An Appointment at the Hospital and Other Things

 I had a lazy morning here and then got ready to go to the hospital.

I saw my Consultant's Assistant and all went pretty well. So far the Hydroxychloroquine has not affected my system.  It is used to protect the main organs from the body, as many of the conditions I have can potentially cause organ failure.  As I have been on the drug for about 15 years.  The yearly appointment is really to track progress.  She has dropped one of the Hydroxychloroquine tablets because of me  having been on the medication for such a long period of time.  She was going to drop it completely, but I urged on the sign of caution saying something is better than nothing and she has agreed to this.  Must say had a very good conversation with her and she has put my mind at ease about a few things, which has been very helpful.  I have been given contact details in case of future difficulties and been told not to hesitate in contacting the Consultant's secretary if there is a problem. At least I have the luxury of direct access with the Department in case of any future issues/difficulties. I am therefore feeling very blessed that my issues are not causing as much stress compared to others who visit the Department and that they are not causing too many problems at the moment.  I am one of the ones who are managing to keep tabs on the condition, especially bearing in mind family history. There is progression with the Arthritis and RA, but that happens as you get older in any event.  I have also lost a little bit of weight since last being seen as well so a very positive appointment from my perspective. There were no results on the eye test and so she is going to chase that up in any event.  I therefore between the Rheumatology Department at the City Hospital and my GP being monitored and checked on regularly.  Of course I was sent to see the Vampires again for regular blood checks.  My veins are temperamental at the best of times and often the medic can get the needles in but they are not very giving on the blood element.  Fortunately the medic did not have to go into my other arm although it was touch and go at one point.

It has been a beautiful day here weather wise and it makes me feel so good to be alive.  I am feeling much more with it than I was earlier in the week.  I have aches and pains but that is natural when you have pushed yourself that bit further than you should have done.  So today has been fairly low key again.  

I have been to the shop and picked up a few things on the food front.  The Dehydrator is coming out tonight and I have a few things to dry in there. I am still building up my supplies on the Herb front.  I also have apples, lemons, and mushrooms to dry.  I also have some Lemon and Honey ferments to start off and some Lemon Cordial and Lemon Sugar. There are a whole load of other preserves to make as well and those will be made during the next few days.

I am waiting for a book to arrive that I ordered in February.  It should be with me on 14 August, which is only a few days away.  It is the Holly Capelle called Preserving the Seasons. Holly uses a lot of flowers in her preserving and uses other standard methods as well. The link is here for those of you interested: 

Preserving the Seasons  

I am very much looking forward to receiving this book.  Another one for my huge Library of books.  A bit more selective these days only occasionally buying new books and preferring more often than not in buying a second hand copy further down the line.

We were supposed to have homemade Hunter's Chicken for tea tonight but the Chicken breasts did not defrost in time.  Therefore tea tomorrow is Hunter's Chicken.

We have therefore had a Chinese for tea tonight.  I had sweet and sour chicken with house special fried rice and G had some of this plus some pancake rolls which he is quite fond of.  Gone down very nicely.

I am nicely tired today and will do a bit of watering up and then come and sit and do some more crochet work.  I intend to have another couple of easier days and then start again next week.

I do intend to go into the garden tomorrow though.

Have a lovely evening folks.

Take care wherever you are.

Pattypan

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