I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: Spouses and Caregivers => Topic started by: Poppylicious on February 07, 2014, 08:26:49 AM

Title: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on February 07, 2014, 08:26:49 AM
I thought that once Blokey owned my kidney our lives would be better.  And our lives ARE better but today I had a moment of overwhelming sadness. It was connected to the stupid meds and the stupid pharmacy and the stupid doctors at the stupid surgery, and it meant I walked home with tears just begging to be allowed to fall.  It wasn't even a Big Deal; it's a minor inconvenience where wires have been crossed and it's being sorted out this afternoon, which means another walk down to the pharmacy for me. 

I'm being completely irrational at the moment.  I'm so tired. I'm so moody. I'm thinking bizarre thoughts. EVERYTHING is reducing me to tears.  Last week I was on the phone to my Mummy and she was telling me how my brother's partner might have an issue with his liver.  "I don't think I can cope with any more worry," she said. When I put the phone down I sobbed for about fifteen minutes, not just sobs but SOBS of the heart-wrenching-feel-like-I-could-curl-up-and-die variety. I've realised that since Blokey's been ill I've never really talked about how *I* feel.  And I don't feel good. I'm not going to completely let you into my head because what you see in there might worry you, and it's things I don't think I could talk to anybody about, but I needed to say something to somebody and I chose you, ihd. I don't know who else to tell. I do blog about it but when I read back through my blogs I just think I must sound so miserable and self-pitying to the very few people who stumble upon it.

I've been treating Blokey really badly recently. I'm so incredibly moody and he bears the brunt of that moodiness, to the extent that I'm surprised he hasn't asked for a divorce yet (*sad face*). I know he's really worried about me, but he doesn't tell me because he thinks I'll shout at him.  I also know he doesn't understand why. I don't understand why. I have so many good things in my life, no reason to feel this way. But I do.

I've kidded myself for a long time that I can deal with my depression on my own, that I don't need help or intervention.  But in the last couple of months it's become apparent that it's too big for me to cope with alone and I'm having thoughts, panic attacks and incredible mood swings which I've never experienced before. I'm scaring myself. I want to be strong, but it's reached that point where I have to let go a bit and just recognise that I need *huggles* too.

And why am I telling you? Because I need to make an appointment with my GP (I plan to do it this afternoon when I go to pick up the meds) and I need to tell Blokey I've made an appointment. I don't think I'll actually do either of those things if I don't tell someone and have someone say to me, "Have you done it yet?" I can't tell anyone in Real Life because it's too difficult for me to do so I'm afraid you drew the short straw.

Sorry about that.

(I wasn't sure where to post this ... it's not directly related to being a caring wife, nor is it related to kidney failure, and I don't think it's related to being a living donor because I've been diagnosed with depression in the past ... other mods who think it should be someplace else are free to move it as they wish!)

Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: ToddB0130 on February 07, 2014, 10:58:41 AM
Hi Poppy ---

I hope it helps to hear that you ARE doing the right things right now by planning to address this.   You're seeing all the signs that something is 'off' and admitting you need help addressing it.   Being a caregiver and also a donor is an incredibly stressful thing and it sounds like you've been 'putting on a happy face' and not really dealing with the emotional issues and overwhelming feelings that also arise with this all.

So I say 'Congratulations' to you. You need to put yourself first and take care of these things .........and that will also roll down to all the other people in your life, including Blokey.  :flower;

It can be scary when you first have to arrange to talk with a professional about things.  I am very private and am not quick to speak,  but when all of my kidney problems arose,  I began to have such anxiety I started seeing a psychologist (whichever one it is that doesn't prescribe drugs .....ha ha).  If you are able to,  you should try to find a therapist or someone similar to talk to (perhaps a support group ?) ........ when you deal with someone one on one,  the time really is yours and they listen and you get to talk out your thoughts and feelings (this is especially important if you don't fell you can do that with close family and friends)

And there is no shame in seeking support ..........if therapists, psychologists and pyschiatrists didn't have enough business,  they'd be florists or something.

So, stay on the path you've started and get yourself some help.  You'll be glad you did.

And here's those huggles .... :grouphug;

P.S.   HAVE YOU CALLED YET ??










EDITED:Fixed tag errors-kitkatz,Admin
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Deanne on February 07, 2014, 11:20:02 AM
Thank you for trusting us to be there for you.

You've been there for your Blokey for a long time. It makes sense to me that now that the transplant is completed, you crashed. At some level, this is probably the first time you've felt safe enough to acknowledge your own feelings, and now they're overwhelming you.

I hope you made that call.

 :grouphug;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: MooseMom on February 07, 2014, 12:24:26 PM
Thank you for trusting us to be there for you.

You've been there for your Blokey for a long time. It makes sense to me that now that the transplant is completed, you crashed. At some level, this is probably the first time you've felt safe enough to acknowledge your own feelings, and now they're overwhelming you.

I hope you made that call.

 :grouphug;

This is absolutely spot on.

I bet we all understand why you are feeling as you do, and frankly, despite the good things you've had in your life, you DO have a reason that you feel the way you do.  You've been traumatized by what Blokey has been through. 

One of the hardest things about ESRD is how helpless and out of control it makes you feel.  You can control your diet and do various other bits and pieces to help yourself, but in the grand scheme of things, your kidneys will still end up failing and once on dialysis, other people have more control over your life than you do yourself.  But if you are the SPOUSE of someone with ESRD, you have even LESS control!  There's this endless voyage (I refuse to use the word "journey", as you all know!  Pet peeve.  Too Oprah-ish.) that is sweeping you to who knows where, and you have no oar.

So this tension builds and builds, and you spend all of your psychological strength in combatting these big bad things, and when some little inconsequential blow-up occurs like something with the stupid meds or the stupid chemist or whatever, well, that little thing can become the ignition for a giant sobfest.

And like Deanne pointed out, when this overwhelming burden is lifted and it seems as if you may finally have reached the voyage's end, there can be this monumental crash back down to earth, back down to a place of wary safety.

I do not know if you are clinically depressed.  You've been traumatized, and frankly, nothing that you've described is unsurprising to me.  Make the call.  Or, at least for a while, talk to us.  Maybe that will be enough.  Maybe you just need permission to feel the way you do.  You have my permission to feel the way you do.   :)  However, what you do with those feelings is what is important, and perhaps that's when you will need to make that call.  If these feelings persist, then I think finding a therapist would do you the world of good.

You two have been given a second chance at life, and I hope you find a way to thoroughly enjoy it!

Keep us posted, OK?  You've been around here on IHD long enough to know that we don't judge (unless you make the mistake of posting in the political forum!).
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: willowtreewren on February 07, 2014, 01:32:47 PM
Oh, Poppy.....

*huggles* and more *huggles* and even more *huggles*!

I wish they weren't of the cyber variety, because I have a strong suspicion that a real live warm body full of *huggles* would really, really help (and a shoulder on which you could lean while you allow yourself to receive them).

So, have you made the call? Can we hold your hand as you go about getting some much needed help? Sometime when you think you want to hear about how someone else broke down (in the dentist office, no less), I'll share that story. The best part about it is that I can truly laugh about it now.

Here is to the day you look back to today and can smile about it.

Quote
And why am I telling you? Because I need to make an appointment with my GP (I plan to do it this afternoon when I go to pick up the meds) and I need to tell Blokey I've made an appointment. I don't think I'll actually do either of those things if I don't tell someone and have someone say to me, "Have you done it yet?" I can't tell anyone in Real Life because it's too difficult for me to do so I'm afraid you drew the short straw.

And of course none of us are Real Life!  :rofl; We are all just make believe!!!!  :rofl;

Here are a few more *huggles* for good measure.

Aleta
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Angiepkd on February 07, 2014, 06:52:33 PM
Hi Poppy!  I don't want to say I know what you are dealing with, because I am the patient, and it would be presumptuous of me to assume I know your history. I can share with you my own battle with depression.  I am normally all smiles and sunshine. After my cancer diagnosis and radical hysterectomy, all of that changed. It happened at the same time I found out my kidneys were failing. I was mean and angry and sad and tired and couldn't focus or manage even the simplest tasks without a fit of rage or an hour of crying like a baby. I wanted to stay in bed. My poor husband and kids avoided me.  The kids would poke their heads in the door and ask if I was happy mom, angry mom or sad mom. I know a lot of this was because of "instant menopause" and being unable to take hormones, but I was a wreck.  I went to my neph appt. and when he asked me how I was doing, I cried so hard I couldn't talk. Totally out of character for me, and so embarrassing.  He asked me if I wanted to try Zoloft and I said yes through the tears. I only take 50 mgs once a day, but it levels me out. I am not a fan of anti-depressants, and I feel like I already take enough medicine, but it has truly saved my sanity, and my relationships.  I have learned that I have to let go of what I perceive as weakness and accept help. It is probably the thing I am least good at, but I am trying.  So I guess my message to you is you are not alone. Make that call and see what your GP suggests.  It really helps to vent here also. Probably saved me thousands in therapy lol!  Best of luck to you and hang in there!   :grouphug;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: boswife on February 07, 2014, 06:57:18 PM
Sending Huggles Poppy :)  big strait from the heart huggles  :cuddle;   :cuddle;   :cuddle;  Be well, take care of your precious heart :)  :cuddle;

Such an amazing place this is here... So proud to have been a part :)  So much love to all  :flower;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: galvo on February 07, 2014, 08:47:10 PM
Have you made those bloody calls yet?

love ya! love ya! love ya!

 :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; and  :grouphug;!
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Jean on February 08, 2014, 01:57:29 AM
Ah, Poppy, I wont attempt to tell you what I think you should do, but if I were you, I would MAKE THE CALL and get some anti depressants. You held up wonderfully thru all the trials and tribulations and now that life is more normal, you brain said, oh no, I don't want to deal with this. So tons and tons of huggles and lots of love and please MAKE THE CALL.    :twocents;   :cuddle;   :cuddle;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: obsidianom on February 08, 2014, 04:10:37 AM
I want to add I hope you follow through and get help. It takes courage to admit it when you need help , but it can turn your life around. All of us care givers have to remember to take care of ourselves so we can be there for our mates. I hope you feel better soon.
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Rerun on February 08, 2014, 05:01:33 AM
You can make those calls and get something.  Try a few things until you find what fits your.

You can do this.     :grouphug; 
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Darthvadar on February 08, 2014, 05:10:17 AM
Thinking of you, Pops....

Hundreds of huggles going your way... God knows, you've always been super generous with them when I've needed them!....

Hope it all works out!....

Darth...
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: gothiclovemonkey on February 08, 2014, 05:34:47 AM
*huggles for days*
i dont really know what to say, but I am here for you, if you want to vent any more, or anything. *huggles*
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: thegrammalady on February 08, 2014, 08:31:11 AM
Extra big huggles. And know that the strong person asks for help. Take care of yourself. Make those appointments. You know were not going to let you alone until you do.

s
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on February 08, 2014, 09:19:55 AM
And there is no shame in seeking support ..........if therapists, psychologists and pyschiatrists didn't have enough business,  they'd be florists or something.

Ha ha, I like that. Made me giggle. Thank you.

Thank you for trusting us to be there for you.

Keep us posted, OK?  You've been around here on IHD long enough to know that we don't judge (unless you make the mistake of posting in the political forum!).

I was really wary about hitting the 'post' button because a little part of me thought that I might get flamed. That's how irrational my thought process is at the moment because I know that this is the one place I can definitely get support and encouragement, and where I won't get judged or told to 'snap out of it'. Blokey is the type of person who doesn't 'get' it. He can't see it and it isn't physical so it doesn't exist.  And despite everything he's been through, he's never suffered from depression or an overwhelming sadness. That makes it a little harder, so having people around who do 'get' it is a blessing.

And MM, your 'traumatic experience' perspective wasn't one I'd considered before, but it makes so much sense. It also fits in with the last time I was this bad, which occured after a seven month stint of having to live through some pretty crap/tense experiences.  I think I wrote (maybe on my kidney blog, maybe here) once that after the transplant I felt quite empty; I'd been worrying about Blokey for so long and the transplant made everything so much better that I felt I'd lost something.  Maybe this is just a more intense feeling of that, coupled with some other things which I need to address.

And of course none of us are Real Life!  :rofl; We are all just make believe!!!!  :rofl;

Awww ... you know what I meant, cheeky!

I would MAKE THE CALL and get some anti depressants.

I don't want anti depressants! I know they'd probably help (I was on them for two years in the past) but I have personal reasons for not wanting to take them at the moment.  I have made an appointment to see my GP (in a couple of weeks) and I'm dreading him saying that he's going to put me on them. I'd like to be referred for therapy because I have so much in my head that needs unpicking (going back to my childhood) but I know that can take a while in the UK.  It makes me wonder why I'm bothering to go to the GP. I'll say, I think I'm depressed and this is why ... *cry* and he'll say, Have some pills! and I'll say, No! I don't want pills! and he'll say, Well, why are you here then?! So although I've made an appointment I'm only 50% sure that I won't cancel. In my head it seems such a silly thing to go to the GP about when there are far worse illnesses for them to be dealing with.

*sigh*

For everyone who's responded and shown such generosity of support and *huggles* and other perspectives, thank you from the very bottom of my heart. It means the world to me that this place exists because I'm not sure I would have kept so on top of things for so long without ihd. 

 :grouphug;  :thx;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: obsidianom on February 08, 2014, 12:43:30 PM
I wrote a long post just now to offer help. it somehoe got lost in the ether.
My wife is a psychologist and retired after 35 years due to her dialysis. We shared an office for 25 years doing therapy and medicine. I learned a lot working with her and a psychiatrist we both work with.  My wife beleives in therapy but also in medication for depression. Depression is a serious illness. Just because you cant test for it in blood or see it doesnt make it less serious. The chemistry in the brain changes , that we know. Medication can help while you get therapy. It works faster then months of therapy. Together they work well.
I have a lot of experience with antidepressants and psych drugs in general. I know what they do and the side effects. I am more then happy to try and help. Perhaps you can message me directly and discuss any of this. I would be honored to help as you are a care giver to a dialysis patient as I am. WE all need to help each other. I have skills and knowledge in medicine and am here if you want to avail yourself of it.
Suffering is lousy. There is help. Just ask. 
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Kitty Cat on February 08, 2014, 04:21:02 PM
Poppy,

You are doing absolutely the right thing.  Before my husband died, I didn't want to admit I was depressed from everything going on and threw myself into taking care of him so I wouldn't have to address it. After he passed, I sort of kept it together for a couple of months and then I caved in like a house of cards. My daughter and a good friend did an intervention type thing with me and I sought counseling. I was put on a mild anti depressant (which I just came off of a couple months ago) and the counseling started. It won't be easy, but I promise you after a little time, you will be able to see a difference in yourself. There were times I wanted to quit counseling, I hated confronting myself and my situation. But I did it. I've just finished counseling a little more than 2 months ago now and am in a much better place.

Remember, there are so many people here, everybody has your best interest at heart. It's okay to not be strong...

Sending you lots of hugs and prayers

Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: monrein on February 08, 2014, 05:34:22 PM
This is why IHD is so important, to me, to you, to us all who hang out here because of our connection to ESRD and hence to each other.  Poppy, you sound very clear headed in your confusion and struggle and I really hope you can get your GP to make a referral to a therapist of some kind even if wait you must.  I believe very strongly in the value of counselling or talking therapies sometimes in combination with anti depressants.  I too think that it not that unusual to feel a sometimes overwhelming emptiness after a crisis is supposedly past and the stress and trauma of this chronic illness is huge.  HUGE.

 :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle;...as many as you need or want.  Keep us in the loop and keep reaching out.  Oh yeah  and make that call wilya.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: MooseMom on February 08, 2014, 05:44:11 PM
Poppy, I do remember reading your post where you wrote about feeling "empty" after Blokey's tx.  I hope that whichever course you choose to take, that empty place will soon be filled with joy.

There have been two times in my life when I have felt overwhelmed because of outside forces.  When I think back to those times, I shudder when I remember how much I suffered emotionally and psychologically.  I didn't hesitate to get help.  I frankly do not understand why anyone would feel shame for wanting the suffering to stop.  Where is the value in hanging onto these awful feelings if there are ways they can be addressed and possibly obliterated?  Suffering is suffering, whether it is from ESRD or depression. 

Anyway, back to you, Poppy...  I would like to think that the positive responses and the *huggles* you've received here on IHD will help spur you onward.  And by the way, it doesn't matter if Blokey doesn't get it.  You didn't "get it" when he was on dialysis.  You couldn't possibly have.  You were a great nurse and wife, and I'm sure you had loads of tea and sympathy (and a kidney) for your Blokey, but unless you've been there, you don't really get it.  As much as I know about dialysis and have seen it up close and personal while my mom was on D, I couldn't for a moment claim that I "get it".  I've been on IHD for years, and God knows I've posted the equivalent of War and Peace on these forums, and I've read two War and Peaces from fellow IHDers during these past years, but I still can't claim to "get it".  But I DO "get" emotional anguish, and I hate hate hate seeing anyone else feeling the same.

Do what you need to do, Poppy.  You may not find the way to emotional peace immediately.  You may have to try various strategies, but that's OK.  Your fall back position can be IHD, you know.  At least you can vent here.  We are not trained therapists, but at least we can listen.

Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: MooseMom on February 08, 2014, 05:46:45 PM
This is why IHD is so important, to me, to you, to us all who hang out here because of our connection to ESRD and hence to each other.  Poppy, you sound very clear headed in your confusion and struggle and I really hope you can get your GP to make a referral to a therapist of some kind even if wait you must.  I believe very strongly in the value of counselling or talking therapies sometimes in combination with anti depressants.  I too think that it not that unusual to feel a sometimes overwhelming emptiness after a crisis is supposedly past and the stress and trauma of this chronic illness is huge.  HUGE.

 :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle;...as many as you need or want.  Keep us in the loop and keep reaching out.  Oh yeah  and make that call wilya.   :cuddle;

I agree with every word of this!

IHD was the only thing that helped me through a really bad patch.  The IHD meetup in Vegas was the real turning point for me. 
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: okarol on February 08, 2014, 11:34:38 PM
Sweet Poppy, I really feel for you. Blokey is lucky to have you. It's ok to take time for yourself now.
I am proud of you for posting. It's so hard to be vulnerable and ask for help.
Sending you lots of huggles and caring thoughts.  :cuddle; :cuddle; :cuddle; :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Bambino_Bear on February 09, 2014, 03:06:34 AM
 :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug; :grouphug;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: cassandra on February 09, 2014, 12:52:39 PM


         :grouphug;           :flower;



Lots of love, Cas
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: RichardMEL on February 09, 2014, 10:38:13 PM
Poppy, *big huggles* for you... as many as you need.

This is tough for you, but hey the GOOD thing is you recognise it. You know what you should do, and you're doing it (riiight?).

I also think you should share with Blokey what you posted above. Maybe not the whole thing, but the bit about HIM. It's what you want to tell him isn't it? It shows how you feel, and you know how he is suffering. It shows your caring and love even while going balmy with your own stuff.

If you can't sit with him face to face and tell him, then show him.. or write another version for him and give that to him. Whatever you can do to communicate with him about where you're at. If it was me, I'd appreciate it.

And if he wants to divorce you (he doesn't, he won't) I'll fly right on over to give you proper *huggles*  :rofl; :rofl; :grouphug; :grouphug;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: cariad on February 10, 2014, 05:43:54 AM
So sorry to hear how sad you've been, Poppy, from the sounds of it, far too long without reaching out. We have to postpone our emotions sometimes, especially in crisis, so it doesn't surprise me that you're feeling depressed now as opposed to back around transplant time. When my husband's mother died a few weeks ago, he was a little alarmed at how calm he was. I told him to give it 6-12 months, and let me know when the dam breaks.

If it helps at all to hear someone else's experience, I have had terrible bouts of depression, the kind of depression that is so aggravating because it really has to no excuse to be there. I've tried various drugs briefly but if anything those made matters worse. I also tried therapy but never seemed to click with anyone, and after a few truly terrible experiences decided that this was something I had to handle on my own. I am fortunate to be off all of those drugs I took through childhood, and I do notice a difference, that I don't get depressed anywhere near as easily anymore. My depressions are of the type that are brutal for a few days and then subside. I've learnt to treat them like a flu, concentrate on getting through it like any other short-term ailment, try to be a little nicer to myself than usual if possible, but more importantly force myself into the company of others to take my mind off of things. I cannot say it's a perfect solution but it's got me this far.

You seem eager to get help, so I hope you keep that appointment. Isn't the GP the first step to getting cognitive behavioural therapy? He'd have to be a truly narrow-minded, old-school doctor to think that drugs are the only answer. As for worse illnesses, hun, it's not A&E where you would expect to be triaged. A couple of weeks is longer than I've ever had to wait to see a GP in this town. You're patiently queueing up, waiting your turn, and your health is every bit as important as anyone else's. It's hard to see these realities under a cloud of depression, so let us remind you.  (((((((((Poppy)))))))))
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: del on February 10, 2014, 08:38:00 AM
Lots of huggles!!!  :grouphug; :grouphug; Can you contact a private therapist or counselor.  I know our doctor often recommends counsellng instead of drugs.  Hubby had to have therapy when his mom had to be put in a nursing home.
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on February 21, 2014, 02:48:00 AM
I woke up ridiculously early today (about 6am) needing a pee and then I couldn't get back to sleep even though my GP appointment wasn't till 8.30am. I was very tempted to just keep walking when I got to the surgery road, but decided that I'd come this far. 

I had a brief overview of how I felt written on a note app on my phone so I let the lovely (junior) doctor read it.  Then he just chatted to me to get more info and then he did that little question thingy they have to do over here. I scored quite highly. I told him I didn't want to go on anti-Ds and the reason why ... so I'm not on them, but it is an option. I cried. He couldn't find any tissues. I said I'd like counselling, he said that was fine but the wait at the surgery after referral is about two months. He's going to contact the transplant clinic because they have a counselling service and he thinks they might see me quicker.

He's given me a leaflet to read, and I have to go back next week to see him and talk more about the available options. I'm also having blood tests next week so that they can rule out thyroid issues.

He said well done for going in to see him.

I feel calmer now. Still empty and sad, but definitely calmer.

Thanks for your support, lovelies.
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: lainiepop on February 21, 2014, 07:44:06 AM
Well done Poppy, glad your doc is helping you . Hopefully the tx clinic will C u quicker (a perk of being a donor ;)

Lots of love
xxx
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: galvo on February 21, 2014, 11:05:38 PM
Hang in there Pops!
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Angiepkd on February 23, 2014, 04:55:05 PM
Thinking of you, Poppy!  Glad you made it in to see the GP.  At least you have the ball rolling and will hopefully feel much better, soon.  Sending you huggles!
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: lou on March 01, 2014, 01:04:28 AM
Hi Poppy, just saw this and wanted to say well done for going, it was brave of  you to do it and hopefully you will get an appointment soon. I haven't been on here for a while but always look out for your posts when I do as think you're lovely and hate to think you are going through a difficult time. Lots of *huggles* to you and hope things improve soon xxx  :cuddle;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: billybags on March 01, 2014, 01:13:39 AM
Poppy I am so sorry that I missed your posts. I have just popped in for a look see. I am really sorry you are going through this but you are heading in the right direction hopefully the doc will put you right. I send you loads of hugs only wish I could be with you to do it in person.
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: looneytunes on March 24, 2014, 02:16:45 PM
Poppy....I also just popped into IHD with only a spare moment and read your post.  I am sending you the biggest cyber-huggles there ever have been.   :cuddle;   You have taken good positive steps and I am cheering you on in my prayers!   :cheer:   
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on April 25, 2014, 06:37:55 AM
Fancy an update?  Well, you're getting one.

 ;D

March was a nightmare, April wasn't much better and the future is full of pot-holes and stumbling blocks (none of which has anything to do with the initial feelings I started this thread about.) However, I am on antiDs (seven weeks now) and I've had four sessions with the counsellor (I bypassed the LONG wait for the one at the GP surgery and see the renal one at Hospital ... a perk of being a living donor I think!)

Talking to someone makes me feel ridiculous - both because I hate talking and because I rarely ever talk about myself in the Real World, but I think it's helping a teeny bit, if only because I'm getting my head round things that I already knew.

Yesterday I brought up the ihd UK Meet because it's been playing on my mind. I am completely stepping out of my comfort zone by meeting a bunch of people I barely know and we established that I'm worried those of you I meet will judge me, hate me, think I'm uninteresting and consider me too quiet. And that you won't want to be my friend anymore.

She's going to help me establish some strategies for dealing with my thoughts and anxiety. I think I need them.

*sigh*
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: gothiclovemonkey on April 25, 2014, 06:52:57 AM
i have the same type of anxieties about meeting people. i know how hard that can be. *huggles* but i cant imagine people not liking you, ur awesome!
its also very hard to talk to a councelour, but im glad ur finding urself able to try at least.
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: cassandra on April 25, 2014, 10:42:01 AM
Completely agree with Gothiclovemonkey. I'm meeting you tomorrow too, and there's no way I won't like you, or think you're quiet, cos you sound incredibly nice, and am really looking forward to meeting you.

Lots of love, Cas
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: MooseMom on April 25, 2014, 11:52:13 AM
Oh poppy, I don't know why I am just now seeing your post regarding your GP visit.  I'm so glad I caught your update.

I am hoping that speaking to a counselor AND being on anti-ds will help in the long run.  I'm so happy that you have been able to finally get some help, so well done you! :cuddle;

Maybe it would help if you don't think of your counselor visits as being "the Real World" because really there are few places more "unreal" than a therapist's office!  LOL!

My guess, and it is only a guess, is that you will end up being so delighted with finally meeting fellow IHDers that you won't even think about how you appear to others.  Just think, there may be some people attending who are worried about whether or not YOU will be judging THEM.

Have a wonderful time. 
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on April 27, 2014, 11:16:06 AM
My guess, and it is only a guess, is that you will end up being so delighted with finally meeting fellow IHDers that you won't even think about how you appear to others.  Just think, there may be some people attending who are worried about whether or not YOU will be judging THEM.

Have a wonderful time.

Thanks MM. As it happens I had a blast.  I think I was quiet, but I don't think anyone really noticed ... *ssshhh* ...

 ;D
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: cassandra on April 27, 2014, 01:03:25 PM
Oh Poppy, it was so lovely to meet y'all. Was I too loud? Oh don't answer that.

Love, Cas
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: MooseMom on April 27, 2014, 02:59:46 PM
Poppy, so glad to hear you had a good time!  Cas wasn't too loud, was she?  :P
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: smcd23 on May 16, 2014, 08:45:36 PM
I'm tardy to the party so to speak, but life around these parts has been pretty crazy and I am rarely on my computer.

I think what you are feeling and going through is pretty normal given your situation. Tony and I have been seeing someone together for awhile now, and she says I have something called "adjustment disorder" which is basically feelings of sadness/anxiety/depression which pop up after a stressful or traumatic life event. Things in these parts are still generally pretty stressful so while I can generally hold myself together well enough, I go through these periods especially after things get particularly stressful where I get so super anxious and sad. I could totally see how if you already had some depression going on how that could make things overwhelming. And I am very glad to see you were able to start seeing someone! I find counseling helps, especially with Tony there because sometimes a large part of what I am stressed and anxious over is directly related to him. Would Blokey be willing to see someone with you?

I am glad you were able to speak here, and got to see someone to start working through those feelings. It really feels awful (and I know this from experience) when you have nobody to talk to, or are afraid to talk to someone because you don't want to burden them. Big hugs from afar, and I hope things keep improving! But know that you are not alone in how you feel, and there is always someone around to listen (hell you can send me a message on FB even if you want to talk ever, trust me I totally understand and can sympathize with what you are going through and have gone through!)

I am also sad I don't live in the UK because I would have totally gone to a meetup, but happy to hear it went well!
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: MooseMom on May 16, 2014, 09:03:52 PM
scmd23, I am so happy to "see" you here and am very glad you and Tony are seeing someone.  You two have really been through the wars and need as many allies as you can get.  I wish we here on IHD could be of more help to you, but I'm glad you are getting some help out there in the real world.   :cuddle;
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on May 17, 2014, 09:37:38 AM
I am glad you were able to speak here, and got to see someone to start working through those feelings. It really feels awful (and I know this from experience) when you have nobody to talk to, or are afraid to talk to someone because you don't want to burden them. Big hugs from afar, and I hope things keep improving! But know that you are not alone in how you feel, and there is always someone around to listen (hell you can send me a message on FB even if you want to talk ever, trust me I totally understand and can sympathize with what you are going through and have gone through!)

Thank you, pumpkin! I'm not sure counselling with Blokey would help, purely due to the fact that (through talking) I'm of the opinion that the reason I needed it stems from the past, pre-Blokey. I do tell him what we talk about though. Since I've been on the antiDs I haven't been as mean or moody and that's helped our relationship (which was fine anyway, but we do have some issues to work through.)

Big hugs from afar back!

Oh Poppy, it was so lovely to meet y'all. Was I too loud? Oh don't answer that.

Love, Cas

Ha ha! No. But you scare me with talk of adding photos of me on here! (Please don't!)

 ;D
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: Poppylicious on May 30, 2014, 03:40:09 AM
My MiL has been diagnosed with lung cancer. This year is fast becoming my 'annus horribilis'.

*sigh*
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: cassandra on May 30, 2014, 06:04:43 AM
Oh no, Terribly sorry for all of you. Lots of love, and hugs to all of you

     :grouphug;


Love, Cas
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: lainiepop on May 31, 2014, 02:24:26 AM
So sorry to hear that poppy
Title: Re: *huggles* required, please
Post by: galvo on June 01, 2014, 07:53:15 PM
Bummer!