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

I'd no idea things were so bad with you, and I'm apalled at how the NHS seems to "work"!

Wish it were feasible for you to simply come over here and get it taken care of. Our system seems to be a *little* better at least.

Lots of for you, and don't let them get you down.

And should they need a little "convincing" to deal with this more quickly, I can muster a dozen Vikings and knights at your command on short notice

Hi Mal, and thanks for popping over...

Yes, it is a litany of travailles. And still ongoing.

I am just waiting for the specialist to cancel my November appointment now. Hopefully not, as I just want some form of diagnosis so I can get on with life, and things don't seem to get better.

Must visit the again this week, as another 'problem,' has arisen with two troublesome moles irritating like . I want to scratch them but did that once as a teenager, and one bled for two days.

Let's face it, I'm just getting

Luckily the phase has largely passed, but is still

I hope you are well, and don't have the same problems. I wish you the best of and will keep my fingers crossed for you...



MMF

Yes, all these cancelled appointments are ridiculous. I hope you find a competent doctor soon, but from what I've read in the news lately, they're all overworked over there even more than here

It sounds cynical and disrespectful to you, sorry, but it's already making me feel better realising how quickly things are getting done over here, all things considered. Hope your luck turns for the better soon! Almost sounds tempting to encourage you to get a European Health Insurance Card and just take care of things elsewhere

Thanks for the crossed fingers, I'll press my thumbs for you, which is what we Germans do for luck

And if you want to stop by for a chat here or on e-mail, feel free anytime, if it helps. I spend too much time online anyway, might at least put some of it to good use... No use in your being if anyone can do something about it!

How are you doing, Mal?

Any progress? Or are you going through the same slow wait as me?

In my case my appointment with the Specialist has been cancelled or postponed from August 28th to October 30th and now November 27th.
I'm not optimistic. What really annoys me is that they start the letter 'As you chose to cancel your appointment, it has been rebooked for...' etc. and 'If your appointment is not required please contact...'

As if I want to attend the out of choice...

I wouldn't mind, except for the times that I have attended, taking time off from work, and then been kept sitting around for hours.

Then I get those dreaded words ', we are running late and cannot see you today. Go to reception and we'll make you another appointment...'

All in all, things are reasonably .

I'm still waiting for the area where they performed the muscle biopsy, to go down, but am unsure whether it ever will. Just a nuisance as I keep banging it on the side of my desk.

Anyway, I hope things progress in the right way...

And take care...



MMF

Well, they basically told me it could be one of several things, I'm to come back in four weeks and see how it's progressed. Trouble is, if it's one of the things they suspect, the longer they delay treatment, the worse it'll be

And another , and indeed, for that letter. You *chose* to cancel your appointment? How dare they! That's the height of rudeness. I suppose being kept waiting is inevitable - there are always emergencies - but saying you "decided" anything of the sort...

It's like those stupid announcements when the trains are late "Thank you for your understanding" - it used to be they'd *apologise*, now they just *expect* that you'll "understand"

Hi Mal... didn't want to post on your thread...

Tuesday hopefully.

At least, I haven't heard it's been cancelled...

Just hope I get some sort of an outcome!

I'm not very optimistic about getting a result though.

Just hope all goes well with you, and the results are in your favour.



MMF

Tuesday already! But then, "already" is the wrong word, seeing how often they've sent you away.

Fingers crossed for you, I hope they finally get this figured out for you. It's getting ridiculous. I always assumed people were exaggerating when they talk about the NHS, but I guess they were right.

Don't let them just get rid of you again, or I'll come over and bash them

Well, I've largely given up talking about it as it is getting so boring, and being dragged out so long.

To think this all started with Accident and Emergency in April last year!!! And was meant ot be resolved within 12 monmths.

Only a limited number of trusted friends on HooToo know what is happening, but it is getting bothersome, and worrying, as it isn't getting better. The other day I had to be helped onto the Underground and almost lost my stick down the gap! Must have been a sight!

Anyway, any result will be a good result. Just need to find out how to stop it... Might be a case of giving up the though!!! That would be catastrophic!!!



MMF

No, it's not boring, no news is worrisome Though I can understand if you don't want to talk about it in public. You're welcome to e-mail me anytime, if you need a chat

About time there was a result.

Thanks. Your thoughts are appreciated. I sometimes think I sound like a broken record, which is unfair on my many friends who have been so supportive.

Must go now, as the store is closing.

Speak more tomorrow, maybe...

MMF

Well, if you ever do sound like a broken record that just alerts us to the fact that you need help skipping to the next track, don't worry about it

See you soon, and don't let it get you down!

Hi Mal, how are you and your lump? Well I hope, and warm.

I have had good and bad news .

Been to the big house and the problem may have been identified, and that's the good news, but I need more tests, and that's the bad news. Yet another blood test, and the identification looks worrying. Just awaiting conformation... in another six months!!! This is sooooo boring! Also I have to have a sleeping test!

At least the results to date explain a lot of past problems I've been having that I couldn't fathom...

Also it is not caused by toxification by alcohol... but may be a factor!

Oh well.

Other than that life is rocky but so so.

Largely been staying offsite, input wise, except for the odd bit in PR.

How about you?

Hope to get back soon.



MMF

First they worry you, and then they won't tell you any more for SIX MONTHS?

It's a good thing you finally got *any* kind of answer, though hope it all goes well for you, and it turns out to be more harmless than they thought

>>turns out to be more harmless than they thought<<

Unfortunately that's where the worry comes in! Let's just say there does not look like an improvement occuring, in fact it may get worse.

At least the consultant was being very open, honest and instructive which, with my Biology background, helped me understand what he was talking about! Maybe a little too honest!

The bottom line, in simple terms is that my muscles are wasting away, and that is what is causing most of my problems. Just have to wait for the future tests now.

I hope it happens within the next 6 months, with no appointments being cancelled.

How is your treatment going? Race you for the results!!!



MMF

Yes, that is bad news! And this is due to *coffee*? At least people are being honest with you, my doctor is telling me infuriatingly little. She claimed it was a harmless virus and was then surprised to see me not yet on chemo next time I wernt to see her!

with the tests - we'd better find a way for you to cheat

Hope the canis niger has been keeping his distance

You know, over here the way to avoid him is never opening the back and front doors at the same time in the Twelve Nights - if you do, the Wild Hunt rides through, led by Hanns von Hackelberg, and leaves one of his black dogs in your hall - it'll lie there unmoving and growl at everyone all year, and the only way to get rid of it is to let the Wild Hunt come through again next year, so he'll run along with them...

So just keep the doors closed

Many thanks for that Mal...

Not the best time of year, but the spirit isn't completely destroyed and tomorrow will be quiet just with Mum and a couple of friends...

Should be good as we are spending the day in my local, as my mate is Pub-sitting... No shortage of

I reckon the Canis niger must have come through the window, as they are open front and back, and I've only one door... Or maybe he crept in through there, looked for the the other door and is still there, confused.

Anyway, as I don't have your e-mail address to send you an e-card, can I take this opportunity of wishing you a relaxing couple of days and and for the coming year.



Have a good time...




MMF

Poor confused doggie I suppose windows will do...

Hope you have a good time tomorrow, anyway, and just forget the commercialness of it all for a bit. Looks like you've got something good planned!

Thanks for the good wishes, and of course I'm wishing you all the best, too I hope the new year is much, much better for you than this past one has been!



(And it's not a solicitation for a card, but of course you can have my e-mail address, it's malabarista_h2g2 {-at-} yahoo {-dot-} co {-dot-} uk [because I don't like the German interface ])

Thanks for that, and who knows what might drop in!

I'll remember to keep the bones from the pheasants for the ...

My e-mail address is on my PS but I'll stick it here... [email protected]. Feel free to use it as you see fit!

Tomorrow should be relaxed. I only have to provide the Port. Mum has done the and I also have the cake and pies, so looks as though it is all sorted. And I believe one TV channel is showing all of the 'Two Ronnies' episodes, so viewing is sorted, as long as I get a chance to see the Dr. Who special, with Kylie Minute!

Are you doing the traditional European Christmas Eve celebration, or the British Christmas day? Trust us to be different.

Anyway, enjoy, whatever you have planned.



MMF

Oooh, pheasant bones! You are spoiling your unwanted houseguest

Sounds like you're all set! Pity the good things are only ever on TV at Christmas when you have no time

Oh, we have a three-day party. Decorating the tree now, then having cookies and tea, then dinner, going to church, and opening presents - in some order. Depends on when we get the vicar, we share her with three other villages. Maybe she won't come here until tomorrow, as it's so icy.

Tomorrow is Christmas dinner and caroling, and Boxing Day we have a big family get-together at my aunt's, everyone brings something for a buffet and there is much rejoicing and playing of cards.

Have fun with yours, too!