[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

Thanks BPcyclist. Most of the time at this hospital I get pretty good to great care. My psych dx follows me but it is a hospital that handles a lot of psych cases and my pdoc is a bulldog who will fight really hard for her patients. She's worked with me with several specialists for different things. I'm on an MAOI and have had surgery several times so there's been a lot of co-operation between surgery, anesthesia and psych to keep me safe. I've had some great anesthesiologists and surgeons who've been really respectful and cooperative with the MAOI and need for extra monitoring.

But.......this GI is apparently really bad. I don't think I'm even going to go back when I finish my elimination diet. I can start there with another dr and it will take the same amount of time to get in to another dr. as this one.

I did get my gallbladder out 2 years ago. I just meant you have to touch your patient to find out if there is pain sometimes (which you obviously know .

The worst thing that happened with mental health bias was actually a pdoc. I went into the regular hospital with a pretty good lithium toxicity and was in there 3 or 4 days. The general floors were full so I was stuck, ironically, on GI. They had no clue and admitted it freely. For some reason the intern cut most of my psych meds in half and took me off 4 mg of klonopin cold turkey. I couldn't sleep and knew I'd be withdrawing soon so when the pdoc came in I was thrilled because I knew he'd help. Not only did he not change my meds he walked out while I was still talking. I complained, he responded with a letter stating I had encephalopathy and was confused. I did not have encephalopathy and I was no confused. I was angry because he wouldn't listen and I knew what I was going to go through.

I'm scared that complaint will be similar and I'll just be accused of being confused or not knowing what was going on. But I think I have to complain.

Yikes, I've talked too much. This is just something I'm passionate about. I always thought I'd eventually change from OT to mental health advocacy or that I could do advocacy part time while on disability. It hasn't worked out but maybe someday.

What happened with the clozaril?

I hope you don't mind my commenting. I am so very sorry this has happened to you. I am sure it happens a lot.

I have had it happen before, within the medical field, as well as with law enforcement. In both cases, the argument against me was the fact that I had a record of seeking mental health care.

In the legal matter, I was the victim of violent a crime.in my own home. In the depositions, these facts re: my mental health care came out. From there on out, I was treated like I had no clue. The police chief had treated me poorly and was buddies with the defendant. There were threatening phone calls made to me and other harassing activities went on and on. The defense attorney was involved in some of these antics and he was caught in some of the pictures and videos of a group assembling in my driveway and on my property, etc.

While they carried on, thinking they were harassing a feeble-minded mentally ill person, I was taking pictures, filming and taking detailed notes. The only way I had gotten ahead of the defense and their arguments against me is the fact that I had kept a highly detailed contemporaneous journal throughout the ordeal. All of my notes , pictures, short film clips were given to the District Attorney and, in the end, the defendant did time and the police chief lost his job, as well as his retirement package. The defending attorney lost his license to practice. They'd lost in major ways, all because I'm so very crazy!

the case had become more and more involved because the defendant, his friends and family, including the police chief thought they could all harass me and could get away with it because I was supposedly unaware of my surroundings, etc. This caused ongoing investigations, many depositions, etc. It went on for approx. 6 months.

Any further protection of me was provided by the District Attorney's office because the police department could no longer be trusted.

It was all incredibly stressful. I had given the District Attorney's office enough credible info., at one point I had to leave my home and live with friends just over the state line., where I would not be found and where that particular police department had no jurisdiction. I was transported back into my home state, under protection, for further depositions and taken right back out of the state as soon as the depositions were completed for the day.

I would have just left town to avoid the whole mess, except I'd owned property there. This is a town on the east coast which is a well-known tourists' destination in the summers. It was best to eradicate the police chief for everyone's sake.

I am sorry to say I am now being treated the same way, discriminated against, within the SSA. My rights are being denied. I am being denied information on how to appeal decisions. I have copies of letters from a specific case worker, clearly bullying me, and more. I cannot imagine she'd get away with treating everyone this way. My doctors are appalled and have never seen a SSA worker act this way/write these types of letters. It looks like this caseworker saw my medical records and/or other medical information and the severity of my disability. She'd decided she could bully me and could get away with this. I have reported this and have requested an investigation. Even so, nobody from the SSA has advised me of any of my rights to date. (Supposedly, their clock is ticking toward a deadline for me to file appeals and still no info from them on what I need to appeal and the process of appealing.)

My point: This type of discrimination is rampant, including within agencies meant to assist us.

End of my rant.

We need to keep standing up against this, when and if we can do so. It's not always easy, in fact it can become far too taxing. We should not feel badly if we cannot take a stand at any given time. If it's possible, we might seek out assistance from agencies which might help by lending support, by investigating, etc.

Thank you, BeyondtheRainbow!

[Wild Coyote]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

Wild Coyote, reading about your chilly house (bad furnace) reminded me that I got one of those heavy spice filled body wraps that can be heated up. You had mentioned them to me a while back, so I asked for one for Christmas from hubby. It's nice! Maybe if it's really chilly you and/or your mom could utilize yours to get a little cozier?

Oh! I am so glad you like it!
I have never known of anyone to not like them!

yes, a great suggestion!
We have leased 6 electric space heaters and I have them placed strategically with 2 heaters on each level. I was up to check on them throughout the night. they'd kept the ambient air at 60-65f. they could be turned up higher.

My mom gets incredibly cold. I'd heated up two of the heavy body wraps and put them in her bed. I'd heated two more and placed them on her once she'd gotten into bed. I'd heated them again twice through the night. I put a heater in her bedroom, too. The temp in her room was 68F.

We usually have at least 4 of the wraps being used around the house at any given time. I also have another 3-5 on hand for gifts and/or for any guest in need of more warmth or if in pain, esp muscular pain.

I have a new resource for them, as well.

If all goes as planned, the new furnace will be installed this evening!

Thank you for your thoughtfulness!!!
Much Love to You!

[falcon09]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

It’s very common when getting out of IP most everyone still feels wobbly, it normal. Focus on using your coping skills.

When do you see your T or Pdoc again?

I see my T today, at 4. I see my pdoc next friday, but I can call and see him sooner if I want.

I'll be seeing my psychiattrist for the first time in over a month in a little over 30 minutes. I'm really glad the day has finally arrived. My next appointment is already prescheduled for 3 weeks from now. He originally asked me if I wanted it 2 weeks later, but I said 3. I would've preferred the 2 week, but I'm trying to "cut down on my dose" of my psychiatrist, so to speak.

My mood has been slightly low for a little while now. I'll tell my psychiatrist. I don't know what he'll do. Maybe nothing.

I made myself a really delicious sandwich for lunch. Normally I eat some lousy something or other, and only feed my husband well for lunches. I haven't really been treating myself well lately, otherwise.

Normally I'm not really bothered or triggered by dates, but I feel a little sad because today was my mother's birthday.

I go to work in a few hours – I’ve slept on and off all day. I feel a little better than I have these past few days (probably from having some days off) but that really isn’t saying much. I know I’m just delaying the inevitable here, but I go for a second round of training (7 weeks) next week so I’m just trying to hold out until then. That’s 7 weeks I can handle for sure. I don’t know why I have such a hard time but it’s not getting easier – it doesn’t help I spent 95% of my time just anticipating.

I want to cut back on soda, but I’ve never successfully done it. I’ve tried in the past. I may switch to diet and see if that helps. I am normal weight but have a paunch from so much sugar intake. I have to start working on myself. General upkeep is hard enough, I don’t know how long I’ll be able to sustain it, but I guess I’ll try. (Depression has hit hard and maybe a motivating factor will help me get out of it).

I have to pick up my last refill tomorrow – I can’t see the psychiatrist until February 26, so while I think I may need a tweak, I’m just gonna have to suffer through. I can’t stand to be awake but can’t sleep – I hate work but can’t afford not to be there… there is nothing right now in my life that I find pleasure in and it just sucks. I’ve mentioned before – I recognize I am depressed and I know this isn’t permanent (situation or feeling the same). I just have to weather it and it’s hard. I look in the mirror and I am reminded of all the things I hate in myself… this is also part of the reason I am now divorced. My “illness” was the issue. It’s not necessarily not true, at least in part. Wishful thinking has done little in ways of changing reality for me so I should just stop hoping for change when I can’t seem to do anything to bring it. It just won’t come without the effort, and I can’t put the effort in.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by falcon09

I see my T today, at 4. I see my pdoc next friday, but I can call and see him sooner if I want.

That’s great , reach out sooner than appt if need be

Hope your feeling better after T appointment

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

I'll be seeing my psychiattrist for the first time in over a month in a little over 30 minutes. I'm really glad the day has finally arrived. My next appointment is already prescheduled for 3 weeks from now. He originally asked me if I wanted it 2 weeks later, but I said 3. I would've preferred the 2 week, but I'm trying to "cut down on my dose" of my psychiatrist, so to speak.


My mood has been slightly low for a little while now. I'll tell my psychiatrist. I don't know what he'll do. Maybe nothing.


I made myself a really delicious sandwich for lunch. Normally I eat some lousy something or other, and only feed my husband well for lunches. I haven't really been treating myself well lately, otherwise.


Normally I'm not really bothered or triggered by dates, but I feel a little sad because today was my mother's birthday.

I’m sure seeing your Pdoc will help..

[~Christina]

Seeing my T in just a few. OH BOY Do I need it !

Weather is beautiful here bright sunny and 60 ! 5 years ago it was high of 7 according to Facebook memories , I really love that!!!

A few days ago , 7 years ago I had gotten my first tattoo

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Seeing my T in just a few. OH BOY Do I need it !

Weather is beautiful here bright sunny and 60 ! 5 years ago it was high of 7 according to Facebook memories , I really love that!!!

A few days ago , 7 years ago I had gotten my first tattoo

What was your tattoo of, if you don't mind me asking? It sounds special

P.S. good luck with your appt!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by BeyondtheRainbow

Thanks BPcyclist. Most of the time at this hospital I get pretty good to great care. My psych dx follows me but it is a hospital that handles a lot of psych cases and my pdoc is a bulldog who will fight really hard for her patients. She's worked with me with several specialists for different things. I'm on an MAOI and have had surgery several times so there's been a lot of co-operation between surgery, anesthesia and psych to keep me safe. I've had some great anesthesiologists and surgeons who've been really respectful and cooperative with the MAOI and need for extra monitoring.

But.......this GI is apparently really bad. I don't think I'm even going to go back when I finish my elimination diet. I can start there with another dr and it will take the same amount of time to get in to another dr. as this one.

I did get my gallbladder out 2 years ago. I just meant you have to touch your patient to find out if there is pain sometimes (which you obviously know .

The worst thing that happened with mental health bias was actually a pdoc. I went into the regular hospital with a pretty good lithium toxicity and was in there 3 or 4 days. The general floors were full so I was stuck, ironically, on GI. They had no clue and admitted it freely. For some reason the intern cut most of my psych meds in half and took me off 4 mg of klonopin cold turkey. I couldn't sleep and knew I'd be withdrawing soon so when the pdoc came in I was thrilled because I knew he'd help. Not only did he not change my meds he walked out while I was still talking. I complained, he responded with a letter stating I had encephalopathy and was confused. I did not have encephalopathy and I was no confused. I was angry because he wouldn't listen and I knew what I was going to go through.

I'm scared that complaint will be similar and I'll just be accused of being confused or not knowing what was going on. But I think I have to complain.

Yikes, I've talked too much. This is just something I'm passionate about. I always thought I'd eventually change from OT to mental health advocacy or that I could do advocacy part time while on disability. It hasn't worked out but maybe someday.

What happened with the clozaril?

You actually don't have to change from OT to have a good, full-time job in mental health. PM me if you ever want to hear the little bit I know about this...

Be well!!!!

I *L*O*V*E* Coke Zero!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Wild Coyote

I hope you don't mind my commenting. I am so very sorry this has happened to you. I am sure it happens a lot.

I have had it happen before, within the medical field, as well as with law enforcement. In both cases, the argument against me was the fact that I had a record of seeking mental health care.

In the legal matter, I was the victim of violent a crime.in my own home. In the depositions, these facts re: my mental health care came out. From there on out, I was treated like I had no clue. The police chief had treated me poorly and was buddies with the defendant. There were threatening phone calls made to me and other harassing activities went on and on. The defense attorney was involved in some of these antics and he was caught in some of the pictures and videos of a group assembling in my driveway and on my property, etc.

While they carried on, thinking they were harassing a feeble-minded mentally ill person, I was taking pictures, filming and taking detailed notes. The only way I had gotten ahead of the defense and their arguments against me is the fact that I had kept a highly detailed contemporaneous journal throughout the ordeal. All of my notes , pictures, short film clips were given to the District Attorney and, in the end, the defendant did time and the police chief lost his job, as well as his retirement package. The defending attorney lost his license to practice. They'd lost in major ways, all because I'm so very crazy!

the case had become more and more involved because the defendant, his friends and family, including the police chief thought they could all harass me and could get away with it because I was supposedly unaware of my surroundings, etc. This caused ongoing investigations, many depositions, etc. It went on for approx. 6 months.

Any further protection of me was provided by the District Attorney's office because the police department could no longer be trusted.

It was all incredibly stressful. I had given the District Attorney's office enough credible info., at one point I had to leave my home and live with friends just over the state line., where I would not be found and where that particular police department had no jurisdiction. I was transported back into my home state, under protection, for further depositions and taken right back out of the state as soon as the depositions were completed for the day.

I would have just left town to avoid the whole mess, except I'd owned property there. This is a town on the east coast which is a well-known tourists' destination in the summers. It was best to eradicate the police chief for everyone's sake.

I am sorry to say I am now being treated the same way, discriminated against, within the SSA. My rights are being denied. I am being denied information on how to appeal decisions. I have copies of letters from a specific case worker, clearly bullying me, and more. I cannot imagine she'd get away with treating everyone this way. My doctors are appalled and have never seen a SSA worker act this way/write these types of letters. It looks like this caseworker saw my medical records and/or other medical information and the severity of my disability. She'd decided she could bully me and could get away with this. I have reported this and have requested an investigation. Even so, nobody from the SSA has advised me of any of my rights to date. (Supposedly, their clock is ticking toward a deadline for me to file appeals and still no info from them on what I need to appeal and the process of appealing.)

My point: This type of discrimination is rampant, including within agencies meant to assist us.

End of my rant.

We need to keep standing up against this, when and if we can do so. It's not always easy, in fact it can become far too taxing. We should not feel badly if we cannot take a stand at any given time. If it's possible, we might seek out assistance from agencies which might help by lending support, by investigating, etc.

Thank you, BeyondtheRainbow!

Well, I am certainly very, very sorry you had to go through these nightmares. Sadly, I had a very similar experience from 2010 to 2012, when my local police department systematically abused and tortured me (yes, what they did meets every single requirement of the federal code definition of torture), incinerating my constitutional rights over this 2-year period. Extremely long story. I wound up being hospitalized twice as a result, since my very loud complaints were labeled rampant psychosis--and I obviously have a history of psychosis. It was an absolutely brilliant strategy on their part. They were and are near-geniusus at what they do. Clearly, had done this before. I ultimately wound up being committed to the state hospital fo a long time, despite the fact that I had never had so much as a speeding ticket--in my life. Nocriminal charges ever came, no criminal convictions. I had not broken the law. They are, while brilliant, also freaking morons.

I am so happy you were able to prevail in your situation, WC, and I am sure you will with the SSA as well. Carpe Diem!!

So, there are evil LE in our great nation. It is true.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by falcon09

I see my T today, at 4. I see my pdoc next friday, but I can call and see him sooner if I want.

Hang in there, falcon. You can do this. I still struggle after a long hospitaliztion awhile back. You are not alone in this. Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You will make it.

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

I'll be seeing my psychiattrist for the first time in over a month in a little over 30 minutes. I'm really glad the day has finally arrived. My next appointment is already prescheduled for 3 weeks from now. He originally asked me if I wanted it 2 weeks later, but I said 3. I would've preferred the 2 week, but I'm trying to "cut down on my dose" of my psychiatrist, so to speak.

My mood has been slightly low for a little while now. I'll tell my psychiatrist. I don't know what he'll do. Maybe nothing.

I made myself a really delicious sandwich for lunch. Normally I eat some lousy something or other, and only feed my husband well for lunches. I haven't really been treating myself well lately, otherwise.

Normally I'm not really bothered or triggered by dates, but I feel a little sad because today was my mother's birthday.

I am sorry you are feeling flat, BD. I do wonder how much your mother's birthday could play into that. Or maybe not. Maybe it's just natural bp fluctuations. Hopefully, it will pass soon and you don't have to make any big med moves. Hang in there!

[bpcyclist]

I've hd two women leave very long-term relationships with me over my illness, one, basically, because she is a bi***. The other is at core a good woman, but she just does not have the skills to deal with my situation up-close anymore, even though she refuses to officially leave me. So weird.

One foot in front of the other. Sometimes, I have to take it one or two minutes at a time. Make very small goals. Stop judging myself. I have a life-threatening illness and am doing the best I can. So on.

Keep pushing ahead! You can slog through this and it will get better. We are behind you!!

No medication change for me. Like many psychiatrists, mine is not that quick to make changes when I'm in a mild downswing. Plus, the problem is that when I see him, especially, and even my therapist, I sometimes go from seeming mildly depressed to mildly hypo, putting on a bit of a show, of sorts. I think it's a little bit of a nervous habit. Plus with my psychiatrist, I have a mild crush on him. I am likely one of the few patients I know that can go from being upset about her father to bragging, at length, with enthusiasm, about my ability to filet different kinds of fish.

Originally Posted by BirdDancer

No medication change for me. Like many psychiatrists, mine is not that quick to make changes when I'm in a mild downswing. Plus, the problem is that when I see him, especially, and even my therapist, I sometimes go from seeming mildly depressed to mildly hypo, putting on a bit of a show, of sorts. I think it's a little bit of a nervous habit. Plus with my psychiatrist, I have a mild crush on him. I am likely one of the few patients I know that can go from being upset about her father to bragging about my ability to filet different kinds of fish.

For what it's worth, I think it's good your pdoc doesn't make changes very quickly. Changing meds and doses around too often just messes with me. A med change will fix one thing but cause another, in my case. I'm better off trying to ride it out; go with the flow. If things don't change within a week or two, then I'll ask for a med change (depending on how bad things get).

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

What was your tattoo of, if you don't mind me asking? It sounds special


P.S. good luck with your appt!

When I was very young I had of course been stung by a bee and wasps so to me I thought every bug that fly would hurt me.

My father showed me a gorgeous dragonfly one day.. he promised me they were safe, and it was magical , a visit from a loved one that’s passed away often.

The day my father died in December 10th 1997 as we finally left the hospital... as my mom got in the car I took about a minute to deep breath so I was able to drive home.... I was leaving up against the chair a dragonfly landed right on my hand.

My father also told my daughter about dragonflies. She was 6 when he died.

I’m always seeing dragonfly’s ... Well I have seen them dozens of times in the dead of winter and below freezing.

Anyway I got mine, it’s on the underside of my right arm.... and my daughter has one ( not the same) on the top of her foot

I also have on my collar bone “ inhale the future exhale the past.

I also have the word Balance on my lower side of wrist.

I have my semi colon on the area between my thumb and index finger, its very visible and people that know what it’s about , it’s like a connection. People who don’t know I will tell what it’s about.

Also on my other wrist underneath have a shadow of a flying bird.

All of my tattoos have huge meaning to me.

Originally Posted by ~Christina

When I was very young I had of course been stung by a bee and wasps so to me I thought every bug that fly would hurt me.

My father showed me a gorgeous dragonfly one day.. he promised me they were safe, and it was magical , a visit from a loved one that’s passed away often.

The day my father died in December 10th 1997 as we finally left the hospital... as my mom got in the car I took about a minute to deep breath so I was able to drive home.... I was leaving up against the chair a dragonfly landed right on my hand.

My father also told my daughter about dragonflies. She was 6 when he died.

I’m always seeing dragonfly’s ... Well I have seen them dozens of times in the dead of winter and below freezing.

Anyway I got mine, it’s on the underside of my right arm.... and my daughter has one ( not the same) on the top of her foot

I also have on my collar bone “ inhale the future exhale the past.

I also have the word Balance on my lower side of wrist.

I have my semi colon on the area between my thumb and index finger, its very visible and people that know what it’s about , it’s like a connection. People who don’t know I will tell what it’s about.

Also on my other wrist underneath have a shadow of a flying bird.

All of my tattoos have huge meaning to me.

That's lovely

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Oh J

I’m sorry, I replied to your PM before reading the forum You need some self care and kindness for yourself. Your a wonderful beautiful caring soul and getting hit from all sides at once. Maybe drop down and curl into a ball and self sooth with a book or maybe binge more Greys anatomy ? Hit shower or bath. Do some things that are soothing , you need it and deserve it. Much love

Yes thanks. I put a favorite CD on and undid the xmas decorations this evening. Still listening to the music- very soothing! I could read my book! Ive read it once last Fall but it was good so I thought I'd read it again.

I am shocked, saddened, and mad. I never knew this until today, but apparently one of my high school classmates, who I used to talk to occasionally, committed suicide recently, after trying to cope with a rough tour with the marines. Let's just call him Bob.

Anyway, I randomly logged into Facebook and saw it. Bob's father wrote scathing messages about the local VA hospitals, about how they neglected him and never gave him any medication. Apparently all Bob wanted to do was sleep through the horrible flashbacks he would get at night, so he wanted something to help him sleep and/or something to help him cope with the depression in some way. Basically, all he wanted was SOMETHING and he got zero. Nada. Zip.

Bob's father said that Bob went to a bunch of different VA hospitals in the area begging for help, and that he was neglected every time. Bob never once got a prescription because the VA doctors were confident that he could "deal with it in therapy." How awful. He had anxiety and depression and got nothing prescribed for either one of them... Inexcusable. It's no wonder he turned to drinking copious amounts of alcohol.

Bob's father went on to say that Bob would lock himself in his room for extended periods of time. Bob felt helpless because the VA hospitals let him down. He would wait for a psychiatrist appt, go to the appt, and then the psychiatrist would say "no, go to therapy." Then he'd have to find another hospital to go to and wait to see another doctor, only to be told the same thing. And well, I guess one day he gave up trying.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

When I was very young I had of course been stung by a bee and wasps so to me I thought every bug that fly would hurt me.

My father showed me a gorgeous dragonfly one day.. he promised me they were safe, and it was magical , a visit from a loved one that’s passed away often.

The day my father died in December 10th 1997 as we finally left the hospital... as my mom got in the car I took about a minute to deep breath so I was able to drive home.... I was leaving up against the chair a dragonfly landed right on my hand.

My father also told my daughter about dragonflies. She was 6 when he died.

I’m always seeing dragonfly’s ... Well I have seen them dozens of times in the dead of winter and below freezing.

Anyway I got mine, it’s on the underside of my right arm.... and my daughter has one ( not the same) on the top of her foot

I also have on my collar bone “ inhale the future exhale the past.

I also have the word Balance on my lower side of wrist.

I have my semi colon on the area between my thumb and index finger, its very visible and people that know what it’s about , it’s like a connection. People who don’t know I will tell what it’s about.

Also on my other wrist underneath have a shadow of a flying bird.

All of my tattoos have huge meaning to me.

Love it! I have feetoos too- a cuttlefish on the left and a figure 8 puffer fish on the right. Those tatts hurt getting them- all that bone. I also have a semicolon on my inside right wrist.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

I am shocked, saddened, and mad. I never knew this until today, but apparently one of my high school classmates, who I used to talk to occasionally, committed suicide recently, after trying to cope with a rough tour with the marines. Let's just call him Bob.

Anyway, I randomly logged into Facebook and saw it. Bob's father wrote scathing messages about the local VA hospitals, about how they neglected him and never gave him any medication. Apparently all Bob wanted to do was sleep through the horrible flashbacks he would get at night, so he wanted something to help him sleep and/or something to help him cope with the depression in some way. Basically, all he wanted was SOMETHING and he got zero. Nada. Zip.

Bob's father said that Bob went to a bunch of different VA hospitals in the area begging for help, and that he was neglected every time. Bob never once got a prescription because the VA doctors were confident that he could "deal with it in therapy." How awful. He had anxiety and depression and got nothing prescribed for either one of them... Inexcusable. It's no wonder he turned to drinking copious amounts of alcohol.

Bob's father went on to say that Bob would lock himself in his room for extended periods of time. Bob felt helpless because the VA hospitals let him down. He would wait for a psychiatrist appt, go to the appt, and then the psychiatrist would say "no, go to therapy." Then he'd have to find another hospital to go to and wait to see another doctor, only to be told the same thing. And well, I guess one day he gave up trying.

That's terrible! What in the world?? Why just "Go to therapy"?

[yellow_fleurs]

Bluebicycle, how sad and upsetting they didn't get him the help he needed. I am really sorry to hear that.

[~Christina]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

I *L*O*V*E* Coke Zero!

Diet sodas like this is full of artificial sweeteners which are actually much worse for a person than regular sodas. Sure no calories , but worse in your whole body.

One of the first things I learned when diagnosed with Fibromyalgia is to avoid any and all artificial sweeteners as they can make pain worse.