Taxi's, Appointments and The Pussycat Dolls

Up early again. I dropped loz straight away. Taking no chances on panic attacks and migraines. Needed to be together for Dad.

Went round his about 9.15 and it was clear that he was in an okay place for the meeting with the shrink. As in, getting ready and talking in a free way.

He was nervous but then aren't we all before these kinds of meetings?

Got taxi and arrived 10 minutes early. Thankfully, we weren't kept waiting and Dad allowed me into the meeting. He asked if I wanted to go in with him. Of course I did. I just wasn't going to force matters.

It went quite well. The shrink gave him time, and listened to what he said and tried to provide supportive and thoughtful responses. A far cry from the conveyor belt that is ward round meetings (in acute care) where patients are in and out in 5 minutes and don't know what hit them and how hard.

Dad spoke of his bad thoughts, which upset him greatly, but he is unable to share. The shrink reassured him that he doesn't have to share them. It is his choice but if he wants to talk them through at some point, some kind of psychotherapy can be made available to him. It is something that might be useful at some point..an option at least.

The possibility of returning to the day care centre (he used to love going there), on a basis that suits Dad, was discussed. Dad was very uncertain and nobody pushed him on it but said it could act as some kind of destraction from the bad thoughts. I thought that was fair comment but again, it is up to Dad.

I explained my concerns in regards to Dad and problems with his balance and the fact he keeps getting dizzy and falling over. Not good for a man of his age and height. Was agreed the care co-ordinator will take his blood pressure lying down and sitting up..to see what the differences are and he is being encouraged to go to his GP,although the last time he went the GP was very rude and flippant with him. Maybe, when Dad is ready, he could see another GP or the practice Nurse. Again, it is an option.

I did say that I wanted my concerns recorded...so as not to have any of this "We weren't informed of your concerns" crap that I have come across in the past.

So back home now and catching up.

This is my record of the moment. I know it is bubblegum but it is a fun track with quite a good underlying moral. Even if the Pussycat Dolls look like they have just walked off the cover of 'OK' magazine.

As for me when I grow up, I want to be even more childlike: