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Update, Elle!
Chambers tells me that a "shoebill" is a large African wading bird.
Hopefully it wades through swamps!

Hi, Rusty!
I decided against crossing my toes....!
All went well at the GP surgery.
Your long-distance diagnosis was spot -on!
The very nice young lady doctor whom I saw, also thinks that - despite my not ticking any of the boxes - this might well be gout in my big toe!
On the plus side, she thinks that I have (stoically) endured the worst of it and my toe may well be on the mend now!
Or at least...very soon!
My foot is still swollen, but hey, who knows what tomorrow may bring!
I have medication that I may take "if I wish " - she is aware that I don't like taking "pills"!
I have asked for a blood test for uric acid to find out the diagnosis "for sure".
Now that I am assured that it is nothing worse and anyway will clear up on its own, I do feel better!
Thank you for "shoebill"; I didn't know that an "Oxford" was a shoe?
I thought 6d a bit inaccurate?
A bitch is not synonymous with a dog?
The two are opposite genders!




Hello, Pigale!
I survived the ordeal!
And actually, I thought the young lady doctor whom I saw was very nice and informative.
I liked her, and would (albeit perhaps not willingly) see her again!

Hello, Elle!
I much prefer young doctors.
They know all the latest stuff.
That's good you have a diagnosis.
I think gout comes and goes.
There may be a trigger, but I do not know what.
May be worth exploring?
A "bitch" is a female "dog", so that's fine for me.
An "Oxford" is a type of lace-up shoe.
Your husband may well own a pair!
I watched Laura Robson playing but "the girl from Ipanema" was too good for her.
Been enjoying the scenery in Luxemburg on the Tour today.
All very green and leafy!

It really did sound like gout, elle, however sceptical you were! I'm glad it is gettting better, though obviously far too slowly.

An Oxford is a lace up shoe, rather clumpy and not at all feminine. I've only ever seen black ones, though they may come in brown

Elle, glad to know that what we all thought seems to be the
problem, and nothing worse.

I know you do not like taking medicine, but surely the prescribed
medication that you 'might take if you wish' may well help for
a speedier recovery! You have been in a lot of pain for too long, don't
you think? Is it not what you would advise me to do? :)

Hi, Rusty!
Oh dear.......I am so sorry........
My apologies for failing to reply sooner!
Going to sleep in the middle of the day is not usual for me.........
But I have most definitely been out for the count!
It might be the new pills???
That shall be my excuse!
There are only twelve tablets, so I guess that I can risk taking them!
And the doctor said that I can stop as and when - no need to complete the course if I am feeling better!
(I think she might be a psychologist , too? She seems to have my measure!)
Oops !
I have been missing the tennis!
Just switched the TV on....Rafa playing Millman.
Who was it - "Tall and tan and young and lovely"- who beat Laura?




Hello, Ros!
it is good of you to be concerned.
Yes, I am well aware I should have gone to see the GP earlier ...and now that I have come across such a nice one who seems "sensible", maybe I might be less reluctant in future!


Yes, Pigale!
You are right!
Of course, I would have told you to see the doctor right away - and to take your medicine!
My motto, unfortunately, seems to be "do as I say..... and "not as I do"!
But - this time - I AM popping the pills!
Honest!

Good! Well done and let's hope they work soon.

PS - Rusty, A good win by Peter Sagan !

Hello, Elle!
The girl from Ipanema was Beatriz Haddad Maia.
She was a deserving winner.
I saw bits of Sir Andy's game, but was more into the TDF.
i thought the "clunky" course would suit Peter Sagan, and he won!
Could be be your new pills making you nap.
Possibly losing the anxiety of a GP visit helped too?
I would hang on to your young lady doctor, especially if she is "sensible" and you have a good rapport!
Do not tell the GP i said this, but there are "24 hour" cures for gout on YouTube!
Have a wee look!
Goodness only knows if they are any good or not, though!
Has your husband got Oxford shoes? !!

Hello, Pigale!
Yes, Peter Sagan made my day!
He rode well and the type of terrain favoured him.
I think he will soon be in the Green Jersey!
Now that Cancellara has retired he is my favourite rider!