When shall we three meet again? The not quite NT, not quite weightloss thread ......

[moosemama]

We were full up ladies, so we finally have our very own weightloss-ish thread!

Sometimes a good old meltdown at work is what's needed to turn the tide. I think very often when we bottle it up and carry on shouldering the burden the powers-that-be choose to ignore what's happening, whereas when someone implodes they have to at least acknowledge the situation. I really hope it does improve for you soon.

Ds has decided to take the job, but he's so nervous about about the decision that's it's kicked off his IBS, poor fella.

Worked out what his new salary will be and realised it will be a big help. There's been far too much month left at the end of our money for years now and this will mean we can breathe out a little.

X post TLP! Sorry you're having such a hard time at work lately. My last proper job was like that, I'd regularly come home in tears and felt physically sick.

You can always vent on here x

Cross posted.

Well done Lamb!

I have also weighed myself today and put on far more than harrumph! pounds. Heaven knows what the scales would have read before the dreaded porridge diet.

All self inflicted, but am ready to get sorted now after my impromptu detox.

Sorry about the school run kerfuffle, but good news that the computer time has been included on his timetable. One of the lads in our school was doing similar to the TA when I went to fetch the boys this afternoon. Honestly, he needs proper ASD trained care and support and they are using the general TA, who clearly didn't have a clue and was just trying to use bribery, interspersed with threats. I had to turn my back in the end, as I was itching to go over and get involved. She's the same TA ds1 has had in his class for a couple of years - the one I got annoyed about making jokes about ds's 'foibles' when I accompanied a school trip last year. I am soooo glad I made sure ds's statement insists on his mentor having initial and ongoing ASD training, plus outreach support.

School have three boys with ASD just moved into Year 3, all of them more difficult to handle than ds1. I have a feeling this is why things have been allowed to slide for ds so far this term. They did tell me that they wanted his outreach teacher to drop him and start seeing another child with ASD who was just going into Y3. Fortunately, she made just as much fuss about it as I did and so far we still have her at the moment, although she will be phased out once his mentor is trained and in place. Then she will be phone and email back-up with the occasional visit, despite it being secondary transition year. (All pure conjecture on my part of course, seeing as his teachers haven't even seen his statement yet. )

Ds2 is just starting Y3. Maybe there was something in the water

Tbh the TA would probably have been quite relieved if you'd offered some advice, I know I would. I feel like I'm just making it up as I go along, there's not an awful lot of advice out there for PDA and I admit to using bribery and threats myself especially when I'm tired.

Ds1 didn't get home until the small wee hours when I was expecting him back at 11pm. Long story but apparently the train doors wouldn't open so him and his friend ended up having an extended night out in Birmingham . Meanwhile I'm lying there fretting and not able to shut the cat in the kitchen so she was flinging herself against our bedroom door trying to get in all night. Aargh!!

I think it just become more noticeable at around that age Lamb. They were probably other children in previous Y3's, but I have been so wrapped up in ds1 etc that I didn't notice the signs. Although I do know there are at least 3 undx boys in ds2's class and I don't know much about the other Y4 class. Oddly enough, ds1 is the only child with ASD in his year. There is one child who has similar traits, but caused by a tough start in life rather than developmental issues.

The TA shot me a 'don't you dare' look I'm afraid. I'm persona non grata at the school these days. They don't like parents knowing more about things than they do themselves. I know this lad doesn't have PDA, just ASD, via our ad hoc school SN parent support group. In this case, the daft woman just left it too late to bring him out. They were waiting inside the door for ages, then brought him out to face a sea of parents just as the bell went. If she'd brought him out five minutes earlier (while she was idly staring out of the door) he would have gone to after school care no trouble at all. She didn't stop to think why he was refusing to come out of the corner or try and come up with an alternative solution. He had a different TA in the infants. She always brought him out a few minutes before the bell and he was always good as gold for her. It didn't help that his brother's TA took him across anyway, leaving the younger, more scared one behind without his big brother for support.

I suppose ds1 is out of the habit of letting people know if he's delayed getting back, since he's been at uni. When does he have to go back?

He goes back tomorrow. It was more finding out he'd got a taxi back! £32 I'm used to his nocturnal ways now. Am looking forward to sleep though a bit

Yes of course you're right about the age thing. Can't believe they'd be so rude to you though [anger]. Best interests of the children at heart? I don't think so.

Right. I'm off to make garlic bread for the boys (lucky sods).

for ffs!

£32 for a taxi!

blimey, it's all go on here, reading (yay lamb), new job (yay mooses various), work meltdowns (rubs tlp's back) and garlic bread.

i've been reasonably productive - registered with two job agencies, apllied for a separate job (decided we are too skint to wait and see if library will offer me hours from next month), and been for my eye check up.

i do NOT have any problems with my retina. no holes. (yay!) but i do need to get glasses. (harrumph) i knew it was only a matter of time though, so the ten years i haven't worn them for was good enough. and he didn't mention that i was supposed to come back last january for retina check.

have also had telephone reminder about next friday's kidney appt with consultant, so mot nearly done.

that said, i've been on the periphery of an employment tribunal in the uk this week, and it was supposed to finish today. anyone know how i can find out the outcome? do they post details online?

(am loling at 'the train doors wouldn't open' as the worst possible excuse for continuing a night on the razz, though)

Sounds like a very productive day to me Madwoman. All I've achieved is a phonecall to ds's activity centre for next week and a short meeting with his teacher after school. Other than that, I've been sitting on my ever increasing backside with my foot in the air.

Great news that your retina is ok. Commiserations on the glasses. I think I won't be far behind you though. Been in denial big style about the state of my eyesight for far too long.

Sorry, don't know anything about employment tribunals.

Moose - funny isn't it how the placid children don't get treated as high priority isn't it/bitter. DS had no 1-1 at nursery despite severe language delay/still bitter

Workwise - likely to be restructure and redundancies by early next year so atmosphere grim.

Mad - well done re productive day and good news re:retina. I've worn glasses since a nipper, so I will just offer a bracing manly punch on the shoulder.

Lamb- thanks for the info, sounds really interesting.

well, first meltdown of the school year [tick]

i'm going to chalk it up to hunger and overstimulation. despite the fact he sobbed and railed through his lunch, he was much nicer afterwards when he went to play lego in his bedroom on his own. i'm going to feed him again in a short while, and do early bath and bed tonight.

i knew my day was going too well.

Is it worth casting around the recruitment agencies and seeing what's out there at all TLP? Dh was sceptical to say the least when he started looking, but glad he tried anyway.

Mad, my boys had a humdinging fight at bedtime. End of first week exhaustion methinks, especially bearing in mind the fact that ds1 didn't sleep at all last night. Dread to think what state he's going to be in by the time he's been away for a week!

Sympathy for fight, moose. I am so glad it's the weekend, but you must be on tenterhooks with the trip coming up. Chances are he'll hold it together whilst he's away? Have they sorted the ridiculous accommodation stuff?

Library trip this afternoon. they are having a book swap (the girls have produced the biggest bag I have ever seen to take) and then there is a writing workshop run by a local author, that dd1 is attending. So I get to wander in town for an hour or so.

I had a holding response from the principal. No comment as such but he has passed concerns to learning support and says we will all meet very soon to discuss. He said very soon twice. I'll believe it when I see it.

I weirdly appear to have lost two pounds, so am hopeful that when boot camp starts that my body will be in a good place to lose fast. My foot is mostly okay but catching me unawares, so am hoping that by tues it will be okay to exercise...

Ds1 has already unravelled unfortunately. He is running the full gammut of emotions to full throttle, meltdowns, sobbing, anxiety, total freak out about some insect or other in the garden being a parasite and ds2 being contaminated. He didn't sleep at all again last night and woke the whole house at 6.00 this morning.

Just took him out to buy a watch for his trip and he had a meltdown because he hates shopping and likes to stay at home on Saturdays.

He just can't handle the excitement. He always says he hates knowing something is going to happen/looking forward to things, because he can't stand the way it makes him feel and this is a prime example. Typically the school only saw the appropriately excited ds1 on Friday and he saved the rest for us. It's no wonder they think I'm a bonkers over-protective parent.

We've deliberately forgotten how long he's been on his DS while he destresses a little, not least of all because dh is out from early evening and I'm on my own with all three for tea and bedtime.

Dh went back to the silversmith's this afternoon to see how they are getting on with my anniversary ring. Lovely guy, gave dd a free bracelet and then let DH bring home the three rings he's cast so far, plus all the opals so I can choose what I want and get back to him. He only has dh's mobile number for contact details as well and he just handed over about £400 of silver plus a bag full of opals to us! Obviously very trusting by nature!

Unfortunately, all three rings are too deep/thick and the opals are all circular. What I really want is a less dense ring with unfinished opals set into it so that they look like they've grown there - think it might be back to the drawing board, but they guy said that's often the case, as he'd rather get it absolutely right than have me settle for something I'm not happy with. In fact he said he's happy to rework it as many times as necessary to get it spot on.

Well done on your 2lb loss. I weighed myself and sobbed again this morning. Twas the same as yesterday's and too bad to post. I managed a bowl of soup last night and am going to try a small salad this evening and if I manage to be back to normal by Monday, I'm going to start logging again.

I am currently consoling myself with the improvement in tone in my arms since I've been using crutches for the school run!

Dh and I have booked a night away at a funky boutiquey pub/music venue with some friends at the end of November and I really want to get in shape for that. Would love to drop this extra stone (again) and then buy myself a new outfit with dh's new salary!

Lol at arms, silver lining, eh?

I suppose if they get a full on dose of anxiety on the trip, they might finally 'get it'... I know that wouldn't be great for ds, but it's important that they understand, and sometimes you just don't if you don't have a first hand experience... And it sounds as though the centre staff will be able to cope, even if the teachers are out of their depth?

I'd be ignoring the ds time too.

Mine are manic today. Completely over the top. It's like they've been in jail for week and have been let out for the day. It's not even lunch time.

Right, am on the road to eating normal food again. Very simple salad last night and it did make me sore, but nowhere near as bad and I want to carry on easing into eating proper food before my stomach forgets what it is!

That said, I think I will find the intermittent fasting easier now, so am going to give it a go. I lost the biggest amount of weight last year before I started exercising, so not going to use this blooming foot as an excuse anymore.

I am planning to give it a couple of weeks to adjust to the fasting, then start to ease myself back into working out with floor exercises until I can start jumping about with Jillian again.

Weighed in this morning and am really about my weight (not to mention horrified when I think how high it must have been before the porridge diet) but determined to get it sorted. Going to eat 1700 kcals (maintenance) on my eat day, sticking with healthy options 99% of the time and then 400 kcals on my fast days. First fast day tomorrow.

Weigh ins:

Sunday 9 September 2012: 166 lbs

Feeling positive about it this time, despite all my false starts this year. Dd will be at nursery for half of every day, dh has a new job that will ease money stress, ds's statement is finalised, so that's that stress reduced and I feel like I have a fighting chance now.

Hello ladies. Re:agencies - since I want school hours, think I would be laughed out of the door.

Moose - glad that you are managing to eat non porridge food. Hope the IF works. I am still heavier than you, if that's any consolation, at 173 lb. Need to lose weight before the whole Xmas effect starts again.

Xmas effect!

Almost tempted to work out how many days...

Well, busy weekend, and feel a bit overwrought altogether. And last night I checked the job ads and they are advertising the library role as a ft job.

Well, bah, really. I mean, either they are expecting me to apply, or they have decided I won't want it as it's ft, or they don't want me. So I am in a harrumph. Additionally, I bumped into the woman who interviewed me for a different job (I got good feedback but they had someone with great experience) and had a quick chat. I know they are recruiting again for a similar job. So, potentially, I could reapply for the both of them. Can my ego take being turned down?

Boot camp starts tomorrow and my foot has been really odd. I can't work out if it's from walking on it funny, or because of the thingy that may or may not still be in it.

And it's raining. Always a winner.

Wonder if I'll hear from the principal today?

Boot camp starts today. I am frankly terrified. And not entirely sure if my. Foot is going to hold out, but don 't want to be lame (geddit) and cry off of the first session.

How did ds go?

Are there legal requirements for them to advertise the job Madwoman? Would have been courtesy to tell you first if they're changing it to ft though surely?

Have you heard from the principal yet?

Sorry I've been awol. Blooming builders yanked my cable from the wall, leaving me without tv, internet and phone on the day ds1 went on his trip and dd started school - so home alone, poorly foot and nothing to distract myself with. Lovely engineer came out this afternoon and put it all back together for me though, so normal service has been resumed.

Ds was really tearful and clingy. Thought he might not go for a few rocky moments there. Dd and I stayed to wave the coach of with most of the other parents and I could see him sobbing on the coach. Teacher had him sit behind her though, so at least they seemed to be considering his needs.

Dd started nursery yesterday. Went to go out in good time, opened the front door and nearly fell out - great big drop, about 4ft deep! Had to retreat, unlock two doors and fend off the dogs to stop them escaping, go out the back gate and leap across a similar gap to next door's driveway to get there (not easy on crutches). That all took a good 5 minutes and when we got there (bang on time I might add) they'd gone in and locked the doors. Rang the bell, knocked the door - nothing. Stood there for 5 mins in the rain and then they came out, by which time dd was in tears thinking she couldn't go. I felt like the worst mummy in the world doing that to her on her first day at school. Still, she had a great time and her teacher came out and told me how delighted they were when she said - all wide eyed and excited - at the end "you mean I can come back tomorrow!".

Took ds2 to his physio appointment this morning, only for them to tell me that having looked into it a bit more there isn't anything else they can do for him, except to recommend he finds a sport that suits him, gets fit and maintained it. I wanted to speak to her about the fact that his neck and back have both popped out this week and she told me to go back to the paed. So, she has basically discharged, but with a contact thing for two months - if I have any more questions. Oh - and she tried to give me a sheet she'd printed off the HMSA website, which of course I've already read. Basically, she said I know more about it than she does and he's just going to have to learn to live with it.

Actually, she said she is very frustrated, because she likes patients to come in, get help and go home cured or significantly improved, but that from what she's learned she can't do that for ds, as there is no cure and treatment/fitness is a long term, slow process for people with hypermobility.

She did tell me to go back and get my foot xrayed again though. Harrumph!

Oh and ds2 had a funny turn on the way out, went all limp, really pale - not even colour in his lips and ended up not being able to go back to school. Have put it down to exhaustion. He had a long pilates/reformer lesson last night and has been trying really hard to stay active every day, plus of course ds2 kept him awake all weekend and then he couldn't sleep last night without him in the room. He's been curled up on the sofa all day and seems much better, so we're taking him and dd out to tea while we don't have to find somewhere that does gluten free. Just to a generic pub, nothing fancy, but we never do it normally because of ds1's dietary restrictions.

On a better note, I printed out the HMSA guide for schools and gave it to his teacher yesterday and she came up after school to tell me that she read it at lunch time and will make sure the advice is implemented. She also said they are doing some quite high impact stuff in PE this week, so she's told him to tell her if he needs to stop or to have a rest. She really is a lovely lady and ds loves her already. So nice when you get a good teacher.

Meanwhile the SENCO tried to hide from me at pick up yesterday, so I assume she still hasn't done anything about implementing ds1's statement.

Ooo - and I know this has been a really long post, but I'm making up for yesterday. I started fasting yesterday - I had roughly 400 kcals (couldn't access MFP) plus drinks and am on an 'eating day' today. Planning to weigh in again on Sunday.

I don't think you've had time to post, even if you a connection!!

Glad ds1 got away ok, and there was at least a sign that they were planning on keeping a close-ish eye. V reassuring, and you know, it might give him a real confidence boost to get through it? Distressing at the time, but a big thing for him, so wobbles probably to be expected. So hard to know where to draw the line between protection and 'cruel to be kind' though. No wonder the senco was hiding from you.

Poor dd! Glad she had a great time when she finally got inside though! (bet that doesn't make you feel any better - I'm sure a hint of missing mummy would be welcome! )

Did you get any further with your neuro/ EDS link? yay for the pe teacher, though, she sounds switched on.

I think you are right about ds2 and tiredness. Kids with looser tone have to work so much harder than their peers as well, so coupled with back to school, he could probably do with a few sweet treats and early nights.

Well, I am back from boot camp. My lungs are about to pack in, I think.

Am now scarfing eggs and will be off for a long hot bath to minimize the damage.

Hmm, hadn't thought of the legal implications of not advertising. It doesn't explain why they wouldn't drop me an email or call and say 'the ad is out if you are interested', though.

Haven't heard from the principal since the 'holding' email saying they call me very soon to come in and discuss. Have subsequently gathered though (dance class gossip last night) that they have a split 7/8 class as well, which is possibly why they chose to put him in the 5/6 split... Or rather didn't 'choose' so much as just grouped random students and put them with a teacher. By all accounts, the whole thing appears to be causing all sorts of issues. That said, I am now doubly glad we moved dd1, as otherwise it looks she would have been in the same position.

He came home with g5 homework last night. so when they say 'oh, it won't make any difference, he will be taught to grade' I can wave that at them.

Bah.

Oh, and I'm considering doing a boot camp class on Saturdays too, so three times a week instead of two. I figure I'm so lazy that I won't do it on my own, and am more likely to see a difference... Thoughts?

It's his ds2's class teacher that's the good'un. She is so quietly spoken that I can hardly hear her and ds says she never raises her voice. Apparently, if things get too rowdy in class she just raises her hand and they all stop and copy her and then get on again, quietly! Now that's a good teacher. The kids love her, she has control over them all - even the, er ... more colourful characters and she never needs to shout to maintain control. Wow!

Haven't seen my neuro again yet - the appointment should have been August, but is actually next Wednesday. Feeling a bit meh about it really, it will just be another holding appointment and a waste of both of our time. I have a few new symptoms to report, but nothing so devastating that it will produce a definitive dx. The intentional tremor is a pita, but nothing I can't live with - although new since our last appointment and I don't think there's much to be done about it anyway.

Well done for getting back into bootcamp .

I have just blown my first week by succumbing to chocolate torte whilst taking ds2 and dd out for a treat. I was really good, chose the less than 500 kcal meal deliberately so I could have a few chips, as I had 1200 kcals to play with, but them gave into temptation and the dessert was huge. Started eating with the intention of leaving most of it - but it was just too tasty.

Ahem, ah well. Fast tomorrow to even things out a little and maybe hope for one instead of two pounds loss this week?

Can't believe the principal still hasn't come back to you. Why do they always spin things out so that half a term has gone by before they've even begun to address issues that could/should have been dealt with as soon as term started.

I reckon boot camp three times a week is a good idea. Three good solid workouts a week should produce quick results and keep up the momentum, rather than two during the week and then the weekend off. I always enjoy working out more at the weekend because I'm not restricted on time due to school runs etc.

I really want to get back to exercising now. Stamps good foot!

Hmm, if it's constant, they might suggest a meds trial (as in constant on intent, lol, rather than, erm, constant!). Dd2 has intention tightening and tremors due to her cp, and hasn't had meds, but they have been discussed a few times.

Worth asking if they are a pita, anyway. We have a friend who says they are worse when it's warm, and being cool helps, so maybe you'll get a bit of a break now summer's over?

Rofl @ chocolate torte.

I have until thurs to decide about boot campx3...