Thursday Morning

Had a good early part of the day yesterday. John came and finished his jobs around the house. Visited by Kate and Paul at lunchtime, much inspired by their energy, I took the plunge and went to the library. I used to work in Hammy House it is not the nicest building in the world.I think a sort of five floor seventies polytechnic with not much spent in the way of decor best describes it. I notice now that it is in the centre of prime building sites for yuppie flats and student halls, so may not last long. Kieran, Tracey, Mick and Clare were most helpful. I was visited by Janet a former member of my team when I worked there. After that I bumped in to Ali P and Caroline, my counterpart from Central PCT. We went and took tea with Fran and Amanda. Very pleasant, though I nearly fell asleep once. I also saw Ron and John, avid blog followers who are now ensconced in their own office and they reminded me of statler and waldorf, (in the nicest possible way). I had a good time there but was tired afterwards, talking to a group of people in a strange environment may be very tiring. I had boiled egg and toast for tea, and I was sick as a dog afterwards.
Today - Helen my visitor for this PM has cancelled, Jean has taken a days leave to restore order to chez Clare after the decoration. Gym for me, then the tip I think.

Wednesday Morning

Ended up going to Tesco again last night at 9pm - what a different world it is at that time of night - 24 hour shopping - a blessing or what - I still can't decide. Can't get an appointment to see Frank today - due to the advanced access system the practice operate. I hung on the redialling for half an hour to be told the appts have all gone. It seems a good system if you need to see a Doctor quite quickly but a bit last if you need a follow up appt. I needed to see him to discuss if I need an electrolyte replacement thing when I am vomiting. Jean is worried about me managing just on water. I sent him an e-mail instead - lets see what happens. I am going to see if I can get to the library today to see the loopy guy - Kieran.

Tuesday afternoon

Spam is alive and well and living in tesco, along with a few other tinned meats, got some turkey for dinner with some biscuits for cheese - sophisticated or what. Sam has set up a blog go and look at about her love for Everton.

Tuesday Morning and Seasonal Affective Disorder

Last year I convinced myself this was a factor in my seasonal depression. Some details on SAD here. Its all about seasons and mood, the prevention involves sitting in front of a light for at least an hour a day. It helped me last year, yesterday Sam reminded me about this and with the clocks changing I am probably way late in starting but here goes. The Outside in company let you try the products for three months on a no risk basis very good. If winter blues feels like you try this. I was dead impressed.

Tuesday am

Well pleased with a moral victory last night. I had some toast - and kept in down with no discomfort. Granted it was only about 1 inch square but it is in me now. It was delicious beyond description. Maybe a shift in the diet required. The diet sheet says "tinned meat" - 1 slice I wonder what that means. We don't do tinned meat here now. It was a seventies thing I think. Ye old oak ham big pink and covered in jelly, very popular in Christmas hampers. Spam - in a blue and yellow can of course. Plus of course pork luncheon meat and chopped ham with pork - plumrose I think. I think Tesco deli counter has put paid to all them, what a snob I have become. I shall investigate at Tesco this PM. It'll be the aisle with the old folk in, buying stardrops, robin starch, hair clips, nylons, condensed milk and firelighters, that's all we eat in the 70's. I have just checked my calorie book and Spam isn't in, but chopped ham and pork is 23% fat and therefore not a good idea.(note the cunning way I slipped in news of my Collins Gem Calorie Counter -behaviour change or what).

Monday night

Trying to get on top of this blog thing - I wont have much time tomorrow. Carpet cleaners were a cool pair of scally dudes, but a fine job - they have a web site. Sam and Eileen came to see me. Eileen couldn't get over how well I looked and how well I was moving. Sam was just pleased at how well Everton are doing. She was wearing a parka - and informs me this is fashionable (I might be old but I'm not gaga). I checked with Ally later and, it is, of course (and I am). Will work on some more reminiscences, still wondering how the sigmoidoscopy story went down (or up). I'll do some more work on the website tomorrow inbetween gym and stuff. Not saying I'm not fit but I have asked my mum aged 72 to come the tip with me tomorrow. I'll drive she can lift.

Monday morning

I caught Jean reading the blog last night,and laughing, maybe out of pity, I'm not sure. Started to feel better after about 10 last night and feel pretty good this morning. Starting a back to basics food campaign this am, puree and be damned. Carpet cleaners in this morning - I wonder what that will be like, never had it done "professionally." Writing about constipation and bowels has had a laxative effect - so don't worry you have been spared for now. Ally set up a blog over the weekend but she wont tell me the url, I'll beat it out of her later.

Doonesbury - on blogs and blogging

Saw this in the Grauniad - didn't know it was online follow the next date link to see the series, it made me chuckle.

Flexible Sigmoidoscopy.

It's not as nice as it sounds, basically a telescope up your bum. I had it done a few years ago, I had irritable bowel syndrome type stuff but I had convinced myself it was a bowel neoplasm. I should have explained I suffer from hypochondria, but you have probably noticed. I was referred to the Royal Hospital, didn't take long and you were asked to discuss your bowels with a specialist nurse at the start of the procedure. She gave me a questionnaire with about 36 signs and symptoms of bowel disorder on them, I ticked all but one, constipation. I could have chatted to her all day, she was pleasant, charming and genuinely interested in my bowel habits. I don't like to brag -but hey . After that I was dispatched to a room with a couch in, lie on your left side said the nurse, just while I slip this enema in. Hold on this voice is familiar, it is Lesley J,Hannahs mum. This is one of Ally's friends, no way, she's not doing that to me, I made myself known to her, she claimed not to recognise me from behind. How could I engage in polite small talk on the schoolyard after she has done that - no way. She got one of her ex-mates to do me instead. Oh it was a hoot - Hold on to that tightly and relax she said. If I could do that I would be in a circus I suggested - to no-one in particular. Needless to say it worked, and I was nearly at the toilet. That done she gave me a size 8 surgical gown to protect my modesty. Clutching my trainers and jeans I scurried into the next room, obviously for anaesthesia I presumed. No such luck, I was told to put my kecks back on and lie on my left side, just loosen them and drop a bit so we can get the camera in - he said. Turns out he (the surgeon ) is the husband of a girl I work with (I know what they'll be discussing tonight - not). It is the work of moments, he whipped it in, whipped it out and wiped it. Stand up go through this door and you'll hear from your GP in 2 weeks. Obviously the door leads to a darkened room with soft couches where nurses with tea and coffee let you recover in splendour for days. But no, its straight on to the main corridor at the Royal, My zip is stuck and three foot of blue tissue paper extends from the back of my jeans. Hurrah the NHS. I felt like Mr Benn returning after one of his adventures. You can see why I am reluctant to mention bowel symptoms again........

Dilemma!

Do I talk about constipation here or not? Jean said it's ok I have already broken the bowel taboo when I was in hospital. I am worried that once I start I may not stop. I have asked Veronica who is both a nurse and blog follower.

Sunday Morning

Woke up with abdo pain, plan to speak to the dietitian tomorrow about my intake. Yesterday, 1/4 weetabix in milk and 3 x 2 tablespoons of low fat custard, plus cups of tea and water. Doesn't seem enough to me, might need some sort of supplement type thing. Going back to a fully liquidised diet today see can I keep more down. I've learned some lessons in perseverance and patience since I had this op. It is cold here, the wind is blowing a gale, I have taken to wearing a fleece over my pyjamas. Last phase of home improvement tomorrow - carpet cleaning - deep joy. The loopylibrarian in his own proactive way has submitted an image of a 99, not the one I wanted, to be fair he realised this, but I still took the Mick in the e-mail. I think Arsenal must have got beat again, but football is beyond me. I am looking for a computer program with the following features - allows you to monitor daily food intake -returns calorie and protein carbohydrate proportions etc, preferably able to work in handheld as well. I think I had one in a weightwatchers pack I bought a few aeons ago. I threw it out before the op thinking I wont need that again.

Saturday Afternoon

Bit late today - still chucking up for England, I am in one of my water only phases. It got worse yesterday and I ended up taking three Buccastem anti-emetic tablets in bed. Still the sedative effects put me right to sleep. Johns last day decorating and stuff today - only had to go to B&Q twice. He has been unlucky every job seems to have had problems through no fault of his own. I am shattered, I have spent most of the day languishing on the couch in various states of alertness. Feeling a bit better now, every quiet moment is giving over to imagining delicious food, still concentrating on bacon, toast and Dim sum as my most desired objects. Outside the the B&Q I got a bit of an urge for a 99. For the uninitiated its a wafer cone, with very artificial ice cream, raspberry sauce and a chocolate flake. mmmm. I found a sort of image, but it wasn't the classic advertising shot I want.I have to get the loopylibrarian to do a search.
At the hospital yesterday it was a bit weird and I got discharged, not much more to say think I'll write them a letter.

Friday Afternoon

Lot of vomit around yesterday, think I am going through one of those patches when I can't hold down anything. Still don't worry -I'm not. Kieran the librarian from Hammy House came to see me, I don't think he would object if I described him as eccentric (or loopy). See his blog for incontrovertible proof. He is a top man however, and a librarian can be a really useful ally. We talked about life the universe and everything for about an hour. The evening was pretty unremarkable, just TV and feeling sick for me. We were supposed to be at the cricket club quiz but it was cancelled, (I wasn't fit anyway).
Friday morning and its an early start to get to the hospital. The girls have gone off to the Trafford Centre supposedly for Christmas shopping, we'll see. The clinic was busy and for the first time I wasn't the biggest guy there, in fact I felt a bit like a successful graduate, returning to his old school. I have been going for nearly three years and I always see Dr Mackean - so today I took him a bottle of wine as a thank you. I was weighed, down again 34.75kg down from the op. 76.5 pounds, that's five and a half stone lost in 7 weeks 2 days, that feels good. I stationed myself outside Dr Mc's room and started to get perturbed when people who arrived after me start going in before me. I was just about to complain when I am called into another room, to see a consultant Dr Pink...something. A very nice chap and accompanied by a colleague and three students. He seemed please and brought Dr Mackean in to see me.

Thursday afternoon

Had a couple of no don't stop emails yesterday, thanks Kate and Ron. Enthused by this outpouring of public emotion I pressed on. I have introduced new features, titles and a retrospective on the early weight loss days (as indicated by italics). I got a lot done yesterday, Ally was busy with Lizzie Craig and John worked tirelessly on the decorating.I concentrated on college type stuff, I have been doing a Masters degree for three years here. I'll probably get there one day. Been sick since last night unable to hold down much but not to worry. This morning was busy Jean was off to buy more B&Q provisions for John to install.I ate breakfast, was sick and then went out to get a haircut. The change is almost complete nearly all of my hair has gone. My barber Frank is totally supportive he is made up I have lost so much weight. He wants before and after shots to display in his shop, I think I better wear a hat for those.
Off to the gym after that, Jack says I can increase the aerobic bit of my workout and start coming three times a week.

Getting weighed

Well it should be easy you just stand there, and look at the dial, when I got to 18 stone I stopped getting weighed. Most domestic scales don't go over 20 stone, so once that limit is reached, it seems a pointless activity. I was fat and heavy, that was enough information for me. At the clinic they use a special scale you sit on. Sort of like a moulded plastic chair seat on a trolley with two stirrups for you to rest your feet on. The act of just sitting on it humiliates, the room empty when I entered has now filled up with an assortment of bods to hear the final score. To make it really mean they are all behind you, but you can hear them.
The scale reads out in 1. Kilograms - to several decimal places, ok if you are under 18 years of age and/or continental. 2. Pounds - Fine if you are American or can divide by 14. 3. Stones and pounds, what some might call legacy units, but these are the only ones I understand. Gail handles this sensitively and writes down my score in kg on a piece of paper, and discretely hands it to me. I assume its her phone number and thank her but politely decline her kind offer. Gails successors are not always as kind and several times my weight has been shouted aloud through the diabetes department. Then back to the waiting area, to save time you are called for the weigh in in twos or threes, it also guarantees there will be someone else to share the embarrassment. The Doc explains the procedure in this clinic, I can't remember most of it because I am trying to multiply by 2.2 and divide by 14.Next I end up in front of this lady who introduces herself as the dietitian........

Somebody asked how I ended up having surgery, just for the record I thought I would list the steps here.
About three years ago I heard about a Weight Management Clinic at Walton Hospital, Walton is part of South Sefton Health Authority and I lived in Liverpool. My GP Frank had to lobby the Health Authority in order to get permission to refer me there. This he did effectively as ever and I was sent for. I remember feeling very nervous, many health services are not fat friendly. Several Docs just look at you and blame everything on the weight and say things like "Lose 10 stone and we'll operate," I say something like thanks doc will do and never go back.
The first thing I noticed about this place was the chairs, they consisted of 4 seats in a row in a once piece metal construction with integrated arms. They were designed for the British standard bum size. I have sat in these before, when you stand up the whole row of four becomes strangely ajoined to your rear. Doesn't look cool and isn't clever, plus the surgical referral for removal can take weeks.
The Doctor was a clinical Assistant called Dr McKean who seemed to really care and be genuinely interested he took the fullest history ever. The assisted by Gail the auxiliary nurse he embarked on collecting a series of measurements (of me). The two person waist measurement maneouvre is one I wont forget in a hurry. He maintained his interest even through my painfully long and detailed medical history, an act of endurance.
He reported my heart seemed fine, he measured my blood pressure, a difficult feat in itself. Let me explain the normal cuff is made to fit the normal arm. Big Boys need an oversize cuff, generally not stocked. Using the normal cuff leads to it blowing off when the required pressure is reached. Less experienced practitioners ask the patient to grip it tightly, thus causing an incorrect reading. his clinic seemed to have an arrangement with the elephant house at Chester zoo. They had several sizes to fit all, I was impressed. Dr Mc told me my blood pressure was normal even for a normal sized person. Then I had to get weighed.......... (to be continued)

Wednesday am - After several requests I have put a link up to my weight loss surgery web page on the blog. I hope it works. (once again proving the blog is a customer focused service).

Wednesday AM - A busy day yesterday, the decorating continues to proceed at an alarming rate, and several visitors in attendance. Tony Woods and his wife Lisa who was involved in the I North Nibley Romania Team a charity that I was involved with a few years ago The images on the website brought back a lot of memories. They were accompanied by their son Callum celebrating his 2 year old birthday, by sleeping throughout. Straight after them was Tommy McDonough, podiatrist and British winner of the guess the weight loss competition. He collected his bottle of wine, he kept me amused with his somewhat weird sense of humour, which I identified with straightaway. Bit of sickness today and some pain in the night, but still making progress. Off to the hospital on Friday, to Dr Wildings clinic, he is an endocrinologist who referred me for surgery, so I guess Friday will be my last appointment there. I'll talk some more about that in the next posting. Page views on this blog are down, only 4 today taking us up 899 for the month of October. I was saying to Tommy that the blog is getting a bit samey and the fear and excitement of the surgery bits are no longer there. Personal emails are also down, so if you are reading this let me know you are still out there

Tuesday Morning - Yesterday we were invaded by John the decorator, anurse who took early retirement John now makes a living gardening and decorating. The house already seems brighter. He can't stop whistling and singing all the time, I think they must teach you to whistle at tradesmens school, I should have mentioned before being a nurse he was an electrician. Now he is top all round handyman who can turn his hand to any job. He was whistling the same tune for most of the day which my daughter informs me is a rap by Nelly and Kelly. He also regaled us with songs from "Paint your Wagon." Popstars rival he aint. Ally is off school this week and was very unimpressed with our old man reminiscences of days gone by.
We were visited at lunchtime by Sandra Bagnall and Emma Knox from the matchworks. Emma is newly married and is off to Las Vegas and Hawaii for her honeymoon next week. Despite my natural aversion to wedding photographs she managed to get me to look at a packet full. After lunch Kate Powell sent me the URL for her wedding photos, another 10 minutes of delight spent surfing them.
Off to B&Q in the evening for extra provisions and more home improvements. Amazed at how far I can walk around the store - managed the complete store. Purchased some new trainers for the gym and pair of boots.(from the shoe store not B&Q).
Had some shepherds pie for tea, a real unaltered ready meal, and kept it down. Visited in the evening by Jenny, Vaughan, Thomas and Kathryn from Market Harborough which is a small town in rural Leicestershire. Jenny is a very keen blog follower and will be delighted to see her name mentioned here.

More on Monday morning - what a madhouse, I didn't get off to sleep till late and was goosed this morning when they tried to wake me up. I was in one of those dream like cocoon states that comes from still being in bed on a cold morn. I had totally forgotten about the decorating - Jean and Ally were moving things and generally being busy, all too much for me. In the rush on the way out Jean slipped on the path and took a mean tumble. She was shook and bruised and worse of all felt stupid. That girls got enough on her plate looking after me.

Monday morning - I had a day off yesterday. The girls enjoyed the concert, one of them more than the other it seems. The house now has several items of Gareth memorabilia, I suspect some of them will figure in the new decor. Yesterday we went out to Ruth and Pauls for Sunday lunch. I sat at a table with other people and looked almost normal. My side plate had some mash, carrot and turnip and about an ounce of chicken. I ate less than half of it and sat through two courses. I was amazed at the size of other peoples portions, and that only six weeks ago I would have eaten them and then some. I have to say the home made hot apple pie and vanilla ice cream was the bit I really fancied. Still I am lucky, I don't feel hungry at all and this weight loss is worth it all.
After we got home efforts were focussed on getting ready for John the decorator.

Saturday morning, madness has descended upon the house and possessed the female occupants. We have to clear Ally's bedroom prior to John the decorator starting on Monday morning. I am trying to stay cool, and as a gesture am trying to tidy the three square metres I occupy. I had a great sleep, woke up stiff but dragged myself out of the pit. Yesterday I was raving about going to the end of the road, well, last night I went round the block ie the end of the road x2 plus some. Mind you I was shattered after. I stopped twice but was made up with the achievement. I'm off to the gym later, soon I think before lunch and then I can enjoy my soup.Ally and Jean are off to see a Gareth, Will and Zoe (concert) tonight in Manchester. I think they were competitors in one of those dreadful starmaker shows. Ally is well in to Gareth and she has been dancing round the house this morning. I got the tyre replaced on the car yesterday, I rang the lease company and a man comes to the house to do it. How civilised, I was impressed. You'll probably get another posting today, when those two are off to the concert.

Friday morning - After doing yesterday afternoons entry I took another walk to the end of the road, I guess the theory is this walking stuff gets easier the more you do it. I have walked further in the last week than ever, you wouldn't believe the sense of satisfaction I got from making it to the end of the road. I think the gym needs a plug, it is fully accessible and totally inclusive. The atmosphere from both staff and members is great, nearly everyone will speak to you, or pass a friendly word of encouragement, go and look at its facilities here. The only problem I think is it lacks a pool, sauna and steam room, but the price is competitive and the food isn't bad at all. Advert over. More visitors yesterday, Ali P from work, Sister Mary, Mike and Ian old friends from Winwick days. By the way for those who don't know Winwick was a large mental hospital housing 3000 patients where I started my nurse training in the seventies.

Thursday Afternoon. The lycra reference has caused consternation, don't worry it was a joke. The gym felt better than ever. I was interviewed first and we talked for a long time before going at and doing something. Jack the gym boss was extremely interested in the surgery and impressed with its effects so far. I noted it was 6 months since last I attended. I gave Jack details of the both the blog and my weight loss site , I have just looked and he had left a message in the guestbook. He is patient, straightforward, and a great trainer. I have every confidence in him. I did a very slow start to my program but still feel tired tonight. I will go again on Saturday.

Thursday Morning. Saw Frank after a long wait, top quality as ever, he was made up with my progress and weight loss. Changed all my liquid medicaments back to tablets - fantastic the syrups are almost all unpalatable. He is trying to sort the eczema on my hands again, I've had a bit of a flare up. Sam from work visited me at lunchtime she looks well its amazing what two weeks in Florida can do. I went out in the afternoon and got a flat tyre which was duly put right by Mr RAC. I was a bit sick again, but I am determined not to let that stop me. Visited later by Val Vernon my boss, we had a good laugh mostly at my expense. Dave and Hazel came round later again lots of good solid belly laughs which I feel more able to participate in. Somewhere in the middle I went out for a walk, and I got all the way to the end of the road, first time I have been there on foot for some years. I had a rest at the end then set off back, feeling like I had had a major achievement. Gym this morning so I need to rush to don my lycra one piece. Hopefully update later.

Wednesday Morning 08:07, this is the earliest I have been up since I came out of hospital I had forgotten there was two eight o'clocks in the day. I have an appointment with Frank the GP at 9.10. Slept right through last night with no medication. Had a busy day yesterday, started off by going to Walton to get my bloods done. All the usual things to test as well as iron, zinc and magnesium. Visited by Stella and Ann two colleagues from mental health days, had a late lunch of tuna and mayo, mixed but not liquidised (a first). It was fine but seemed like someone had forgotten the bread. Went out for a walk but defeated by the elements, too wet. Visited by Dave and Bev from Hamilton House, followed by Ruth, Bea, Colin, Jenny Hannah and Alan. Had some unliquidised soup ( another first) for tea, whilst they were here. They were followed by Ruth and Tom. A full visiting session if ever there was one. Off to get sorted and see Frank -update later.

Tuesday Morning, bad news I was up first, which means the other two have overslept. Sounds of panic ensue, now its all gone strangely quiet. I was up till gone 4, I couldn't sleep my head was whizzing with loads of thoughts. I have been on a bit of a high since yesterday.
Well I suppose you lot want a result from yesterday - I couldn't help myself I've told some people already (but I know who they are, mum, Allys friends, Cozzie, mum, Frank the barber,Nan,Ruth, Paul, Tommy, mike and Jane, Phil, jenny and Vaughan, Mary and john, Bea (mother-in-law), woman on car park at Bridge chapel). Everyone was so positive it got me wound right up in a positive frenzy - hence not sleeping.
Anyway the competition was fun 12 entries ranging from 19 pounds to 65 pounds.
Well the result was a whopping 28.4 kg (also expressed as 62.4 pounds, 4and a half stones, more than half a hundred weight (a big sack of spuds) 28 bags of sugar), in less than 6 weeks. It wont always be this dramatic but I am well chuffed.
The winner was Marta from New York state, she did have the same op as me one day later (how will I get that wine there) she guessed 65pounds, but as she has an unfair advantage I am awarding a prize to Tommy McDonough with his next nearest guess of 48 pounds. Tommy give me a call and come and get your prize.
Meanwhile I am made up!

Monday afternoon. Back from outpatients, 2 hours there big waits Mr Kerrigan was running late. Good news on the weight front I am content, I'll detail how content tomorrow morning. So I'll take my questions and his answers and try to lay them out for you.
Driving - yes go, go go.
Pain - probably due to the retractor during surgery, will resolve (and it is getting better).
The service has a new dietitian who started today but has had her appendix out last week.
Meals - work through the plan go to 3 meals and no snacking aim for 1200 calories and high protein.
Gym - can start this week avoid belly muscle work for 3-4 months, Aim for 40 mins 3-5 times a week.
I got weighed results tomorrow.
Vitamins keep on look for new chewy type - Alison Butt to help.
Minerals - blood test today.
Over all he was pleased with my progress, he emphasised the partnership aspects of the procedure, and though the operation was doing most of the weight loss the input from me would increase over time.
I am going to set up a website for him whilst I am off sick, as well as increasing the amount of patient info on my web site. He took down details for the blog site he said a couple of people had asked him. (Better be careful what I say).
Jean and I are made up! Going to go and see my mate Cozzie from Bridge Chapel and pick Alison up.

Monday Morning. Feeling better all round, read some inspirational sites from others who have had WLS (weight loss surgery) and began to feel more on top of things. Ok I was sick again last night and I still have some pain but I'm in control. Going to see Mr Kerrigan will post back later with outcome. Will leave weight result till tomorrow as promised.

Sunday Morning, Slept in till 10.30, had a good sleep, the abdo pain is palpably better. Still reading avidly, mostly easy to digest fiction. I was thinking about if I have lost weight, my feet are but skin and bone, well its all relative. I think my face looks different too. My belly doesn't feel much smaller, but everything has well fallen down a bit. These loose clothes don't help, perhaps I should wear some work clothes to get a good idea. I think I'll take a picture for the web site tomorrow. Been looking at other blogs and found this The homeless guy written by a homeless man in Nashville, he goes the library everyday to update. I didn't say yesterday but I had a drive around the retail parks carpark yesterday. That felt good, I'll feel more independent when I can go out alone, Jean starts back at work this week. Part time initially, three afternoons and some working from home.

Saturday night - Last night i went out in the dark for the first time for ages. Went to pick Ally up from a year 8 disco, being an all girls school the invite the year 8 boys from St Margarets (another church school) for the evening. It was strange for me being out at 10pm. Ally was surprised to see me. Saturday has been quiet been to Speke retail park shopping, though I sat in WHSmith and read 3 computer books whilst the girls did the business. After that we went to pick up "me mam" from "me nans" (mother from grandmothers). My mum has been worrying about my recent downturn, but I was able to reassure I'm on the up again. My brother thought things were that bad he rang up to see how I was. I've been watching the DVD of " A bridge to far" it starred a galaxy of stars including Erik Chitty - my hero. Jean said I should not let me chitmeister general adulation go too far. (you may need to read the archives to understand this). Eaten two meals today and only a tad of vomit, hurrah!

I am getting weighed on Monday any blogwatcher want to forecast how much I've shed since Wednesday 4th September, in kilos or pounds for the metrically challenged. Answers to ken.clare@blueyonder.co.uk , A bottle of my finest red wine to the nearest entry, winner announced Tuesday AM will accept entries till then.

Friday AM. Frank rang at 7pm he has spoken to both the anaesthetist and surgeon. Apparently phases like I am going through aren't unusual when changing stages in diet. I am to ring frank tomorrow if no improvement. John McCoy visited to drop off some kit and I settled down after three of those buccastem tablets. Drowsiness is an interesting side effect so I had a lot better nights sleep. Still just drinking water and tea, nothing to eat. Will re-open for visitors today if progress continues. Got a card from the district nurses thanking us for their thank you gift. Also a brochure about the new car - still not sure how to make up my mind about which one to choose.

Those anti-nausea tablets work, feeling less yuk. Mr Kerrigans secretary called appt for Monday Morning at Walton.

Thursday 1pm Spoke to Doc, sip clear fluids, he has given me something to put between my lip and gum for nausea. Observe overnight, if its a surgical problem the pain will get worse, could just be gastro-enteritis.

Thursday Morning - Been sick several times since last night. Can't seem to keep anything down, was sick last night after a glass of milk at 8.30 and again later. Another poor nights sleep with increased pain and nausea. Sick again this morning. Don't feel right at all will ring Frank and seek his advice. Drastic step of cancelling visitors needs to be taken too.

Wednesday 8pm. Dr Frank called he's going to speak to the surgeon and the anaesthetist about the pain. Sick after tea. Feeling a bit fed up afterwards but my old mate Si rang up. I wouldn't normally mention phone calls but his wife is prone to complaining if I don't mention him - Cheers Angela.

Wednesday Morning. Veronica Bellis visited yesterday - she brought me up to date with everything happening at work - none of which I can remember. Afterwards we went for a trip to the Tesco superstore at Prescot. Most enjoyable. I am becoming a connoisseur of leading supermarkets across the region. Visited by Jeans family in the evening, Ruth (Jeans sister) said she thought I was down last week, but noted an improvement today. Hazel and Dave came later on. Dave is a "big lad" we exchange stories about being fat in a side splitting fashion. Having a laugh like that is as good as a tonic. Bad nights sleep again, still in pain. Dr Frank to visit later today. The spell checker wants to call Veronica "Bellies" I like that.

I know I am beginning to sound monotonous but I still have this pain under my ribs which stopped me from sleeping despite three of Dr Franks synthetic opiate powders. I will ring the surgery today this can't go on. Up early today, to get my meals in. Kieran Lamb from the library at Hammy House has set up a blog (in which I get several mentions). I'll circulate the address if he wants me to. Despite one or two moments the Office wasn't up to its award winning standard last night.

Monday Afternoon - Still in pain along bottom of ribs left hand side. Didn't sleep at all well last night. Tried something new this am, Jean woke me up at 7.30 and gave me breakfast. We have been struggling to fit everything in if I don't get up till 9.30-10. Doing OK today went to ASDA, well the opticians really for some new glasses cleaner. While Jean was in the mall I sat people watching. The man was there to empty the Liverpool cat welfare food donation bin. They done good this week. The man sorted about 60 tins into separate bags based on brand. Fascinating to watch, I need more brain stimulation. Also I cashed in my penny drawer, I stick all my loose change in a drawer. In ASDA they have a machine that counts it automatically - kewl. Sixty four quid, not bad for a load of old slummy. Then off to PC world to buy a treat, I didn't I wouldn't pay their inflated prices. Jean bought a gardening cd???

Monday Morning. Saturday night was bad, after tea I was ill for about an hour, vomiting didn't bring on the immediate relief it normally does. Very fed up. Sunday was quiet with no visitors - Ally went out for lunch with the rest of the family, to Owens at Childwall Fiveways. Jean and I had liquidised soup. Continuing with my walking each day, I am convinced I am more mobile than before the op. I had to extend my crutch (walking aid)by one notch. I am definitely more upright than before. I watched "The Shield" on channel five on Saturday and Sunday nights - website at here The main character is a bad cop who looks like a cross between Phil and Grant Mitchell and Bruce Willis (quote lifted from the Guardian). Thanks to Sandra Bagnall for putting me on to it.

Saturday am - bring it up to date. I had the best nights sleep for ages, Franks new pills worked. I woke up feeling refreshed. I even spent some time sleeping face down, my favourite position as its easier on the back and hips. Feeling good. Ally has gone to Cadbury world with the guides for the day, I asked to bring me a pressie, a pen or something.

After Terri went I had some scrambled egg for tea. I only eat half and kept it down - a victory I feel loads better. On reflection the vomiting was making me feel very miserable. Visited by Grandma, Ruth, Paul, Colin, Hannah and niece Catherine home for the weekend from Manchester. The egg stayed down and I felt a minor victory.

Ali Lee and Archie her baby turned up just after four. Ali did a good job about putting my head in perspective about things, I am doing well and things will get better. Archie is just cute beyond words, having a small babe in the house cheers everyone up, especially my daughter, who had invited Lizzie her friend to meet Archie. Ali Lee also pointed out about not even being mentioned when visiting. A new policy then all visitors get mentioned, (to be fair its not the first complaint I have had). Ali brought a get well card from the executive team at the matchworks. Terri Holcroft from Hammy House called in on her way home, she thinks I look good and pointed out how much more mobile I am compared to before the op. BTW the spell checker aint working.(well it is really but I installed some software to stop the numerous pop ups when surfing and it killed it)

Well on Friday morning after writing the blog I went back to bed - till 3 o'clock. Not really a good move, missed meals and more importantly fluids. I felt a bit dehydrated when I woke up. Jean had been trying to persuade me to get up but I didn't want to. I got fed up with everything and started to feel down. Expecting visitors at 3 I got out of bed and made a big effort to get looking human - it nearly worked. I think the poor sleep and the scale of my recovery (ie another 8 weeks) had got me down.

Friday am -visited yesterday by Gail and Sandra, we did laugh. Frank (doc, not barber) came later on. He was on top form, as ever. He thinks the pain I am getting may be caused by nerve inflammation from where the retractor was holding my offal out of the way during the op. He prescribed some different pain killers (which the pharmacist had never heard of). He said if these don't work I can have some steroid and stuff injected direct to the site of pain, (don't fancy that). See him in two weeks or before if the painkillers don't work. Rang Mr Kerrigans secretary about an out-patient appt. Next slot is 3rd December (too far away), she is going to try to fit me in.Had a scrambled egg for tea - disaster sick again, back to the drawing board. Feel really fed up about this. Mary (my sister) and her husband came round after tea, that and the League of Gentlemen cheered me up.

Thursday Morning. Tried some fish in the style of stage one diet - nearly blocked and was sick, on the positive I felt it happening and took evasive action. Jean and I discussed it and wondered if the cheese sauce it was contained in is implicated. More experimentation required. I just want poached egg on toast! Got up late after more poor sleep.Jean fell asleep after dropping Ally off at school.

Wednesday PM - The nurse was made up with the fruit and chocs - nice one. I went into Rathbone this lunchtime to get a form signed, then off to Tesco at Old Swan - what a change on that corner. Back home tired and worn out (so much excitement). Jo the dietitian rang and has said I can move on to the next stage of the diet. Hooray a scrambled egg for me, now on Cottage cheese texture foods. (as of tomorrow, the cook has already planned todays menu). I'll scan the diet sheets and put them on the new website. It can be found here. Its a bit of a mess at the minute but will start taking shape soon. Have a look at the pics if you can bear.

Wednesday PM - Nurse made up with the flowers and chocs. Been out to Rathbone to get a form signed by Payroll, Then on to Tesco in Old Swan. Not much of a day out but I am whacked.Dieititian rang we had a talk I can move on to the next stage of diet. Cottage cheese consistency diet -hooray scrambled egg tomorrow. I'll scan the diet sheet and out it up at the companion website. It is still work in progress but will improve. Be warned some of the photos are alarming.

Wednesday Morning - Last district nurse visit today we think. They have been great, absolutely top class, and a lot of their business is ripe for computerisation. Links with home loans social services, pharmacy and liason at the hospital. There's a job for someone when I get back. We wanted to get them a present - I was for giving them a bottle each, after discussion and hearing of their diets we have opted for fruit and a small box of chocs. By the way, I had another disturbed nights sleep, this cant be helping the recovery process.

Tuesday AM scar looking good, another poor nights rest, this isn't good. After much thought Jean and I have concluded it may be gas. The site of the pain shifts too often for it to be anything more serious (I hope). Its a good theory but how do we cure it? I have suggested a wick and burning it off in an everlasting flame sort of way. Still we'll see what Frank suggests. Did anyone see The Office last night, new series on BBC2, some laughs but a lot of cringe factor. Very entertaining and some great characters. Very spooky hearing David Brent saying things you have said yourself.