Help is at hand ...

As I had an appointment with my new fav doc today for blood and xray results, it became apparent that I was not well. Hard to not realise when I am coughing my guts out and spluttering snot all over the place. So she took my temperature (rather raised), listened to my lungs, generally looked me over (I loooove sticking my tongue out at such a high ranking person and not get done for it), then said, that it's got to be antibiotics as a secondary infection has manifested itself in my lungs. She said, that particularly after HepC treatment (mainly the first year after tx) we have to be careful as it easily can turn into pneumonia and worse. So I have now dutifully started a 5-day course antibio's. It's ok, I trust this doc. 

My blood tests came back rather good. Liver function test almost like a 'normal' person, renal functions perfect, HB still slightly raised, but gone down since the last blood test, arthritis still indicated, but apparently not much rheumatoid (so why the fuck am I aching so much???) and we can safely say, that I never ever will have a period again in my life, my hormone levels are rock-bottom :-) The doctor did mention HRT, but I just waved it off. I am taking far too many pills for my liking already, so I am going to cope without extra hormones. Funnily the hot flushes have finishes concurrently with end of treatment. Don't know why, but that was the only thing that was bothering me regarding menopause. I am so used to the headaches and backache and whatever else goes with it, that it doesn't stress me out. Anyway, she congratulated me on my SVR too and I could see that she really meant it. She also told me ... and I still can't believe this ... about all the supplements I can get on prescription! No other doctor has done that. So I am well stocked up on glucosamine, cod liver oil, vit D, iron etc. I was buying the stuff from the drug stores for lots of money up to now. 

She also agrees that I am not up to full time work yet and maybe never will be ... considering NOBODY is going to employ a nearly 51 year old woman with multiple health issues, tattoos and piercings during a recession. She did say, I shouldn't worry about it, they can't force me back to work. I would like to work, don't get me wrong, but I just can't see myself doing 9-5 x 5 per week. My health, mental and physical, is still too up and down to verify regular attendance. Hence I have come to the conclusion, I am going the right way with the 1 day a week voluntary work and getting regular crochet workshops going. 2 - 3 workshops a month would sort me out sufficiently with money on top of my benefits. Maybe that's my new religion - Born Again Scrounger!!!

The dogs are doing fine. Won't go on about them today. My fingers are killing me just from typing this. So I am signing off and am going to bed as long as I can still hold a book!