Couch 251: The Matrix Recovered

Hugs, Scarlet. I hope they can find out what's going on and that it's nothing serious.

How much rest does one person need?

I thought I would be OK after getting through Steve's birthday/my therapy session on Thursday, and taking yesterday to rest.

I'm feeling better but I'm still not there yet.

Still have one work email to send this year, but can't seem to express myself well.

Is it worth taking the weekend and thinking about it on Monday?

I'm glad you found each other's letters to be meaningful. I imagine it will help to have that to look back on, to have something tangible, along with the gift he gave you. Playing a game seems like a good idea, too.


I'll be thinking of you next week.

Well, I found out that 1. All the tests came back that I'm actually healthy. 2. Both my doctors in the ER say I'm on too many meds. And 3. Their guess is it's the Ozempic and I should go back down to a lower dose. They gave me Zofran for the nausea and it didn't work. I do have an appt with my PCP Monday. I don't know what good that will do as my Endocrinologist is who prescribed me Ozempic.

P.S. Everyone was super nice to me except the registration woman. Why are they the one who are always mean? Pick a different job if you hate working with the public.

Hugs, Scarlet. Hope reducing the Ozempic helps. Your PCP should still be able to approve a reduction in dose (even though it was prescribed by your endocrinologist) and call in a different prescription if needed. And sorry the Zofran didn't help.

Hope they figure things out for you soon, Scarlet.

It kind of makes sense that the Ozempic might interfere with things, as it's a relatively new med.

Ginger is a natural anti-nausea option, if you can stomach it in some form.

Take care,

Lost

Yesterday I drove five hours round trip and came home with a very good dog. She's seven months, a super mutt but probably Aussie/Blue Heeler/who knows what else.

As soon as I saw her, my heart did a pitter-pat. I was joking the other day that I don't want another dog, I want our old dog back. This pup...her energy, and her white-tipped tail, and her sweetness are so much like my very best dog, the one that passed suddenly a few years ago.

Weird how that happens. None of the other dogs we reached out to worked out, but this one is the perfect pup. I love her.

Thanks all. I had to end last minute Christmas shopping early today because of the nausea. Just took another Zofran. I hope it helps even a little. I'm due for my Ozempic tomorrow night. I'm going to skip it until I talk to a doctor.

Thanks, Lost, for about the ginger. I forgot about that. I remember a pdoc (I think) telling me that years ago. I had ginger hard candies if I remember right. Probably for some med they put me on? I'm going to get some today!

Awww, WFS. I'm so happy for you! It is amazing how some times things can work out just right, especially right when you need it. Many good wishes for you and your puppy.

Safe hugs and dignified head nods all around, as appropriate.

Im bingewatching britbox Inspector Lynley Mysteries. They are the tiniest bit hokey, but spotting the "child" guest stars is so fun! Matthew Goode (D Abbey's Mary's racecar husband) is all forehead and eyebrows and no chin but adorable. Hes my favorite Even baby Idris Elba showed up, cootchie-coo! He just has a PRESENCE!

Hey couch. Long time reader, first time poster. I recently ended therapy after a decade. The ending was not my choice but for insurance reasons. I’m struggling with this loss quite a lot. Thought this might be a good place to get out some of these feelings. Anyway, thanks for reading.

welcome, ghost. I ended a quite long-term therapy (12+ years) like 10 months ago, and even though in my case, it was my own decision, it was still a big loss. I was angry for a while, worked through that anger with a short-term T. Be gentle with yourself, it's a really big loss. Give yourself time and space to grieve.

One thing that's really been helpful to me, I love to write so naturally, I poured my feelings into my poetry. I'll admit for a month or two there were some very angry poems where I even called ex-T some ahem choice names but it helped a lot to get it all out.

So many wise and helpful people here on the couch, too, who have been through therapy ending when it wasn't their choice who will commiserate, have suggestions, and offer safe hugs.

Pull up a big comfy pillow and make yourself at home!

I was an Idris Elba fan until I saw Cats. Killed the attraction right there.

Thank you for the kind welcome, Artie. It helps to not feel so alone.

We had a good ending, to the extent that such a thing can be "good." Several months to prepare. He encouraged me to express each and every complicated emotion and reaction over and over, as much as I needed. We talked openly about love, love in the therapy room, the love we had for each other. We both cried together as the date approached. And now it's over. I have some referrals and I'll be seeing the top person on that list in the new year. I signed off on my former therapist speaking with the new one about me. And if something changes with the insurance situation, I can go back to former therapist any time I want. He said that his door is always open to me.

Writing is excellent advice. I like to write, creatively and professionally, and I have ongoing projects in which I can immerse myself. That feels good. The loss feels enormous, though. I'm no stranger to loss or grief--one of my writing projects is on this topic, in fact--and it will take some time to grapple with this loss, make sense of it. I had a wonderful holiday lunch at a fancy restaurant with my spouse yesterday, and instinctively I was like, "I can't wait to tell--oh, yeah, never mind." Devastating.

I'm sorry that this loss is familiar to you, Artie, however the ending happened, and I truly appreciate your warm welcome and suggestions.

lol. i haven’t posted in forever, and am not doing well at all, but this just made me actually laugh out loud, so thanks

Welcome to MSF @phoneboothghost
I am sorry for the loss of your therapist. It sounds like you had more than a therapist, you had a best friend.

I hear you that loss may be as great as a loss of a relative. Hope you can find ways to cope with this grief.

I lost my parents and I was not ready for that. It left me wondering aout the next step. It sounds good that you have projects to work on.

CANDC
[If you want me to see your reply to this post please include @CANDC in your message - not in requoting my message and not the first word of your message]

Thank you, @CANDC, for your welcome. While my therapist and I had a close relationship, I wouldn’t consider him a best friend or like a relative. Our therapeutic relationship was completely professional. Still, I can see what you mean. Even while professional and boundaried, a decade-long therapeutic relationship with a therapist who uses a relational, interpersonal approach is an intimate one. There is real and genuine grief for both of us.

Welcome, Ghost.

I'm sorry for the unexpected loss of this therapeutic relationship, especially at this time of year.

I hope 2025 brings you opportunities to connect with others and gain strength.

Take care,

Lost

Yes I hear you @phoneboothghost
Grief happens with any loss. My partner had a therapist for 14 years and when they left it was difficult for both of us. They know everything so we did not have to explain from the beginning.

Good luck with your new therapist.

I'm very sorry for this loss, too. Any sort of close relationship lasting that long could be difficult to lose, professional or more personal.

It's good you're planning to see another therapist (as you mentioned in another post). I had a rather complicated loss of a previous therapeutic relationship (marriage counselor, actually--"ex-MC" if you read on here often) some time ago, and my current therapist was a support in getting through and processing that loss.


And welcome to the Couch!

Aw, she sounds very cute and sweet! Aussies are beautiful--does she have blue eyes by any chance? Share a pic when you can! Hope she's settling in well.

Thanks for the welcome, everyone. I appreciate it.

What’s her name? I hope it befits her status as the bestest dog.

Welcome, phoneboothghost!