I was reading issue 4 when I came across the letter
from Geoffrey. N. Read.
I had the same problem as you because of
batteries running out. I tried quite a few and some
were better than others. Then I came across a
swivel torch from Wilkinsons for only 50p including
batteries. The main benefits are that you can
swivel off between part of cleaning and, used like
that, it can last from 4-6 weeks. I stock up ten at a
time and they all last the same amount of time.
On the issue of tissues, I go to Morrisons and get
12 basic toilet rolls for around £1.20. I use them
all the time at home and I fold plenty for my shirt
or jacket pocket when I’m out. Nobody knows the
difference between the loo roll or tissues and it’s a
very cheap alternative.
While I can’t help with your other problems, I wish
you all the best, and I am certain your consultant
– if they’re anything like mine – will get your
problem under control. As you already know, it’s
pretty hard work to get well and you seem very
positive, so in my mind, you are already half way
there.
Norman Robson
I too found that the small pencil torches used AAA
batteries at an alarming rate which prompted me
to look into the alternatives. I have found that the
‘MiniMaglite’ (which is an American design and a
small edition of the large Maglite torches) is really
good, Not cheap, but really well made in anodized
aluminium, with a twist on/off action which also
focuses the beam. It uses a krypton bulb which is
said to be 70% brighter than ordinary bulbs and
2xAA batteries.
Finally on the matter of torches, I have just
purchased another from Draper Tools Ltd. (Stock
No.89918) which is practically identical to the Mini
Magliite.
On a personal note, I have a problem concerning
the cleaning brush for my indwelling prosthesis
– a Blom Singer 16. Due to the position and angle
between my stoma and the prosthesis, I find it
impossible to insert the new Blom Singer 8mm
diameter x11 Omm brush into the valve. I have
two of the previous design Blom Singer cleaning
brushes, which are 2.5mm diameter x 160mm long
and marked 16Fr – and when these finally wear out,
I will have a real problem. Our ENT Department
does not have any of the old type long/thin
brushes and not even Countywide can get hold
of them, so I wonder if any of your readers have
come across this problem and can suggest a
solution...
Congratulations on your excellent service and very
interesting magazine.
Don Clark
Ed: Thanks for your recommendations, Don. Now it’s over
to you again readers – can you help Don with finding
replacement or alternative cleaning brushes?
Reader Geoffrey N Read asks about paper tissues.
I think we all use a lot of those and I have found
that either Sainsbury’s Basics tissues or Tesco’s
Value tissues, combine reasonable quality and
price at 29 pence for a box of 150.
Norman MacLeod
Ed: Thanks for all your letters in response to Geoffrey’s
letter. There’s certainly plenty to take in, and lots of
good ideas to try out.
My wife has found that a 12 pack of AA batteries
can be obtained in ‘Poundland’ or ‘The Pound
Shop’ – obviously for a pound – which lasts for
ages.
Summer 2010 | THE VOICE
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