Morphy Marches through 2015 - Part 4

I've seen OT for evaluation and a bit of a walk. Today I should also have my PT eval and see the dietitian. I think there will also be some type of admissions person. I hope there is because I still have little information about this place and what I can expect.

I've seen OT for evaluation and a bit of a walk. Today I should also have my PT eval and see the dietitian. I think there will also be some type of admissions person. I hope there is because I still have little information about this place and what I can expect.

Happy new thread, lady! Fingers crossed that your evaluations go smoothly today and that you get all of your questions answered!

Happy new thread, and hoping that rehab is helping and the evaluation goes well. Glad to see you're still managing to get in a game of Trivia Crack here and there. :)

Happy new thread! Hoping you'll have a great day getting better!

Happy new thread Morphy, hope you are getting better day by day my dear.

I hope you've learned a bit more about what to expect by now, and that it is encouraging. Do they have any therapy pets who visit, and are trained to pay attention to the patients, so you could get a little bit of furry love? (Poor Maia...of course she wants to look around and check everything out. What if there's food hidden somewhere and she misses it?)

Sending best wishes! Hope the rehab works out well.

Happy new thread, Morphy! Sending good thoughts your way, along with hugs from all of us at The Pecan Paradisio.

I have all my crossables crossed hoping and wishing that this place can provide you the support you want and need to get back on your feet!

Benny has a new home, and I'll transfer him this weekend. I'm so relieved I found a nice family for him to join. He will be getting more attention, and play, I think. Yay!

Hi Morphy, happy new thread. I hope your evaluations went well and you have had your questions answered. Good luck with the rehab and fingers crossed that you will soon be able to be home with your loved ones.

If it helps during PT imagine me cheering you on.



Go Morphy!

{{{Hugs}}}

May your mobility increase and your pain lessen and your questions be answered.

Praying that things improve for you!

Hoping for all the best for you!

I hope you're getting more mobile every day, and can soon go home!

Happy new thread Morphy. So many of us are pulling for you!

Thinking of you. Hugs xx

Sending best wishes! And hugs. : )

{{{Morphy}}}

I think of you everyday and hope that there is improvement each day.

Thinking of you! Hope you are alright. Hugs in whatever quantity and intensity you need.

Hoping you've been getting great help and are feeling a bit better by now. Miss ya.

Thinking of you, Morphy, and sending positive vibes in your direction.

Ditto, Morphy. I hope things are going well for you.

I'm here and reading. I'm still in rehab but will be getting out next week. Most likely on Thursday as that is when my 20 days of 100% coverage is up. I'm getting better, walking farther, and standing longer every day. I was able to get up three steps and get in our truck. Two things I need to be able to do to go home.

The pain is being managed very well but once I am home for a few days I want to talk to the doc about reducing them. I'm on Norco, Naproxen, and something called Lyrica that I still don't understand after reading the Wiki. I don't like being on this many pain meds.

The food is one step above bearable. The staff, for the most part, has been wonderful, if understaffed. They love me here. I feed them chocolate and cookies. Three of my aides got extra treats (box of chocolates or cookies) for being fabulous and going beyond the call of duty.

Kelsey is my favorite. She is observant and has started anticipating my needs - turning on all my lights because she knows I like it bright, handing me my water at certain times when she knows I'm likely to reach for it, putting the water I get with meals on the table so I don't spill it, etc. Plus she has a sweet and pleasant demeanor.

And I don't know how they consider any of this food to be healthy.

Corn dogs for dinner? Biscuits with sausage gravy for breakfast? Canned fruit?

Chicken fried steak. BBQ Riblets. Chicken nuggets.

And that's just from one week's menu!

The only fresh vegetables I can get are celery and carrot sticks or a salad with a choice of Ranch, French, or oil and vinegar (which I don't like at all.)

I'm quite sure I've gained weight here. Isn't that ridiculous?

I am frequently astonished at what people are given to eat in hospitals and rehab facilities. It's either heart-healthy (read "no taste whatsoever") or anything goes. Although when my dad was in a rehab facility here learning to walk with an artificial leg, he got some fabulous food, including lobster once! I guess it depends on the facility. But no one should eat the kind of stuff you've described all in the course of a week.

I'm glad you're making progress! But that is a ridiculous diet, especially for a health care facility.

Next week isn't quite so bad with only a hot dog on a bun with potato salad and a fish square sandwich being questionable. Depends on how you feel about sweet breakfasts though - pancakes, French toast, sweet rolls and the like. It's not really their fault though. Usually they have a lot of egg dishes but Minnesota was hit hard, devastated really, with bird flu and millions of chickens had to be slaughtered. I heard something like 15 million.

>28 Morphidae: Yeah, Minnesota was one of the hardest hit states with avian influenza. It's something that we've been following pretty closely, being egg farmers ourselves. We've increased our biosecurity here, and so far there have been very few cases in Ontario. It is every poultry farmer's nightmare.

Glad you are feeling better, and makimg progress! I hurt my left wrist at work today, so I'm not typing much. Just to let you know I'm thinking of you, and holding you in my heart.

Great to hear from you Morphy and that you will be home soon. I sympathize with you over the hospital food, I think budget concerns sometimes overrule dietary ones when they are planning their menus.

So pleased to hear that you are making good progress, food issue aside. I reslly hope you get to go home at earliest opportunity.

Good that you are able to keep up the reading.

Happy to see you posting and that you are in a good position for you discharge to go home next week. the diet is interesting and poses the question: Do you know if the food is being prepared on-site or has the hospital food service been outsourced to a third company? If prepared on-site, I can see where budget and limited buying power could come into play with the menu planning, not to mention the food chain issues like the Minnesota avian flu and drought issues.

Hey, lady - just checking in. Here's hoping that you do get to go home on Thursday!

Ah, no place like home! It sounds like you are progressing really well - wow! even doing steps and getting into your truck!

Wish we could send you a nice fresh dinner with all your favorite food ....

I'm only going to post this link once as you all have been more than generous - twice. MrMorphy put it up on his Facebook page. Medicare will pay for 20 days of rehab at 100%. After that, we need to pay $157.50 a day. I'll be in rehab for 28 days. The GoFundMe goal is not a huge amount, $1,200, but it will pay the rehab bill - leaving what remaining savings we have to live on.

MrMorphy is still out of work. Between his age, the lack of jobs in his field (mechanical/electrical assembly), and his year of unemployment, he's finding it increasingly difficult to find jobs to apply for much less get to the interview process. He said he would go apply at Target if he had to but I asked him to wait until I had been home a week, if possible. I should be getting help at home but it will take time to arrange.

I know I haven't been much of a presence this year. I miss you all and very much appreciate that you are still posting to my thread. I can't tell you how much it means to me. Especially when I'm in this room day after day with hardly anyone to talk to. It's very lonely. The facility is always short staffed so aides hustle in and out. They are for the most part nice, but have no time to chit chat.

The mornings I spend in OT and PT. Then I spend the afternoon either napping, or trying to not to fall asleep while I read or watch a movie. Then the oh-so-fun bed bath because I can't stand long enough for a shower. Grrr.

Been struggling to get past the two minute mark when standing. The pain in my back gets excruciating. Talked to the doc today and we're going to change around my pain meds a bit (Morphine!) to see if it helps.

The last couple of years have been hell. I have a feeling that's why my back gave out. Too much stress and my body said, "ENOUGH." I have to say that I hope this is the "last thing" (*knocks on wood*) and our lives turn around now because I'm heartedly sick of the drama. I want a year of quiet. You hear me, Universe?

Here's the link: http://www.gofundme.com/2t8zc7c4w

Thanks in advance if you can spare a little.

Here's hoping things do turn around for you. I always check your thread to see if you've said anything - it's good to hear from you, even if only occasionally.

BTW, Habit has made some real changes - when you're well enough to get back to it, you'll have to check them out. For one thing, it's not HabitRPG any more - it's Habitica. And we each own an orca and a royal purple griffin. Very pretty!

Adding my request to the Universe alongside yours, friend. Enough, already! Thinking about you every day, friend.

>37 jjmcgaffey: I'll check it out once I'm home next week. It's just not the same on the iPad.

>38 scaifea: I miss you so much. I think I'm going to try to get caught up on your threads at least.

Over the weekend, I'll have one session of OT and one of PT on alternating days. I've signed up for BookBub and have been downloading free ebooks like crazy though I haven't gotten around to reading any of them.

I'm currently reading The Skies of Pern by MCaffrey (re read). I just finished Amphibians by DK Publishing. I'm going to read them all alphabetically! Next up is probably State of the Onion by Julie Hyzy. I got Hail to the Chef from Santa Thing from my wish list but didn't realize it was the second book in the series! Either that or I'll continue my reread of the In Death series with Indulgence in Death.

I watched National Treasure last night. I'm not sure what I'm going to watch tonight. I've been watching mostly action movies but all I have left loaded are things like Sense and Sensibility, Enchanted, The Unsinkable Molly Brown, and The Fault in Our Stars.

Ooooh, I just checked Crackle, a free streaming movie service. It seems they add new movies on the first. I want to (re)watch Heavy Metal, The Net, and 21.

Oh, man, Heavy Metal brings back memories. I saw it with college friends in the theater when it first came out. We'd been drinking, um, a bit, so were feeling no pain and sitting in the front row. It was an experience.... :)

Oh Morphy, I thought things would be all better once you got out! Well, I still hope things start going better for you. I know the food available will get better at least. ;) As for applying at Target, if he is seriously thinking retail just to get something, go for Goodwill. They pay 9.50 starting, have benefits if you work 20 hours, are flexible hour-wise and at least at my store, there are super cool people. Only had a couple jerky customers. The rest are dears. Have fun with your movies!!!

>41 cammykitty: Oh, man, Goodwill - that advice is inspired! Great idea!

>40 drneutron: I don't think you'd have quite the same experience now. I watched it last night and it's rather tame except for the cartoony violence...

...and the enormous bare boobs.

:D

>41 cammykitty: >42 scaifea: Thanks! I'll be sure to tell MrMorphy about that. There's one that's closer than one of the Targets.

MrMorphy will be visiting me sometime today. I'm the household finances person so he'll be bringing my laptop and the bills!

I had PT yesterday (repeat with me, "I love hip flexion exercises." NOT.) so will have OT today (repeat with me, I love standing tolerance exercises." Ditto.)

Yesterday on the menu was printed "baked ravioli." Sounds pretty good, huh? Guess what I got? Something equivalent to Chef Boyardee (from a can) with about five ravioli and mostly sauce. Really?!?!

At least today it's pork roast for lunch and turkey for dinner. Can't mess those up too badly.

*shakes head*

>43 Morphidae: "Can't mess those up too badly." Famous last words... *snork!*

>44 scaifea: Actually, it was quite good. I had pork roast, mashed potatoes with gravy, broccoli, and a small slice of apple pie. Yum!

I haven't visited threads on a regular basis. Today while visiting yours, I see that you and Mr. Morphy are going through quite a lot. I send all good wishes to you and he. BIG hugs!

Oh yes they can mess those up. Don't tempt them! Perhaps you can ask for Spaghettios next time for an alternate. Argh, even as a kid I couldn't eat that.

I've been keeping you in my thoughts and prayers, Morphy, and am glad to hear that you're making good progress, even if it's not as fast as you'd like. I hope you get home soon and can eat real food again. Those menus sound horrible - what do they cook for someone who's vegetarian? It's good to hear that the staff are nice, even if overworked; I'm sure they wish they could spend more time with each patient, especially lovely ones like you. Anyway, just wanted to stop by and say that I'm thinking of you and sending positive healing vibes your way.

Hi, Morphy! I'm sending you lots of hugs and encouragement!

Ditto, Morphy. Sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

>36 Morphidae: I hope things are improving. Regarding the "bed bath", don't they have a shower chair which would allow you to sit in the shower? I had one after my fractured pelvis - it worked well.

Chiming in on the shower chair. I bought mine at Walgreens for a reasonable price. It works well, especially when I am unsteady on my feet.

Just checking in, hoping for some positive news.

To all the generous LTers (you know who are are),

Thank you, thank you, thank you. Between you and MrMorphy's friends we are within $100 of our goal to pay off rehab!

I'm home and adjusting. The biggest worry was me getting off the toilet by myself and I was able to do it, first try. There are some difficulties with the timing of getting PT/OT (might not be until late in the week) and getting my walker (will take 1 to 2 weeks.)

If I can get in touch with my doctor early Monday AM and she is agreeable to authorizing the PT/OT before I see her on Wednesday, I may be able to see the home service people Monday afternoon. Otherwise, it will be Thursday at the earliest.

Nothing I can do about the walker. It's a special bariatric walker and I haven't been able to find anywhere that will rent one.

I'm feeling a bit numb emotionally. I've been in a medical facility of one type or another since July 1st and this is the first full day I've been home. It's a heck of a transition.

I did get something like ten hours of sleep last night. I've been getting five or six hours since this whole mess began!

Yay to being home and to having so much of the rehab costs paid--both of those have to be big loads off ot the two of you! Was Maia happy to see you?

I'm glad you're home! Enjoy catching up on your sleep!

Congratulations to having built up enough strength to be home! I hope the rest and relaxing helps maintain your progress 😃

I am moving to my new retirement place in small bits and it is taking up a lot of time. I might be able to sleep there tonight which will be great!

Unfortunately I have not had much posting or reading time, so I have been absent a lot. Hope to change that soon!

Great to hear that you are home, Morphy. I can imagine that it will take some time to get re-adjusted to home life, one day at a time seems like the best way to go.

Welcome home Morphy. From personal experience, the adjustment returning back home can be difficult. I send all good wishes to you.

One of the best things about getting home is that you can actually sleep...medical facilities are just not geared for that. Good luck with all of it, Morphy.

What Linda said, Morphy. Glad you're home, and I hope things keep improving for you.

So glad you are home, Morphy. One's own bed is definitely the place to get the best night's sleep. I hope the sleeping trend continues. It makes it so much easier to cope with all the other things you have going on.

I'm late in saying sooo glad you're home! Sorry I crapped out on one of the TriviaCrack games, I've been getting ready for a nearly three-week-straight stint of petsitting and traveling so may not be as good at staying on top of it as usual.

I'm stopping by to see how you are feeling today. How is your adjustment to returning home?

Morphy, hope things are going okay at home!

Hi, Morphy - question. Could you get on Habitica long enough to join a quest? I feel like doing the egg quest, and if you can join in you'll reap the benefits. I suspect it will take _forever_ - the first one did - so you may be up to taking action on Habitica before it's over, anyway.

Hope to see you!

Stopping by to wave. I hope things are still going well.

Just checking in...hope you are managing better every day.

Happy Weekend, Morphy.

Hugs to you and MrMorphy!

Howdy Morphy. I've been busy caring for my aunt, but I wanted to send you my best wishes. Sounds like you have been through a whole lot. I hope things get better.

Still thinking of you, Morphy!

Thinking of you!

Just stopping by to say hello and let you know that I am thinking of you and MrMorphy and keeping you in my prayers.

(((((hug)))))

Morphy asked me to post a message for her here and let you all know how much she appreciates the good wishes, prayers and support. She's been in the hospital over the course of the past week, but she's hoping to be back home again in the next day or two.

Thanks, Jill. Sending positive thoughts to Morphy and Mr. Morphy.

Thank you for the update! Sending the best mojo for complete and rapid recovery of strength and book handling skills😃

I am looking forward to great good times in the LibraryThing!

Hi Morphy--I have not been on LT of late--real life has been in the way. So sorry about all the hospital stays for you! I am hoping that things begin to look up from here for you and Mr. Morphy. You are a wonderful voice here on LT and I was so looking forward to getting caught up with you. Hope you are back here soon. Miss you and best wishes.

Thinking of you, Morphy!

Hi! I'm here to lurk as I get my LT thread-watching groove back under my feet. :) Hoping all is well enough.

*worries* Over a month with no Morphy...

Missing you, Morphy, but hope you are resting, healing and growing strong again. Oh, and reading some awesome books :-)

Best wishes, Morphy. I hope things are starting to improve.

Happy weekend, Morphy.

In the hospital again with depression. Second time in a month. Can't get a handle on it. Worst depression I've ever had. They'll be changing my meds again and maybe get me into the pysch ward. I haven't been able to get into one because of my size until now but they might be able to do it here. It will be nice to get help other than med changes.

When this bad, I isolate and don't do much more than read and watch movies. I do read my thread. Thanks for checking in on me.

Hang in there, Morphy! I understand the isolation issue, but please remember that an awful lot of LTers miss you. I hope the new meds help.

Lots of love to you, Morphy. I hope you get good care, and come out of this feeling ready to face the world.

We'll keep checking, because so many of us care. I hope there's real help for you this time, Morphy.

Morphy--I hope you get the care you need and some meds that WORK! Big hugs. Hang in there. You are truly loved by so many. xoxo

Good to hear from you - I hope they and you can figure out something that will work, and get you back on track. Glad to hear you're reading!

Sending you hugs and good thoughts.

Love and best wishes from tropical climes for you and yours, Morphy. xx

Hugs and best wishes.

Big hug! I will thinking of you every day, holding you in the light of health, and healing. Know you are loved. Know you are needed by your friends. Have faith.

Glad to see you posting, Morphy. We're here if you need/want support!

Thinking of you, every day, friend.

*waves cast* *sends hugs*

Thinking of you Morphy, sending love and hugs my dear.

Just found out they don't allow any devices in the ward so I'll be incommunicado once I'm on that floor.

I'll try to get MrMorphy to get the address and room number posted if you want to send a postcard or something.

Your support means more than I can begin to express.

Hang in there Morphy. I'm sorry about the devices. I do hope you get the help you need. Hugs to you my friend.

NO devices? Seems contrary to me. But let's trust they know what they're doing... Would love to be able to send you cheers by mail.

Ahh, I can't believe they don't allow any devices! I don't understand how it can be a good thing to cut someone off from one of their major sources of support. Definitely ask MrMorphy to post the address and room number so that you can receive some postcards at least!

>99 Morphidae: Yes, please, to the address and room number!

Thinking of you.

I am holding you in my heart!

Found out it's a privacy concern as the devices can take pictures. Still waiting for a room. Maybe tomorrow.

Good news. In the last month, I've lost 46 pounds/3.3 stone/21 kg.

Congratulations on the weight loss. A silver lining for sure.

*waves cast*

>105 Morphidae: Ah...well that does make some sense. But then it seems all hospital rooms should be device-free zones, and I know they are not.

>105 Morphidae: Glad to hear from you, my dear! While I'm sure you're in a really difficult place, I know you can remember now and again that we're all thinking of you and sending you our best.

Thinking of you, sis, today and always.

Just checking in. Hope you get the room soon! Congrats on the progress so far. Hugs.

Congrats on the weight lost, Morphy. Happy Sunday.

Hope things are getting better, Morphy. Hugs!

Thinking of you. xo

Congratulations on the weight loss, Morphy. Impressive. Sending positive thoughts.

Looks like I might have ECT. Anyone familiar with them?

STILL waiting for a room.

>116 Morphidae: Wow - you have had a long wait! I hope they get you in soon.

What is ECT? The only hits I'm getting are for electro-convulsive therapy!

>105 Morphidae: Wow! ECT therapy would scare me. Hope that is not what they are suggesting. Love and best wishes. xx

ECT has been proven in recent years to be very effective for depression (and yes, it's electro-convulsive therapy, but much more refined than in the old days - so don't panic).
I have no personal experience with it, but I know it is now favorably regarded. I hope it helps you pull out of your current depression soon.

My heart goes to you: courage, friend. Sometimes that step off the very bottom is a challenge, but better things are found after.

Find the will inside to trust the professional help being offered, and keep all of us with you. We surround you with our love and support.

ECT is considered one of, if not the only, the last lines of defense for treatment resistant depression. I've had three different doctors at two different facilities recommend it.

Something to think about:

https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/two-takes-depression/201407/genetic-testing...

>121 maggie1944: "Find the will inside to trust the professional help being offered, and keep all of us with you. We surround you with our love and support." What Karen said. It makes sense to be frightened of treatment that sounds extreme. We've grown accustomed to the idea of having our bodies cut into surgically, parts removed, new parts put in place. ECT is less familiar to most people, but if it's performed at places like the Mayo Clinic (and apparently it is), then it's come a long long way from the horror scenarios that might be in our minds about it.

>123 streamsong: Thanks for that. I'll ask the doc about it tomorrow.

Thinking of you, Morphy, and sending prayers and healing wishes your way. I hope that whatever treatment you end up having does you nothing but good.

Hi Morphy, I'm back on LT after a lapse, and I'm really just reading the tail end of your thread, but it sounds like you're considering ECT? I know several people who've had it. Some people say it did an amazing job of getting rid of their suicidal ideation, and others were just pissed off that it didn't do any good and they had memory loss (though I suspect the ones who said that were also the ones that didn't do the full regimen of therapy). \

I hope that you are better soon and that we can be back to reading for our bookclub!

>122 Morphidae: Thinking of you, Morphy. You're being a real trooper, given the circumstances. Whatever the therapy that you and your physician finally settle on, my best hopes for its effectiveness!

Thinking of you, Morphy!

Honey, I'm hooooooooome!

Yesterday morning I woke up and felt like my old self again. I was smiling and saying good morning and almost felt giddy. I think the nurses thought they had a Jeckyl and Hyde on their hands. MrMorphy was hesitant to come get me when I said I was being discharged, "You sure you aren't just making this up to come home?" LOL!

Today, I have ENERGY! I'm smiling! I'm cracking jokes! I'm ME again!

It had to have been one of, or all three of the meds they took me off of - Lyrica, Zoloft, and Klonopin. Or the one they put me on, Cymbalta. Or a combo. Im hoping it's the ones they took off because there is no way we can afford the Cymbalta. Yeah, it'll cost us only $4 a month, but they charge the insurance company $500 a month. We'll be in the donut hole faster than you can say, "lickety-split."

Thank you so much for your encouraging words. They sure meant a lot to me.

Hugs to all!

Good news! Welcome home, and welcome back here!

Wow! That was sudden! I'm so glad you're feeling better!

Great news, Morphy. I'm sohappy that you feel much better.

It's fantastic to hear that you're suddenly recovered!

Fingers crossed that it's not due to the expensive medicine!

Yay, Morphy! Welcome home.

>130 Morphidae: Glad to hear you are back home!

>130 Morphidae: Oh, what exciting news! So glad you're home. :)

>130 Morphidae: Welcome back!

Yay!

Good to see you are back home my dear.

Glad some progress has been made to lift this damn depression! Yay.

Hooray!

So glad you are home again and feeling like yourself! Keeping my fingers crossed that it continues, and not due to the expensive meds.

WOOHOO!!!!

Woot! It's amazing how bad the wrong meds can make you feel.

Glad you're home. :) It's good to feel better again, isn't it?

Huzzah!

Glad to see the wonderful news, Morphy! Welcome home!

I'm so glad you're doing better. Welcome home, indeed!

Thanks for all the welcome homes! I'm feeling good. I've spoken with my psychiatrist and he switched the expensive anti-depressant to a less expensive one. MrMorphy will pick it up tomorrow.

He's been getting calls nearly every day from agencies about jobs. One's bound to click soon.

I met with my home care services case manager today and they will resume next week.

I actually have a (small and manageable) to do list AND have been checking tasks off.

My reading is still mostly focused on re-reads, so not much new on that front though I did enjoy The Selection by Kiera Cass, Hunter by Mercedes Lackey, and Armada by Ernest Cline.

I've missed you, sister! I'm so, so glad that you're posting again and starting to feel better. Fingers still crossed for the Mr. - I'm with you in thinking that soon something's bound to happen there.

And yay for checking things off lists!

Home Sweet Home! Wow, Morphy, what a difference the medication can make. I'm so glad the new drug worked for you. I've been on Cymbalta for several years. It is a life-saver for my chronic low back pain. I don't think it had much impact on my mood as I've always been a pretty positive person. Our insurance didn't cover it at all until it went off patent. I ordered it through a Canadian pharmacy but it will still pretty pricey!

Happy weekend, Morphy. Keep my fingers crossed for Mr. Morphy.

I am delighted to see you are feeling better and being a reader extraordinaire again!

Great to see you back posting, Morphy, you've been missed.

So glad you're home and back here again!

Spent yesterday wallowing in the Internet and YouTube. Back to the to do list today!

Trying to decide between starting The High Lord by Trudi Canavan and Wild Magic by Tamora Pierce.

The first is the last in a trilogy I haven't read before; however, it's one of the rare times reading the ending has bitten me in the butt. I don't know if I want to read the entire book after having read it.

The second is the first book in a series I enjoyed many years ago.

Choices, choices...

>151 scaifea: It certainly gives a sense of accomplishment.

>152 Donna828: I must be feeling better since MrMorphy, who doesn't usually comment on my mood, told me last night that it was so because I was playful again.

>153 Ameise1: >155 DeltaQueen50: >156 drneutron: Thank you.

>154 maggie1944: Well, that never really changed. I've just become awful at keeping track. *winces*

>157 Morphidae: An occasional vacation from posting is probably accepted by all who read here! Just happy to know you are feeling better.

Just sharing:

"Interviewer:Give us your best tip for overcoming depression.

Stephen Fry:To regard it as being like the weather. It's not your responsibility that it's raining, but it is real when it rains, and the fact that it's raining does not mean that the rain is never going to stop. The only thing to do is to believe that, one day, it won't be raining and accept it so you can find a mental umbrella to shield yourself from the worst. The sun will eventually come up."

So glad your sun came up. May it stay a good long while, and may you always be able to find that "mental umbrella" when you need it.

>159 laytonwoman3rd: Nice! I'm passing that one on.

>157 Morphidae: Now I know you are getting back to yourself dear lady as you have mentioned books again!

I am so pleased that positivity kicked in in good time. Fingers and toes are crossed for Mr. Morphy on the job front. I think that all told you can clearly see how cherished you are in the 75ers.

Have a lovely weekend.

btw >159 laytonwoman3rd: I like Linda's ideas. Stephen Fry is a good role model for many of us.

Happy weekend, Morphy.

Sending warm thoughts and positive whammies your way, my dear!

Stopping by with a smile and a shoulder squeeze. Missing you.

Thinking of you. Best wishes!

A review since I've been gone so long...

Since July 1st, it's been he*l*l. I was in the hospital then rehab for over a month for back and knee pain that was so bad I couldn't walk. Then I had two hospitalizations for suicidal depression. Ended up finding out it was because of some of the meds they put me on because of the back and knee pain! The depression was so bad that they were going to give me ECT, so they took me off some of the meds that can prevent seizures. Lo and behold, I woke up one morning (before the treatment) and felt just fine!

Then I suffered for weeks with viral arthritis.

Saturday, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. The funny thing is, my mom and I have, in the past, laughingly called this the "Santa Claus" disease because it's "made up" just like he is. But I was doing research about some urinary issues I was having and it came up as one possible diagnosis. I did some research on fibro and I have MANY of the symptoms. More fool us!

When I talked to the doctor, she immediately agreed I had it. She believed I have had it for awhile but didn't tell me because many people get depressed when hearing it as there is no cure. But I was RELIEVED. I finally have an explanation for all the pain! No more urgent care visits where they can't find anything wrong! (Lose weight.) No more frequent flyer visits to the emergency room! (Go see a therapist.)

Now if I have pain, as long as it isn't incapacitating or last more than a couple days, I can FREAKING STAY HOME!

I'm on disability. We are applying for disability for my husband. He can't get work in his field because of the loss of his eye due to cancer and he hasn't been able to find any other work. We're at the point of getting food from food shelves, applying for utility assistance, mortgage forbearance, etc. Uck, just uck.

On a good note, in the next couple of weeks, we should have a wheelchair ramp out front. It was free through a grant! We also have a disability lawyer. I'm assuming that since they took us on and they work on contingency that they feel we have a pretty good shot.

For pleasure and comfort, I've been rereading the entire Valdemar Saga by Mercedes Lackey in chronological rather than publication order. It's amusing how many plot/character history errors I'm finding this way. I should finish the 33rd (and last) book today or tomorrow. No idea what I'll be reading next.

Thanks to jillmwo and streamsong for checking on me privately which nudged me into (eventually) coming out of isolation again.

Morphy I'm glad you got a name/diagnosis for your symptoms. I'm also glad you realized it was your meds causing your other symptoms before ECT. Hang in there my dear. You deserve good news.

Thanks for checking in with an update. At least now that you have the fibromyalgia diagnosis you know that there is a legitimate reason why no one has been able to pin down the root causes of your physical problems. But it doesn't seem right that you had to do the research yourself. I hope that lawyer can help to smooth things out a bit financially for you.

Hugs and positive thoughts to you and MrM.

So, so glad to see you back Morphy. I've been hoping you'd pop your head above the parapet soon. Getting a diagnosis is so much better than being kept in the dark. Come back when you can, stay away when you need to. We'll all still be here whenever you drop by.

Hi! Girl friend. Happy to see you popping up again. I hope one by one things line up to re-establish the life you want to live! Welcome back to the fun!

Morphy, so good to hear from you. I'm also hoping that you are able to visit us more often in the coming months and that the steps you are now taking come through for you.
I was so relieved when you posted here about stopping that medication and waking up feeling like a new person.

Good to hear from you again! And very good to hear you've got a name for what's going on with you - it may not be a cure, but it's got to be an enormous relief.

Yeah, Lackey definitely never set up a bible for her world - I've noticed quite a few errors myself, just reading along (not that that makes them not worth reading/rereading!). Even so, it's excellent comfort reading.

So good to hear from you Morphy. I'm sorry you've had such a tough time, but glad to hear that you are getting more help and enjoying some comfort reading. I hope that things improve for you and MrMorphy over the months ahead.

Thank you for the update!

Morphy, I think you should know you are very much in the heart and minds of many of us in this group. Please keep in touch with us as much as you feel able to.

>167 luvamystery65: Me, too. It's been horrible to go into urgent care or ER with significant pain symptoms and they can't find anything wrong over and over again. You get a history of being a "frequent flyer" and get treated with disdain.

>168 SylviaC: I have to admit I cried I was so relieved. I've had symptoms for two years and more specialist, urgent care, and ER visits that I'd like to admit to in that period.

It took three or four days for nurses and my doctor to convince me to go in the last time (UTI symptoms.) I did NOT want to go. And guess what? All the tests came back negative!!! It was the last straw and was what started my research on fibro.

>169 klarusu: I'm not making any promises like I usually do about being "back." It is my intent to be but this year I've said it too many times and disappeared again so I'm playing it by ear.

>170 maggie1944: I'm going to try to start living that life without waiting for things to come together. I've been doing that for months now and it hasn't been pleasant. MrMorphy and I have been working on our long term goals and come Sunday we'll start weekly family meetings to plan our week to meet those goals. I don't want to live a life on hold anymore.

Morphy! I love your plans to hold a focus "going forward". I find setting, and thinking about goals on a regular basis does help me immensely in feeling better about my life. Hanging onto focus seems to be a great idea for me, and I hope it will work wonders for you two, also.

Happy friday!

>175 PaulCranswick: Oh so good to hear from you. And thank you for sharing the update. Sending lots of good vibrations for your plans going forward. You've been through such a lot.

>171 avatiakh: That is my hope as well.

>172 jjmcgaffey: I think I've read *three* or more different backgrounds for Skif alone!

>173 Sakerfalcon: Thank you!

>174 _Zoe_: You're welcome. :D

>175 PaulCranswick: I've been absent so much of 2015, I'm surprised anyone remembers me. Ha!

Hi Morphy--You have certainly been through a lot. I am glad you have a diagnosis. There is a sense of relief in knowing you are not crazy!! Enjoy living life again. I understand not wanting to make promises--Just take it one day at a time and best wishes as you make plans for moving forward. Big hugs.

>172 jjmcgaffey: Heh, I'd forgotten that. The one I remember is the timing of Selenay's husband's treachery vs his father's death - one has the father dying because he got the news, another has the husband going to the funeral, coming back and attacking. And the timing of the mercenary nation attacking Valdemar - given ages of Selenay, Skif (and (some of) Skif's history), and Talia it was anything from 20 to 5 years before Talia came to Haven. Slippery things, these facts - especially in a fantasy world!

>177 maggie1944: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. About time we try something new!

>178 laytonwoman3rd: So much that it was another reason I was avoiding LT. There are a few LTers that I avoid because every post of theirs was another drama. It annoyed the heck out of me. Couldn't they ever post anything positive? Then for the last 18 - 24 months I became THAT person and I couldn't stand it.

>180 Berly: Yes, knowing that it's not "all in my head" or that I "just need to see a therapist for stress" is huge.

>181 jjmcgaffey: Oh, yes. The timing of the Tedrel Wars and Elspeth's age is pretty messed up. If you go by the Exile books, she should have been in her teens when Talia showed up in Arrows.

Yes, trying new approaches sometimes creates some good results.

Happy Weekend, sweet heart.

Hi Morph! While it's a diagnoses I wouldn't wish on anyone, I'm so glad you have an answer.

>182 Morphidae: I understand not wanting to "talk" about the crap going on...sometimes it helps to do so, and sometimes it just doesn't. This is a pretty good place for letting us do what feels best at the moment.

Glad to see you back on LT.

...SIGNIFICANT SNOW EVENT POSSIBLE MONDAY THROUGH TUESDAY...

* SNOW IS POSSIBLE FROM MONDAY MORNING THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON.

* TOTAL SNOW ACCUMULATIONS OF 7 TO 10 INCHES ARE POSSIBLE.

*whimpers*

Just don't go out and sit in it!

>187 Morphidae: love it!

Wait a minute, we went from cactus to snow event in the space of two postings both with today's date! Is this a recurrence of the evil Stefano and his weather machine?

Although to be honest, I don't envy you....

Glad to see you updating again Morphidae.

Morphy lovely to see you posting - have a great weekend and keep warm.

Told Hani that "Morphy says she gonna get 10 inches in Minnesota", her reply that she had heard that was common amongst American men had me hurriedly explaining that your conversation was meteorological!

>190 jillmwo: Stefano and his weather machine! Does that ever take me way back! Dang! Just leave Marlena and the devil out of it okay! ;-)

>191 PaulCranswick: Paul you are WICKED! Don't ever change. LOL!

Morphy I'm glad you are back and your thread is a load of laughs! You get the best visitors.

Morphy - you have been through such a lot! I'm so glad that you can still stay positive and that you have a name for your symptoms. I agree it's far better to know what the problem is rather than have a vague set of symptoms that no one can diagnose. Hope the snow's not too bad.

Morphy, I'm happy that you're back. Hugs xx

Huge hugs to you, sister!! I'm so happy that you're posting again!
I think of you *every* *day*, but haven't wanted to push or pry...

Sending positive thoughts, Morphy. Sorry you've had more hard times. But it's great to have you back on LT.

>190 jillmwo:, >192 luvamystery65: OK, somebody needs to explain the "Stefano and his weather machine" reference to me. One of our local TV stations has a weatherman currently whose name is Stefano. He's awfully young, so I assume you aren't talking about him...

>187 Morphidae: excellent advice! >191 PaulCranswick: getting racy there, sir!

>197 laytonwoman3rd: It's a reference to a daytime soap opera -- General Hospital, I think. Back in the '80's or '90's, the soap opera featured a villain, the evil Stefano, who had constructed such a machine. One of the soap's romantic leads, a man named Scorpio, was a sort of James Bond type who was fighting against Stefano.

There was also a brief reference to that same story line in the movie, Clueless with Alicia Silverstone.

But now I'm wondering who named your local weatherman. Did he assume the name on purpose as part of his professional "branding" in order to strike a chord with viewers? Or did his mother watch the soaps back in the day?

But now I'm wondering who named your local weatherman. Did he assume the name on purpose as part of his professional "branding" in order to strike a chord with viewers? Or did his mother watch the soaps back in the day? Very good question! I've googled him, and find no evidence that he isn't using the name he was born with. In fact, looking at his Facebook page, it would appear that his parents are Stefano and Joanne. So, I guess he comes by the "Stefano" for very ordinary reasons.

>187 Morphidae: Ouch!! Good advice.

>188 Morphidae: Good luck with the 10 inches. Be it snow or otherwise! Teehee. (Paul!)

So I get away for a few days and look what I come back to. Naughty talk without me? For shame! :D

>197 laytonwoman3rd: and >199 jillmwo: Yes the weather machine was on General Hospital and was the Cassadine's. I had to Google to get it straight. I was getting confused with Days of Lives since you mentioned Stefano DiMera. Boy was were soap operas fun in the 80s! So many fun and completely unbelievable story lines.

I am so happy to see you have updated - and that you have some answers.

Wishing you a lovely weekend, Morphy.

>168 SylviaC: don't believe everything you hear.

>206 The_Hibernator: ???

Hi Morphy. I'm a bit more hit and miss on LT than usual, at the moment, and lost track of your thread. Good to see things are starting to look better for you.

Sending some hugs for today, Morphy!

Yes, I am too! Hugs ! And some smiles, too!😻😋💋🎄🌞

I got out of the hospital on Friday for the third time in three months for depression. Since anti-depressants have never really worked for me, the doctor took me off all of them to see how that works. Since DBT helped me the most, the social worker found a free DBT program for me. I'm wondering if this has anything to do with menopause as I've NEVER had depression this bad. (I'm 50.)

On MrMorphy's way home after dropping me off at the hospital, he was in an accident. He is okay. The truck was totaled. It was the other person's fault and she took 100% of the blame. Meanwhile, he borrowed his parent's second (tiny) car and I will need to use MetroMobility.

I've been having problems with not being able to eat and have lost 43 pounds in 12 days.

So I think this calls for more hugs: (ooops, all those cute emoticons are on my phone, and I'm not....)

Seriously, we love you, Morphy-girl, and are earnestly hoping, and wishing, and praying for your complete and rapid rcovery. Menopause can be a bitch, no doubt. I'm hoping it is not that.

love, and hugs, K

Just don't think of yourself as being alone, Morphy. You have a community here and we're all rooting for you. You just need to let us know how we can help.

Losing a vehicle is a problem, I know.

Definitely hugs - and prayers.

Have you discussed the menopause possibility with the doctor(s)? Treating that might help with the depression, even if it isn't the underlying cause. We do love you, and think about you so often.

Hugs to you, Morphy!

I was meaning to tell you about how you've been an inspiration to me lately. When I made my new 101 in 1001 list this summer (which was inspired by you to begin with), one of my goals was to list three good things that happened every day for a month. This goal was obviously stolen directly from you as well.

So I finally got started on that goal around Thanksgiving, and I've been *loving* it! I was really caught off guard by how satisfying and uplifting it is to list three good things every day, and I think it's given me a more optimistic outlook in general.

So thank you again for being such an inspiration!

Oh Morphy, I'm so sorry! I had no idea you were in the hospital again! But I'm glad you're out before Christmas. I guess going off all the meds (which is what got you out of the hospital last time) didn't help in the long run. :( I'm glad you found a free DBT program, though! DBT is very helpful.

Hugs to you!

We're here for you, Morphy, when you need us, and you're in my thoughts and my heart every day.

Thinking of you and MrMorphy. Hugs xx

Happy Holidays to you and Mr. M, Morphy!

Hi Morphy. I send all good wishes for a wonderful holiday.

Hi Morphy, I lost your thread for awhile, because LT hasn't been playing nicely with the talk lists lately. I'm sorry things are still rough for you. I wouldn't be at all surprised if menopause was playing a role in your problems. I'm certainly finding that the hormonal changes are having some weird effects on my body and mind. I'm glad MrM wasn't injured in the accident. I hope you both have a peaceful Christmas, and that 2016 will be a much better year.

Ironically, the season itself can compound difficulties, I know. But peace is what I wish for you and Mr. Morphy.

For my Christmas/Hanukkah/Solstice/Holiday image this year (we are so diverse!), I've chosen this photograph by local photographer Mark Lenoce of the pier at Pacific Beach to express my holiday wishes to you: Peace on Earth and Good Will toward All!

P.S. No sparklies!

Here's hoping that 2016 will be a great year for you and Mr Morphy!

Hi Morphy, sending Christmas greetings to you and Mr Morphy.

Wishing you and MrMorphy a peaceful Christmas and that 2016 is a much better year for you both. (((hug)))

Dear Morphy, here we are on "Christmas Eve day" and it is a great moment to wish you and MrMorphy the very best not just for these couple of days but for all the rest.... A very excellent New year! All new, all a fresh start.

Morphy, this has been a really rough year for you. {{{HUGS}}} Joining the others letting you know that we are all here for you. Sending prayers your way this holiday season with hopes that things will be bright for you and your husband in the new year. Also, sending a little holiday cheer your way:

Merry Christmas Morphy!

Have a lovely holiday, dear Morphy. xx

I hope 2016 brings you much more joy than 2015 did

Merry Christmas

And may you have a lovely New Year dear Morphy, filled with much better luck, wonderful books and all your favorite things!

Merry Christmas, Morphy!

Dear Morphy. I haven't been as active in visiting the threads as I would like. I'm sorry for all that has happened to you and Mr. Morphy. I am inspired by your fortitude and courage. I will continue to hold you in my prayers. What an incredible person you are !

Dearest Morphy, my oh my, what a load of junk you and MrM have been through this year. Crap! But, things will get better from now on, right? They have to! Sending lots of LOVE and peace to you and the whole Morphy family. May 2016 be the best year yet!

Thinking of you Morphy and wishing you and Mr M all the best this holiday and next year! Lots of hugs.

Waving "hello"!

Hi Morphy; just to bring you and your family season's greetings and wish you all the very best for 2016.

Popping over to wish you a Happy New Year, Morphy and best wishes for 2016!

Happy New Year Morphy!! Hope this year is an easier one, in fact, a wonderful one!! xoxo

Best wishes for the new year, Morphy!

Hi Morphy, wishing you a better year in 2016. Sounds like you've really had it all thrown at you, I can't do much from so far away except to say that I'm thinking about you and Mr Morphy and wishing you some good times.

Happy New Year Morphy!

Thanks everyone. I'll be starting my new 2016 (almost wrote 2916) complaint free thread soon.

2916 ! Wow a new Sci Fi thread....

laughing out loud

glad to see you posting, Morph!

>246 Morphidae: I'm looking forward to it!

Yay! She's coming back!!

Wishing you a most lovely weekend, Morphy.

Happy weekend Morphy! Looking forward to seeing you in a couple of weeks!

Wait? What? I thought it was the 16th, this coming Saturday?

*scurries off to Facebook*

Looking forward to your new thread!

yup, me, too. Happy days!

>252 Morphidae: Yeah, I was confused. Make a new thread. It's 2016 already.

Oh, and hope you've been feeling better, Morphy!

Morphy I hope all is well with you. I am dropping the link to Fantasy February here for you.

Fantasy February

Hi Morphy! Missing you. : )

Thinking of you, Morphy!

>255 The_Hibernator: Okay, okay!

http://www.librarything.com/topic/218462

WOOT!

Hooray!!