Hello
It’s been a bit of a gap – many apologies. Normal service will be resumed as soon as possible but life has got in the way.
A couple of weeks ago, Mr F had what we thought was a minor op, but first of all, it turned to be a bigger operation than expected and second, everything that could go wrong did. As a nurse of decades ago, I’m always shocked when people are discharged so soon after an op. Early discharge mostly works but in his case it did not and he spent a lot of time going to A&E (three times) before he was finally re-admitted. He’s back home now but a bit poorly so I am busy with Mr F and other household stuff.
This is just to remind you how I like to look (photo taken 6 months ago) but in real life I’m actually looking very much worse for wear as the saying goes. The post-Covid phase is still with me and I’m now exhausted most of the time. I look forward to getting back to ‘normal’ whatever that means!
In the meantime I have managed to find a couple of great frugal charity shop items and I’ll be showing these to you very soon.
Until then, with love, Penny, the Frugalfashionshopper
So pleased to hear from you Penny, I was wondering how you are. So sorry to hear about Mr F’s health problems and do hope he’ll be better soon. These things do take a while to recover from now we are older, there’s no denying it. I’ve been entertaining myself looking at the various outfits worn by the ladies at the Coronation ; some rather more successful than others! I always wonder how wealthy people with access to the best designers and advice can make such mistakes, in my opinion of course. What was Theresa May thinking of with that hat ? I like a hat worn quite low but that was something else! My daughter is getting married next month and I’ll be wearing an outfit I bought years ago in a sale and never had an occasion for. Pre-owned shoes and a bag I bought on a cruise because it matched them. I’m hiring a hat so total cost £45!
Thanks Lynda – my other half is improving slowly. It absolutely wasn’t a minor op!!! Early discharge is too early!
Looked at some of the coronation and Thought the best bits were the people arriving. Yes, some outfits…..
Interesting to hear you’re hiring a hat – what a great budget too! Enjoy!
So very sorry to read about Mr F. I hope you both feel much better soon. A decent spell of not too warm and sunny weather may help you both as it lifts the spirits. However, I suspect it’s going to be a longer haul. This is the time to remove pressures, see only those you love and those who help you feel brighter. I agree with you, early hospital discharge can be very tricky for some and may lead to a longer recovery and greater overall cost.
Very best wishes to you both. Jane T
Yes, it’s such false economy to put what I considered to be nursing care in the hands of A&E!!! That’s barking mad. He’s recovering slowly.
I’m doing very little but actually am so looking forward to a bit more of a cultural life – that will come, I know.
Thanks Jane 🙂
I sympathise with your current situation, as I’m in a similar one myself. My husband had knee surgery, supposedly a day procedure, but he had to stay in overnight, and has had further visits back to have his wound checked. Hopefully all is now OK. I hope all goes well with Mr F and with you.
So sorry to hear that Mr FFS has been poorly. I really wish him well and that you both enjoy better health from now on.
All the best to you both, Carole.
Thank you so much Carole 🙂
Early discharge is good up to a point but it just wasn’t for my other half – far too early in my opinion and false economy to boot! He’s recovering slowly. Hope the knee of your other half is good!
Thanks Janet 🙂
Poor you Penny.Your problem is that you probably know too much ,because of your background.And …..who knows what ‘back to normal means’?
We are living beyond 3 years and 10 ,so we now gets aches , pains and every illness is prolonged.
My remedy is warmth ,and lots of cups of tea.Then,I have to go the loo frequently of course .
Having lost my other half a couple of years ago I now see my friends losing theirs . Life is complicated.
Look after yourself Penny.
Ro 😉
You are so right as I do know a bit too much and I also remember how people stayed in for at least a week. In some instances early discharge is good but it wasn’t in my other half’s case. And yes, there’s a lot about managing one’s ageing body these days!!! Life indeed is complicated but I do have some joy as a new born granddaughter (in March) is becoming very bonny and sweet.
Thanks Rosemary – you look after yourself too 🙂
Hi Penny. Sorry to hear what Mr F has been going through, and if I may, I’m sending lots of positive vibes for both of you to recover to full sparkling health. This too shall pass – so I’m told!
Thank you so much Katherine 🙂
Hello, Penny
Very sorry to hear of both your and Mr F’s ongoing health issues. Here’s to a strong recovery all round.
Like you, and probably everyone else, I am always shocked at the speed hospital patients are sent home, which, personal anxiety apart, cannot be cost-effective if/when return visits become necessary. Yet, we’re always hearing about bed-blocking! Someone really does need to get a handle on this whole situation.
Like Lynda, I too, have been looking at the Coronation fashions and again, like her, am amazed at the blunders made. It strikes me that whatever the occasion some ladies always look like they’ve got dressed in the dark or been flattered/conned by someone with a deep grudge! Don’t people look in the mirror these days? Then I look at the pics of Penny Mordant and raise three cheers. Didn’t she look splendid!
Penny and Mr F, every good wish to you health wise and the same to any of your readers hurting in any way. Be kind to yourselves and take things at a slow pace. And know that others out there in the ether are thinking of you and have your backs.
Thank you for keeping us in the loop but there are more important things needing your attention right now. Your readers will still be here when the medical dust has settled, you can be sure of that! Can’t she, ladies? 😊
Love, Zepherine x
Hear hear to that Zepherine (what a lovely name!) and as someone with a serious health problem thanks for your kind words.
Huh! I’ve just discovered I spelt Penny Mordaunt’s name incorrectly above. I hate getting names wrong so, my apologies.
And a slapped wrist as a reminder to be more careful next time!
We all know about the shortage of staff (154000 and counting) but we also have fewer beds than many European countries so that is one reason why there is early discharge. I mean it can work and should do for minor ops but I am sure that two of the A&E visits could have been sorted in an instant if he’d stayed in for a week instead of the 6-hour visit to A&E that it took to get sorted. Such false economy and exhausting for both patient and wife!!!! Not faulting the staff though as they were lovely in A&E but working under such pressure.
Yes, watched part of the coronation and some of the outfits….! But did you love the yellow puff sleeves of the South African singer – I thought just wow!
Thank you so much for all your kind words Zepherine – they are much appreciated 🙂
Hope all goes well with both of you Penny, and that we do get some weather to cheer us up and warm our bones. Having read last year(?) with considerable envy about the birth of your new grandchild, I’m now in the very happy position of being grandma to little William aged 6 weeks. He is a total joy.
Unlike most people, we didn’t watch the Coronation, so I haven’t had a chance yet to catch up on what everyone was wearing other than Kate and family. Ironically the Italian fashion industry, with which my husband still has connections, has sprung into action and is now producing very high quality, very high cost outfits to match George and Charlotte’s. Ironic in that one reason given for supporting the Royals is that they are good for our economy. Unfortunately there are no or so few British companies left that can produce to this level! Think children’s outfits in high quality linen, retailing at a minimum £500! Hmmm another benefit of Brexit?
However, every possible good wish for a speedy recover to total health and normality. Kathy x
Yesterday we both sat outside, me with a cup of coffee and my other half with a redbush tea – it was lovely to feel the sun on one’s face. Yes, grandchildren, I have a granddaughter Lydia Rose born on March 17th – she’s getting quite bonny!
Interesting to hear about the the influence of the royals on the Italian fashion industry. And indeed we haven’t heard the last of high prices due to Brexit. I think when there are checks on food imports (none at the moment) prices will rocket on top of their already increased prices.
Here’s to normality – thanks Kathy 🙂
Dear Penny, All good wishes for a speedy recovery for your husband , I,m sure he will be back to good health soon with you as his nurse. But make sure you are getting enough rest! Just leave things that don’t matter , ironing dusting etc. , and concentrate on important things like sitting in the sun with a cup of tea and watching the world go by.
I was so amused by some other comments re the outfits worn at the Coronation. We can’t seem to do “Formal Dress “properly, can we? Perhaps we don’t get enough practice! The only two really sophisticated outfits that stood out for me were worn by Mrs Sunak in pale blue and Mrs Macron in pink , both elegant in slim coats and matching dresses. Otherwise there were leftover wedding outfits or dreary little dresses in dull colours and one ghastly blue satin ex-bridesmaid dress! I’ve seen more interesting and colourful fashion at Ascot. Although didn’t William and Catherine look absolutely marvellous !
Looking forward to your next post but take it easy for a while ,we all will still be here !
Best wishes from Judy in Brighton x.
Yesterday we both sat in the sun with a cuppa and it was delightful but today it’s back to being cold with a chilly wind. Never mind better days are coming! Re: the coronation: I thought Penny Mordaunt beat the lot of them – don’t like her politics but my word what a look!
Thanks so much Judy – your kind words are appreciated 🙂
My best wishes to Mr F for a speedy recovery.
For ongoing fatigue try B1 tablets 200mg per day. I have fibromyalgia and CFS, this dose of a game changer for me. Took 4 weeks to feel the effects but it got me out of bed and walking again.
That’s interesting re: B1 tablets – will look into it. I take a mega vitamin x 3 a week plus daily Vitamin D, Magnesium and Zinc. Thanks Pauline 🙂
So sorry for both of you. All wishies for a quick recovering. I read your posts from France and I love so much your habilities to look so great. A friend of mine told me about your blog because, one day, I complained in front of a window shop “I would like to be younger to wear that shirt and shoes…”
Keep on going, dear Penny, you are full of life, humour and beauty. And, please, forget my bad english. ODILE
Thank you so much Odile and your English is great, no worries there! It’s so good you heard about the blog in France and now read it – thank you!
I so appreciate your kind words, many thanks again 🙂
Hello Penny. I am sorry to hear that Mr. F has been ill and that you are still coping with the aftermath of covid. Here is hoping for better days ahead healthwise for you both along with the better Spring weather. It has been quite lovely here in New York the last couple of days so I am taking the opportunity to work on my little garden. May here is always busy with our Mothers Day, my birthday and Memorial day. Although as of yet there are not settled plans. My retiree group is on Hiatus for the Summer, but we did do a trip to see the Musical “Gypsy”. Also, last week my son in law, an amateur actor was in a local production of “Lost in Yonkers” , a community theater production but really high level acting. Hope you and Mr. F are soon feeling well. Darby
Every good wish for your coming birthday. We have already had Mothers Day in March sometime. I love hearing about your cultural life as mine is non-existent at the moment!
Thanks for your kind words, Mr F is improving albeit at a much slower pace than we had anticipated, and I have very tired days and better days – it varies. I just have to try and not do too much which was difficult at first when Mr F got discharged (too early) and then discharged again. He’s just beginning to help around the house a little, which is a relief.
Thanks you as ever 🙂
I’m so very sorry Mr. F has been unwell. It is not easy dealing with a spouse’s surgery/illness. I think the last few years dealing with a chronic issue with my husband have aged both of us. I do hope you’re both able to get some rest and are on the mend soon. As for normal…I don’t know what it is anymore either. We seem to go from one thing to another. But, I do hope you both feel much better soon as you start planning for your cruise. Take care, Penny!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
We’ve moved the cruise to the end of July which we could with Saga and no admin fee either. It gives him 80 days to improve his health. Yes, I’m finding that there’s a lot of managing one’s ageing body these days! Mr F is improving slowly.
And here’s to normality – whatever that means!!!!!
Thanks Marsha 🙂
Sorry to hear that Penny, I can sympathise as I’m also suffering with the after effects of covid just after Xmas, which appears to have left me with AF, which in turn has left me breathless and bloated. I’ve got medication now but it seems to be taking its time to improve!
Roll on better weather and better health!
Oh that’s interesting re: the AF. My heart went bonkers after a virus in early 2020 and I still have the irregular beats but it’s not AF, viruses do that and it’s very annoying. Glad to hear you are on the medication, Bill has AF too and is on blood thinners which didn’t help with this op!
Oh yes, roll on better weather, it was lovely yesterday but we’re back to grey skies again!
Thanks Alison and here’s to better health for both of us 🙂
Oh Penny, I’m so sorry Mr F has had such a rough time – and you by extension. They dismiss early – often too early – here in the US too. Thanks for dropping your readers this quick note. I have been wondering about you.
Michelle
https://followingmymuse.space
Early discharge works for some situations, particularly minor ops, but definitely not in my husband’s case. The first two visits to A&E could definitely have been sorted within half an hour if he had been an in-patient but no it needed a 6-hour visit twice to A&E which is just madness.
Thanks Michelle, and I’m hoping to be back up to speed next week 🙂
I’m sending you and Mr.F ask the strength you both can use! I do hope that you have your energy back real soon.
Thank you so much Nancy, your kind words are very much appreciated 🙂
Penny, I am sorry to hear about your Mr. F. and the experiences he is having just trying to get better! I live in Canada and my husband, we’ll call him Mr.M spent two years in and out of the hospital fighting a long battle. He was a carpenter before he retired and it has always been one of the hobbies he had practically given up on ever being able to do again. There were times over the course of his journey back to good health when he was discharged too early and he would be re-admitted. Each time he was discharged he got his hopes up that the treatment he was receiving was working but then each time he was readmitted he would get very depressed started as he could not see an end to the tunnel. Unfortunately his condition occurred during covid and we all know how that pandemic affected health care around the world. At the end of the day after two years of treatments and experiments and depressing diagnosis earlier this year he recovered and was actually to return to his carpentrying and as of this day, he could be categorised as “normal” So don’t give up Mr. F. prayers and good thoughts are coming to you from each one of us who love our Mrs.F! And Penny, I love your blog and what it has done for me! I can no longer go to a store or a mall and pay retail when I know I could get the same or close to it the same at my charity shops! When my friends and I go out for some “retail therapy” it doesn’t have to cost a fortune! Take care of yourselves and hope you are back soon! Linda
Thank you so much Linda and how very encouraging to hear about Mr M, although there must have been some quite dark days during his journey back to health. My other half’s situation isn’t particularly serious but the site of the operation and the fact it took longer than just 20 minutes (which we had been told would be the case) meant that really he could have done with a little more nursing care. But that isn’t possible these days. Sad, but I’m not faulting the nursing staff they were excellent, particularly those in A&E but it is so barking mad to burden A&E with what I consider to be a basic procedure. Anyway he is on the mend but at a much slower pace than we first thought.
And absolutely, treating oneself to some retail therapy is something I’ve been doing over the last couple of days and it hasn’t cost a fortune!!!
Thanks so much Linda, it was so interesting to hear your story – many thanks indeed 🙂
Sorry to hear about the problems Mr F has encountered after his surgery, hoping he is improving daily. I do hope your usual energy returns as you head further into some warmer weather.
Take care , allow your body to rest and recover. Don’t fret over the blog we will be here when you are ready.
Thank you for all your kind words which are particularly appreciated all things considering! What was what we thought was a minor op turned out to be more than that. He will heal but he really could have done with a few days on a ward instead of needing two trips to A&E to get what I consider to be basic nursing care.
I will allow the time to heal – thank you again Jill – much appreciated 🙂
So sorry to hear that Mr F has been poorly but no doubt that he has done well in your safe hands. Look after yourself too!! My husband was bitten by a squirrel over the Coronation weekend and after a fruitless call to the GP they suggested A&E so we waited , and waited and then he was seen and dosed up with antibiotics. I watched like a hawk in case the infection started tracking up his leg but thankfully it sorted. Just watching and worrying is very tiring.