Bipolar Check-in #75

I'm wondering if I should get a tetanus shot.

There wasn't anything rusty involved but there was a lot of dust and I read that dust carries the tetanus bacteria.

What do you think? I'm otherwise physically healthy.

When was the last time you had a tetnus shot? That should determine the answer, regardless of whether the thing is rusty, etc. It's always best to consult your GP (internist) on this. Likely even your GP's nurse or your pharmacist could give more reliable advice than us.

Hi @LadyShadow. Is there any way for you to get a wee bit of a break from the service work? Have you talked to your designated therapist and psychiatrist about this? I don't fully know what kind of rehab you're in or the details regarding the service work, but I can say when I was inpatient for my bipolar disorder I sometimes had to step out or skip some of the sessions/activities. It can indeed be overwhelming. And I know that inpatient, one cannot fully relate to all (or any) of the fellow patients. Don't worry yourself that you don't.

During my first few hospitalizations they put me in a "dual diagnosis" ward. I definitely felt alone as they seemed to concentrate 100% on addiction, when what I really also needed was help with my bipolar disorder and issues relating to the then recent death of my mother and some issues at my workplace, and more. Even most of the dual diagnosis patients seemed to talk exclusively about addiction. I found the dual-diagnosis ward therapists to be like generals, at times. So inappropriate! Even detrimental, sometimes. I'm not saying that my drinking hadn't been a serious issue, but it was not to be treated as the only one. In my case, my bipolar and drinking were quite linked, at the time. I happen to dislike the branding (word chose deliberately) "alcoholic" or "addict". They will never cease to bring with them negative stigmas. I see them more as serious mental health issues, often linked with other ones, like bipolar disorder.

If any of what I shared is relevant to you, then you are certainly not alone. Either way, sending you hugs and wishes for strength during this challenging time for you.

I have been a part of Neurotalk for 15 years. From what I understand it's closing and we are moving here. My friends will probably help !e in this process. Brokenfriend

Ohhh, my poor son-in-law. His saga just doesn’t end! 6 or so months ago he got legionnaires disease, was hospitalized. Then weeks ago his lung collapsed and he needed an operation. Now today he has an infection and pneumonia! He’s self employed so he can’t earn money. Man can’t catch a break.

Me, I’m doing ok. Had a nice day. But in the back of my mind worried about housing.

I know I'm getting sick. I need to go home. I can't take any more of this. Paranoia and feelings of victimization/persecution have been coming and going. I keep taking Ativan, but as it always has, it only works for hours.

Ohhh, my poor son-in-law. His saga just doesn’t end! 6 or so months ago he got legionnaires disease, was hospitalized. Then weeks ago his lung collapsed and he needed an operation. Now today he has an infection and pneumonia! He’s self employed so he can’t earn money. Man can’t catch a break.

Me, I’m doing ok. Had a nice day. But in the back of my mind worried about housing.

Ohhh, my poor son-in-law. His saga just doesn’t end! 6 or so months ago he got legionnaires disease, was hospitalized. Then weeks ago his lung collapsed and he needed an operation. Now today he has an infection and pneumonia! He’s self employed so he can’t earn money. Man can’t catch a break.

Me, I’m doing ok. Had a nice day. But in the back of my mind worried about housing.

I know I'm getting sick. I need to go home. I can't take any more of this. Paranoia and feelings of victimization/persecution have been coming and going. I keep taking Ativan, but as it always has, it only works for hours.

Today is my husband's and my last full day in the US. We'll meet my sister for lunch and then start packing to go home. Thank goodness!

A nice thing when we get home will be that further renovations will have been completed in our absence. Plus some furniture and wardrobes will be already built/assembled. So, steps towards feeling more fully moved in will be ready for us to complete. We even had seedlings for a hedge planted in our absence.

May is always particularly nice in Czech Republic, though we'll be busy. I have a few doctors appointments soon after we arrive, that were postponed because of the situations. We also have tickets to one of the concerts of the famous Prague Spring Festival, that happens every year. My sister-in-law and nephews will also attend that. Chances are that we'll see other relatives/friends of Hubby there. Beethoven's 9th Symphony will be one of the pieces played that night. It's a grand joyous piece that happens to be my favorite.

I received some review papers (the abbreviated version) from SSA for my disability. I lost those and requested new ones. Now it’s a full blown review. I am so anxious about this. They want information from the last 12 months and I was hospitalized during that time so that should help. I have a tendency to think catastrophically and I’m trying to be calm but I am worried they’ll take it away. I’m nowhere near stable enough to work.

In other news, mom’s dog got out and ran away and I had a time calming mom down and finding said dog. This morning the dog launched herself through a paneof glass on the bay window trying to go after a rabbit. The dog hurt herself on the glass and the repair for the broken window will be costly. Not a great beginning to the day.

I’m having a time with high anxiety right now, disability review aside.

I hope everyone has a peaceful day. Much love