Week 103 (6 - 12 July 2008)

As our weeks are very similar I haven’t been doing much on the blog. Among the highlights this week was the church BMS (Baptist Missionary Society) lunch at a local cricket club on Sunday. This gave more space than usual for a barbeque and games for the more active – those under 25 and those who think their under 25! Being England in the summer, it rained and there was a strong wind for a while but this didn’t stop play or enjoyment. All went ahead as planned, with those who know they are over 25 spending the time in the clubhouse.

Monday held another highlight – a check-up at the dentist followed by coffee at Sainsbury’s. Andrea managed to walk from the car park rather than use the wheelchair – we were in no hurry. We spent Tuesday with Peter Thomas, hearing about his work during the sabbatical and enjoying a more challenging and enjoyable discussion than we’ve had for some time. We relaxed on Wednesday by going to see a film “Hancock” with Will Smith. I mean that Will Smith was in the film, not sitting next to us. As far as we know. Thursday’s highlight was the ice-cream at Thorndon Park and after such a busy week we didn’t do anything on Friday.

But Saturday morning was good – if exhausting for both of us. Andrea joined the “King Pins” knitting group at church, talking more than knitting of course. I joined the Tinnings for an art session. I eventually did a tiny drawing – anyone who has tried drawing will know the “white paper phobia” and fear of starting. So we talked most of the time. Even with my distracting and procrastination tactics, Lauren did make some progress with her commissioned painting! Not only did she give me ideas and short cuts but also set me some homework!!!! It was a very encouraging time and renewed my interest in colouring in.

Weeks 100 - 102 (15 June - 5 July)

Week 100 (15 - 21 June 2008)

I’ve got behind with the blog again – mainly because not a lot is happening that is even vaguely interesting. Even to me. Apart from some visitors this week. Lyn and Christine visited on Tuesday. That’s the Christine who had a flat opposite Lyn in Kampala and kindly drove us to The Surgery and other places as well as looking after us generally. On Thursday Libby and Brian visited – coming all the way from Winchester for the day. Unfortunately they got caught both ways in the M25 “car park”. It was good to see them, especially as Andrea hasn’t been able to catch up with Libby’s latest knitting project. We also visited our GP again to keep him up to date and renew a prescription.

WEEK 101 (22 - 28 June 2008)
This was a good week starting with an afternoon sitting in the Golding’s garden catching up with Steve and Gill. Laura arrived on Monday afternoon and entertained us until Wednesday. Not only is she a good listener (not much choice, you might think!) but she is also very observant and not at all modest! She did a good job of cheering us up too. We visited King George Hospital and a member of the Urology team who gave us some confidence that at last, things seem to be moving nearer a diagnosis. Andrea also had a further test on Thursday and a further appointment for the following Tuesday. Three appointments in 8 days is very unusual.

I spent some time preparing to speak at and AIM Conference for supporters in Croydon in Saturday. Andrea and Laura both gave useful suggestions and I “enjoyed” having a deadline to work towards. I was only one of six speakers, just to give an update on our work in Ushindi. I wasn’t sure of who would be there or what was expected and knew I had too much material. But it was too difficult to cut it down much at the last minute and, in Andrea’s absence, I talked far too long. I suppose I’m used to lessons of at least an hour and can continue the next lesson if the material’s not all covered. Also, with a syllabus to follow it’s hard to leave anything out! That’s my excuse – and a reminder that school science teachers don’t always make the best speakers! It was good to meet other AIMers, both past and present and encouraging to hear about other work. I also had coffee with the Elcomes. Hannah surfaced well before midday just to say hello! What an honour! It was only a short visit but we hope to see them again before too long.

WEEK 102 (29 June - 5 July 2008)
Steve Lancaster, the AIM Area Director for South England and South Wales, took the service today. Steve is our UK boss but was appointed after us so I met him for the first time yesterday, and he was able to catch up with Andrea today. Ian and Pat visited on Monday but the main disappointment was that when we went to the part the kiosk was closed and we weren’t able to get our ice-creams!

On Tuesday we visited the hospital hoping to find a diagnosis but were disappointed because all we discovered was that the symptoms Andrea has were confirmed! The urology can only manage the symptoms but not offer a cause. We were given a further follow-up appointment for June 2009. Andrea is now being referred to neurology – different from neuro-surgery – and back to Queens Hospital. After several phone calls, and a further visit to our GP, we have an appointment on 21st July. I think this one is in 2008.

Just to add to the frustrations, an old filling of mine dropped out but I managed to get a dentist appointment on Friday – before going to visit Nigel and Ruth in their new home in Stock.

Week 99 (8 - 14 June 2008)

Andrea remained in hospital until Thursday afternoon. There has been little further progress but she has an out patients appointment with the Urology Professor on 24th June. The pain management has been up and down as different things were tried, mainly on purpose! It is frustrating having time but not the concentration nor wherewithal to actually do much.

Ken Mizon visited on Wednesday. He and his wife, Anne, were managers of Matoke Inn in Kampala when we stayed there in August 2006. We last saw him at the AIM Central Region Conference in Kampala in January. It was good to catch up and we appreciated his visit.

I returned the borrowed wheelchair to the Red Cross – they have to be returned for servicing every three months. It was exchanged for another, to be returned by September. We hope to return it long before then of course!

Andreas bicycle has been stored in her Mum’s garage but I couldn’t find the pump for the tyres. After borrowing one and raising the seat I managed to ride it without falling off. But my knees hurt after less than five minutes. I aim to go out for a short ride each day for the exercise. There are a couple of parks nearby so I can ride off-road as we used to.