It's not been the best week health wise to be honest. As I may have mentioned before the infamous rattle was back plus the acid.
I went back to the Doctor partly because of the cough. She felt another chest xray would be in order since it was 6 weeks since the last one. Whilst she felt it unlikely any acid that I swallowed back would cause a build up of fluid, she said that it was quite possible that when the acid came up through the night it could cause some fluid to spread to the lungs. I was given some more anti biotics which seem to have settled the cough down. I also went for the xray on Wednesday and the results from that should be available in 4 or 5 days time.
Sadly the acid attacks have continued though it's been okay the last two nights because I have been taking two Lamprazole instead of one.
Otherwise life is as busy as ever. My guest on Angel Radio was Andrew Campbell who heads up Hampshire and Isle of Wight Mediation a charity that tries to help separating and divorcing couples avoid the cost and emotional trauma of court in settling issues such as child custody. A very nice man he answered all questions directly and without using jargon.
As I look outside it's still raining but thankfully nothing like it was the other day. My next blog will be at the weekend when hopefully I'll about the chest xray.
Sunday, 14 November 2010
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
Days 529 to 537
The expression mixed is the one I am looking for as far as health matters are concerned. During last week I had two acid attacks in the night, one of which was particularly unpleasant. As I have indicated before, this in many ways is more depressing than when it happened say six months ago. To have several weeks where nothing takes place and then for it to rear its ugly head comes as something of a shock.
In trying to work this out, Ev and I have come up with one common denominator and that is eating late. Usually we eat between 6 and 7 but there have been some occasions when either through me feeling hungry at night or us getting back late when it's been 8.00 plus when we have had Dinner. Since then I have been having a meal by 7.00 and so far it seems to be working.
In the meantime I can report that my weight remains at 12 stone 12(180 pounds).
We spent the weekend at Christopher and Gillan's house in North Wales. It was Harry's Birthday on Sunday and Lucy will be 13 on November 17. On Saturday we had a nice meal featuring two of Lucy's favourites. One was roasted Gammon and the other chocolate fudge cake. Ev did the cooking honours and Lucy was genuinely grateful. Sunday saw us go to a nearby Ice Cream Farm where Harry and his pals enjoyed a Birthday play and tea.
Gillian's parents(Ian and Lorna) were also there. We all agreed it was a grand way to spend a weekend. Poor Harry when he got back from nursery on Monday night that there was nobody here as in all Grandparents had gone home.
On a more sober note on Monday we went to a funeral. It was the mother of avery good friend of both Andrea and Ev when we lived in Shropshire. The deceased was 91 and died after a short illness. It is at times like this that you count your own lucky stars.
When we got back to the Island the heavens opened and the ferocity of the rain was like something I haven't heard in a long time. The brook at the back of the house burst its banks but fortunately we were not flooded though several properties were in Ryde and roads were closed.
Finally you may remember in a previous blog I mentioned the campaign by the Island's MP to retain an Island only constituency. He failed in his attempt in the House of Commons and will be hoping the House of Lords may listen. It turns out many other parts of the country are not happy with the arrangements either. I remain of the view though that the basic principle of constituencies being of roughly equal size is a difficult one to argue against.
More next Sunday.
In trying to work this out, Ev and I have come up with one common denominator and that is eating late. Usually we eat between 6 and 7 but there have been some occasions when either through me feeling hungry at night or us getting back late when it's been 8.00 plus when we have had Dinner. Since then I have been having a meal by 7.00 and so far it seems to be working.
In the meantime I can report that my weight remains at 12 stone 12(180 pounds).
We spent the weekend at Christopher and Gillan's house in North Wales. It was Harry's Birthday on Sunday and Lucy will be 13 on November 17. On Saturday we had a nice meal featuring two of Lucy's favourites. One was roasted Gammon and the other chocolate fudge cake. Ev did the cooking honours and Lucy was genuinely grateful. Sunday saw us go to a nearby Ice Cream Farm where Harry and his pals enjoyed a Birthday play and tea.
Gillian's parents(Ian and Lorna) were also there. We all agreed it was a grand way to spend a weekend. Poor Harry when he got back from nursery on Monday night that there was nobody here as in all Grandparents had gone home.
On a more sober note on Monday we went to a funeral. It was the mother of avery good friend of both Andrea and Ev when we lived in Shropshire. The deceased was 91 and died after a short illness. It is at times like this that you count your own lucky stars.
When we got back to the Island the heavens opened and the ferocity of the rain was like something I haven't heard in a long time. The brook at the back of the house burst its banks but fortunately we were not flooded though several properties were in Ryde and roads were closed.
Finally you may remember in a previous blog I mentioned the campaign by the Island's MP to retain an Island only constituency. He failed in his attempt in the House of Commons and will be hoping the House of Lords may listen. It turns out many other parts of the country are not happy with the arrangements either. I remain of the view though that the basic principle of constituencies being of roughly equal size is a difficult one to argue against.
More next Sunday.
Sunday, 31 October 2010
Days 523 to 528
It's been another busy old week. Half Term saw us spending some time with Grand Children. Andrea also has been busy as a member of the Band in the South Wight Youth Theatre Production of Half a Sixpence. This was staged on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Ev and I went on Saturday Night and very good it was too. Much rubbish is written about young people. The sheer hard work everyone put in and the enjoyment were there for all to see.
The production proved to be a welcome distraction for me from above average coughing. We know this can't be caused by a chest infection as last Monday the good Doctor examined said chest and found nothing wrong. Nevertheless it does tend to follow when I have eaten anything. I wouldn't say I was worried. In truth it is more of an irritation. This week also I have had one acid attack in the night. Again as this is not the norm when it does happen I tend to get annoyed rather than anything else.
Looking at the week's news I do like the story about a bloke who flashed in front of a woman getting bitten by the Woman's Dog. Serves him right.
We are next weekend celebrating Harry and Lucy's Birthdays so all being well my next blog will be on Tuesday 9 November.
The production proved to be a welcome distraction for me from above average coughing. We know this can't be caused by a chest infection as last Monday the good Doctor examined said chest and found nothing wrong. Nevertheless it does tend to follow when I have eaten anything. I wouldn't say I was worried. In truth it is more of an irritation. This week also I have had one acid attack in the night. Again as this is not the norm when it does happen I tend to get annoyed rather than anything else.
Looking at the week's news I do like the story about a bloke who flashed in front of a woman getting bitten by the Woman's Dog. Serves him right.
We are next weekend celebrating Harry and Lucy's Birthdays so all being well my next blog will be on Tuesday 9 November.
Monday, 25 October 2010
Days 515 to 522
I thought today going to be a no no when we got to the Hospital only to discover that Dr. Pattinson(the Oncologist) was off sick. However subsequent events showed juts how wrong I can be sometimes.
We were ushered in to see a Consultant from the Chemo Unit and very pleasant she was too. There was good news all round. My latest blood test showed Kidneys, Liver, Pancreas etc. all in excellent working order. My weight is fine. The Consultant kindly showed me the actual results of the chest x ray I had done last month. It said that symptoms shown were consistent with a chest infection as the GP thought. I have another appointment in January but I was assured that if I had any concerns to ring the Secretary so that an earlier appointment could be arranged.
I came out with a feeling almost of euphoria. It's a reminder yet again of how lucky I have been. The sun is shining, it's a little on the cool side(7 degrees)but all is well. Once again Ev was there during the appointment to offer support and prompt me when I had forgotten something.
This last week has been busy as always. My guest on Angel Radio was local business woman Lyn Blackledge who has lead a remarkable life. Her get up and go spirit left me lost in admiration. Wearing one of my other hats on another Radio Station I had to sum up the Coalition Announced Cuts. I like to think I did this in an unbiased way. In one way it was quite easy as I don't think anyone will know how successful or otherwise the review will be for a couple of years or so.
Thus we start another week. I intend posting my next entry on Sunday.
We were ushered in to see a Consultant from the Chemo Unit and very pleasant she was too. There was good news all round. My latest blood test showed Kidneys, Liver, Pancreas etc. all in excellent working order. My weight is fine. The Consultant kindly showed me the actual results of the chest x ray I had done last month. It said that symptoms shown were consistent with a chest infection as the GP thought. I have another appointment in January but I was assured that if I had any concerns to ring the Secretary so that an earlier appointment could be arranged.
I came out with a feeling almost of euphoria. It's a reminder yet again of how lucky I have been. The sun is shining, it's a little on the cool side(7 degrees)but all is well. Once again Ev was there during the appointment to offer support and prompt me when I had forgotten something.
This last week has been busy as always. My guest on Angel Radio was local business woman Lyn Blackledge who has lead a remarkable life. Her get up and go spirit left me lost in admiration. Wearing one of my other hats on another Radio Station I had to sum up the Coalition Announced Cuts. I like to think I did this in an unbiased way. In one way it was quite easy as I don't think anyone will know how successful or otherwise the review will be for a couple of years or so.
Thus we start another week. I intend posting my next entry on Sunday.
Sunday, 17 October 2010
Days 514 to 521
Definitely a much better week. Apart from an irritating neck muscle I have been able to get about this week. I have lost one pound over the last week. However for Tea last night Ev made me a Baked Potato with Tuna Mayo topped with grated cheese and some salad. Even six months ago I would have struggled to finish it but I was able to look at an empty plate. Things are looking up.
I read this week of two people whose lives were claimed by Cancer. One is Clare Rayner(Agony Aunt) and the other is Simon Mccorkindale who was only 58. It kind of reminded me how lucky I have been.
Otherwise it's been a busy old week. I did four Radio Shows for three different stations. For Angel I interviewed a representative of the Help for Heroes Charity and marvelled at the amount of money they are raising. I was also grateful to Ian Campbell who has worked with the Chilean Navy and knows that Country well. He was able to give some useful insights into Chile and the importance of its mining. Who said a community station can't do topical stories?
I read this week of two people whose lives were claimed by Cancer. One is Clare Rayner(Agony Aunt) and the other is Simon Mccorkindale who was only 58. It kind of reminded me how lucky I have been.
Otherwise it's been a busy old week. I did four Radio Shows for three different stations. For Angel I interviewed a representative of the Help for Heroes Charity and marvelled at the amount of money they are raising. I was also grateful to Ian Campbell who has worked with the Chilean Navy and knows that Country well. He was able to give some useful insights into Chile and the importance of its mining. Who said a community station can't do topical stories?
Saturday, 9 October 2010
Days 508 to 513
The chest xray results are in and I am delighted to say no problems have been found. The antibiotics seem to have done the trick in that the coughing has for the most part stopped. My voice is still not 100% but it is loads better than before.
As far as my back is concerned,the magic of the Chiropractor has worked. I feel a lot freer in terms of my movement. Yesterday I walked the mile or so to Ryde Bus Station something I couldn't have imagined me doing this time last week.
My weight is remaining steady at 13 stone.
In short I feel better. My next appointment with the Oncologist is on 25 October so hopefully the improvement will continue.
No news to report on the MP reorganisation plan except that some people are asking why when public sector workers are threatened with redundancy the Island is in effect getting a second MP.
As far as my back is concerned,the magic of the Chiropractor has worked. I feel a lot freer in terms of my movement. Yesterday I walked the mile or so to Ryde Bus Station something I couldn't have imagined me doing this time last week.
My weight is remaining steady at 13 stone.
In short I feel better. My next appointment with the Oncologist is on 25 October so hopefully the improvement will continue.
No news to report on the MP reorganisation plan except that some people are asking why when public sector workers are threatened with redundancy the Island is in effect getting a second MP.
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Days 502 to 507
It's been a very eventful few days.
I decided as it was my Birthday last Wednesday not to spend in Hospital having an xray. We went to the Island Garlic Farm and had a nice Lunch. It was nothing fancy but the waiting staff were very pleasant and had a good knowledge of what the meals actually contained. It was nice to get lots of texts and facebook messages from amongst others Jack and Lucy and a lovely card from Harry. Emily and Adam helped me blow out the candles. When I went to bed all was well with the world.
In the middle of the night I woke up in agony with horrible back pain. It was one of those it only hurts when you move type of things. I managed to get an appointment with a very good Chiropractor. She reckons all that coughing has meant that the pelvis has become twisted. She did all kinds of unspeakable things and promised it would work. Bless her some 3 days on things are much better. I am due to go and see her again on Friday.
In the meantime broadcasting was not an option so Thursday's show got cancelled and I only felt strong enough to go for the xray on Friday Afternoon. Fortunately there was no queue. The results will be with the GP by next Friday but I don't feel unduly concerned even though I still have a cough. It's much less of a problem. My weight continues to stabilise at around 13 stone and I am eating better.
I shall post again when xray results are known.
I decided as it was my Birthday last Wednesday not to spend in Hospital having an xray. We went to the Island Garlic Farm and had a nice Lunch. It was nothing fancy but the waiting staff were very pleasant and had a good knowledge of what the meals actually contained. It was nice to get lots of texts and facebook messages from amongst others Jack and Lucy and a lovely card from Harry. Emily and Adam helped me blow out the candles. When I went to bed all was well with the world.
In the middle of the night I woke up in agony with horrible back pain. It was one of those it only hurts when you move type of things. I managed to get an appointment with a very good Chiropractor. She reckons all that coughing has meant that the pelvis has become twisted. She did all kinds of unspeakable things and promised it would work. Bless her some 3 days on things are much better. I am due to go and see her again on Friday.
In the meantime broadcasting was not an option so Thursday's show got cancelled and I only felt strong enough to go for the xray on Friday Afternoon. Fortunately there was no queue. The results will be with the GP by next Friday but I don't feel unduly concerned even though I still have a cough. It's much less of a problem. My weight continues to stabilise at around 13 stone and I am eating better.
I shall post again when xray results are known.
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