Check In Easter Sunday 3-31-13

Yesterday and today were pretty good days.

We didn’t have a traditional Easter dinner because today was also my grand son Landon’s 10th birthday. We were invited to my stepson’s and his girlfriend’s home to celebrate.

Landon wanted spaghetti and garlic bread so that’s what we had. My stepson’s lady Melissa made this totally awesome birthday cake for Landon. Isn’t it cool??!!

It’s a cookie dough flavor cake with cookie dough frosting between the layers. The bunny butt and carrots are fondant and the grass is colored coconut with a ring of Kit Kats around the outside of the cake. It was so moist! I knew I shouldn’t but I had a half a slice of a thin sliver of it. It was so good! And since I took my diabetes medicine, even with all the carbs and sugar I ate today, my blood sugar was only 112 three hours later, so it was all good.

Saturday I went shopping for about 3 hours with my daughter. We went grocery shopping and I went to JoAnn’s to get some buttons and bigger safety pins. I have been working on crocheting burial kimonos and crocheted diapers for angel babies for our group God's Tiny Angels . I didn’t get a picture taken yet but will post it soon. They work up pretty fast and the need is great. I got the pattern for the diaper and kimono here Love You More Than The Bus Blog. The pattern has been approved by Teeny Tears for use for charity donations.

All the buttons at JoAnn’s were on sale for 50% off which sure helps. It’s amazing how expensive buttons are any more.

So, two days in a row out of the house. It’s been a very long time since that has happened. My daughter drove yesterday and my husband today. I’m still having just a bit of dizziness off and on so still just a little leery about driving yet. But, the weather was so nice the last 2 days and it sure was nice to get out in it.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m still having some bad days, more like bad hours than full days though. I’m still needing to sleep more than I would like, so an afternoon nap is pretty much a given daily at this time. The anxiety still comes and goes, sometimes for no reason at all. I know I felt shaky and nervous when I needed to leave home the last two days, but I’ve found a fourth of a Xanax seems to take the edge off and once I’m out of the house I seem to be ok for at least 3 or 4 hours. My mood is definitely better. I do seems to have some more energy than I did, actually getting some housework done that’s been needing to get caught up. I actually have more interest in doing things and wanting to get out of the house than I’ve had for quite awhile. I’m still not anywhere near 100% there yet, maybe 40% at this time. But things are for sure getting better. I know it’s going to take time but I really feel the Effexor is taking me in the right direction. I’m starting to see a bit of light at the end of the tunnel.

Until next time….take care of yourself.

Check In 3-24-13

Sorry I haven’t posted the last few days. I figured you didn’t really need a blow by blow daily.

I started a new dose of Effexor on Friday, 2 capsules instead of one. So far it seems to be ok. Only really weird side effect I seem to be getting is some zappy feelings in my legs. Don’t know if it’s a side effect of the Effexor or a combination with my Peripheral Artery Disease. Am keeping an eye on it. If it gets worse or doesn’t go away will be calling my Dr. Also I seem to have some shakiness too. That seems to start to happen about 2 hours before it’s time to take my meds. Maybe it’s because the meds for the day are about worn off.Been kind of antsy too so the Xanax has come into play. Today I couldn’t get warm for anything so I just went to bed, curled up with a nice warm comforter and slept for awhile. That seems to have gone away tonight.

I did get my preemie blanket done the other night. Just got the picture taken tonight. Both yarns are Red Heart Super Saver and the colors are Aran (off white) and lavender. I made a hat to match it but didn’t get a picture of it.

That’s it for tonight.

Take care all.

Check In 3-20-13

Today was better than yesterday. I’m still wanting to sleep a lot. Wasted a good part of this morning and some of this afternoon. Guess my body and brain are still adjusting. But I did get ambitious this afternoon and evening. Got the dishes done, swept all the floors, got the garbage and litter boxes ready to go out since tomorrow is garbage day. Went out and got the mail. Even got some more crocheting done. Almost finished with an off white and lavender baby blanket. Just need to finish the shell edging. If I get it done soon I will post a picture. Thinking about making a matching hat to go with it.

Until tomorrow!

Check In 3-19-13

Today was a set back day. Really tired, slept a lot, antsy, anxious, shaky.  Just plain old didn't feel good. Xanax and sleep were my friends today. Hoping tomorrow is better.

Check In 3-18-13

Another day where I’m feeling pretty good. Got up early but ended up needing a nap. All of a sudden about 11:00 a.m. I could barely keep my eyes open, so off to bed I went. So I pissed away my afternoon sleeping. I suppose my body is still adjusting to the Effexor since it’s only been 3 days that I’ve been on it.

I must say I’m not feeling the “fogginess” that I experienced with Paxil. Also when I was taking the Paxil, after the first hour or so, I would get a feeling like I had a tight hat band around my head. Don’t quite know how else to describe that feeling. It was pretty weird, and I always got it, every day. It lasted for a few hours too. Just a weird side effect that I sure didn't like.

My energy level has certainly gone up. My motivation isn't what I would like it to be yet, still hard to get motivated, but at least I am WANTING to do stuff. That’s a big improvement for me.

I’ve been crocheting up a storm, which is something I’ve always enjoyed doing anyway, but I seem to enjoy it even more now, which I didn’t think was possible.

Wanted to go do something today, just to get out of the house, but it’s really stinking cold today. Went out to get the mail and about got blown away. The wind is really bad which makes it feel a lot colder than it actually is. My hands and feet get cold easy because of my peripheral neuropathy and my circulation isn’t what it should be, so I have to be a bit careful about going out when it’s cold.

Just a short post for today.

Truman Adopted August 2012

I was just looking back at some of my older posts and realized I had said I would post pictures of Truman, the cat we adopted way back in August, and I never did! So here we go!

Here he is napping in the bottom of the TV stand. He has made himself right to home around here.

Some history on Truman: My daughter and son in law bought a new home last year and the man who was selling the house was Truman’s former dad. He was being transferred by his company out of state and couldn’t take Truman with him.

Here he is, sharing the love seat with Baby. Truman’s dad told us if he couldn’t find a home for him, he would have to take Truman to the pound. I couldn’t let that happen. Came home, talked hubby into letting me get Truman. And a few days later Truman came to live with us. At first our 2 other cats, Baby and Rocky were pretty leery about Truman. Truman is pretty laid back. He just wanted to be friends with them but they weren’t having any of that at first. Lots of hissing and growling going on for a few days.

 

Truman and Rocky watching a squirrel out the window. They are best buddies now. They play together all the time. Baby is my skittish cat and it took her longer to accept Truman, but now they play together and chase each other up and down the hallway to the bedrooms. They all even sleep together at times on the beds.

Just hanging out. He is such a good boy. Unfortunately his owner didn’t tell us he had previous problems with cystitis and needed to be on special food. So we were just feeding him the same dry cat food the other cats were eating. After two weeks with us he was having trouble peeing, licking himself a LOT and was just generally pretty miserable.

A $500 trip to the vet later, was when we found out about his cystitis. When cats eat dry cat food, they don’t get enough moisture in their system to keep it flushed out and males tend to develop crystals because of it. So now all the cats are on canned cat food for urinary tract. There just wasn’t any way to keep Truman out of the dry food, and the other two out of the canned food.

He loves curling up in any box, just like the other cats, so we keep an empty box under our end tables, just for them.

Truman also has allergies, so he sneezes a lot, but that we did know. I am pissed that his old owner didn’t tell us about needing special food. We could have avoided the big vet bill. I suppose he thought we wouldn’t take him if we knew about his medical issues. Maybe, maybe not. I DO know we are glad we adopted him. He has fit in well with our other cats. He is a very sweet, gentle, loving cat. He’s very sociable, loves getting his head scratched, and curls up in my hubby’s lap all the time. He’s been a good addition to our home. No more cats though. 3 are enough.

Until next time.

Depression and Anxiety 3-17-13

I never know where to start with my posts each day. Guess I will just post what comes to mind and if it gets too long, I’ll just stop for the day.

Slept in for a bit this morning. I’m working on getting my days and nights turned back around to the right way. Still found myself needing a nap around noon, so I took one.

Got the energy up to get my shower taken late afternoon so we could go to my stepson’s for supper. Don’t know if I had some underlying anxiety going on, or if it was just the exertion of taking a shower, but when I got done my hands were pretty shaky and I felt a bit weak so I ended up taking 1/4 of a Xanax. That small of a dose takes the edge off but doesn’t make me sleepy. I really didn’t feel bad otherwise.

We ended up not going over for supper. My stepson called shortly after I got done with my shower and told us he was pretty sick so they had to cancel the dinner. I told him we understood, no problem. If you are sick you are sick.

There I was, all clean and dressed in real clothes (doesn’t happen for me every day), and nowhere to go. I had myself all primed up to leave the house which I hadn’t done for over a month. I was determined I was going to do SOMETHING.

I couldn’t waste the desire to get out of the house. It’s been so rare lately. So I asked my husband if he would go to the grocery store with me. He knew that was a biggy request for me so he said sure, let’s go. Anything else you want to go do?

I’m still having off and on dizziness so I wanted him with me just in case I didn’t feel comfortable driving. I did just fine though. We stopped to put gas in my car and then went to the grocery store. Both places are just a few blocks from home and I’m really comfortable driving it, so it seemed like a good idea to start out close to home.

Once I am FINALLY out of the house, I’m pretty much ok. It’s just the going out part that is so hard. I don’t know what makes me so anxious about going out. Also, once I’m out I’m better if I go with someone, hence another reason to have hubby go with me.

It had been so long since I went to the grocery store that I ended up going up and down just about every aisle. Hubby has been wonderful about doing the grocery shopping, long as I make a list for him. I really needed new batteries for my blood glucose meter so that was a big reason I wanted to go myself. It was great just to be there and see things I knew I needed or wanted and never remembered to put on the grocery list.

The new meds must already be doing some good for me, even after only 2 days, because this was the first time in a long long time that I actually wanted to go somewhere, anywhere. Let’s hope this trend continues!

Don’t get me wrong, the anxiety still comes and goes, but that’s what the Xanax is for. And it really does help me. The Effexor seems to be giving me a bit more motivation every day. Plus I have other health issues, mainly diabetes and emphysema, which I’m sure contributes to the depression and anxiety.

All in all it wasn’t a bad day, and was better than many days have been lately.

Signing off for the night. Take care of yourself, and keep up the fight!

Depression and Anxiety 3-16-13

The first day of meds wasn't too bad. I didn't know what to expect for side effects, which was the part scaring me the most.
I am experiencing dizziness off and on, but I had that with the Paxil. It doesn't seem as bad with the Effexor.
I also have had some shakiness but it just seems to come and go.
I've been lucky in not really getting any nausea, but am taking the advice people have given me to make sure to eat something when I take the med.
I can say that I don't feel so much like I'm in a fog with the Effexor. I seem better able to concentrate and feel more alert. I do seem to have more energy when I am awake, but still find myself wanting to take naps. Hopefully that will pass as more of the drug builds up in my system.
We are going to my stepson's and his lady's home tomorrow to enjoy corned beef and cabbage with them and I'm actually looking forward to it. Haven't really been out of the house for over a month. I always enjoy going to their home and feel very comfortable there so it should be a good "first excursion" for me on the  new medication.
I am finding my appetite seems to be returning. Seems like all I want to do is graze :) But that's ok because I need to put some weight back on.
Will stop for tonight but wanted to check in with you all to let you know how things are going 

Depression and Anxiety 3-15-13

This is the first night for the new meds. It’s only been a few hours so results remain to be seen yet.

I do have to say I am experiencing some dizziness (more so than usual), but knock on wood, no nausea yet. May have jinxed myself, lol,

It is an extended release medication so it may take some time for side effects to settle in.

I actually had a pretty good day. I was experiencing some anxiety all day because of knowing I was going to do a medication change tonight but nothing serious.

If I could just get over wanting to sleep a lot during the day, and then being up half the night because of that, life would be much better.

I will let you know more tomorrow how things are going.

Thanks for going along on my ride, and I REALLY appreciate feedback I have been getting.

Depression And Anxiety 3-14-13

Well, today wasn’t too bad of a day. I actually had some energy to get some things done around the house. Believe me, that’s a biggie!

I did the dishes, got them put away, went out and brought the garbage tote in and went out to get the mail from our mailbox at the curb. Made the bed. Got some more crocheting done.

To many of you, this may not sound like much, but for me it’s a lot. Most days I just don’t have the energy or motivation to do much of anything. I sleep way too much. The internet and tv are my things that help me get through the day many days. Leaving the house to do anything is very hard, even going out to the mailbox.

I got some information today from a lady who is using the same medication I am going to start on Friday night, Effexor. She has been on it for over 10 years and said it’s been a real help for her. Just hearing that has helped take away some of my apprehension about taking it. I think ANY new depression med would give me some anxiety, simply because I don’t know how my body will respond to it.

I know I will probably have some of the crappy side effects I first had from Paxil, the nausea, dizziness and shakiness, but I know that’s to be expected. I’m just hoping that since I have already been on one med that caused that the side effects won’t be as bad, at least that’s what I am hoping.

I will keep this post short and sweet. Just wanted to get some thoughts down.

Until tomorrow.

Addressing Depression And Anxiety 3-13-13

Not even really sure where to begin, so I guess I will just start.

For quite some time now, I have been dealing with depression, anxiety and social phobia. My daughter suggested maybe I should blog about my feelings and experiences as it might help me and help others going through some of the same things.

I don’t usually broadcast to others about my depression, etc., because I have found that if someone hasn’t experienced it themselves, they really don’t understand. Heck, I don’t totally understand. My doctor, family and good friends know about my problems, but that’s about as far as it goes until now.

At the end of December, I FINALLY admitted to myself that I needed help. That in itself is a HUGE step when you are dealing with depression, anxiety and/or any kind of social phobia.

You are NOT crazy. You DO need help. These medical issues are not just something that you can “get over it”. It just doesn’t work that way. All of these are contributed to by neuro transmitters in your brain, at least that is what I am learning from talking with my doctor and research I have done.

Depression and such issues sneak up on you. I used to be a very social person who enjoyed going places and doing things. Over a long period of time I have progressively gotten to the point where not much of anything has any interest for me. I don’t have much motivation or energy to do anything either. I seldom leave my home. I HATE BEING THIS WAY!!

In December I started on Xanax for my anxiety. That has helped a LOT, with the anxiety. My doctor also started me on Paxil, which addresses the serotonin in your brain. At first it seemed like the Paxil was helping, but that only lasted for a week or two. Evidently, that isn’t my problem. So we are switching me to a new med starting on Friday. You have to wean down on the dose of the Paxil before switching or you can get some pretty nasty side effects.

I will stop for tonight and post more tomorrow. Otherwise this post will be way to long for anyone to want to read it. I will address some of the issues that I have been having, side effects from the drugs and other things as I go along. Thank you for listening.

GTA Donations March 2013

This time we were concentrating on making Easter items for the babies. I got carried away this time with hats but got some blankets and sweater sets done too.

This is my “brights” filet crochet newborn blanket. It was fun to make with all the different colors.

 

This is my lavender and white preemie blanket. It’s just double crochets with a bit of filet thrown in so it wouldn’t be quite so plain. The edging is shells.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my Easter egg quilt. I really like the way it turned out. The left pic is the whole thing and the right is a close up since the pattern in the material didn’t show up very well in the first picture.

Here is my lavender and white dress and diaper cover. I used Pound of Love yarn for both colors. It’s probably a newborn size.

 

 

 

 

 

I made a few little headbands just for something different and a pair of booties. Don’t make very many booties because they always seem to turn out different sizes. I like making the headbands because they work up pretty quick.

 

 

 

 

I made lots and lots of hats this time. So I will just post all the pics of them. My stepson and his lady went out of town and stopped at a Goodwill store. They found some really pretty variegated yarn that they bought for me! Got the kids trained well !!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Then there are the sweater sets. This one is made from Pound of Love yarn. I like the bright colors.

 

 

 

 

Made from aqua yarn. I don’t remember what yarn I used.

 

 

 

 

This was made from some of the pretty yarn my step son and his lady got me. It’s really soft.

 

 

 

 

The color of this yarn is called cornflower yellow. It’s a vintage Redheart yarn I had. I don’t know if they even make this color any more.

 

 

 

This is a variegated blues and greens set.

 

 

 

 

Variegated brights and white. I made the sleeves white because otherwise I didn’t think I would have enough yarn to make a matching hat.

 

 

 

Variegated pastels with assorted pastels buttons to set it off. Very soft yarn.

 

 

 

 

Last but not least, a pretty pale blue and white dress, hat and booties. This could be used for Easter but may also be used as a burial set. Sadly the need for burial sets always is there.

That’s the end of this batch this time. As you can see, I’ve been pretty busy this time.

 

Working on hats for the Fourth of July now.

Until next time, stay safe and do for others.