Linking with Tom's signs
After the many posts about our 3 week trip to Qatar, I'm finally catching up on my Monthly Wrap-up's!
Wednesday 5th - In the early morning a new evaporative air-con was installed as the original aircon of our 1970's house finally died. The new one cools so much better and we have a wall control unit that can also be operated via an app on our mobiles. Just in time for a 40C day!
At about 2:00 pm, I went for another ultrasound on my right hand—requested by the hand surgeon to assess any improvement after numerous physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions.
As I left the house, I noticed a large plume of smoke rising in the distance. It looked alarmingly close. Once in the car, I turned on the radio and heard an emergency broadcast urging residents of the suburbs of Beckenham and Langford—just 5 km (about 3.1 miles) away—to evacuate. A bushfire had broken out at 1:30 pm in Hester Park, right next to the Canning River. Thankfully, by 4:30 pm, it had been contained.
Later, the evening news revealed the fire had been deliberately lit. Among the images shown was a thatched-roof pool gazebo engulfed in flames, belonging to a house bordering the Canning River. I recognized it, as the house that had belonged to my friends, W and L, who had just moved out a few months before, after having sold the house (the one where we would feed the ducks and black swans). Fortunately, no other houses were damaged, and no one was hurt.
Thursday 6th - dental cleanup at the Periodontist and I noticed an unusual clock and a probably expensive porcelain bear and baby bear on the corner table in the waiting room.
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| Two porcelain teddies and a different clock |
Sunday 9th - A picnic, organized by Perth's Codfish Academy, was held at Woodman Point, near Coogee Beach. The Committee opted not to have a barbecue, and instead, they arranged for Nando’s chicken—which we picked up!
The ladies on the Committee kindly brought rice and a variety of fresh salads, while everyone else pitched in with an abundance of cakes.
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| The picnic dessert table |
After the picnic we Jose and I strolled down to the pier where lots of people were fishing. A few pelicans hung around waiting for fish to be thrown their way 😉.
Wednesday 12th - I visited my hand specialist to review the results of my latest ultrasound. He had already received the report from the specialist I had seeked for a second opinion, and based on the findings, promptly wrote me a referral to see a Rheumatologist. Not much improvement was shown on the Ultrasound.
A few days later, I received a call from the Rheumatologist’s receptionist. She informed me that the doctor wanted to prioritize my case and could offer me an appointment in mid-March. I explained that I would be away at that time. She reassured me that I’d remain on the priority list—but that the next available appointment would be six months away!
To my relief, the following week I received another call—there had been a cancellation for 8am on the 19th. I accepted the slot immediately and quickly arranged for a colleague to cover my morning shift.
Friday 14th - Jose, our elderly friend Idalia and I joined our Italian friend Maria for dinner at the Italian Club in the suburb of Fremantle. Nice food and Italian music to dance to.
Saturday 15th - Caught up with 2 work colleagues over coffee at a nearby shopping centre. With our hectic work schedules, we rarely get the chance to chat properly, so every now and then we make time to "solve the problems of the world" —lots of laughter and good conversation. 😂
Tuesday 18th - After work, I took my Portuguese friend E and her adorable baby T to a café near my workplace. It was just a small gesture to give her a breather from home and baby duties—she appreciate the change of scenery and the chance to chat.
Wednesday 19th - Finally had my appointment with Dr. Tran, the rheumatologist. He already had all my test results, surgery reports, and other records.
The very first thing he did was look at my nails. "You have psoriasis," he said, pointing out the pitting (ridges on nails). I confirmed—yes, I’ve had it for over 10 years. It first showed up as itchiness on my elbows (originally diagnosed as eczema), then a few years ago it began affecting my scalp. Thankfully, it only flares up a few times a year and never lasts long, so it never really bothered me.
He then examined my feet, which often have dry and cracked soles. Surprise: also psoriasis. I’ve been scrubbing and oiling them all this time, never realizing it was part of this condition.
We discussed family history—my dad has scalp psoriasis, and his older sister had it on her legs. He then asked about a range of symptoms: tiredness (yes—though I figured that was just aging, plus I had Influenza A in January), sleep issues (for sure—sore hand and menopause), and my long-standing cough. Apparently, psoriasis can affect the lungs and sinuses, causing mucus production, which could explain the cough and even the asthma-like symptoms I’ve had for years.
He confirmed that this is an autoimmune disease with no known cure, and that the surgery on my hand likely triggered psoriatic arthritis.
He prescribed methotrexate, starting at 5mg once a week and increasing by 5mg every two weeks until reaching 20mg. The day after each dose, I’ll need to take folic acid.
He suggested my hand could return to normal within 3 to 4 months. I’m scheduled to return mid-May, with a blood test to be done the week before.
The list of side effects from methotrexate is long: bruising, fatigue, hair loss, kidney and eye damage, among others. Not very good, so hopefully I won't have to be on it for too long!
Monday 24th - Voted early for the Western Australian State Election, which would take place on the 8th March, when I would be in Portugal. Voting is compulsory in Australia, you can get a small fine if you don't have a valid excuse for not voting.
Wednesday 26th - I still worked in the morning, then rushed home to tackle my least favorite task—packing. For the third or fourth time, I emptied everything out of my suitcase and repacked it again. It's so hard to decide what to take!
Around 7:30pm, we left home and headed to the airport for my 10:45pm flight to Doha. Check-in and bag dispatch was quick and easy at the self-serve machines, and my bag was on its way in no time.
Before heading through security, Jose and I had dinner at the Little Creatures Pub at the airport. I went with the fish and chips, while Jose opted for the Nasi Goreng—though he didn't really like it.
Then it was time to say goodbye to Jose for the next 3 weeks.
Thursday 27th - After around an 11 hour flight, I landed in Doha at 5,15am. After a quick hand luggage control, I was on my way to my departure lounge which I reached by taking the airport shuttle that travels between terminals.
The departure lounge was right next to the stunning “Orchard”, the airport’s impressive indoor tropical garden. Spanning over 10,000 square metres (about 107,000 square feet), the space is a true oasis in the middle of the terminal.
With its curved glass roof, a cascading waterfall, an abundance of lush greenery, and a bridge at the terminal level which offers even better views of the entire space—the garden is an ideal spot for a peaceful rest and recharge between flights.
At 8:00am, the flight departed to Lisbon, and after an 8,15 hour flight, we landed in Lisbon at 1:15pm.
Thankfully, having dual nationality came in handy—the queue for European/Schengen citizens was much shorter than the long line for non-EU travelers, making my way through passport control a lot quicker.
Once I collected my suitcase, I was greeted by my mom, sister, and brother-in-law—a lovely sight after a long journey. From there, it was a 40-minute drive to Cascais, where we enjoyed a lunch prepared by my Dad.
A perfect start to my time back home.
Films I watched during the flights:
We live in time - 2024 drama/romance -It follows the relationship of a recent divorcee (Andrew Garfield) and a talented chef (Florence Pugh), over the course of a decade and how their lives are transformed after a cancer diagnosis.
Rating: a sad movie, but I really enjoyed it.
Take my hand - 2024 drama/romance with Radha Mitchell and Adam Demos - Australian movie based on a true story. When a model turned investment banker in London is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis the facade of her perfect life and marriage quickly crumble.
She moves back home to Australia to be close to her family. But when someone from her past comes back into her life, she might get a shot at happiness.
Rating: a bit predictable, but enjoyable, and is based on a true story.
Late Bloomers - 2023 comedy with Margaret Sophie Stein and Karen Gillan. After drunkenly breaking her hip, 28-year-old Louise lands in a physical therapy ward. Her neighbour is a cranky, elderly Polish woman who speaks no English. Despite her reluctance, she takes on a job as her carer. They will both eventually respect each other and become friends. Rating: both funny and sad at times, as we are reminded of our mortality and the struggles we face in our old age.
Fly me to the moon - 2024 romance/comedy - starring Scarlett Johansson, a market specialist, and Channing Tatum as a NASA launch director recruited along Woody Harrelson - as a covert government operative working for President Richard Nixon to stage a fake moon landing of the Apollo 11 mission, in case the actual mission fails.
Rating: an entertaining twist on an historical event with some romance in the mix.
Beyond the lake - 2024 comedy, with David Socolar and Allison Elaine - A former musician's quiet life is turned upside down when the woman who caused him to quit music moves in down the street. As they confront each other and their past, they have to decide whether they their relationship deserves a new future or a final farewell.
Rating: funny, but not the best for me.
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