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!