A change of plan

I went to Addenbrookes today, to see the allergy clinic about being desensitised to aspirin. I had a huge allergic reaction to a Beechams' Powder in December 2009, which ended up with me in the resus of our local A&E, being injected with steriods, antihistimine and adrenalin (and being sick into the oxygen mask, but let's not dwell). I have Samter's Triad, which consists of asthma, aspirin allergy and nasal polyps. The nasal polyps have the biggest impact on my day to day life and I have had two operations to remove them (2004 & 2008) and was booked for another one later this month.

I didn't know this before I went, but due to the cross-over between ENT and allergies, the two departments run a joint clinic, which I have now been referred to. I have a clanking bag of drugs to take, plus a scary looking nasal rinse and I might qualify for a drug trial they're starting in a couple of months. We have agreed to transfer my ENT care to Addenbrookes and so my eventual polyp op will be done there, as well as the desensitisation.

One cheering thing was that my lung function was 130% of what would be expected for someone of my age and height. :-) I also had skin prick tests for common allergens and didn't react to anyone of them, not even the house dust mite, which I have tested positive for in the past. When I told Tiff this, he said "You must have desensitised yourself to it"....cheeky!

Birthday boys

Tiff's birthday being over, we are now in the run up to Dan's....and then Luke's....and then Jack's, on Bonfire Night. Here are my 'andsomes, on Tiff's birthday.

Happy Birthday, Tiff

The SSOH is 39 today, just one year left in his thirties. I have, er, loads more than that. He's at work, as ever, but hopes to be home in time to see the boys before bed time. I asked him if he wanted a special birthday tea and he requested a takeaway from Pizza Hut. :-)

Anyway, in honour of the day, here he is, doing what he does best (I'll leave you to decide exactly what I mean by that).

Skirtember

I am taking part in a FB challenge called Skirtember, which is pretty self explanatory, to wear a skirt or dress every day in September. I have heard of Frocktober and Dressember, but this is the first time I have wanted to play. Why? Well, it stops me wearing the same exhausted pair of denim cropped trousers every day. It's making me re evaluate my wardrobe. And it's making me laugh for a couple of reasons. Firstly, I'm tracking the change from summer to autumn in the outfits I wear each day, because I take a photo and post it to the FB group. Secondly, I cannot take a self portrait to save my life. I tried cleaning the mirror today, but it didn't help. See here

Summer (Sept 4th)



and autumn (today)



An interesting way of thinking about what you wear and why. :-)

Wedding bells

SIL is tying the knot in September and excitement is mounting. Back in the dim and distant past, SIL was out with me as I tried on 'the dress' (well, the one I could afford to get copied by our local seamstress, I was less fussy about ethics back then).

I have been entrusted with the task of buying four matching shirts from Monsoon, three for my boys and one for our nephew on the Tiffin side. We'll be fine, as long as Jack doesn't grow too much, being the oldest, he could possibly size out of his top between now and then and he is in the largest size Monsoon do. I might keep my eyes open for something similar just in case.

Sports day tomorrow. Please don't rain! :-)

Gratitude

I have been composing a very grumpy, whining blog post in my head all morning, but having hopped round a couple of my favourite blogs, I have decided to try and turn my frown upside-down instead. (Oh dear, that phrase is no better in writing than it outloud. Oh well.)

In no particular order, things I am grateful for

1) My best friend took 4 days off work and travelled a very long way by train to come and keep me company while Tiff and Jack were at Beaver camp this weekend. It was fantastic to see her and catch up, even if she is a dreadful influence.
2) It's my birthday tomorrow and I am having lunch with my Mum and sister.
3) Although it involved embarking on a mad and complicated diet, I am very excited to have another avenue to explore to reduce my nasal polyps and aspirin allergy.
4) It's nearly half term and we are off on holiday with some friends.
5) It looks increasingly as though the SSOH will still be in work this autumn, even though he is still on notice of redundancy for now.
6) Although I thought Harold Camping was misled at best, he did give me a little opening to talk to some people about what I believe.
7) Dan didn't wake up in the night last night and is having a good sleep now.

Actually, I think it's working. :-)

He's back!

Somewhat belatedly, but nonetheless delightedly, I am pleased to tell you that Tigger is back!

Last seen 14th Feb, home again on April 28th. It turns out he was three roads round, skulking in a very kind lady's garden. She had been feeding him and winning his trust until she could stuff him a carrier and take him to the vets. The vet scanned him and thanks to his microchip, was able to put us in touch.

He is going back to Mum's shortly though. Dan LOVES him, maybe a bit too much and his life is spent fleeing from a short person shouting "Igger!".