Thursday 14 April 2011

Ups and Downs

Photos Copyright: Maggie May

Just going to the corner shop, I stopped and took photos as I passed my neighbours' flowering shrubs. The first is a rampant species of Clematis that looks beautiful and the second photo is of a Mock Orange Blossom that gives out a beautiful scent.
The day was brightened immediately.

I had good news yesterday when I went for my appointment at the hospital, as my CT scan proved to be clear. The pains I have been suffering from can be put down to arthritis, IBS or just plain old age. Its brilliant news, isn't it?
However, this good fortune is slightly marred by the way Harry is suffering right now.
On Monday, I asked him if he'd mind bringing a sack of compost from the garden centre so that I could do some repotting and he happily set off in the car. However, when he came home he was ashen faced, vomiting and in extreme pain from his back.

Yes, I know..... I am on a guilt trip because of it but he is an retired builder and is always going on about large sacks of things being no trouble at all. He forgets that he is not twenty anymore.
Well he has been off his feet since Monday lunch time and has had the doctor round and been on lots of pills that all seem to upset him. It is awful to see him like this and his appointment with his Oncologist has been brought forward to next week instead of May to discuss his recent bone scan.
In the mean time he cannot even be bothered to read a paper or watch TV and he isn't eating hardly anything and is still vomiting.
I can't believe the sudden change in him. So you see, my recent good news seems to be swamped by this new crisis with Harry.
Life is all about ups and downs in this household.



Since writing this post, I am pleased to say that there is an improvement in Harry and I hope it is the beginning of him getting into better health.




35 comments:

Jeni said...

Guess this all puts that old saying about taking the good with the bad to a big test for you and Harry, doesn't it? It certainly does temper your good news a lot, that's for sure.

Jinksy said...

Sorry to hear of your hassles - flowers have an easy life in comparison, don't they? Your pictures prove that!

CiCi said...

Orange blossom scent is one of my favorites. I wonder if I can find it here. So sorry to hear of Harry's recent pains. More distress for both of you and you have been through so much already.

larkswing said...

I hope today proves to be a better day for Harry! Congrats on your news - definitely celebrating it for you!

Anonymous said...

Brilliant news Maggie and lets hope that carries through for your harry too

Akelamalu said...

The photos are lovely - those plants are well advanced, mine haven't even got buds on yet!

Great news on your scan Maggie. I'm sorry to hear Harry isn't fareing as well. I'm sending him positive thoughts and oodles of Reiki. x

CorvusCorax12 said...

i hope he feel better real soon...i glad about your good news though. Love the flowers.

Dimple said...

First the good news, then the not-so-good. I'm thinking of you both IN both. Blessings!
Isaiah 49:16

Expat mum said...

Oh dear. Poor thing. I hope he starts to feel better soon.
x

Working Mum said...

Hope Harry is feeling better soon and then you can both enjoy good health and the Spring flowers.

ChrisB said...

So happy for you and sad for Harry - hope he starts to feel better soon.....x

Formerly known as Frau said...

You are both in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you continue to get stronger and can care for Harry. I hope and prayer all goes well for you both. Beautiful flowers...Maggie.

Bernie said...

Oh Maggie I am so pleased to hear your good news but am concerned for Harry.....I am glad they have moved up his appointment.
The flowers look so lovely especially as today we are having a Spring blizzard.....errrrr!
Keeping you both in my heart and prayers.....:-)Hugs

Eddie Bluelights said...

So sorry to hear of Harry, Maggie.
Also I am sorry I have been in cognito of late - I have been really up against a rock and a hard plate trying to get daughter's house in a half habitable state. Hopefully order will come out of chaos soon.
Glad your bone scan was OK.
The clematis is Montana Elizabeth I think and I could do with a new one because our's has had to be dug out having a lot of dead wood.
Will ring soon and will pray for Harry (and you). Hugs and love ~ Eddie

Happy Frog and I said...

I'm so pleased about your good news, what a relief. But so sorry to hear about Harry. Take care of both of you. x

Irene said...

I am so happy that you scan was clean, but I'm so concerned about Harry. I'm glad that his appointment was moved up a week. It doesn't sound like he is doing well at all. Please do keep us informed about his latest progress. We want to know. But I'm happy that you're possibly only suffering from 'old age.' You of all people, Maggie.

The flowers look lovely. I've always loved a clematis, but have never had the joy of growing one. It's nice that you live so close to such beauty.

XOX

Sally Wessely said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your husband's set back. I hope it is nothing serious. I am very happy to hear your good report.

Your flowers are lovely. Thank you for sharing what's blooming in England.

SandyCarlson said...

Those flowers are beautiful. I am glad the coast is clear for you. I hope Harry feels better asap.

Anonymous said...

Ooh, I 'm so very sorry to hear about Harry - but happy to hear your news.

Hilary said...

Sending best thoughts for your Harry and happy smiles for your good news. I hope his condition continues to improve.

Anonymous said...

Well, I know from personal experience, how quickly ones health can change so really, really empathise with both of you on this one. Pleased that he is recovering though, and fingers crossed for the oncologist appointment. It's hard on both of you.
Oh, and I know that thing about men not realising they are no longer young and fit too! Pride has a lot to answer for, along with stubbornness.
Best wishes to you both.

Sueann said...

I am so glad to hear that there has been some improvement for Harry!! And such good news for you about your scan. Woot!!
I am doing the happy dance for you. And for Harry I will be praying for sure!!
Hugs
SueAnn

Rose said...

So sorry to hear about Harry--I do hope your positive comment at the end is the sign that he is on his way to recovery. But your own news sound very optimistic, Maggie. I've also heard that diagnosis "well, that's common at your age..." It's frustrating, but I guess it's comforting to know whatever we're experiencing is normal, not the sign of something very serious. Enjoy the spring flowers and take care, Maggie.

aims said...

Oh Maggie. I was so delighted with your news and then upset over Harry. It was probably just waiting to clobber him over the head and had nothing at all to do with the large sack.

Both of you are in my thoughts my dear friend. This is not what retirement is supposed to be - yet so often is for so many.

Thinking of you both. With love -

xoxo

Granny Smith said...

Life likes to leave us mixed messages, doesn't it? Spring blossoms and good news, then Harry's aches and pains (with which I fully sympathize).

Getting older is something we all intend to do, but it comes with penalties.

Mimi said...

Maggie, I'm delighted with your good news! Wonderful!
Sorry that your thrills were taken from you with Harry's sickness. It would have been lovely to bask in the light of a clear scan.
But glad that he's feeling somewhat better now.
So, have a lovely weekend, both of you, take it easy and have a belated celebration of your clear scan.
P.S. fabulous, cheerful photos!

secret agent woman said...

So glad to see the addendum at the bottom and to know things are turning around for Harry. And also thrilled to hear your scan was clean. Yay!!

MARY G said...

You never know what life is going to throw at you. Lovely to hear your news and so sorry about hubbie's back.
I'll be hoping for good news on that front.

Suburbia said...

Just a nasty bug hopefully?

So pleased about your scan :-)

X

Brian Miller said...

sorry to hear about harry but glad you got good news...

FeltByRae said...

Oh such good news about your scan :). Sorry to hear Harry is rough, hope he feels better very soon

I am envious you have mock ornage blossom near by - I adore the scent but sadly have not discovered any on my walks around Clevedon yet - but I still have many more roads to check out so I live in hope!

tattytiara said...

Glad to read the update, and hope the improvement trend continues! Very glad you got a clear scan as well.

Glenda said...

Such good news for you! Prayers that your Harry continues to improve.

RNSANE said...

Dear Maggie May, I am so happy to see your update that Harry is on the mend. And it is glorious news that you continue in good health and enjoying the lovely flowers as you go about your day! Hope the bunnies are giving you lots of amusement.

cheshire wife said...

Pleased to read your good news and I hope that Harry is on the road to recovery by now. Getting old is no fun!