muffins78

I can't say anything about virgin - but I've had Sky broadband, tv and phone and no issues at all :) Ive never felt the need to look elsewhere - if that's any help!!

Hello, just had an email from Ryanair to say there are disruptions on train travel to/from London for next few days. I'll copy/paste in case it helps anyone else. Just wondering if anyone is arriving into Gatwick around 12 tomorrow, and are they interested in sharing the journey? Looking at the tfl site, it looks like the bus journey to the first train station to get you back en-route, looks to be a local bus, so I reckon it could get quite busy. We've bad weather here, so not sure if its wise move to be orgainising a shared cab, but I think people would understand the unpredictability of arranging something like this, and to go ahead if I didn't arrive more or less on time :) "Ryanair have received notification that improvement work is taking place between Redhill and Purley, at Gatwick Airport and at London Victoria, from Tuesday 24 December to Wednesday 1 January and as a result there will be no Gatwick Express service between these dates. Customers should use Southern services and may also use First Capital Connect services between Brighton and Gatwick Airport from Friday 27 December to Wednesday 1 January and between Sutton and London Blackfriars on Friday 27 December. For more information please click here: http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/service_disruptions/58839.aspx"

The show is ace and like you say, very moving. I think its great to see the reality that goes on within that building that we can pass each day, not realising how lucky we are.

I hope you're okay too?? I've had to go there a few times, and they've been amazing each time - absolutely lovely. And same to those who I had to see in the main hospital when I've been on treatment there - they all are fab!!

I've just had Sem come to me today. She was fabulous and I too, would highly recommend her. She arrived on time, gave my neck/shoulders/back a little massage too (it is very sore) and she was very adament about ensuring that her threading was to my liking. I will definitely be seeing her again :) Oh and like Pickles said, not one ounce of pain, just lovely eyebrows after :)

I'm going to that meeting and thanks for letting us know about it. My latest is that they don't have any letter from my consultant to say I should be on certain medication. That is not true, and I've had prescriptions for it before. I've also got the flu, in a vulnerable group and can't even try to get through on the phones! You know though, at least I know what is wrong with me, I've had my "diagnosis", so know what to do. What about people who don't know what is wrong with them, and are relying on trying to get through to the surgery, most likely can't, and if a symptom stops, they make think they are okay - when they aren't. Not to mind, some symptoms are fiercely embarassing, and they may build up the courage to deal with it - but then lose their nerve to say anything at all, if the time lapse is too long.

I will write my experience when I am on the laptop again, I'm slow on the phone! But Im with DMC over 3 years now and it's always been difficult to get through or get an appointment. So much so, I contacted one of those private medical places that companies use for their staff (well that's how I came across them with a previous employer) to get myself a proper check up - as I didn't feel I was getting the attention I required for a few things. Please don't think that I've loads of money etc., and say that some can't have that luxury - I actually couldn't afford it, had to shuffle a few things around/pay other things late, to accommodate it. I moved to DMC after being at Paxton Green for about 7 years. Paxton Green was amazing and cannot fault it one bit. They were so caring and accommodating, saving me from having to go to hospital on many occasion - whether it be just giving me blood tests on the spot, minor procedures and simply trusting me, that I knew my condition and health, and always responded to it. I never wanted to leave them, even my consultant wrote to them to see if they could keep me there. They rang me personally to explain why they couldn't keep me after I moved to SE22, but kept me for a little while longer whilst I was going through a particular treatment. I could write so many good things about them. I don't blame the doctors at DMC, but the way the practice is run leaves a lot to be desired. It would be really my own fault that I've let my health slide, but I believe it's because of the difficulties in getting appointments/time to get the required treatment. I could write a book! And whilst I say great thing about Paxton Green, everyone in Kings is fab too! Ill ring the number given on this thread on Monday. They were talking a few years back about you not having to live in a particular postcode to be in a particular practice, does anyone know if that has come into force yet?

OMG is that true Penguin68 - that they don't refer to hospital because the cost will lie with the GP practice. If that is the case, I'd no idea about it.

Oh Sharchat! I'm really sorry about what has happened to you and your neighbour! I would be exceptionally upset! But I'm truly shocked about your little girl, I hope it didnt happen, it's unreal if it did. :( I hope you'll all be okay and take care.

Even if you are working, you can be entitled to disability allowance (and/or carers allowance). Its not tested on income, simply on disability (well it was, when I looked into ages ago). The form is really complicated, not in terms of difficulty, but in terms of intrusiveness and what you need to say. Wholly embarassing really, but I do understand why it needs to be done in that way. I gave up trying to apply for it after a few questions, I just couldn't write out what I needed to, I've a hard enough time speaking to my friends/family about it - and have lost friends along the way because of the amount of times I've let them down e.g. cancelling seeing them last minute or not wanting to make plans in advance with them (because I can let them down) or simply not been able to join in with what they are wishing to do (you wouldn't believe the simplist of things I cannot commit to). Because a condition is invisible, sometimes people can't believe it exists or understand it. Some of these allowances are all or nothing, and I think it does not help a majority of people. A lot of people will be like me, determined to stay working and "prove" that I am able to do what others can (contradiction I know). It would be great if there was a happy medium available - "I am disabled, I don't want any income type benefits from the state, but I would like an acknowledgement that is recognised within the country". I just don't get why we can be technically protected in the workplace by different laws, but on a practical level e.g. public transport, there is no help available whatsoever - unless we look to take money from the state, which is eating into the governments resources unnecessarily. In relation to baby badges, can you not get them in the first trimester? How do you get them in the first place? Do TfL not just give them to you if you ring up? I thought that is what happened.

I've just seen this thread and it's something that is on my mind every day going to work. Like Sid, I've an invisible condition and on bad days, I'm literally petrified of either not having a seat or worried that I look like an awful person if I don't offer my seat to someone who visibly needs it. I've given my seat to others on days I know I may just manage it, but again then feel stressed about standing! It can be difficult and embarrassing having an invisible condition. Mooncakes idea is excellent. My friend gave me a baby badge, but I've never used it, I just couldn't lie like that. I did look up the travel sites and Southwark recently about disabled travel, but because I'm not on benefits (and some other requirement which I can't remember at this time), I can't apply for the pass. What's most bothersome is that these passes give you free travel, I don't want feel travel, I just want something to demonstrate that I am disabled and I'm not a bad person for needing to sit. This then opens another kettle of fish, because one of the benefits you are to be on is disability benefit, but I know people with my condition, who have not received it despite the extent of the surgery and ongoing symptoms they have, others have. But we are completely covered by the disability act (now renamed), there seems to be discrepancies in the system - but nothing is ever perfect! The badge is an ace idea, really ace!!

I have to disagree about there been seats at Aldgate, I use it 4 days a week, and there is normally a crowd getting on and packed by second/third stop. Tonight wasn't as bad as normal for sure.

They were out early tidying up before I left for work, they were well organised! Got on the 40 at Aldgate and there are seats etc. so hopefully things won't be too bad for everyone getting home.

Is the worst over now? Every time I think its calm, it appears to pick up again? I see some pictures on BBC news on Herne Hill, they've had some tree damage too! Just also saw Southwark out cleaning up some of the debris already. Fair play.

Overground is suspended until 9 I think! They are saying only last for few more hours, it's prob any damage afterwards which will cause problems! Thank you too, I should have said though, it was more of warning to be careful out there!!!!

Same here, roof of neighbour in our garden! And this is only early part of storm :S

Some of our roof has come off and fence coming away. It's not good! Is lordship lane blocked off? Thanks for that update! I hope everyone is okay.

Well part of my roof or tiles just come off and narrowly missed window I standing at! It's here I'd say! Be careful! Now fence coming off!

Is this really all the wind we are going to have?

Thank you too, nice to have it all rounded up

I just saw that about London overground too! Looks like we just have to see how it goes for now!

Thanks for this! How do we think buses will run in the morning? Do you think that it may be more difficult to get home from work as day goes on? I'm half thinking if I do get to work, may just collect my laptop and go home again!

I'd be really interested in the hypnotherapy also, I try to avoid public speaking which isn't a good thing. Would love a recommendation. :)

I heard it too, it was very bizarre

I was trying to figure out a little while ago would it better for me to rent out my own place. I was thinking about moving away from London. All in all, to break even only, the rent would still appear high. I actually think that some landlords aren't making anything much at all, unless it is a complete business for them and/or they bought their property ages ago!