WEEKLY CHAT (non-osprey) SUNDAY, JUNE 7. 2015

Having a short lunch break. We have been so busy in the garden that I am almost - but not quite - wishing for the weather to change! The window cleaner was here today so that practically guarantees rain...

Only a little planting up of pots and tubs left to do, OH is rather smug that he has done all his chores for the time being.I would like to push him in the direction of the kitchen but as I have said many times, the kitchen is just a room that he walks through on his way to the garden :-)

Amy was back in hospital this morning. Mum couldn't rouse her at 0630, by 0700 had pulled her out of bed but no luck, Alison said she was like a rag doll. Apparently a hypoglycaemic event and Alison should have given her something that she has in the house but I'm afraid she panicked. I am becoming sceptical about this insulin pump. The diabetes specialist nurse doesn't come on duty until 9am. Meanwhile the only contact our of hours is the consultant doctor because apparently the children's ward nursing staff have still not received education about the insulin pump. I'm not entirely sure about this but am on the verge of finding out more, myself. Parents like Alison, who struggle with managing their child's diabetes should surely not have to phone a hospital doctor's home number during night hours. SORRY, rant over.

PS - and what about the consultant, getting phone calls during the night and then going on duty in the morning? This harks back to the old days, phoning your GP at night. I thought that was why GPs got locum night cover, so that they were fresh and sprightly for their morning surgeries!!!  

HEATHER Don't often contribute to this thread but just read your post MY niece has 2 boys who have diabetes and they have pumps and, on the whole, control the diabetes quite well but it seems crazy that a consultant is the only point of contact at night !  Hypos are scary but usually can be home managed

PATILY, Thanks for replying. My daughter did have stuff in the house but I'm afraid she just didn't think straight, it's the first time that Amy has been unresponsive in a hypo. I've told Alison to phone me in future if she panics and can't think straight and the diabetes nurse has told her just to phone 999 immediately if it happens again. She is a single parent and not the quickest of thinkers:-( But I agree, the hospital situation is crazy.

Heatherso sorry to read that Amy has had more problems. Must be so worrying but hospital situation does seem a bit lacking. Hopefully your daughter will ring you and 999 should this occur again.  

HEATHER - so sorry to see Amy had such a serious hypo and that Alison is finding it difficult.

A coastal drive for us today and an afternoon spent at the Talyllyn Railway and Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Tywyn.  Getting used to lovely meals - must start cutting down as I have hospital appointments next week!

Thanks OG xx

If Ally had phoned 999 Amy would have been taken to the children's ward and pump education or not the docs and nurses would have had to deal with the situation. I have reflected on things and come to the conclusion that the finer points of using the insulin pump are what the staff don't understand (yet!!) and the 'phone doctor at home' thing must be for pump problems, not crises.

Heather - I hope Amy is OK. Very scary.

We’ve had 2 cool nights, down to 2.5 & 3.4 C. Yesterday a max of 15 C but no rain alas. Just now (7.45 am) it reached the dizzy heights of 4.3.

Oh misery. I collected another head cold from Dau’s family. For years I was so healthy, no colds or sniffles, but since Miss3 has been going to Play Group, she’s passed on every bug. I made the pumpkin soup yesterday. I think it tastes wimpy – I like lots of curry but I thought I’d better tone it down for others. OH taste-tested and passed it. He has nanny duty today, having swopped with g-dau who normally is free from uni on Fridays. Miss19 is still keen to help – lovely girl. What shall I do with my quiet day? Hm, there’s the bathroom needing attention. I wonder what else is more interesting?

Annette - apparently you can't drive an ordinary car through the terrain and so they are being taken by 4x4 through the area. Should be interesting.

Lindy - enjoy your break and to see the swans, that must have been something.

Managed to get up to par with swimming today and did an extra 2 lengths taking total up to 20 - mind you not all in one go.

Watched Springwatch tonight and it has been a good series again.

Heather, sounds like you are having a difficult time at present. Do hope that Alison can get something more satisfactorily worked out for the benefit of Amy and get her stabilized a bit better. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Its not at all satisfactory when one has to ring a consultant at his home, as you say the locum GP should be on hand for that sort of emergency.  It seems quite natural that your dau. panicked as it was the first time it happened but hopefully now having experienced it she can cope better next time.