Sept '07... I'm forever blowing raspberries and my cheeks ache from smiling so much....

[PurpleLostPrincess]

Here we go! (or should I say here wii go!?). I'll try doing a link too...

Incidentally, I had a dream last night that Cerys suddenly learnt how to blow proper raspberries! Don't know where it came from but it could be that she has been trying since she was about 4 weeks old and did it entirely by accident yesterday!

PLP xxx

soory got distracted by a screaming bub before i could post - ignore.
Has thwe gp put your mind at rest?

Hi Hopey, yes do ring your doctor. It's probably a harmless reaction to your cold but do get some reassurance. Have a good feel and I bet you find one or two around your neck, jawline or armpit. I once got a 'lump' in my groin and it was caused by an in-growing hair that got a bit infected, so I know the worry these things cause. Also ds1 had an enlarged lymph gland in his groin at age 2.5. It didn't go away and he started getting them around his neck/armpit too. In the end they finally tested him for glandular fever, which came back positive. But that is usually fairly harmless too.

God I'm so slow at typing today!

Morning all

Well I am off to see the HV again with Ben today and get him referred to see a dermatologist, his skin is no better no matter how much stuff I put on him he is dry again after a few hours. He is red and flaky all over and it is really bothering him now. I have changed wash powder to ecover and stopped using fabric softener and it has done nothing, so it MUST be the milk, even though HV says not. I am going to try him back on Aptamil, I have a feeling he got worse when I put him on Cow and Gate and now he is 4mths old he probably doesn't need the comfort, easily digestible stuff. I am also going to ask about using soya milk, it is worth a try at this stage because it just breaks my heart to see him like this

kinki - Glad you are now sorted, I can't believe you had that in your lung this whole time and no-one believed you At least now you can start to get yourself better xx

Hopey - I hope your doctor has put your mind at rest

Hi all

Yes, I do feel much better and reassured by my doctor. Like you kinki I guess, it's very scary when there are any similarities to your Mum, ie with you the bronchoscopy, with me it's anything to do with cancer. My Mum was only 34 when she had breast cancer, fortunately she survived, but she had a mastectomy. So young. My diet starts tomorrow and I'm going to go all organic and eat lots of anti oxidants too, make sure I do the very best to look after myself.

MrsFish, poor Sam, I saw the pics you posted on your other thread, it does look sore. I hope the dermatologist is able to shed some light.

Kinki - wow! Did you get to keep the screw or is the hospital holding onto it?

oops. sorry MrsFish, I meant Ben

Arbensmum, no, no problems with waterworks. This really is a rotten cold I have, keep getting sneezing fits and then those horrible moments when you feel like sneezing then it won't come!

OMG this RAIN!!

Maybe slow at typing but at least I can walk fast now without getting out of breath. My legs ache today because I did so much walking yesterday - jsut because I could. I even jogged back from pre-school. That has been totally unheard of the in the last year.

The shock of it all is hitting me now. Dh and I keep thinking of what could have happened and lots of other little things. Like the number of times he's said to me in the last year that I look a bit blue around the lips. We've often wondered what was the cause of Liam being born early. Probably something to do with my oxygen levels being low. The distress he was in just before he was born was very concerning (due to tight cord round neck and no amniotic fluid to lubricate it) and now we can't help but think what might have happened. But it didn't, so really we are . Then I think of all the drugs I've had while I was pregnant - has any of that caused him long term damage. Then there's the reactions to the drugs I've experienced - that most horrendous D&V with the strong ab's and the mood altering steroids. I've got an ultrasound next week to check for gallstones because I've had 2x episodes of jaundice. But most probably there's no gallstones, but a bit of liver damage and/or pancrititis caused by the acid reducing tablets I have had to take (because of taking steroids). All this has been so unnecessary if only A&E listened to me when I initially went in there on the day I inhaled it (or the 3 subsequent times in the next few weeks). The more I think about it the more I am bitter and angry. I've wasted a year of my life, and my life and that of my baby has been at risk because A&E failed in their duty of care of me. Problem is, this is the same A&E I effectively work for. (Oh, there's another one, what about my loss of earnings when I have been too ill to work?) I work for xray, but my actual work is reporting/diagnosing a&e xrays. How bloody ironic is that?

Sorry offloading, its helping me get my head around it. The good news is my dc are liking having their old mum back. Ds1 thinks its fab, ds2 doesn't remember me ever running before - he found it hilarious and ds3 will enjoy going for long walks now. And I've had constant rosy cheeks and more colour in me than anyone can remember.

This morning I have been catching up on everyone's vids and pics. They are absolutely fabulous. All of them. One thing that made me smile was all the big brothers doting on their little siblings - plp's and hopey's boys and I know what my ds1 is like too. They probably act all 'ard with their mates, but they are all big soft marshmallows with the babies. Isn't that gorgeous? They'll probably all make lovely daddies themselves one day.

kinki, what a lovely thought, you're right, our boys will probably make lovely Daddies themselves- how sweet.

It really does begger belief all that you've been through as a direct result of the negligence of the A&E department. Legally you have got a case for loss of earnings I would think. If you want I can give you the number of the solicitors we're using for DH, they have someone there who specifically deals with medical negligence. I do understand what you are saying about feeling loyal to them, but remember how they treated you when they said you weren't entitled to any MP, stuff em I say, you get what you blooming well deserve. You've had SUCH a tough year, I have really felt for you and it was all unnecessary. It's scary you were showing signs of cyanosis, your poor body. Let me know and I'll text the details of the solicitor to you. If it helps, my stepfather sued his employers years ago (successfully) and he still works there (BT). It really is scary and quite natural to ask all the 'what if' questions, that's human nature. I'm SO pleased for you that you have noticed a difference in your health already, that is just fab.

Ooh ranty ranty me!!

HammerHead, I meant to say to you I read out your post to my DH about your anniversary PMSL , you funny !!

Gosh, that's so young for your mum to have to go through that hopey. Must have been traumatic for you witnessing that as a young kid too.

As an aside, how old are you? I only ask because I worked in mammography for a while and although the national screening age starts at age 50 you can usually self refer for a mammogram from the age of 40. So when you're old enough and if you want the reassurance you could get one done. Under the age of about 40 boobs are too dense to xray. Whenever we had a quiet afternoon, we would phone around all our colleagues over 40 to come for a mammo. I plan on getting one done next year as my auntie had breast cancer - she survived too. Oh, and self examination really is worthwhile too.

Please don't think I'm saying all this because of your lump in the groin. That's nothing at all to do with what I've just said. I still think its to do with you cold.

Thanks for the information about solictors. I'll email you (this afternoon) if that's ok. Not sure what to do, but everyone I've told says I should take it further. Will sleep on it some more.

Hi kinki, yes do think about it. I'm sure you could phone up for some advise, they'd be sure to tell you if you have a case. I was 10 when my Mum had breast cancer, she was amazing at the time and hid all her discomfort from us, so it didn't seem like a big deal. The worst thing was when kids at school found out, some of them could be so cruel with the comments they'd make. I'm 32. I started having screening done a few years ago where I was examined by a doctor then sent for an ultrasound. It showed that I have lots of small cysts but they explained that this wasn't an indicator that I would develop breast cancer. They suspect with my Mum it was a 'blip' and it's unlikely to pass down to me.

Just out of interest, the screw, would it not show up on an xray because of what it's made of?

Ok head's up, another me post!
Had the HV round, as DD1 has croupe (after visiting a&e this morning cos it sounded soooo bad) and I totally off loaded and broke down on her, poor woman!!
She's suggested talking it through with DH and going from there, also some counselling with a doc for me to try and get to the bottom of ongoing low moods (from when i was a lot younger) and also getting together with a thing called homestart or something like that who are like couselling but they also try and get you out of the house if you're isolated/without a car etc, so going to give that a go!

Good news is Lucy put on 7 ounces this week!! Am well about that!

Right back 2 being a comforter for DD1 Poor little thing!
x

Poor you kyala and poor DD1. Homestart sounds like a great idea, I think they have volunteers who can come round for a cup of tea etc. Where do you live? I'm also wondering if any Mumsnet ladies could meet up with you. Apparently it's not uncommon to meet up and help each other out. I'm glad you're going for some counselling, that's good news. Thinking of you x

Hopey, it is made of plastic so wouldn't show up on xray. But my chest xrays have all shown signs of collapse. I always pointed this out, but they always said it's not significant, it's within the realms of normal. But it wasn't normal for me. I never saw my ct scan, but I'm pretty sure it would have shown up on that. Today I spoke to one of the med secretaries who I know very well, and she's going to ask her consultant to review my ct, to see if he can see it. Huge problem is, if it shows what to do next, because the consultant who missed it (if they did) is a colleague, thankfully one I don't know too well as we work on different days. I couldn't keep the screw as they sent it to microbiology to checking for bugs. I have identical ones though, as it came from one of ds2's toys.

It's good they are keeping tabs on you already. And yes, cysts certainly are not a precurser to anything worse. Lots of women have them. Aren't kids cruel? Shame you had to put up with that.

Kyala, sorry to hear dd1 is not so well. I hope she makes a quick recovery. And you did just the right thing telling the hv how you feel. That's very brave and noble. I just put a stupid smile on my face and let out a chirpy 'I'm fine'. I don't know much about homestart, only what I've heard on mn. It sounds a postive move. Sorry also about the dh thing. Men just don't get how bloody hard it is to rear their offspring. Wish I could think of something constructive but I haven't that brilliant a relationship with my dh either. So my advice would be either crap or hypocritical. But keep talking here, and we will listen all we can.

kinki How can a partially collapsed lung be within the realms of normal??? Not significant GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! I'd say the symptoms you've been experiencing this past year have been fairly significant!

Kyala - so sorry DD1 not well - poor little thing ! I think you were right to offload on HV as they should be there to help put you in touch with other people that can help - like Homestart and cousellors . Take care ((( HUGS)))

Kinki - glad you are feeling so much better already - very impressed with the running!! (Sorry if my comment earlier was a bit unfunny - I read it back and it sounded a bit flippant !) I think you've such a good case for medical negligence and am outraged that noone listened to you !

Hopey - glad you got some reassurance from Doc.

love to you all xx

ACmum, hey you've said the funniest thing all day - philip and fern! I meant to comment on it, but forgot. Do you think they'd have me on?! Would I get a free make over. Would I get to run my fingers through Philip's hair? Would I, would I? And about the medical negligence, a lot of people are saying the same. I've gone through the euphoria, now I'm in the shock stage of what might have been. When things have settled I'll give it some more thought. Biggest problem is, I work with these people. But I am a strong believer of learning by mistakes. The A&E doctors shouldn't have dismissed that I thought I'd inhaled something.

Hopey - I have seen the doc today about Ben as my usual HV wasn't in, I now have an emollient, hydrocortisine (sp?) cream and antibiotics for Ben. Doc says that if that hasn't made a big difference by tuesday she will refer me to a dermatologist then.

Hello lovelies

Sorry I have been so quiet I just wanted to leave a quick post for MrsFish. I hope this helps... and sorry if it has been said before, I could not read through all the posts! george has eczema too and the only thing which has helped(cortisone cream is good but you need something to keep it moisturised) is a thing called Aveeno cream. You can also get an Aveeno oil for the bath. It is all natural, made from oatmeal. I got it from Superdrug and it has made a huge difference. You should try it and if it works you can get it on prescription from the doctor. I think that basically each baby is different and you have to try various things to get it right. i tried E45, 50/50 and oilatum, none of which worked but this seems to. Best of luck. get them to refer you and have him tested for allergies. x

Thanks for that holly but... Aveeno cream and oil is the first cream used, since then we have tried Oilatum for the bath and Epaderm, Diprobase, Evening Primrose cream and 50/50 liquid Paraffin, all to no avail. I am waiting to pick up an emollient in the morning to use in conjunction with the HC and antibiotics. Fingers crossed that will do something because he seems to be getting worse and I can see it is really starting to bother him

Holly29 I'm SO happy you've posted, I've been thinking about you loads. How's your LO's hips, all ok now? Please post again soon.

MrsFish, it sounds like some progress is being made with Ben. I was wondering whether they might prescribe a steroid cream. Niamh had quite a problem with her face a couple of months ago and the hydrocortisone seemed to help. I've got a rash on my eye and I've been using her cream! I REALLY really hope it starts to work for the poor little mite, it's so horrid a baby suffering. I feel for you, you're a brill Mum and you're doing such a good job with your boys. PS see you tomorrow on the weight loss thread. I'm having a last ceremonial bottle on wine (in a night) tonight, gosh it's lovely! Actually am quite excited about starting my diet . How strange am I? But I lost weight v successfully after my last two pregnancies and having quite a bit of weightwatchers experience I have loads of ideas on recipes etc. At the moment, I genuinely feel like I am wearing a fat suit! Hello 'Bubbles'

Hello all!

PLP - hope Cerys is enjoying her bumbo seat. Ryan still hates his with a passion.

Hopey - how is the little lump? Has it cleared up? I had one once before in my armpit when I had a really bad cold and just as I started to get worried about it, it went away! LOL at you looking forward to the diet.

Kyala - how goes things with you and DH? How is the help coming on that the HV referred you too? How is your LO's croup?

Hammer - LOL at your anniversary card. Happy belated anniversary! Did you manage to do anything to celebrate?

Kink - it sounds as though you are a different person. Any idea what you are going to do yet?

MrsF - hope poor little Ben gets better soon and you manage to find something to sort his skin out.

Hello Holly - how are things? How is little George?

Well I have made the decision to stop bfeeding when Ryan is around 6 months. And as a result may well start him on a bottle of formula for the dreamfeeds - so that my norks cut down production gradually. I am still sad about it, but think longer term to get him to 6 months is good enough for both of us.

Hope everyone oop north is ok in this horrific weather, London is gorgeous at the mo! Have great days everyone.

for anyone thinking of doing similar re. bfeeding/ formula, started this thread on bfeeding board.

Good morning!
Well, we have been doing a little bet better this week, Arben seems to be sleeping a bit better, 11-3am the 3.15-7am, the only thing i have changed is to stop the food. Personally i think i started to early for him, i dont think his tummy was ready. Plus i started at the same time as swapping to full formula feeds. I think i will wait a little longer and start again
Have also started with a more proper routine now aswell, so we start at about 9pm, he has a bounce, a bath, a bottle then bed. I also gave him a massage last night before his bath, he absolutely loved it, just layed there and lapped up the attention, he esp liked me doing his feet!
Sorry for the me post but must dash and sort out flat, then out for a coffee with friend!
Hope you are all well and happy xx