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What are you up to today if you have a Chronic Illness. Thread 11 🧵Last of the Summer

529 replies

MewithME · 21/08/2026 18:20

Link to last one https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5556429-what-are-you-up-to-today-if-you-have-a-chronic-illness-10-summer-edition

Thank you for being here, friends old and new and sharing our gentle chat, trials and tribulations.

You know the rules though...let's be good and fill up the last one 😊

What are you up to today if you have a chronic illness 🧵10! Summer Edition 🌞 | Mumsnet

Getting ready..,. But you know the score.... Let's be good and fill thread 9 up first 😁 Link [[https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5542135-what-are-...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/_chat/5556429-what-are-you-up-to-today-if-you-have-a-chronic-illness-10-summer-edition

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12
TeaAndStrumpets · 27/08/2026 22:34

martha79 · 27/08/2026 20:14

Well done @danglethedingle, chicken curry sounds good.

It gradually got rainier here until it was torrential, then calmed down again.

I've spent the evening doing an art therapy workshop on the theme of 'home' - sewing a house 'amulet' while thinking about what home means etc. I am not someone who sews, unless I need to fix a button, and my fingers hurt now, but I did really enjoy it. Here's my little house creation!

That looks like a satisfying project. Hand sewing is so relaxing.

I've got a lovely book about historic quilts. People's lives are recorded by the salvaged fabric they used, every one unique.

CoffeeBeansGalore · 27/08/2026 23:49

@martha79 looks good!

@danglethedingle a nice easy "curry" you may like to try.
For 2 people.
Slice & dice 2 chicken breasts, season & fry off. Add 300ml double cream & 5 tablespoons mango chutney. (I use Geetas)
Bring up to a simmer then turn down the heat & let it "gloop" for approx 8 mins.
Serve with rice.

TodayIsabetterone · 28/08/2026 08:29

Morning,
Had to contact surgery again yesterday as the new pain meds I started Monday were causing such severe drowsiness, that I feel like I’ve slept this week away and felt dreadfully ‘zonked’ whilst I was awake. GP got back to me quickly at least and told me to stop taking them and has sent a different prescription to try over the weekend.

Pain isn’t great today as I’ve had to wait til the first med was out of my system before trying the new one but I feel more alert again and can at least string a sentence together today. Started on half a tablet with the new meds this morning to check I can tolerate it so hopefully I won’t react in the same way 🤞 I’m awake so that’s a bonus!

Well done on your sewing project @martha79 👏 great to find something you enjoy.

Enjoy your visit with your mum @MewithME

Today’s weather report, still sunny! Rain forecast for several days but not seen much yet.

MewithME · 28/08/2026 08:38

@TodayIsabetterone I was like that on amitriptyline. I couldn't get past the side effects and stopped it. Hope the new one works for you.

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TodayIsabetterone · 28/08/2026 09:45

Yes my mum only has half an amitriptyline tablet and it has the same effect!
This was tramadol. I was trying to persevere as knew side effects should ease off and I’m desperate for pain relief but I just knew I couldn’t carry on. Also felt sick, got hot flashes and severe sweating as well as muddling up my words which is always scary post stroke but it was obviously meds. I’m just relieved GP got back to me quickly. I think this new one ( cant pronounce the name!) will be the 6 th different painkiller I’ve tried since April. 😕 so fingers crossed 🤞

martha79 · 28/08/2026 09:52

Hope the new meds are better @TodayIsabetterone

I did enjoy the sewing, once I got over my need to be perfectionist about it... I'll probably do some other workshops with them and I've been looking at kits to do Japanese style embroidery, might give that a go.

Started today with a bit of gentle yoga and going for my massage later.

TeaAndStrumpets · 28/08/2026 12:19

Hope the meds help @TodayIsabetterone

Glad you are enjoying the sewing projects @martha79 I love embroidered and knitted stuff but have zero talent!

I've had a lot of different painful tight muscles this week, literally top to toe, and have had a morning of hypochondria. I've diagnosed myself with some alarming conditions. Then I read some sensible advice from someone who'd been through similar, and her advice was just relax and let everything calm down. I know it's too much adrenaline, been here before many times! I can only ever see it in hindsight.

Oioiqueen · 28/08/2026 14:24

@TodayIsabetterone sounds quite scary those pain meds. I think I had tramadol post surgery the once, I didnt remember much.

@MewithME amitriptyline was my GPs medication of choice for my initial cancer nerve pain. DH said within an hour of taking it I was incoherent and would fall asleep, I was only on 20mg. It was horrible weaning off it though, I had really horrid vivid dreams for a few weeks.

TodayIsabetterone · 28/08/2026 15:00

Thanks all, tbh I feel better just for the tramadol being out of my system today, New med is only twice a day and I cut the first one in half as I’m being cautious and will build slowly.

I’ve just made it out of the house with DH to the dog park. Took a cuppa and sat on a bench wirh my trusty cushion and heat bag 😂 while dippy dog sniffed and ran around in peace with no other dogs but was lovely to get off the sofa/ bed for a while.

I lack any artistic talent but a therapist years ago introduced me to drawing mandalas as a mindfulness activity which is something even my lack of skills can do! You basically draw a circle and start from the centre point making marks/,patterns and then work outwards. DD and I used to paint them on big pebbles when she was younger which was fun. Just a good way to be creative even if you can’t draw/ paint like me, I must give it another go once I can use this arm a bit more.

I find google both a blessing and a curse with health conditions @TeaAndStrumpets I think sometimes it’s helpful for information but sometimes it can be misleading especially when you have multiple issues going on and symptoms overlap. I then get anxious and make symptoms worse! At least you’ve recognised that’s what you’re doing though. I did this a lot after my stroke and DH had to actually tell me to stop googling!! 🙄

That’s good advice re relaxation. Hope all the tightness settles soon. Do you think there’s some PEM still from the osteopath?

martha79 · 28/08/2026 15:16

Dog park sounds nice @TodayIsabetterone

I did an online doodling class a while back, that was good - I have no talent when it comes to arty or craft things. I think I could learn if I put the time in/ had the patience, I'm a great believer that we can all improve at these things if we put practice in (I was a music teacher, I have to believe that 🤣). But it's nice when you can let go of the idea of having to be 'good' and just create something.

Just back from my massage - we did about ten minutes of deep oscillation buzzy machine thingy, that felt nice, and ten minutes of normal massage around my shoulders. I feel less fuzzy and weird than last time I went for a massage so hoping there's not too much fatigue fall-out. In bed watching some cosy crime thing that I'm paying very little attention to, and pondering getting takeaway delivered later.

TeaAndStrumpets · 28/08/2026 16:18

Fingers crossed for the new meds!

I just had a long sleep so hope that helps a bit although I've got the full body jerks which happen when I'm really drained. There's been a lot going on recently and I'm definitely in Stop the World I want to get off mode. DH does all the physical stuff, cooking cleaning etc, and now he's packing too. I feel bad seeing him limping around but he claims he's not in pain.

I try to do my bit by researching all the things we need to choose well in advance so it's not a panic buy later on! Loads of decisions on lighting etc. It's not easy, I take my hat off to people who do this for a living!

TeaAndStrumpets · 28/08/2026 16:25

@martha79 I've found a lady up the road who has fabulous reviews for massage. Indian head massage, full body, the works. I am seriously considering trying it.

martha79 · 29/08/2026 10:28

Sounds worth a try @TeaAndStrumpets! I'm glad I only did half an hour yesterday as it's been ages since I had one and I wasn't sure how my body would react. My head feels a bit wobbly, I reckon it's been so used to the neck muscles being really tight 🤣

Quiet day today, woke up very early and it's a very grey day, and I don't have anything I need to be doing. Ocado shop sorted for tomorrow. I didn't get takeaway last night but might need to today as there's quite an odd assortment of food left now!

Discovered last night that two of the four flats in my block are up for rent - I knew about one but it seems the arguing neighbours upstairs are also moving out (I've not actually seen or heard her at all since the night of the arguing). I hope we get nice new people.

JewelleryCat · 29/08/2026 11:17

@martha79 I’m not sure how long you’ve used Ocado or if you use them regularly but they have something called Smart Pass so if you want to pay for it, you can get free delivery, smart pass sale, early Christmas slots and other things I can’t remember right now

danglethedingle · 29/08/2026 16:11

Oh fingers crossed for nice neighbours @martha79. That would be lovely. I am sending positive thoughts.

Feeling a bit odd today, not unwell as such, well not more than has become normal, but distinctly odd. Its hard to describe, its even hard to pinpoint if its physical or mental.

DH suggested fish and chips for tea, I mean yeah lovely darling, but is this a cure all for oddness? I'm prepared to try, for purely scientific reasons of course.

TeaAndStrumpets · 29/08/2026 17:01

danglethedingle · 29/08/2026 16:11

Oh fingers crossed for nice neighbours @martha79. That would be lovely. I am sending positive thoughts.

Feeling a bit odd today, not unwell as such, well not more than has become normal, but distinctly odd. Its hard to describe, its even hard to pinpoint if its physical or mental.

DH suggested fish and chips for tea, I mean yeah lovely darling, but is this a cure all for oddness? I'm prepared to try, for purely scientific reasons of course.

Well I instantly thought of Victorian ladies who carried a little vinaigrette case containing smelling salts or aromatic vinegar to revive them. Maybe you should use plenty of salt and vinegar for the same effect? Worth a try 😂

martha79 · 29/08/2026 17:42

JewelleryCat · 29/08/2026 11:17

@martha79 I’m not sure how long you’ve used Ocado or if you use them regularly but they have something called Smart Pass so if you want to pay for it, you can get free delivery, smart pass sale, early Christmas slots and other things I can’t remember right now

Only regularly since I moved here, but it seems to be settling in to be once a fortnight so that could be worth it. Thank you!

@danglethedingle I reckon fish and chips can help with all sorts.

@TeaAndStrumpets on bad days I'm known to sniff Vicks and Tiger Balm, I think there's something in reviving smells!

I had an all-day breakfast delivered from the Morrisons cafe 😄 And a slice of carrot cake. Settling down to watch Professor T now.

TeaAndStrumpets · 29/08/2026 17:49

martha79 · 29/08/2026 17:42

Only regularly since I moved here, but it seems to be settling in to be once a fortnight so that could be worth it. Thank you!

@danglethedingle I reckon fish and chips can help with all sorts.

@TeaAndStrumpets on bad days I'm known to sniff Vicks and Tiger Balm, I think there's something in reviving smells!

I had an all-day breakfast delivered from the Morrisons cafe 😄 And a slice of carrot cake. Settling down to watch Professor T now.

Ooh I keep forgetting. Is it once a week or all episodes on ITVX?

Funnily enough we've been watching Armstrong and Miller episodes as we missed them at the time. This is what comes of not watching heaps of TV: there's always something to catch up on! Mitchell and Webb next week 😃

JewelleryCat · 29/08/2026 17:53

@martha79 this link gives all the details https://www.ocado.com/content/smart-pass

MewithME · 29/08/2026 18:27

martha79 · 29/08/2026 17:42

Only regularly since I moved here, but it seems to be settling in to be once a fortnight so that could be worth it. Thank you!

@danglethedingle I reckon fish and chips can help with all sorts.

@TeaAndStrumpets on bad days I'm known to sniff Vicks and Tiger Balm, I think there's something in reviving smells!

I had an all-day breakfast delivered from the Morrisons cafe 😄 And a slice of carrot cake. Settling down to watch Professor T now.

Blooming eck @martha79 you know how to live 😁

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MewithME · 29/08/2026 18:33

I got back from Mum's today. Feeling happy/sad. It's very hard driving away now she's getting on a bit and Dad isn't with us anymore. I wish I could split myself in two. I should be back home for Mum's sake and here for my son's sake.

Anyway, it was a good drive back and I did rest lots at Mum's though we did manage a pub lunch yesterday which was good. I really wanted to get her out and about. She seems so sad. Grief is a hard, hard thing. Anyway, I feel I can go back to work now. Would not have felt ok about it without seeing her.

@TeaAndStrumpets you never fail to make me smile. I'd love to know what you career is/was. You're v clever/witty. ❤️

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TeaAndStrumpets · 29/08/2026 18:55

MewithME · 29/08/2026 18:33

I got back from Mum's today. Feeling happy/sad. It's very hard driving away now she's getting on a bit and Dad isn't with us anymore. I wish I could split myself in two. I should be back home for Mum's sake and here for my son's sake.

Anyway, it was a good drive back and I did rest lots at Mum's though we did manage a pub lunch yesterday which was good. I really wanted to get her out and about. She seems so sad. Grief is a hard, hard thing. Anyway, I feel I can go back to work now. Would not have felt ok about it without seeing her.

@TeaAndStrumpets you never fail to make me smile. I'd love to know what you career is/was. You're v clever/witty. ❤️

🙄

MewithME · 29/08/2026 19:04

Oh no @TeaAndStrumpets . Did I say the wrong thing? Meant good wishes, I assure you.

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Oioiqueen · 29/08/2026 19:06

@MewithME glad the drive back went OK. When I lived three hours away from my family I found it really hard driving away and they aren't older yet. I think it's a perfectly normal reaction, I imagine it feels harder and harder each time though?

MewithME · 29/08/2026 19:12

Yes, it does. Thanks @Oioiqueen . She gets so upset. It's so hard.

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