Oli's Puzzle Blog

[AFKAN]

Good luck Oli

I'll just add that when I had it, it nearly killed me

Was initially diagnosed by the doctor as a groin strain

Ruptured at 07:30 the next morning, didn't see a doctor until surgery opened at 09:30 by which time I was having trouble walking

Ambulance duly called and I was in hospital at 10:00.

Unfortunately there were no beds so they dosed me up on Morphine for most of the day (which I have to say was epic by lunch time I was convinced I was a fraud and wanted to go home )

Finally got a bed at about 20:30 and surgery at about 22:00. By which time I'd got peritonitis and blood poisoning, which had got to my liver (so I went yellow (well all the smilies are yellow ) also my stomach and I was, to quote my surgeon, "a bit of a mess and wouldn't be surprised if they didn't have to operate again"

I was in hospital for a week on a drip the whole time

By the time I got out I'd lost my fear of needles I'd had a tissue experience which ended up in my forearm ballooning as well as a student nurse coming back with a tissue (bless )

Not a pleasant experience I have to say especially when the bloke next to me was in and out in 24 hours

Still I'm sure you'll be fine Oli

[kev1n]

Oli,

Don't listen to all the bad experiences!

As a consultant in the NHS, I have to agree that these bad things do occur occasionally but, by and large, for minor conditions like appendicitis the procedure is quick and easy with a very fast uncomplicated recovery.

Good luck.

Kev

[AFKAN]

He's in already He'll be fine

[Paradox]

Thank you all so much for your best wishes! And no I'm still capable of looking after my puzzle collection you cheeky little....

Although keep an eye out on eBay, you never know what my other half might do whilst I'm under!

I've been seen by the anaesthetist now and he does want to go ahead with the procedure sometime today but I have no idea when. Sooner rather than later I hope. I'm bored and sleep deprived, wish I had something like the Silver to keep me company.

[AFKAN]

Right now Kev's winging his way to your hospital so he can relieve you of your collection while you're under

[kev1n]

Right now Kev's winging his way to your hospital so he can relieve you of your collection while you're under

If necessary I can put him under myself - just to make sure that I have time to get ALL the puzzles!

I am, after all, a consultant anaesthetist!!!

[Paradox]

Salt & Pepper Puzzle Shakers by Puzzleparadox, on Flickr


Perpetual Hinge by Puzzleparadox, on Flickr

[Paradox]

A couple of really cool things I've been puzzling over recently:

An aluminium apple puzzle loaned to me by Ali, which came from Wil Strijbos. It's also available in red, but I like the green better.

Apple by Puzzleparadox, on Flickr

An 'Extreme Torture' type 6 board burr puzzle made by Sasha Djuric that is pretty nice. I especially like the iced acrylic look.

Extreme Torture by Puzzleparadox, on Flickr

[kev1n]

I love the green apple too! The ring has an interesting property when you rotate it around your finger. The rattling noise it makes inside, hints at all sorts of odd mechanics going on inside the apple! None of which work.

That burr looks interesting! I'm really beginning to love burr puzzles.

[Paradox]

Just arrived today:


Ball Puzzle (Charles O. Perry) by Puzzleparadox, on Flickr

A brass 6 piece burr made and engraved by the late Charles O. Perry. I was pretty surprised to find them for sale considering they are very sought after and (as far as I'm aware) not being made any more.

If you are a collector then I seriously recommend getting one while you still can:

Brass Ball (Puzzle Master)

And it's also available in plexi glass, which is also engraved (and collectible):

Plexi Glass Ball (Puzzle Master)