Sounds rough that mate. They really do need to sort that gun issue out. People just going for a night out.
Been a long week, been away with work for what feels like a daft reason. Meant to be so we get together as a team but hardly seen anyone. Then sitting in a hotel room or bar every night in my own hasn't helped my mood, especially when family at home are feeling down. Thank you to @becs for the memory box suggestion, I bought one and my son amd daughter have both put photos and things in and its helped them loads. The one thing this thread has given me is thats its acceptable to say when things are getting to much, which is what ive done done today. I hope everyone else is doing ok
It is indeed mate, somewhere to vent and let off steam and also remind people that life affects everyone. Been a godsend for me
I was feeing really down a couple of months back. Struggling a lot. Talked to the wife about it which was difficult for both of us but 100% the best thing to do. Feeling a decent amount brighter now thankfully. Problems all don't disappear but at least I'm seeing them in a better perspective now. Lost our dog last year and that contributed to my mood dropping. Got a young chihuahua a few weeks ago and he's helped too. Good to see people talking and listening without judgement on here. Love to you all going through rough times.
There's some very decent people on here, many I know personally. It's good to talk on here because we don't at the pub or the match. People turn up with various physical, emotional or other problems but we just get on with having a pint and a laugh
Where to start....could be a bit of a long one, bear with me. Been struggling for what seems like ages now, just gradually creeping up. I guess its all down to circumstance, and mostly something I have no control over. The Mrs illness has really taken its toll on her, she hates having the dialysis, and it really saddens me to see her so down. As some of you know, im going through the process of donating a kidney to the Mrs. We aren't a direct match, so we've been in a pairing scheme for about 18 months now without any success...the next run of matching is end of october (they do it every 3 months). The likelyhood of getting a match is slim due to our blood groups, so in January 25 they started the process of a direct transplant, blood tests showed she had low B+ anti-bodies so massively reduced the risk of rejecting my kidney. Every month the Freeman say things are going to plan, but give it one more matching process, then a month later, let's give it one more.... Then in September after I had a routine ultra- sound scan, it showed i had an enlarged prostate...brilliant! A blood test showed a raised PSA level, so further tests were required. Obviously if was cancerous it would stop any donation its tracks. First off was to see a consultant at the Freeman, he explained it was only slightly enlarged, and PSA levels were only slightly raised, so he would do a prostate exam. We danced for a while, then he checked my prostate . Said it felt ok, but because of being a live donor I would need an MRI to make sure. Had the MRI last Friday and they rang on Tuesday to say it came back all clear..... They said let's see if you get a match at the end of october....again. I asked if we didn't, would it then be a case of let's see if we get one in January, as that what it seems like....always one more. The transplant co-ordinator said we wouldnt be in januarys matching as a direct transplant would be done by then, most likely December or January. So, once more, a glimmer of hope. I hope it happens this time, every month that goes by she is getting more and more despondent, and I think thats what is getting to me. Actually just writing this down has helped. I cant really say it to the Mrs as I know she would feel that its her fault that I feel low. Im trying my best to keep things positive for her, and trying to give her a positive outlook, but sometimes it feels like im losing the battle. Sorry for the long post, but I know I can say it on here...ive had more support on here than you will ever know.
Breaks my heart reading that mate, you're a top bloke and deserve better. I'm glad you know how much support you have on here ... ... and, my offer still stands if it comes to that. God bless mate, you're a star.
I know it's easy to say but being positive helps. I know through my cancer battle it kept me going. At times you do get down. I know i have even said out loud why did I bother fighting it off. But my kids (grown up) are always and have been brilliant As an aside my dad did have a kidney transplant mid 70s. I will not go into details but the excitement of getting the news still lives with me to this day. It was Christmas Eve 77
It’s tough being away from family mate. Going back almost 30 years now I worked abroad in the Far East for 18 months at a time when my only son (at that time) was just starting school. Really missed him and my wife, leave cycle was 4 months away and two weeks at home was very difficult, it gave us some financial security but I can’t get tjhat time back so it’s always been a regret. Always tried to make the most of the leave time but ultimately it was a course of action we agreed as a family and I think it strengthened the bond. We could send photos and presents etc home and have them sent to us for birthdays and Fathers Day and Christmas etc. All you can ever do is the best for your family mate and you are doing that. Hang in there.
Thanks Smug, that means a lot, thank you. I know your offer is genuine, and I struggle to get my head round that tbh, but thats just you I guess. Top bloke. On a side note, part of this kidney donation meant I had to cut down on alcohol so made the decision on 16th September 2023 to not have another until this was all over with. Im currently on day 751 without a beer...751, bloody hell.
