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Latest News“DOC’S RAMBLINGS” January We are very grateful to Fran Hodgson who agreed to talk to the group at short notice as our planned speaker was unable to come. Fran has the most beautiful smile and managed to encourage us all to join in yoga exercises some of which involved making sounds and chanting. I don't think I ever thought I'd see the group so relaxed in each others company and so willing to participate in something a bit strange and new to many of them. She also took us through several exercises including meditation and relaxation. The movements were so accessible and adaptable that they are suitable for people to attempt even with pain or physical problems. Some of our members have told me that they have already gone on to use them. Fran has kindly written a sheet of instructions for those who were at the meeting to help remind them of what she covered. For those of you who were unable to attend, don't worry! Fran has kindly agreed to return later on this year for a further session. Click here for Fran's Instructions December The Christmas party was a very enjoyable event. Thanks to everyone who contributed food. It was a bountiful and delicious spread. The quiz went down well. This time it was done in teams around tables which I think made it more fun. It certainly helped to spread the pressure but I'm not sure that it improved the scores! We are grateful to both Jessica and Kevin for their hard work in compiling the questions and producing the quiz sheets! We rounded the afternoon off with a few carols accompanied by the skillful playing of Jim - thanks to Jim and Jessie for supplying the music and carol sheets once again. November Everyone sat spell bound whilst Dr Paul Schofield, medical director of NAPP, talked. His passion for educating the medical profession about effective pain treatments and giving patients informed choices as to what is available to them was so evident. He talked about the financial and political restrictions that pharmaceutical companies face when deciding to develop and bring to market new drugs. He explained that this is one of the reasons that much of the current focus is on improving existing medications in both their side effect profile and their delivery systems. For example, the use of patches as a method of administering drugs is increasingly popular but sometimes limited by patients becoming allergic to the glues and preservatives in the patches and so hypoallergenic versions are being sought. Nanotechnology is another exciting possibility, where the undersurface of the patches are covered in minute needles, smaller than the human hair, that push aside rather than pierce the skin cells to deliver the drug molecules. I know that Paul would not forgive me if I didn't mention bees. He even sent a photo for you all to see.
He is equally passionate about bee keeping and has two hives. When asked about the pain relieving properties of bee venom, he said he wasn't sure but could find out. I reckon that was an offer to return to talk again- don't you? Next month is our Christmas party. Don't forget to come prepared with your wrapped Secret Santa gift to the value of £1, your contribution to the food and your brain cells tuned ready for: Jessica's
quiz. October We had an open meeting this month at which we invited members of the group to speak. Steve and Chris Beale kicked off with a fascinating and heart warming talk about hearing dogs for the deaf and what a life transforming effect Yogi has had on them. I had never fully appreciated quite what a special dog Yogi was. No wonder he was nominated for the rescue dog of the year award. We, of course, reckon he should have come first as he has certainly won the hearts of our Keeping Pace group. Kay then gave us a helpful talk about her experiences of traveling during her trip of a life time to Hawaii. The most important messages to take home were: how vital good planning is to the success of a trip when you have health issues to contend with and to take advantage of all the assistance offered, even if it involves swallowing a bit of pride to admit you need help. In November we have been fortunate to secure the time of Dr Paul Schofield to talk about advances in pharmacological approaches to pain management. It would be great if as many as possible attend for what is bound to be an interesting and relevant session. September From the nurses kardex – This month at short notice, Emma, the support group’s resident
pharmacist, took to the floor to face a Q & A session. Questions
ranged from medication & time contingency, Paracetamol, Swine
Flu to finally questions on the recent E coli outbreak! Emma took
all these questions in her stride and then later was on hand to
talk on a 1:1 with individuals regarding personal medication queries.
Thanks Emma! Debbie Harrison has kindly rescheduled her relaxation
session for the January 2010 meeting. August Isn't it lovely that our group has now been meeting
long enough to have established traditions such as the annual cream
tea? We had a truly splendid afternoon, weather and company included.
Practice must make perfect as our band of volunteer scone makers
did us proud. I reckon they were better than those served at The
Ritz (and I should know having experienced afternoon tea at said
establishment just last Saturday! ) This year we had the additional
treat of a musical accompaniment. We are very grateful to Dr Marilyn
Monkhouse who played the piano for us whilst we chatted and ate.
Thank you also to everyone who contributed with food, home made
jam, oodles of clotted cream, drink making, dishwashing and so
on. Can't wait for the Christmas party!! July Maintaining independence was the order of this month’s meeting. Our speakers were Heather and Terri from Wessex DriveAbility, whose ethos is to enable individuals to drive or to travel as a passenger in order to maintain an independent lifestyle. Services offered by Wessex DriveAbility include various assessments – Driving; Transfer; Adaptations & Drive from Wheelchair. The team is headed by a Specialist Occupational Therapist and Specialist Driving Instructors. They stressed the need to get in touch with them should you be thinking of any modifications to your car in order that you get what’s right for you , as an individual and then assist you in achieving this. Group members Mike and Beverley shared their recent experiences in getting new cars under the Motability scheme, with adaptations to suit their needs. Beverley also took advantage of driving lessons to help her adjust to the car adaptations. All this just added further credence to the subject. For further information on these services visit; www.wessexdriveability.org.uk or call 023 8051 2222. The August meeting heralds our annual cream teas afternoon. This year we have Marilyn Monkhouse coming along to play on the piano with some afternoon tea music, so if you are free, why not come along and meet us?
"Wellbeing" loaf which Mr Cotton sells in his shop. (Click here for information) It is full of healthy grains and seeds and is additive free.
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Keeping Pace With PainSouthampton Based Chronic Pain Support Group Venue -
Avenue St Andrews, United Reformed Church, The Avenue, Southampton Informal Setting, Guest Speaker, easy parking, disabled access, refreshments ALL MEMBERS OLD AND NEW WELCOME Forthcoming dates for your 2010 diary - Time 1pm to 3pm
Why not join us for a chat and a good cup of tea and a bun!
Christmas 2009
Pony playing hide & seek with Joan in the New Forest - January 2010
Donate to charity for free. Every day go to The Hunger Site and click the special link on the homepage, its prominently displayed sponsors donate a cup of staple foodstuff to someone starving. Once you have clicked on that site visit the other sites listed at the top of that page and do the same.
The Library is open!! For an idea of some of the books we have and a short review of them click Here
For further information on our group, please contact Chris or Steve on 023 8046 5019
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