| lesley153
|
Thank you everyone - and yes, it really is good to have him here.
I think the antibiotics are aimed at potential chest infections rather than at the flu. At least, that's the theory. For my GP, I sometimes wonder if "have these amoxycillin" has taken over from "take two aspirin and call me in the morning if it's not better."
I've also got Tamiflu antiviral capsules. My GP didn't say anything about that. When we got home, Jonathan googled the NHS Direct flu pages, which included a swine flu check list. If you tick enough boxes, go to one of the pharmacies on the list, provide your ID and the patient's ID, swan off with prescription-only medicine! Amazing!
He also got upset when I said I'd forgotten to take any of my pills the previous day, and started lecturing me on why it's so important to keep the meds up... but I explained that it wasn't calculated; it was just I forgot as I'd only had an hour and a half's sleep. Cue the steely jaw, glazed expression, fingers in his ears and very loud LaLaLa-ing whenever I mention sleep, lack of.
This morning it took me about five hours to get some sleep, and I slept again for a couple of hours in the early afternoon. Jonathan was wide awake by then, and said it was less proper sleep, more a prolonged fight to breathe. He says I've always done it, but years ago he thought it was normal. He filmed me sleeping. Do I want to see the film? No thank you!
Then he went off a-googling again, and found that I can have a home sleep study for about £250 (ouch), or a simpler piece of equipment which will measure and compare blood gases and heart rate, and that's £80 - and he ordered one. I could wait for my GP to commission a sleep study on the NHS but I could be a long time waiting. He wants to work through all the -ologists first, and I haven't done three yet.
I'm delighted that Jonathan thought of it: disappointed with myself for not thinking of it: most of all, wondering why on earth my GP has never responded to my complaints of insomnia by suggesting a sleep study. Watching his expenditure, probably - perhaps sleep studies go on his tab and -ologists go on the hospital's - and scared of his own shadow. We shall see what the post brings.
Thank you all for your good wishes and support. I hope I'm the only heap round here, and that you are all well and enjoying a cosy time eating, enjoying loved ones, and doing whatever makes you feel good.
(((((()))))) |
Reply #201. Dec 25 09, 11:13 AM
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satguru 
|
That makes sense now, but hadn't heard of antibiotics as preventatives before. Good thing Jonathon's a medical man as he knows exactly what to look for. I've fixed my own insomnia a few times over the years, although admittedly the last attempt did involve tranquilisers, but am now working on producing similar results without them. I know they don't work well for everyone but always did for me. But as I and the doctor don't want me to rely on them they must become a last resort.
There are a few common causes of insomnia and the commonest is just racing thoughts which can be beaten by watching them rather than joining in, and writing down anything important for tomorrow. But hopefully the tests will reveal something and offer a solution. My problem is far more related to waking up though and I don't plan on changing that...
Reply #202. Dec 25 09, 7:09 PM
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guitargoddess
|
Ohhh "a prolonged fight to breathe" sounds like apnea to me... pretty common in people who have asthma. Though as far as I'm aware, a fitful, nonrestful sleep is common with apnea, not altogether insomnia. Still, that sleep study could really help figure things out!
Reply #203. Dec 25 09, 9:45 PM
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| lesley153
|
"My son is not a medical student but he plays one when people aren't well..."
I'm not sure the antibiotics were prophylactic this time - he actually got his stethoscope out and listened to my breathing, for the first time in I can't remember how long - possibly, but not that long in advance, the way I was feeling.
No, it's not thoughts racing usually. I can switch off. And I don't want to use tranquillisers either. I saw a GP years ago when I had backache, and she prescribed them for me, except she called them a muscle relaxant. I spent the next few days in a fog; couldn't cope properly with fairly simple routine tasks. I was permanently surrounded by colleagues with puzzled expressions. I came off them quickly. Decided I'd rather be in pain than dopey.
Yes, I reckon the sleep study is the way to go. Just need to pin my GP down and make him listen - or replace him. |
Reply #204. Dec 27 09, 8:32 AM
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MarchHare007
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A sleep study sounds like a good idea Lesley, can't hurt you and might help - and replacing the GP!
Nothing like a New Year's Resolution! :D
I'm sure you must be feeling a lot better under Nurse Jonathon's care. :)
Reply #205. Dec 27 09, 11:25 PM
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bionic4ever
|
How are you feeling, Lesley? Update, please...?
Reply #206. Jan 01 10, 8:21 PM
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| lesley153
|
Oooh - tired and slow, but functioning!
Yesterday morning and the morning before, a car called next door (the shouty smelly cigarette-smoke and rancid barbecue chav side), parked in their drive with headlamps blaring and engine running, at five o'clock in the *morning* and hooted. The first time, it woke me up, and I suspected but wasn't sure it was them. The second time, I was still awake, and I saw the car, so I know it's them.
The police agreed that it was in breach of the Highway Code, and it was also "anti-social behaviour" which made it illegal. What can I do if it happens again? Phone them.
This morning I was too angry to go to bed before 5am. This isn't helpful when you're stuck for sleep at the best of times... but, by the time I did get to bed, I don't remember my head touching the pillow. And the car didn't materialise either. Perhaps the driver saw me fling the curtains open and stand there watching him, and is now scared to come back. (In my dreams.)
Nurse Jonathan was brilliant! He made all the meals and drinks for the first three or four days, but now I can do it, although I'm really enjoying getting a cup of tea in bed in the morning.
The bad news is he's going back on Sunday because he has to be back at work on Monday. He went off for the day to meet his girlfriend when she came to Milton Keynes (ugh), and to the wilds of Berkshire to celebrate New Year's Eve with her family, and came back the next day. He's also seen a local friend a couple of times. This is a really short holiday but I've still seen more of him than when he had never-ending student holidays and a girlfriend up the road.
Thank you, Beth - I promise to come back here more often! |
Reply #207. Jan 01 10, 9:34 PM
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MarchHare007
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Functioning is good Lesley.
I hope you're feeling less tired and more rested soon. :)
Reply #208. Jan 03 10, 6:31 PM
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| lesley153
|
Functioning is lovely! When he first got here, I was floppy and he looked after me, and went out and bought what he called a Flu Kit - things like cough mixture and paracetamols. Today he told me I'd frightened him. Sorry, Jonathan.
I took him to the station at 8.40 this evening and he was home in about an hour. I've hardly seen him most of this year, not even in the summer, because his job started more or less as soon as term ended, but he was talking about coming back soon. He doesn't need to but it'll be nice if he does. I think what'll be really nice is him popping home and me not being ill!
I hope you lot have all had a good time over Christmas, and are all feeling well - and as rested as you can be! |
Reply #209. Jan 03 10, 7:34 PM
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Professer
|
While i did enjoy my time away, i did miss my FTpals especially Lesley. The weather i can do without is not the cold as such is the snow and ice makes walking difficult for me.
we are now into 2010 by 5 days and it seems just the same as 2009 was so far.
I am pleased Jonathon is looking after you Lesley juyst wished i had someone other then family closer to help me, but thats life as they say.
Reply #210. Jan 05 10, 1:59 PM
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| lesley153
|
Good to see you back, Gary. (((((())))))
I have one neighbour in particular who got me to hospital 13 years ago and a few months ago. She's got my front door key too which us useful. And just as well, because my nearest family are Jonathan and my brother 50-odd miles away, and my nearest in-law is in Norwich. I think family gets it, though!
Silly question - when it's slippery out, can you not just curl up and stay indoors in the warm? |
Reply #211. Jan 05 10, 3:43 PM
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Professer
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I could Lesley and maybe should, would be better to have someone to curl up with.
But i feel the need for fresh air at least once a day thats why i am going out. Is good you have people that are helping you .
Reply #212. Jan 07 10, 1:47 PM
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| lesley153
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| Nice idea, Gary. Two are always warmer than one. ;) |
Reply #213. Jan 07 10, 4:41 PM
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Deunan
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Hey, Lesley.
Where are you? Your blog is waiting....
Reply #214. Jan 20 10, 2:22 PM
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| lesley153
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| Here I am! and I was writing in it while you were writing here. Are we psychic, or telepathic? :) |
Reply #215. Jan 20 10, 2:44 PM
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Professer
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Am so glad your here Lesley been worried about you
Reply #216. Jan 21 10, 12:50 AM
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bubbatom1
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Good luck with your postings Lesley.
From: Lesley
Reply #217. Jan 22 10, 6:29 AM
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| lesley153
|
Thank you both. :)
I'm worried about me now - I thought I'd replied but I hadn't. Poor brain!
My computer went on the blink - literally - on the 15th. All it did was flash furiously. I knew it was doing all the things it was supposed to, but I couldn't see past the flashing.
I asked Satguru to tell people I was still alive, just monitorless, and he started a new thread, for which I am grateful.
I was all for keeping it simple and getting a new monitor, but my son tried (briefly) to persuade me to scrap the desktop and get a laptop instead. He said that new laptops are more powerful and versatile than old PCs, and I would be able to carry it with me everywhere, and do all sorts of things that would never occur to me and I'm not sure I'd want to if they did. Things like demonstrating recipes to him, or watching DVDs in the kitchen, or taking it to bed with me.
After a few days, he was talking me through it over the phone, to assure himself that it really was the monitor, and not the video cards, or the blink fairy, and it stopped flashing for the rest of the day. I made the most of it, catching up with as many unanswered emails as I could. It would have been more sensible to search online for good monitors, because the next morning it was dead.
But I found one in a catalogue, the clever son pronounced it good value, and off I went to buy it. I now have a nice shiny new monitor, and am a little poorer, but not as poorer as I would be if I'd bought a laptop. And profoundly relieved that I can start getting back to normal. |
Reply #218. Jan 24 10, 2:29 PM
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MarchHare007
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Your brain is fine Lesley.
You Did answer - via Satguru's thread! :)
Nice to see you back to normal - that flashing monitor was Extremely distracting! ;)
Reply #219. Jan 24 10, 5:06 PM
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satguru
|
Glad it's all sorted out- I've got a digital clock radio coming this week for my birthday so will have more technology to take for granted after a week cluttering up my house. You have stored up a lot of stories since you went off (I know this directly for those reading) so hope to see a fair documentary forming in the next couple of weeks. And when I hit a block I happily drift into nostalgia as there were no blogs in the 60s or 70s when most of my best stories seem to have happened.
Reply #220. Jan 24 10, 6:34 PM
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