THANK YOU TO MY HF Nurse Helen.

[Islandlady57]

Good morning, I'd like to say a few words about my wonderful Heart Failure Nurse.

I have to go to the mainland this morning to have my ICD tweeked (I'm sure that's the medical term 😷).

And tbh I'm terrified of the journey. I'm not in a good place "mentally" so this sort of thing is a real test. It has to be done and I can't wait till I'm back home x! x

I explained this to my HFN last Wednesday when she came round to see me. Not had a home visit before but Helen knew how down I am and offered to save me a trip to the hospital.

By the end of the day she had sorted me taxis to the hover and the other side to the hospital, same for the return journey. Although I'm still a mess at the thought she has saved me a bus and a train journey... Unthinkable at the moment.

Also sorting so therapy for me.

2 years since my HA and H has always been a good listener. A cheery person who is so easy to chat to. I thankfully haven't really needed "extra help" until recently but my goodness I certainly am very grateful and feel very lucky to be looked after by our HF team (particularly Helen)

Have a great week y'all xkx

[Rose54]

Hi I know how you feel about going to the mainland

I have not been off the Island for 2 years

Have arranged to meet up with family for the day in 2 weeks and am dreading the journey My anxiety like yours will be through the roof.

I will go by Hovercraft as its only a ten minute journey ,but it depends on where you have to go.

[Islandlady57 in reply to Rose54]

Oh bless you.I really hope who ever is helping you with your anxiety can help before your trip x?x

I felt I just HAD TO do it and not think about it.

Tell you what though huni.

Wrap up very warm for the return journey.

For some MEDIEVAL reason the hover waiting room at southsea has a "covid" policy of all doors and windows open. BLOODY RIDICULOUS.

I had no control over my timmings today so I sat for 45mins shivering.

Shame on you hover travel 😕

[uzininemm in reply to Islandlady57]

The problem may be in not communicating they do this, as I think the policy is following scientific/government guidance to help air circulation and there reduce potential transmission of nasties.

Got an email from the local bus company yesterday telling everyone to wrap up warm as all buses are travelling with open windows all the time.

At work because we work in a old house in bubbles, we have been told by HR that we should have the windows open at least 5 minutes per hour whatever the weather.

[Islandlady57 in reply to uzininemm]

Yes, I totally get the ventilation point of view and agree. Always have my windows open for part of the day. But it was literally like sitting outside last week lol x

[Rose54 in reply to Islandlady57]

Hi I hope all went well yesterday

My anxiety is caused by long term Steroid use so I can normally deep breath my way through it .

It doesn't help with the COVID situation at the moment as I am immune suppressed so have to be very careful.

Thanks for the warning about wrapping up well

[Nettekin]

Hi islandlady. So nice to hear of someone's positive medical care. Hope your trip was not too stressful today and your appointment went well. Still have that mental picture of you travelling by small rowing boat from a hebridean island! Think I'm just cracking up to be honest😁. Best wishes x

[Islandlady57 in reply to Nettekin]

Hello there. Funny you should say that. Because at first I said I couldn't go because of having to travel alone (not in a great place confidence wise 😔)

But all the stops were pulled out to get me there.

When I got into see the Prof he said "OH I'm so glad you made it. With the storm as well, we were thinking we'd have to send a row boat for you" GULP

Thankfully the Hover was sufficient 😁

I'm all reprogrammed now (ICD wise).

New drugs (it makes my daughter laugh when we discuss my "drugs" in front of anyone) and maybe a re visit for a shock under anesthetic if my AF doesn't improve.

Good old NHS.

Anyway, how are things with you x?x

Did you get much damage from the storm? It was a good excuse to stay in wasn't it.

Have a great rest of the week xkx

[Nettekin]

Hi island lady. Pleased to hear all went well with your appointment and you managed your trip. Here in the West coast of Wales and 1000 feet up it was pretty stormy. Power out for.about 10 hours, but no damage. Heart issues ok at the moment, but head still struggling. Not helped by being in the middle of moving. All going well until the solicitors got involved! Had hoped to move by Xmas, no chance now. Hey ho. Still, meeting up with my son in Shrewsbury today to exchange gifts and catch up, so looking forward to that. Best wishes x

[Islandlady57]

Good morning. Hope you had a nice time with your son x?x

2 of mine live on the mainland. One doesn't do Christmas but the other is coming down next week, from Hastings.

So with his twin (in Ryde) and my daughter we will have our Christmas day on the 17th. The twins work Christmas.

Then mum down from WSM the week after so her, my daughter n I will have mum's Christmas day on the 23rd. Then my daughter is off to her dad's for the real Christmas day lol.

Who said kids from broken relationships have it hard? 3 Christmas's can't be bad.

This all means "putting on my happy face" for 2 whole weeks...my poor heart 💖