So ...

The MRI doesn't show anything terrible and I've had a series of x-rays now to give more information. However, I've been referred to a surgeon now, so the assumption is that I'm going to have a spinal decompression (essentially, they chisel bits off one of my vertebrae to make more space for the nerves. Doesn't that all sound like fun?

Except ...

Been waiting a while to get MRI results and discuss treatment strategy - meanwhile living on addictive painkillers.

Hospital appointment was this morning & Ali had taken the day off to go with me.

08:12 hrs - hospital rings to cancel - we'll be in touch to rearrrange. More waiting, more pain, more drugs, more depression ...

So now I'm an addict?

Though trying not to whinge too much, I'm getting quite concerned about the painkillers I'm taking -- the possibility of liver damage is one thing, but the addiction is another -- as is the lack of clear thinking. Till only another couple of weeks before I get to the next stage ...

It's so wearing

I've always known (intellectually, at least) that it isn't about the INTENSITY of pain, it's about it not going away: persistence, in other words.

I guess I'm really fortunate that this is my first experience of this, but - frankly - I've really had enough of this.

I've never (I think) been one to whinge about my health (ill or otherwise), but I'm not sure how much more of this I can take, plus the issue that the painkillers I'm takings are seriously addictive.

I badly need a break ...

So it continues

Some of you will know that I've been experiencing a problem with sciatica for a while now - been down the painkiller route (not very effective for neuropathic pain) some of which have resulted in a couple of weeks missing from my memory (!). Now waiting for the results of an MRI (first attempt resulting in a major hysterical meltdown on my part).

I'd just like the pain to stop.

But still ...

It's nice to have friends!

Next attempt should be at 14:00 today, hopefully doped to the eyeballs!

Hmmn

As one gets older, it becomes a bit les unusual for physical problems to manifest - by when you brain tricks you?

It turns out there's still things I want to say ...

One of my colleagues passed away yesterday (I hate that phrase, but folks seem to get upset when you say 'died').

It was a shock. He was only 49 and it's not what you expect.

So, no more discussions by the lifts and no more disagreements about what will happen to the economic recovery.

I hope you knew that your family and many of your friends were with you.

So ...

I think I'm done with blogging ...

Wheee!

Off to Nova Scotia on Friday!

Busy, busy ...

It's a busy time of year at Universities; lots of marking for the end of the academic year and all the 2nd marking, moderation and exam boards that this entails. Plus the many problems that students have at this point in their lives.

Add to this the fact that I'm external examiner for 2 other universities and that one of them keeps getting me to drive to London (about 2 hours each way) for a 1-hour meeting. I did it this week and will do it again next.

Add Internet problems with a credit card provider, new computer in the house (not mine), a cat that's completely insane and a trip to the doctor for a medication check - so he decides that he'll do blood tests (again) for type II diabetes (didn't have it the last twice, still don't). What joy!

EXAM SATURDAY

It's exam season at Uni again. The lovely Examinations Office like to demonstrate their power by scheduling exams at inconvenient (for staff & students) times.

So I've just sat through 1½ hours being 'Senior Invigilator' (i.e. the one that gets the balme if anything goes wrong) of mind-numbing boredom, punctuated by occasional requests to take a student to the toilet.

Even better, I'm no longer allowed to take the exam scripts home with me so I can use some of the remainder of my ruined weekend to start marking--- oh no, that would be 'insecure', so I have to wait for a porter to collect the papers from me in the exam room and then I can collect them sometime after 10:00 on Monday!

This is a really busy time of year for lecturers, but don't worry, the Exams Office is aware of our tight deadlines ...

Suddenly it's May

I'm really not sure what happened to April and half of May -- just been really busy, I guess.

So, this is just a really brief update to let those few of you that read the blog know that:

• The car continues to be fine and using 'Greased Lightning' fuel additive has made a difference of about +3 mpg and what feels like a lot more power. Need to get the brakes done, but that's the way of things.
• Ali retires in about 5 weeks!
• Kat the cat continues happy, healthy and a little mad -- still has no interest in going outside and still frightened of doorbells and strangers.
• Work is full of marking (and having to invigilate an exam next Saturday afternoon for God's sake!).
• Off on holiday to Nova Scotia and PEI in about 6 weeks.
• Saw Paul Downes recently: this guy is, clearly, one of the best guitarists ever - I'm hugely disappointed that I hadn't seen him before. I've been playing acoustic guitar for 40+ years (one day I hope to be good at it), so I know enough to see that this bloke's just fantastic; and SO (apparently) relaxed.
• I've got a new camera, known as a 'digital bridge', it seems. Lots to learn

That's it for now, pictures soon.

UPDATE

• The car seems to be fine -- it's travelled a few hundred miles with me now and is a joy to drive (I loved the SmartCar, but you had to drive it all the time - no chance to relax. Also a bit noisy and underpowered).
• The sun is shining again!
• I have new job: Director of Quality Assurance and Enhancement. (still a lecturer, too).
• Kat the cat seems to be settled and happy - even though she doesn't like other people very much.
• Did I mention that the sun is shining?

THE ASQUITH

Three of us went to The Asquith last night. This is a restaurant owned by Michelin Starred Glyn Purnell (it's the location where he won his first star, but has been through a couple of changes since then).

It was quiet - VERY quiet as we were the only party in the restaurant. Service was exemplary and the wine good.

Much of the food was good, too: starter of ballotine of quail with a poached egg-yolk and chorizo & sweetcorn salad was superb, so were the braised pork Kromeski. Mains were a bit disappointing: Alison's venison was good, but ordinary: my Cornish lamb was far from great, certainly, it would have been much better to french-trim the cutlet (and to cook it for a few more seconds, I think); sweetbreads were fine, if a little over-cooked but the 'confit belly' needs re-thinking - not a great idea. Jus was a bit salty, too.

Those who had desserts thought they were great and the cheese plate was fine - if uninspired.

The Car

Well, it all seems to be fixed! Running well and beautiful gear changes -- still amazed that Toyota were willing to pay for the gearbox/ecu.

Just need some snow to try out the AWD now!

The Car (yet again)

Well, it's back - and it seems to be fine. The new gearbox is doing what it's supposed to (as far as I can tell) and -so far - there haven't been any random gear changes, etc.

The Toyota dealer says the repairs cost £2500!

Watch this space ..

The Car (again)

Well, it got more interesting. The Toyota dealership finally acknowledged that the Rav4 has the ECU/Gearbox problem that affects part of the 4.2 series.

On Wednesday, they rang to explain the problem to me (Ha!) and to say that they were waiting to see if Toyota would pay for the repair!

To my amazement, they rand again on Thursday to say that Toyota had agreed to replace the ECU and gearbox, but that it would take a few days. I'm really quite astounded and my confidence in Toyota is restored.

Of course, many a slip ...

Ummm ....!

It's back at the dealership again! They've sworn to fix it properly this time, but I'm getting my lawyer primed to go ....  shame, it's a great car to drive and intimidates almost everyone ...

If it doesn't get fixed - this is where I'll be starting my campaign against a particular Toyota dealership.....

DON'T GET MAD: GET EVEN!

The Car's back ...

All fixed (or so they say) -- we'll see. Nice to have a big vehicle again -- get my own back on all those people who tried to dominate the Smart.

The 'New' Car

So, I bout a used car. So far, I've had it for rather less than 2 hours!

Here it is being taken back to the dealer!

Kat

We have a new cat (her name is Kat).

She's about 2 years old and was found abandoned with her 2 kittens (they've also been adopted).

Pictures follow.

Christmas day

Says it all, really ...