Hello everyone
Apologies once again for being off your screens for some weeks. But I haven’t been idle as I have been writing for My Other Blog, and then there were a few other happenings and appointments, and on the latter I will give you an update. Plus a few things I am looking forward to.
Well, at last I met a spinal surgeon. This was, btw, an NHS surgeon and I really liked him and his approach. He gets an all round 5* from me. The only negative comment I have is, that the wait to see him was incredibly long. It took six months for the GP to refer me on. Of course, that is their role, to act as gatekeepers and make an attempt to diagnose before they say, on you go to see someone who actually knows what they are talking about. And then another six months to be seen. Never mind, action, or should I say two actions have taken place.
I am to have a repeat MRI scan of my Lumbar spine to get an update to see how the trapped nerve(s) are behaving before he gives me a spinal injection. But as well as being interested in my spine he was interested in my R hip. And even examined its range of movement – which was not good – and then said, that needs looking at. Well yes! That was another appointment that I was waiting for having been referred last August, and then again in January after I told the GP that I’d heard nothing from MSK whatsoever. Anyway, early next week I was rung up on the Tuesday and asked ‘Would I come to the hip clinic the very next day!’ Result is I am to be referred on to have my R hip replaced. And again I was pleasantly surprised when I was told that once on the list there is a 6-9 month waiting list, which is amazing as I had heard that the waiting list was 2 years. They’ve obviously caught up on their Covid back list.
Well, I think that is tremendous progress. That could mean that 2 out of the 3 health issues I am dealing with might be resolved by this time next year. Now that would be wonderful.
Mind you, there was a little bit of a blip. The very next day I had a stressful time phoning around, with the computer saying a big fat ‘No’ to me. Over and over again. About…..? The MRI scan!
Yup, if you have any test you are waiting for, or waiting for any results whatsoever – you cannot get insurance for a holiday.
YIKES!
You see, the day after my appointment with the spinal surgeon I looked my list of ‘to-dos’, and saw that I needed to ring Saga Cruises to sort out our insurance for the 2027 cruise. Well, one of the many questions you have to answer is, are you waiting for a test or waiting for any test results. Oh, I merrily replied, yes, I am. I’m going to have an MRI scan of my spine to update the results of one done a year previously. Result? An abrupt termination of the conversation with the words – we cannot insure you for 2027. Nor can we insure you for 2026!!! What! !@@@&@*!
I was given 5 numbers of so-called specialist insurers, of which 4 immediately said a big fat NO. Even when I kept saying but it’s an update. That didn’t work. I even thought about moving the 2026 cruise to the Autumn. It would be too expensive, so no. Finally, the 5th insurer said, yes, as the scan I was getting was an update rather than an MRI scan for a new area. Phew, that took all day and cost an extra £220, which I had not bargained for at all. Still, I’m glad to have it!
And here are some more events in the near future that I’m looking forward to and will make me so happy. Next week I am away visiting a cousin and some friends. Keeping up contacts and actually visiting people is so worthwhile. I hope to take lots of photographs.
And even more excitement! Early next month we are off to Norway, which is my most favourite country in the world. I cannot believe that this treat is coming along so quickly. In between these two holidays we are going up to London to visit yet another art gallery – one I haven’t visited before. And also at our local cinema I shall be seeing the opera, The Magic Flute. That’s a first for me as I haven’t been to an opera for many years.
Yesterday we had the hottest day in April since 1946. Although I don’t approve of these ‘hot’ days, they are only occurring because of Climate Change, this was the best kind of heat you could have. It was blue skies and sun all day long, and just the right temperature of lovely warmth without a cold wind or too much heat.
Here are two jackets I’ve been wearing out and about. Below, this was taken a month ago before the leaves started coming out, and was one of the first days I went out without one of my long winter coats. This is the yellow jacket I’ve had for years now and as you know I bought it for all of £5. Yellow always makes me feel happy!
And here is jacket that my daughter picked up recently. That was literally picked up, as it was amongst a bundle of stuff outside a house to be taken for free! I wore it for a bit then thought, no, I’ll give it back to my daughter, so it’s no longer in my wardrobe.
I haven’t got any pics of my Spring clothes, but you might see them soon. Also I shall definitely be posting some of my cruise clothes. I am pretty sure now what to take. However, just because it is a one-week cruise doesn’t mean my luggage will be half empty. On the contrary, because we are going to Norway in early May we will have to take clothes for 4 seasons. Even more so than the UK, the weather there can be very changeable. It could rain for the entire 7 days, it could be quite warm, it could also be cold. Fortunately we are not this time, going to the Arctic Circle, but on 2 cruises to Norway when we did go north, it snowed and that was in June! I love that!
That’s all for now, thank you for reading this to the end. Do tell if you have some nice things to look forward to!
With love, PennyX
So pleased to know that you are making progress with your health problems and have a consultant who seems on the ball. What a great holiday you have in store! I’m glad that you managed to get your insurance sorted even though it was expensive. Good luck with packing for four seasons in one week; I struggle to know what to pack just for a short break in the UK. Husband and I are currently struggling with some sort of cold virus which is proving difficult to shake off (this is the second week), but we’re looking forward to a holiday in Cornwall with the family later this year. Stay healthy! All the best xx https://pennyhampson.co.uk/
Yes, there is some progress – at last! Thank goodness!
Do you know, I often get it wrong. I so often pack the wrong clothes. But with Norway you have to think it will rain, and then be sunny and warm and then be cold. I will be poring over the weather forecast for Bergen – which is the city that gets the most rain in Norway!
I do hope you begin to recover soon. Cornwall is lovely although I haven’t been for some time now. It’s the driving there that puts us off. Perhaps we should think about taking the train.
All the best to you too, Penny 🙂
Doctor roundabout.. I am glad there is some progress on your appointments. We are moving my parents in with us in 2 weeks and tying to get the house ready. Mostly moving our furniture and hanging a few of our things upstairs so the spaces for them is empty. Looking forward to hearing about your trip when you return!
http://www.chezmireillefashiontravelmom.com
Oh yes, around the houses we go!
And well done you for moving your parents to yours. It is quite a thing to do. Hope all goes well, but multi-generational families can be a blessing. Very best wishes to you and your family.
Thanks Mireille 🙂
It’s so sad that in Britain we think a 6-9 month waiting list is amazing. Sad that we wait months to see a specialist. In other European countries their state health system doesn’t have these wait times. Neither are its citizens, who pay for the health system through taxes just as we do in the UK , expected to be
“grateful” as UK citizens are for the NHS.
It is not only direct taxes that pay for the NHS, everyone pays indirect tax every time they buy anything except very basic essential items. British people have “put up and shut up” for far too long.
You are so right, every word of your comment Pauline is true. The thing is last year was a miserable year as I spent most of my time thinking, wtf, and fighting the GPs to get noticed as a person rather than seeing someone at nearly 80 – so what do you expect. I actually had that lecture.
This year is so much better because to be quite honest I am both reconciled to my issues and I (and I can’t believe I am saying this) I have got used to being in pain all the time. Obviously that’s appalling – but it’s a better state of mind. And. Actually there is some progress. I totally agree about this business of being grateful especially about waiting 6-9 months, but there you go. I think they (the GPs) found it quite challenging to have an articulate nearly 80-yr-old constantly asking them for attention! Btw, I finally have a good GP. He was the 3rd GP I tried, the others were a disaster. He listens and has referred me on every time I have asked to be referred. So it’s a better situation. But of course, I do know that the NHS is exceedingly faulty in many areas. However, thank gawd we have it.
Thanks Pauline 🙂
Great to hear you have made some positive progress on your health appointments Penny.
I love that yellow jacket, what a beautiful, cheery colour .
I do feel it is progress and one must not wish the months away, especially at my age (!) but it will be good to get things sorted.
And that yellow jacket was my best buy ever.
Thanks Linda 🙂
Do enjoy your cruise to Norway. So pleased that that the wheels of our NHS have moved on to offering you some actual treatment. That is entirely down to your persistence and being someone who is articulate, intelligent and stubborn with a good understanding of the NHS.
Well, fabulous news that you can go to Norway! But more fabulous is the news about the hip and your spinal problems. And to visit London again it’s fantastic too. I’m sure you will tell all about the cruise! Looking forward to read it.
Yes, 2 holidays shortly to go on; one to see friends and one to Norway, which is so lovely. Also to get some progress for the hip and the spine is great.
I will take lots of photos whilst in Norway for the blog and Instagram, the latter of which I haven’t been on for some time.
Thanks so much Nancy 🙂
Oh my word, I will enjoy the cruise! Fabulous food and also interesting people go on Saga cruises. Plus the wonderful fjords. You really couldn’t ask for a better break.
And yes, progress at last.
Thanks Lindsey 🙂
Greetings from a Norwegian blog reader! I really hope you will enjoy your cruise.
Oh wow, Anne, hi there, in beautiful Norway. I will so enjoy it as I absolutely love your country and as we are going to Skolden, the fjords there are just enchanting. Consequently I don’t mind the weather one bit, just being there is enough. Btw my DNA is 75% Highlands and Islands which pretty much makes me a near Norwegian (!) as the Shetlands Isles are just alongside Norway. Finally rest assured I don’t cruise on those monsters that carry thousands of people, the Saga ships are small compared to them with only 900 passengers.
Thanks Anne I shall take lots of photos of your beautiful country 🙂
So glad things are progressing with the MRI and hip! Very promising. I had no idea about the problem with holidays and insurance so thanks for sharing that. Looking forward to hearing about Norway…..and seeing you soon!
As you get older(!) the insurance from different sources (like banks) that comes almost automatically dries up, and the attraction of Saga is that insurance is included. Btw, most cruise companies are far cheaper than Saga but they are cheap because everything you can think of is extra on top of the price including finding insurance. Once on a Saga holiday (not just cruising) you could actually pay not a penny extra as all drink is included and so on and so on. So to not qualify for their insurance was quite a blow. But never mind I got some!
And yes, some progress at last!
Thanks Gail 🙂
Glad to hear you have had some success with your medical issues. I wonder whether the hip will help with your balance problem? That yellow coat looks great on you. Its a colour that does nothing for me sadly, though it is such a cheery and uplifting hue. I went to see Project Hail Mary last week at the Depot and really enjoyed it. Had a nice meal there afterwards too. I’m very much looking forward to my trip to Canada and Alaska in May…like you l think i’ll be packing for 3-4 seasons!
I do think the3 issues impact each other, as I cannot concentrate on correcting my balance when I am limping (from the hip) and in pain (from the spine) !
I too want to see Project Hail Mary but just haven’t booked – I think because it’s quite long??? So I will wait now for it to be streamed.
Wow, that’s a great trip – enjoy Canada and Alaska. I do think about doing it, but not sure now about a long haul.
Thanks Alison 🙂
Hello Penny
So good to see you out and about again. I’m so pleased you’re finally getting the service/treatment you need after such a struggle, and that you have your insurance and cruises sorted. You have an interesting few months ahead. Yes, there’s definitely a mind-body connection. S
I’ve recently had a very interesting time with the NHS. Warning… Long story! Eight weeks ago, I got diarrhoea. After two weeks of ‘over the counter’ meds I booked to see my GP. By then, it was three weeks. After a blood test and sample, I was put on a two-week pathway to test for cancer. I wasn’t expecting that! The runs continued, but no meds were prescribed. Another blood test, sample and an appointment at the ambulatory ward where I saw not one but two doctors. Further tests and then home (condition continues and still no meds… just keep drinking lots of water and Dioralyte.
Finally, on Monday I began to be better and yesterday I received a phone call giving me the ‘all clear’ on the CT scan. As you can imagine, I’m very relieved, but WOW! What fantastic service. In all honesty, I didn’t think I had cancer, but it’s great to have had such a thorough exam and confirmation that I am indeed a well almost 80-year-old, apart from a fibroid I’ve had for 30+ years. Of course, it was scary waiting for the results, but now I’m able to see the positive: I’ve just had a thorough health test that would have cost a fortune privately. Tomorrow I’m venturing out into the world. again… hallelujah!!
Enjoy the gallery. I look forward to hearing about it.
In friendship, Mary
Have you worked out why you had the diarrhoea, Mary? I had the same thing happen to me but I knew it was all down to antibiotics. I too was tested for cancer because the GP would not believe me that it was down to antibiotics, she said I was too young to have C Difficile which is the bug that regrows after antibiotics and causes diarrhoea like that. This was 20 years ago, btw. My diarrhoea lasted 6 months and I lost 2 stone in weight. And another bad call from the GP was that once no cancers were found, she said it was IBS. She handed me a piece of paper about IBS and said look at this. Without the help of a nutritionist who finally realised it was the antibiotics when I stopped having the diarrhoea after taking a very strong Manuka Honey in my black tea, I don’t know what would have happened. Right, he said, that proves your gut was infested with the wrong bacteria. Result was he wrote a very strong letter to the GP. I was very slim for years after!
So I totally know this was not a good experience Mary, but so glad to hear it’s stopped – phew! And the NHS is quick when cancer is a possibility and pulls out all the stops. Thank goodness for that.
I will take lots of photos for both holidays and the gallery.
Thanks so much Mary – all the very best 🙂
Thanks, Penny. It was chicken (in a restaurant). I only ate one piece and knew it wasn’t right. Fortunately, Derek didn’t eat any.
Onwards and upwards, Penny. Cheers, Mx
Oh yes, how nasty for you. Glad you have recovered X
I am happy to learn Penny that there is progress in dealing with your health issues. Light at the end of the tunnel hopefully. We have long waits here in the US as well meanwhile you are rocking the walker and look wonderful. Here in New York it has been rather chilly but not the freezing temps we had over the winter, thank goodness. I recently had a breakfast date with my cousin Karen who is a few years younger than me. We do this a couple of time a year to keep up with the family and talk about growing up together. We have been doing this for the last few years and I really look forward to these meet ups. The day before Easter my son hosted a pig roast barbeque at his home for the extended family. So nice to see everyone as the last time we were together was for my daughter in laws father’s funeral in October. On Easter Sunday my daughter, son in law and I took the train into Manhattan to have brunch. We were joined by by son in laws nephew, his wife and three old daughter. We had a very elegant meal and little Elle got to see the Easter bunny. At one point a tall distinguished gentleman came by our table and briefly greeted us. He looked familiar and it was in fact Bill Clinton, our former president. He and his family were seated a few table away, including of course Hillary. Later while we were in the lobby there he was again with I imagine his small grandson. My daughter went to take a photo but security tried to step in front to block it. even so she got his head as he bent down to talk to the child. In the next couple of weeks both my daughter and her husband will be in local theater productions, she in a play called Cahoots and he in Death of a Salesman. So that is something I look forward to. Your cruises sound so exciting and fun. Enjoy every moment. I will go again this July to my beloved Chincoteague Island for a week, as is our tradition. And soon I will have two skirts in my wardrobe. I ordered a Summer skirt from a local company when it went on sale, at a price I could not pass up. So that is it, love, Darby
Oh my, fancy seeing Bill Clinton. I have a funny story about that. We were in Washington at the time of his presidency, and were stopped by police as his entourage of cars passed by. Bill whipped out his camera (at the time there were not the phones we have now) and filmed it all (including Clinton’s face as he waved his hand at us) only to realise when they’d all swept by, the cap of his camera was still firmly on!
You have had some really memorable meet-ups with your family which were lovely to read. Enjoy the plays and yay to the skirt you ordered.
Weather btw, is still very changeable here. We had astonishingly warm weather about a week ago and now we are back to quite sunny days but always with a biting cold wind, so it’s back to the warm jackets for now.
And finally, yes, I am pleased with the progress I am now making with some issues, especially as these might even be resolved this time next year, i.e. the hip certainly and possibly the spine.
Always a delight to hear from you. Thanks so much Darby X 🙂
I’m so glad you’re getting answers to your issues. It’s that being assertive though others call it something else, I’m quite sure. I’ve learned to be assertive when it comes to Mike’s issues. For some reason, they listen to me rather than him. I think they think, “Well, he’s 73, what does he expect?” But, the surgeon we are now seeing is like an old friend. He repaired Mike’s arm 11 years ago, and they give each other tit for tat. I have every confidence NOW that Mike will finally walk again without a walker. I do think we are lucky, here in the States, that we don’t have to wait quite as long as you do. Right after Covid, it was a different story. The bigger problem is finding a good GP these days. Most doctors specialize. I’m guessing that’s where the money is.
I would love to cruise to Norway. I keep getting emails from Arne & Carlos, my Norwegian boyfriends about the Norwegian cruises they’re doing. But, my word…the cost of just the cruise is prohibitive. I would then have to get there. One of these days, though, I’m going to cruise Norway because my friend, Penny, says I need to do it.
Good luck with your follow up appointments. I shall keep you apprised of Mike’s progress on the blog!
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I am so pleased that now at last you have a better surgeon, one that you trust. Hopefully Mike is progressing with the antibiotics and everything will be resolved shortly. Yes, as for the waits, we Brits are mostly resigned to these, because, after all, yes, we pay with our taxes but the actual operations do not cost as much as they do in the States and – at then point of contact with the health service – we pay precisely nothing. Of course, one can go privately and some do, as we are free to choose, but the majority choose to wait. Because we mostly (not always) have a first class health service which is a wonderful thing to have.
Costs of cruises: here in the UK a cruise for a week in the fjords of Norway (so around 4 stops and plenty of scenery) will range from £999 ($1344) to £2500 ($3630). We choose the higher rate as unlike these (and indeed American cruise lines – which I have experienced) everything is included, and I do mean everything, including all excursions and being picked up from your door, with no inside cabins, a balcony for every single cabin even at the lowest price! All those cheaper ones will have a large number of extras on top and start with inside cabins and don’t forget the insurance and so on and so on.
If you want to make it more worthwhile and go further north, I suggest looking at the ferries that go into every single port and fjord in Norway but cater for people who want the entire length of Norway – these are Hurtigruten and Havilla. I believe many Americans try these out.
Thanks so much Marsha – I shall watch Mike’s progress closely. Very best to you both 🙂
You look like sunshine in the bright yellow jacket. I have a similar looking yellow raincoat that always makes me feel chipper. Love your cuffed jeans, too. Did they come cuffed like that? Really cute and flattering!!
So glad for your forward progress on the various health issues plaguing you. I am thankful we can get most testing done within a few days to a week or two of our PCP referring us for imaging. I am having a knee issue and wonder about trying to get in to find out what is going on before we leave for London on the 25th. If they could give me a steroid injection to relieve the pain, I would be very happy.
Hi Leslie! Thanks so much for those kind words about the jacket and yes, the colour is so cheerful. I am a regular size for jeans (as in the length) but if I order the long size, I get enough material to turn them up, which I like doing.
I do hope you get that injection. And yay you’re coming to London! You must be prepared for 4 seasons as it could be warm, it could rain, it could be sunny! Take layers, they will be the best.
Thanks again Leslie 🙂
Hi Penny, I’ve missed seeing blogs that I used to follow for some reason I’m not getting notifications, so it’s great to find you again. I love the yellow coat and yes it’s such a happy colour to wear, how could you not smile! Your medical updates sound positive so I wish you well with them all.
Your trip away will be fabulous! I’m looking forward to our girls trip to Canada in May with my mother (87), sister (64) and my aunt (79) from England is joining us too. I then go to Europe with my sister fortwo weeks then onto England to see my daughter and granddaughter. I have to make the most of my time away as Australia is very far away!! I’m just hoping the relevant war issues can settle down in the meantime – fingers crossed!
Enjoy and thanks for the sunny positive post despite it being about medical issues – your attitude is the best!
Hi Debbie – lovely to hear from you. I did have some IT blips right at the beginning of the change from the Frugal blog, but they have been ironed out now I trust. Hope you can get these in future.
Oh wow, lots of lovely travelling. We used to be quite intrepid travellers taking holidays all the time abroad. But now a sedate cruise suits us very well. Do it while you can I say!
Thanks for saying I’m being positive – I do try to be! Thanks Debbie 🙂
I’m glad you are getting your hip and back problems sorted, and that you have some nice trips to look forward to. Travel insurance is very tricky when you’re in the middle of treatment or tests…and expensive! Love your cheerful yellow coat!
Emma xxx
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I have been on several Saga cruises and as I’ve aged I’ve always appreciated that they include the health and cancellation insurance. To be turned down for it was such a shock and it was no good telling them that I wouldn’t get an MRI scan for weeks. Still haven’t heard. So I will get a scan long after the cruise. But that didn’t wash until that is I rang the insurance branch of Saga – and got it! At the time though that was stressful!
However – this time next year….. 2 of my issues should be sorted. Yay!
thanks Emma 🙂
Penny, your medical sagas intrigue me. Waiting months or years for orthopedic surgery! I had spine surgery this year. I had an updated MRI, surgery consult, and surgery done within 6 weeks. I could have waited longer, but was glad I didn’t have to. People here (in the US) are upset if they have to wait 2-3 months to see a specialist. I’m afraid you lost me with the cruise insurance issue, I have no idea what that means.
You are the second person recently to say they love Norway. I’ve never thought about going there, but perhaps I should. Have a wonderful time.
Hi Aletha and indeed we do have long waiting lists for many, if not most health issues apart, that is from anything related to cancer – that is when you must be seen within 2 weeks. And that usually happens.
Regards to my waiting for the spine and hip consultants. Indeed I have waited far too long. Of course there was the Covid blip when at the end of the pandemic waiting lists for elective (as opposed to emergency) surgery were 2 years long and continued to be for some time. That seems to be no longer the case. Now in my situation with my 3 issues I do have cause to complain as the gatekeepers could not really see me i) as anything other than over 75, so it was, ‘with regard too your balance issue what do you expect’. I actually had that lecture. So I paid to see an ENT specialist and got a diagnosis. And ii) they seemed to want to focus on one issue only at a time. But bodies don’t work like that. With my hip and spine it did take 6 months of sending me to old lady services and also physios, before referring me on. Finally in August of 2025 for my spine I had an appointment for April 2026! And nada, zilch for my hip. Yup, feel free to throw your hands up in horror! Finally when I saw the spine consultant – he hugely sped my hip appointment up to where we are today. I am now in the system. For both.
The reason why we accept all of this is because – it is all free at the point of access. Not one penny do you need to spend on all of this. And for that we are indeed very grateful. We have a very good NHS once you are in the system and we all love it to bits. It is not socialised by the way as you can decide to pay for every single thing if you choose. Most Brits don’t.
And the insurance for the cruise is exactly as I stated, in the UK you don’t get holiday health and cancellation insurance for any holiday if you are waiting either for an operation or any test whatsoever. The latter is a big fat no! As I found out when I phoned specialist insurers. I expect they are thinking ‘what might come up’???
Finally I now have visited many places in Europe and once the States. That was a great holiday as part of it was taking a train from Miami to Philadelphia, stopping at Charleston (beautiful) and Washington (so interesting). But for me Norway is by far the most beautiful country in the world. One cruise to Norway I went on was a Holland America ship. 99% of the passengers were Americans – a fascinating experience for the American passengers actually. As they were all lovely people, but it was June 2016 and we discovered that the vast majority of passenger actually liked Trump which at the time was revelatory to us! We left the ship saying, ‘wow, Trump is going to win’ – which wasn’t the view in Europe at the time!
So shortly, in 2 weeks time this will be our 5th cruise to Norway out of the 10 cruises we’ve been on.
Thanks so much for your comment. I really appreciated it 🙂