doug, Author at Maturing Well

Guest post – Cosyfeet Backs Men’s Shed

Street Men's Shed meeting on a Tuesday morning — Street Men’s Shed meeting on a Tuesday morning

Recently I was really interested to hear of an initiative to support the Men’s Sheds movement, not that I’m anywhere near those sheds myself! Nevertheless I can immediately recognise the enormous benefits of the Men’s Sheds movement. The Men’s Sheds allow supportive contact amongst like-minded men and this can, amongst other benefits, reduce isolation, improve mental health while allowing learning to take place. Without doubt, this must help with general well being. Guest post – Cosyfeet Backs Men’s Shed Continue reading “Guest post – Cosyfeet Backs Men’s Shed”

Notes from Urology

8:15am. Arrived and checked into Urology for my second “trial without catheter” (TWOC). These are just some rough notes to show how the visit went….. Continue reading “Notes from Urology”

Becoming a FRSA

I have always clung onto my little sayings. Believe me, I have lots of little sayings in my mind! “Where does this lead? What’s behind this door? How can I make this better?”

It seems this irritating approach has led to me becoming a FRSA. In plain English this stands for Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Or the full, slightly long-winded title is the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce. Let me explain the journey…. Continue reading “Becoming a FRSA”

A close shave with the hygienist

Earlier today I had my regular scale and polish which turned out to be a close shave with the hygienist. I have this done every six months at the advice of my very nice and very expensive dentist. She says that no matter how well you brush or floss, you can’t get rid of all the plaque. Half way round something unexpected happened….. Continue reading “A close shave with the hygienist”

Complaining to the NHS

Thought it might be worth talking about complaining to the NHS in the light of my recent experience. You might have already read on a previous post I decided to submit a formal complaint to my local hospital because of excessive waiting times and poor communication. Continue reading “Complaining to the NHS”

Financial Advisors called requesting a meeting

Bundle of £10 notes — Royalty free image

Over time we have had quite a few conversations with our Independent Financial Advisors about how we are funding my retirement. We had been pretty sure where we were heading, then our Financial Advisors called requesting a meeting with the suggestion the previous advice was changing! Continue reading “Financial Advisors called requesting a meeting”

Post HoLEP operation – how am I doing?

Post HoLEP operation – how am I doing? Mixed bag in answering the question. It is 9 days since I had my HoLEP operation.

They weren’t kidding when they said this was major surgery and I could have a month off work (if I were working). I completely underestimated what it would be like. In my mind, I thought I could take it easy for a few days and then I’d be back on my bike, running and everything else. No way! Continue reading “Post HoLEP operation – how am I doing?”