Ergotherpeut1

Just before Christmas we had a problem with our signal, I played around with it trying to grt a lock but ...... Mrs Ergo and the children were starting to get really worried.  I called Stuart from Aulnay Electronique, 0546 240591, got to give it to him, he was here promptly, got the signal back stronger than it had ever been and changed the way our setup was in relation to the video, DVD player. etc. so now everything works so much better.  To boot he was incredibly reasonble in terms of pricing (35e).  I think he has a listing in the Artisans Anglais section.  I would recommend him.

I have to admit to being apprehensive following the departure of the firemen (for they were all men), will I be asked for a certificate showing the chimney had been swept,  will I get a bill for the call out.  Our neighbours (French) advised that I would not get a bill.  I will post something if I do get one in the new year. As stated our damage was none/minimal.  The guy fitting the carpet informed us that part of his roof and chimney breast/wall collapsed following his fire, he further informed us that the insurance company paid for the works but that he did have a certificate proving the chimney had been swept.  I was/am unsure of my situation regarding sweeping/insurance and am grateful for those who have posted further on this. I had also been trying to find a professional sweep, the guy fitting the carpet advised me to look in the yellow pages under 'plumber' I have found some in my region offering this service but have yet to be able to book one!  I will continue to sweep my own on a regular basis, as Clair does, and hopefully have it swept once a year professionally.  As with the other posts regarding finding a sweep I too think that there is a gap in market for a new sweeping service provider.  Does anyone know what kind of training you need to undertake to offer this service, I know a few people looking for a new employment/training opportunity

Good news, for us at least, B.A cancelled the london to Paris leg for tomorow (flying in from Cyprus) so following tense phone call to B.A they have put  Auntie/Uncle on a flight to Bordeaux, which means they arrive earlier than anticipated and got an upgrade to boot.  Am now going to see if SNCF will allow us to cancel/change the tickets! I hope other people experiencing problems also have some good news Best wishes

Thank you Russethouse We are not sure about the Eurostar as my wife heard on the news that it now needed to be booked a week ahead, I also imagine it must be fairly/completely full.  The difficulty is they will not know until they are at the (British) airport if they are able to connect! We have also sent them their train tickets from Paris to us and I now have to go and see if these are transferable should they arrive late.  We think we will wait until the last minute and perhaps tell them to stay put (although they have prepared to be here and will not have much in to provide festive cheer - and we have an abundance) I hope you have a lovely Christmas Best wishes

Twinkle I have worked with a number of people suffering from this condition, usually for me though this is when people have dificulty managing their day to day activities and they are required to learn new techniques and/or modify their environment   I have asked a couple of friends in the UK (one GP and Homeopath) to see if they have any suggestions regarding your husbands condition.  I will also have a look at the research databases I use to see if there is anything, new or otherwise, that may offer some hope of relief.  It would be helpful to be able to ask one or two questions (does he smoke, lifestyle choices.etc) to avoid covering areas you have already looked into.  If you would like to, send me a  pm.  I understand if you do not want to, more frustration, more questions, no definite good outcomes, etc!! Best wishes  

We are waiting for Auntie and Uncle to visit, they are due to leave Cyprus tonight and take a flight to paris at 8.00ish tomorrow then pick up the train to us.  They have been told that BA will not change their flight from Cyprus although they will not confirm their onward connection to Paris.  We are concerned that they may be stuck at Heathrow for Christmas.  Any advice? (especially within the next couple of hours) Best wishes

A couple of days ago we had the fire brigade in our house and on our roof putting out a chimney fire.  I arrived home and Mrs Ergo and our children were all in the frosty garden.  Luckily no damage was done,  my wife had noticed something was wrong immediately, consequently all are safe and well.   Often we feed the fire before going to bed, happily the fire did not occur at this time or it may have been more serious.  I have to face the fact that I had been relying on the ramonage logs (which we do monthly) to keep us safe, although I had purchased a chimney sweeping brush with the intention of sweeping them over Christmas.  I was complacent about the risk, thinking that the ramonage logs would protect us!   Since it occurred three of our French neighbours and the guy fitting the carpet informed us that they had also had chimney fires in the past.  I have now swept our chimneys and intend to stay on top of it now, I am posting this in case it may encourage anyone who is thinking about cleaning their chimney to get on and do it.  (I hope it doesn't sound like I am pontificating) A safe and merry Christmas to you all. Best wishes

Twinkle I am sorry to hear that your husband is suffering so much, doubtless this also means you also have much to endure, my sympathy to you both.  It seems that the people who have responded so far have a good wealth of knowledge and 'remedies' for you to look into, I hope these offer some respite.  As you have already tried various alternative treatments and drugs I don't know if I am able to offer any further insights, but just in case...... Calcium and Magnesium, as already mentioned.  Perhaps melatonin (1.5mg taken two hours or less before bedtime - can increase up to 5mg over a period of time if not effective).  This is a natural hormone that can help to promote sleep.  Another natural remedy to look into may be Dehydroepisterone.  Potassium or Zinc in herbal form may help, as may kava kava, passion fruit, skullcap or Valerian root.  I do not know 'Rivotril' (is it based on temazepam?) but as with any prescription sleeping drugs, long term use should be avoided (if possible), as they can lead to sluggishness, hightened levels of anxiety, confusion. etc. etc.  His reduced productive performance may be related to the drugs (of lot of them can impair the quality of sleep by interupting the natural sleep cycles), but it may be that the sleep deprivation is the main culprit, over a period of time this will, unsurprisingly,  reduce concentration, endurance and may lead to further health problems.  Exercise can play a role, it does not sound as though you husband has a sedentary lifestyle, but if he has this can impact on restful sleep.  Exercise regularly in the late afternoon or early evening (not just before bed). Diet may have a part to play, if possible only drink caffeine before lunchtime, drink camomile/catnip tea to help calm the nervous system.  Avoid alcohol (sorry) and tobacco.  Bacon, cheese, potatoes, sugar, spinach, tomotoes ham, chocolate should be avoided close to bedtime as they contain neurostimulants.  Turkey, bananas, figs, milk tuna and grapeful are good things to be eating in the evening.  (also avoid cold and nasal decongestants later in the day). Try and establish a routine.  Go to bed only when sleepy Use the bedroom for sleeping (maybe sex), but not to work, watch TV If you are unable to sleep go to another room - read, watch TV, etc. until you are ready to sleep Set your alarm clock to wake up the same time each day - regardless of how you slept!! Take a hot bath (not a shower) an hour or two before bedtime. learn a relaxation technique, use this to help dispel worries and anxiety If your husband has unresolved emotional issues from earlier life, deal with these!! It may be that you have heard and tried all these before, but I do hope you both gain something of use out of the replies posted. Best wishes

I just posted a reply to Llwyncelyn but did not make it clear that it was for him, My apologies for this.  I hope that this clarifies it

Can I ask what region you live in? I am in Charente Maritime and would be pleased to arrange a joint visit for your hospital appointment, depending on travel.  Usually I would not be adverse to travelling further afield but christmas, 4 children, bricolage and family arriving!! .  For your medical documents if you are able to email them to me I would translate them for you.  As I am new to the forum, and you do not know me, - I will  an occupational Therapist with British and French State registration and I adhere to my code of conduct and ethics - that is to say I will respect your rights to confidentiality.  Please email me prior to sending them if you wish to clarify any points. I hope that your wife's medical condition improves in the meantime, and you manage to enjoy some of the festivities together. My best wishes to you both  

I have had difficulties in the past with medical professionals in France, I think predominantly this is to do with cultural differences, the approach here being far more authoritative/patriachal.  I did try (without success) to appeal to the essential humanity of the person involved but ended up taking my daughter elsewhere for treatment.  I am pleased to say that this worked out for the best.  It was noted on her file though that treatment had stopped due to my stopping it, even though it was the health 'professional' who refused to continue seeing her if I would not comply obediently with all his directives.  I think that your point about vunerability is spot on, in hospital (outpatient or in the community), I had dilemas about the consequences for my daughter, but felt I was looking out for her best interests.  If you are dependent on someone to help you and there is friction then this is not only stressful and upsetting, it also impacts on your ability to heal and ones ability to process information - whether this concerns something beyond your control or not.  I have been accompaning and advocating for people in their dealing with the health/education services here in S.W France, and generally I ensure criticisms/issues are directed my way, people therefore concentrate on their personal health issues and geting better. In general though my experience of health care services in France is that they are very good to excellent, even if they are rarely delivered with a light touch and a smile.  On your point about not getting test results from May 2006  I would advise you to write/have someone write (keep copies), as in the UK, if it is not written down, it didn't happen, here also, people can put down the phone and then just go on to dealing with the next situation.  I hope you resolve this situation quickly.   Best wishes

Hello slinky kitten I am interested in knowing more about your research project.  I have personal experience of health and education services for children with learning and physical disabilities in France and the UK. I am also an Occupational Therapist (Ergotherapeut), practicing here in France. You can email me if you wish to. Best wishes   

Hello David  I am an Ocupational Therapist with British and French State registration practising here in France, also reasonably new to the forum (a week or so).   There were no specific questions, in your post, regarding 'disability'  and I am unable to offer you support based on the shared personal experience you may be looking for, however, if you have particular issues that need addressing I would be pleased to offer any professional, objective, France related advice and support.  You (and other people), can contact me in the forums or email Best wishes

Thank you Susan and Andrew - 'poolguy' for your helpful advice - it all gives a bit more of an idea of whats involved. Poolguy - we are a way off from installing a liner, due to weather and need for pool at the moment (it is outdoors) but I would be interested in you giving a quote for the work needed, and if we can agree on that, then arranging a date in the new year to fit it (as well as other associated work).  We are not far from St Jean D'Y/Loulay.  

WJT.  Thank you for your post, I had a look at the link and found it helpful. Will now start to have a proper look at what is available.  Best wishes, John

We have an (16years)old pool approx 8x4 metres. The liner is now brittle and we are going to replace it.  Is anyone able to give us some idea of what we should expect to pay someone to supply and fit this properly.   Are there different types of liner ? What type would be the best.  What kind of guarantee should we expect Any further advice appreciated.  Best wishes

I am an occupational therapist setting up as a 'liberale' in January 2007 in Charente Maritime. I got my French state registered via my 'Direction Departmentale des Affaires Sanitaire et Sociale'.  They supplied me with a list of documentation requirements.  Once all my documents were translated they issued me with my ADELI number.  I found that using the local route enabled me to meet with the people responsible for ensuring my registration, clarify any points quickly, and meet French colleagues in a variety of settings.  Good luck with your registration. John ewens

I think that the question as to whether this is a good letter has been answered and I would have no additional comments to add to that end.  I would advise you to contact your professional body in France and make contact with your French colleagues, they will be able to give better advice on specific approaches to different employement opportunities.  They may also give you some idea of the cultural/professional differences you may expect to find here in france. (are there part time positions, do you work in isolation, part of a MDT,etc. In my profession (occupational therapy) there were a number of significant differences in approach/methodology and I was pleased to have joined a discussion forum prior to arriving in France.  I then went to meet French colleagues working in a variety of settings, all of which helped me to decide on the best way forward for me and my family.  Perhaps you could request a week or two at a particular place to gain further insight, you may have to consider 'insurance' issues for this, a way around it would be to register as a jobseeker at you local ANPE, then this gives you the option of a placement, which covers both you and the hospital.  Best wishes with your endeavours John Ewens

It depends on the nature on your business/profession.  Generally in France it should all be done officially (traducteur assermente),  however for the registration of a business it may not be so onerous, a quick call to your local chambre de commerce/metiers should clarify the requirements.  I am a british (and now also french) state registered Occupational Therapist.  I had to translate all my diplomas as well as the course syllabus, content of placements, grades, etc, etc. This had to be done by the traducteur assermente and cost me 350e in total.  20e per page was the price.   Good luck with the establishment of you business