The Furry Monkey

06 december 05
locality group, guildford

I am on the Locality Group and this was a workshop to see what the patient needs and what the patient actually gets. It was a brilliant workshop and as a patient I was asked lots of questions, specially when it came to 'Patient Information'. I felt really useful and it showed what the NHS feels they do as a whole, both good and bad in their own eyes. Very eye opening - no pun intended.

08 december 05

Thank you dagmar and pat for a wonderful time!

11 december 05
guess what..... it's my special day!

Well it didn't quite turn out as I wished but it was good never the less. We went out to dinner and Auntie Rita came too which was nice. It was a real laugh and the waitress even delivered my pud with candles in it and singing Happy Birthday! I love that.

13 december 05
wendy - Registrar of dr cassoni, uch, london

Tuesday Tumour Group as I like to call it. Oncology Lymphoma Review Clinic I think they call it or something like that. The usual examination and a short chat. I was then sent for a blood test.

Normally this isn't a problem, but as the Middlesex is moving the side doors are shut and I have to walk all the way round the outside which is a LONG way. I brightened up a few people's day though with my highly decorated walking stick with tinsel and snowmen and baubles and bows. I like to feel part of the festive season!

***UPDATE***
A few days later I had a phone call from Wendy the registrar saying that the blood test was fine, nothing to worry about and have a happy christmas. Now what a lovely thing to do, putting my mind at ease. It is at the back of your mind when you have a blood test so that was a nice surprise. I've not had a call from a Doctor like that before and I told her it was much appreciated.

15 december 05
mr briggs, london

Do you know this is an odd hospital to me. It always seems old fashioned but really busy. It has some lovely old paintings on the wall done by the ancestor of someone who was in the original hospital when it was built, a grand daughter I think.

Mr Briggs didn't turn up whilst I was there and I had to see a registrar. At this hospital I have NEVER had a registrar who knew anything about me. You would think they could at least read the 'info sheet' to know what disease I had. I mentioned the problems with my arm and shoulder and all he said was 'I'll order you physio' - no checking of the arm or any examination of me before doing this. You'd think with my history they would at least have a look wouldn't you. I was NOT pleased with his idea of patient care I can tell you. I'm supposed to be seeing Mr B before the appointment I've been given so that should be alright and I can mention it then.

***UPDATE***
I didn't get the appointment to see Mr B before the physio appointment but I did mention it to the physiotherapist. There is no wonder some patients are injured through lack of proper care and attention is there.

16 december 05
the vets

Oh dear, poor Bertie. He's not well and has been to the vets again. It's cost me £300 in total but he's worth it. He looks so sad when he sees his box again as he knows where he is going. Bless...

23 december 05
the vets again....

Poor Bertie, back at the vets again. What we thought was a leg problem turns out to be a lot worse. His old colon problem is back again, although we have kept him going for eight years which is pretty good according to the vet. We have to make the decision now in that he needs an operation to remove his colon and it is going to cost...wait for it.....£800-£1000. On top of what we've already paid....yikes!!! We will have a think about it....

25 december 05
happy christmas everyone!

I've had a few christmas parties in between my last appointment and now and it's my time to rest. I miss my computer though and am hoping to get one in the sales.

29 december 05
the seaside, one of our christmas traditions....

Every year we go to the seaside after Christmas. It's a wonderful time to go as I love the winter weather....not quite right for strolling along the beach but as we can't do that it's not a problem....LOL!