Sometimes it's not about growing food...

Sometimes it's all about the community.

I am ill at the moment. Let me clarify that. I am EXTREMELY ill. I am currently residing in the Royal Brompton Hospital, Chelsea under the care of one of the leading lung specialists. There is a suspicion that they have identified what is wrong with me.

In the past few weeks I have twice seen my local GP (who said it was a lung infection and provided a course of anti-biotics - Amoxicillin) and once been rushed to St Georges A&E (who said it was a lung infection and proscribed a course of anti-biotics - Doxycycline), neither of which seemed to do anything. My breathing got worse. So last Tuesday (14th May) I was given a referral to the Royal Brompton, where upon the Doctor immediately admitted me.

The RB are one of the leading hospitals in the country for heart and lung conditions. So if these says say things are serious then who am I to argue. Turns out I have a lung infection. Which is exactly what the other doctors said... but not the right kind of infection.

There are various kinds. Viral infection (things like Influenza and Colds) are common. These are fought off by your bodies natural immune system. Though vaccinations help - I get the Flu jab every year and so far it's kept me well.

Then there are the bacterial kind of infections. These can be nasty. I've had them quite often in my life, because as an asthma sufferer I have a weakened lung respiratory system and can be prone to such things. These are easily fought with the above mentioned anti-biotics. A few days under a strict regimen and a steroid course to keep the inflammation at bay and I'm as right as rain.

Finally there are worst kind of infections. Fungal infections. Now these are rare. Most healthy people breath in thousands of fungal spores and they have no effect. But occasionally there is that one little spore than finds the nice warm damp conditions of the lungs are nice place to set up home.

Que the fungus Aspergillus, this gives rise to the condition Aspergillosis. It's not confirmed at the moment that this is the actual cause, but it is a highly likely culprit. Looking back at the blog however there is a correlation as to when the possible infection started, and it's all down to cleaning. Back in February I cleaned the greenhouse. It would seem that the effect of splashing the water up onto the roof by using the watering can may have cause the fungal spores to become airborne and allowed me to breath them in.

Which begs the question over health and safety down the plot. The other major concern for allotmenteers is of course, Tetanus. Of course cuts and scrapes can occur whilst working on the plot, so having some kind of first-aid kit seems like a really good move. It's really quite easy to put together a basic kit. Here is a quick break down of what I would consider to be an essential bit of kit for working down the plot.

• A mobile phone - These days this is pretty much a given. In the case of any major emergency a call to 999 can summon aid quick and effectively. But many allotments do not have official addresses or may be difficult to locate. Ensure you have accurate directions to guide the paramedics to your location.
• Antiseptic/antibacterial gel - An alcohol based gel or cleaning solution can sterilise wounds and stop infections. Make sure you clean your hands thoroughly before handling any food.
• Tweezers - a simple tweezer set are ideal for removing splinters.
• Small Mirror - perfect if you get something in your eye.
• Plasters - having a small range of plasters can cover over small cuts and wounds and keep them safe.
• Fresh water - if you don't have water on tap, then make sure you bring a supply with you. It is essential to be able to wash wounds clean in uncontaminated water.

There really is no need for anything more major. I mean, it's not like you're camping in the wilds.


So where does the community bit come in? Well for one thing, most of the people down the allotment are of the same mind. They care about their food. They care about their plants. And they care about other people at the allotment. And proof positive of this last sentiment is that many people have offered to help. I have had offers of help to help dig the weeds out and get the plot a bit more presentable. I have had offers to help water the seedlings that are currently sitting in the greenhouses. These offers are highly appreciated as the Wife is also in difficulties at the moment due to a bit of a back issue where she cannot lift or twist at present and as she doesn't drive it's hard for her to get to the plot with my being incapacitated.

Allotmenteering is not just for food. Sometimes it's a way of life. And when you have friends like this, life is good. No matter how ill you become.

Thank you all for your help.