Thursday 25th October
Lucy managed to get back to uni today, if a little late due to a selective rail strike.
Would have been Thornton's AGM today. It's the first time I've missed the meeting in the last 20 years (and the free samples). Consoled myself with half a packet of Thornton's Liquorice Toffee - OK, only two pieces, but they were big...
Now able to walk to end of Lane, and at a reasonable pace.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Day Six...
Wednesday 24th October
Lucy back to keep me company by 1.00pm. Would have liked a small present, but...
Tescos delivered shopping 10 minutes before the allotted time. For a meagre £4.25 delivery charge, I'm very impressed by the service - I may never have to starve again...
Lucy back to keep me company by 1.00pm. Would have liked a small present, but...
Tescos delivered shopping 10 minutes before the allotted time. For a meagre £4.25 delivery charge, I'm very impressed by the service - I may never have to starve again...
Day Five...
Tuesday 23rd October
Phoned the surgery to ask if they could send a certificate to cover me for work. Was informed that they needed to have the hospital dicharge papers before the sick note could be issued. Explained that I was in a bit of a 'Catch 22' situation and could they find it in their hearts to bend the rules a little? Outcome: certificate was delivered with a presciption that I'd asked for. Caused a bit of a problem for the neighbours as I was asleep when they called and everyone wondered what to do...
Phoned the surgery to ask if they could send a certificate to cover me for work. Was informed that they needed to have the hospital dicharge papers before the sick note could be issued. Explained that I was in a bit of a 'Catch 22' situation and could they find it in their hearts to bend the rules a little? Outcome: certificate was delivered with a presciption that I'd asked for. Caused a bit of a problem for the neighbours as I was asleep when they called and everyone wondered what to do...
Day Four...
Monday 22nd October
Sitting at the computer is pretty uncomfortable, but felt obliged to attempt some 'catch-up' on the website.
Was cheered by an approach via Flickr from someone who wants to use my Chatsworth photo as the background to his webpage. The photo he already has up is lovely and shows the view from the top of the water cascades. Have to say that now my image is up, it looks lovely too. It's a homely website for people to share their 'comings and goings' through webcams.. Takes a little time to load.
Received a 'Get Well' card from my Thursday jewellery class, which brightened my day, but also the bill for the last three consultations at the Nuffield, which made me retreat to my bed.
Managed a short walk to the allotment and back on my own.
Sitting at the computer is pretty uncomfortable, but felt obliged to attempt some 'catch-up' on the website.
Was cheered by an approach via Flickr from someone who wants to use my Chatsworth photo as the background to his webpage. The photo he already has up is lovely and shows the view from the top of the water cascades. Have to say that now my image is up, it looks lovely too. It's a homely website for people to share their 'comings and goings' through webcams.. Takes a little time to load.
Received a 'Get Well' card from my Thursday jewellery class, which brightened my day, but also the bill for the last three consultations at the Nuffield, which made me retreat to my bed.
Managed a short walk to the allotment and back on my own.
Day Three...
Sunday 21st October
Day slightly complicated by the fact that Graham was up and gone by 6.00am back to America. Had hoped that having come back especially to hold my hand, he might have stayed, but...
Luckily Lucy is here, although apt to revert to "I don't want to go back to uni mode" at times.
Sunday papers kept me occupied for most of the day, can't say I remember any amusing anecdotes, all doom and gloom as per usual.
Steven (and Steven's dad) stopped by at 6.00pm to give Lucy a lift to the station.
Had bath in 3 inches of water.
Watched some television in bed, but only after locating the right plug for the back of the computer...
Day slightly complicated by the fact that Graham was up and gone by 6.00am back to America. Had hoped that having come back especially to hold my hand, he might have stayed, but...
Luckily Lucy is here, although apt to revert to "I don't want to go back to uni mode" at times.
Sunday papers kept me occupied for most of the day, can't say I remember any amusing anecdotes, all doom and gloom as per usual.
Steven (and Steven's dad) stopped by at 6.00pm to give Lucy a lift to the station.
Had bath in 3 inches of water.
Watched some television in bed, but only after locating the right plug for the back of the computer...
Day Two...
Saturday 20th October
Progress has been made. I can now cough and laugh (not necessarily in that order) without feeling as though I will explode.
My new routine: Cup of tea in bed, read papers/magazines in bed, lunch in bed, afternoon nap (in bed), get dressed (not in bed)...
Managed short walk to allotment and back.
No television
Progress has been made. I can now cough and laugh (not necessarily in that order) without feeling as though I will explode.
My new routine: Cup of tea in bed, read papers/magazines in bed, lunch in bed, afternoon nap (in bed), get dressed (not in bed)...
Managed short walk to allotment and back.
No television
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Say It With Flowers...
Day One: 19th October
Flowers delivered to the house are an essential part of anyone's recovery from an operation. I was so pleased that my mum hadn't heeded my "No, it's fine, I can't expect you to send flowers a second time". Ands thanks too to Christopher, my brother-in-law, for choosing the blooms and organising delivery.
Also received a red begonia plant from our neighbours, who'd returned from holiday to find they'd had a water leak and now need to replace their parquet floor!
Flowers delivered to the house are an essential part of anyone's recovery from an operation. I was so pleased that my mum hadn't heeded my "No, it's fine, I can't expect you to send flowers a second time". Ands thanks too to Christopher, my brother-in-law, for choosing the blooms and organising delivery.
Also received a red begonia plant from our neighbours, who'd returned from holiday to find they'd had a water leak and now need to replace their parquet floor!
Once More Into The...Operating Theatre!
Thursday 18th October
If you're going on holiday or having a special day, it's always good to start with a beautiful sunrise. I woke with at start at 6.15am and went in search of Graham, who was already up and about. He very helpfully offered to make me a cup of tea, which was a little upsetting as he obviously hadn't read any of the blue leaflets dotted about the house warning against any fluid intake after 5.00am on the day of an operation.
The sunrise crept over the nearby fields, brightening the world by degrees until everything it seemed was awake and ready to go. It was a very beautiful morning, all frosty and bright - very depressing knowing that there was no way I would be able to take photographic advantage of it.
We arrived at the hospital car park early (7.15am), but with lots of spaces already taken up. Our trek along the green floored corridor seemed endless, then took a short ride up to the third floor which for some unknown reason was labelled '5'. At the 'pre-operative assessment clinic, there was already two 'old' gentlemen, discussing their previous night out together including how much beer had been consumed... The friend then had to leave to go to work. The next group to arrive included a lady carrying a very large and heavy holdall, accompanied by husband and female friend. Graham and I both commented later on how her 'supporters' made no attempt to help her carry her bag. We sat with our backs to the window feeling the room fill with light as the sun rose steadily up the wall while the hands on the clock very slowly reached 8 o'clock.
Then a foreign gentleman bustled his way passed and into a small room and I was called in and the door shut behind me. He was my surgeon's registrar and this 'interview' was to talk me through signing the consent form. He mumbled his way through the pages almost skipping over the part which warned that hernia operations can fail: "this rarely happens" he interjected. "But that's the reason I'm here" I pointed out, he just shrugged and handed me the pen... My noted were duly shuffled and made to look tidy again and left with me while I awaited the next visitation. With a change of air, the anaesthetist breezed in and sat down, in an assertive manner, the complete opposite of the registrar. She was young, tall, attractive, immaculately dressed and exuded confidence. I asked for maximum pain relief as I'd experienced so much last time and that I was not left to shake uncontrollably unable to catch my breath. I said that I'd read that it was because I'd been hypothermic. She dismissed this as the reason straight away, but assured me that if I was to shake ("and no one knows why it happens") I would be given a shot of pethadone, which "always clears it up". As she left, in came my surgeon. He beamed a huge a grin at me that illuminated his face and a thought came into my head that if ever he should grow tired of being Derby's leading hernia specialist, he could easily make it as a top male model. (in the tailored suit I'd previously helped him to buy) He was very courteous towards me and as on our previous meeting, left brushing his hand against my arm in a " we'll get it sorted for you this time" sort of way.
Next it was time for the nurse to collect everyone up and whisk us away to our prospective wards. It was now 8.30am and I was hoping that at number two on the list, the wait would not be too long. We (Graham and I) were led to an empty bed on a small ward containing 5 bays. Expecting to see people similar to myself, I was in for a big shock. The lady next to me looked as though she had been starved and had her leg wrapped covering an ulcer. The lady opposite her looked fine except for a huge dressing also covering a (diabetic) ulcer, next to her was a very small old lady (I won't go into details, but she looked as though she needed a clean nighty) and a girl (she was 32) in the corner appeared to be 10 months pregnant (it turned out she was suffering a blockage) and obviously in a great deal of discomfort. Coupled with the fact that in a side room, not too far away, there was a lady with dementia who wailed at regular intervals, it was not pleasant.
A long wait followed. Eventually, at quarter past 11, a call was received and a porter came up to escort me to the waiting room next to the operating theatre. By this time, the wait and the experience was just too much and I had need of the box of tissues discreetly positioned on the table next to where we were sitting. First one nurse came up and checked my wrist bands (one would be removed in theatre) and then another. Then it was time to lay down the pillow that I'd been handed on the trolley which I would be occupying for the duration. Once in the anteroom, the anaesthetist greeted me and introduced two other chaps standing in the small space. One was a trainee and "would I mind if he put the needle in my hand". Recalling the trauma of having another trainee 'practice' the same procedure four times, I politely declined the proposition, only to have the proper anaesthetist have two goes: "small scratch coming up" "Ouch!!" I remember the pre-med and then feeling pain as the anaesthetic crawled very slowly up my arm - then a male voice calling my name to wake me up. As soon as I became conscious, I began to shake and this prompted the people around me to whip off what was covering me and replace it with a pink 'sheet' into which was blown luxurious hot air which brought my shakes down to a minimum. Thankfully too, I didn't experience any visual disturbance (like the vertical holding going on an old television) of the previous two times. It wasn't long before I was on my way back to the ward and being asked to shuffle across to the awaiting bed - no chance!
It was now 1.40pm and although not visiting time the nurses let Graham come in and say hello and then he was allowed back at 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Then it was time to talk to the others and be furnished with the finer details of their ailments. I couldn't help feeling that I was far better off than them, even though I'd just had an operation. Throughout all this time I tried to remain focused on going home. All I had to do was go to for a 'wee' on my own and eat some food - simple. The surgeon managed to time his arrival, just as I'd left my bed, but he did return and gave his blessing for an evening departure. It seemed such a long wait, but we were expecting it and any time spent sitting still was a bonus. At twenty past eight, after a bit of a bumpy ride down to the car, care of a very helpful porter (who also looked like he could do with a square meal), I was tipped into the car. Hugging my pillows on the way home to soak up any bumps, we were soon back within the confines of familiar surroundings. The day had lasted a lifetime, but I was home...
If you're going on holiday or having a special day, it's always good to start with a beautiful sunrise. I woke with at start at 6.15am and went in search of Graham, who was already up and about. He very helpfully offered to make me a cup of tea, which was a little upsetting as he obviously hadn't read any of the blue leaflets dotted about the house warning against any fluid intake after 5.00am on the day of an operation.
The sunrise crept over the nearby fields, brightening the world by degrees until everything it seemed was awake and ready to go. It was a very beautiful morning, all frosty and bright - very depressing knowing that there was no way I would be able to take photographic advantage of it.
We arrived at the hospital car park early (7.15am), but with lots of spaces already taken up. Our trek along the green floored corridor seemed endless, then took a short ride up to the third floor which for some unknown reason was labelled '5'. At the 'pre-operative assessment clinic, there was already two 'old' gentlemen, discussing their previous night out together including how much beer had been consumed... The friend then had to leave to go to work. The next group to arrive included a lady carrying a very large and heavy holdall, accompanied by husband and female friend. Graham and I both commented later on how her 'supporters' made no attempt to help her carry her bag. We sat with our backs to the window feeling the room fill with light as the sun rose steadily up the wall while the hands on the clock very slowly reached 8 o'clock.
Then a foreign gentleman bustled his way passed and into a small room and I was called in and the door shut behind me. He was my surgeon's registrar and this 'interview' was to talk me through signing the consent form. He mumbled his way through the pages almost skipping over the part which warned that hernia operations can fail: "this rarely happens" he interjected. "But that's the reason I'm here" I pointed out, he just shrugged and handed me the pen... My noted were duly shuffled and made to look tidy again and left with me while I awaited the next visitation. With a change of air, the anaesthetist breezed in and sat down, in an assertive manner, the complete opposite of the registrar. She was young, tall, attractive, immaculately dressed and exuded confidence. I asked for maximum pain relief as I'd experienced so much last time and that I was not left to shake uncontrollably unable to catch my breath. I said that I'd read that it was because I'd been hypothermic. She dismissed this as the reason straight away, but assured me that if I was to shake ("and no one knows why it happens") I would be given a shot of pethadone, which "always clears it up". As she left, in came my surgeon. He beamed a huge a grin at me that illuminated his face and a thought came into my head that if ever he should grow tired of being Derby's leading hernia specialist, he could easily make it as a top male model. (in the tailored suit I'd previously helped him to buy) He was very courteous towards me and as on our previous meeting, left brushing his hand against my arm in a " we'll get it sorted for you this time" sort of way.
Next it was time for the nurse to collect everyone up and whisk us away to our prospective wards. It was now 8.30am and I was hoping that at number two on the list, the wait would not be too long. We (Graham and I) were led to an empty bed on a small ward containing 5 bays. Expecting to see people similar to myself, I was in for a big shock. The lady next to me looked as though she had been starved and had her leg wrapped covering an ulcer. The lady opposite her looked fine except for a huge dressing also covering a (diabetic) ulcer, next to her was a very small old lady (I won't go into details, but she looked as though she needed a clean nighty) and a girl (she was 32) in the corner appeared to be 10 months pregnant (it turned out she was suffering a blockage) and obviously in a great deal of discomfort. Coupled with the fact that in a side room, not too far away, there was a lady with dementia who wailed at regular intervals, it was not pleasant.
A long wait followed. Eventually, at quarter past 11, a call was received and a porter came up to escort me to the waiting room next to the operating theatre. By this time, the wait and the experience was just too much and I had need of the box of tissues discreetly positioned on the table next to where we were sitting. First one nurse came up and checked my wrist bands (one would be removed in theatre) and then another. Then it was time to lay down the pillow that I'd been handed on the trolley which I would be occupying for the duration. Once in the anteroom, the anaesthetist greeted me and introduced two other chaps standing in the small space. One was a trainee and "would I mind if he put the needle in my hand". Recalling the trauma of having another trainee 'practice' the same procedure four times, I politely declined the proposition, only to have the proper anaesthetist have two goes: "small scratch coming up" "Ouch!!" I remember the pre-med and then feeling pain as the anaesthetic crawled very slowly up my arm - then a male voice calling my name to wake me up. As soon as I became conscious, I began to shake and this prompted the people around me to whip off what was covering me and replace it with a pink 'sheet' into which was blown luxurious hot air which brought my shakes down to a minimum. Thankfully too, I didn't experience any visual disturbance (like the vertical holding going on an old television) of the previous two times. It wasn't long before I was on my way back to the ward and being asked to shuffle across to the awaiting bed - no chance!
It was now 1.40pm and although not visiting time the nurses let Graham come in and say hello and then he was allowed back at 2.00pm until 4.00pm. Then it was time to talk to the others and be furnished with the finer details of their ailments. I couldn't help feeling that I was far better off than them, even though I'd just had an operation. Throughout all this time I tried to remain focused on going home. All I had to do was go to for a 'wee' on my own and eat some food - simple. The surgeon managed to time his arrival, just as I'd left my bed, but he did return and gave his blessing for an evening departure. It seemed such a long wait, but we were expecting it and any time spent sitting still was a bonus. At twenty past eight, after a bit of a bumpy ride down to the car, care of a very helpful porter (who also looked like he could do with a square meal), I was tipped into the car. Hugging my pillows on the way home to soak up any bumps, we were soon back within the confines of familiar surroundings. The day had lasted a lifetime, but I was home...
IN BRIEF
Sunday 14th October
Graham followed his new routine of leaving at 6.00am to get to Birmingham airport for 7.00am to fly to Newarke USA, arriving around 5.00pm our time.
Monday 15th October
Normal day. Jewellery class went well and everyone very supportive about Thursday. All the students finished the netting on bottles and went away with a Christmas bauble to try the same technique on at home.
Two piano lessons. Changed 'attack' with my Grade 5. Have abandoned the set pieces for the next month, we both need a rest from them. Found instead the Primo part of Faure's Berceuse from The Dolly Suite to help with recognition of high notes.
My prediction came true. Person who won the Derby Evening Telegraph photographic competition was the same girl I mentioned. She has now replaced the entry on her website from "not much of a prize" to "I won the photo competition"...
Tuesday 16th October
Busy 'catch up' morning. Off to Derby City Hospital for 12.30pm appointment for 'Pre-Operative Assessment'. Was bitterly disappointed with whole 'affair'. First had to walk miles to find the place; struggled to open the entrance door, called in to fill in forms that were on the whole irrelevant with a nurse who neither cared what she was doing nor took any notice of the fact that this was second time round for me. An ounce of 'nurse-worthy' caring would have gone a long way, perhaps she only worked in metric! Came away with two of the questions firmly embedded in my memory: "Do you bath or shower?" (Was that the same as asking 'Magnum or Cornetto'?) and : 'Do you have any pets?' (Was very close to asking if mice counted...)
Wednesday 17th October
To say I felt anxious today was a bit of an understatement. Graham home by quarter to nine, but spent most of the morning in bed asleep. We met Lucy in town and went to Nandos for lunch. Afterwards Graham went into work while Lucy escorted me around our new Westfield shopping centre. Have vowed never to go again... it's huge, impersonal and amorphous. You could be at any main shopping centre or trapped in your own worst nightmare - shops that have nothing you want to buy in them...
Came home and packed ready for tomorrow.
Sunday 14th October
Graham followed his new routine of leaving at 6.00am to get to Birmingham airport for 7.00am to fly to Newarke USA, arriving around 5.00pm our time.
Monday 15th October
Normal day. Jewellery class went well and everyone very supportive about Thursday. All the students finished the netting on bottles and went away with a Christmas bauble to try the same technique on at home.
Two piano lessons. Changed 'attack' with my Grade 5. Have abandoned the set pieces for the next month, we both need a rest from them. Found instead the Primo part of Faure's Berceuse from The Dolly Suite to help with recognition of high notes.
My prediction came true. Person who won the Derby Evening Telegraph photographic competition was the same girl I mentioned. She has now replaced the entry on her website from "not much of a prize" to "I won the photo competition"...
Tuesday 16th October
Busy 'catch up' morning. Off to Derby City Hospital for 12.30pm appointment for 'Pre-Operative Assessment'. Was bitterly disappointed with whole 'affair'. First had to walk miles to find the place; struggled to open the entrance door, called in to fill in forms that were on the whole irrelevant with a nurse who neither cared what she was doing nor took any notice of the fact that this was second time round for me. An ounce of 'nurse-worthy' caring would have gone a long way, perhaps she only worked in metric! Came away with two of the questions firmly embedded in my memory: "Do you bath or shower?" (Was that the same as asking 'Magnum or Cornetto'?) and : 'Do you have any pets?' (Was very close to asking if mice counted...)
Wednesday 17th October
To say I felt anxious today was a bit of an understatement. Graham home by quarter to nine, but spent most of the morning in bed asleep. We met Lucy in town and went to Nandos for lunch. Afterwards Graham went into work while Lucy escorted me around our new Westfield shopping centre. Have vowed never to go again... it's huge, impersonal and amorphous. You could be at any main shopping centre or trapped in your own worst nightmare - shops that have nothing you want to buy in them...
Came home and packed ready for tomorrow.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Last Trip Before The Chop...
Entrance, Knitting and Stitching Show, Alexandra Palace, London
Originally uploaded by Geraldine Curtis
Graham deposited Lucy and I at the station and he went off to work. We had a leisurely ride on the train and an equally uneventful trip on the underground.
The usual Aladin's cave of things to buy greeted us as we entered the huge halls. Lucy stood by as I emptied my purse and was happy to carry everything for me. I came home with a mis-mash of new yarns to make into bags, gold flakes to add to home-made paper (a future project) and a selection of special offer (very heavy) magazines.
We gave out lots of business cards for my bags and the website, but am still waiting for the promises of contact to materialise...
Escapism...
Attending the Knitting and Stitching Show was a goal I felt I needed to achieve.
Sitting outside in the Autumn sun chatting to other visitors was an uplifting experiece and with this view to look at, made everything worthwhile...
Sitting outside in the Autumn sun chatting to other visitors was an uplifting experiece and with this view to look at, made everything worthwhile...
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Photographic Competition...
Tuesday 2nd October
I did hope that one of my photos would make the 'last twenty' in The Derby Evening Photographic Competition, but was surprised to see this one in print. It was the first one I ever had published.
There are some really interesting entries, one from a 17 year old who has used one of her compositions from her Photography GCSE portfolio. She does have the advantage on me...a Canon EOS 30D!
The winner gets a day out with one of the paper's photographers. If you'd like to vote for my picture or any of the competition, please press here.
I did hope that one of my photos would make the 'last twenty' in The Derby Evening Photographic Competition, but was surprised to see this one in print. It was the first one I ever had published.
There are some really interesting entries, one from a 17 year old who has used one of her compositions from her Photography GCSE portfolio. She does have the advantage on me...a Canon EOS 30D!
The winner gets a day out with one of the paper's photographers. If you'd like to vote for my picture or any of the competition, please press here.
Twin Pearls...
Thursday 4th October
I knew one of my students had twins (her other children are aged 21 and 22) but we hadn't met them until this Thursday. As you an see they are absolutely gorgeous, very individual and never stand still for more then one second at a time! Mum's friend who comes with her to jewellery class had whizzed through the Daisy Bracelet task I had set them and was busy making a second bracelet for the twins when I captured this moment.
I'm quite pleased with this photo - not only is it in focus (for the most part), but thanks to Photoshop the waste paper bin and part of a chair in the background have now disappeared.
I knew one of my students had twins (her other children are aged 21 and 22) but we hadn't met them until this Thursday. As you an see they are absolutely gorgeous, very individual and never stand still for more then one second at a time! Mum's friend who comes with her to jewellery class had whizzed through the Daisy Bracelet task I had set them and was busy making a second bracelet for the twins when I captured this moment.
I'm quite pleased with this photo - not only is it in focus (for the most part), but thanks to Photoshop the waste paper bin and part of a chair in the background have now disappeared.
IN BRIEF
Monday 1st October
Decided it was time for a team building chat with the support workers in my class, so we can all be batting on the same side and provide mutual support. Explained about Hermione, hoping not for sympathy, but offers of help in any carrying. The conversation went well until one of them, responded with an ace card: she in fact has a brain tumour - I wasn't sure what emotion to show. I think I have now learned never to share my ailments with others, - I am always usurped...
Tuesday 2nd October
This was a very long and lonely day. When Graham finally came home, I begged him to take me out for a change of scenery...to the nearest Lloyd's Pharmacy where they have a special offer on TENS machines. For those of you who don't know what they do, press here.
Wednesday 3rd October
Eventually managed to get hold of my consultant's secretary and enquire how long before I get a date for my operation. Although she did say that they might know by Friday, her manner didn't fill me with confidence.
Thursday 4th October
Lovely sunny day, mostly spent indoors. (see above for highlights)
Had a go with my new TENS machine, think I can best describe it as an electronic tickle...
Friday 5th October
Only three students at Craft Class, reasons for non attendance ranged from driving lesson to new phobia...In the middle of all this received a phone call from 'Amy at the DRI'... how was I fixed for having my operation on Thursday 18th October...I didn't intend to refuse any date. The fact that Graham will be in America and Robert and Lucy away at university, well at this rate I feel I could perform a DIY job on it...
Monday 1st October
Decided it was time for a team building chat with the support workers in my class, so we can all be batting on the same side and provide mutual support. Explained about Hermione, hoping not for sympathy, but offers of help in any carrying. The conversation went well until one of them, responded with an ace card: she in fact has a brain tumour - I wasn't sure what emotion to show. I think I have now learned never to share my ailments with others, - I am always usurped...
Tuesday 2nd October
This was a very long and lonely day. When Graham finally came home, I begged him to take me out for a change of scenery...to the nearest Lloyd's Pharmacy where they have a special offer on TENS machines. For those of you who don't know what they do, press here.
Wednesday 3rd October
Eventually managed to get hold of my consultant's secretary and enquire how long before I get a date for my operation. Although she did say that they might know by Friday, her manner didn't fill me with confidence.
Thursday 4th October
Lovely sunny day, mostly spent indoors. (see above for highlights)
Had a go with my new TENS machine, think I can best describe it as an electronic tickle...
Friday 5th October
Only three students at Craft Class, reasons for non attendance ranged from driving lesson to new phobia...In the middle of all this received a phone call from 'Amy at the DRI'... how was I fixed for having my operation on Thursday 18th October...I didn't intend to refuse any date. The fact that Graham will be in America and Robert and Lucy away at university, well at this rate I feel I could perform a DIY job on it...
Sunday, October 07, 2007
There's A Hole In My Header Tank...
Tuesday 25th September
Woke to the sound of water dripping on to the dining room table. Like all good DIY- ers, poked a hole in the plaster board ceiling to let the volume of water through. Next I awoke Robert with the words: "Please get up, there's water coming through the ceiling". He more logically looked in the main bedroom to find water not only pouring through the ceiling, but on to my computer. Time now to move computer and place buckets under the leaks. I got dressed and went next door and asked my neighbour to come and help, which he did in an instant. He managed to turn the stop cock (is it legal to use that word?) off, but it made no difference to the leak. Robert, by this time was firmly ensconced in the roof (it was a tight fit) and had located the leak coming from a seal in the side of the Header tank. By running the hot water taps, the level of the water reduced and prevented any further leak. Decided I'd not tell Graham until he get's back from the US.
This was not the end of today's adventures...A still very homesick Lucy had requested my presence, so leaving the leak, fingers crossed it wouldn't return, we (Robert as chauffeur) set off for the station. Having free rail travel is a perk we never seem to use to it's full, but it does take the edge off it a bit when the car park at the station is £9.00 per day (or part off). The weather was pretty wet as well and although we had a walk round town (Hermione not really being up to it) and tea back at Lucy's room, we didn't seem to have made much of a difference to Lucy's state of mind by the time we left. I proffered a shoulder to cry and words of support, Robert took on the role of father figure and gave the "you will survive talk".
Eventually back at home at 9.00pm.
Woke to the sound of water dripping on to the dining room table. Like all good DIY- ers, poked a hole in the plaster board ceiling to let the volume of water through. Next I awoke Robert with the words: "Please get up, there's water coming through the ceiling". He more logically looked in the main bedroom to find water not only pouring through the ceiling, but on to my computer. Time now to move computer and place buckets under the leaks. I got dressed and went next door and asked my neighbour to come and help, which he did in an instant. He managed to turn the stop cock (is it legal to use that word?) off, but it made no difference to the leak. Robert, by this time was firmly ensconced in the roof (it was a tight fit) and had located the leak coming from a seal in the side of the Header tank. By running the hot water taps, the level of the water reduced and prevented any further leak. Decided I'd not tell Graham until he get's back from the US.
This was not the end of today's adventures...A still very homesick Lucy had requested my presence, so leaving the leak, fingers crossed it wouldn't return, we (Robert as chauffeur) set off for the station. Having free rail travel is a perk we never seem to use to it's full, but it does take the edge off it a bit when the car park at the station is £9.00 per day (or part off). The weather was pretty wet as well and although we had a walk round town (Hermione not really being up to it) and tea back at Lucy's room, we didn't seem to have made much of a difference to Lucy's state of mind by the time we left. I proffered a shoulder to cry and words of support, Robert took on the role of father figure and gave the "you will survive talk".
Eventually back at home at 9.00pm.
The Chronicles Of Hernia...
Wednesday 26th September
Difficult to settle to anything this morning. Set off for appointment with consultant at Nuffield Hospital in plenty of time for 2.30pm appointment. Felt fully equipped go in 'blazing' and come out with smoke billowing from my barrels. However, after half an hour's wait, my resolve had dissipated and all I could think of was going home. I knew something was up when the consultant called me in, but failed to catch my eye as he led the way into his room. I thought I was in for yet another "it's in your head lecture", but I couldn't have been more wrong. I had an inkling of this as he ushered me in by gently placing a guiding hand in the small of my back. As he sat down I was met with the words: "You are one precise lady" and then sentence after sentence of "I am so sorry" and "I was wrong" - all I could do was shrug... We agreed unanimously that no one was to blame and I just hoped he was going to let me in on what was the next step. He also said: "I can't keep taking money off you" , (when the final invoices arrive the figure will be nearer £3500), I held my breath, did this mean I was in sight of a second operation? He explained, that he'd send all my details to his secretary who would arrange a date or let me know of any cancellations. I did feel elated as I passed the self opening doors for what I hope is the last time, but will no actual date set I couldn't help wondering, how long...just how long...?
Difficult to settle to anything this morning. Set off for appointment with consultant at Nuffield Hospital in plenty of time for 2.30pm appointment. Felt fully equipped go in 'blazing' and come out with smoke billowing from my barrels. However, after half an hour's wait, my resolve had dissipated and all I could think of was going home. I knew something was up when the consultant called me in, but failed to catch my eye as he led the way into his room. I thought I was in for yet another "it's in your head lecture", but I couldn't have been more wrong. I had an inkling of this as he ushered me in by gently placing a guiding hand in the small of my back. As he sat down I was met with the words: "You are one precise lady" and then sentence after sentence of "I am so sorry" and "I was wrong" - all I could do was shrug... We agreed unanimously that no one was to blame and I just hoped he was going to let me in on what was the next step. He also said: "I can't keep taking money off you" , (when the final invoices arrive the figure will be nearer £3500), I held my breath, did this mean I was in sight of a second operation? He explained, that he'd send all my details to his secretary who would arrange a date or let me know of any cancellations. I did feel elated as I passed the self opening doors for what I hope is the last time, but will no actual date set I couldn't help wondering, how long...just how long...?
IN BRIEF
Monday 24th September
Very hectic time at Jewellery Class, everybody seems to need extra help and there's only one of me!
Rang NHS Direct to enquire what the waiting times are for a recurrent hernia. I'm writing this a week later and still no one has rung back.
Tuesday 25th September
Two types of water leaks to fix today. One was in the water tank in the roof and the other in a little room at De Montfort University. (see above)
Wednesday 26th September
Went to see consultant to discuss what to do now my recurrent hernia has been confirmed. (see above)
Thursday 27th September
This was a near normal day as possible. Jewellery Class on a Thursday is quite a relaxed affair with no Line Manager breathing down my neck. We didn't seem to get that much done, but had lively discussions about many related topics which somehow managed to include news of my impending operation.
Friday 28th September
My Craft Class seems doomed this term with some of the Learning Partners dropping out for various reasons.
Came home to a cooked dinner a la Robert which was very sweet of him, especially as we'd had a bit of a falling out yesterday. Robert needs to get back to university to regain his independence away from me. We seem to have become very close over the last few weeks and are in danger of acting like an old married couple. It's been fun though - we've found lots of thing to laugh about...
Saturday 29th
It somehow took Robert all day to get his things packed and we didn't leave for Loughborough until 5.00pm. By the time everything was in the house and we'd shopped in Tescos, it was dark. I drove back feeling very lonely and hoping that Hermione would allow me the luxury of this extra journey without too much complaining. Lucy was deposited from Ben's by 9.30pm and brought with her the company I was craving.
Sunday 30th
No lie-in today, Graham was back by 8.30am, bright and breezy from America having hardly slept on the 8 hour flight home. After the statutory read through the Sunday Telegraph magazines, Lucy and I got Sunday dinner, while Graham had a nap. By 3.00pm we were at Dunelm pummelling pillows and choosing bed sheets (Robert had forgotten that his 'new' bed was a double). By 4.00pm we were at Leicester and at 5.30pm, after yet another tearful 'good bye' we were exchanging sheets on Robert's bed. This new up and down the M1 routine is going to take some getting used to.
Monday 24th September
Very hectic time at Jewellery Class, everybody seems to need extra help and there's only one of me!
Rang NHS Direct to enquire what the waiting times are for a recurrent hernia. I'm writing this a week later and still no one has rung back.
Tuesday 25th September
Two types of water leaks to fix today. One was in the water tank in the roof and the other in a little room at De Montfort University. (see above)
Wednesday 26th September
Went to see consultant to discuss what to do now my recurrent hernia has been confirmed. (see above)
Thursday 27th September
This was a near normal day as possible. Jewellery Class on a Thursday is quite a relaxed affair with no Line Manager breathing down my neck. We didn't seem to get that much done, but had lively discussions about many related topics which somehow managed to include news of my impending operation.
Friday 28th September
My Craft Class seems doomed this term with some of the Learning Partners dropping out for various reasons.
Came home to a cooked dinner a la Robert which was very sweet of him, especially as we'd had a bit of a falling out yesterday. Robert needs to get back to university to regain his independence away from me. We seem to have become very close over the last few weeks and are in danger of acting like an old married couple. It's been fun though - we've found lots of thing to laugh about...
Saturday 29th
It somehow took Robert all day to get his things packed and we didn't leave for Loughborough until 5.00pm. By the time everything was in the house and we'd shopped in Tescos, it was dark. I drove back feeling very lonely and hoping that Hermione would allow me the luxury of this extra journey without too much complaining. Lucy was deposited from Ben's by 9.30pm and brought with her the company I was craving.
Sunday 30th
No lie-in today, Graham was back by 8.30am, bright and breezy from America having hardly slept on the 8 hour flight home. After the statutory read through the Sunday Telegraph magazines, Lucy and I got Sunday dinner, while Graham had a nap. By 3.00pm we were at Dunelm pummelling pillows and choosing bed sheets (Robert had forgotten that his 'new' bed was a double). By 4.00pm we were at Leicester and at 5.30pm, after yet another tearful 'good bye' we were exchanging sheets on Robert's bed. This new up and down the M1 routine is going to take some getting used to.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)