Struggling because of arthritis ...

[Farmer_Gyles]

My son has Ankylosing Spondalytis (or somethign remarkably similar) it is NOT NICE. He takes powerful medication, which is harming his digestive system to the extent he may have to stop taking it (drastic heartburn), and if he can't take the medication, he will probably be wheelchair bound in another year. He's not 30 yet....

ouch
i had a stomach ulcer some years ago, currently taking omeprazole to hopefully prevent the anti-inflammatories causing stomach lining irritation ......
my 40th birthday is postponed until i'm walking properly

[SlugLobber]

Hope you're ok, FG. I think speaking to the allotment secretary as someone else suggested is your best bet, combined with a word in the ear of your sons/friends. Friends may well be appreciative of the veg but not the work, but now you're a friend in need, so I'm sure they'll help out in return for some veg. If not, you need new friends! If the situation is still bad in a couple of weeks, I should have more time then to come and help myself, as you're not that far away (I'll be finished with exam papers then).

[Incy]

So sorry to hear you are sufferring FG, I really hope they diagnose it quickly and can give you something to help.I also don't like mayday hospital so don't blame you for opting to go elsewhere.
Your friends don't sound very kind if they don't want to help when you are in need but are still wanting to eat your produce! reminds me of a storybook we had as a child ( I think it was called the little red hen but may be misremembering).

Where is your allotment? maybe a local scholl could help under the guise of outdoor study lessons?

Good Luck with it all, try and stay smiling

[bluemoon]

OH is an obsessive hill-walker, I've never been able to see the attraction, but I always get dumped in the nearest pretty village to go in the 'Crafte Shoppes' and the 'Gifte Shoppes' and the 'Coffee Shoppes'. Anyway the point is, our old dog had to be put to sleep and our even older dog seemed to age rapidly once he'd lost his friend so instead of going walking with OH he had to stay with me, meaning that I can now only windowe shoppe. One day last March after a day yomping around Bakewell in the freezing cold I returned home with aching ankles, one of which was better the next day, but the other grew worse and still gives me pain. This was not helped by the fact that my GP treated it with huge doses of Codeine (60mg, 4 times a day) The Codeine was making me ill, but I didn't realize just how wrong this prescription was until I asked advice on the vine. There seems to be a tendency for doctors, especially GPs to just treat the symptoms - ie, the pain, when there's a lot more that can be done. The first visit to Rheumatology can be daunting too, when you see just how badly affected others are it can make you feel a bit of a fraud and not want to make a fuss. I struggled for the best part of 8 months before I actually insisted that something was done. So, find out as much information as you possibly can before your appointment then go in there armed with your knowledge, there's less chance that you'll be fobbed off if it's obvious that you know what you're talking about.
Hope everything goes well for you, it's unbelievable how quickly arthritis can affect you.

[SueA]

Sorry to hear about your problems FG, hope you can get a friend or neighbour to help or maybe you could get someone who is on the allotment waiting list to give you a hand/share the plot until you get treated or adjusted to working in a different way?
My half brother started to get arthritis when he was in his early forties & was treated with a couple of steroid injections etc. then went on holiday & one day suddenly couldn't move his hand or arm at all. It's strange how it can come out of the blue like that.

[Farmer_Gyles]

went allotment again today - got a bit done again - allotment committee are busy organise a plot for people who live in a sheltered home for adults (people with mental disabilities i think?)

i might ask if scouts want to come and help - could count towards their smallholder badge - but they're extremely busy with lots of camps coming up ........

i got dragged around the gifte shoppes and things in arundel when this first started - was almost unable to move after a few hours - deep joy! didn't know it was arthritis at the time tho ....

i asked doc about taking other anti-biotics and things while i wait for hospital appointment, just in case - he said not much point, best to wait for hospital - if hospital appointment doesn't come soon, i'll go see the other doc and insist on something .......

got one friend says she might be able to help a bit this weekend - only gonna get a couple of hours tho but better than nowt!

and sluglobber - if you are free then any help will be much appreciated - payment in BBQ or veggies!

[Glutton4...]

Hi FG, sorry to her that the sh*t Fairy has decided to visit you, I wondered where she had gone!

Lots of good advice above, If you don't get anywhere soon, I'd agree with being pushy or second opinions. Hope you get sorted - keep smiling

[dexterdoglancashire]

So sorry to hear your news FG. I'm afraid I dont have any advice, but hope you manage to sort things out.
Love Bernie

[NSB]

Glutton4

The s...t fairy was at mine the other week what with my incubation breaking down, farmer gyles lives in my area so I hope he goes elsewhere soon.

[HeyWayne]

Dude! Can't really offer any advice having never suffered anything similar. Just know you have my sympathies and admiration for keeping going and keeping spirits up.

Keep it up fella.