October 6th: It has been a year to the day since I moved into my quirky but beautiful old house. And the past three days have been just so full of love happiness that I am extremely happy today even if a little tired. My gorgeous daughter flew to Limoges on Wednesday and spent a short but wonderful visit with me here in France. The sun is shinning today, I have treated myself to some oysters from our local Saturday market and my two cats are out enjoying the warm weather. Life is good and I can’t imagine how it could improve very much right now.
Hugo made sure that my daughter was made very welcome too…
It’s the 11th today and I have recovered from the visit to Lyon and back in two days. Something I may do quite differently next time. Travel in France can be very Paris based. For example, if I wanted to take a train from Limoges to Lyon, it would take me to Paris to get the TGV and then 5 hours plus to reach Lyon. But I now know if I drive west to another station I can get a train that will go direct but not as fast as the TGV. Before I had set off, I received a text message regarding my appointment asking if I would be able to change the time of my rendez-vous from 11.30 to 9.15. I was ok with that as it would mean that I could begin my return home earlier, and agreed. This was my first visit to the hospital to begin the a process of discovering if I am suitable for surgery. The first contact was with a psycharatrist who agreed to allow me to continue to the next stage with the hospital. I now await a letter with my next rendez-vous. I would generally prefer to drive to anywhere if I can and hence a 4.5 hour journey putting me and my Megane to the test. I am happy to report that the car dealt with the journey extremely well. Me, not so well! On the trip down it was a sunny day when I set of about 2pm, so the roof went down and the wind blew in my hair as I began the long drive.
Other than stopping en route for a snack from a supermarket, I drove non stop to Lyon avoiding motorways and toll charges which would have been 50-60€ for a round trip. I booked a room via AirB&B which appears to be a popular method of finding somewhere nice, often in a family home here in France. My arrival in Lyon was around 7pm, I parked near my accommodation and soon met the French family I was staying with. They were very welcoming and my room was fine, although my bed a little short in length. It was quite early in the evening and I was in need of something to eat. I had already researched where the restaurants were and set off in that direction. At the time I did think I should eat a salad or something healthy and light. Well that didn’t work out as planned! I felt that I should make this a special time in view of the importance of the visit to Lyon. I found a busy bistro that looked quite nice and I had walked far enough.
Une table si-vous-plait!
In good French style custom, I ordered a kir while surveying the menu. There was too much choice and I hadn’t eaten any meat for a while. I ordered an entrecote steak with a regional Cote du Rhone red wine. I noticed one of the menu items involved a heated stone on a metal stand and you cook a selection of meat on. The two young men on the table next to me ordered this after having eaten big salads for starters.
I finished my meal with a cafe gourmand and a nice cognac. I had hoped that may have secured a sound night’s sleep, but it didn’t. I woke several times that night for two reasons. The first, I never sleep well the first night anywhere different. The other being that I was a little concerned about my pending appointment the following morning and the thought of traffic jams. I would never have found my way into the centre of Lyon or located my accommodation or the hospital on the following morning without Sat Nav!
The Wedneday morning I arrived at the hospital in good time for my meeting but waited far too long to be seen in view of the re-scheduling by the physchatrist. However, I did manage to keep calm with an attempt at meditation and relaxation. I was eventually seen and had expected something much more enquiring and in depth. Only to find a very basic set of questions asked of me. After acquiring the minimal amount of information he stated that I was already very advanced in my transtion. This was a reassuring remark and I softened towards him – very slightly. He continued by informing me that I could take a simplified route and handed me a sheet with a list of individuals that I need to obtain appointments with in the near future. An ednocrinologist, surgeon and another meeting with him. I now wait for a letter informing me of pending dates. The secretary mentioned the surgeon was in great demand and was unable to give me an idea of the time scale. I am fine with that for now. I also have a meeting with a cardiologist in just over a week. I hope to learn if prescripition of correct hormone treatment will be viable. I suspect it may not and prepared for the response. I am not sure if or how that may affect other aspects of what I have applied for in terms of medical procedures.
I have time to reflect and consider recent developments, but for now I need to get back to damp walls, and a shower room that is in need of completion. I am making efforts to build my social network and have invited a very sweet French couple for a meal. Date and time to be confirmed but it appears I am making a three course meal including a Thai red chicken curry. My laser treatment has hit a problem and I am seeking some advice on the matter. I need to try resolving that somehow soon.