Emotional chaos?

[LBTC]

Thanks, Wahine

Just taking it easy today. I've got aches in strange places that could mean I need to get to know a massage therapist, but are just as likely caused by a virus. I'll know in a day or two if some other strange places start to hurt, right?

I'll keep my day as low-key as possible tomorrow, with lots of extra nutrients, maybe even some electrolyte drops, and I'll warn the folks at work to not bug me. heehee. I wonder if that will work?

Was your ride today or yesterday? Do you get a rest day yet? My goodness! Your training regime is daunting to me! Keep it going, girl!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[Mr. Bloom]

LB: I can't add much, but from personal experience, when my mother was diagnosed with celiac, part of the initial therapy included antidepressants. I suppose the body goes through some form of detox...but I don't really know.

Plus, I agree with Lisa...This is the time for seasonal affective disorder from light deprevation and you're in a tough part of the world for winter light. I know that when we first moved to Indiana, I was nearly suicidal (for no reason ) in Jan/Feb...but office window was north facing...once I fixed that, I never had the problem again regardless of the season.

What you're feeling is real, I encourage you to hang in there

[LBTC]

Thanks, Mr.

I saw my doc this week and described it the best I could. He's ordered a blood test that I'll get today. Not sure what all of these mean but he's asked for:
Haematology: Hgb, Hct, MCV, RBC, WBC
Glucose
Serrum Ferritin
ESR
TSH
Vit B12
Folate

My scopes are next Wednesday, so I'll check in with doc after that sometime.

This week I have not had the emotional difficulty of the week before. I've been feeling like I'm fighting a bug, but it hasn't quite got me - the shivers, a little dizzy here and there, headache coming and going, generally feeling feverish (though I don't have a thermometer to check).

The doc also agreed that it is hard for us to tell if this is a bug or if this is more symptoms. And that certainly fatigue can happen with this sort of illness, and that mood can also be affected. We'll be checking to see if the emotional thing happens again and will investigate further if it does.

As for office windows - well, I don't have any. But I haven't for the last year. I usually get outside a few times a day, though, so that's not all bad. When the emotional outbursts were ongoing, I think it was actually sunny out and I was getting a fair amount of time in it. Interesting thought, though, and I'll watch for a connection there. btw, where I live now is further south than where I spent almost all of my life. We have longer winter days here than I am used to, and the light in the morning and at night is now so noticeable it's rather joyous!

Thanks for your concern!

Hugs and butterflies,
~T~

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

LBTC,
I know this sounds crazy, but....get a few plants and keep them near you during the day, with a light for them to grow. I believe that the good live vibes from plants can raise our spirits. Get one for your desk and make sure it has enough light, or make a tiny terrarium and have a littl egrow light over it. Get a couple of plants for your home. If you already have plants in your home, repot them with fresh soil and feed them so they are happy and growing and not struggling along. It might just be a subtle psychological boost, or it might even be more than that.

[Aggie_Ama]

I *think* that might be a comprehensive metabolic panel. My doctor ran one on me when he was trying to diagnose my movement disorder, some of those acronyms look familiar. My guess is he is checking to see how well you are getting nutrients?

You know what sounds silly but makes me feel better? Goofy office supplies. I have this pen on my desk that has yellow fuzz and looks like a duck. It just brightens my mood, I use it when I need a pick me up.

You asked a while ago how my husband was doing... Better everyday.

(((Hugs)))

[Mr. Bloom]

As for office windows - well, I don't have any. But I haven't for the last year. I usually get outside a few times a day, though, so that's not all bad. When the emotional outbursts were ongoing, I think it was actually sunny out and I was getting a fair amount of time in it. Interesting thought, though, and I'll watch for a connection there. btw, where I live now is further south than where I spent almost all of my life. We have longer winter days here than I am used to, and the light in the morning and at night is now so noticeable it's rather joyous!

I'm not endorsing this particular product, but Silver uses something like this in her workshop. High lumen lighting is important to fight S.A.D. - particularly in northern climes. Do some research...but it's a safe alternative to tanning beds...

http://www.fullspectrumsolutions.com/

[Dianyla]

I saw my doc this week and described it the best I could. He's ordered a blood test that I'll get today. Not sure what all of these mean but he's asked for:

If you're interested, here's some basic info about what these tests are for:
Haematology: Hgb, Hct, MCV, RBC, WBC - This is basically a complete blood count to make sure you have all the right types of cells in your blood.
Glucose - Quick test to rule out hypo/hyperglycemia as a cause of your ill feeling.
Serrum Ferritin - Measures the protein-bound iron circulating in your blood. This is the best indicator of your iron stores level to rule anemia in or out.
ESR - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate - can indicate inflammation in the body.
TSH - Thyroid stimulating hormone, this is a very basic indicator that your thyroid is probably working properly.
Vit B12 - Lack of B12 can cause pernicious anemia, meaning your body may have enough iron but it cannot utilize it to make blood cells.
Folate - Deficiency of this can also lead to anemia.

All in all, it sounds like your doc is doing the right thing by checking these various nutrients to see if you have any deficiencies (which are very common with the malabsorption caused by crohn's and celiac intestinal damage).

[LBTC]

You girls (and guy) are great! Thanks!

Lisa - great ideas on the plants, except that I've pretty much killed every house plant I've ever had. Little green bits are poking out of the ground now, so my camera is getting a lot more working out these days. We have some heat issues to fix in the "sun" room this summer, and hopefully I can get some herbs growing in there then....and if those do well, it may just turn into the plant room. That could be nice!

Amanda - I'm glad your DH is doing better all the time! That's great news! I like goofy office supplies too! I might have to find something silly to splurge on soon. I'll put it on my weekend list.

Mr. Silver - I'll check the info. No budget for anything like that this year, and, frankly, I'd rather this be something nutritional. With the SAD season nearly over, I may not know until next year!

Dianyla - I knew one of you smart medical types would explain it all to me! I had figured out a few these, but not quite all.

I had a nice moment today - I realized that I *really* do like my doctor! (how often have you heard somebody say that?). I couldn't get my blood taken on Wednesday because the ESR sample can't sit overnight, so I had to go back to the lab this morning to have the blood samples taken. As I was waiting, my doc walked by, saw me and stopped to chat for a minute or two about cross country skiing and snowshoeing! He's a really nice guy. I feel very fortunate!!

So, my check in tonight - still feeling pretty weak. Ended up walking home (2.5 km) and feel like I need a nap. Work is really busy, though, so that's a pretty good reason, but doesn't explain it completely. My throat is a bit sore. Otherwise, I feel pretty happy, and I'm not really worried. I know that on Sunday I need to cut out all foods with seeds, dairy and whole grains. I checked and it is okay to eat rice. On Monday by lunchtime I need to be on clear fluid only. Broth, tea, clear fruit juices (and by clear, no dark coloured juices as they can dye the intestines). By Tuesday lunchtime I start on the "purge". If I get to work on Tuesday morning, I'll be leaving before I start the purge. I have to drink the stuff again in the evening. By midnight I have to stop all food (if you can call it that) and drink. My scopes are scheduled for 9:45 on Wednesday morning. I am an eater. I refuel evey 2-3 hours on a regular basis. I expect to feel really awful by Monday night, and worse by the next night. I'm planning to have as much fun as I can this weekend, to hopefully go into a yucky week with the best attitude!!

I'd appreciate a little of those positive vibes early next week. I might need some extra butterflies for a few days!

Thanks again for all of your ideas, concern and support!

Hugs and all those happy fluttering critters,
~T~

[bmccasland]

I'd appreciate a little of those positive vibes early next week.

You betcha! I'll try to get the Mardi Gras beads in the post tomorrow morning (if the PO is actually open on Saturdays...). Hope you get to feeling better soon.

[hellosunshine]

yes,your dr sounds amazing!very lucky there.


re the plants-i was reading a forum on depression and there was a discussion what helped other than pills- GARDENING!!!! when i was little mum used to give us hyacinth bulbs in a glass container,which we filled with water,so we could watch them grow up and the roots too,they must be indestructible?my garden is full of nasturtiums in the summer,cyclists flowers VERY LOW MAINTENANCE INDEED.

also they mentioned knitting,reading and music,forums.


occuaptional therapy ive also enjoyed are creative things like paper mache,daft childhood things,but producing something,im lucky in that there is a local pottery,you can go along and lose yourself for a few hours painting plates etc and they then fire them for you.of course its all a bit out of context if you are feeling rank.


positive forums which we are all so lucky with here.lotts people gunning for you,you will get through this patch.BAD TIMES DO PASS.

[LBTC]

Hi, sunshine!

Yes, gardening. I do okay with most of the outdoor plants and I'm really excited about spring this year because we moved here in June so I don't know what bulbs are starting to poke through the ground! I love watching the green stalks becoming flowers!! And, yes, nastrutiums are such a confidence inspiring plant for those of us who don't have a green thumb, and I love to eat them too.

As for the other activities, they sound fun and nice. My "therapy" is the pictures I take. The whole process elevates me from whatever my issues are...and because I send one out to my pictures list every day, I get that opportunity to have zen moments, those moments where nothing else matters, as I ponder which photo to send, and which word to attach to it. There's about 130 people on that list, and usually each day I think of just which person that picture is for, which also takes me out of myself for awhile. Not to mention that the same thing happens when I'm actually taking the photos!!

I think that was what was so bizarre about the emotional 5 days. I really do have these releases, I really was not feeling a lot of self-pity, it really was just weird. And hopefully that was the only time!

Sunshine, how are you feeling these days? I hope you are doing well! Would you like to get my picture each day? Just PM your email address and I'll add you! Same goes for everyone on the forum...

Hugs and butterflies to all!
~T~

[hellosunshine]

is today THE DAY OF TESTS!?the courage of lions sweetheart



and by the way gals,she is a fantastic photographer,quality and content superb,blew my socks off,in awe!check her out.

[LBTC]

Thank you, sunshine, yes today is the day. About 3 hours from now.....

Gathering lions with butterfly wings all around me.....

~T~

[KnottedYet]

good luck with the tests today! I'll be thinking of you!

[Brandi]

I am later here but just wanted you to know my heart and good thoughts are with you today. Hope you are feeling a bit better mood wise. I wish you could see my kitty playing right now with he's little fuzzy mouse (from ss last month) he is making my giggle!