Friday 1st October

All the blood results were available and everything tested is well within the 'normal' ranges. My GP had thought I may be anaemic but my iron levels are fine, and my thyroid and kidney functions are both in the normal ranges which I'm relieved about. I've successfully reduced my cholesterol and blood sugar levels in the last six months so have thankfully eliminated the need for additional medications. There was one other test but I can't remember what it was for; it was okay, anyway. So, all positive news and I'm happy to have proof that the changes in nutrition are bringing the desired results. 

The joint pain remains an ongoing issue and still has to be investigated. It's been left that the next time I have a flare up I ask to see a doctor on that day so bloods can be taken during an attack and I can be examined when the pain is at its worst - he has added a marker to my record to ensure that I will be seen without delay. This will hopefully eliminate a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis; he thinks it's unlikely and is more likely to be worsening of the osteoarthritis but it's something he needs to check. I hope he's right on that because I definitely do not want to have RA! Whatever it turns out to be, I have to carry on trying to strengthen my knees and can have another referral to the physiotherapist if I want help with that. I've said that for now I will carry on with the YouTube videos - he stressed the need to keep up with the exercises because, if I do have to have a knee replacement operation, recovery will be so much better if I have strengthened the muscles supporting my knee. 

M will be here this morning ... it's bulb planting day. All the spring bulbs will be planted in blue pots, so there will need to be a bit of a musical pots moment to make room for them. The plan is to overplant the bulbs with winter pansies but I haven't bought them yet so that part may have to wait until next time. I was going to pop to The Nursery to buy some while M is here but the lady buying the saxophone has changed her mind and is coming this morning instead so it all depends on how it works out for time. Maybe M will go and buy them for me instead ... we'll see how it goes.

It's the nutrition focus this afternoon, talking about nutrition to support the immune system and ward off the coughs and colds that plague the colder months. Once that's finished I'll carry on with the family tree research. I made some progress yesterday, discovering the WW1 army record of one of my great uncles so I want to continue with that. I'll also try to book a seat at the records office for next week to continue with the research into my grandfather, following on from the information I discovered last time.