Some may recall I paid some £2000 to see consultants about my aching legs and feet. I could not and still cannot walk more than 50-70 yards without stopping and waiting for the pain to lessen. In February 2025 I saw a spinal consultant and he suspected 'spinal stenosis' which requires an operation known as 'spinal decompression'. He referred me for an MRI scan but, as I have an internal defibrillator, it means a full cardiac team being in attendance at the scan. I was put on the waiting list in early April and waited, and waited, and waited. Finally I was told in February this year they'd had a cancellation and could I do 12th Feb. Of course, I can!!!
I duly had the scan (not a pleasant experience) and was told I'd be informed of the results today. Sho' 'nuff, I had a phone call this morning.

It seems I do indeed have moderate stenosis between my 4th and 5th vertebrae, but it is not considered serious enough for what is a risky operation. Basically I was told if they do nothing I won't end up in a wheelchair whereas if they do the operation there is a chance of that.

As I live alone, the mere thought of that is both terrifying and, I had already decided, just not an option but, given there's no guarantees, it appears I must just live with it and get on with life as best I can. Face it, there's loads of people worse off than me!

I'm booked to see the consultant in June this year (that's the earliest) probably to be 'signed off' and put any questions I have to him. When I saw his name was Mr. J. Bourne my first thought was "I hope it's not Jason"

Hey ho – getting old sucks big time but the alternative is worse, eh?

£74 doesn't sound bad for cartridges at all...? These days most printers are a loss leader, and they make the money on the ink.

Mine doesn't have a grey cast, just distorts colours slightly. Blues are particularly susceptible. Not a huge issue, and I still much prefer it to a inkjet. YMMV.

Quote from: njee20 on March 02, 2026, 09:31:09 PMYep, same. We do have an inkjet photo printer too, but the laser is so much less effort. The only issue I have with my (HP) laser is the colour recreation isn't great. Keep meaning to play with ICC profiles to try and get it better, but that feels like a whole rabbit hole I don't need to delve into!

I have the same problem with the colour laser printer.....

Despite having spent the time with the settings, I have not been able to get the colour recreation to my liking. Darker colours seems to gain a grey content when printed on the laser that I don't get with the inkjet printer. ICC profiles don't seem to make that much of a difference. At least with the inkjet I can play with all the settings for each of the 6 ink cartridges.

Mind you, a set of genuine cartridges costs about £74.00!

Thanks
Phil H

Yep, same. We do have an inkjet photo printer too, but the laser is so much less effort. The only issue I have with my (HP) laser is the colour recreation isn't great. Keep meaning to play with ICC profiles to try and get it better, but that feels like a whole rabbit hole I don't need to delve into!

Quote from: GlenEglise on March 02, 2026, 08:26:57 PMnot everyone has access to an "old ALPS"

True, but colour laser printers are readily available at the consumer end of the market. I got rid of our inkjet printers years ago in favour of a colour laser.  More economical,  doesn't suffer blocked jets, and copes with irregular use in the household    If I didn't have the ALPS I'd be using the laser printer.

Quote from: ntpntpntp on March 02, 2026, 09:50:17 AMI must admit I'm not a fan of inkjet decal paper (or producing decals that way), it tends to be thicker film in order to absorb the ink and requires perfect sealing to prevent bleed.

Long live my old ALPS

Bur not everyone has access to an "old ALPS"

GE

got my 15 years service award at work to day Lunch with the big boss and £200 bonus

 

Just fixed my gas price for the next 12 months 

This topic has been moved to Track, points and underlay


https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?msg=878857

I must admit I'm not a fan of inkjet decal paper (or producing decals that way), it tends to be thicker film in order to absorb the ink and requires perfect sealing to prevent bleed.

Long live my old ALPS