h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Glad all went well for those who made the Hull meet.
I'd intended being there however I found myself in a classic catch 22 situation. The recent diagnosis of cataracts meant a total change in prescription for glasses.
Basically because the optician stated, categorically, no glasses = no driving which meant no Hull trip.
Fine. Then the bombshell, I, despite having a certificate to pay for prescriptions from the NHS, still had to make a substantial contribution towards the cost of these new glasses. To do that I had to dip into the money I'd set aside for Hull. So now it was a case of, have glasses = can drive legally but sadly not enough funds left over to cover a w/e away so still no Hull trip. Being so close to the event trains weren't an option as prices were, frankly stupid, bordering on daylight robbery.

All I can say to those who think a life on benefits is 'cushy', is that they're either lying or fiddling the system.

I still find it hard to come to terms with current situation, after a lifetime in work.

On 3rd August 2009 it will be my tenth, (yup, 10), anniversary since I was diagnosed with coronary heart disease and the subsequent complications, I'll gladly trade places with anyone so's I could go back to work.

I'm now waiting for an appointment to see a surgeon to get these cataracts sorted. In the meantime my GP has had some additional blood tests done to eliminate things like diabetes. The boffins have moved the goalposts for cholestorol levels as well. My levels being on 40mg statins a day have been steady at 4.5. The new levels now apparently is below 4. To that end my statins have been doubled to the max, 80mg!!

Sorry friend...I can sort of empathize with you with the situation I am in,but the parallels are a bit weak,and you are in the worse situation by far..

I can only hope that you have some sort of improvement of situation,as a friend that is the best I can do being so far away...

Goodluck and I hope things somehow improve...

ST, I am so sorry about that. What a shame. As for cholesterol levels, they keep moving the goalposts, and seem intent on getting us all on statins. Perhaps your levels need to be lower than most because of your heart trouble. My seems happy if mine is registering 5!

I know how hard my husband found it being suddenly retired through ill health at 54. I can only imagine how you must feel. I hope your art is going well and that you are able to carry on.

It seems our eyes, teeth and feet are no longer part of our bodies from an NHS point of view. I wonder which bit of us will be hived off next

Hope you are all sorted soon.
Websailor

sorry ST

We did miss you and Prof

same as GB, I miss you and me also

trust you to make me laugh

Group

my role in life GBand what ever it takes to accomplish it

Hi ST, I'm sorry you didn't get to go. That was a Catch 22 situation indeed!

I've just gotten glasses as well.

As i don't know what the Hull meeting is I can't comment ,but i can comment and sympathise with all the rest.
WELL' try and not let it get to you too much ,at least you still have your sense of humour . Best'

We all missed you, ST

How rude, using poor ST for target practice...

Now look what you made me do


*dabs coffee stains off her Matt*

And there I was, thinking your Matt was coffee-coloured.

It's Matte, not Latte

**It's Matte, not Latte**

your puns are getting worse than mine, and that's saying summat.

Latest re cataracts, apparently the optician hasn't put enough info on the referral so next week I have to go back to have some drops put in my eyes to dilate them. Not sure exactly what they're looking for or what the 'extra' info is that's needed.

I wondered why nobody mentioned you attending the meet, as I know it was planned. Now I know.

Those drops sound familiar, my daughter #2 had them when she had an eye check around age 7. Gave me quite a shock when I saw her with almost-completely black eyes instead of the usual blue

Didn't women used to use a herbal eye drop of some sort of opiate (laudanum or something? It's sketchy in my mind but it's there!) to make their pupils larger to appear more attractive?

Have they told you not to drive after? I had them in my eyes and it blurs your vision for a while. It can sting too.

I had all sorts of tales told me about how horrible it was, but it was fine. I take wrap around sunglasses with me, not that it looks as if sun will be a problem any time soon



Websailor

mam had her cataracts done last year, they do one and then the other a few weeks/months later. But with her at the start, they said they HAVE to get worse,before they'll do them so it was nearly grope aboutbefore she went