Lavender Hill Expanding

In todays EDP.......this is where Bob Works

And this appeared on the 22nd November

EXERCISE BEATS ARTHRITIS PAIN

.. Tuesday November 13,2012 Nathan Rao MILLIONS of arthritis sufferers could drastically improve their condition with regular gentle exercise, new research shows. Doctors claim simply doing yoga, pilates or dance just once a week can provide dramatic relief from the agony of the disease. The findings bring hope to millions of Britons who suffer from arthritis which causes painful, stiff joints and can be debilitating. American doctors looked at the effect of weekly exercise classes on 200 osteoarthritis sufferers at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) in New York. They found participants could walk more easily, were less prone to falls or injuries and generally enjoyed a better quality of life after taking the classes. The results support growing evidence that keeping active can vastly improve the lives of people with the condition. Sandra Goldsmith, from HSS, revealed: “When participants were asked to report their level of pain severity, there were statistically significant reductions in pain from pre- to post-test. Pain is a huge factor in quality of life.” The results of the study have been welcomed by doctors who said exercise is vital to improve the symptoms. Nottingham-based GP Dr Ian Campbell said sufferers often avoid regular activity because of pain or fear of joint damage. He said: “We are aware of the benefits of gentle exercise for people with arthritis, but this study backs up what we know to be very beneficial. “Much of the time people with arthritis are afraid to exercise because it hurts but they need to know that if they can work through the initial discomfort they will see the improvement. “Exercise can improve levels of mobility, and help with the pain of arthritis as well as self-esteem. “The nice thing about these findings is that it is achievable across the board, even people with a level of disability can learn new techniques and see an improvement.” During the study people took tai chi, mat and chair pilates, yoga and dance fitness classes for a year. Instructors tailored exercises for those with osteoarthritis and other musculoskeletal issues and oversaw the sessions. Before and after the classes 200 participants were asked to give a measure of their pain, balance and mobility, and asked about any falls. Around 62 per cent said after taking part in the classes their pain levels had begun to fall. Researchers also found those in the study showed an improvement in general activity, mood, walking ability, sleep, normal work, and enjoyment of life. Dana Friedman, from HSS, said: “We asked participants to rate their balance, and we found a statistically significant increase in those who rated their balance as excellent, very good or good, from pre- to post-intervention.” Linda Russell, rheumatologist at HSS, said: “Patients benefit from supervised exercise programmes with regard to their overall sense of well-being and pain due to their arthritis.” Medical research charity Arthritis Research UK welcomed the new findings. A spokesman for the charity said: “We know that exercise is an effective way of managing the pain and disability for people with osteoarthritis. “However, people need to know how to exercise, what is safe and also want a supportive environment to work in, as so many people take up exercise but don’t keep it up. “Very few people in the UK go into hospital because of osteoarthritis, so hospital-based exercise classes may not applicable in the UK – what we do need are more community-based classes.” Harley Street consultant Dr Malcolm VandenBurg said: “We know exercise, especially pilates, builds strength and improves mobility and can be beneficial to most people including the elderly. “This is why it is beneficial to people with arthritis,.” Osteoarthritis affects at least 8.5 million people in Britain and causes the cartilage between bones to waste away, leading to painful joints usually in the hands, spine, knees and hips. Rheumatoid arthritis is more severe but less common, affecting almost 700,000 people. It occurs when the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain and swelling, most commonly in the hands, wrists and feet. There is no cure for either condition but the symptoms can be treated with anti-inflammatories and painkillers. The new findings will be presented to the annual meeting of the American College of Rheumatology/Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals this month.

Darker Things by Rob Carnell (The Lockman Chronicles 1)

A surprisingly good book, once i got into it, i thoroughly enjoyed it

Craig Lockman--no one had called him that in fifteen years.

Not since his days at the Agency. Not since he was trained to kill creatures that were supposed to exist only in nightmares.

Yet the teenage girl on his doorstep not only knows his real name, she claims she's his daughter.

Before Lockman can learn how the girl found him, he's attacked by a black-ops team of assassins. But these aren't ordinary killers--they're heavily armed vampires sent by his most hated enemy.

Forced on the run, Lockman protects his daughter from an onslaught of horrors while searching for who betrayed him and why. The investigation leads him to Detroit, where he unwittingly sets a plan into motion that could trigger a paranormal apocalypse and cost him his soul.

I went on a Date

Today after a day at work, we went on a date, we had a meal in Silver Spoon and then went to see Skyfall.

Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Escape to the Country by Patsy Collins

I loved this book, not typically a crime though this is what it was classed as, but a nice light hearted read, made a change.

Leah is accused of a crime she didn't commit. Dumped by Adam, the man she planned to marry, she escapes to Aunt Jayne's smallholding in the Kent village of Winkleigh Marsh. Heartbroken and homeless, she strives to clear her name and deal with her emotions. Jayne treats Leah's unhappiness with herbal remedies, cowslip wine and common sense in equal measure. In return Leah works hard for the delicious home-cooked meals they share. She wrestles with sheep, breaks nails and gets stuck in the mud - learning as much about herself as she does about farming. Soon Leah is happy milking cows, mucking out pigs and falling halfway in love with Duncan, a dishy tractor driver. Back in London, steps are being taken to investigate what's happened to the missing money. It looks as though the real embezzler must soon be unmasked and Leah will have to chose between resuming her old life or starting a new one. That's when her problems really start.

Christmas in Hunstanton

Another Kit ready..................

Doctors.......Waste of time

Well today i saw Dr Lake again, and as i predicted it was a complete waste of time.
He had the results of the X Ray and confirmed Moderate Arthritis in Right Knee, Left Knee not quite so bad Minor to Moderate Arthritis, NO Arthritis in Hips and Back.  Which is as i expected, however, if it is only moderate and if it isthis pain ful and immobilising, what will it be like if it is severe.

However, most of the discussion centred around my weight and he said they couldn't do anything until i lost weight, he explored my history of weight loss and diet.  And said he would refer me to a dietician and to the Gym, well hopeless, but we will see.

He prescribed me
Co Codamol (30mg/500mg)
Naproxen 500mg

He said there was no point in him seeing me again, as he would get reports, so i have to ration my medication i guess.


Naproxen (naprosyn)¹ is one of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)² used to treat certain types of arthritis. Naproxen tablets were approved by the FDA in 1976. On January 11, 1994, the FDA approved naproxen in a nonprescription form.

What is the availability of naproxen?

Naproxen is currently available as an over-the-counter drug by either its generic name or by several brand names. Prescription-strength naproxen comes as a regular tablet, enteric-coated tablet, extended-release tablet, and as a liquid suspension to take orally.
The usual dose of naproxen is 250 mg, 375 mg, or 500 mg -- twice a day in the morning and evening for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis. Enteric-coated naproxen is usually taken in doses of 375 or 500 mg twice a day. Your doctor can adjust your dose based on how you are responding to the drug.

When is naproxen prescribed?

Naproxen is prescribed to relieve signs and symptoms of osteoarthritis³ and rheumatoid arthritis⁴. It is primarily used to reduce inflammation⁵, stiffness, and pain.

Are there any special instructions regarding how to take naproxen?

Many doctors instruct patients to take naproxen with food. Some resources say that naproxen can be taken with or without food. Other resources suggest taking it with a full glass of water. To prevent stomach upset, you can take it with food or milk. If stomach upset occurs, consult your doctor. He may recommend that you take an antacid.

Are there patients who should not take naproxen?

Patients who had episodes of asthma, rhinitis, or nasal polyps after taking aspirin or other NSAIDs should not take naproxen. Aspirin-sensitive patients should not take naproxen.
Be sure your doctor knows about any previous drug reactions. Patients who have had ulcers, stomach bleeding, severe kidney problems, or severe liver problems may not be candidates for treatment with naproxen.

What common side effects can occur with naproxen?

Diarrhea, constipation, gas, mouth sores, headache, dizziness, thirst, lightheadedness, drowsiness, tingling in arms and legs, cold symptoms, ringing in the ears, hearing problems, and trouble falling or staying asleep are all possible side effects associated with naproxen.

What special warnings and precautions are associated with naproxen?

Problems with stomach ulcers and stomach bleeding can occur with any NSAID, and naproxen is no exception. Typically, these problems are tied to long-term use of the drug but not always -- short-term use of naproxen or other NSAIDs can be problematic for some patients. Stomach ulcers and bleeding can occur without warning. Some people do get signs and warnings by experiencing burning stomach pain, black stools, or vomiting. Call your doctor if you are experiencing these symptoms.
Liver damage can occur in people taking NSAIDs like naproxen. Warning signs include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, appetite loss, itching, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and dark urine.
Naproxen can cause fluid retention and swelling in the body. NSAIDs like naproxen have also been linked to increased blood pressure.
NSAIDs, including naproxen, are associated with an increased risk of adverse cardiovascular events, including heart attack, stroke, and new onset or worsening of pre-existing hypertension⁶ (high blood pressure). The cardiovascular risk may be increased with duration of use of naproxen or other NSAIDs or pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors or disease.

Are there drug interactions associated with naproxen?

Naproxen can have serious adverse reactions with certain drugs. Drugs which can cause interactions include:

• Aspirin⁷
• ACE inhibitors
• Blood-thinning medications
• Furosemide
• Lithium
• Methotrexate⁸