Posted May 28th, 2008
by Dave
For over ten months now I have had a bad back, at first it was a little back pain here and there, but I knew about it. I went to the doctor who prescribed me some pain killers. After that it was pretty much left and I started a course of mild pain killers. A month or two later, the back pain seemed to have got worse and I started having problems when standing up and sitting down.
I went back to the doctors who decided to give me even stronger pain killers, he felt the area where the pain was coming from, poked and prodded it and came to a decision that the muscle was tight and the cause was due to being sat at a computer for too many hours and not doing enough exercise. So, the story continues………
I was now taking 30/500 co-codamol which were making me drowsy and caused a loss of apetite. Another trip to the doctors and another set of tablets. I had been given some anti inflammatories and told to take them with paracetamol. So, I left again and started doing as he asked. Within a few days I had a bad stomach pain and had problems going to the toilet, not to mention the drowsiness again, not to mention the pain was getting worse by the day.
I went back to ther doctors again, who referred me to a physiotherapist. Six weeks later I had my first appointment and we went through a few basic exercises. I was told to do them as often as possible and try and stay active and then go back once a week. Over a period of about six weeks, the pain just got worse and the physio could not understand what was happening so referred me back to the doctor who then referred me to the hospital.
More time went by and the pain got worse and worse, there became times when I could not stand up without being in severe pain, walking became difficult, sitting down at my desk was painful, nothing seemed to be getting any easier and the pain killers were not working in the slightest.
Within a few weeks a letter from the hospital dropped through the door with an appointment date, in the meantime I saw the doctor again who gave me some diclofenac which he claimed “would help this time”. By the time the appointment came round the pain had moved into my right leg and was affecting my sleep.
Due to Kings Mill Hospital waiting list being too long I was sent to Bassetlaw. The doctor there was fantastic, he did a few checks on my back and leg and soon found out that I had a slipped disc and requested that I have a MRI scan to see how bad it was. I was told to wait for a letter which would confirm the date. This came within a few days and told me that I could go back in about four weeks time.
Ok, next was the MRI scan, nothing to it, went in, laid on a long bed and stuck some earplugs in and laid there for about 20 minutes whilst the machine scanned me and made some strange noises.
A few weeks later I went back for the results and as the doctor thought it was a slipped disc, and a bad one at that. He said the disc was quite big and sticking out quite a bit which is what was causing all the pain. Stronger medication was prescribed and an appointment to come to the hospital for a caudal epidural was made for a few weeks time.
This diagram shows exactly what happens:
I was now on Gabapentin, a large orange capsule. After a fews days of taking these the pain did not ease at all, I just became really drowsy and spaced out. Following two trips to A&E as the pain became unbearable they tried me on some different tablets, which again have not really had an effect. They did give me some crutches though which were helping with walking until they too became useless.
Next was the caudal epidural, the idea was to inject steroids into my spine which could take away some of the pain, the doctor said that it may not work because of how bad the slipped disc was but it was worth a try. Failing this, he would need to operate. I went to Bassetlaw Hospital @ 7.30am one morning and was in the operating room for about 11am. After giving me a local anaesthetic they proceeded with an injection into the spine, which was the most weirdest feeling ever, I felt pressure along the bottom of my back and down my right leg, it was horrible. A few hours later I was back at home, feeling numb and drowsy, as for the pain, it was still there. The doctor has now prescribed me with some morphine patches and told me to carry on taking the pain killers. One patch was applied to my shoulder and within a few hours the pain had eased off a little.
The following morning came round, and the pain was still there but was not as bad, as instructed I rested and spent a few days in bed and tried to stay as still as possible. The following couple of weeks went by and the pain became unbearable which meant an increase in painkillers and another morphine patch. I went back to the hospital and was told that an operation was needed to cut away a part of the disc, first I must go for a pre-assessment then the main op a couple of days later, at the time I was told that the waiting list was not that long. A few days later I got a call and was asked to go in for the pre-assessment then if that went ok could have the operation two days later.
Thats where I am at at the moment, this Monday for the pre-assessment and the operation on Wednesday, fingers crossed that it goes ok and that I can get back to normal. What a long wait it has been.
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by Dave
For over a year now I have had an issue with British Telecom. Firstly we set up a business telephone line and broadband service which at first seemed ok. As soon as the bills started coming in is when the problems began. In the past year we have been billed twice for periods paid for on previous bills, charged various fees that we were not made aware of, over-charged on phone calls and lied to by customer services on various occasions. Not only this, everytime a complaint is lodged, I have been promised a call back, and not once has this happened.
BT Internet was also provided and from day one we had problems with the router, to which we complained straight away. They have tested the line on various occasions, sent us a new router but still we had the problem. Throughout the working day the router would reset itself upto ten times a day, sometimes even more. When it eventually flicked back to life the PC’s would have to be reset as there was normally an IP conflict.
For over a year, this caused a massive interruption to the business. It is only now that we have managed to get away from BT, even though they have threatened us with more charges for leaving a contract early, even though the broadband was on a one year contract, they now claim that it was a two year contract. We have had no choice but to make an official complaint but as usual we have not heard a whisper. Now onto the house phone line. A phone line was ordered online, a call from BT came through asking for a deposit. This was paid and an installation date was given. So, the day that they were coming we called to see where they were.
To our amazement, they had a problem. For some reason they had cancelled the order and not told us and had no explanation, the only thing they could tell us is that the engineer would not be coming out today and a new order must be placed. After being on the phone for over an hour, being passed from person to person and probably from country to country we get put through to the sales department who decide to keep us on hold for even longer. By this time, enough was enough. We hung up and filed a complaint through their website.
Why does BT have the whole country over a barrel?
Why is everyone forced to have a BT line and put up with the useless call centres and systems they have in place?
If only something could be done?
Maybe if enough people pulled together the Government could do something?
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by Dave
Thought I would blog about this as I am (or was) severely annoyed at these guys. A few days ago I took a car into them to get valued with the hope that they would buy it. A guy came and had a good look around the car and within ten minutes sent me into see the owner.
He had a brief chat with me and soon told me that he would be looking at buying the car for £5500 if not a little more (baring in mind that the car if sold privately would be sold for at least £6995). Anyway, I was happy with the price and said that I would come back with the owner of the car in a few days.
We called them up just to confirm all this and was told to come down before 1700 a day later. So, the car was given a quick clean and taken down to Sales Assistance (What a waste of time). Upon arrival, we went straight into the manager office, the keys were given to one of the guys who took it out for a test drive. Whilst the guy was out, the manager started to tell me how he now wants to give no more than £4500 for the car and cannot remember giving me a price of £5500 plus. Now, I know for sure that the car is worth alot more than that and would be put on the forecourt for at LEAST £6995. He went on to tell us all the normal car salesman bullshit about how the car is not that desireable, blah blah blah….
Anyway, I decided to take a walk back outside to get the keys ready to leave. What did I walk outside to find? Two guys stood with the bonnet up revving the tits off the car, baring in mind that the car had not been running long, so was more or less cold, and could have caused some damage to the engine. I was in shock.
I asked the manager if they always do that to which he just turned his back and kinda shrugged and totally ignored the question. Shortly after that we took the keys and left, pretty pissed off.
So, the story goes, if you are going to sell a car, don’t go to Sales Assistance, in fact, I wouldnt buy a car from there after how we got treat.
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
Since I made my IKEA post last year, my blog seems to have received a high number of hits when people have been searching for Ikea in Nottingham.
I do not know how many people actually read the whole post and took in what was said but if they did then they would probably have either gone elsewhere or been very weiry about buying furniture. I won’t go into it again but all I will say is that I was disgusted with the customer service department. Ill highlight the main issues in bullet points and then move on.
1. New bed broke
2. New bed was then discontinued
3. Refund/Exchange was not an option, so it was tough luck and a new bed had to be bought.
Anyway, this is another company that have 0870 numbers (as if they don’t make enough money)
Here are the alternatives: 0115 9551505 - Home Card & 01159 791636 - Financial Services
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
Do you hate ringing 0870 numbers like me and being charged a stupid rate per minute when you are wanting to get information about something?
I have had to call Sky recently to organise an installation so was annoyed when told to call an 0870 number.
I have found an alternative number which is 01506 677000
Don’t help them make even more money and USE this number.
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
Yet again I am back on this topic, god knows why but it seems that this week its the highlight of my week..
I am getting really annoyed with those who LIE, talk absolute shit and procrastinate. Everything that I get told now will be taken with a pinch of salt, its unbelievable how much crap some people actually talk. False promises, bullshit and lies, lies, lies. The funny thing is, most of the time they actually think they are telling the truth, self convinced or what? Also, do they not realise that we as normal human beings can spot a liar a mile off. So, the best thing to do is to stop chatting shit and do something constructive…
As much as it used to bother me I find it very entertaining to sit back and laugh to myself (and those around me) I’m having the last laugh, and you useless, shit talking fuckwits are making yourself look stupid…
I have been trying to find out reasons why and can only come to the conclusion that they are either really bored, can’t find anything good to talk about of infact are just pure twats..
My next T Shirt buy is this one >>>>>>
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
The world is full of them !!!!
hahahahahahahahahaha !
Such a shame, but each to their own eh !! I do find it quite funny sometimes, not as funny as what the cat finds it though ……..
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
What a bunch of absolute arseholes.
19th May 2007 - Lloyds TSB Recovery Centre in Andover, Hampshire sent me a reply saying that they do not normally refund bank charges BUT on this occasion they were willing to credit £540.00 to my account. They also stated that they would do this withhin the next ten days. It is now the 8th June and I have not seen a PENNY.
Lloyds TSB bank charges are dealt with at this branch in Andover and this one only, after two trips to the Mansfield branch, I am still no further forward with getting my money back. Baring in mind the letter was dated the 17th May, I should have had the money along time ago.
According to the Lloyds TSB branch in Mansfield the note was put on the system on the 22nd May, which means even still that if they were paying the money into my account within ten days it should have hit it by now.
What am I to do? The Lloyds TSB Recovery Centre in Andover has ONE phone number which is 01264 725214. I have called this that many times I can remember the number AND dial it with my eyes shut, its beyond a joke. No one answers and nine times out of ten you cannot leave a message due to the message box being full.
I finaly got through to this “Recovery Centre” today and left THREE messages, which to my shocked surprise have not been replied to. TSB have been a nightmare to get hold of for a long time now, they took light years to sort this issue out and are now messing me about even more, what am I to do eh TSB?
It has pissed me off all week as I was gonna use the money to pay a few bills and get the car lowered in time for a show on Sunday but as normal, they do not communicate with you and IGNORE all messages. I even faxed them on 01264 832238 and again had NO REPLY !!! I am so pissed off right now..
I am not the only one to have had issue with Lloyds TSB though..
I will let you know when the money greedy blood sucking fools give me my money…
Aarrrrrrgggggggh, I am so frustrated..
Another thing with money, why do PEOPLE or CUSTOMERS never pay you ON TIME !!!!!!! Arrrrrrggghhh, stop fucking with our cashflow !!!!!!!!!
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
Yes, its happened again, Big Brother has poisoned our screens for the millionth time running.
What the hell are Channel 4 playing at ? We are all bored of it now, its whack, it gets worse everytime..
So, who do we have this time around?
Sam & Amanda Marchant, Lesley Brain, Charley Richardson, Tracey Barnard, Chanelle Hayes, Shabnam Paryani, Emily Parr, Laura Williams, Nicky Maxwell, Carole Vincent & Zac “Ziggy” Lichman
Two blonde and giggly twins that aint got a chance in winning, they must be the girliest girls I have ever seen.
Lesley? Smile love its not that bad (actually, it is that bad, you have seen the light, run run run)
Charley…. How stuck up can one person be? You are a foul mouthed wannabe, shut up, leave the house and get a job. Whats with the attitude?
Tracey…. no comment!!!!! Don’t say enough or maybe I didn’t hear her.
Chanelle…. Victoria Beckham ? helllllllllllllllllllo….. pffff
Shabnam, was ok to start with then started playin up for the cameras and poutin her lips alot, your not going to be famous so you may as well leave too love..
As I go down the list I realise that I cannot be bothered to write anymore about Big Brother, as much as it annoys me, I had to watch the first few to get an idea of that twats that had gone in there, as I have nothing to moan about right now, Big Brother gettins the lot !!!
Before I end this rant, I will say one good thing, Carole rules, she should win out right, I couldn’t think of a better person to be in that house right now (I kinda wish she accidently hits on of the other house mates, that would be funny). Upon my internet searches I found this cool site to moan and rant and out Big Brother - CLICK HERE
Work is still busy, I have so much to do but still get sidetracked, I wish there was someway of getting everything I needed to do done alot faster, its a long ongoing task I have set myself up to do, but its the only way to make everything happen, be nice to have another five people finding data and making calls but at the same time it would cost a small fortune and its not worth the risk at this stage..
Out of work all is well, I am happy and can relax alot better. I should be going back to Spain for a weekend soon, in the next few weeks, hopefully, it will be cheaper than last time (alot cheaper). Not going alone this time mind.
This weeks gonna be a turning point for alot of us, we are holding a club meeting which hopefully will go ok, alot of things have been said recently and apparantly alot are upset at how certain things have gone over the past year or so. Its time for a more structured club I think. I just hope that after all this time, people can see what we have been trying to do and where we see the club going. Its quite upsetting to think that people are willing to walk away after not speaking with us directly. Maybe over the past six months we should have kept folk more informed and got more people involved but somethings get overlooked or you are not made aware of issues until its too late. After Wednesday I pray that things can be sorted out.
I think a more structured club is the way forward.
Treasurer, Club Secretaries, Event Organisers, Board Members etc. Club bank account, give more people responsibilities etc. Club sponsorship etc to fund the shows. It’ll get sorted!
Until then, the blogs done !!
Its a hot sunny day outside, feel the need for a pint and a game of pool..
Posted in Rants
Posted May 28th, 2008
by admin
It has just dawned on me that I have spent the last four to five years rushing round like a blue arse fly. I have been living my life at a constant 100mph.
I don’t give myself that much time to rest, I am always on the go, if not physically but mentally. I never ever stop thinking for a second. I think about allsorts everyday, sometimes to the point where I forget what I started thinking about in the first place.
I think it may be down to the point that I have made my life what it is. I chose to go down the path of self employment and have talked myself out of working for other people. I have always been independent and have taken things on alone.
I have searched high and low for years for answers to this and answers to that, most of which I have found, some though that I haven’t. I am definately happy with the path that I’m on right now, its scary but I’m doing the things I have wanted to do for years.
Some people think i’m crazy, certain family members do. Yes, it ias a big risk leaving a good job and starting work for yourself but surely they understand the term “you dont know if you dont try”.
OR, is it down to the fact that not everyone likes risks. At some point in your life, they have to be taken without a doubt. If you don’t you could carry on for years and years wondering what if this and what if that. I cannot deal with that, I have to follow my heart.
I have no idea where all this is coming from I just needed to let something out of my system before I start the sales for Maxxd. I have always been a bit anxious about selling advertising for ourselves as when you get knocked back it feels more personal than it would selling for someone else. I suppose its the rejection feeling that hurts, its gonna happen though, not everyone will be interested in what you have to say. Therefore, the number crunching exercise has to be carried out.
If I call a thousand companies, I can guarantee that maybe 4-500 will actually be interested, that may get knocked down to about 2-300 after a few weeks of chasing and trying to get the decision maker to nod his or her head.
It is a very nerving time, although we have work coming in from other areas, we would really like the MaxxDirectory to do well. We are kinda depending on it to make all our dreams come true. Once this has more advertisers we can really go to town on it.
This must be the biggest post I have done this year I think i’m doing it for some kind of motivation or inspiration to get more involved on the phones. There is a level of anxiety within me at the moment and as I write this I can feel it fading away.
I think I am gonna start using my blog every day again if I get time, it really does relieve tension.
Right, I’m gonna make some calls, wish me luck 
Posted in Rants