View Full Version : Escaping the Slough of Despond
Could it be split between Jess, Katie and Si and your dog walker? What about applying to something like the cinnamon trust too?
We’re trying to work it out - thought it partly depends on results tomorrow and what Jess will be doing. The Cinnamon Trust? I’ve had a quick look and are you thinking about fostering? That would be a definite no, particularly for Si. The thought of him dying when in someone else’s home? No ....
Jaquaia
14-08-19, 12:47 PM
Dog walker? I know that some are willing to give meds...
I’ve talked to our dog walker today but it’s not just that - he can’t be left for hours at a time
We’re trying to work it out - thought it partly depends on results tomorrow and what Jess will be doing. The Cinnamon Trust? I’ve had a quick look and are you thinking about fostering? That would be a definite no, particularly for Si. The thought of him dying when in someone else’s home? No ....
No!!!! The cinnamon trust go in and walk dogs for people who are in hospital etc... Or they used to...
What about a student in house dog sitter who could come every day to sit with him?
OldMike
14-08-19, 06:45 PM
I don't know what to suggest re Polo so I'll just leave these here (bear) (panda)
No!!!! The cinnamon trust go in and walk dogs for people who are in hospital etc... Or they used to...
What about a student in house dog sitter who could come every day to sit with him?
From what I briefly read, they only do that for the elderly or terminally ill.
Si would not let anyone else sit in the house with Polo. He’s funny like that .....
We’ll sort something out but thank you for the suggestions
No problem, I thought it's worth just throwing out suggestions - another stupid one, I don't suppose that Polo could go to work with him a day or two? I know that the hoomin who has Crash's brother takes him to work in the centre of London every day lol
It is a dog friendly office so it’s not a stupid question at all but as Polo has got older, he’s becoming more and more freaked out by anything that’s not home. Tbh, he was in a state the whole time we were away. And, with his arthritis, he wouldn’t be able to walk from Waterloo to the office.
Aww poor baby! Would Si be able to work at home more whilst you are away? Maybe persuade Jess/Katie to do a day or so too?
Jaquaia
14-08-19, 09:52 PM
Stick him in your suitcase???
Aww poor baby! Would Si be able to work at home more whilst you are away? Maybe persuade Jess/Katie to do a day or so too?
I think that’s going to be the way through tbh
That'll be fine - everyone loves Polo!
Marvellous. The day of my friends 50th birthday party (and our wedding anniversary) and I’ve been throwing up since the early hours ......
Happy anniversary lovely! So sorry you're poorly!
OldMike
17-08-19, 10:23 AM
Happy anniversary Paula and Si hope your upset tum soon gets better Paula (bear) (panda)
Jaquaia
17-08-19, 10:59 AM
Happy anniversary! I hope your stomach settles soon lovely (panda)
Strugglingmum
17-08-19, 01:31 PM
Happy anniversary lovely lady and Si. Xxx
From extensive experiments, I can safely say sparkling water is gentler on my stomach than still water!
Don't know why, but sparkly always settles my tummy fastest.... (panda)
Happy anniversary (party)
How are you today gorgeous?
Struggling. Tired and achy, sad I missed my friend’s party, worried about Bath and other things
OldMike
18-08-19, 02:35 PM
Is your tummy better now Paula, being sick takes it out of you doesn't it (panda)
Yes it is, thanks I’m just suffering the aftereffects
Bath is going to be tough, but you're doing this for all the right things. You need to do this. Have you sorted things with Polo?
I think so as they’re going to cover it all between them. But I need to tell the dog walker when we need her to do extra walks and, when I asked, got told ‘don’t worry, we’ll work it out’. I tried to explain that I am worried and I need to know that’s it been sorted as I’m finding everything so hard anyway .....
Thing is love, the more you can leave them to it the better it'll be. You know that the 3 of them are all adults and are more than capable of doing everything that needs to be done whilst you are away doing what you need to do - taking care of you and finding the best way to deal with your pain and you. You have enough to sort - have you got your packing sorted?
Strugglingmum
18-08-19, 10:33 PM
(bear)(panda)just leaving these here. Cx
Pfft ;). We had a family meeting and I do feel better about Polo. That’s something if only the tip of the iceberg right now. I’ve just finished ordering all the stuff I need from Sainsbury’s. My packing list is almost there, I think. I figured out a couple of things with my powerchair and had a maiden run on it on Polo’s evening walk, so I know I’m comfortable with it.
Still, right now I could cry - this is just about the worst timing for me to be away, Si has got so much on his plate right now .....
And Si will cope. I know you want to be there, but hunni you NEED this. You've been struggling for so long with meds issues, pain and so much else. If you don't take this opportunity you will always wonder "what if" and tbh there is never going to be a good time for this. There will always be something.
However, have you spoken to Si and told him this is how you are feeling?
It hasn’t seemed the right time this weekend, as we were both so poorly. Tbh I’m feeling very washed out today still. But he was very clear at the family meeting that they would be ok and I wasn’t to worry. Which is like asking the sun not to shine ....
Sorry you've both been poorly...as Mike says, it knocks the stuffing out of you physically and tends to weaken you emotionally too...well it does me anyway. I'm sure everything will work itself out. You seem to be a 'Grade A' worrier like me, but I invent scenarios and get things totally out of proportion..unlike you I expect. All will be well...(bear)
I know love, but you need to try to focus on you - not on everything else around you. Talk to Si, tell him. He won't be able to help or reassure you if he doesn't know what's going on in your head...
Fortunately, I married someone the complete opposite from me. He has complete and utter faith that everything will work itself out
Strugglingmum
19-08-19, 06:59 PM
It will all be grand. You have them well trained. Xx
Erm owwwwwwwwwww
It’s a beautiful (if windy) day so I thought I’d take my new powerchair out for a spin, get used to the joystick before i have the real challenge of getting it round an old hospital. All was going so well until I got a bit cocky, forgot to concentrate, clipped a slightly angled grass verge at the same time as a gust of wind blew around me, instinctively put my leg out to balance myself - my bad leg .........
Are you ok Paula. Did you fall out ?
Oh no!!! Are you resting?
Jaquaia
20-08-19, 04:08 PM
Ouch!!! Hope you're taking it easy! It's easy to do, I've tipped a wheelchair loads... admittedly it wasn't me in the chair but we'll gloss over that....
Now I want to know the rest of that story......
Jaquaia
20-08-19, 07:23 PM
I don't do well with kerbs, I've tipped my mum out 4 or 5 times, so now my mum doesn't trust me unless there's a slope, and even then I think she's dubious (giggle)
Are you ok Paula. Did you fall out ?
No, thanks love, I just jarred my bad leg.
So, Suzi, you’d be proud of me. I experienced what can only be described as verbal diarrhoea and told Si how everything is stressing me out. He asked what I was expecting him to do about it, which is nothing as there isn’t anything to do about it and I also told him to tell me not to worry was like telling the sun not to shine right now. But I told him .....
Strugglingmum
20-08-19, 08:02 PM
Oh Paula. Hope your leg settles. Xx
Verbal diarrhoea. Well did it release it the pressure valve???
I'm so proud of you for telling him! Well done lovely!
I hope you're resting lovely...
Nope, not much release but it was a start. I think I described my mind as ‘swirly’ at one point ;)
Yeah I’m resting - and eating dark chocolate ....
I'm so glad that you have started to let it out.... nom....
Not a good day. I did meet up with a friend for coffee but I’ve generally been super tense and nauseous. And a bit tearful. If one more person says ‘you’re doing the right thing’ ....... I’m going to scream
Jaquaia
21-08-19, 08:08 PM
It's completely understandable that you're tense lovely.(panda)
I'd be terrified at what you've got coming up - I remember how anxious I was with each of my pain management courses and how guilty I felt for being out each Friday afternoon... I'm not going to tell you that you're doing the right thing, because deep down you know that or you wouldn't be doing it.....Are you going to be online whilst you are there?
OldMike
22-08-19, 10:23 AM
Not a good day. I did meet up with a friend for coffee but I’ve generally been super tense and nauseous. And a bit tearful. If one more person says ‘you’re doing the right thing’ ....... I’m going to scream
I'm not going to say it but you are so I'll leave you these Paula (bear) (panda)
There’s no WiFi so I’ll have to just hotspot with my phone, which isn’t reliable, or local cafes. I’ll try to update but I don’t know when or how
Off to see my best friend for lunch then having a pedicure this afternoon
Pfft, you text, I'll screenshot for you on whatsapp ;) Where there's a will and all that...
Awwww Katie’s just given me a small photo album of family pics to take to Bath *not sniffling* :)
Jaquaia
24-08-19, 12:56 PM
Awww! That's so sweet! Though not surprised at how thoughtful she is with you as her mum!
Awww! That's so sweet! Though not surprised at how thoughtful she is with you as her mum!
Exactly this!
Are you packed? Kindle fully loaded? Got all chargers? Ipad? Clean pants?
Jaquaia
24-08-19, 02:41 PM
Clean pants is vitally important!
Exactly this!
Are you packed? Kindle fully loaded? Got all chargers? Ipad? Clean pants?
Lol, you sound like my mother (rofl)
I’ve had several dilemmas wrt electrical items as they all have to be checked before use. So, in an attempt to reduce stress, I’m not taking my hair dryer, despite preferring to read on my kindle, I’m not taking it and will use kindle app on my iPad and ive got a cheap manual toothbrush just in case they take 24 hours to get round to checking my electric one ........ I’ve never had to get electrical items checked going into hospital before!
I’m so tired today - stress is getting to me I think. But Si and I are having dinner with my brother and sil tonight so I’ve got to wake up
How was dinner?
Do they need to check your electricals or do you have to get them tested yourself?
Dinner was lovely, we always have so much fun when the four of us get together ;)
They will test all electricals but it’ll take up to 48 hours to process. I have to say, I’ve been in hospital for a lengthy period before and never had to do this lol
(panda) It'll all be more than fine lovely....
Strugglingmum
25-08-19, 03:29 PM
It's standard over here for electricals to be checked if the patient is in for any length of time. It's part of the fire precautions I think.
It will all be ok Paula. Xxx
Nearly packed! And wishing I’d done it a couple of days ago when it was cooler ;). I’ve got to tell the girls that I don’t want them to come up to Bath with us - it’s going to be hard enough without them getting upset (which Katie will). It’s the right decision. I’m actually quite calm atm after being an anxious wreck this morning. Long may it last !
Strugglingmum
26-08-19, 10:05 AM
Sending lots of love
OldMike
26-08-19, 10:24 AM
Sending you lots of love Paula (bear) (panda)
Hey Princess Sparkles, how are you today?
magie06
26-08-19, 10:13 PM
The very best of luck. I hope that today wasn't too stressful and that you have settled a little and can sleep tonight.
Allalone
27-08-19, 08:23 AM
Just wanted you to know that I’m thinking about you.
(bear)(panda)
I'll update this as and when I hear from Paula x
I've spoken to Paula and she's pretty settled but very tired! In the evenings and weekends she get's time to do her own thing and she can go and investigate Bath too!
I'll send her updates and let you know how things are for her too!
Strugglingmum
27-08-19, 09:08 PM
That's great to hear. Send her our love. Xx
I've just had this text:
Day 2 done. Really tough and ended in individual chat with psychologist xx
Jaquaia
28-08-19, 06:38 PM
Send her our love!
Allalone
28-08-19, 08:05 PM
And big hugs!
Consider them sent over.. ;)
Sending much love and hugs xx
magie06
29-08-19, 08:44 AM
Please tell her that I'm keeping her in my prayers.
I will, I'll do it now so she can see it when she has a break!
Will you send her my love too please suzi - that is if she can remember who I am! - we aren't far from Bath. Hope she gets on well.
OldMike
31-08-19, 09:49 AM
Suzi please send Paula love and hugs from this old guy.
She's completed week one! She's awesome! All messages of love and support are passed on!
OldMike
31-08-19, 03:07 PM
She's completed week one! She's awesome! All messages of love and support are passed on!
That's good Suzi and I think Paula is free to explore Bath if she's up to it over the weekend.
Strugglingmum
31-08-19, 07:06 PM
That's brill news. X sending much love and prayers as ever. Xx
Si has been to see her today and her daughters are going tomorrow. She's been exploring Bath over the evenings and she is feeling privileged to be there to do the course.
magie06
02-09-19, 08:56 PM
Good luck for your second week in Bath. Thinking of you and I hope you're beginning to get the hang of things. Sending hugs your way.
Paula seems to be doing well. She's been out with her uncle tonight!
Send her my love please Suzi xx
Hi all!! Just thought I’d pop in and update you in person :). Thank you for all your love which Suzi has been relaying to me when she’s checked up on me
It’s been an immensely tough couple of weeks - physically, mentally and spiritually - and I’ve challenged myself every minute. It’s going to take me a while to process everything after I’m home for good, I think. We hadn’t planned it but I was so exhausted that Si and I decided I’d come home this weekend - it means extra driving for him but seemed like the best plan, and I’ve slept most of today. But it’s going to be worth it. The course is incredible, the team are so skilled and I’m trying my best to take in everything I’m being taught. While physio is a challenge, psychology is really hard as they’ve sussed me out pretty quick ......
I’m back up tomorrow and home on 20th. I’ll let you all know then what I’ve been up to, I reckon you’ll be stunned!
Jaquaia
07-09-19, 07:53 PM
Great to see you lovely!!!
It’s really good to hear your news Paula. I’ve missed you on here but this course is so important for you. I hope you are enjoying your time away from the hospital ?
It's fab to see you! You are AMAZING!
OldMike
08-09-19, 10:03 AM
Glad you popped in to update us after an intensive couple of weeks, recharge your batteries over the weekend and basically just chill. (panda)
Hi everyone! I’m home (party)(party). I’ve got a lot to catch up on and even more to tell you so I’ll have to do it bit by bit so please bear with me :)
Jaquaia
21-09-19, 11:28 AM
Yay!!!! You've been missed!!!!! Soooooooo proud of you!!!!
Welcome home gorgeous! We've missed you!
Strugglingmum
21-09-19, 12:06 PM
Welcome home lovely Paula. Missed you so much. Xx
Dear Paula it’s lovely to have you back. Has the course ended now ?
Awww thank you all, I’ll close this thread now and open a new one with all your questions answered ;)
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