Wednesday, September 29, 2010



Talkin' about My Generation

I didn't use the obvious Who tape because I hate it when they destroy their instruments at the end.
The other day a nurse said that although my generation had been through WW2 and had paid taxes for decades we were reluctant to avail ourselves of any benefits we were entitled to. Apparently I am entitled to a carer's allowance - even a temporary one. Somehow these things - grants included - never seem right for the likes of us.
However practical help is something I would avail myself of - and if it isn't offered I'll ask for it.

For years now we have had an annual 'flu injection and when I asked the surgeon whether it was a good idea under the circumstances, he said now was a good time before the chemo starts as that interferes with the auto immune system.
I rang the surgery but they hadn't got the vaccine and were expecting it later in the week It didn't seem a good idea to drag the patient down to a communal hall where parking is quite a distance away so I asked if he could be given it at home and when I said he was between operations that seemed quite acceptable. I'm hoping they may stretch a point and do me at the same time.

We await a phone call from the District Nurse.

21 comments:

Queenie said...

The point about grants, dear Pat, is that they enable you to pay for practical help in a form of your choosing, whether that be a taxi ride, help in the house or garden, having your dinner cooked by someone else (aka a take-away), or whatever. I think if you're entitled, you should apply. And if you really don't want the money, give it to a charity - maybe even one for carers - they need every penny they can get.

Pat said...

Queenie: I know you are right. I just need the energy to do something about it.

Kevin Musgrove said...

If my parents' experience is any indication, the District Nurse may well be amenable to getting both jabs done at the same time (it saves them the cost of a letter).

And don't forget that there's a reason why you've been paying National Insurance.

Anonymous said...

My mother is the same about caring for my father.
I'm sorry Pat, I have been struggling to work things out on your blog recently and realised I missed a key post so I thought the 'patient' was the person in the run in Florida.
So, belatedly, my wishes, prayers and crossed fingers are with you ...

Eileen said...

Sounds to me like you need a big hug.
Lots of good Juju wished your way from South Africa
xxxx

Eryl said...

I'm sure the district nurse will do you at the same time, it would be ridiculously inefficient not to. Though, of course, it may not be up to her, doctors' surgeries seem to be very limited by red tape these days.

I'm glad to hear you aren't afraid to ask for practical help, so many people just sit and suffer when there is no need to. Sending more filling for your magic cushion, XXX

Pat said...

Kevin; that's cheering news:)

Rosneath: don't worry - I know how confusing it can be and thank you for the welcome wishes.

Eileen: hugs are always helpful. Thank you:) And for Juju.

Eryl: still waiting for a phone call from her and the Lodge. Oh well - may be tomorrow.

lom said...

Pat take the help, you have paid for it.

My father-in-law has just finished his first lot of chemo and we had the good news that it has held the tumor and his bloods have gone down from over 100 to 9. Hope that gives you cheer.

Pat said...

LOM: good news - give him a hug from me. He's in good company - Michael Douglas has just finished 8 weeks of chemo.

kenju said...

I wold have no qualms at all about taking what was my due, Pat.

I hope they bring enough vaccine to do you at the same time. We got our flu shots last week in the same building as our health club and mr. kenju's physical therapy ofc.

Granny Annie said...

It seem like these particular days of our lives are filled primarily with medicine and medical care.

Anonymous said...

Somehow these things - grants included - never seem right for the likes of us.

I think that for the older generation and us, their children, taking a handout was akin to acknowledging an inability to provide for one's family. That in turn was a mark of shame. The people of my parents' generation grew up with the idea that "we don't take anything from charity."

Unfortunately, the zeitgeist today is completely opposite. It's "how much can I get for the littlest effort possible?"

Cheers.

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

Ooh, ooh, I love this song [thanks to my brothers who played music from this era throughout my life].

Strange, we [my sister, my cousin Lis and one of my brothers] have been emailing each other about music a lot, recently. Some of it is quite hilarious.

I'm off to read your post now and to listen to that song............

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

I hope you find the energy to do all the things you must do, Pat. I second Queenie, but I know how, every day, all kinds of little things can soak up time, vim and vigour.

Pat said...

Judy: lucky you. Alas she didn't phone and I'm not allowed to phone her.

Granny Annie: and very tedious it is too;)

Randall: I 'm beginning to agree that we have already paid for it.

GG: it's a great thing that you can share something as evocative as music.
Queenie always talks sense and although vim and vigour seem like dear departed friends I SHALL make the effort.

AndrewM said...

Never assume anything about the NHS - it is a law unto itself. The point about National Insurance is right. You are owed, big time.

Ms Scarlet said...

I have problems with 'finding the energy', when I'm under pressure. I calm myself down by focussing minutely on one thing at a time.
I hope you get all the help that you need, Pat.
Sx

Pat said...

Andrew M; OK I believe you:)

Scarlet: a timely reminder of common sense. Thank you.
I have no reason to grumble - but that's never stopped me before:)

Eryl said...

Has she phoned yet?

OldLady Of The Hills said...

I hope you are able to get the Nurse to do both of you at the same time...As others have said, it would be so much more efficient, all around.

As to the help...I uunderstand not having the energy to even apply, though it is something you are eligible for---Everything seems so hard when you are already struggling with stressful and emotional things. Sometimes getting to the next room seems like an impossible task....
I send you Big Hugs, my dear....(((((((HUGS)))))))

Pat said...

Eryl: no she didn't phone but the patient has had his 'flu jab which is the important thing. More later.

Naomi; unfortunately they don't seem to work that way but the patient has had his and I will have one on Monday.
My energy comes and goes and today has been a good day. I've just realised it's a month since the op. Incredible.