Before I get a bit Mumsy on today's Post , I thought I might indulge in my first Christmas Cracker joke. Groans abound . Hard Luck , here it comes ....
How do Penguins commute to work?
B- ICICLE !
Yes , I know 😋😂😂😂😂
But now to a quick Mumsy word of advice .
I was thinking of passing this on the other day after our most observant Disease Experience Expert , PMRPro gave a comment in a post a few days ago about the amount of Appointments that are cancelled by Patients in the week before and during Christmas .
Karma decided it would add into the argument for a comment on it today when I went to my Physio Appointment and saw a few people in the queue asking why they hadn't received appointments but then declining the available ones until well into January because they had other Christmas things on . The same declines were being offered by Patients on the phone when the Receptionist offered up an appointment at 8.30 am on Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve at Midday.
So , I was not suprised when my wonderful Physio , looked on his list and said ,
" Oh, No , you really won't want to take this one ."
I pipped in , " Is it Xmas Eve at 8.30?"
" Yes , how did you know , it's that or the first week in January!"
" I'll take it !" I said , " It's more important than anything else I have to do that day . "
He was very impressed with my commitment ( Gold Star for Aunty Bee ) but as I said to him as I left , " It's the 'Must Do's' and 'Have To's' you cancel from your list , not the ' 'Need to's' and 'Want To's'."
He liked that and said he was going to use it in future to describe what he expected people to do in future when explaining Pacing to his more , in his words , ' Stubborn Headed Clients'.
I walked away , knowing that if I didn't want to suffer more Pain at Christmas this was something I had to do , even if I know I will have to be up at 5.45 am if I'm going to manage it.
I came out and told Mr. Bee , " Oh No , Christmas Eve ," he whined , " Do you have to?"
" Yes , unfortunately Pain doesn't take a break and PMR/ GCA doesn't recognise Public Holidays."
He had a 'lightbulb moment' and his reluctance was gone with a smile.
It's true , Coping with Chronic Illness often feels like a full time job , but unlike a Real Employer it doesn't recognise High Days and Holidays. Chronic Health issues need you to do your bit everyday to help you cope with them and stop them getting worse.
And if that means crossing off something else on your list , and this is were I get a bit like your Mum, it's something you really need to do.
So , keeping those appointments , even if they clash with your Christmas Plans , is still important.
If your Physio ties with little Johnnie's Nativity Play , Mr. Stretch Bones has to win.
If you get offered a last minute date from a Specialist or Test Clinic but planned to leave town that day , unless it's a pre-booked holiday or long distance travel plans with a ticket that can't be changed , it will be better for your Christmas Holiday , and especially for You , if you attend that day , and travel a little later instead.
Drop the Lunch , Ditch the Concert , Dispose of the Preparation Plans and head to the Doctor instead. Because otherwise you may not see another chance until well into January.
The silver lining , of course , if you are feeling anxious about getting those tests or receiving treatment and results , you can get all that off your Mind and be able to Concentrate on the Joy of the Holidays instead of worrying about what comes next.
And a Top Tip , if you are waiting to get an appointment have not heard about one , and are convinced you won't be seen until January , try ringing your Doctor or Clinic Department and see if they have a cancellation available.
If they don't , request politely if they can include you on their cancellation list and add a note to your notes saying you will take a last minute cancellation when one becomes available. It really could mean that you get seen before you say "So Long" to Santa.
The awkward Christmas Medical Appointment is in fact a gift given to you by the NHS .
Even Auntie Bee took her own advice and will be being Manipulated for Christmas Eve , just hoping Mr. Stretchbones won't sing Christmas ditties at me while he does it !
Take care , and do keep those appointments if you are well enough to do it.
Big hugs and tender loving Care , for today , Mummy Bee xx
Today's photo may not be very Christmassy , but seemed appropriate to the theme and was kindly donated again by the girl you know as Grandma.
