Table of contents for 13-Oct-2016 in Chat

Googling Dr Patwardhan, I read he was a renowned consultant gynaecologist. Just what I needed. It was late 2009, I’d endured crippling gynaecological pain since a trauma in my childhood, and suffered 21 devastating miscarriages to have my two kids Holly, then 2, and Harry, 1. I’d had endless operations. One of my specialists had retired, so I chose Dr Patwardhan, and at my appointments he was friendly and supportive. Only, he became increasingly over-familiar. Hugs goodbye, kisses on the cheek, patting my bum. Creepy. It made me feel very uncomfortable. Then, during one appointment, he said I needed a breast examination. ‘I just had a mammogram,’ I told him. But he insisted. He made me take my top off, bend over the examination bed. Then he started touching and…

GUILTY! Jurors took less than two days to agree James Keown was guilty of first-degree murder for slowly poisoning his wife with antifreeze. In July 2008, he was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Judge Sandra Hamlin commented on the cruel way James had planned his attack and allowed his wife to suffer a slow and painful death. ‘I am truly in the presence of an evil person,’ she said. Julie’s mum Nancy also addressed the court before Keown was led away to his jail cell. ‘The only person he loved was himself. All the rest of it was just a facade,’ she said.…

It wasn't long before the abusive texts started... My family, friends Ð everyone Ð had seen the videos They say friendship is the best foundation for a loving relationship. So, when romance bloomed with Francis Cox, 42, I thought we’d go the distance. We’d met online in 2008, were mates for a year before getting together, then marrying in 2010. The first year was wedded bliss. Weekends away, cosy nights in. Only Francis started spending more and more time down the pub. ‘Maybe you shouldn’t go out as much,’ I’d say to him sometimes. ‘I’m fine,’ Francis insisted. As weekends away stopped, rows started. He became controlling, accused me of cheating, texted if I was out, demanding to know where I was. Yet he only seemed interested in me for…

It was an amazing surprise… ‘You’re pregnant,’ my GP told me. I’d only gone for a routine blood test, so I was absolutely flabbergasted. See, at 17, I’d been diagnosed with a benign brain tumour on my pituitary gland. It wasn’t cancerous, but I had to have regular checkups, and doctors believed it might affect my fertility. So my husband Craig, 36, and I had accepted we’d probably never have kids. But now this! ‘It’s a miracle!’ Craig beamed. But then, at my 12-week scan… ‘There’s some fluid at the back of your baby’s neck,’ a doctor said. He explained it meant the baby could have genetic problems. He couldn’t tell us more, but thought it unlikely our baby would survive another two weeks. I was distraught, and we refused…

1 Heat 1tsp sunflower oil in a lidded pan. Add 100g thinly sliced chorizo sausage and 1 chopped onion and cook for 2-3 min. 2 Add 2 skinless, cubed chicken breasts and cook for 3-4 min until lightly browned on all sides. Stir in 225g easy-cook, long-grain rice, 450ml hot chicken stock and 250g bottle of Newman's Own Spicy Cajun Sauce. Cover and simmer for 15 min, stirring occasionally. 3 Add 1 red and 1 green pepper, seeded and cubed, 50g frozen peas, 5 chopped spring onions, and another 150g chicken stock. Stir well, cover and cook for 8-10 min until rice is tender and most of liquid has been absorbed. 4 Stir in 150g cooked, peeled prawns and heat through, then serve garnished with a chopped spring onion. Serves:…

Just chillin’! My son Finn couldn't wait for some downtime when we went on holiday to Cyprus recently. Well, being 18 months old is exhausting! Jade Murphy, Walsall Mirror,mirror...  …who's the fairest of them all? It's a draw as both Snow Whites - my daughters Kiaana, 6, and Kaycee, 6 months - are beautiful! Vicky Lee, Ashford Little reader She's only 5 months old, but my Darcie can't wait for her weekly Chat magazine. Dawn Nicholson, Stockton-on-Tees…

When we were taken to see him, I tried to mask my horror for Paul's sake He lay there joking: reckoned he'd needed more iron in his diet! When I arrived home from work, my husband Paul had already left for his ride. Paul loved to go out on his motorcycle, and was a member of a local club called the Real Scunny Bikers. He’d told me he was going for a ride with them that evening, so I knew he’d already gathered his helmet and leathers before zooming off. Me, I preferred a bit of peace and quiet to the roar of the roads. ‘Walkies!’ I called to our whippet-saluki-collie cross Milly. Before long, we were taking a relaxing stroll through local fields. But as we were wandering along…

A doctor diagnosed me with body dysmorphia Barbie – that’s who I’d modelled myself on… I had the bleach-blonde hair and curvy figure. My wardrobe was full of candy-pink clothes. My fake tan was always topped up and I never went out without a full face of make-up – false eyelashes and all. I attracted lots of attention – not all of it positive – but I didn’t care because I loved how I looked. At 18, I was bubbly, outgoing and completely comfortable in my own skin. In June 2011, that confidence took me to the auditions for the next series of Channel 5’s Big Brother. I’d loved the show since it started on Channel 4 in 2000, and had dreamed of becoming a housemate. After three months of…

In 2011, police investigated a possible link between Trevaline's disappearance and serial killer Robin Ligus. Ligus was sentenced to life for the 1994 murder of a man in nearby Shropshire, then detained indefinitely after he was found guilty of killing two other men in the same year. One victim, Trevor Bradley, 53, was an antiques dealer, whose body was found in a burned-out car. He was a similar age as Trevaline, and in the same profession. A year later, police ruled out any connection.…

Listening to pop music was one of the ways she distracted herself We wanted Kirby's funeral to be a celebration of her life Sitting on the sofa, my daughter Kirby Scoular, 17, was glued to her laptop. ‘Are you still watching Miley Cyrus videos?’ I teased. ‘She’s amazing,’ Kirby gushed. ‘I’m a rebel just like her.’ I laughed. Kirby, the second oldest of my four kids, was about as far from a rebel as you could get. She was a ray of sunshine, brightening up any room. Kirby loved life, which was amazing considering the challenges she faced. Days after Kirby was born, in June 1995, she was diagnosed with a heart defect called tetralogy of Fallot. Doctors told me and her dad that she’d need several operations to increase…

What I loved Poldark. Strictly. X-Factor. Poldark. Cold Feet. Poldark. Oh, and did I mention Poldark? What hacked me off Hearing that this year's weather means we can expect a mass invasion of daddy longlegs…EEEK! Fill those cracks around the window frames NOW! What made me laugh A mate saying her 8-year-old found her furry handcuffs and sparkly mask at the bottom of her wardrobe, so she told him she was a secret superhero… Hope your powers are at their finest this week!…

As I heaved myself up from bed, my bump felt bigger and heavier than ever. I was 32 weeks pregnant, and so excited for the arrival of our second child. ‘You’re a heavy little lump,’ I whispered to my belly. From down the hall, I could hear my son Isaac, now 3, was awake. Time to get dressed. But, as I reached for my socks, I caught sight of my ankles. Overnight, they’d swollen to four times their normal size. I’d heard about pregnancy ‘cankles’, but this was ridiculous. And alarm bells started going off in my head when colleagues advised me to call my midwife. ‘Go straight to hospital to get checked,’ the midwife told me. I knew that swelling can be a sign of pre-eclampsia – dangerously high…

When my fiance Duncan Murdoch, 29, proposed in October last year, I couldn’t have been happier. ‘This is the best day of my life!’ I told him. I couldn’t stop staring at the beautiful solitaire diamond and palladium ring he’d given me, with the word Forever inscribed on the inside. He was a student at the time, so he must’ve saved hard for it. I wore it everywhere, except when I went rowing – one of my hobbies – as I didn’t want to damage it. But one day, in July this year, I was rowing in Bristol Harbour when I realised I was still wearing the ring. So I asked one of my crew mates if she’d mind putting it in her bag for safekeeping. Trouble was, when we’d…

Starbucks Cafe Latte, 220ml, £1.60 Very creamy, mild flavour and needs no extra sugar, it makes a tasty change from a hot coffee. On the minus side, the froth disappeared far too fast! Nescafe Shakissimo Latte Cappuccino, 190ml, £1.40 With a really thick, creamy consistency, this is rather like a coffee milkshake. Not so much a pick-me-up coffee, more of an after-dinner treat. Emmi Caffe Latte Cappuccino, 230ml, £1.40 Shake well before opening to give it a good, frothy head. Best served icy-cold, it has a creamy flavour without being overpowering. Fairly sweet, so no need to add sugar. NEW Baxter's Deli Toppers, £1.49 each Wake up your salads and sarnies with these crunchy, pickled veggies. Choose from Red Slaw, Spicy Slaw, Jalapenos and Red Onion.…

Serves: 6 Prep: 15 min + standing Cook: 40 min 25g butter, plus extra for greasing 8 thin slices bread 50g chocolate chips 350ml salted caramel milkshake 50ml double cream 2 free-range eggs 25g granulated sugar 1 Preheat oven to 180C/Gas 5 and grease 6 ramekins. 2 Cut crusts from bread, spread one side with butter, cut into 2cm squares and arrange a layer of bread, buttered-side up, in bottom of ramekins. Scatter with chocolate chips, then repeat layers twice, finishing with a layer of bread. 3 Warm milkshake and cream in a pan, but don't let it boil. 4 Whisk eggs with three-quarters of sugar. Add warm milkshake mixture, strain into a jug and then pour into ramekins. Sprinkle with remaining sugar and leave to stand for 30 min.…

I was looking for her, while she'd been trying to find me! I was 12 years old when I found out that I was adopted – I’d overheard my mum, Jenny Clark, confiding in a friend she’d bumped into on the bus into town. When we got home, I asked her about it. I wasn’t angry, just curious. Mum told me that my birth mum, who was called Monica Smith, had been deaf and couldn’t speak so she’d struggled to care for me. She also revealed that I had an older brother and sister, Peter and Annette. Growing up as an only child, I’d always wanted a sister. Knowing I had one out there somewhere was so strange. Mum was frightened I’d want to find my birth family. But, at…

Tilly now has the confidence to explore safely Before our little Tilly arrived on 27 January 2009, me and my hubby David, 50, were excited to become parents. David had two kids already, but it was the first time for me. Soon all that turned to worry, when she was born prematurely at 28 weeks, just 1lb 13oz. It was a difficult birth and Tilly suffered brain bleeds, four on the left side and two on the right. ‘She’ll have some kind of disability,’ the doctor told us. But we didn’t have time to dwell, as things soon got worse. Tilly continued to bleed so badly we thought we’d lose her. But she found the strength to fight on. Doctors continued to run tests and diagnosed her with cerebral palsy…

1 Be a thrill-seeker With its jaw-dropping rides, Alton Towers is great fun for all ages. Don't miss the newest virtual-reality rollercoaster Galactica - it's like flying through space! Make a weekend of it and stay in the Enchanted Village in a Woodland Lodge or Treehouse. 2 Try a new dining experience Still at the theme park, order by iPad at the Rollercoaster Restaurant, then watch your food travel to your table down mini rollercoasters! 3 Admire spectacular scenery Outside Alton Towers, take a stroll through lovely woodland at Dimmingsdale, or hire a bike and cycle the disused railway track from Oakamoor to Denstone. 4 Take the train The 11-mile ride on the Churnet Valley Railway takes you through countryside known as ‘Little Switzerland'. The Moorlander dining train runs on…

Aries 21 March - 20 April This could be one of those times where you do something that seems like a good idea, but when you look back, you realise it wasn’t and you could’ve done better. It’s OK, nobody notices. Pick yourself up and carry on. Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May If you’re thinking that the past was better than what you’ve got now, it just shows that you need to move on or make changes. The past had problems, too, so don’t try to go back. Time only moves one way - forwards. Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June If at first you don’t succeed, try and try again. You weren’t ready the first time,…

WHAT THE CLUCK?! Ever wish you could smell like a family feast bucket? Us neither. Yet when KFC released a limited-edition fried-chicken scented suncream, it was snapped up within two hours. Fowl! OH B&#%!@KS! Russian vlogger Boroda Dead realised he'd made a right balls-up when he decided to encase his goolies in plaster for an ‘experiment'. After the cast heated up to 70C, he tried to free himself with a chisel, a saw and even a power drill. Yeouch! BOG DIVER Over in Norway, a man tried to retrieve his pal's phone from an outhouse toilet. But, climbing in feet first, he couldn't get out and spent an hour stuck in the stinky contents before being rescued by firemen. (OLD) MAN ON THE RUN Wanted drug dealer Shaun Miller managed…

After calling my name, a nurse led me into the gynaecologist’s office at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Woolwich. ‘What can I do for you?’ Dr Patwardhan smiled. It was 31 July 2008 and I’d been referred to Dr Patwardhan because I wanted another baby. I’d been sterilised years earlier after I’d had my three kids, then 11, 9 and 4. But now my new partner and I hoped the procedure could be reversed. Dr Patwardhan was a lead consultant, and had worked at the hospital when I’d had my youngest. He’d always seemed friendly and professional. Trustworthy. His relaxed manner instantly put me at ease. ‘What are our chances?’ I asked. We discussed my medical history and my partner’s. ‘I’ll have to examine you,’ he said, instructing me to turn…

Dolly style   Pictures of mirrors and paintings cut out from magazines and catalogues make great finishing touches for styling your doll's house. Think chic, think style, think elegance. Why should your dolls live with anything less? Jodie Giblin, Rhosddu Drip-free lollies   Slot your lolly stick through a paper cupcake case to catch any drips before they make a sticky mess on your fingers. Angela Clifton, Felixstowe Dino din-dins   Turn sausages and mash into a stegosaurus. It gives my grandson the appetite of a T-Rex! J Iles, Bristol Smalls storage Empty undies packets are great for storing hair accessories. Hang them in a wardrobe so you can co-ordinate with clothes. Jackie Wilson, Basingstoke Garden galoshes All I paid for this pair of children's wellies in a charity shop…

Bleach safety Q Is it safe to clean with bleach at home? I've read that the fumes can be dangerous. Krys, 31 A Chlorine in bleach is a powerful chemical, which can irritate your eyes, throat, lungs and skin, but should be perfectly safe provided you follow the instructions. Simply being able to smell it doesn't mean it's harmful. But don't mix it with other cleaners, as this can release dangerous fumes. What’s this lump? QA smooth, pea-sized lump inside my lower lip burst, but came back. I'm terrified it's cancer. Grisella, 39 Kids' bit! Eye wonder Q My newborn baby has beautiful blue eyes, but my husband's and mine are brown. When will we know what colour hers will be? Tara, 33 A Babies are often born with pale…

I'd fib to my boyfriend that I'd not eaten all day, then we'd get a takeaway I bumped into an old school friend, and she didn't recognise me at all! As someone passed another tray of chocolate muffins around the office, I couldn’t resist. ‘Oh, go on then,’ I grinned, licking my lips. I didn’t care that it was my fourth cake of the morning. I was 17 and worked in a busy call centre. It was a stressful job, but the constant flow of sweet treats always perked me up. Only, it was starting to take its toll on my waistline. I’ve always been on the large side, as have some of my family. ‘We’re just born to be big,’ I’d say to my mum Penny, now 49. Over…

C Masking Evil, When arol Anne Davis, author of Good Men and W omen Turn Criminal , says, ‘Lundgren beat his children, battered his wife and er. He committed mass sexually assaulted a co-work murder , yet remained convinced he was serving God. I have considerable sympathy for his son Damon, who will spend his life in jail. I suspect a British jury would have tak en his youth and appalling childhood into account, and the fact that he was ordered to play his part in the killings by his brutal and tyrannical father…

Gripping stuff! Me and my mum had been trying to open a tin of worktop oil for months. And then your mag came to our rescue. You published a tip from Anita Saunders (25 August issue). She suggested using a nutcracker on difficult bottles. It worked like a treat. Anita, you're a genius! Suzanne Fenna, Wallasey Kitchen chaos There isn’t a thing I’d change about my husband, Richard. We’ve been together 50 years and I love him to bits. He’s a fantastic cook, but I laughed when I saw this sign, as that’s my Richard to a tee. When he cooks, he uses every bowl, pans and utensil we own! Irene Emerson, Grimsby Your say I was moved by Jenna Brown’s story Fat Fight To Save My Sight! (1 September…

Annette says, ‘From a young age, I knew I was adopted. I grew up an only child, but had loving adoptive parents. It wasn't until years later, seeing people being reunited on TV's Long Lost Family , that I looked for my birth mum. Last March, I met Monica, Peter and Auntie Jennifer. When Jennifer told me that I had a younger sister, Heather, I was desperate to find her. After a year of getting nowhere, I turned to Facebook and found her in just two days. Meeting her was amazing. Now we're constantly in touch and looking forward to our families meeting soon.'…

Did she know that she'd never be coming back? The police had taken 330 statements, checked 1,500 names, logged and eliminated 685 cars. They’d raked through rivers and canals, searched mineshafts and caves. But hadn’t found a single trace of Trevaline Evans. All they had was the note she’d stuck on the door of the shop she ran on Church Street, Llangollen. BACK IN 2 MINUTES But she never returned. It was Saturday, 16 June 1990. Trevaline was 52. She got to her shop, Attic Antiques, early and parked just 30 yards from the front door. That morning, 25 people came in looking for gifts, trinkets and keepsakes. Some were her friends. And Trevaline made plans to meet a few that evening. Her husband Richard was away renovating their holiday…