Table of contents for 12-Jan-2017 in Chat

We were told his leg would have to be amputated The doctor reckoned Paul performed a textbook op Had it really come to this? My husband Paul, 59, took a deep breath… before cutting off two of his toes. ‘Are you sure you don’t want any painkillers, pet?’ I asked. ‘No,’ he shook his head firmly. ‘Just a hand towel to bite down on.’ It was last September. The November before, Paul had spent a Saturday morning helping our son Rick, 30, fix his car. Two of our three lads still live with us. Rick is saving to get his own place, as is Josh, 27, while their younger brother Isaac, 20, is away at university studying Photography. ‘There’s no place like home, Mum,’ Rick’s always saying. We live right…

‘Erm,it’s a bit... personal’ Sleep sweats QI keep waking with night sweats and by morning my nightie and sheets are drenched. What’s wrong? Eunice, 64 A Anxiety is a possible cause, if you've things on your mind. Other possibilities include an infection, or the side effect of drugs such as antidepressants. Rarely, blood disorders or a kind of cancer called lymphoma can be to blame. Ask your doctor for a blood test. Surgery fears QI have gallstones, but I’m terrified of surgery. Is there any other way that I could get rid of them? Doris, 75 A Gallstones are hard, cholesterol lumps that form in your gall bladder. Often they cause no symptoms, but if you're in pain or have liver problems then an operation is usually your best bet,…

Paramedics had a job to get me into the ambulance I’ll take her!’ I declared. A colleague had just shown me a pic of her cute Shorkie – shih-tzu/Yorkshire terrier cross – Kacie, 1. She was moving away and needed a new home for the pup. Recently single, I figured Kacie would be good company for me and my sons, aged 8 and 7. After collecting Kacie on 17 May last year, I stocked up on pet supplies. Browsing, I spotted a metal stake. Sharp at one end, you stabbed it into grass to tie your dog to. I’m in a block of four flats with a shared back yard. This would be perfect for stopping Kacie darting under the fence. Affectionate Kacie soon settled in, and my boys doted…

It was serious. She’d have AVM for the rest of her life Her message was that real beauty comes from within ‘Help me!’ I cried, playing make-believe with my daughter Nikki, 6. She giggled, pretended to put a spell on me. Nikki never wanted to be princess – always the wicked witch! Her brother Alex, 13, and sister Natasha, 10, felt too grown-up for her games, so I was always the damsel in distress. Nikki was happy-go-lucky, with so much energy. My husband George, 50, and I could hardly keep up. She did ballet, gymnastics and football. One afternoon, picking her up from football, the coach said she’d been hit in the face by the ball. ‘I’m fine!’ Nikki smiled. But, two weeks on, blue veins appeared on her right…

 ‘Mum, look!’ said my son Ethan, 9, pointing to the dog flap he’d just noticed in the back door of our new house. We’d had dogs before, but not for a couple of years. He still has the same gorgeous expression! And the last one was a bouncing springer spaniel Wizzy who left us all worn out. ‘Please can we get another one?’ begged Ethan’s twin sister Leah. I agreed. ‘But we’re getting a lazier breed!’ I warned. We decided on a Basset hound. I’d always loved their cute droopy faces. We found a breeder and chose a male pup, and in May 2013, we went to pick him up... We ended up with one of his sisters, too! Duke and Daisy became part of the family. The kids adored…

1 Cross the Golden Gate Bridge Take a round-city tour and get off to walk across the world's most photographed bridge. On the other side, hop on a bus to explore the charming seaside town of Sausalito. 2 Ride the cable cars Be prepared to queue, and once on, hang on tight as the historic cars are pulled up and down the hills by under-road cables. At the terminus, the conductor and gripman get out and push the cars around to face the right way on a revolving platform. 3 Encounter sea lions Down on Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf, you can smell and hear them well before you see them basking on the docks! 4 Get locked up Take the boat trip out to Alcatraz Island in the Bay.…

He controlled our finances, what we ate, who I could be friends with... I was in shock. He’d raped me in front of our daughter I felt like the cat that had got the cream. I was 17, and the guy I had a crush on had asked me out. All my friends fancied James Upton, then 20. Such a charmer, with dark eyes and a flirty smile, he was gorgeous. And he liked me! After a few dates, we became a couple. I couldn’t believe my luck. But quickly, I noticed James wasn’t as perfect as he seemed. He had a short temper, and he’d fly off the handle at the smallest things. I soon learnt to keep my mouth shut just to keep the peace. Five months into…

Serves: 10 Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min 1 x 375g roll puff pastry 1 medium egg yolk 2tsp milk 1tsp caster sugar 300ml double cream 150g ready-made custard 500g strawberries 1 Preheat oven to 190C/ Gas 5, and lightly grease a baking tray. 2 Unroll pastry onto a lightly floured surface and cut into five 8cm strips lengthways, then cut these in half to make 10 rectangles. Place on baking tray. 3 Mix egg yolk with milk and brush over pastry, sprinkle over caster sugar, then bake for 10 min until golden-brown and risen. Allow to cool. 4 Whip cream until thick, then fold in custard. Wipe, hull and slice strawberries. 5 Split pastries in half, and arrange strawberries over bottom halves. Top with custard cream mix. Put on…

I kept forgetting things and was easily distracted My throat was so swollen and sore, I could barely speak. It was August 2013, and I had a really aggressive throat infection. A few weeks on, I started recovering, but I noticed a small lump on the front of my neck. I went to see my GP, who ordered an ultrasound. I was only 31, and healthy, so I had no reason to fear anything. But weeks on, I got the results... ‘I’m afraid you’ve got thyroid cancer,’ a consultant explained. I was in complete shock. The doctor said as it’d been caught early, it could be treated. ‘You’ll need surgery to remove your thyroids,’ he went on. After taking in the news, I phoned my dad Simon, 64. He was…

Words of encouragement I'd like to convey to Jill Parish ( I taped hubby's romps with a waitress , 28 July issue) that she's a very brave woman. I'm sad for her husband, who should be pitied rather than reviled. I think he'll regret the choice he made as he grows older, and will miss the comfort of a loving wife and family. All praise to her for giving the marriage another go, but now she can be sure of her decision. All the best to her. Georgina Clydesdale, via e-mail Hanky panky ‘I can’t believe you bought a handkerchief,’ scoffed my partner Paul. ‘I know you’re 40, but they’re for grannies!’ I was really confused until he came in dangling the ‘hanky’ on his finger. It was…

Charles Worthington Volume & Bounce Body Booster Mousse, £5.99, Boots Apply to damp hair - especially good for curly tresses. Top tip: Work into the underside of locks for extra lift. Herbal Essences Daily Detox Volume Crimson Orange & Mint Shampoo, £3.99, Superdrug Free from parabens and silicones, this deep cleanses for extra bouncy locks. Top tip: Mint makes this super soothing. Dove Advanced Hair Series Oxygen Moisture Root Lift Spray, £6.29, Boots Spray onto wet or dry hair at the roots to add body and fullness. Top tip: Blow-dry with a round barrel brush for extra lift. Pantene In-Shower Foam Conditioner, £3.99, Superdrug Designed for fine hair, the formula nourishes tresses without weighing them down. Top tip: Avoid heavy hair masks and use lighter products instead.…

1 Preheat oven to 200C/Gas 6. 2 Peel, then cut 700g King Edward potatoes into chunks, and cook in boiling water for 10-12 min until tender. Drain, return to pan, and mash with a knob of butter, 50ml milk and plenty of salt and pepper. 3 Cook 250g kale in boiling water for 3 min, then drain, roughly chop half, and stir into mash. 4 Heat 1tbsp oil in a frying pan and fry 450g sausagemeat, a sliced onion and a cored and sliced eating apple for 4-5 min, breaking up sausagemeat. 5 Stir in remaining kale and transfer to an oven-proof dish. Spoon over kale mash and bake for 30 min until golden. Serves: 4 Cost per head: £1.06…

My heart was in my mouth as I watched Relaxing with a game of bingo, excitement fizzed through me. ‘I’ve won!’ I called out to my partner Wayne, 35. ‘Again!’ It was earlier this year and I’d just won a £1,000 jackpot playing Chat Mag Bingo! I’d bought tickets for 90-ball bingo in Sapphire and got a full house. And it wasn’t my first win, because in December 2014, I won £1,409 playing Lounge Bingo. Then, I’d won £3,202 on the bingo... And now this £1,000 win! Wayne and I were expecting our first baby, so we spent it on things for the littl’un. Our baby arrived two months on. After his paternity leave, Wayne went back to work. A couple of times a week, I’d pop over to my…

One of the most infamous serial killers of all time, Ted Bundy terrorised America in the 1970s. Driving across the country, he murdered at least 30 women, but it’s believed the true total is much higher. In 2012 – 23 years after Bundy went to the electric chair – his defence lawyer publicly admitted, ‘He said he killed more than 100 people, and not only women.’ But it was women who were Bundy’s main prey. An intelligent and good-looking man, like many psychopaths Bundy was charming. That was why, when he approached women in broad daylight feigning injury or pretending to be a figure of authority, they’d believe him. It was only when they were alone that Bundy’s true nature would come out. Other victims would wake in the night…

Technology matched two hairs in Adams’ car to Mary’s DNA THE CRIME When nurse Mary Louise Wallace, 33, vanished overnight detectives knew just where to start their investigation. But it would be a very long time before justice was finally served… THE STORY Australian nurse Mary Louise Wallace was reported as missing in September 1983. She hadn’t been seen since she left the Alpine Inn wine bar in Crows Nest, New South Wales in the early hours of 24 September. Mary, 33, had spent the night with friends, and was last seen getting into local carpenter Robert John Adams’ car. Adams had already faced three allegations of rape in the 1970s, and received one conviction. In the first incident, in 1975, the court heard how he’d placed his hands around…

 She’s perfect!’ I gasped, cradling my newborn Elsa, on 24 June 2014. The muscle-wasting disease had no cure. Devastating Now we’re fundraising for the children’s hospice She was beautiful, but on the small side, weighing 5lb 6oz. But her big sister Olivia, 2, had been just 5lb 3oz, so I wasn’t too concerned. Back home, two days on, my hubby, Gareth, 44, and I were so contented. Elsa was thriving, until, at 7 months, she developed bronchiolitis. Wheezing and coughing, she was struggling to breathe. Then, overnight, in December 2014, her skin turned grey, and we rushed her to A&E at Rotherham General Hospital. She was ventilated quickly, and antibiotics cleared the infection a week later. Back home, we thought she just needed time to recover. But Elsa was no…

He didn’t stop. I desperately wanted to leave James, but he absolutely terrified me Before saying our vows, I was shaking with nerves. Just pre-marriage jitters, I thought, convincing myself it was normal. At our reception at a local village hall, James and I got into a row over something silly. He dragged me to a back room to scream at me. The doubts in my mind resurfaced. Would James ever change? But married life seemed to make him worse. And one evening before bed, he had a familiar, evil look in his eye. Launching at me, he pushed me to the bed and raped me. I told him to stop, but it was no use. He looked at me with hatred, and began punching the pillow next to my…

GUILTY! In November 2016, Justin Ross Harris was found guilty of murdering his son. He was also convicted of seven other counts, including child cruelty for leaving Cooper in the car, and sex crimes related to texts he sent to a 16-year-old. In December he was sentenced to life without parole. However, his lawyers say they intend to file a motion for a new trial. Leanna has since posted to Facebook about her little boy, writing: Nothing will ever feel worse than living with the knowledge that his pain and his death could have been prevented… I pray YOU never have to walk this path .…

I staggered backwards as his knuckles collided with my cheek Now I live in fear that I’ll meet my attacker in the street It was a warm evening in May 2016 and I was on my way home. I decided to pop into the Cyns Tavern in Little Hulton to see my friend Jayne. I don’t drink, but I just wanted a quick catch-up. But when I got to the pub, there was a man standing in the door. I knew his name, as he was a regular – Dale Powell. We’d never spoken to each other, though. ‘Excuse me,’ I said politely. Instead of moving out of my way, he stayed put and glared at me. Weird... Then, before I had the chance to utter another word, the man’s…

The majority of babies born with ACD die within weeks We celebrated her first birthday with a huge party! Looking down at my baby girl, my heart swelled with love. ‘She’s beautiful,’ I gushed to my husband Jason, 27. ‘I know – we’re so lucky,’ he said. I’d longed for one more baby after having Aliessia, 11, and Sonny, 8. And now, in November 2015, Imogen had arrived. My dream had come true. We quickly settled into life as a family of five, and Imogen slotted into our daily routines perfectly. Life was hard work, but I loved every second. I had three happy, healthy kids – what more could any mum ask for? Then, one night when Imogen was 3 months old, she fell unwell. I thought she just…

With the medication and comfort eating, I put on 4st 7lb I was hooked – and felt stronger, physically and mentally Walking through the front door after a 12-hour nursing shift, I was nearly knocked down by my little grandson. ‘Nan!’ Jack, then 5, shrieked as I scooped him up for a hug. I reckoned the best part of getting older was having grandkids. Me and my hubby Garf, 61, had seven all living nearby. Luckily, only in my 50s, I was full of energy – a regular Supergran! But then, in December 2010, I noticed blood in my underwear, although I’d been through the menopause nearly 10 years earlier. When it continued, I mentioned the spotting to a colleague, who said it wasn’t uncommon. But, after six months, I…

Bye, Mum!’ cried my eldest daughter Chloe, 12, as she and her sister Emily, 9, headed out the front door to school. ‘Bye, girls,’ I smiled wearily, propping baby Olivia, 4 months, on my hip. As a single mum, up several times a night with the baby, I was exhausted. Yawning, I shut my British bulldog Milly and Lhasa apso Archie in the kitchen and trudged upstairs. I put Olivia in her cot beside my bed. She was sleeping soundly at last. Within minutes of stripping off and snuggling back down underneath my duvet, I was in a deep sleep, when... BEEP, BEEP, BEEP! Struggling to come round, I realised it was the smoke alarm! I ran downstairs. In the kitchen, smoke was everywhere. I opened the French windows, and…

It’s a natural product that often goes to waste I’m not involved in ‘the donation’, as we call it I spooned out a good old dollop of a certain white, sticky substance. And then I proceeded to gently rub it all over my cheeks. I realise to some this may sound revolting, but semen’s my magic potion. You see, since birth I’ve had a condition called rosacea. It causes permanent redness on my cheeks and nose, and my poor skin reacts to the slightest agitation. Self-conscious as a child, I desperately wanted to hide my face. Growing up, I applied make-up to cover my bright-red cheeks. So I tried all kinds of creams, gels and ointments aimed at reducing the redness. A vegetarian from the age of 5, I tried…

No-one knew how deep it was, how long it had been there or where it led, if anywhere. But, 900 years ago, in the mountains to the north of Prague in the modern-day Czech Republic, a hole was found in the earth, so big it didn’t seem to have a bottom. It seemed to plunge downwards into the bowels of the earth, into the fiery heart of the planet… Soon, rumours were spreading, that terrifying monsters had been seen crawling out of the hole, some with the half-bodies of men, others with wings. The people who lived near the mountains were scared. So they went to King Ottokar II of Bohemia, nicknamed ‘the Iron King’ for his strength in battle. He sent a team to investigate the hole, perhaps just…

Aries 21 March - 20 April How do you make a tough job easier? Get someone to help! The problem is not in finding a volunteer - no shortage of those - but in overcoming your own stubbornness. Why struggle on alone when there’s no need to? Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May You could buy cheap, and save money, or splash out and buy the best, which will not only delight you but will last a long time. So that makes it an investment rather than an extravagance. So it’s a no-brainer, really. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Being part of a team means you can’t just do whatever you want. You have to get the…

SCARE BEAR Two tiny guard dogs saw off a grizzly bear! Bentley and Tucker jumped and barked from their gated yard in Bradbury, California, until the bear sloped off. Owner Christine Downs filmed their bravery. ‘They do not back down when they see a bear,' she said. FALSE EVIDENCE We've heard of being caught by the Ghoulies, but how about the gnashers? A burglar, 39, in Fedory, Belarus, was quickly arrested after he left behind vital clues at several houses he'd raided, including a coat and a set of false teeth! SEVENTH HEAVEN Bobbi and Kenny McCaughey made history in 1997 when they became parents to the world's first surviving set of septuplets. Now siblings Kelsey, Alexis, Brandon, Natalie, Kenny Jr., Joel and Nathan have graduated from high school in…