Health update

Just a brief update, as I'm going in Hospital tomorrow (8th). I am having a Panendoscopy (screening for Throat Cancer). We have to be there for 7.00am, and I will be put to sleep... If all goes well, I should be home in the Day, but have to rest for 24hrs afterwards. So Allan will stay with me, although he only lives around 15mins away.



I have had this condition for a long time, and a sore throat for over 4yrs. We are hoping for a better diagnosis, and hopefully rule IT out. I do attend two Hospitals on a regular basis, also Diabetic Clinic every 4 months. With Cicatricial Pemphigoid. the Cictaricial part of it is the 'scarring' in the eyes. Outwardly I look quite 'normal', but do have some days which are not quite so good.



Thank you for your recent comments and concerns, and I will update again soon.

A worrying time

Hello! I've tried to write an entry so many times this year, but trying to put down words has been difficult......



My last entry was 'miserable', on my way to having my two front teeth removed because of an Abscess. I received 'comments' and emails wishing me well, I was very frightened, but the Surgery went well, and I continued with Medical appointments, attending two Hospitals, one for Eyes, and also the Oral Maxillofacial every 4 months. I also have to visit my own Dentist every 3 months. As I've tried to explain before, My condition is a compromised Immune System, this along with Diabetes, takes it's toll. Outwardly, no one is the wiser, but I get very tired, and quite uncomfortable a lot of the time.



Allan was made Reduntant at the end of 2009, after 23yrs with the same Company, that is a Story in itself! However, although it helps me with appointment etc. and more time together, it has knocked him for six. He is on a course today, so that is my 'excuse' for doing some practical things, and thought also of bringing things up to date.



I attended the usual Clinic for my mouth in April, it was a new to me Dr, and after examining my throat. she said 'your throat shouldn't bleed like that'......also a tender lump in my Neck at one side. She called for another opinion, and they called for another opinion, then they huddled together in conversation. I was told I had to attend next morning at 9.00am to see a Consultant Surgeon. As Allan isn't working, he could again take me, and it is a good hour journey. while Allan was parking the Car, I was called in -on my own. The first words uttered were 'The People upstairs think your Pemphigoid may have turned to Cancer' after that most things he said just went over my head. He examined my throat, and said he wanted me to come in to Hospital, for a Biopsy, and I would be put to sleep. Meanwhile, by this time Allan had joined me, and we were sent for Ultrasound scan, Chest Xray,Head and Neck Xray, Blood etc.....



Now, comes the better 'option' when I was called back in ,after the Ultrasound scan. they had found an Abscess under an end tooth on the right hand side.....this is where the supposed 'lump' is, and felt if that is causing the lymph node to swell, hence further infection to my throat etc. So the tooth has to come out, and they would write to my Dentist, as I requested my own Dentist.....taking 3/4days, but I'm still having a Panendoscopy at the Hospital......think an overnight stay. not sure, but dreading it!





I rang my Dentist 3 times to see if they had heard anything, after 4 weeks of waiting I rang the Clinic, and spoke to the Consultants Secretary, after holding on, they found a letter had been written on the 30th April, but not signed or sent out! It was decided there and then, to Fax it to my Dr and Dentist, and I was asked if I would like a copy, I asked if they could also Fax to me, and I have a two page letter about myself, here by my side as I type. saying this 'Lady' has a history of many months/years of a sore throat. .....just over 4yrs actually. I was a Telephonist all my working life, so speech has always been very important in my life......





Change of subject, isn't it cold? we have a lovely sunny day, and the washing is drying, but I have the Central Heating on.

We should have gone to Kent on Holiday on the 8th May, but have cancelled, and booked the same cottage for September, hoping for better days.

It's Allan's Birthday on Friday, and he says we are having a 'Day off' and going to Buxton for the Day. There is a place we like to go for an Italian meal, and the chef is Italian, so the Lasagne is great. I struggle with eating sometimes,but will give it a damn good try.



I don't Pray, but always ASK whoever is in charge, to look out for me, and of course others in need.



Must go and get showered etc now, as I have a Drs appointment at 4.00pm, so will say 'Bye for now, and hope for better news soon.

Not a lot of people know that!

Well, where to start. I'm not around so much these days, and only rarely comment. I joined AOL Journals on 18th November 2005....(so would have been 4yrs) However I fell down a flight of stairs at home on the 25th, one week later, my house is on three levels. Struggled with so many things at that time. Have had Diabetes since 2001, and fellow sufferers will know the problems. Started with a sore throat in January 2006,ulcers in the mouth, nosebleeds (one lasting 7hrs and was admitted to Hospital),repeated Conjunctivitis, and ulcers in the Vulva. It took until September 2007, and an Eye operation, to diagnose the 'problem' Cicatricial Pemphigoid (the cicatrical part of it is in the eyes.) It is a rare condition....1 in 1.million. You don't die from it, but can from the complications. I visit 2 hospitals on a regular basis, and treated with tablets that are given to transplant patients. It is my own Immune System that is the problem. As we all transferred to Blogger, I hoped I may hear from someone with the condition. It has been an eventful 4yrs, and I've coped with Allan's help. Outwardly, most of the time I look reasonable, but somedays it takes it's toll. I have a problem in my mouth at the moment, a lump started on my Gum above a front tooth, my own Dentist gave me Antibiotics, saw the Dental hospital in January, was given another course of the same Antibiotics for 7 days, no change, now had two Xrays, and they are removing my two Front teeth on Wednesday 10th February.They will be placed on a Bridge, and placed immediately... no one will be aware, but I will, and absolutely dreading it! If the lump remains they are going to do a Biopsy at a later date.the teeth aren't bad, it is because of bone loss.



Allan was made Redundant at Christmas, and we have had that to cope with, but he doesn't complain much. I'm Retired anyhow, but I wouldn't be able to hold a job down, as you never know what the Day will bring.






If anyone is still reading, I never felt quite at Home with Journals, and less so with Blogger. but have made one or two Friends.

I'm not good at 'baring all',and can't write about everything that happens in my life, too much going on, and not all bad, but tonight I felt I needed to explain somethings...don't even know

why.

Something happened on AOL Journals, that threw me, and made me not want to participate., hence the long gap between posts, along with the ill health.....Someone, who wil be nameless,(American) wrote to me out of the blue, always commented, emailed, and even wrote me a Poem, found her a bit 'wacky' at times. Never mentioned Journaling in her own right........then found ,purely by accident, that she had kept a Journal for around 4 months. I'm sorry but that made me feel 'insecure' about 'cyberfriends'. she had quite a few followers, and came across as a really nice person, but she failed miserably in my eyes, or is it just me?

*Shows how rusty I am....The Signature should be at the botttom!
Aileen...X

A New Year

Have meant to 'update' for sometime, but 2009 has not been a good year......

The final blow came, as Allan was made Redundant from his job, on the 23rd December, as they broke up for the Christmas Holidays. He is due to finish on 29th January, unless there is a 'turn around'

I still battle with my Immune System disorder, I attend two hospitals on a regular basis, Opthalmology, and Maxillofacial, also have 3 monthly checks at my own Dentist. This along with my Diabetes, takes it's toll. Outwardly I look fine most days....and people remark 'how well I'm doing' but as it is such a rare condition (1 in 1 million) I'm the unlucky one I had hoped through blogger I would 'meet' others with the same condition. Read recently that long term stress could be a factor.

Had both the Flu and Swine Flu jabs just before Christmas, but had to cancel 8th December Hospital appointment because of being unwell. Now go on January 12th.






Allan and I will have been together 22yrs in March, but live seperately, which suits us, only a ten minute drive. Saying that he has been here over Christmas, but went home last night. I'm Home alone today, as we were meant to have a Turkey dinner tonight,cooked by Allan ( we have 3 to use) with his Parents, but that has been called off because of the steady fall of Snow for most of the Day. It is pre arranged for Tomorrow, now becoming Sunday Lunch. But we have just spoken on the 'Phone, and it may not happen, because of the Roads. So we have around 10 pounds of Turkey to eat between us .Our snow had almost cleared on the Roads and Footpaths, but still remaining on the Country Roads. His Parents came here Christmas Eve, as they do each year, but Allan had to fetch them, and take them home because of the Icy conditions.


We managed a walk in the Park on Christmas Day, and had our meal in the evening, as we often do....just us. We only met four other people in the Park, it was so bitterley cold, and the Ducks and Geese were struggling to find food, but they ask you not to feed them Bread, as they live on Grass, algea etc ......





















HAPPY NEW YEAR...... a little late

Where did January go?

Well, thought it time i put in appearance!



In my last Entry, I tried to update, and explain my absence.

Sad to say, things didn't improve

I almost 'missed' Christmas and New Year....after speaking to my Surgery several times, and my medication changed four times. Was asked to attend Hospital on the 5th January. I was found to have an infection of the Skin. The cream I was given worked, but left me feeling very tired and weak. Sleep had been almost impossible. I have cancelled 5 medical appointments since the middle of November. Thought things were almost back on track, and I have six appointments during February. I'm due to see the Eye Consultant on the 3rd, and again will not be able to make it.......as I have been unwell for the last week, continual headaches, nausea etc. A rash had developed on the top of my Breast, and down the side, and a patch almost under my Arm. I went online trying to 'diagnose' myself. The Internet is a brilliant tool, but you can frighten yourself to death.... which I did. Allan took me to the Walk In Centre at the Hospital yesterday as they opened. Now it appears I have 'Shingles'. I explained my health condition to the male Dr, and as usual he had never heard of it (CICATRICIAL PEMPHIGOID). He did say he would have some reading up to do. I have explained this before, but for any new readers. My IMMUNE SYSTEM doesn't work, and my Body 'attacks itself'. I'm given Immunsuppresents, which results in being prone to any Infections around. I don't think you 'catch' Shingles. Just a result of being very run down etc.



Anyhow, I'm feeling pretty miserable this morning, and waiting for the 5 a day tablets to 'kick in'.



Most days I look fine outwardly, just very uncomfortable, and the Rash is out of sight.


I thought i would make an 'Entry' as Allan has gone walking in Derbyshire in the early hours. He was hoping to find some Snow. Actually, it has just started here with a few flakes.

He's' offered to take me to Waitrose later (my favourite Food Shop) but I think I'm staying put for today...But we will have our evening meal together, and he's offered to cook, but we usually do it together.

We did go over to my Friend Tracey a couple of weeks ago, and she is so much better now. She is waiting to decide whether she wants Breast reconstruction, after her Mastectomy last Summer. She lives just beyond Holmfirth, I'm sure many of you are fans of 'Last of the Summer Wine'..although we seem to be losing the Characters, and most recently Kathy Staff.


We usually call at 'Compo's' on the way back, wonderful Fish and chips!

















Also you may remember the Lady who does my Feet had Lung Cancer. Sad to say, although she has never let me down....they have now told her it is terminal. She comes here every six weeks, and has been coming for 10 yrs now. she has booked me in again for March, I regard her as a Friend, and would hope they have got it wrong. She never complains, or talks about her problems, unless I ask...which of course I do.


Must go now, and have some lunch....hope to 'speak' to you all soon.


Speaking of lunch, came across this Butchers shop in Rothbury on our last holiday in the Autum

Apparently Charles and Camilla had been there!





'Bye for now



Aileen...X

It's that time ....again

Well! as we reach the end of another year, thought I should explain my absence, and try to update. My Journal has been very neglected,not that things don't happen ~just haven't had the inclination to write them down. I do visit some of you from time to time, and sometimes even comment!





















I dread the dark nights, and the winter chills, and I think it gets to us all at times. I used to love Christmas, and would really get into celebrating after my Birthday on the 14th....but as some of you will remember, my Son Michael was killed in a Car accident on the 10th December, it is now 10yrs, but as the date comes around again.....forgive me, but I love this Picture,and some of you will have seen it before on my previous Journal.


I try to keep up for Allan's sake. and he loves the Christmas Holiday....and a couple of weeks off work. But this year I haven't enjoyed much of it. My health hasn't improved, and as there isn't a cure for 'Pemphigoid',in brief my Immune System doesn't work I have some dark days,It is uncomfortable, but outwardly I look fine.Being on so much medication...along with the Diabetes, there are obviously 'side effects'.I've had a 'tingling/itching feeling all over my body for a few weeks now...just thought it would go away.Sleep is very limited, and we all the know the effects of that. Anyhow, I had to phone my Surgery on the morning of Christmas Eve, and Allan picked up a Prescription, was told to contact them if no improvement.I've been so uncomfortable, and I think that is one reason I couldn't get into the Celebrations.I waited until the Surgery opened yesterday, and they saw me straight away.I've now been given Antihistamines, and a Blood test, and may have to attend Hospital.Some of my main medictaion can affect the Liver, and that apparently can cause the 'itch'...I have Blood tests every 4 weeks,because of some of my Medication. I was due for my HAb1c (Diabetic), but that is on hold until mid January.






















It's not all doom and gloom though (lol) Allan bought a new Car that we both can drive. I've been learning on and off for some time. He even bought me my own Fiesta Ghia,( pictured here)to encourage me, and I was quite near to Test, but because of my health, gave up for a time, had passed my Theory, which has now expired (2yrs) and I have to sit that again also. We were running two cars,and Allan's Renault Laguna was expensive to run, and I didn't like driving it. So we now run the one Car.I want to sort out my Health problems, then try to gain my independence...driving. I'm hoping to get back with an Instructor....soon!



We had a Holiday in October, and went to Northumberland...the Cottage was owned by a Lord and Lady... no less, and was quite wonderful. A lovely large kitchen with an Aga, which I'd never used one before. Daren't even try to post any pictures,or I may lose this altogether,maybe another entry.


I hadn't done any Knitting for about 15yrs, and some of you may remember,baby James Edward was born in June...six weeks premature. I knitted a Baby Jacket, and it turned out quite well! He's quite grown now, at six months., and here he is! Not bad for a premature Baby (lol) Oh! and I bought him the Teddy (Baby's 1st Christmas)















































Oh! Yes and I bought myself a new SOFA in November, and it fits in great with my small Cottage suite...



Almost forgot the main reason I came online tonight!...... To wish everyone a 'Happy and Prosperous New Year'



Aileen...X

Just saying Hello!

I've tried to write an Entry, but have been thrown offline 4 times now.....so I'm giving in.

I haven't been too well for the last two weeks, but have tried to catch up with some of you. I will update, when I have a little more time...and patience.

I think 'Blogger' has a lot more options...BUT, I have to get used to them. Some great looking blogs out there.

I'm quitting while I'm ahead...before this disappears!