Shopped...

... caught up and managed 3 martinis as well. A lovely afternoon/evening and a lovely new coat. Train ride home uneventful. Stuff to do today - shopping (B&Q), study (more Developing Confident Managers stuff) and present wrapping (all needs to be done before Aged Ps arrive). That's all. J x

And Now...

... they've changed the date of my pre-op. It should have been Monday afternoon but will now be Friday afternoon - yes, that's right, the afternoon of Miss DD's Great Escape party. Hey ho, I'll just have to run from the hospital all the way to Mojo with surgical instruments still protruding from my body. I'm not missing the Escape party (I'm on the tunnel building rota!).

Off to Leeds today to spend some time with the lovely colleagues I trained with when we first joined HMRC all those years ago (nearly 17 years ago actually). Sarah H, Sarah W and Donna. Obviously I trained with more than three other people but they're the loveliest! Looking forward to some serious catching up, cocktails and maybe a little shopping. That's all. J x

On Again Off Again

Sorry for delay in blogging but I was awaiting definite news. Last week I had a letter from the hospital asking me to telephone them to confirm that I was fine for the date of my gall bladder operation and in the same post (albeit dated a day later) was a letter telling me the operation had been cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances". The letter continued "rest assured that as soon as a new date becomes available I will contact you again". I was really angry because, first of all - get your act together, and secondly I'd already put loads of arrangements in place as to how I was going to manage all this. And thirdly, didn't they care that I may drop to the floor writhing in agony at any second? (oh please, allow me my drama queen moment)

So I tried telephoning Clare (Mr Li's - my surgeon - secretary) but she doesn't work Fridays. And then she wasn't in yesterday. Finally got to speak to her today and its all back on again now for the original date. Talk about breweries and piss ups. But I'm glad we're back on track. Luckily I hadn't undone all the arrangements I'd put in place so its not too bad. I was really depressed over the weekend though which I think was down to this. Anyway, feel much better now although of course there's never enough time to do everything. Got another of those bloody week long course things next week which means loads of pre-reading (16 hours this time which I suppose is better than the 23 hours for the last one: but only just). And its in Liverpool this time rather than Manchester which means extra traveling. Hey ho. Can't be helped. I just hope that recovery won't take longer then the 2 weeks. I'll hopefully find out more details at my pre-op on Monday.

Other news. Had a good week last week. Went to the Royal Exchange with Lesley, Sara & DD to see "Pub" (well, you would wouldn't you) which was a nice idea although the writing could have been better to my way of thinking. Then it was Hot Mikado on Saturday night with Jim. Am dram in a "Civic Suite" in the middle of one of the largest council estates in Manchester. What could be better? In fact it was enormous fun. Everyone overacted like mad but because this was Gilbert & Sullivan (sort of) it didn't really matter. Also went to the cinema with Gill to see 2012. Good effects but bloody awful story. Typical Americans and their need for a happy ending at all costs...

Other news - Lesley got promoted (yay), DD's foot appears much better and she's limping in heels now rather than a big yeti boot (I know, but there's no telling her) and its bloody dark every evening and morning. Roll on shortest day and then on to summer.

Am exhausted now and its full on from now until they lay me on the operating table and start poking long shiny sharp things into me (I'm assuming there are no actual keys involved since they would be rather blunt and painful). That's all for now. J x

Busy Weekend

Friday night was opera at The Lowry. I wasn't expecting great things - firstly it was Opera North and secondly the opera was sung in English.I don't generally like opera sung in English because I think you spend more time listening to the words and trying to understand every word they say to the detriment of just appreciating the music. However, I needn't have worried. The opera was sublime - even with the last minute substitution of the person singing Ferrando. The libretto was also really well done and the whole thing was funny as well as beautiful. And the acoustics at The Lowry are very good.

Saturday night was less successful - The Entertainer at The Royal Exchange. Its always difficult to watch a play written in the fairly recent past. Its not long enough ago that you are able to suspend your disbelief and yet the whole moral setting is completely different to modern times. Of course if the acting and direction isn't up to much it makes it even more difficult. I didn't like it. It may be worth me watching the film with Sir Larry though just to see what its like done professionally.

Tonight I'm having tea at DDs whilst watching Doctor Who which looks really exciting. And then back to work. That's all. J x

Pajamas

Just watched The Boy in the Striped Pajamas (I know, annoying spelling). The final scene is just awful. I'm in bits. Just had to write that down. That's all. J x

Not a Lot

So, been another quietish week. Went to London on Tuesday for some "Top Layer Coaching". I am ridiculously pleased that someone decided to call it that as it makes me feel very important. It doesn't really matter that most of the Department will get it eventually, I'm in only the "second wave" of rollouts so most people in the Department haven't even heard about it yet. So I try and drop the phrase into conversations whenever I can. Childish I know but there you are.

To a party at Bryn & Michelle's last night. Drunk a fair bit of vodka but didn't fall over so that was good. Managed to leave my umbrella there which wasn't so good. Had a good time but suffering today. Now as long as it doesn't rain between now and when I see them at the opera next Friday everything will be fine!

On the help line tonight so hoping its a little busier than last time (nil calls). Come on Manchester gay people, someone out there must be having a crisis for God's sake... That's all. J x

Relatively Quiet

Been on a training course most of the week: Developing Confident Managers. Got another 2 full weeks on this to do later in the year so I'm not there yet! There was some useful stuff though amongst all the management speak - including a session on delivering difficult messages, which hasn't come a moment too soon...

Went to the cinema with Gill and Lesley to see Up on Thursday. A good film but don't believe all the hype.

Then Friday it was off to a former colleague's "partial retirement do". Honestly, people have parties at the drop of a hat these days. It was good though and I was able to catch up with a lot of Manchester people. Then went to meet DD, Ev and dave for a further drink.

Saturday was taken up with shopping for food (mostly for Madam, who is doing a lot better on her foot but isn't quite up to a full Sainsburys shop yet). Then met her in town for some venue shopping - we're trying to find a suitable place to hold her (non) retirement party (apparently there's a difference between leaving a place of work for good and retiring but don't get me started). Anyway we (by which I mean she) has decided on Mojo. Its a great venue, really nice set-up but has no draft beer. Expect complaints! DD maintains that she only knows classy people who are happy with bottles (of wine mostly) but I say she doesn't know the full capacity of a grade 7 to cause a fuss when he or she feels they're being over-charged for their alcohol. We'll see.

Then met Bryn & Michelle for a drink before they headed off to see Up. Nice to see them and me and DD are off to a Bonfire Night thing at theirs next Friday. Should be good. That's all. J x

Forgot to mention...

...that I also went to see the Matthew Bourne Dorian Gray. I really enjoyed it. The music and the sets were amazing and most of the dancing consisted of very attractive boys in their underwear running around the stage and having sex with each other. And there's a disco ball that has to be seen to be believed! What's not to like? As it was the Manchester premiere there was also a post-show Q & A session with La Bourne himself which was good too. He kept saying that everything we had seen on the stage came direct from the novel. What? Even the back room scene? Have now ordered the novel from Amazon to check...

Just dropped DD off at work. She's doing mornings to see how she copes being in work on crutches. Since I'm on a training course all week I'll be able to drop her off but she'll need to find her own lift back into town. We'll see how it goes. I'm off to develop myself into a confident manager (apparently) so that's all for now. J x

Good News

DD has fractured her ankle. Not good news you might say but they're not putting her in plaster and she can go back to work next week (which has cheered her up no end - anyone would think she didn't want to retire!). She was out and about round town yesterday with "the girls" in a decorated wheelchair so I look forward to tales of derring-do (and derring-don't) when I speak to her later.

The Aged Ps are in Portugal with beautiful weather although not having a brilliant time since my mother has picked up an infection and is on antibiotics - Lord alone knows what this has done to the wine industry over there...

As for little old me, not a lot to report. Had a bit of a scare on Tuesday when the awful stomach pain returned. It lasted about 20 minutes and I had started packing my bags for hospital when I was sick and the pain went. A friend tells me that the act of being sick can sometimes dislodge the offending stone that is causing the pain and so it gets better of its own accord. Am hoping this doesn't happen again since unplanned hospital visits mess up my life. 11/12 will do nicely thank you.

Am on a training course for 4 days this week - luckily its being held in Manchester so shouldn't be too much trouble. There's loads of pre-course reading and work to do though so I'm having to do a lot of it this weekend. Did manage to squeeze in a session on the helpline last night but only got 2 hang-ups and no actual calls. Quite boring really. Hey ho, at least I was there in case anyone did have a crisis. That's all. J x

The Nursed Has Turned.

Well, I have some news. Firstly, and most importantly, madam has taken a tumble and hurt her ankle. It appears that there was an incident involving a number of boisterous (fat) dogs on a country walk today which left DD on the floor with a pain in her ankle. She's been to one of those NHS walk in centres where they took an x-ray but didn't have a doctor to interpret it. So they'll get back to her. Might have been better to brave the A&E crowds to get an instant diagnosis but there we go. Its either badly sprained or fractured - either way initial treatment is the same: rest and keep it raised. I'll spend Tuesday and Thursday with her as I have some work I can do out of the office anyway and she'll get some of the many many other willing helpers to fill in the gaps. Nice to be able to repay some of the kindness and care she has shown me over the years.

I have news too. I have a date for my operation: 11 December. I was offered earlier dates but this one works best. With a 2 week recuperation it takes me up to Xmas day. Its best for my trainees since they won't be sitting exams, they won't have a lot of accountants ringing up (they all bugger off for December anyway) and they're expected to take their annual leave during the tutorial breaks anyway. And Mum and Dad get to look after me for ages - they're over the moon.

DD reads the blog so please feel free to leave her heartwarming and tender messages. That's all. J x

News Indeed

Only its not about me - DD has just heard that she's getting early retirement, She'll be gone by the end of November. She's over the moon about the news and a little emotional - understandable when you consider that she's been in the Department for over 40 years (we calculated that she'll have spent 8900 days working for the Department by the time she retires). That's a lot of days. Of course I'm pleased as punch for her but just can't help wondering how many vodka martinis you can buy your friends from a pension! I'm sure we all wish her the best for an HMRC-free future.

Other news - another long week. Ups and downs. Had a good in-year assessment but lost a member of staff to Manchester. He's good too but has a footballing injury that means his mobility is restricted making travel to Warrington difficult. I wish him well though.

Still no progress on the wardrobe (will it ever get built?) but then had a text from the builder (after 3 months of no contact) asking me when I'd like him to come around and finish off some jobs. Don't know whether to swallow my pride and get the jobs finished off or say "sod you, you haven't been in touch for three months so I'm not giving you any work"'. That's all. J x

First Week Back

Well its been a long and tiring week. I did manage to squeeze in one short day (in line with my Performance Agreement) but overall I did too many hours. Hey ho, I had a lot to catch up on and I managed to catch up on some of it. I'll have a quiet weekend this weekend to make sure I recover my strength. In any case its good to be out of hospital and back in work. Still no word yet on when I need to go back.

Not really got any other news on account of not having done anything else. Hopefully something exciting will happen this weekend (I'm meeting DD for a coffee at some point so that's quite exciting) and I'll be able to report on it! That's all. J x

First Day Back

Not a long day. 130 e-mails waiting for me though. Still, good to be back. Feeling good.

Saturday was fun. Although the Market Restaurant was rubbish. They only had about three main courses left which is just crap for a city centre restaurant on a Saturday night. But the weddings in The Midland. Oh my dears, they had the worst weddings taking place. The clothes had to be seen to be believed. But they at least provided some amusement (and yes I know everyone is entitled to wear whatever they want and yes there are people out there who think turning up your jeans looks stupid - but trust me its really fashion forward - but I just don't care). That's all. J x

Day by Day

Each day I seem to be a little better. My temperature is back to normal and I'm sleeping properly (although I did wake up very sweaty in the middle of last night - hopefully a one-off). I foresee no problems with going back to work - apart from all the e-mails I'll have to catch up with.

Met Sara for a drink last night and out tonight for Michele's birthday so everything now seems back to normal. Will hear in due course when they want me back in for the gall bladder removal op. That's all. J x

Update

So we went to the Whitworth yesterday. The exhibition (The American Scene) is terrific. However, it was probably a bit ambitious for me to do having just been discharged from hospital. My back started hurting and I felt unwell so we got a taxi back home. My temperature was then up for most of the night.

Have now had a good night's sleep though and feel much better this morning and my temperature is back down to normal. Mother is to have her hair done and father needs to g to Boots so I'll let them toddle off and do their own thin whilst I take it easy today. We believe that Ms DD is back in the realm of the living today so hope to see her later. That's all. J x

Home Sweet Home

So they discharged me late yesterday afternoon. Blood test results were fine. Am off work until Monday though. No idea when they'll call me back. Presumably everything now needs to work its way through the system and an appointment will pop up in due course. The surgery doesn't sound too dramatic and shouldn't entail a long stay in hospital but there will be a 2 week period off work. (to be spent at the Aged Ps in Swansea).

Feeling OK. Glad to be out of hospital obviously. I don't feel fantastic but that could be the morphine withdrawal effects (God its a fantastic drug!). Will update y'all as things change. No other news at the moment. Going for a therapeutic visit to the Whitworth Art Gallery this afternoon followed by a quiet night in. Last night in my own bed was brilliant. No shouters and no farters. Bliss. That's all. J x

Update

Could be home tonight! Apparently they took a stone from my bile duct yesterday. It was this which was causing me the pain. The plan is now, following suitable results from the blood tests, to send me home tonight and call me back in 4 to 6 weeks to take the gall bladder. This is better for me as it allows me to plan things as far as work is concerned (but Annie has helped me out enormously there this time). I'll type more when I'm home because it takes quite a long while on the iPhone. J x

Starving

Have been nil by mouth all bloody day from 0600. Just had my first Ensure Plus half an hour ago. It's never tasted so good... No doubt today will contribute to my net weight loss. Had the endoscopy today. Can't remember a thing. Probably just as well since I understand it can be quite traumatic. My confidence was not boosted by the fact that the mouth guard I needed to wear wouldn't fit in my mouth. Apparently radiotherapy also affects the extent to which you can open your mouth wide (it tightens all your skin). The enoscopist (just guessing) had to take a scalpel and cut through the barrell of a large plastic syringe and improvise from there. After that the sedative was added intravenously and I remember nothing else. I'll update you all once I've seen the doctors tomorrow morning. That's all. J x

Scary Mary

So starting to feel a little edgy now. Which is bonkers as I've been through much worse than an endoscopy before. Indeed, I have even been through an endoscopy before. Still... Anyway. Busy day, Aged Ps are once again Manchester residents. They were caught up in a big jam on the M6 so not best pleased when they arrived (and, of course, not over the moon about having to visit their son in hospital for a third time...). They are both looking well though. Madam visited today of course and has taken them out for dinner tonight. Felicinis I believe. Jim called early doors and was full of tales of derring do as ever. And finally through the doors were Bryn & Michelle and I spent a happy time with them (once we'd got past Bryn's grim gall bladder tales) planning why we'll do for Muchelle's birthday - looking like Edinburgh or Newcastle. Of course ward was abuzz with arguments of how much extra time there shoul have been... And now it's just me again. Alone. On a hospital ward. Actually, should that be "an hospital ward"? Not sure. There I am being such a drama queen I'm forgetting my grammar! Anyway, I'll feel happier tomorrow (I'm sure) once I've spoken to a surgeon. That's it for tonight folks. When I know more, you'll know more. Here's hoping for another quiet night... J x

Weight Loss

So I've lost 2 pounds in 3 days. A good start but lets see if we can make 9 pounds by the time I leave? I am a little worried now about the calorific content of morphine. Some more research needed I think... J