Scared ……. and Alone?

[Nighthawk4]

Scared ……. and Alone?


This is the way the world ends,
Not with a bang but a whimper

(Eliot)


Warning - perhaps TMI?

Many years ago, around 1959 or 1960, my parents and I moved into a tiny cottage in a small village.

I still live in that cottage. Originally it was rented, then the Lady of the Manor bequeathed it to my Mother when she died. My Mother died in 1982 and left it to my Father. I acted as his Carer for the next 25 years until he died. Since then, I have lived alone, with only a dog for company.

The cottage is tiny and nothing special but it is mine, with no mortgage or debts.

I was perfectly happy to continue like that. The only time I have ever truly felt lonely was when I lost my previous dog. With no remaining nearby loved ones, there was nobody else to comfort me when she died.

Curiously enough, this situation has been destroyed by my dog, although of course by accident.

Last Thursday, which happened to be my 71st Birthday, the dog jumped onto my lap. Unfortunately, her paw caught me in a very delicate spot. No problem. We have all been there. Uncomfortable for a short time, but it soon wears off.

However, this time it hasn’t. The part of the anatomy has swollen and is painful. I had surgery there over 50 years ago, so maybe that left it a little more delicate?

One problem:

If I go anywhere near a doctor, that will lead to a stay in hospital. Firstly, 71 is not a good age for a hospital visit and a general anaesthetic. Secondly, I have nobody left to take care of my dog.

I cannot bear the thought of losing my dog or living alone, especially when I return from hospital, so that cannot happen.

The DogsTrust will care for her if I die but they don’t help with hospital visits. My only way to avoid losing my dog is just to cope with the pain and stay away from the doctor.

Either way, this has demonstrated just how fragile my life was. I had hoped things would have continued for a good few years yet.

Sorry about the above - please ignore

[Lycanthropy]

You should probably call a doctor.

[Pekarion]

I'd go to a doctor and make sure the dog is accessible. Key under mat or what have you. More probable they'll set up an appointment at a later time and maybe you can even ask them for tips on the situation. I'm sure it's not the first time. Best of luck either way!

[refminion]

Go to the doctor.

[Buddha]

Maybe try this first?

https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/vid ... ultations/

[Nighthawk4]

So…… tomorrow I will have to approach the doctor. Our GPs have just started a work to rule apparently. Not sure if that applies round here.

This begins a process whereby control of events is taken from me. This is very scary.

I am inclined to wonder whether things will ever return to just my dog and me left in peace at home?

I don’t go out anymore. I just want to be left alone, with my dog for company.

Here we go"……..

[scaylz]

Hoping for the best, NH4.

[GunnJ]

Hey NH4, we're all hopeful for you. Take it one step at a time.

[Nighthawk4]

Doctor appointment at 10:00 today, about 35 minutes from now.

Neighbour agreed to provide a lift

[Auriane]

Hey NH4

How did the Doc appt go?
Good I hope!

Glora

[Nighthawk4]

Now in hospital . Dog cared for by neighbour

[EvilKneevil]

fingers crossed!

[gutemensch]

Just try and relax, old timer

[Nighthawk4]

Back home now.

Dog safe

Lots of antibiotics and painkillers

Fingers crossed

[GunnJ]

This is great news, glad you are home and safe. Rest and recover.

[Nighthawk4]

Good news - I am safely back home with my little dog.

Bad news - the infection is still painful enough to make me cry out loud and the painkillers wear off too quickly. Not going to risk taking too many though.

The dog will have to deal with me crying out loud

[Nighthawk4]

Not so good.

Not going into details but tonight has not been a good time. At least three hours yet before daylight.

Tried calling A&E for advice but they don’t give advice over the phone and they hung up or the call dropped.

Just have to wait at least until daylight.

Prayers and support please. Not life-threatening, just very inconvenient to deal with alone at night.

[GunnJ]

Darkest before the dawn, what what? Sorry, I've been watching Jeeves and Wooster, but seriously, worried support for you.

[Nighthawk4]

It is possible that I may have it more under control now, maybe

[Ezekiel]

It is possible that I may have it more under control now, maybe

That's GREAT NH4. Keep it going! Hope that you feel better soon!

[Nighthawk4]

The self care gets a little tedious but still continuing reasonably well.

Could be a lot worse

[Nighthawk4]

Still progressing reasonably well.

Received details of Outpatient Appointment for next month, so they are still caring for me, which is a good sign.

Thanks for the kind thoughts.

[silverfields2]

Yay! Still pulling for you NH4!

[scaylz]

That was a crummy happy birthday for you, but I'm glad to hear the healing up is progressing.

[Rudiki]

Jeez, the stuff I miss when I don't have time to read the boards! How's you and your pup? Dogs are the absolute best! Hope everything's healed up now.