Three months after submitting my Incapacity Form to the DWP, suggesting that a home visit would be more appropriate than visiting the ‘locked box’ waiting room in York for a medical, I received a phone call this afternoon from Medical Services. Within a few minutes the smoky tarry contents of my nicotine sticks were being consumed at an excessive rate! Their intention is to arrange an appointment in York’s claustrophobic box for February 9th.
However, if I can get my GP to write a few lines, to say that a home visit would be more suitable, that appointment will be over-ridden. Already, the palpitations are at hand as my pulse races and a general feeling of nausea overwhelms me.
My thoughts race too; what a bloody fool I was, futilely struggling to remain at work until the end of 2003 despite ailing health. Had I yielded sooner then, perhaps, my health would not have plummeted to such uncomfortable depths. I curse, once more, the day that the Protestant Work Ethic was infused into my soul.
After the best ten days or so, I have experienced (within my limitations) health-wise, for the past eighteen months, it is almost as if I feel a pall descending to cover and devour this progress.
- living and frequently struggling with moderate M.E. -
where (bad) health, faith, politics and the joys and troubles of daily life collide.
ME
Wednesday, January 18, 2006
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
Reporting for duty
Having ventured out for an early morning meeting at the Health Centre, I feel just about ready for my second snooze of the day. At least I now have the sense of achievement attached to having kept that appointment! The meeting proved much more satisfactory than I had anticipated.
At lunchtime the casserole, prepared on Saturday, made a welcome return to the oven and the dining table. The extra ‘standing day’ seems to enhance the flavour of an already enticing dish.
Post lunch, I retired to a cosily supporting fireside chair, legs elevated on an appropriate support stool whilst I listened, half attentively, to an excellent afternoon play on Radio 4. The ‘half’ attention was due to my state of exhaustion rather than the drama’s calibre.
In retrospect, I’m quite surprised just how (reasonably) alert I had been during the morning’s meeting. Despite the shockingly early (by my standards) start to the day, I still find it easy to say “I rejoice and am glad in this day the Lord has made”.
At lunchtime the casserole, prepared on Saturday, made a welcome return to the oven and the dining table. The extra ‘standing day’ seems to enhance the flavour of an already enticing dish.
Post lunch, I retired to a cosily supporting fireside chair, legs elevated on an appropriate support stool whilst I listened, half attentively, to an excellent afternoon play on Radio 4. The ‘half’ attention was due to my state of exhaustion rather than the drama’s calibre.
In retrospect, I’m quite surprised just how (reasonably) alert I had been during the morning’s meeting. Despite the shockingly early (by my standards) start to the day, I still find it easy to say “I rejoice and am glad in this day the Lord has made”.
Monday, January 16, 2006
Dr Gillian McKeith - dubious nutrition advice by Gillian McKeith - "You Are What You Eat"
When my wife watched the first TV series by this personality, I coined the pet name "the anorexic witch" for this "Dr". This page grants her the appropriate degree of respect that my affection for her demands! Highly entertaining and a tad worrying.
Dr Gillian McKeith - dubious nutrition advice by Gillian McKeith - "You Are What You Eat"
Dr Gillian McKeith - dubious nutrition advice by Gillian McKeith - "You Are What You Eat"
... and early afternoon
My beloved has returned, from her visit to Sheila (her retired vicar friend) on the outskirts of York and, has indeed restored the brightness to my day! I welcome her flying visit home, although she will soon be venturing out again for a lunchtime appointment, with members of her German conversation group, at the local ‘Brewers Fayre’.
Ma belle amoureuse smiles and, all is right with the world!
Ma belle amoureuse smiles and, all is right with the world!
New every morning ...
As I look out at the world, through bleary half-gummed eyes, the dull and drear drizzly scene doesn’t exactly proffer joie de vivre; never mind, the day is still young and, when my beloved returns from her morning’s outing I will have all the brightness I need.
Twelve and a half hours of sleep, from which must be subtracted the night-sweat disruptions, has left me feeling quite drowsy; a bruised sensation around the ribs has the habit of reminding me that I am indeed awake and, in this knowledge, I move on towards my goal … whatever that may be!
Twelve and a half hours of sleep, from which must be subtracted the night-sweat disruptions, has left me feeling quite drowsy; a bruised sensation around the ribs has the habit of reminding me that I am indeed awake and, in this knowledge, I move on towards my goal … whatever that may be!
Sunday, January 15, 2006
A Good Day
I entered the day with aching limbs and, an (all too familiar) inability to concentrate. As per the norm, Helen readied herself for morning worship .. of God not me .. whilst I remained au lit for some necessary rest. Emerged from the duvet lair at 11.20am and, as the day progressed, was pleased to discover that yesterday's activity had none of the severe repercussions about which I am always a little apprehensive.
By mid-afternoon I felt ready to take a brief brisk walk, a shorter route than yesterday as my knees and leg muscles were giving me a few warning shots. After this, I still had suffient energy left to take a shower so, that's a bonus!
This evening, my beloved and I have settled down to watch "A Child of Our Time" (BBC1) and, energy reserves permitting, hope to watch "Foyle's War" (ITV1). As accompaniment to the TV habit, the contents of a bottle of 'Lindemans Bin 95, Sauvignon Blanc, 2003' are being consumed "for the stomach's sake".
All in all, an enjoyable leisurely day!
By mid-afternoon I felt ready to take a brief brisk walk, a shorter route than yesterday as my knees and leg muscles were giving me a few warning shots. After this, I still had suffient energy left to take a shower so, that's a bonus!
This evening, my beloved and I have settled down to watch "A Child of Our Time" (BBC1) and, energy reserves permitting, hope to watch "Foyle's War" (ITV1). As accompaniment to the TV habit, the contents of a bottle of 'Lindemans Bin 95, Sauvignon Blanc, 2003' are being consumed "for the stomach's sake".
All in all, an enjoyable leisurely day!
Saturday, January 14, 2006
An Active Day
After a slow emergence into day, quite leisurely until the ‘phone rang about 11.00am forcing me from my early morning stupor, I’ve managed to excel myself in terms of energy expenditure. Don’t get me wrong, excelling my normal levels is far from earning me an entry in the ‘Guinness Book of Records’. I actually feel quite proud of my achievement and, I’m trusting that I won’t have too heavy a toll to pay.
My beloved, before dashing off to a Coffee Morning, brought me a wonderful ‘breakfast in bed’ (bacon, black pudding and egg … takes some beating) and, whilst I was basking in the afterglow the disruptive ‘phone call came. The call was actually quite welcome, our surrogate son calling from his Midlands home, and he did apologize for getting me out of bed! The next few hours are lost to my memory; I probably did a bit of web browsing, which would be par for the course.
By about 3.30pm, suggested to ma belle that it might be nice to go out for a little walk and, this we duly did. On this occasion, the walk was of the moderately brisk, (slightly extended) brief variety. It did us good to notice how the afternoons are lengthening although, admittedly, on more overcast days the change is much less perceptible.
On our return home, I noticed that the net covering the pond had started to sag a bit so, the next minor task was to re-stretch it a little. That task done, it was time to clean out a blocked drain at the side of the house; by that task was done my halo really began to shine. Ten minutes after the completion of this task, decided to make a start on preparations for Sunday lunch and, as usual, this burst of ‘creativity’ proved most rewarding!
Tomorrow, Cathy joins us for lunch and, I know she relishes the prospect of devouring my latest creation.
This is the day the Lord has made and, I rejoice and am glad in it!
My beloved, before dashing off to a Coffee Morning, brought me a wonderful ‘breakfast in bed’ (bacon, black pudding and egg … takes some beating) and, whilst I was basking in the afterglow the disruptive ‘phone call came. The call was actually quite welcome, our surrogate son calling from his Midlands home, and he did apologize for getting me out of bed! The next few hours are lost to my memory; I probably did a bit of web browsing, which would be par for the course.
By about 3.30pm, suggested to ma belle that it might be nice to go out for a little walk and, this we duly did. On this occasion, the walk was of the moderately brisk, (slightly extended) brief variety. It did us good to notice how the afternoons are lengthening although, admittedly, on more overcast days the change is much less perceptible.
On our return home, I noticed that the net covering the pond had started to sag a bit so, the next minor task was to re-stretch it a little. That task done, it was time to clean out a blocked drain at the side of the house; by that task was done my halo really began to shine. Ten minutes after the completion of this task, decided to make a start on preparations for Sunday lunch and, as usual, this burst of ‘creativity’ proved most rewarding!
Tomorrow, Cathy joins us for lunch and, I know she relishes the prospect of devouring my latest creation.
This is the day the Lord has made and, I rejoice and am glad in it!
Friday, January 13, 2006
Tips for getting to sleep faster & sleeping better
I hope to get around to reading this when I'm sufficiently wide-awake! Looks interesting.
Tips for getting to sleep faster & sleeping better
Tips for getting to sleep faster & sleeping better
AlterNet: Predictions of an Economic Hit Man
Just been reading this short article: a few minutes read but much food for thought.
AlterNet: Predictions of an Economic Hit Man
The author John Perkins website is well worth a visit too!
AlterNet: Predictions of an Economic Hit Man
The author John Perkins website is well worth a visit too!
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