Val's Cafe

Thanks skinny keef I'm going to try and take the kids into town with the dogs for a nice walk out and let the kids play at the park so long as my pains aren't too bad.

Morning Joan how are you and Pepper doing? I had a lovely walk with the cockerpoo, but not today sadly maybe later on in the week. Did you get some rain? We had a,lovely day then last thing it started to rain much to Sleek's disgust! Take care ((())) xxx

Morning Jojo I was thinking about you yesterday. Not really impressed, but it can be like that first appointments particularly if your joints aren't flaring by the time you get there. Thing is there are lots of inflammatory arthritises (psoriatic for one) which do not give you a positive rheumatoid factor in your bloods. It's good that she has at least taken X-rays and you are having some special bloods taken that GPs don't do - probably anti CCP and ANA maybe others. It could well be Osteo - the pain of that should never be underestimated, can affect multiple joints and does often start in lower joints.

Toady is right my joints were practically 'glow in the dark' when it kicked off for me. They were very hot and inflamed they swelled to double their size. I also had other things to help with my diagnosis though my R Factor was negative at the GPs. Did you go alone or take Michael/your Mum? My first advice is to never go alone if you can help it they really do seem to take you more seriously if you aren't alone. Take photos of any visible swelling even measure around joints before and after a flare to show how much there is.

Your GP clearly believes there is something wrong so don't give up hope yet. ((())) xxx

Morning Reshmi how are you today? Your Mum too I hope she's ok.

Better that the cleaners come on a different (planned) day than that they turn up 3 hours late.

I rather think, in spite of the obvious visual impact of the lavender ice cream, I will stick to fruit salad. Then I can sing the song too😊

Bastille day is a lovely day to have your birthday. Mine is nothing special really. Christmas day would be the worst I think. Not having one single day in the whole year to feel special😕 Lucy was due 21st December luckily a planned caesarean which they do 2 weeks early if they can 'saved' her from one potentially during the festive season.

We can wait for the poem to clear in the bank no rush. I am sure it will be very good although of course not in the league of LA's masterpiece. That really goes without saying😉

Will Shakey looked lovely in his picture.

To be fair dog nightmares would be worse than bag stealing bags are replaceable your face is not if you get bitten.

I am not so bad today thanks for asking just a bit tired 😴

Take care and look out for a PM photo of the baby. ((())) xxx

Morning Stuart how are you today? I hope all is well we had some rain so no watering for me! Take care ((())) xxx

Morning Skinny Keef how are you? I hope Sucré and Anda are doing ok?

You are so right about being fobbed off at the Drs it can make you scared to go. So supportive of you to help Jojo and Stuart while they seek to find out exactly what is going on for them. Jojo went to an NHS Rheumatologist yesterday and gosh it sounded awful. They have a bit more time than GPs but not much more these days. A private one does definitely have more time because you are paying for it.

Making notes is good i suggested photos too when things are swollen/inflamed and not going alone so which helps. Let's hope she gets help soon. Your story must help it was such a hard fought battle. ((())) xxx

Morning Toady did you get the rain last night? I hope you did it was so needed.

Sleek loves her new PJs have yours arrived yet? She is thrilled to bits with hers. Hope she's stopped muttering about 'dog's? Oh and mummies brushing luggs out of her fur😣

I think those trees are rowans yes beautiful and well done getting out. Sorry the other leg is 'aware' that it's compensating for your ankle. 🙄 Hope things heal soon they really must.

Don't ask about my cucumbers and tomatoes nothing has gone well this year 😕 I am with Sucré it's all been a disaster you too? I find that reassuring. I bet Monty is ok garlic excepted of course…..

I know why did we have to carry so much stuff?! It was such hard work and painful on the shoulders. Sorry about your bag. That didn't happen to me luckily. Grrrr😡 don't tell Sleek she might seek out the perpetrators even now ahem ten years later.

Paul was away working the other night so Elfie got in his side of the bed!

Get ready i am going to try to do my PM with pic of me and the baby.

Take care Toady ((())) xxx