We managed to avoid a rather costly trip to London to see a paediatric cardiologist and instead found a brilliant chap based in York. Dr Gupta very kindly agreed to see Pip as a private patient even though his list was already full - I rang on the Monday and we had our video call with him that Thursday evening. He took a full case history, listened to all that had gone on, asked me to check her heart rate/blood pressure (we have machines for both) and promptly diagnosed her with PoTS!! As a result of her baseline readings he has started her on a low dose of Ivabradine which is heart medication - it slows down a fast heart rate and within three days of taking the medicine she managed a trip to Barton Grange without feeling like she was going to keel over :-) Pip's paediatrician in Lancaster is also very supportive of the treatment and guidance given by Dr Gupta and he is happy to write an NHS prescription for her medicine. At some point we will request to see Dr Gupta on the NHS which will probably necessitate a trip to York but for the time being we have a private follow up appointment in a few weeks.
As a result of Pip feeling a bit better we felt able to have a much needed little jaunt to two of our happy places, Hexham and South Shields. Kezzie definitely well worth checking out her link as she talks about this installation) had raved about a beautiful art and prayer installation at Hexham Abbey as well as her regular treats from the refill shop when she visited in July, so I was very happy to experience both places when we stopped on our way to Newcastle and South Shields.
Hexham Abbey
Writing on an Angel to add to the prayer board on my right.
Scrabbling around in my purse to pay for the candles!!
Even standing on the stool Pip wasn't quite tall enough to successfully peep through the face hole :-)
Attempting calligraphy - needless to say I didn't do too well and was consigned to the turnip patch!
Pip however faired better and was accepted as an apprentice :-)
South Shields Beach - Little Haven Sands
Last time we were here (2019) I was roving reporter for Dad and we WA video called him so it was a bitter sweet visit for sure. I'd packed loads of food for our first day and so for tea we had a selection of sandwiches, crisps and hoummus followed by stewed rhubarb and custard for dessert.
I also had paid a visit to the hairdresser the day before and had three inches lopped of my locks - the previous visit had also been three inches! I was finding long hair a real nuisance to wash and dry.
Every time we see a lone sea gull especially if they visit us we say, "Uncle Bernard has come to say hello!" Dave's Uncle Bernard loved bird watching.
Jarrow Hall
I'm still rubbish at trying to get a selfie with Geraldine ;-)
Catching the camera man for a change.
Smelting pewter.
Feeding some very hungry sheep, her smile says it all.
Logged in, zoned out, waiting for lunch from the cafe.
Thanks for stopping by and reading and for all your good wishes and prayers regarding Pip, I do believe we could be slowly turning a corner, long may the improvements continue :-) xx