Pv odds

Hi Peter thanks for your reply.  Hope all your dr visits prove to be uneventful.  I've recovered from my event.  I still can't believe it.  Like you said, when it rains, it pours.  I'm sure you'll be attending the wedding.  It is kind of far off, so don't fret it for a while.  Aren't those odds astonishing?  I wasn't aware of the small number of us there are.  Life sure was better being in the 99.998% group.  But this is our cross to bear and all we can do is take our meds and hope.  Maybe something new is coming on the horizon.  Be well. Linda

Hi Linda. It sure spells out why we meet so few other sufferers face to face.  You are certainly a little more upbeat now in your outlook.  Obviously the sunshine is doing its best for you.   Hope is about all we have got at this time, but as you say, keep on rolling.  I will let you know if any of my forthcoming appointments raise anything of interest.  Good wishes.

Peter.

Hi Peter you are so right.  Because there are so few of us, the chances of meeting another pver are quite slim.  That was why I was so excited about that meeting.  Since I didn't go, for all I know maybe there were 1 or 2 people there.  I'll never eat chicken again lol! We haven't had sunshine in at least a week. It's been cold, like 50s or 60 for a high and quite rainy.  Tomorrow I'm going to have to wear a sweater when I go out for Mother's Day.  Next week the sunshine will be back and the temperature will be in the 80s.  Please keep me posted on your upcoming dr appts.  Hoping for the best.  Linda

Hi Angela, I saw it on another MPN website of which I can't divulge due to what you said about the strictness here.  I ran it by my son who's a math wizard and he came up with the same number so I'm believing it's pretty accurate.  That's funny about barging in to another patients conversation.  Why don't you give it a try the next time you hear HU.  Maybe they'd be happy to see & talk with you too.  Why not?  Linda

Hi Angela I , like you, would be sucking on my pen also.  My son obviously takes after his dad.  You know Siri from the iPhone?  I call my son Ziri cause he's got all the answers.  Last name starts with a Z.  You're probably right about many undiagnosed deaths from Pv.  Then of course there's people that never go to a dr and are not dx.  It does seem low but based on that equation it's prob real close to the number.  Lucky us, right? We should play the lottery.  Maybe we can beat those odds too.

The statistics you quote are the same as available in UK.  I have read these on several documents given to me by the Haematologist over many years.  I remember it as 2 people (or 2.5) in 100,000 acquire PV. It has never changed and is stated to be on a global basis.  Angela raises some very valid points in her discussion and maybe I can shed a little light from her experiences.  An entry in a British Medical Association book I have describes how PV occurs naturally in people living in or visiting high altitudes due to the reduced air pressure and thereby reduced oxygen in the blood.  This can result in any disorder that impairs the supply of oxygen to the blood.  Without going into technicalities, there is an increase in the blood carrying oxygen to compensate for the reduced oxygen supply.  Returning to sea level or to an effective treatment, the blood soon returns to normal.  PV can also develop through diseases of the liver and kidneys.  PV primarily develops in people over 40.  The estimate for UK is 300 but in US this will be higher because of the greater population.  This may well answer the question raised about the diagnosis by doctors and the early diagnosis of PV as explained.  Is it a question of hard experience by medics dealing with travellers used to high living or visiting high latitudes, and needing to visit a doctor  afterwards.  Most of these mountains etc. are spread widely across the globe.

I would point out that Hydroxycarbamide is not confined to treating PV but is also used for treating other serious blood disorders.  With PV it has until recently been considered the best availanble treatment, but other drugs are now becoming used more accurately directed at the disorder itself.

I have some sympathy with Angela and her predicament with the rules etc.  We all get caught up in these sometimes.  Hope this information is useful.

Peter.

Thank you very much Peter for your comprehensive answer.

I am so puzzled by how I came to be the one to get this disease. I would love to create some sort of check list to find a common origin for our common (well, uncommon but you know what I mean) problem.

Hi Peter your explanation is spot on.  You have been in this predicument longer than Angela or myself and you have definitely done your homework.  I am just starting to "get it" after 5 years.  It really is a confusing disease.  It's almost like you need an md degree.  Thank you for shedding light on this for myself, Angela and many others that read this.  You're a rock star!  Linda

Hi Angela,

Many thanks for your reply.  Your previous message was very interesting.

You will probably already know that most cases of PV are traced to a defective gene at birth.  The disease is not hereditary though there are always exceptions.  PV can be acquired later by virtue of being concerned with other illnesses e.g.liver, kidney etc.  Basically it is due to the overproduction of red cells which is not confined just to MPN's.  There does not appear to be a singular reason why people contract this disorder but the gene aspect is the most formidable.  It remains to be seen as to why this should be so and maybe the research being undertaken these days will give us an answer in due course.  Do not feel yourself responsible for your illness, it is almost certainly beyond your control.  I know that I was very surprised when I was advised I had this predicament.  It was not in the family genes for sure.  There is one beguiling fact that has always intrigued me and that is the association of PV with gout.  I know it is something to do with the uric acid in blood but just how the two connect I cannot say and I have never received a revealing answer to those who I feel might know.  It has been mentioned briefly in articles I have read but never a promising result.

Good luck Angela, nice to hear from you again.

Peter.

 

Well, there you are you see! No, I didn't know that the gene was defective from birth. I thought that something in the environment had scuppered me.

I grew up in South Yorkshire, only a mile or so from a vast coking plant, half a dozen miles from the steelworks of the Don valley and the same again from any number of coal mines. When I got the diagnosis I wondered if the high levels of air and water pollution, and the associated outpouring of coal tars and phenols might have set me off. The Don valley, now a deserted rust belt with no heavy industry now to speak of, is a hotspot for bladder cancer, which my brother has -he's in his 70s and got his diagnosis last year.

I am a long way in terms of years from all that pollution. I now live in the utter rural tranquillity of the Peak District. Not even a drop of a neonicotinoid is allowed to pass over the National Park!

And yet your saying that it is present at birth has me thinking again. My father developed vitamin  B12 deficiency in his 60/s and died of pancreatic cancer. I have a notion that vitamin B12 is something to do with the blood. Maybe there is a link for a potential in me. Too late to find out now anyway.

No, I don't worry about it at all. I firmly believe in accepting one's fate. It's pointless to think otherwise! I can't say that I enjoy having PV but it could be a whole lot worse. That's how I see it anyway.

So, 2 people per 100,000. That means that there are about 15 other people here in Derbyshire with it. Shame we don't all have some sort of mark of Cain on our foreheads so that we could wave to each other.

There is a suggestion that one can be affected by some types of strong electronic radiation  over a period (e.g. Chernobyl etc) but I am still hoping to learn more on this.  There is plenty of this radiation around without concerning the nuclear aspect so it is not far-fetched.  I was in Turkey for a few years at the time of Chernobyl and that was bad.  Can't say whether I was affected but it sure covered a huge area.  Russia and Turkey are not far removed.

You must have a few of my traits for I have a very investigative outlook particularly when something affects me.  With the problems you describe in Yorkshire and that area I should have thought that if those conditions you describe had been a cause of PV then surely it was so rife that others around must have been affected too.  So I feel that could not be your probable cause.  I know the area fairly well having spent a couple of years roving around there.  More to the north though.  Also Derbyshire and the lakes.   I am not aware that pancreatic cancer or the like has ever been connected to PV but it is so rare, who yet can tell.  With the propensity of people to deface their bodies with massive tattoos your suggestion might be a good consideration.  The forehead seems a fine spot but a medical one may be lost in the maze.

Thank you Angela for you kind comments and information.  Just left for me to say good-bye from due south.   Peter.

 

Hello again Linda.

Thanks for your kind remarks.  I take no credit whatsoever for being diagnosed with PV before most others, but it does give me the opportunity give a little comfort and knowledge to other lesser mortal sufferers.  Your classification for understanding PV is quite real.  It is not as if the university corridors or doctors surgeries are equipped with the necessary studying literature to purge oneself with, is it?  Will carry on regardless.  Who knows what the future foreholds.  Have a good day Linda.

Peter.

Just by the by Peter, and before you disappear, do you know why the blood that we donate to venesections is not used for anything? 

Can another person "catch" PV from our "infected" blood? And, if so, could we have been "infected" by say mosquito bites?  A few years ago, I went on a camping holiday in Ethiopia. I was the only person to be bitten by mosquitos and I was severely bitten. 169 bites in two weeks and they were all like small volcanoes. If another person in the area had PV would it be possible do you think for me to have contracted it that way?

Just a thought to mull over.....

Hi Peter I don't know what we would do without the internet.  No, I am not being given hardly any literature on this disease by my Drs.  A few generic pages, that's it.  I had ovarian cancer I 1999.  I had 6 rounds of chemo- cisplatin and taxol.  I feel that might have done something to my marrow.  I am almost 18 yrs Ned (no evidence of disease) which is almost never seen.  I wonder if they know the poisons they're pumping in us will come back to haunt us but figure we won't be alive by that time. I'm so glad we have each other.  There is no point talking to friends or family about it.  They don't get it!  We do.  Well, off to my Mothers Day  dinner.  Thank you for sharing your knowledge, it's much aprreciated.  Linda

Hi Angela,

I did raise this point with my Haematologist some time ago and was told the blood from PV patients is not considered for use with other patients.  It is OK for research purposes which apparently where most of it will end up. From the mosquito angle, I too spent a number of years in the Middle East and also N. Africa, and other spots too and like you received the attention of these blighters.  The only problem arises if you contract malaria which can remain in the body for ages, even after using anti-malaria treatments.   I have a son who travels the world extensively and despite his best efforts, still caught a bad strain of malaria, yet took every precaution possible.  On one occasion he returned home very ill and the local doctors couldnt make it out.  

It wasn't until I mentioned malaria to the medics that they understood.  My son is not allowed to donate blood.  With PV this is not transmitted from one human to another and is acquired by a defective gene or perhaps from an illness with another internal organ.  PV is not known for being a transmittable disease.  Hope this answers your queries Angela.

Peter.

Hello Linda,

It does seem sad that you are unable to acquire information at home on PV etc.  Most of my information is passed on to me by my hospital haematologist.  I have some very useful booklets provided via the NHS and am able to discuss any problems or queries with any of the Haematology Team.  They have never failed yet to come up with a valid answer.  Sadly, my sister succumbed  to the cancer you mention so I sympathise with your situation.  Now I have never had much of a connection with cancer illnesses but some of our friends have been hit by pancreatic cancer.  They were all extremely fit and healthy but it seemed to make no difference.  Apart from my sister we have had no dealings with this horrid disorder.  I could never offer an opinion on your circumstances as I know so little about them.  But I can agree about the possibility of things within our environment being a latent factor in some of the diseases around.  I know that my sister who was  a qualified NHS nurse, held certain views in this direction but I will not expand further.   You make a vary valid point about family being somewhat disinterested in PV. I suspect this comes from its rarity factor and that they, like many other too just know so little about it Linda.  I am however, very impressed with the nurses at my local surgery as they always seem to want information about MPN"s and to understand these diseases.  They have been a great help too.   Enjoy you Mothers Day meal - I trust chicken is off the menu.!!!

Peter.

Oh your poor son. Malaria is a terrible illness.

I took Lariam once and was overwhelmed with hallucinations. I thought that I was becoming invisible!

I still don't know why they can't make use of our plasma or something, but then I know just about nothing anyway.

Thanks for your answer.

Hi Peter I just noticed you sent me a msg that is being held up or moderated.  So of course I can't answer.  Perhaps you can re-send it with different wording.  Linda

Hi Linda,Thanks for youe message.  It is difficult tfathom out just what is wanted isn't it.  I am beginning to wonder whether it is all worth the trouble.  I was giving an answer to your earlier mailing.  Something to think about.

Peter.

Hi Peter yea I don't get it either.  I've been held up for no reason I could think of.  I know we're not allowed to mention other web sites on MPNs.  Other than that I'm clueless.  Linda

Hello Linda,

It doesn't surprise me in what you say.  As you know, I try to be factual and non-controversial rather than making loose comments.  If one can help others from your own experiences then I am happy to do so.  I expect this applies to most using this forum.  I do not consider my response to you was of any different character than it usually is.  You are never advised as to why messages are with-held.  I expect the tight-rope we walk is easy to fall off and this brings in the alarm bells but  not knowing what the censors require is part of the problem.  In my life I have dealt with people from all walks of society and never managed to fall off the tight-rope there whether in speech of otherwise communicating.  Maybe it is time to consider whether my usefulness here is any longer valid.  There is no shortage of PV sufferers on this forum communicationg well and wisely already who are able to fulfil what is needed.  I expect this message will be expunged and you may not receive 

it.  Que sera sera.

Peter.

Oi oi oi, don't go!

We will see to it that you are not expunged Peter!

I belong to another forum, nothing to do with illness or anything like that, and there is a private messaging system there for people who want to discuss something just between the two of them. Is that the case here? Have my rheumy eyes missed it?

 

Hi Peter the same thing has happened to me in the past.  I would give a very benign answer and be held never knowing why.  Please come and say hello now and then if you decide to leave.  Obviously Angela and I would miss you.  I've griown accustomed to your answers and I would miss you.  Of course, this is your decision and if you've made up your mind, it's been a pleasure knowing you and I wish you nothing but the best.  Linda

Hello Linda,

Many thanks for both your and Angela's responses to my message but I had not decided to abandon ship, but to reconsider the usefulness of my contributions.  I would probably have remained a silent reader.  I have perused all contributions recently of you two ladies and I think you would make a lovely double comedy act together.  Need a manager?

This conundrum you discuss has a different aspect and I will try to appease you both.  The figure 2 in 100,000 relates to 2 cases in 100,000 people already diagnosed.  That would give a population of 20 in one million   This is a set figure that changes little.  In all the years I have been attending Haematology clinic this number has not altered.  I haven't met anyone personally with the same complaint.  Were the figure higher than 2 I am sure I would meet others at the clinic and would do so if I lived in a city with a  population of say, one million.  I have been told that I remain the only patient at the hospital diagnosed with PV.  Others have similar but different complaints (MPN's perhaps).  I suspect that as PV may progress to ET or MF so another patient will be diagnosed to take any vacant place, and so on.

There will also have to be taken into account the survival rate of PV patients which is variable anyway.  The disorder so far is not rated as curable and with an ageing population this must also be taken into account in calculations.  This may slightly affect the mathematics but not to any significant degree I feel.

I have in the past visited MPD Voice which I found interesting but the medical discussions and comments were little different to what I might generally discuss with my Haematologist.  It is a useful site for those originally diagnosed with MF yet not beforehand acquiring PV.

Well, I will not comment any further than I have already so wish you both well  to continue your act.     Peter.

Thank you for trying to bring a little sanity to the conversation. 

Since my mathematical talents are so limited I don't know why I keep trying to use them.

I am the person who stands in the supermarket aisle, blocking your way, wondering if the 3 for the price of 2 offer on 500g of soap powder is better value than the Buy One Get One Free offer on the 750ml of extra strength soap liquid. Why I do it I just don't know.

I am available for bookings.

 

Hi Angela,

Well, there you are.  You already have the situation set.  Anyone have a camera?

Peter.

Hi Peter well  need I say I'm very glad to hear from you.  Yes, Angela and I sure seem like Lucy & Ethel when it comes to math.  My other great attribute in life is I never know where I'm going.  I don't know north from east from a hole in the wall.  Henceforth, I never have any passengers in my car.  The back seat has never been sat on.  Lol!  Thank you for clearing up the number problem.  I've started my new regiment of Jakafi, 3 5 mg tablets a day.  That would be 15 mg right.  My body reacts too strongly to 15 mg. all at once.  I'm small, 5'4 and weigh 120 lbs.  we're gonna miss your wise judgement but I'm grateful to have met you.  Sincerely Linda

I have no sense of direction either. So much so that I never learned to drive. For five years I worked in central London and used to arrive at Oxford Circus underground station each morning. It's at a crossroads and only has four exits. Could I ever remember which one to take to get to my office? So frustrating. My husband thinks it's a huge joke and often lets me wander on ahead of him, waiting for me to realise that I am going the wrong way. I should have a Satnav strapped to my sleeve.

Good luck with your tablets. I am still putting off the evil day.

 

Hi Angela my, aren't we the pair.  No math sense and no sense of direction.  Let's not ever go on a road trip together, we'd just go round in circles.  No, it's not a Pv symptom, just a deficit.  My nick name by my friends is the Navigator. Lol.  So far the Jakafi isn't bothering me.  I hope it stays that way and my platelets go down.  I won't know for 5 weeks.  Be well. Linda

Hello Linda.

As I said earlier, I was not about to abandon ship just yet.  Just a reappraisal of my contribution and its worth.  Yes keep up the chat, the light-heartedness can be a welcome relief from the hard core with PV, just for a small change.  It is a heavy subject to need to deal with.  Anything to raise the spirits can only be good.

Peter

Hi Peter glad to hear you're not abandoning ship.  You hav a lot of knowledge and hav taught me a lot.  I've been on 15 mg og Jakafi for about 5 days now.  But I'm taking it in 3 doses of 5 mg. morn, aft and evening.  It easier on methan taking 1 15 mg tablet.  Jakafi comes in strengths of 5, 10, 15, 20, & 25.  I was in the sun yesterday on my girlfriends deck.  I can't tolerate like I did pre-Jakafi.  Small doses.  What a pain in the ass.  But we do what we have to.  I'm also taking 2,000 units of vitamin D.  It was 90 degrees here, so maybe too much too soon?  Please let me know what your results are from your various Drs visits.  Linda

Hi Linda,

I was originally on 20mg per day in 2 doses and tolerated the dosage extremely well.  As I mentioned earlier this dosage was halved and so far it does not seem to have affected my situation.   The blood count was stable at the clinic last week and I continue with the lower dose  Time will tell whether it remains this way.

Yes, I saw the Dermatologist yesterday who has taken an interest in the drugs I have been taking as some of the side effects I have had to deal with over the years have been of interest to that department.  Things are much improved now but I will need further visits before things finally clear.

90 degrees is very hot but with your experience I am sure you know how to handle it.  Much less here in UK.  I think I am a bit of a rarity with.dermatology too, but it seems to be a collection of symptoms all hitting at the same time.  Just the way the cookie crumbles as it is said.  Anyway, I feel pretty well generally and still do much of what I want.  I am visiting the vascular clinic next week

Stay cool.   Peter.

 

Hi Peter I was originally started on the same as you with Jakafi, 10 mg 2 x day.  I think I lasted 5 days.  It kicked my ass so bad, by the last day I could barely walk when I woke up. Aches everywhere!  So I was dropped to 5 mg 2 x day.  It was dropping plates for a while, but now they're rising.  Sooo... It's  now 15 mg - 5 3 x day.  I pray it works.  I read a lot of dermatological problems with Pv eg. Eczema, dermatitis, blotches etc.  I love the hot weather.  My son is right to be in Florida.  He's a pharmacist so he can work anywhere and where better than Florida where all the old folks retire. I saw a news guy in England yesterday covering Pippa's wedding.  He had an umbrella and it looked cold. 

I had to Google Pippa's Wedding.

You can see I am not a royalist.

Hi Angela you mean you didn't know Pippa is getting married tomorrow?  And you're there and I'm in the US and I know.  It's getting a lot of play here cause of Harry's American girlfriend.  What am I gonna do with you Angela? You make me laugh and that's good medicine.  Linda

I can honestly say that I didn't even know of Pippa's existence on the planet until now.

And I had to think so hard about who her sister is and who she is married to that I had to ask my hubby and even he needed about five seconds to come up with the answer.

But it's good that our old colonies keep up with these sorts of things.

Oh Angela, you absolutely kill me.  I find it almost impossible.to believe that  you didn't even know who Pippa is.  It's on my tv right now.  I'm a media junkie.  And I love all the gossip mags.  It's a pleasant diversion from our miserable disease.  I just got the Caitlyn Jenner book from eBay.  It will make  for good beach reading.  Please, oh please, don't tell me you don't know who that is.  You are so funny.  I guess we are kinda like Lucy & Ethel.  Be well Linda

Now, I know Lucy and Ethel. My mother used to love watching I Love Lucy in the 1960s.

Caitlyn Jenner. You can pick your mouth up off the ground now because I had to Google her too. I have a television somewhere in the house but I hardly ever watch it. So the word celebrity passes me by from one year to the next. I do hear the names spoken but I couldn't put a face to any of them and as for that these celebrities celebrate I haven't a clue.

Who is Someone-or-other Kardashian, for example, and what does he/she do to warrant his/her status as a celebrity?

I could do with a bit of your weather. I live in the middle of England, as far from the sea as it is possible to get, and yesterday I had to put on a coat to go out into the garden to do some weeding. The log burner was on in the sitting room by five in the afternoon and we had soup for our evening meal! It never gets hot here. Maximum on a summer's day would be about 72°F

But we had no snow last winter. Which is a bit odd but not unheard of.

Enjoy your sunny beach!

Hi Angela ok I get it, you're not the least bit interested in social media.  At least you know who Lucy & Ethel are.  I can't live without my tv.  When there's a power outage or my cable goes down, I get very anxious.  Sounds nice where you live, very peaceful.  I live in a very urban city, about 20 minutes from New York City.  When 9/11 happened, I could see it and smelled the acrid air for weeks.  It was a terrible world tragedy that will affect us forever.  It was the day our innocence was taken away forever.  Hope yo're feeling well.  Linda

Hello again. Hope you slept well. Yes, I live in a National Park which is very pleasant except it is tiny by American standards and within 40 minutes' drive of Sheffield, Manchester and Birmingham, three large cities. So today, being the weekend, we don't go out of our garden as we would probably be mown down by a road cyclist, a mountain biker, a horse rider, a pack of walkers, or a convoy of off road drivers. We go out walking during the working week, when it is quieter, but my main pasttime is gardening. I am lucky to have about a third of an acre of garden (unfortunately on  45° slope - this is a hilly area) and I spend a lot of time on my hands and knees talking to the insects and the frogs and the other things that amble by. I keep the garden on an organic basis and nothing gets thrown out unless it is being a pest. So it looks incredibly untidy to visitors but is a great place for the wildlife. Maybe a little too great sometimes. The other morning, I wondered why the fish pond looked so dirty and when I checked on the trail cam I found that a heron had spent twenty minutes picking off my lovely fish. They were big ones too. And I had netted the pond. Heigh ho. That's nature, red in tooth and claw.

No, I stopped watching tv some years ago. I went to bed one night and wondered why I felt depressed. I realised that it was the tv. News about people being beastly to each other (and that is a slur on beasts who are generally quite noble) and people suffering in countries which I had never visited, knew nothing about and could never change. And then I decided to stop watching the news and I cheered up. There used to be one tv news programmed, late at night, which gave us all the usual dreary stuff and always ended on a happy story. It only lasted for a few months and then got pulled. I ask myself why they feed us this stuff. Is it to make us feel happy that we don't have to go through all this torment? For me, it just makes me want to pull a blanket over my head. I watched 9/11 on tv in live time with an English language student from Japan who was staying with me to improve his English. Neither of us could believe what we were watching.

I remember in the 1960s when we here in Britain only had one national tv channel, the BBC, and one commercial channel, ITV.  We got a lot of American imports. I Love Lucy, Mr Ed, My Uncle the Martian, Bilko, Bewitched, Top Cat, The Flintstones, and they were all happy, innocent, clean living programmes. And then the programmes from America changed, and they got sour and cynical and sad. MASH was funny but it had a nasty edge to it. I don't know the precise moment that it happened, maybe it was the Vietnam war, but tv changed and not for the better. And I watched it less and less. And now, as I say, I barely watch it at all. I do listen to the BBC radio every day but I limit myself to one news programme and make sure that I don't listen to it before bed.n

It's raining here and the temperature must be about 60°F. After we joined the EU we had to go metric to please the French and so I had to learn Celsius instead and grammes instead of ounces and kilometres instead of miles. Now that we have voted to leave Europe I hope to heaven they don't make us change back. I've just about learned the other lot.

Have a good day.

Hi Angela what an interesting place you live in.  My question is how far away you are from your hematologist and hospital?  I can't imagine life without tv.  I love it all, the good, the bad and the ugly.  Do you ever go to the movies?  Your friend Pippa's wedding info is on tv right now.  I've never learned the metric system.  We were never taught it in school.  They tried at some point a while back to introduce it to us but it never caught on.  I don't think I have the capacity to learn it.  Can't teach an old dog new tricks😙.  Enjoy your day

Hello,

I've been driven in from the garden by the rain. Tipping down (again). The sky is so black that I have had to put the lights on in the house and it's only 14.40 hrs! The country lane outside the house is streaming with brown, muddy water. Both the cats came in and went to their beds about two hours ago. I should have paid attention. Luckily, I got the washing in before it got too wet.

The hospital is in the nearest big town, Chesterfield. I can get a bus from near my house to the centre of Chesterfield and then another bus to the hospital. It's all on country lanes so is very pretty at this time of year but not so great on a winter's afternoon. I live out in the sticks, so I have a fair walk to the bus stop from the house but it's all very quiet and peaceful.

The nearest village is a place called Bakewell. You may have heard of Bakewell tarts or Bakewell puddings? They are famous in UK. They were first made in a hotel here a couple of hundred years ago and became very popular. Nowadays, day trippers come from all over the place to buy them and the original shop that has the historical recipe (top secret but everyone knows how to make them!) sends them all over the world.

It took me about twenty years to learn all the new metric measurements. I'm OKish with Celcius but millimetres give me the heebie jeebies - too tiny and there are too many of them.

I think the last film (movie) that I went to see was ET in 1982(?). My brother and I went together to see it in Brisbane when I was over there on holiday. We took his two kids and they were a bit young and got very frightened by the strangeness of it all.

Do you go often to see movies or the theatre?

Hi it's sounds like a different world to me because it is.  I was born & raised in a big city in New Jersey.  I've always lived the city life and don't know anything about country living. I figured your trips to the dr would be long.  Since you & I are math dunces, I can't imagine either one of us mastering the metric system lol.  Never heard of Bakewell tarts or puddings.  Yes, I go to the movies about once a month or so.  The last movie I saw was Fences with Denzel Washington. I'll only go if a movie peaks my interest, not just to go.  I have cable tv which has a lot of on demand movies for $4.99, which is pretty good. I don't go into New York much. It's getting too crazy there.  Subway pushers, random nuts just slashing or stabbing strangers for no reason. No thanks.  We live such different lives, but we have Pv in common. Glad we met.  Linda

 Are the "random nuts" different from the "real nut jobs" then?

We have random nuts here too. But they usually belong to someone who keeps an eye on them. And of course, hardly anyone owns a gun (farmers do and the gentry like to shoot things for fun, but only during certain months of the year, ) and if they do have a gun then they have to keep it in a locked cupboard and keep the bullets in another locked cupboard. I have never seen a gun. My brother did have a very good catapult when he was a boy with which he used to kill crows. I don't know why he killed crows as they weren't exactly posing a threat to him on his way to school.

My journey to the hospital takes just over an hour, door to door. How long does your journey take usually?

Hi the random nuts are usually homeless people of which there are a lot of in New York.  They are certainly mentally ill and usually high on something, booze or drugs.  They live underground th subway system or just sleep and hang out on the street. The mayor keeps talking about doing something about it, but I don't see anything changing.  It's a zoo.  My hospital trip is about 30 minutes by car.  Linda

I did visit New York once, in the 1980s. In fact, I began my American journey in Hawaii, flew to California and then went ever eastwards using a strange airline ticket which allowed any number of stops providing you never travelled westwards. So I have seen New Mexico, Arizona, St. Louis, Tennesee, Mississippi, Georgia, one or more of the Carolinas, New York, New England and Boston. I made the mistake of opening a bank account when I arrived in Hawaii in the mistaken belief that the United States of America were just that, united, and spent the next four months trying, with tremendous difficulty, to cash my dollar cheques in banks in other states. When I presented them, I would be looked at with great suspicion and given a lengthy interrogation about what the purpose of my journey was and what on earth was this Bank Of Hawaii anyway. At one point in one bank things got so unpleasant that my hubby had to hand out the name and phine number of his cousin who was a big shot attorney and when they saw that they backed off. I dread to think what tourists have to go through these days in order to see the Land of the Free.

Have you ever been to Britain? If you ever find yourself wandering around here you must tell me and I shall be happy to show you our town (pop. 3,000)!

 

Hi Angela wow, you've been to more states than I have. I've never been to Hawaii. I've been to a lot of Carribean islands, Aruba, Bahamas, Turk& Cacaois islands, Puerto Rico and Mexico.  And of course Florida to visit my son.  I've never been to Europe.  Now with this Pv, I'm a stick in the mud. I don't wanna even be in a car for more than an hour and there's a lot of issues with flying due to clots.  I've read you should wear compression stockings and walk up the aisle every 1/2 hr.  I'd probably have a nervous breakdown before the plane landed.  The furthest I'll go is Atlantic City which is at the Jersey shore with Casinos, kinda like Las Vegas, but nowhere near as big.  This miserable disease has changed everything for me.  Your town sounds charming.  It seems very peaceful.  Here is more hectic with a lot of traffic. But New York has some of the best Drs and hospitals In the world. So it's a pro and con kind of thing..

 Ah, yes, I forgot about the flying nonsense. I gave up flying at the time when they announced that I, or any other old woman like me, would pose a risk to international security if I put a bottle of shampoo into my suitcase. At that moment I decided that the world was too stupid for me to want to go and see any more of it.  I haven't been anywhere by plane since that day and I can't say that the absence of travel has made me lose one moment of sleep.

Yes, I am sure that New York must be a centre of excellence when it comes to all sorts of things, medicine included. Although I try to have as little to do with doctors as I possibly can. Many of the doctors who work in our National Health Service (almost nobody has private medical care here) are from abroad. It can make for interesting conversations when their English is good but not colloquial. My hubby went for an injection once and he always faints at the sight of a needle. He told the Spanish doctor that he was likely to faint and the doctor registered the fact well enough. But as the needle was going into his arm, hubby said "I'm going...." The doctor thought that he meant that he had had enough and was going to get up and leave. "No, no, you can't go yet"  said the doctor, just in time to catch him as he slumped to the floor.

Hi yeah, I'm done with flying.  I can't stand it anymore.  Remember years ago, there was a commercial for an airline something like "Fly the Friendly Skies of United".  Well, there's nothing friendly about it anymore. Since 9/11, our world has changed forever.  It's really so sad for the young kids who never had what we had flying. Now it's one big headache.  Plus, of course, our Pv limitations.  Glad we did what we did when we were healthy. Your poor hubby, thank god he doesn't have Pv. What would he do with all the blood draws and phlebotomies?  Let me know all about Pippa's wedding.  Lol. Who?  Linda

Yes, WHO?

Well, there is about one and a half hours more of daylight left and I think that the sun will probably break out from behind those black boiling clouds two minutes before sunset. It usually plays that game. Rain all day, sunny all night.

Where's Peter?  Do you think he's hiding in the dark behind a bush like Sean Spicer?

COME ON OUT PETER.

Hi Angela it's 2:30 pm here. Cloudy and gloomy today.  Yesterday 90 degrees and sunny.  Peter is probably reading our babbling and grinning.  He'll join us if we have something relevant to say or ask.  He stated that he's pulling back a little.  He's such a smart man. Take care. Linda

Well, Peter, if you are there, don't feel that you have to let intelligence be a barrier to your joining in with the nonsense. 

Helo Angela,

No, I have not ignored your protestations and I must say I have a great deal of sympathy with much of what you relate.  It seem to be keeping you and Linda happy and that can only be for the good.  For too many hours we have to contend with the hard facts and life with PV etc which simply adds to the misery of the disease.  How could I refuse your requests to re-appear for a moment ?  Better than some of these TV programmes we are subjected to. Your views on air travel somewhat mirror my own inasmuch that after years of air travel, mostly Europe, Middle East and Africa,  I feel I would be better off travelling in a cattle truck than in an aeroplane.  Mostly now I prefer to drive and use sea ferries to the continent.  Time is not a problem for me and it gives me no trouble with blood clots, not that I had problems anyway.  MPN"s are a serious concern for people as so few are around who one can discuss the difficulties with.  I think the doctors who treat us do a fantastic job 

when considering the lack of PV history available to them.  It is also a big learning curve too as they attempt to maintain their up-to-date knowledge of the diseases we suffer.  It isn't just us who has these problems, don't you think ?  I have no idea who Sean Spicer is, Angela.  Where did you find him then ?  He is not in my repertoire.  Is he peculiar to the Derbyshire dales.  By the way, the weather forecast seems very promising for us for the next week or so.  So sink your problems in your rose garden and be happy and content.  

I expect Linda will pick upon this so be cheerful aand improve your life.

Keep well.    Peter.

 

Hello Peter

Sean Spicer? Mr. Trump's spokesperson. One evening, not long ago, he was beset by a geoup of those fake news people who wanted to ask him some questions. He didn't want to andwer their questions so he hid behind some bushes in the dark and insisted that they turn all their lights off. I'm not sure if he then obliged them or took the opportunity to skidaddle under cover of the night.

Hi Peter glad to hear from you.  Angela & I got quite silly yesterday and you're right, it's good to get away from all the misery we go through.  I didn't know who Sean Spicer was either and I live in the US.  Angela didn't know who Pippa was and lives in the UK.  How ironic!  It's so hard to be cheerful sometimes.  I've become a bit reclusive cause I'm tired of hearing "you don't look sick" from people I choose to tell.  I guess that's the nature of this disease.  Be well Linda

Hi Angela

Many thanks for your information.  I thought with a name like that he might be Irish.  Must remember not to go into the bushes at night alone, never know just what might beset you.  Sounds pretty farcical doesn't it.  A good stage for your next show!!

 

Nothing to be concerned about Linda.  We all need to let our hair down now and again.  As for politicians, they are not on my favourite interest list.  Don't ask me why or I will be banned forever.  They do not cheer me up that's for sure.  Best wishes.

Peter

Hi Linda,

Just letting you know that I saw the haematologist yesterday and although the counts were very slightly higher than previously, no significance was placed upon them.  My dosage is unaltered.  Have you worn out the local beach yet ?   Be happy.

Peter.

Hi Peter glad to hear yo're doing well!  I'm sure you know the counts always vary by now.  No worries unless it's a big jump.  I have 5 different suntan lotions, 5 bathing suits, numerous beach towels, you name it , I have it.  All I'm missing is the SUN!  It has been one of the worst Memorial Day Weekends I can ever remember!  Rain, rain, clouds, and cold. Like a high of 60.  I can't take it anymore.  It feels like fall.  Then of course Anthony, my son tells me they're in the 90s.  Rats! I'm taking well to my new dosage of Jakafi, 15 mg.  won't know the numbers for a couple of weeks yet.  Glad to hear from you. Linda

Hi Linda,

I am sure things will brighten up weather-wise for you.   Here we have had a similar type of weather but it has improved in the last couple of days.  But there has been little rain to speak of in our parts.  Even your  co-partner Angela has been enjoying some warmer times recently in NW England.  I did expect my counts to rise a little following the period on the small dosage and I have not been surprised.  Haematologist expected the same but said to remain on this low dosage which I am happy to do.  I think the medics are still trying to rationalise the doses and their effects as they do not get much opportunity with MPN's and a new drug.  Still a learning curve.  It is good to hear that you are coping well with your new dosage Linda.  You will have to pay your son a quick visit and partake of that climate for a bit, but 90s, thats a bit hot though.   Wish you good luck and some cheerful weather.

Peter.

Hi Peter you are right.  Today it is sunny and gonna hit a high of 80.  So finally things are looking up weather wise.  I was on your dosage of 5 mg 2 x day, but after 2 consecutive rises in my platelets, they upped it to 15 mg.  I'm taking 5 mg 3 x a day.  Even though Jakafi does come in 1 pill of 15mg, the doc is easing me into the new dosage.  I am very sensitive to many meds.  I'm sure @ my next visit, if my platelets remain stable or go down, I'll probably get the 1 15 mg tablet.  I have to admit this feels like it's working. No more itching after a shower, no more night sweats, and my balance issue has improved. Fingers crossed.  Wishing you well always. Linda

A tale of good report.  It is great when something goes right isn't it ?  Maybe we will all be surprised in due time with the Ruxolitinib - or am I being too optimistic.  You've had you share of ups & downs Linda so you will be pleased with a period of calm.  Feeling good here.  Must be the warm temperatures.  Best wishes Linda.

Peter.

Hi Peter yes it's surprises me when something goes right.  So far so good on the 15 mg of Jakafi.  I hope how I feel is indicative of some good numbers.  The warm weather definitely has something to do with my mood.  I've started taking vitamin D per my Drs orderes.  Was out sunning today.  It's so different wtth the Jakafi.  Last summer I wasn't on any meds.  I could tell I'm burning quicker.  I'm using a 50 spf and only doing the sun 1/2 hr @ a time, then under the umbrella.  It's a pain in the ass, but I'll take it.  Be well. Linda

Hi Linda,

As I have intimated before, sunshine and its effects can pose huge problems if not shielded properly.  There has been quite a large increase in UK of sun related health problems.   Whenever I visit the dermatologist I see some people with very nasty looking complaints.  From my own dealings with Jakava I am sure you will notice some real benefits in your situation.  A little sun in small doses should cause you no harm I guess - at least the umbrella will keep any rain off!!  Sure, it is worth putting up with Linda.  I see from a posting on this forum that another drug in US is becoming available to treat PV.  That can only be good but the relationship to interferon makes me think.  We must wait and see how things turn out.  Have a bright and happy day.

Peter.

 

Hi Peter I am being very careful for the first time in my lifetime with the sun.  I grew up in New Jersey in a beach town about 4 blocks from the boardwalk and ocean.  Back then it was baby oil with iodine we added to tan our skin.  Silly kids!  Now, I'm like is 50 spf high enough?  I know the harm that could be done.  I hate it, but I have no choice.  I haven't heard of any new drug to treat Pv,et.  But I'm sure there will be.  A lot of people are taking pegalated interfuron.  It's supposed to reverse or hold back the scarring of our bone marrow.  They usually start with 45 mcg once a week.  A lot of Drs don't know a lot about it.  Just the top gun specialists in NY, Texas and the Mayo Clinic.  I was indoors today at the mall.  Baby steps with Mr. Sunshine.  Take care.  Linda

Hi Linda,

Reference new US drug.  lijuan 7002 commented on this some few days ago: e.g.Compassionate use of Ropeginterferon-alpha 2b/P1101 for treatment of patients stably controlled by Pegasys - ( clinical trial PV therapy).

Is this the Pegylated Interferon you have related to ?

Hope you remain well.

Peter.

Hi Peter 

Hi Linda,  Your latest message is still in orbit !

Peter.

Hi Peter Pegylated interfuron is also known as Pegasys.  From what I gather, it has been around for quite some time.  I've seen or read of people on it for many years.  The problem seems to be that not many Drs are familiar with it. In the US, only the big top gun specialists deal with it.  The biggest dr. To bring it to the forefront is Dr. Richard Silver @ Cornell-Weill hospital in New York City.  He has a lot of lectures on its use and Pv and et on YouTube. MMaybe you could check out a few.  I'm not sure if the one yo're talking about is the same.  Be well. Linda

Hi Peter made a mistake & hit reply too soon.  I sent another, let me know if you get it about Pegasys.  Linda

Hi again Linda,

I guess this drug is the same as now being referred to by  lijuan7002.  I surmise it is in the mega-bucks range from the details you give. EWill just see and wait.  Best wishes.

Peter.

Hi LInda

AOK thanks.

Peter.

Hi Peter Pegasys is an injectable that we do ourselves.  The dosage to start is usually 45mcg once a week.  From what I gather the price is $1,000 for 2 syringes.  I don't know if they contain 45 mcg, but I think there's more in each syringe.  So actually, it's a lot cheaper than Jakafi, which is about $11,000 a month.  Take care. Linda

Hi Linda,

Thanks for your info.  It doesn't take us much further at this time does it ? If it has been available in US then it doesn't fall into the category of a really new

drug.  Maybe not as expensive as Jakavi but still a hole in the wallet for those who need it.  Horrid weather here today, lots of rain with more forecast.

Put the sun tan lotion away for future expectations !  Hope it is better in your parts.  Have a nice day./

Peter.

Hi Peter I believe interfuron was fiirst used to treat hepatitis C.  I had a friend on it years ago.  She injected herself every Friday and then all day Sat. In bed with flu-like symptoms.  I don't believe it was pegalated interfuron.  Many people on it get really sick at first.  Our weather is very cool for this time of the year. No sunning till later in the week.  More like jackets!  Take care.  Linda  

Hello Linda,

Thanks again.  That answers a lot of questions I feel.  Very much like Hydroxy, which was formed to treat Leukaemia etc and subsequently became the treatment for PV, as you well know.  Sorry to learn you are getting similar weather to us here but it is destined to depart us in a few days.  Need the rain really as the crops are suffering.  It also keeps those politicians a bit quiet too.  Never seem to get away from them at the moment.  Rest well.

Peter.

Hi Peter a lot of drugs are developed for 1 specific use and then to be found to treat something else.  That's called off label. My son always says the best drug ever developed is aspirin.  It treats a multitude of symptoms eg. Headaches, fever, inflammation just to name a few. And dirt cheap.  He says if it was developed today it would get a 10 year patent from the mfr. and cost a fortune. He did a paper on the drug in college.  I'm going to read the stupid Bruce/Caitlyn Jenner book?  Why?  Boredom. I want the sun to come back and the temp to be 90.  Linda

Hi Linda,

I would agree with your remarks about Aspirin it seems to have properties that can be used on almost any complaint, especially blood and cardiac related.  The wet weather can be very restrictive and leaves one little choice as to what needs doing.  Catching up on some paper work so that will be a benefit.  Have you tried singing, Linda (In the rain maybe).  Put that literature away and let go.  It is deemed very good for one actually.

Peter.

 

Hi Peter if I tried to sing, I would sound like a cat drowning.  Can't hold a tune and my voice sucks.  I love listening to music, though and have been to many, many concerts.  So I better stick to my book and tv.  Lol Linda

Hi Linda,

Try singing with a choir first, you can always then blame someone else for any fluctuations in voice control.  Just a thought.  I agree, listening to music is great but I cannot stand this modern concept they call music these days.  About 1% of it is tolerable to me. Always liked the big bands and tunes when young but basically I am for classical now, but even some of this can rankle.  I call it classical heavy metal.  Anyway enough of that.  Raining here with more to come with interspersed sun-breaks.  Hope you are well and keeping bright.

Peter.

Hi Peter ironically I was in a choir in high school.  We had to take an arts class for credits.  I was an alto.  Got through it, got the credits and got going. I like all music except rap, country and opera.  Still love Sinatra. Great voice. My father was obsessed with him and Elvis.  Guess from hearing it so much as a kid, it stuck.  Same here with the weather. Gloomy, gonna rain. It feels like fall.  Please Mr. Sunshine, come back!  I'm feeling better taking vitamin D. I know it helps with mood.  But the sun better come out or I'll go broke shopping at the malls.  Lol. Take care. Linda

Hi Linda,

I knew you had it in you to sing, so be a star.  Still raining here.  Leave your purse at home when you go shopping, including your cards.  You'll feel better when you come home.  I guess I could go with your singers Linda.  They were good.  

Rest well.   Peter.

Hi Peter I'm sure my voice was better when I was 16. I think it's gotten deeper.  Well, it's gloomy here & going to rain soon and tomorrow too.  It's getting ridiculous. I went to my friends house and listed some things I no longer want on EBay.  So maybe I'll make some money instead of spending it.  You gotta like Frank & Elvis, they're classics.  One of a kind that we might never see again in our lifetimes.  Question - have you gained weight on Jakafi?  I've read many people complaining of weight gain.  Be well Linda

Hi Linda,

I am very aware of the symptoms that can affect you with Jakavi but in all honesty I cannot say I have been affected by them.  No weight gain, but I believe you are correct when you say some people have complained about it.  My haematologist doesn't worry too much if things just swing along and are meticulous about maintaining the spleen check.  That is not a problem for me either.  Seems like Jakavi is quite successful in treating MPN's from what I am told.  Fortunately I appear to maintain a good level all round which I did not do with Hydroxy in the later stages.  So, no adverse symptoms thus far but one cannot be complacent.  Jakavi is getting a good record.

Be well.  Peter.

Hi Peter I've been on Jakafi since Oct.  First, 10 mg 2x day.  I couldn't handle it.  So then 5 mg 2 x day.  That was better but my plates didn't drop enough.  So now this month I'm on 15 mg - 1 5 mg 3 x day.  I won't know if this is going to work until my next Drs appt mid June.  It has stopped the itching, night sweats and flash mingraines and I think my balance is better.  I've probably gained 3 lbs. nothing to squawk about.  I'm hoping my plates drop at my next visit.  Fingers crossed,  good to hear from you. Linda

Hi Linda,

Usually Jakavi will control the blood readings quite well but if your platelets are not too low or high, then I would not be too concerned.  At one stage my

platelets rocketed into orbit without causing me any obvious dificulties.  As you know they don't stand still anyway.  It might be a bit early following your recent dosage change to achieve a standard level once more.  See how it goes.  Some of your symptoms have eased obviously so it is all happening.  Be lucky.

Peter.

Hi Peter yea I do know the platelets don't stabilize.  They fluctuate quite a bit.  My highest before treatment was 1million 59.  I'll soon find out my new readings next week.  Guess what? As of this coming Sunday, we'll be 88 degrees and the whole week after will be in the 90s.  Finally!  That makes me happy and hopefully my numbers will make me happy also can. Be well. Linda

Hi Linda - that sure is a height but I've been up that way too.  Didn't seem to affect me though.  Maybe your new results will more amenable.  So the sun is on the horizon.  Bit too hot for me.  I have to behave myself in the sun now.  Anyway, it seems important that you should partake of its goodness as it keeps you buoyant.  Best wishes.        Pedter.

Hi Peter the million 59 was almost a year ago.  That's when I switched to an MPN specialist.  I wasn't on any meds and wound up in the er cause my bp couldn't ger stable.  I think it was 187/110.  The hospital took blood and that was the platelet number.  I got an appt with an MPN specialist within a week and started meds.  My last platelet count was 599.  Hematocrit 38.  I have to watch myself in the sun cause of Jakafi. Like I'll do 20 minutes, go into shade, then another 20-25 minutes with an spf of 50.  It does lift my depression.  Take care. Linda

Hi Linda,

The time seems to have flown by since you started Jakavi.  It is getting on for 3 years for myself since I was taken off Hydroxy.  There is no doubt it is much more kindly on the system.  Yes do treat the sun with respect Linda, it is a very powerful object.  Wouldn't wish you to go through what I have experienced and with skin problems, Jakavi is not much help either.  It was suggested I might consider Acitretin to help things along but due to the strong side-effects some people suffered, and after consulting with the medics, decided it was just too much to bear after the Hydroxy.  It is bad enough having to cope with what I suffer now without fuelling things further  

If I improve it is open for me to re-consider anyway.  Trust you are fit and feeling more settled.  Take care.

Peter.

Hi Peter isn't that the truth, I was just thinking about how the time has flown on Jakafi.  I started in Oct.  I am very aware of the sun & its effects cause of Jakafi.  Last summer I wasn't on any meds and layed out at least 3 x a week.  Then went to Atlantic City, which is a gambling town like Las Vegas for my birthday, which is in July, for 3 days.  No problems with the sun.  This year I can feel the difference.  I never heard of Acitretin.  Is that a med for et?  I'm sure you'll make the decision that you feel is right for you.  Be well Linda

Hello Linda

Acitretin is a strong drug primarily used to treat psoriasis and some other serious skin problems.  I consider it is on a par with Hydroxy and Leukaemia for which Hydroxy is further used as a secondary main treatment for PV etc.  Acitretin can be used to treat some skin cancers, but strictly under supervision.  It has some limitations not least severe side-effects which one needs to take into consideration carefully.  It doesn't produce a cure.

Hope that indicates what Acitretin is all about.  Hydroxy can aggravate 

skin problems as you will know.  Are you saving up for the gaming machines

and your birthday celebrations in July ? Be lucky, for sure Linda.

Happy days.   Peter.

Hi Peter Acitretin sounds like it's not worth the use with all the side effects. I did t know HU aggravated skin problems, since I was only on it 5 days.  I don't gamble much.  I can play roulette, that's a no brainier.  Blackjack makes me nervous, too much counting and I don't understand any of the other games.  So I wind up on the slot machines.  Last year I won $600 on a penny slot machine. Not bad, right?  Don't know if I wanna go this year. Can't enjoy the pool or beach, I don't drink, and it's about a 2 1/2 hr drive from home. I don't think I'm up for the hassle.  Maybe just dinner closer to home.  Linda

Hi Linda,

What a philosophical approach.  It is said that a little of what you fancy does you good.  I call that $600 win a real investment though.  Well done.  When I was on Hydroxy I used to read about its effect on skin cancer in the information notes supplied with the drug in the side effects section.   It simply made a reference to it but I know the haematologist was aware of this.  Likewise, it also merits a mention in the Jakavi warnings and precautions but I see these as something for the haematologist to think about.  They seem pretty well clued up on side effects and so do some of the other medics I have seen.  From my own experience I'd say it is more likely to affect such symptoms rather than cause them, but wise to know about.  Anyway, have a nice week-end and some fine weather.  Bit miserable here for June.  Good wishes.    Peter.

Hi Peter I'm a thinker, always have been. I don't know if it's a good or bad thing to be.  I'm not spontaneous.  Sometimes when I leave caution to the wind, I wind up sorry I bothered.  It's gonna be 90s here for the next 4-5 days. I fell on Thursday on the sidewalk. My flip flop caught in a crack in the pavement. I cut the tip of my toe which was pouring blood. Banged up my knee,but I had jeans on so it has like a rug burn and is sore and my right eelbow.  What a mess.  Thank god no broken bones. Just lots of band aids and stiffness.  The fun just keeps on coming.  So I'm staying home & tending to my wounds. When it rains, it pours.  So me & mr. Sunshine can't seem to get together.  All the best. Linda  

Hi Linda,

Sorry to hear of your mishap.  Time to try out your 1st Aid skills I imagine.

Relax and take things easy  I expect you'll feel a little sore for  few days so forget all your troubles for now.  Kind wishes.

Peter.

Hi Peter I'm pretty good at first aid skills.  I think I was a doctor in another life.  I'm fascinated by medicine.  I actually read medical books cause I enjoy it.  I'll just give myself a lot of tlc and I'll be ok.  My son should have been a dr.but he choose pharmacy.  Guess it runs in the family. His uncle is a pharmacist, his aunt a nurse.  I'll be the pretend dr.  Lol!  Enjoy your weekend.  Linda