Great news

The best news I've had since I was told I could have early retirement is that I don't need to go back to the hospital unless I notice anything changing in my eyes. As I now know what to look for and would be on the phone straightaway if there was the slightest change that is fine by me. I usually have my eyes tested every year anyway for obvious reasons. The specialist is satisfied that after 3 years with no bleeding it's unlikely to start again - marvellous! Of course there are medical advances being made all the time and stem cell research is coming along quite well for my particular complaint so if it happens again it may be there will be something available to reverse the damage already done.

Diagnosis

The title of a book by Lisa Sanders. It is American but still relevant to the UK. It goes through the diagnostic process and shows how doctors these days are so keen on having complicated tests done they forget their best chance of deciding what is wrong with a patient is by examining them and listening to what they are saying about their symptoms. It is absolutely fascinating reading. I've been left wondering how doctors manage to diagnose anything when you consider there are only so many symptoms a body can produce and not everyone will exhibit all the symptoms for a particular disease.

If you are at all interested in things medical - read this book. Its full title is Diagnosis: Despatches from the Frontlines of Medical Mysteries by Lisa Sanders.

Appropriately enough I'm off to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham to have my eyes checked tomorrow and I'm in my usual panic about it. I can see Rescue Remedy will be much to the fore both today and tomorrow.

It's a long week

And it's only Tuesday! I keep thinking it must be at least Wednesday.

I went to Nottingham yesterday evening for the usual check up on my eyes. By the time I got there I was in my usual tizzy about it, though I didn't start to feel bad until the day itself for a change. It was good news. The small leak which was there two months ago has sealed itself again without leaving any damage. Now why do some do it and others not? I suppose if I knew that I could make a fortune. So he said I can go back to 3 month check ups again - great! BUPA can save its money for a bit longer. I really must invest in some Rescue Remedy as I'm sure it would help me feel less stressed on these occasions.

With that weight off my mind I feel a lot more relaxed, even though I've been really busy at work today. As it's the school holidays here at the moment I can get home earlier than normal as there's a bus at 4.30. No don't ask why, the explanation is long and complex. Suffice it to say that the bus company run an extra service during school holidays - which suits me.

Moving away from the personal - I'm glad the Diana inquest is over, not that I think it will be the end of the speculation. Conspiracy theories don't go away that easily.

As for the Shannon Matthews and Maddy McCann cases - all I can say is - the plots thicken - and probably sicken as well