I've been going through pain meds like whoa without being free of pain. One drug I'm on causes what I think of as flashmob arthritis. I'll wake up one day and three fingers on one hand are swollen and painful. A couple days later that goes away and then in a week or so, it's a knee. Last weekend, it took out a knee to the point that I could barely get out of bed. That got better and on Tuesday it attacked my left elbow and won't let go. I had no idea that even sleeping involves the elbow.

Theoretically I'm supposed to change chemos, but it's been almost a month since my doctor told me that and I haven't heard more. He's the head of the department and moving to an office that's almost 30 miles away. I'm thinking of changing to an oncologist who might be more available. The nurse I work most closely with suggested it because of his move to the further office and said it would be perfectly okay. Then I'm back to reading all these resumes and trying to decide who's best. I'm leaning toward one who is, on the plus side, a woman and young, but, on the minus side, new to Kaiser and therefore not familiar with the Byzantine inner workings.

Also, the place where I stepped on the nail has started hurting again, and I don't know which doctor is the "the hole in my foot hurts" doctor.

Best of luck, ginger. That stuff is so hard even when perfectly healthy!

Pursuant to the eShakti discussion, I went to a different thrift store than usual and apparently that's where they're donating all the eShakti returns? Sadly it was mostly stuff that was too big (a lot of 14/16/18 but some up to 5X!). Also a lot of custom ones, which are hard to guess what size they are. Mostly confirmed the 12 is a little big in the bust and or the 10 is a little small in the waist, but depends on the size. Bought three dresses but somehow they're all blue. Need other colors.

I am on day three of a migraine. I left work early on Saturday, was totally useless yesterday, and had to call in today (effectively screwing over my whole company, since we are so small). I just couldn't face working outside in 96 degrees and high humidity, an hour from home. I have deployed the heating pad, muscle relaxants, an Epsom bath, Alexander technique, acupressure, and herbal relief. My PT can't see me today; I think I'm going to try acupuncture.

This sucks. It's an alignment/ muscle tension thing, exacerbated by hormones. I rarely know what prompted an episode specifically, and rarely know exactly what makes it go away. Pretty sure I have a mild form of EDS. I think strengthening is a key to reducing my pain levels, but I haven't found the time or energy to do that consistently. Also, exercise sometimes triggers a problem on its own.

I could find less strenuous work, but sitting at a desk is even worse for me than what I do now. I've thought about making a career change to bodywork, specifically AT, but the closest school is in Austin and it's three years full time, with probably not great earning potential on the other end. Feeling pretty frustrated and down about it all, right now. BLAH.

I'm leaning toward one who is, on the plus side, a woman and young, but, on the minus side, new to Kaiser and therefore not familiar with the Byzantine inner workings.

She may appreciate your advanced knowledge of those inner workings. Change can be a good thing with the set of new eyes.

So I just had to challenge my great niece with her defense of the Confederate Flag. I really try and stay out of these things, but calling people suggesting it shouldn't be flown at the capital "ignorant of history" is just too much for me. Sigh.

{{smonster}} May relief come very soon. Acupuncture is wonderful for many, including me.

It's our specific LACK of ignorance about history that compels us to call for that damned flag to be taken down.

Smonster, that really sucks. I am sorry.

I need hairpats. Today is my first ever appointment with a psychiatrist. Who comes highly recommended, and I'm sure will be able to help with my anxiety, insomnia, and the hellacious mood swings as perimenopause bears down on me. But I'm nervous.

t pat pat

I keep thinking I need to talk to a professional, but I don't want to go to the trouble of the arrangements and get someone who doesn't mesh with me. The selection of mental health professionals in Utah County are not is not as deep as what's available in the great Northwest.

pat pat, Jilli. Shrink ~ma.

Connie, if you really feel like you need one, then you should give it a try, but please don't let it totally discourage you if you don't click with the first one. Or the second. I know I should be more encouraging, but, I've only ever had one really good shrink, and it's not the one I'm seeing currently. I'm only still with this guy because I don't have the spoons to find another. Does your employer have an EAP program? That might help.

Not my psychiatrist, but my general PCP was great when I came in with all my perimenopausal woes. She was a bit older than me at the time, so she completely got what I was going through and helped reinforce to me that I did not have teh craxies. I didn't end up seeing a psychiatrist until the anti-depressant she put me on unearthed some other long standing problems which she was not qualified to handle. A good shrink is a real boon, too. As is a good therapist! I really couldn't have made it through the past two years out without having mine work in tandem.