MEDICAL MATTERS

[Stanley]

And I'll believe him David....
But it is still a rising threat and putting strain on the NHS. I hope my flu vaccination works!
Later....07:00. Wes Streeten says that the number of flu patients could triple this next week as we approach what is usually reckoned to be the peak.

[Tizer]

This was mentioned in the general press at the start of December. This version is a bit more technical and less `hyped up', though it is a significant step forward in understanding how viruses infect our cells...
`Scientists capture flu viruses surfing into human cells in real time' Science Daily
Scientists have captured a never-before-seen, high-resolution look at influenza’s stealthy invasion of human cells, revealing that the cells aren’t just helpless victims. Using a groundbreaking imaging technique, researchers discovered that our cells actually reach out and “grab” the virus as it searches for the perfect entry point, surfing along the membrane....

[Stanley]

I know research helps to defend us but it's hard to see how this helps! Still, it's a wonderful achievement.

[Whyperion]

This was mentioned in the general press at the start of December. This version is a bit more technical and less `hyped up', though it is a significant step forward in understanding how viruses infect our cells...
`Scientists capture flu viruses surfing into human cells in real time' Science Daily
Scientists have captured a never-before-seen, high-resolution look at influenza’s stealthy invasion of human cells, revealing that the cells aren’t just helpless victims. Using a groundbreaking imaging technique, researchers discovered that our cells actually reach out and “grab” the virus as it searches for the perfect entry point, surfing along the membrane....

I am confused , are you saying that our cells are welcoming the flu virus ?
I think from previous virus vid (voiced by David Tennant and aired on the BBC - possibly a repeat) just before Covid went official pandemic - that some viruses have coatings/enzymes or other molecule keys that mimic desired nurients or other cell support things that are normally useful of proteins etc in the blood and elsewhere (lymph whatever) passing around the body. It is this "clone" chemical chains that make vaccines so difficult - knock out or create resistence to the wrong bit of the virus and you are creating auto immune or similar cell starvation issues doing as much , or more, harm than good

[PanBiker]

Well, after a bit of being passed from pillar to post, Sally has a resolution to her degenerating hip. Started with an appointment at Airedale, X-Ray at Skipton General then passed to Bunley General, then Accrington, she then got a referral to see a consultant at The Beardwood Hospital, (t'other side of Blackburn) which is Private but also does NHS patients. Consultant today had no reference so sent her for another X-Ray. It was on the screen when she got back to him, he offered steroid injections for the interim but said that it was a sure case for replacement. Waiting list is 9 - 12 months. She rejected the steroid treatment. He said to carry on with her gym work, swimming and walking. A good candidate as he could see that she was committed to keeping as mobile as she can.

[Wendyf]

Good news that she will be on the waiting list, it's a long wait though.

[Big Kev]

I went to the Beardwood for my cartilage repair, it's very nice. Private room and a nice bit of dinner

[Stanley]

I'm glad for Sally but also critical that the NHS can't do any better than this. Think of the number of times you have heard the mantra 'Safe in our hands', and this is the result...... Still I wish Sally all the best, who knows, there might be a cancellation!
(PS I would have rejected steroid treatment as well. Effective I know but there can be disturbing side effects.)

[PanBiker]

Well, a call this morning with an appointment date, 26th August, tentative I reckon.

[Tripps]

Thinking back I find that my second hip was done under the Coalition Government in 2014. There was a guaranteed eighteen week target then - which was met by going to the Nuffield private hospital . I don't think the Tory reign of terror with built in austerity had been invented then. It was done by the same surgeon who did the first one under the NHS. He said I was the ideal age - and has been proved right. Main benefit - private room to avoid the usual village idiot who inevitably is in the next bed, or opposite to me, and the best cheese omelette I've ever had. for tea.

[Whyperion]

met a chap today who cannot work (easily) been delayed too long and bone apparently too worn for work to be done on it.
So another person on PIP and UC

[Stanley]

Well Pharmacy are doing well. I go into Xmas with a full set of meds and confidence their text service will work in the New Year. Having a plan in place to July is the key I think.....

[Stanley]

You may remember I have been having problems with disturbed sleep patters. I could sense some improvement before Xmas Day but started having a nip of 16 year old Lagavulin at bedtime. Remember, they used to call it a nightcap? I have to report it seems to be working, I have slept right through for seven hours solid for three nights in a row.
Perhaps our ancestors knew what they were talking about!

[Stanley]

I'm pleased to be able to report that the whisky is working well. Good long undisturbed sleeps. Just what I needed!

[Tizer]

I had an unwanted Christmas present this year. We spent Christmas Eve afternoon with relatives, lounging on a sofa telling jokes, relating past events etc. When I came home I had a sore right leg and it got worse, then subsided to a dull ache. Then on Monday we visited friends in the afternoon, on a sofa again, telling tales. When it came time to leave I had difficulty getting into the car - right leg again. It didn't go away so I thought once New Year's Day is over I'll try and see the GP. The pain was all the way from my hip to my foot. On Friday morning I couldn't get out of bed at first, it was agony when I tried to move. Once up I needed Mrs Tiz to put my right sock on and help me dress. Dire memories of those old warnings about deep vein thrombosis went through my head and we decided to contact the surgery. Mrs Tiz rang and got a recorded message saying she was number 17 in the queue! So she went off to make breakfast and left me with the phone.

But then - a surprise, only minutes had gone by and they rang back. I explained my symptoms and they asked could I get there for 10.10 this morning and see my own GP! She examined my leg asked various questions then told me I had sciatica. She said she'd email me a document showing exercises to do and told me to take paracetamol for the pain (no ibuprofen etc because of my stomach trouble). It was agony again for the first hour this morning but then eased off and I was able to do the exercises but it might take weeks to completely disappear. I have to mark this up as a first class response from my NHS GP especially at this busy time of year.

[Cathy]

Tize, I sympathise with you for your sciatica. From much experience suffering from it myself, I know how excruciating it can be.
Glad you received advise so quickly and hope you are managing better.

[Stanley]

Peter, Mark me down as sympathetic as well. I know enough about pain in legs stemming from nerves in the back to recognise immediately what you are going through. I can't take ibuprofen either, I found out long ago that it soon stopped working and in the end became the cause of the pain so I take only paracetamol now and it works.
I hope the flare up soon subsides, look after yourself.

[Big Kev]

Annual MRI today, I feel naked without any jewellery on

[Tizer]

Thanks for your sympathy Cathy and Kev. I've had bad back pain from my sacro-iliac and leg pain from pulled ligaments but the sciatica is different. Whereas the previous incidents would give me a shooting pain when I moved, the sciatica is extended dull pain. It's worst when I try to get out of bed. I wake up with no pain but as I try to roll over and drop my legs to the floor I get an excruciating pain in my right leg, especially in the thigh. I can't lift my right foot off the floor because of the pain; at first I can't even lift my heel or toes and Mrs Tiz has to push my socks onto my feet. Then I have to drag my right trouser leg under my foot and pull it along the floor. Gradually I get mobile and down for breakfast. This morning I woke at 6.00 and took the opportunity to swallow a paracetamol tablet and lie in for a while but getting up was still painful. I'll be glad when it's all gone! I'm doing the exercises as instructed by the GP and hope they will work.

[Big Kev]

Annual MRI today, I feel naked without any jewellery on

As part of the annual screening process I have to have a blood test too, unfortunately the phlebotomy department at Burnley hospital doesn't open on a Sunday. I called Barnoldswick Medical Centre at 10:00 this morning to make an appointment, for a nurse to extract an armful, as I already have all the paperwork for it. Booked for 12:20 today.
Can't fault that

[Tizer]

And I've got a 9.10am appointment with the dermatologist at our GP's surgery tomorrow. It's going to be interesting getting there on time because my sciatica slows me down so much first thing in the morning. The surgery is only 10 minutes away by car, thank goodness.

[Stanley]

I hope you can make it Peter....