The (not so old) Crocks Cafe -Part 2

LameWolf

juno wrote: »

Is that its real name?! It sounds like an amazing name for a drug.

It certainly is; I have the generic form, it's also marketed as Manerix. It's a mono amine oxidase inhibitor, a form of anti-depressant, which is also supposed to help with anxiety issues. (I'm not convinced that it does).

I've gone through all the "usual" anti-d's over the course of the last 4 decades, and this is, as I understand it, the last resort for me!:o

needing-help

Trialia wrote: »

I had that happen to me a couple of times when I was around her age, actually. My GP looked at me and tried to ease it back, but in the end we really did just have to wait and let it sort itself. Heat should help a bit with that, for what it's worth.

Thanks a lot for that, it was a horrible thing for both of us and it's taken a couple of days to stop hurting. She keeps saying her neck is clicking too and that scares me.

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

[shrugs] My biggest 'issue' with myself is

Ok

Gonna tell you guys

I have bipolar. Been 5 years now.

I'm actually in my first ever Major Depressive Episode at the moment. Had to be escorted into the doctors with the boyfriend holding my hand and talking to the doctor for me.

However, feeling weird about announcing it to anyone publicly doesn't mean I had any problems with putting it on my DLA form, especially as the income received as a result goes towards my music. The music puts me in contact with people who are far more likely to have bipolar or not find me strange/offputting. The music gives me a few minutes where I feel totally at peace with myself and everything else and basically gives me a reason to keep well. So it is worth every penny and worth all the meh feelings at seeing it written down on my forms how I had no idea I was ill until he was telling the GP I had been for about 3 months.


.

Hope this doesnt offend you but that was such a brave thing to do, there are far to many stigmas around anything like that. I hope your depression lifts soon.

[QUOTE=LameWolf;42809916
Needing-help ooh, that sounds nasty for your DD; not something I really know anything about, but Trialia's post sounds sensible to me.

[/QUOTE]

Thanks it was. Trialia has been a godsend and if we ever get dds referal then I'm sure I will drive her crackers with my questions:o

Singlesue Will you please just apply for what you are entitled to!!! Reading wht you are going through I really don't know how you cope and if anything makes life just a tiny bit easier then grab it with both hands (gently though so you don't hurt yourself;))

formaldehyde_perfume

I had my wheelchair assessment today. I just put a big long post about it here - http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showpost.php?p=42830888&postcount=68

I received my housing association registration form today, it stressed me out for various reasons which are explained in the above post, but I rang my advisor and he said he will deal with it so hopefully that will go OK.

When I got back I got a call from an OT and I'm having an assessment on tuesday. I don't really know how I should approach it and I think (as with all of these things seem to be) if I don't appear to know what I'm talking about then I'll get fobbed off because it's quicker and easier for them.. So, any help with what to talk about would be much appreciated.

Tomorrow I have to go and see a different GP as I'd like to be referred to the camouflage makeup specialists I saw 4 or so years ago; my primary worry is my acanthosis nigricans especially round my neck but I would also like to see if they can do anything about my self harm scars as I feel I would be much more comfortable in summer if I didn't have to worry about my lower arms. My upper arms are actually worse but they are really fat so I never ever wear sleeveless things on their own so there's no need for makeup there, perhaps when I lose some weight.

On the plus side my mum went in to town yesterday and saw my jewellery displayed in the shop window where I sell it, she said it looked good

Sue - I understand your concerns about DLA etc, and I'm not going to push you in to applying as it's really up to you whether you can get over your anxiety and come to terms with being less able, and I know it takes time; but I am going to tell you to bloody well apply for a blue badge, you will have no concerns that people think you are fiddling the system for financial reasons and you won't have the worry about it being taken away from you and all the financial implications (like with the DLA) .. but it will make a hell of a lot of difference to your quality of life, and it will mean that the boys get to do normal things with their mum sometimes. Pleeeeeeeeeeease apply!

As needing-help says, I think you do a fantastic job as both a mother and a carer, and I really don't know how you do it. Personally I think you deserve a holiday and if I was rich I would pay for one, but the next best thing I can do to help you is to advise you that if you apply for a blue badge you are very unlikely to be turned down (it might be worth asking your physio to write and confirm you are a full time crutch user as you don't actually have a definitive black and white diagnosis yet) and I know it will help you physically and emotionally because you won't have to stress about not being able to take the boys in to town, where do you park for appointments, trying to do the food shopping, it is a mental weight lifted to know that these things are just that bit easier than without a blue badge.

... but if you still decide not to have one then I won't judge you, everyone feels differently about these sorts of things and whatever decision you make I will still think you are fantastic, and I will do whatever I can to help you

Erme

LadyMorticia wrote: »

Got a letter from DWP this morning and was dreading the fact that it might be the letter about the transition to ESA.:eek:

It wasn't though. It was a letter to DWP to tell me about the DLA rate changes. I should have known.:o DLA always address me as my full name. IS just use my initial and last name.:o

Och glad you can tell the difference. I can't...am sitting here having had plumber out for washing machine (reconditioned Bosch for £135 ) to be told it's just the new motor/new pump and it'll be fine...Hmmm...why am I not entirely convinced? But it's a Bosch and they're very good

formaldehyde_perfume wrote: »

Tomorrow I have to go and see a different GP as I'd like to be referred to the camouflage makeup specialists I saw 4 or so years ago; my primary worry is my acanthosis nigricans especially round my neck but I would also like to see if they can do anything about my self harm scars as I feel I would be much more comfortable in summer if I didn't have to worry about my lower arms. My upper arms are actually worse but they are really fat so I never ever wear sleeveless things on their own so there's no need for makeup there, perhaps when I lose some weight.

On the plus side my mum went in to town yesterday and saw my jewellery displayed in the shop window where I sell it, she said it looked good

Sue - I understand your concerns about DLA etc, and I'm not going to push you in to applying as it's really up to you whether you can get over your anxiety and come to terms with being less able, and I know it takes time; but I am going to tell you to bloody well apply for a blue badge, you will have no concerns that people think you are fiddling the system for financial reasons and you won't have the worry about it being taken away from you and all the financial implications (like with the DLA) .. but it will make a hell of a lot of difference to your quality of life, and it will mean that the boys get to do normal things with their mum sometimes. Pleeeeeeeeeeease apply!

As needing-help says, I think you do a fantastic job as both a mother and a carer, and I really don't know how you do it. Personally I think you deserve a holiday and if I was rich I would pay for one, but the next best thing I can do to help you is to advise you that if you apply for a blue badge you are very unlikely to be turned down (it might be worth asking your physio to write and confirm you are a full time crutch user as you don't actually have a definitive black and white diagnosis yet) and I know it will help you physically and emotionally because you won't have to stress about not being able to take the boys in to town, where do you park for appointments, trying to do the food shopping, it is a mental weight lifted to know that these things are just that bit easier than without a blue badge.

... but if you still decide not to have one then I won't judge you, everyone feels differently about these sorts of things and whatever decision you make I will still think you are fantastic, and I will do whatever I can to help you

Interesting what you say about the self harm scars. Last summer I wore shalwar chemise to cover the scars. This summer may well be the same or I may go comando and just show them. Just in case I have some moslem arm coverings (that go from elbow to wrist). If you live near a moslem dress shop may well be worth a looky. I think a shalwar chemise is about £15-20....not terribly expensive. The arm coverings are even cheaper - about £3 for a pair...and come in various coverings. Again perfectly decent and cool options for the summer for self harmers wanting to cover up. Even a dress and leggings if you have scars on your legs. No reason why you can't enjoy summer just cos you have self harm scars.

I don't know if I can get camouflage make up and I don't know if I even want it. Whilst it'd be nice not to see the scars how long does it stay on for? I'd have to find out more info before persuing it......To me my scars are survivor scars. Without them I might not be here today.....I can explain (most of them)...Fact is most ppl don't want you and just want to poke fun but the more of us go commando in the summer the more ppl will become used to it and the better for the stigma.

Obviously it's down to individual choice and I'm not on either side. But you should have the option to cover up loosely or go commando. Good luck with your makeup

E

SingleSue

Thanks FP, I do actually have a letter here from the physio saying I am a full time crutch user she sent for OU purposes and she gives the reason as being due to HMS/EDS.

Having a blue badge would open up so many things that have been closed to me just recently, I would actually be able to take the boys into the town centre is just one example, picking up prescriptions/appointments would not be a case of driving round and around trying to get the closest spot to the doctors, at supermarkets, I would not have to try to find not only the closest available sport but also the closest available spot with space on the drivers side so I could get out.

I'll give it some more thought.......

Anyway, had a nice day with the boys yesterday, lots of sitting involved for me but in an area where the boys could run about a bit safely. Firstly, we were very naughty and had a treat of saveloy and chips on the seafront (lovely great big beach for them to run around on while I sat in the shelter watching them), then down to the ferry in the old part of our town, where we just got out of the car, went to the fish stall and got whelks (but not for youngest as he is allergic to shellfish) and finally for a cup of tea in the little ferry cafe...very little walking involved in that one!

The boys enjoyed our day out as I have recently been doing some research into our town history and along the way, I was giving the boys the history of certain houses, areas etc...well at least it gave me a break from having to set and answer maths questions while driving!

LameWolf

FP:T:T:TManual chair = victory #1. Good on ya!:beer:
Sorry I can't help re the housing stuff; but I do wish you all the very best, lots of posi-vibes coming your way. I was sooooo lucky to fall in love with a man who already lived in a bungalow, so I've bypassed that particular hassle.;)

I confess I had to Google acanthus nigricans; but I wish you best of luck with the referral for camouflage make-up; I'm guessing it'll do wonders for your self-esteem.

Mr LW's pal "A" came over last night, and between them they finished installing the new concertina loft ladder. Unfortunately I still won't be able to access the loft,:( but at least Mr LW won't be doing "ladder gymnastics" to get up there any more. He's te-twiddly-umpty-one, and I worry that one of these days he's going to do himself a mischief, so that's one less thing to worry about, now.:o

Erme

Morning all. Pray everyone is well. Submitted my thing to the 'diary of a benefits scrounger' re welfare reform the other night. . Yay and almost got on 'world have your say' on the BBC World Service but they ran out of time (I was going to be on schizophrenia and recovery)

So lovely sunny morning but since being wide awake @ 4am then promptly falling asleep on the sofa; throwing up everywhere @ 5 etc etc not a lot has gotten done so far. And savings are going to be eaten up by decorating. Reckon I'm going to need about £40 worth of paint etc to paint this wee lounge next week :eek:

Anyhow best go and get organised. I have a conference other side of town this am.....Should be good - it's on social work training. Doesn't finish till 3 though which is nap time so not so good.]

Interesting article on singledom this am on Radio 4. Makes me feel so much better re being single - ...

Blessings

E

altocumulus

LadyMorticia wrote: »

Got a letter from DWP this morning and was dreading the fact that it might be the letter about the transition to ESA.:eek:

It wasn't though. It was a letter to DWP to tell me about the DLA rate changes. I should have known.:o DLA always address me as my full name. IS just use my initial and last name.:o

Ah - so they are sending them out this month - good news ....

Careful_with_that_Axe

Good way to know who letters are from. Shame we tend to panic at anything to do with DWP.

I've been lurking as am much reduced in energy and motivation and just not feeling very communicative. Still trying to unpack and get sorted from house move and not being very successful. Had to register with new Doc which is always stressful but turns out he is fabulous and has a special interest in Rheumi stuff. Yay!

My dear friend LW sounds like you are keeping on trucking and still enjoying doggy company.
f-p It's hard getting through to housing people, but things can go right. Look at what happened to me - Suddenly got adapted property and moved within a week. Try to stay positive and get all the help and advice that is available.

I came out from under my stone to say well done to JoJo for typing the words that she was "afraid" of. People are generally much more savvy about MH issues nowadays and so many of us who are disabled experience MH issues alongside the physical ones. People don't think of it in terms of "One flew over the cukoo's nest" anymore! Sorry to hear that you are having a depressive episode though and hope you get back to a stable state of mind and find peace asap.

Got a busy day today, unfortunately, with too many places to go and too much to do, but a quiet weekend planned before friends descend to stay for Easter.
*wave* to everyone else and hello to the newbies I haven't come across before.

LameWolf

Good to "see" you, Auntie Axe. Yep, I'm certainly truckin' on with the dawgies.:D

I've got Cana-phobic Ted for 3 days from 6th May,(he's as paranoid about other dogs as I am about other people:p), and then later in the month, I have the Kitchen-Trashers for 5 days.

Glad to see that you have a new GP who actually understands rheumy stuff - always a bonus!

Anyways, can't stop - Mr LW's taking me into Newport Pagnell to pick up new scooter batteries in a short while, and I need to throw on some warpaint first.;)

*Waves* to everyone else:hello: