Any diagnosed germophobes or hoarders on this forum?

Hi @Dimity with all this rain and warm weather I can understand your back yard is overgrown. Mine too. I seem to be filling between 1 and 3 green bins per week (I borrow my neighbours'). Thanks 🙂

I haven't been doing enough of my 10 minute bursts to actually catch up 😣 just to stay where I am. Need to do more.

"Looming" is the right word for Christmas. I dread it.

Yes, December is usually too busy, people get in a frenzy and want to catch up, plus 2 work Christmas parties and work is busy too. I volunteer for a charity and yes, work some public holidays - you have a good memory.

Will you have any more family events as Christmas draws closer?

Good luck with your chores and gardening...

Hi @Dimity , hope you're coping OK? 🤞

I got diagnosed this morning with arthritis, bony spurs and plantar fasciitis in both ankles.

Currently lying down after my shower after the germy GP appt.

Iron results also not great - in the bottom end of normal after the expensive iron infusion 3 months ago. One reason I chose to grow baby spinach.

But I do see a speck of sunshine 🌞 outside my window 🙂 and I also bought myself a tub of frozen yoghurt as a treat after my GP appt.

Sending thoughts and wishes for you...

Gosh @NatureLover I'm sorry to hear of your diagnoses. I guess you've been in a lot of pain - I hope the diagnoses will lead onto effective treatment. When I had plantar fasciitis my gp recommended Birkenstocks. Are you being referred for subsidised physio?

Your iron levels are a worry. I probably get some of my iron from the lentils and other pulses I eat, as I very rarely eat red meat.

My shopping jeep has lost a wheel. I'd buy some at Bunnings but find I can't unscrew the ends of the axles so I'll have to source a new jeep.

Best wishes. I hope you're not too disappointed and depressed with your news - it's empowering to know so you can take action.

I'm glad of the diagnoses, @Dimity - I feel they verify 40 years of pain. I was surprised to get 5 diagnoses, though - I expected one (arthritis).

Thanks for reminding me about lentils. I've been vegetarian since a small child, so I don't eat read meat.

My main strategy is lots of rest. If the pain worsens I'll seek further treatment.

That's disappointing about your shopping jeep 😣 I hope it's not expensive to replace.

How are you feeling today?

Rest isn't always best @NatureLover - sometimes the right sort of exercise helps a lot. You'd probably be eligible for a CDM plan from your gp. But perhaps you've already discussed it all with them.

I'm at ground zero. My gp knows I've sacked my psychologist. I'm not coping at present but am nervous about looking for support again. Apparently I'm going to have a home assessment for short-term help but I don't know when or what's involved and I doubt I'll be eligible.

Chores tomorrow. I've run out of clean stuff. I don't know how to get back on track but I've got to start somewhere.

I hope you feel up to your tasks tomorrow. 10 minutes at a time for you? I'll try for more, there's a lot to do.

@Dimity Sorry you're at ground zero and not coping 😢

Is the short term help meant to be for chores (housework) or decluttering?

I may have to do more than 10 minutes at a time too. So much to do. I have to walk to the library (avoiding the rain) at some point to pick up 6 books that have come in for me. Am down to my last library book.

Sending care...

Hope you're succeeding @NatureLover .

I don't know what help might be available. I enquired 6 months ago when facing possible vision loss and thought it wasn't being followed up.

I've made a start on my backlog.

I hope you weren't caught in the storms @NatureLover .

I made an effort... caught up a little.

I'm still a bit shocked that you've been in pain for 40 years but only just had a scan...

Take care.

I hope you can get the help @Dimity 🤞

Well done on getting stuff done and catching up a little.

I didn't really have the money before this to get tested - I got 2 ankle MRIs which cost $355 each.

I wasn't caught in the storms - were you?

@NatureLover thanks I was safely inside during the storms, and kept checking the weather radar before finally venturing out.

I enjoyed some gardening today, but didn't get into the backyard. There's a lot to catch up on inside and out.

Yes MRIs are very expensive. I'm glad I got one for my back. Years ago when I had an ankle xray I was told I had bone spurs but they don't seem to cause any problem. But when I had plantar fasciitis it was crippling at times. I don't remember how it was treated as I'd also had strapping for an ankle ligament at different times.

Friday tomorrow. Hopefully my better mood today will carry over. Good luck with your errands and housework or whatever else you've planned.