[*Beth*]

Soupe, those prices sound like a break to me. I expect you'll receive quite a different perspective from a Czech therapist than you would from an American one. Could be really interesting.

I have a close friend who is a psychiatrist at a psych hospital in Bulgaria; I find his viewpoint on mental illness refreshing. Much more "earthy" than the American mental health providers I've met. For example, my friend was dismayed because American pdocs don't prescribe vitamins & minerals with psych meds, as psych meds are known to deplete the body of certain ones. He said he couldn't imagine prescribing meds without at least instructing a patient to take Lipovitan. Sounded mysterious and suspect to me, until I looked it up online. Turns out Lipovitan is a liquid form of all the B vitamins. Smart.

[*Beth*]

Mornings are easier; by afternoon I seem to disintegrate. My therapist, and then my pdoc, called yesterday and wanted to put me IP over the holiday (I had told them that I plan on sui in 15 years). Honestly, I wanted to go. Desperately. But I have no one to care for my cats. So I watched a movie, took a lot of meds - I'm even agreeing to a sleep dose of Seroquel for a while - read some, and went to sleep.

Awoke this morning feeling more inspired, but I can also feel the creepy-crawly at the edges. God, if I could just catch a break from this.

[Sunflower123]

Well we got a third estimate yesterday - $24,000. They offered the best product. We don’t know who we’re going with yet but went on to the bank and transferred some funds out of the line of credit.

I’m having a panic attack bad enough that my chest hurts. I don’t think having Thanksgiving over here on top of everything else going on was such a good idea. My daughter will be here by 2:00 though and said she’d help and my mom can be of some help. I just get so stressed out. I need to look at it like my loved ones are getting together even if the house was a wreck and I served Diet Coke. I’m missing the main point. I’ll try to remember that. I must calm down. I’m taking Friday, Saturday and Sunday off to recoup. I’ll keep my eyes on that.

I hope everyone has a peaceful, relaxing Thanksgiving. I’m super envious of those that have snow.

Hugs to all.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Jennifer 1967

Well we got a third estimate yesterday - $24,000. They offered the best product. We don’t know who we’re going with yet but went on to the bank and transferred some funds out of the line of credit.

I’m having a panic attack bad enough that my chest hurts. I don’t think having Thanksgiving over here on top of everything else going on was such a good idea. My daughter will be here by 2:00 though and said she’d help and my mom can be of some help. I just get so stressed out. I need to look at it like my loved ones are getting together even if the house was a wreck and I served Diet Coke. I’m missing the main point. I’ll try to remember that. I must calm down. I’m taking Friday, Saturday and Sunday off to recoup. I’ll keep my eyes on that.

I hope everyone has a peaceful, relaxing Thanksgiving. I’m super envious of those that have snow.

Hugs to all.

My heart goes out to you, Jennifer.

Sending you **~**~calming vibes**~**~

[Soupe du jour]

Jennifer, I'm glad you're giving yourself some time off. I hope that really helps.

BethRags, I am embarrassed to say that I didn't know how close to crisis you are. Forgive me that. I have been a bit too much into my own world, lately. I want you to stay safe, though. If you need to go IP, couldn't your husband, a friend or even neighbor watch them? Or at least come to your house once per day to feed and look in on them? At least cats are pretty independent and comparatively low maintenance. I do understand wanting to go IP, sometimes. It can be a healthy escape and sometimes we just plain need someone to look after us, for a change.

[*Beth*]

Oh geez, no worries, Soupe. I'm not very good about reaching out unless I'm so far gone that I'm emotionally paralyzed. I guess I kind of get into my head.


My husband is a horribly disorganized person, I just don't trust him to properly care for my cats. Frankly, I don't trust anyone to - except my kids and they live far enough away that coming every day would be pretty much impossible.

Actually, if I was certain that I'd be IP for just 1 or at most 2 nights my husband could handle things. But I know that once I get in there they'll keep me for a while. Another huge issue is that the psych hospitals around here are so overloaded that I'd have to be taken to a city about 150 miles away. The thought of that gives me so much anxiety.

And then there's covid complicating everything.

Sooo, I'm putting my energy into chores, exercising, reading and watching movies, and being here.

[Soupe du jour]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Soupe, those prices sound like a break to me. I expect you'll receive quite a different perspective from a Czech therapist than you would from an American one. Could be really interesting.

I have a close friend who is a psychiatrist at a psych hospital in Bulgaria; I find his viewpoint on mental illness refreshing. Much more "earthy" than the American mental health providers I've met. For example, my friend was dismayed because American pdocs don't prescribe vitamins & minerals with psych meds, as psych meds are known to deplete the body of certain ones. He said he couldn't imagine prescribing meds without at least instructing a patient to take Lipovitan. Sounded mysterious and suspect to me, until I looked it up online. Turns out Lipovitan is a liquid form of all the B vitamins. Smart.

It will be interesting. And I certainly hope I find a good therapist and psychiatrist. I did specifically look for ones who offer CBT. I'm assuming there are some similar CBT approaches across the world.

The psychologist my nephew recommended already responded to my husband's inquiry, on my behalf. Hubby said she believes that with my bp1 diagnosis, I will have therapy covered by the healthcare system. They consider bp1 a severe enough illness to warrant it. She said she only offers private therapy, and though she would be happy to see me (for her usual fee), she ethically had to state that I'd qualify for a "public" therapist. We'll see. I may choose to see her initially, and then switch later. She also wrote my husband that she remembers our nephew, and that he was one of her best students. She is also a professor of psychology at the main university in Brno. We will forward that compliment to our nephew, later today.

It will be difficult to make the break with my long-time psychiatrist, but I'm going to try to keep an open mind about a new one in CZ. I can't expect a new one to compete, in terms of caring and affection. Also, it's hard when someone has ZERO knowledge about my illness history, medication reactions, etc. I will ask my current psychiatrist to share records and helpful written suggestions/observations. Who knows, maybe they may even agree to a Zoom meeting. I'm experienced enough to know what to veto, yet I'm ready to take steps forward, and work towards cutting my cocktail down. Luckily, I have more insight into my illness now, than ever before. Even my husband does.

The therapist? I'm eager to start completely fresh with someone who has a new perspective. I have a load of skills/tools in my coping toolbox, but my current therapist seems so clueless about what I'm about to embark on.

[Mountaindewed]

I feel off today but not sure why. It’s not exactly physical, not exactly anxiety. I don’t know. I heard today that the Covid vaccine works, but the side effects are an absolute nightmare. Like you will be projectile vomiting, have severe diarrhea, have a terrible migraine, possible high fever, and unable to get out of bed for at least 24 hours but more likely a few days. Then the second shot 21 days later is even worse. I’m pretty nervous since shots and vaccines I’ve had before always mess me up. I’m honestly more concerned about the vaccine then I am about getting Covid because I know for sure I’m getting the vaccine.

[Mountaindewed]

Now I have a migraine, my second one this week, and the bad stomach pain returned. It’s especially bad on my lower right side. I’m not very hungry for dinner despite having my thanksgiving dinner tonight. My stomach also looks really bloated. I don’t know. Usually my night meds and anxiety take care of anything if it’s mental health. But I took them super early at 3PM and now my anxiety is fine but the pain is still there.

But I slept great last night. I’m in a bigger more comfortable bed with a lot of pillows and a very soft comforter. I did not take anything and I was asleep in minutes. It was great. I felt so rested all day.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Soupe du jour

It will be interesting. And I certainly hope I find a good therapist and psychiatrist. I did specifically look for ones who offer CBT. I'm assuming there are some similar CBT approaches across the world.

There must be.

The psychologist my nephew recommended already responded to my husband's inquiry, on my behalf. Hubby said she believes that with my bp1 diagnosis, I will have therapy covered by the healthcare system. They consider bp1 a severe enough illness to warrant it. She said she only offers private therapy, and though she would be happy to see me (for her usual fee), she ethically had to state that I'd qualify for a "public" therapist.

That is so interesting. It sounds like their system is designed for diagnosis, rather than for financial eligibility/ineligibility. So therapy is available for everyone with a serious mental illness. How practical!

We'll see. I may choose to see her initially, and then switch later. She also wrote my husband that she remembers our nephew, and that he was one of her best students. She is also a professor of psychology at the main university in Brno. We will forward that compliment to our nephew, later today.

How nice! No doubt he'll be delighted!

It will be difficult to make the break with my long-time psychiatrist, but I'm going to try to keep an open mind about a new one in CZ. I can't expect a new one to compete, in terms of caring and affection. Also, it's hard when someone has ZERO knowledge about my illness history, medication reactions, etc. I will ask my current psychiatrist to share records and helpful written suggestions/observations. Who knows, maybe they may even agree to a Zoom meeting. I'm experienced enough to know what to veto, yet I'm ready to take steps forward, and work towards cutting my cocktail down. Luckily, I have more insight into my illness now, than ever before. Even my husband does.

Yes, it'll be so much easier going into a new country with a new healthcare system with the knowledge you have.

Leaving your good old pdoc feels, I imagine, really challenging - and even scary. Good for today's technology, though...your former pdoc and your new one can consult with each other as much as need be. That leaves you in a good, safe, secure position.

The therapist? I'm eager to start completely fresh with someone who has a new perspective. I have a load of skills/tools in my coping toolbox, but my current therapist seems so clueless about what I'm about to embark on.

Ick. Then a new therapist will help you to open up a new world!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I feel off today but not sure why. It’s not exactly physical, not exactly anxiety. I don’t know. I heard today that the Covid vaccine works, but the side effects are an absolute nightmare. Like you will be projectile vomiting, have severe diarrhea, have a terrible migraine, possible high fever, and unable to get out of bed for at least 24 hours but more likely a few days. Then the second shot 21 days later is even worse. I’m pretty nervous since shots and vaccines I’ve had before always mess me up. I’m honestly more concerned about the vaccine then I am about getting Covid because I know for sure I’m getting the vaccine.

I've read about the expected side effects. It sounds like the same possible side effects that the flu vaccine has...injection site soreness, possible "mild" flu symptoms that last a day or 2.

I had the Shingrix (shingles) vaccine 2 weeks ago and experienced a sore arm for 3 days. Besides that I had one evening of mild discomfort (slight headache, fatigue, maybe a slight fever). The next morning (except for the sore arm) I was fine.

The covid vax will probably be about the same as any other vaccine. After all, if the side effects are terrible people won't get vaccinated.

[Mountaindewed]

I don’t know. I just heard from breakfast table talk and The Today show that it’s bad. and that’s what one of the issues is. People are supposed to have such a bad reaction to the first one that health officials are worried people won’t get the second one.

[Blue_Bird]

I would rather have 24 hours to a few days of feeling bad from the vaccine than to get covid.

[Moose72]

My FWB texted me today with a link. It was for a class in photography lighting. It was $57 instead of $197.- "just for today". When there's a countdown involved, I don't buy things! Like those tv commercials that have a counter counting down for how long you have to call them to get their special deal. He said he was going out to take pix with a new camera that he just bought on Friday. (He has like 6 cameras and umpteen lenses.) He then sent a text saying that I should have photography to fall back on if the "government ever cut your funding". It's not like he has a ton of money either. He just tends to spend it on camera equipment. I think we aren't married so he can stay out of my financial life!

EDIT: Do any of you get flack from people because you've got SS(D)I? I understand getting flack about foodstamps- that's just your usual ignorance, but to wholesale talk down to me because I have SSI? How about if you have section 8? Same? Or maybe it's all of the above.

[~Christina]

Hey Everyone, Sorry I am not around , I'm still getting back on my feet. But I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you to anyone sending me prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate it all.

Much Love to all

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Hey Everyone, Sorry I am not around , I'm still getting back on my feet. But I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you to anyone sending me prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate it all.

Much Love to all

Much love back atcha!

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Hey Everyone, Sorry I am not around , I'm still getting back on my feet. But I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you to anyone sending me prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate it all.

Much Love to all

Happy T-g, babes! SO good to see ya!

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by BethRags

Mornings are easier; by afternoon I seem to disintegrate. My therapist, and then my pdoc, called yesterday and wanted to put me IP over the holiday (I had told them that I plan on sui in 15 years). Honestly, I wanted to go. Desperately. But I have no one to care for my cats. So I watched a movie, took a lot of meds - I'm even agreeing to a sleep dose of Seroquel for a while - read some, and went to sleep.

Awoke this morning feeling more inspired, but I can also feel the creepy-crawly at the edges. God, if I could just catch a break from this.

I’m thinking of you and praying that you feel better. Sending supportive vibes and hugs.

[Sunflower123]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Hey Everyone, Sorry I am not around , I'm still getting back on my feet. But I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you to anyone sending me prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate it all.

Much Love to all

Happy Thanksgiving! You are still in my thoughts and prayers.

Much love to you.

[Nammu]

Originally Posted by ~Christina

Hey Everyone, Sorry I am not around , I'm still getting back on my feet. But I wanted to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Thank you to anyone sending me prayers and good thoughts. I appreciate it all.

Much Love to all

Many wishes that your recovery is swift.

Too you and everyone happy thanksgiving

[wildflowerchild25]

I made it through the day! Sweet, sweet four day weekend. Plans to organize and list my spice cabinet so I don’t keep buying the same spices over and over again. I know I have at least three full bottles of ground cinnamon! I bet I have two of ginger. I did my pantry last week and discovered four cans of cream of mushroom soup and three cans of cream of chicken, something I just tend to buy for recipes because I never know if I have it or not. So much easier just to pull up the list and see!

I’m ready for thanksgiving. It will be just us. So I will only have to make what WE like and not cater to anyone else’s tastes, nor deal with my cousins and uncle. Turkey breast, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, biscuits, stuffing, and jarred gravy. And of course pumpkin pie! No one else likes it so I get the whole pie to myself! RS claims he doesn’t want a special dessert and I know my son will eat ice cream so we’re good.

I did some online shopping today. Some stuff for my niece and I bought myself a few tops since I’ve lost nearly 25 pounds. I decided that I deserved some tops that fit well as a treat for all my hard work. I’m slowly adding to my pile of clothes that don’t fit anymore. Pants mostly, as I hate pulling my pants up every few minutes! I’m very proud of the progress I’ve made. This month was a struggle because I screwed up my birth control, so my hormones were causing me to massively overeat.

I’ve been calmer for a couple of weeks. Less thoughts about my previous life. I think getting engaged and knowing I will be with RS for the rest of our lives is really helping. Just knowing he really is in for the long haul made me relax. I’ve been casually looking at cheap casual wedding dresses. Nothing over $150! No need for a fancy dress. RS wants to wear jeans! I said hell no at first but I’m warming up to it, IF he buys a brand new pair. I want our wedding to reflect who WE are, not what everyone thinks it’s “supposed” to be like. Basically the exact opposite of my first wedding!

I’m pulling my jewelry making supplies out of the attic tomorrow when we go up to get the Christmas stuff. I need to see what kinds of beads I have. Unfortunately you really have to look at beads in person to choose and I’m not really comfortable going to unnecessary stores right now so I’ll try to make do with what I have.

Not really much of a mental health update so I’m sorry for that. To all those struggling, I offer hugs and good vibes! Especially Christina. You’ve been dealt a terrible, terrible hand this year. We all love and support you!

[Mountaindewed]

I guess maybe I got a migraine because of my 7 and 4 year old nephews nonstop yelling and 3 hours of very loud Scooby Doo. 2 extra strength Tylenol solved it. Tums took care of the nausea heartburn. So I’m good now. I was able to eat a great dinner.

[bpcyclist]

I am very sad and lonely. Noone will sit with me. Oh well.

[*Beth*]

Originally Posted by wildflowerchild25

...

Yay, you sound good!

My wedding dress was "tea length", an absolutely beautiful color called "candleglow"...a pale, pale, gentle peach. I purchased it in a department store for somewhere around $100. That was back in 1988; still, it was not expensive, at all.

[Moose72]

Originally Posted by Mountaindewed

I guess maybe I got a migraine because of my 7 and 4 year old nephews nonstop yelling and 3 hours of very loud Scooby Doo. 2 extra strength Tylenol solved it. Tums took care of the nausea heartburn. So I’m good now. I was able to eat a great dinner.

Glad your migraine is gone- and you only had to resort to Tylenol, not prescription meds!- and your heartburn and nausea was taken care by Tums. I get queasy, too, when I have a bad migraine- sometimes I throw up, even.