In this moment of relaxation between seeing to Fran’s needs and tackling the paperwork I realise that this thread seems to have concentrated on Fran’s and my journey, encouraged by the interest and support shown by so many, for which I am very appreciative. But I am wondering if, and hope that, John @strudball has also picked up useful information to help with his original question. It has certainly opened my eyes to a few things. 
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Respite Care for your wife (away from home perhaps) can give you that time to regain your own inner calm.
Each situation is different but there is care/help available for you personally… when/if you feel the need.
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Yes, Stella, and I mentioned to M-P yesterday that I hadn’t heard from the AS yet re the dossier, she simply said it is just a matter of waiting. Perhaps that might be something that comes out of it.
Let’s hope so.
It’s frustrating for me to hear your story and not be able to help/chivvy things along.
Sounds like your neighbour is a gem and I’m sure she will help you when/if she can.
cheers
More frustrating still, the paperwork that came back with her is mainly a report of everything they found and a resume of her history, but also that she should make a rdv for an external examination within 3 weeks. That might simply mean there or our doctor, so, as much of what I have is directed towards our doctor, I thought the best thing to do was make an appointment to see her.
Tuesday the 9th of November. 
Unbelievable, almost 3 weeks. With our old doctor’s no rdv system we could have been there tomorrow afternoon. I was thinking when the other bloke retired that it was a good time to make the move nearer to home, but thought give this doctor a go first. Now I’m thinking it again. Even if the wait is the same, at least there is a full time reception desk which I could visit and speak face to face.
Anyway, nothing I can see that is urgent, just a prescription for pain killers which she doesn’t need and which she probably already has in abundance 
, and in any case can wait till Saturday when her CV may arrive.
And yes, Stella, M-P is a gem. A big bunch of flowers will be appropriate at the weekend I think, she gave me, despite my protestations, a bottle of very decent wine just for taking their little dog for her last visit to the vet, because they couldn’t face it after 17 years.
And I wouldn’t give wine to a French person. 
Know what you mean… we were visiting friends in Paris and took some of my homemade chocolates (special recipe for our hostess who is diabetic) and a bottle of red wine.
Our host looked a little askance at the bottle and asked in a somewhat chilly voice why we had brought wine…
I swiftly explained that it was a special bottle, bought during one of our classic car trips. Regaled them with the whole story of the fascinating visit we’d made to a small family-run vineyard, way down wherever…
Obviously my story-telling worked its magic. He now understood why the bottle was special and his usual broad smile returned…
We all enjoyed the “special” wine later over the weekend. 
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Well saved that one, Stella 
Funny thing is that couple subsequently came on various car trips … and between us we all bought wine and heaven knows what… and relished sharing such goodies.
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Just noticed the thread title change, rather humbling but at the same time a bit guilty if it seems we have hogged the thread, but as I said above, nothing here has been drift from the OP and I hope our experiences are useful to others.
Fran seems to have benefited from her day away, moving a little better, though not eating better. I think I said once before that she was a determined meat eater, often ignoring vegetables on her plate. Recently it is the meat which has been left, and the vegetables, albeit very small in quantity, that have been eaten. No idea why this should be.
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Hi David… we are all following your story with heartfelt sympathy and concern… so feel no guilt whatsover, please.
I’m just wondering if your Fran is drinking a little more. Dehydration can have a very bad effect… which won’t help if coupled with her other problems.
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Yeah, hands up who changed the thread name please ? (Am in the supermarket so it will save me having to look)
We all take wine to our meals when we go as guests around here.
We haven’t had a bad bottle yet.
She doesn’t seem to drink coffee any more, pretty sure in fact because she is not mobile enough to help herself now, and usually she drinks lemonade (but not in the thirsty way as when she returned from hospital) or water with her meal (singular). But she is getting one can of Fortimel, the energy supplement drink, down every day (supposed to be 2), perhaps that has a certain liquid content.
She is sleeping very soundly at the moment, unusual, she stays in bed a lot but is normally awake.
One thing has occurred to me re the doctor’s receptionist only offering a rdv on the 9th of November. The paperwork which came back from the hospital advised an external examination within 3 weeks. Coincidence? Could it be that the doctor was advised by email and that is why 2 days short of 3 weeks was offered? I can hardly believe that the doc is so snowed under, even in these times, that a spot could not be available earlier. 
did you mention that you had paperwork from the hospital A&E ??
I’m clutching at straws… as I can’t understand the problems you have seeing the Doc…
I also have to phone-up to obtain Doc appointments, but I simply say “it’s not urgent, can I see the Doc this week or next”… or I say it’s Urgent/rather important and I get seen the same day or day after at a stretch.
Can M-P do better, explaining to the “end of the phone”… ???
No, didn’t get a chance, she went away and came back with the date and time, I was so stunned that I said no more except to confirm I had heard right.
Didn’t really need an appointment, just thought it would be a good idea to show her all the paperwork.
We have been spoiled all these years though, no rdvs needed, 4 afternoons a week, just turn up and wait, never longer than an hour start to finish. Same at the vets, till covid came along though, then that changed too, but at least phoning this morning for Noubia, I have got a rdv for this evening.
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It was like that when we first arrived… turn up and wait… take a book and/or a sandwich.
Then the Doc got overloaded with patients, moved to new premises, took on a Partner and went to the Appointments System…
Even during Covid our Doc has been available for appointments as I’ve described, working his socks off, bless him.
I did as it seemed to be a way to be supportive as I think it’s a great use of social media to be able to be an “ear” for someone. The other day I was wondering how they were getting on and couldn’t remember which thread it was.
But if not allowed or if it upsets David can change it back of course……
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Can you change it back please. Thanks !
Blimey, that was our 15 minutes of fame, not upset at all Jane, in fact greatly touched by the thought and so sorry it earned you a trip to the naughty step. 
I had no idea though that anyone other than the OP or management could do that.
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Might be your MT is well aware and allowing time for the forms you filled out to be processed?