Hil, my sister in blood tests.

Yesterday, in talking with my doc about my utter exhaustion and somewhat out of control depression. She added some additional blood tests since anemia, low B12, low vitamin D, and hypothyroid, all issues I have, can result in my current systems.

Lab results came in today and all my levels are normal. Which, great for the big picture, but no answers for the current situation. That means this low is all from exhaustion, pain, and stress. We are tweaking a couple of meds, so I hope those help.

this low is all from exhaustion, pain, and stress.

Those are HUGE factors, though. Depression is a "normal" reaction to even one of those, let alone 3. I hope the med tweaks get you back on track!

Suzi, I forget how long ago your surgery was, but that can also play a role. I think it was Steph who reassured me that post-surgery blues are a real thing.

Most likely cause of my weird lab results is anemia. Which would be irritating, but not a huge deal. But way at the bottom of the list of things that could cause these results is a few types of cancer. Thinking about it, my diet in the couple of days before the test really didn't have much iron. I got some Chinese food for lunch, so I'm eating a bunch of iron-ful bok choi, and I'll be retested tomorrow.

My cholesterol was also much better than I'd expected, considering that I haven't really be doing great about taking my meds every day like I'm supposed to. And low Vitamin D, probably because I've been staying inside way too often, so I'll be getting some more sun and trying to remember to take that supplement like I'm supposed to.

I think it was Steph who reassured me that post-surgery blues are a real thing.

Totally.

If I could drive myself home, I'd schedule the damned thing, but I don't want to have to impose on someone.

Is there someone you'd provide the same very minor favor for? Ask that person. Or talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a cab home. I'm sure people do that all the time.

Connie - you are not imposing! If you ask someone over 50, they know EXACTLY what you need and having been through it themselves, they should be cool with it. If you really don't have anyone you feel comfortable asking (aside from feeling imposing), talk with your doc or the location performing the procedure. I sincerely doubt you would be the first person to ask. We care about you and want to make sure you stay healthy

I think it was Steph who reassured me that post-surgery blues are a real thing.

Oh, I believe it. My surgery was Feb 15th. I definitely went through depression in Feb/Mar/Apr. And was finally coming around when we discovered that the bone broke and I went back in the boot, unable to drive, and dependent on other people if I wanted to leave the house.

My mental state is better when I do get out of the house, but then I get tired so easily that I can't do all I want even if I have someone willing to drive me around.

With my follow-up next week to see how the break is healing, I have a very pessimistic mindset. Which, not great but it also means I won't be falsely optimistic.

I wish I could post pictures here of the snoozing pups. They are so sweet (when they aren't wrestling on top of my boot). Winter will very soon outweigh Crowley and exceed him in size soon after. Then we will see if the dynamics between them shift.

Or talk to your doctor about the possibility of getting a cab home. I'm sure people do that all the time.

I have no trouble getting a cab, I did it with checkups for my eye surgeries. I just don't know how insistent they are on "having someone to keep an eye on you." Maybe if I tell them my apartment is across the street from a hospital they'll be happy.

Y'all, my PMS makes my anxiety spike every month. And I'm really proud of myself for actually tracking it and realizing it's a period thing, so I can (try to) talk myself through it when it hits every month. But this is mostly some hormonal bullshit and it needs to go away. Bah.

Can I whine for a minute in here? I don't know how people who have chronic pain cope. I've been dealing with shingles for less than a week and I could barely get out of bed this morning. It hurts to wear clothes. It hurts to not wear clothes (TMI whitefonted one of the rash clusters is on/under my right boob, so if I wear a bra, it hurts because of the pressure, and if I don't wear a bra, it hurts because my boobs are heavy) . I'm allergic to codeine and vicodin gives me nausea. (And my doctor's office is closed today anyway so I'm stuck with ibuprofen until I can get an appointment.) . The painkiller that seems to work best is muttering "motherfucker" under my breath whenever I have to move any part of my upper body. I can't get to sleep because there is no way to lie down that's not putting pressure on the rash. (Ibuprofen PM has been helping there, but only just barely. I tried using ice packs to numb the pain, but that just made me cold.)