taking HRT. There is the dementia risk as well with women and depleted hormones.

    I need to lose weight too and I think that is hormone related. I have been steadily gaining weight since I moved here two years ago and I put it down to the amount of restaurants/cafes in Leigh-on-sea, but I think it is hormonal too. I step on the scales and I'm up 5 lbs one day and down 7 the next. It is very annoying! I'm hoping the patches are just taking a while to work.


    2025 GOALS
    18/25 classes
    22/100 books



  • For all those of you having HRT, I hope it goes ok and you can find one that suits you ok. I had a hysterectomy at 43 and so went straight into menopause. GP said he didn't want to give me HRT as my mum had had breast cancer. I then got diagnosed with Osteoporosis 13 years later. So now suddenly they want to give me drugs, but I don't want the Osteoporosis meds as they have so many side effects. So just doing vitamin D, bone loading exercises and weights etc. Just trying to eat more healthily now. I do eat loads of good healthy stuff, but then I spoil it with chocolate and cake. lol Must try harder
    Making the debt go down and savings go up

    LBM 2015 - debt £57K / Now £28,744....its going down

     Mortgage Free December 9th 2024! 
    18mths ahead of schedule.  Since 2022 we paid over £15K in OPs.

    Challenges

    EF #68  £550/£3000
    .
    Fiver Friday '25 #10 £15

    Studies/surveys  August £0

    Decluttering items 756

    Books read    13
    Jigsaws done  8

    My debt free diary...https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6396218/we-will-get-this-debt-d£own-the-savings-up


  • ^That is a good idea taking all those steps to help yourself. The GP did ask me about any history of breast cancer in my family before I received HRT. I tried a YT video for morning stretching exercises the other day for over 50s. I'm going to be 48 next month, but it is important to start early! .🤣 The physio has a resistance band workout that I am going to try too with my husband. He is 53.
    2025 GOALS
    18/25 classes
    22/100 books



  • sukeyboo
    sukeyboo Posts: 2,312 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    Wow - the thread has been busy the last few days - just caught up 😀.

    There are probably too many posts to reply to individually but the menopause ones are relevant to me - I was fairly lucky with mine - just hot flushes which were fairly bad at the start but have eased off now - only get them once in a while now. I didn’t do HRT but am concerned about osteoporosis as my Mum did suffer from it after the menopause. I must try and do more weight bearing exercise as it really does make a difference.

    Fabbing-wise, I had a cut and blow dry yesterday so feel better for that and also gave blood in the afternoon so that was my good deed for the day. Last time I went they couldn’t take it as my iron levels were too low so I followed the dietary advice they gave me and all was good yesterday 🩸😀.

    i never seem to have much luck in charity shops - must look harder - the best ones I have found near me are in Sherborne which is a fairly affluent town.
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