How are we getting through it?

[fred.]

We've been testing twice a week - led from the kids schools.

It definitely gets easier / less unpleasant with repetition (or you just do it less well)

Test kits can be ordered online for free, if you would rather not go into shops

[Steve J]

Over the past few days I was finally able to see my dad, brother and sister-in-law for the first time in two years! Good to see them but very surreal after so long and also eating in a restaurant. As we all said, we're having to learn to socialise again and feel safe whilst doing so.

[sebigboss79]

You cannot scare me with this. Still coming. 

[Steve J]

All was going OK until nearly a month ago when my back flared up again. Now I've had back problems since a teenager when I partially slipped a disc, however this was completely off the scale in terms of pain. After an x-ray (an MRI to follow) it turns out I have mild scoliosis and moderate degenerative disc disease in my L2 & L3 vertebrae (the ones that take most of the load for movement etc). So I've gone from being pretty active for my age to stuck in a chair most of the day . It takes me a couple of rather painful hours to get going, even with the anti-inflammatory drugs they given me for the moment. Fed up is an understatement!!!

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

I sympathise Steve. I also have a bad back, although not as bad as yours. I once asked Bruce Douglas what to do about it - he said exploit it. Was useful for skiving off night shifts.

[jimduncanuk]

I sympathise Steve. I also have a bad back, although not as bad as yours. I once asked Bruce Douglas what to do about it - he said exploit it. Was useful for skiving off night shifts.

Would this 'Bruce Douglas' be a wargamer?

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Very good 6th edition player was Bruce. He was a consultant Anethsits (SP)

[jimduncanuk]

Very good 6th edition player was Bruce. He was a consultant Anethsits (SP)

He's probably the same Bruce Douglas that I met 'down sarth' at the Nationals many years ago. Silver haired and also had a wargaming son whose name I can't remember.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Alan Douglas. Yes it would be.

[Techno II]

Sympathies from me, as well, Steve.

My problem is with two 'wedged' discs....so I tend to walk around doing Richard III impersonations....It's a real effort to stand with my shoulders 'level'....(So I tend not to bother.)
The hernia is being a complete 'pain' well...which is why I'm in such a foul temper, most of the time.

Cheers - Phil.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Sympathies from me, as well, Steve.

My problem is with two 'wedged' discs....so I tend to walk around doing Richard III impersonations....It's a real effort to stand with my shoulders 'level'....(So I tend not to bother.)
The hernia is being a complete 'pain' well...which is why I'm in such a foul temper, most of the time.

Cheers - Phil.

We'd noticed, it's not good having all the residual aches and pains is it.

[Steve J]

I can empathise with your predicament Phil on the hernia front. I'm glad I managed to get mine sorted via private health insurance, although at times the plastic mesh does irritate somewhat. Touch wood the back is OK today...

[Techno II]

Ian's right....For me (the majority of the time) it IS a residual 'nagging' pain.....Which seems to be almost constant....It drags you down when it's there virtually all the time.

Only time I get what I'd call a really 'nasty'...(Aw gosh* ! , that jolly well* hurts) pain is when the hernia 'gets stuck'......That ISN'T fun....and it seems to have gone from only happening once every two months to at least once a week, or more.

Hey, Ho.

Cheers - Phil.

*..Please insert more appropriate potty mouth words as you see fit 

[DecemDave]

pain is when the hernia 'gets stuck'....

Please get medical advice if you haven't already.  If its a certain type, gets stuck and then strangulates it can get serious quickly.

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Think we are all reluctant to see doc's atm, given the pandemic. But it is very good advice.