[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by BethRags

I had a pedicure yesterday for the first time since February. It felt like such a healthy gift to give to myself, and especially to my right foot/ankle/leg, as it's still healing from surgery in May.

Mentally, emotionally, I'm feeling stable. Holding my own. Physically, still not too great. Pdoc says I have dystonia and fatigue from the high dose of AP and Lamictal combined. So decreased the AP and the Lamictal. Dropped the tiny amount of Seroquel I was taking to sleep - and slept better, interestingly.

I did just notice that the stiffness up the back of my neck has disappeared. What a relief. Now I'm waiting for my jaw, arms, shoulders to stop shaking.

*sigh* Isn't it the nature of mental illness...feel mentally well, then meds cause upset with your body. I do recall that with bipolar disorder frequent med adjustments are necessary. It's sure true for me.

Hang in there, Beth. You are doing great.

[fern46]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

I looked over on online DBT course but it was outrageously expensive so i just bought an inexpensive DBT Kindle book off Amazon. You don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books. I use my iPhone. It's so delightful to have my whole personal library on me at all times! So convenient! And this is working out swimmingly because it's a workbook so i write in my notes app on my phone and get to practice my thumb-typing. Hopefully i'll get super fast like i see all the youngsters hammering out texts on the bus.

The thing is tho: i don't really have overwhelming emotions too often. I've withdrawn from life so much that i'm insulated from them. Also, my main destructive behavior of overeating does not occur in response to overwhelming emotions. I just feel like: "Hmm, wouldn't some chips taste good right now?" And then i have them.

Well, i'm sure i'll learn something from the book. I've just barely started it.

Does anyone like my new avatars? I had to update them as my hair is longer. I use my memojis from my iPhone. I'm thrilled with them! Such fun!

Hugs to all who struggle!

I do. They make me smile.

Good luck with the book. I read almost all my books on my phone that way.

[Mountaindewed]

I was very cold last night. I was under a flannel sheet, comforter, king size blanket, and twin size blanket. Then I had my oral sensory stuff. But I still had trouble sleeping. I finally woke up at 8:45 with narco type pain in my chest and a stuffed up and runny nose. I took a couple Tylenol and my pain is decent right now. I have a couple grocery pickups today. I am really hunkering down for the winter as they are saying to do. So I will be doing grocery pickups from now on. My store finally got in the microwave cotton candy popcorn. I have my 3rd post op appointment tomorrow morning.

[Soupe du jour]

Yesterday was a pleasant day. After running an errand, we went to my university town (Rutgers University). We wanted to visit a particular photography shop there, then just walk around so I could experience a bit of nostalgia. It is possible that I may never visit that town again, or only once to a few times. We didn't manage to sell any of Hubby's photography equipment, but the owner was fun to talk to. He even walked us to the statue he commissioned for the town square. Major league historian! After that, we had a nice lunch further down the street. On the way home, we cashed in a HUGE number of coins that we had accumulated over the years. There were so many that it paid for our lunches. Then Hubby got a flu shot. I got my flu shot a few days before.

I was supposed to visit my father this afternoon, with my sister, but as he often does, he asked to cancel (called my sister to do so). He does the same to my siblings, so it's not just me. It is highly concerning since there are a limited number of times I can see him, before moving to Europe. And once I move, there is a chance I may not see him again. I called the assisted living and left a message on the facility manager's vmx. My siblings and I believe he is not receiving adequate therapy. He has displayed extreme avoidant behavior for a long time, when it comes to any kind of stressor. It's sad that my siblings and I are clearly stressors to him. We know he loves us, but my siblings and I represent reality. It's hard to fully explain here.

My sister said she is becoming mildly depressed. She has been dealing with many physical issues (with accompanying surgical procedures) for a long while now, plus most of the "stuff" relating to our dad. During the phone call, she stated that she wishes she could just sit and look at some flowers. I didn't say anything in response, but after our call I ordered a nice sunny-like arrangement to be delivered to her tomorrow from a florist shop. I chose all bright yellow (in a basket) over autumn-like because I thought it might be more helpful.

Doing comparatively little today. Feels good! I did make my husband's favorite comfort food dish. It was delicious and there are leftovers. It's sort of a casserole with spaghetti and homemade herb tomato Parmesan "sauce", bacon, and topped with an Italian-blend of cheeses and breadcrumbs, then baked in the oven.

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I was very cold last night. I was under a flannel sheet, comforter, king size blanket, and twin size blanket. Then I had my oral sensory stuff. But I still had trouble sleeping. I finally woke up at 8:45 with narco type pain in my chest and a stuffed up and runny nose. I took a couple Tylenol and my pain is decent right now. I have a couple grocery pickups today. I am really hunkering down for the winter as they are saying to do. So I will be doing grocery pickups from now on. My store finally got in the microwave cotton candy popcorn. I have my 3rd post op appointment tomorrow morning.

Did you check your temp? Hopefully they can rule out a post op infection tomorrow. I hope you feel better soon!

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

I looked over on online DBT course but it was outrageously expensive so i just bought an inexpensive DBT Kindle book off Amazon. You don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books. I use my iPhone. It's so delightful to have my whole personal library on me at all times! So convenient! And this is working out swimmingly because it's a workbook so i write in my notes app on my phone and get to practice my thumb-typing. Hopefully i'll get super fast like i see all the youngsters hammering out texts on the bus.

The thing is tho: i don't really have overwhelming emotions too often. I've withdrawn from life so much that i'm insulated from them. Also, my main destructive behavior of overeating does not occur in response to overwhelming emotions. I just feel like: "Hmm, wouldn't some chips taste good right now?" And then i have them.

Well, i'm sure i'll learn something from the book. I've just barely started it.

Does anyone like my new avatars? I had to update them as my hair is longer. I use my memojis from my iPhone. I'm thrilled with them! Such fun!

Hugs to all who struggle!

I think some DBT skills can be helpful for depression or even "flatness" of mood. I hope some are useful for you.

I like your new avatar. I think that the bangs with bob and white/silver hair is quite chic. I've never had that color hair (mine is light golden to medium brown), but I used to have the same exact haircut. Once, in a diner, a French woman came up to my table and specifically commented on that haircut as being very stylish and "French". Over time, I had to give up that precise look because my hair became too curly. The flat iron could no longer tame my curls, so I just embraced them.

[daladico]

Originally Posted by daladico

Day 1 of complete med changes (cross-taper).
In the past med changes have made me really suicidal.
Scared for what could come.
Hopeful that the new cocktail will be better.
Day 1: safe.

Day 3: safe. Actually feeling really good/stable. Best day I’ve had in a long time so far. Hoping it is the new meds working well with my brain!! Might be a bit soon for that, but I’ll enjoy these good feelings 🙌

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I have this really bad smell coming from me and I don’t know what it is. But it smells awful. Maybe I have an infection somewhere. I don’t know if they have an odor or not? But my aunt opened a bag of chips and said “these smell like farts!” And I think it was actually me... I know that sounds funny but it’s really stressful.

What is your temperature? Any drainage of gunk or fluid?

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by whatever2013

I looked over on online DBT course but it was outrageously expensive so i just bought an inexpensive DBT Kindle book off Amazon. You don't have to have a Kindle to read Kindle books. I use my iPhone. It's so delightful to have my whole personal library on me at all times! So convenient! And this is working out swimmingly because it's a workbook so i write in my notes app on my phone and get to practice my thumb-typing. Hopefully i'll get super fast like i see all the youngsters hammering out texts on the bus.

The thing is tho: i don't really have overwhelming emotions too often. I've withdrawn from life so much that i'm insulated from them. Also, my main destructive behavior of overeating does not occur in response to overwhelming emotions. I just feel like: "Hmm, wouldn't some chips taste good right now?" And then i have them.

Well, i'm sure i'll learn something from the book. I've just barely started it.

Does anyone like my new avatars? I had to update them as my hair is longer. I use my memojis from my iPhone. I'm thrilled with them! Such fun!

Hugs to all who struggle!

Super cute avatar! Love it. Groovy hairski.

Glad you are doing DBT. Everyone with bp 1 and prolly 2 should be provided with it and mandated to do it. So practical.

Marsha Linehan does have some free yotube videos, I am pretty sure. Might google around. Should be tons of free DBT resources available. Tons. Carpe diem!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Yesterday was a pleasant day. After running an errand, we went to my university town (Rutgers University). We wanted to visit a particular photography shop there, then just walk around so I could experience a bit of nostalgia. It is possible that I may never visit that town again, or only once to a few times. We didn't manage to sell any of Hubby's photography equipment, but the owner was fun to talk to. He even walked us to the statue he commissioned for the town square. Major league historian! After that, we had a nice lunch further down the street. On the way home, we cashed in a HUGE number of coins that we had accumulated over the years. There were so many that it paid for our lunches. Then Hubby got a flu shot. I got my flu shot a few days before.

I was supposed to visit my father this afternoon, with my sister, but as he often does, he asked to cancel (called my sister to do so). He does the same to my siblings, so it's not just me. It is highly concerning since there are a limited number of times I can see him, before moving to Europe. And once I move, there is a chance I may not see him again. I called the assisted living and left a message on the facility manager's vEvyou are just absolutely such an amazing, kind, loving spirit and human being My siblings and I believe he is not receiving adequate therapy. He has displayed extreme avoidant behavior for a long time, when it comes to any kind of stressor. It's sad that my siblings and I are clearly stressors to him. We know he loves us, but my siblings and I represent reality. It's hard to fully explain here.

My sister said she is becoming mildly depressed. She has been dealing with many physical issues (with accompanying surgical procedures) for a long while now, plus most of the "stuff" relating to our dad. During the phone call, she stated that she wishes she could just sit and look at some flowers. I didn't say anything in response, but after our call I ordered a nice sunny-like arrangement to be delivered to her tomorrow from a florist shop. I chose all bright yellow (in a basket) over autumn-like because I thought it might be more helpful.

Doing comparatively little today. Feels good! I did make my husband's favorite comfort food dish. It was delicious and there are leftovers. It's sort of a casserole with spaghetti and homemade herb tomato Parmesan "sauce", bacon, and topped with an Italian-blend of cheeses and breadcrumbs, then baked in the oven.

You are just absolutely such an amazing, kind. Loving human being, Soupe. I feel blessed and honored to know you.

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by fern46

Did you check your temp? Hopefully they can rule out a post op infection tomorrow. I hope you feel better soon!

Thanks. My temp is normal. Maybe I’m getting a cold or something too.

[Mountaindewed]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

What is your temperature? Any drainage of gunk or fluid?

My temp is 98.4 there’s no drainage things just look a bit weird and I’m in more pain then I’ve been in lately.

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

Yesterday was a pleasant day. After running an errand, we went to my university town (Rutgers University). We wanted to visit a particular photography shop there, then just walk around so I could experience a bit of nostalgia. It is possible that I may never visit that town again, or only once to a few times. We didn't manage to sell any of Hubby's photography equipment, but the owner was fun to talk to. He even walked us to the statue he commissioned for the town square. Major league historian! After that, we had a nice lunch further down the street. On the way home, we cashed in a HUGE number of coins that we had accumulated over the years. There were so many that it paid for our lunches. Then Hubby got a flu shot. I got my flu shot a few days before.

I was supposed to visit my father this afternoon, with my sister, but as he often does, he asked to cancel (called my sister to do so). He does the same to my siblings, so it's not just me. It is highly concerning since there are a limited number of times I can see him, before moving to Europe. And once I move, there is a chance I may not see him again. I called the assisted living and left a message on the facility manager's vmx. My siblings and I believe he is not receiving adequate therapy. He has displayed extreme avoidant behavior for a long time, when it comes to any kind of stressor. It's sad that my siblings and I are clearly stressors to him. We know he loves us, but my siblings and I represent reality. It's hard to fully explain here.

My sister said she is becoming mildly depressed. She has been dealing with many physical issues (with accompanying surgical procedures) for a long while now, plus most of the "stuff" relating to our dad. During the phone call, she stated that she wishes she could just sit and look at some flowers. I didn't say anything in response, but after our call I ordered a nice sunny-like arrangement to be delivered to her tomorrow from a florist shop. I chose all bright yellow (in a basket) over autumn-like because I thought it might be more helpful.

Doing comparatively little today. Feels good! I did make my husband's favorite comfort food dish. It was delicious and there are leftovers. It's sort of a casserole with spaghetti and homemade herb tomato Parmesan "sauce", bacon, and topped with an Italian-blend of cheeses and breadcrumbs, then baked in the oven.

Your sister will adore the flowers. What a loving and thoughtful thing to do

I'd like to get in on those leftovers. I am kinda excited about my current dinner plans though. I spent the morning making a huge batch of pancakes and another of chocolate waffles with walnuts and chocolate chips. It will be breakfast for dinner night and I'll have tons leftover to freeze and pull out for quick breakfasts on busy mornings. I like meals where dessert is basically baked into the experience

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by fern46

Your sister will adore the flowers. What a loving and thoughtful thing to do

I'd like to get in on those leftovers. I am kinda excited about my current dinner plans though. I spent the morning making a huge batch of pancakes and another of chocolate waffles with walnuts and chocolate chips. It will be breakfast for dinner night and I'll have tons leftover to freeze and pull out for quick breakfasts on busy mornings. I like meals where dessert is basically baked into the experience

@bpcyclist and @fern46, you are so sweet and add so much positive to my life, as well. I'm fortunate that I can continue to stay in touch with you both, and the many other wonderful members here, even across the sea from my original home.

Fern, you may recall me writing that I am a waffle fan. You wrote recently about some pumpkin waffles and turkey sausage for a past Thanksgiving. Those and your chocolate walnut chocolate chip version sound out of this world! Waffles rock! I will be buying a new waffle maker when we get to Czech Republic. And as for breakfast at dinner, I'm a huge fan. My mother often made b at d.

The summer before this last one, my husband's nephew came with his girlfriend. I made wild blueberry Belgian waffles one morning. Nephew ate 6 waffle squares. Again, thick Belgian type.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Super cute avatar! Love it. Groovy hairski.

Glad you are doing DBT. Everyone with bp 1 and prolly 2 should be provided with it and mandated to do it. So practical.

Marsha Linehan does have some free yotube videos, I am pretty sure. Might google around. Should be tons of free DBT resources available. Tons. Carpe diem!

Do you like my avatar? I haven't changed it for a while, its still a good likeness

I also think everyone with bp1 and bp2 should be provided with DBT (and probably most other MH diagnoses too)

[Sunflower123]

I found out that one Ambien is not enough and two is too much. I’ve been dragging today. They are extended release so I can’t cut them. I’ll contact my NP for direction.

Tuesday I start a live online program that Eckhart Tolle is teaching. It’s on being the light...consciousness during times of crisis. I’ve wanted to study under him for awhile so I’m super excited.

I’m also doing a Dreambuilders workshop next weekend that I’m looking forward to. The tickets are too expensive for me but I got a pair for free. Sweet.

Hugs to all.

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

@bpcyclist and @fern46, you are so sweet and add so much positive to my life, as well. I'm fortunate that I can continue to stay in touch with you both, and the many other wonderful members here, even across the sea from my original home.

Fern, you may recall me writing that I am a waffle fan. You wrote recently about some pumpkin waffles and turkey sausage for a past Thanksgiving. Those and your chocolate walnut chocolate chip version sound out of this world! Waffles rock! I will be buying a new waffle maker when we get to Czech Republic. And as for breakfast at dinner, I'm a huge fan. My mother often made b at d.

The summer before this last one, my husband's nephew came with his girlfriend. I made wild blueberry Belgian waffles one morning. Nephew ate 6 waffle squares. Again, thick Belgian type.

@Soupe du jour I'm a waffle fan too. In fact I love nearly all food

(I can't think of any food I do not like except for maybe tripe, which I don't think I've ever eaten) A boxer dog when I was little used to eat tripe I think. She was so sweet. So gentle, kind and yet strong. I had a photo of us both in her dog basket when I was 4. I think Papa bear and I might still have that picture somewhere.

We have been clearing out some boxes etc from our loft. We've been in this house for more than 10 years and have been accumulating a lot of things in the loft (Papa bear used to put stuff up in the loft we thought we might want again... most of it we haven't used or needed again so some of it has gone now) We have space for more Christmas things and more in there now

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I found out that one Ambien is not enough and two is too much. I’ve been dragging today. They are extended release so I can’t cut them. I’ll contact my NP for direction.

Tuesday I start a live online program that Eckhart Tolle is teaching. It’s on being the light...consciousness during times of crisis. I’ve wanted to study under him for awhile so I’m super excited.

I’m also doing a Dreambuilders workshop next weekend that I’m looking forward to. The tickets are too expensive for me but I got a pair for free. Sweet.

Hugs to all.

Eckhart Tolle Thanks for mentioning him. I've been meaning to study him for a while!

Sounds great, two free tickets for a Dreambuilders workshop!

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

My temp is 98.4 there’s no drainage things just look a bit weird and I’m in more pain then I’ve been in lately.

Okay. Good.

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

@bpcyclist and @fern46, you are so sweet and add so much positive to my life, as well. I'm fortunate that I can continue to stay in touch with you both, and the many other wonderful members here, even across the sea from my original home.

Fern, you may recall me writing that I am a waffle fan. You wrote recently about some pumpkin waffles and turkey sausage for a past Thanksgiving. Those and your chocolate walnut chocolate chip version sound out of this world! Waffles rock! I will be buying a new waffle maker when we get to Czech Republic. And as for breakfast at dinner, I'm a huge fan. My mother often made b at d.

The summer before this last one, my husband's nephew came with his girlfriend. I made wild blueberry Belgian waffles one morning. Nephew ate 6 waffle squares. Again, thick Belgian type.

I feel the same!

My kids are somewhat picky eaters, but they love all things breakfast. I try to work it in once every other week or so for dinner.

I love waffles! There are so many awesome varieties. For the chocolate one I use the Kodiak dark chocolate protein waffle mix. My little guys don't eat a lot of meat, so its a good way to get them some protein in the morning.

Here's the pumpkin recipe. They turn out great every time. I always add walnuts for texture. You'll have to try them out sometime. They are awesome any time of the year.

Pumpkin Waffles recipe | Epicurious.com

[bpcyclist]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

I found out that one Ambien is not enough and two is too much. I’ve been dragging today. They are extended release so I can’t cut them. I’ll contact my NP for direction.

Tuesday I start a live online program that Eckhart Tolle is teaching. It’s on being the light...consciousness during times of crisis. I’ve wanted to study under him for awhile so I’m super excited.

I’m also doing a Dreambuilders workshop next weekend that I’m looking forward to. The tickets are too expensive for me but I got a pair for free. Sweet.

Hugs to all.

Ooh! Ooh! How do you sign up for the Eckhard Tolle thingy?

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by Fuzzybear

@Soupe du jour I'm a waffle fan too. In fact I love nearly all food

(I can't think of any food I do not like except for maybe tripe, which I don't think I've ever eaten) A boxer dog when I was little used to eat tripe I think. She was so sweet. So gentle, kind and yet strong. I had a photo of us both in her dog basket when I was 4. I think Papa bear and I might still have that picture somewhere.

We have been clearing out some boxes etc from our loft. We've been in this house for more than 10 years and have been accumulating a lot of things in the loft (Papa bear used to put stuff up in the loft we thought we might want again... most of it we haven't used or needed again so some of it has gone now) We have space for more Christmas things and more in there now

I'm imagining that sweet photo you describe. Thanks for describing that lovely moment, Fuzzybear.

Well, you and I absolutely share in common our enjoyment of almost all food. I'm not picky either. I'll agree that tripe is not the most appealing food to me, neither is liver, kidneys, or the ripest cheeses (i.e. Limberger), but I will eat them if served to me, as a guest. My husband likes tripe soup. The way it's often made it contains very strong spices. I'll also say that after living in Taiwan for a while in the past, I discovered a few foods that I'd pass on. They have a fruit called durian fruit. It's pretty stinky. They also have what they call "chou doufu". That literally translates to "stinky tofu" since it is fermented. Definitely an acquired taste! My husband eats some of the foods I mentioned, but dislikes many foods I love. For example, I adore broccoli, asparagus, and all kinds of shellfish, but he won't eat them.

Is Papa Bear a lot pickier about food than you?

My husband is allergic to garlic. I like garlic, but am fine cooking without it. However, most people in the US are crazy about it, so it's difficult to eat out sometimes. Oddly, I often choose one of the only restaurant dishes that doesn't contain garlic. He'll choose one that they say doesn't have it, but then it does. I can't tell you how many times we've had to switch plates. That can be a little annoying if I looked forward to a certain dish.

Do you like spicy food? I do. Szechuan cuisine has been my most recent fav. I also like Thai, Indian and Middle Eastern, though rarely have them because they often contain garlic. Sometimes I make my own.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by bpcyclist

Ooh! Ooh! How do you sign up for the Eckhard Tolle thingy?

I got a notice in my email. I’ll look it up and try to find the web address. I believe registration closed last week though. Fwiw for future events, I applied for a scholarship through his foundation to cover the cost of the program based on need.

[~Christina]

Hey Ya'll

Sorry I have been MIA.. I have some huge problems with my meds, On , off back on X but not Z increase Y

I have lost so many days or maybe all week???I dunno..... had to dump most of my Psych med and physical medications...

My Pdoc is out for surgery for 2 months! His nurse Jane had to have shoulder surgery and will be out at least 6 weeks.. So I will dealing with a nurse that I do not know and a unknown Pdoc....So having both Pdoc and Nurse gone will / might/maybe/ could be a huge problem.. But I doubt I'll ask for there help I am not going to by phone explain whats happened with med XYZ over the years. Richard my T thinks the Pdoc covering wont make any changes unless I call and I dont see that happening.

I hope everyone is enjoying there Sunday

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by fern46

I feel the same!

My kids are somewhat picky eaters, but they love all things breakfast. I try to work it in once every other week or so for dinner.

I love waffles! There are so many awesome varieties. For the chocolate one I use the Kodiak dark chocolate protein waffle mix. My little guys don't eat a lot of meat, so its a good way to get them some protein in the morning.

Here's the pumpkin recipe. They turn out great every time. I always add walnuts for texture. You'll have to try them out sometime. They are awesome any time of the year.

Pumpkin Waffles recipe | Epicurious.com

Thanks for the recipe! I'll save that in my electronic files.

Before I had the Belgian waffle maker, I had the thinner type. I used to LOVE the following healthy waffle recipe, which is best made in the thinner style. Hubby liked them, too. I know they may look too healthy to be yummy, but that's not true. They are high in protein and whole grains, and also have some Omega 3s. I quite like flaxseed meal. Whole Grain Waffles | Allrecipes