Far and Away

@Faith-and-Hope @tyme @Snowie @Appleblossom @Eve7 @Shaz51 It has been a very difficult couple of months. Lots of family issues, illnesses/injuries and increased back pain. Had an MRI on Friday to see what is happening and hopefully provide some treatment. My depression and anxiety has increased also. Pdoc has increased some meds but they will take a few weeks to kick in. I am worried about Toby also but we have an appointment at the vet this week.

Oh no! @Zoe7

I really appreciate you taking the time to share @Zoe7 I'm sorry it's been so so hard for you with family issues as well as your own health problems. It sounds so stressful at the moment. Have you still had to go to work?

Is Toby unwell?

You have an entire community behind you.

I'll wait for your response. No rush. Take your time.

Ohh nooo @Zoe7

Sending you and Toby lots of hugs 🫂 and sitting with you my sister 💕

@tyme It is stressful atm. I had a couple of days off work a few weeks ago but none since. Senior staff are aware of how I am travelling and have been amazing. I also have a student teacher with me - and that has actually helped me get to work. Luckily, she is doing a great job so despite the ongoing mentoring, it has taken a little pressure off me at work by having another adult in the room.

Toby is not himself. He has ongoing skin and ear issues but I think he may also need a couple of teeth out. He is getting older so it is a concern it could be more severe but I will wait and see what the vet uncovers. He still follows me around everywhere but there are little things he used to do that he has not been doing for a time - and he seems to be in some discomfort at times so I am glad I got him into the vet quickly.

Apart from Tobes, my own physical and mental health have not been good. I have not been feeling great mentally for sometime - been a slow downward decline for probably a year now. My psych has noticed it over the last few sessions but I have great support from her and my pdoc so I am in good hands. Physically I don't think I have recovered from pneumonia from a couple of months ago and the stress of dealing with family issues is having a significant impact on both my mental and physical health.

Once my student teacher has finished, I may take some time off - but it would have to be well planned as time on my own when I am not doing as well is often not a great thing for me. I will see how the increase in meds go and if we need to change one then it would be a better idea to do that when I am not working (in case of side effects etc.) - so I will be guided by my psych and pdoc. Unfortunately, I am out of sick leave so it would need to be long service leave (which is a minimum of 5 days) but if I have to change meds I will probably need at least that time off.

Putting one foot in front of the other at the moment and doing the best I can do @Shaz51

My heart lifts a little when I see your name pop up. @Zoe7

Sorry to hear about Tobes. It is so hard to watch a being we love in pain and not doing well/ Give him a hug from me.

It has been great that you have given so much to the kids and student teachers, looking after you is important. I took part in a show on mental health advocacy and the arts for Schizophrenia Awareness Day. It was a huge emotional experience for me as I was centering my family and myself plus a little Beethoven, Mozart and Van Eyck. We had family come together from interstate and the regions. Its been hugely intense. Today is recovery day.

Hugs to you and @Shaz51

Hi dear @Zoe7

I love seeing your name pop up, but so sorry to hear all that is happening for you at the moment.

I really hope Toby is ok.

Dealing with physical and mental health issues is hard enough, but with you having to navigate it all whilst you work full time must be even harder.

I know you have got good support with your psych and pdoc, so hopefully they can help.

Sending lots of love and cuddles hon 💗💗💗

Thinking of you today @Zoe7

I hope you are okay.

I'm sorry your mental health has been on the decline for a while now. I hope you get the support you need.

Please take care.

Hello @Zoe7 and thanks for the tag. Sorry you’re having a rough trot.

I’ve been away for a few weeks but almost home now. Looking forward to my bed.

💜💜💜

Thanks @Appleblossom @Snowie @tyme 🥰

Tobes is okay. He has arthritis in his back legs and hip and skin allergies but both are mild so daily medication and cream to treat those. He needs at least one tooth out but I have to wait a few weeks to see how the arthritis meds go as they will do full bloodwork at the same time.

Working full time @Snowie is both a blessing and a chore. I am very tired at present but I also know the routine of work is good for me. I would prefer to be home with my babies but if I did not have things to do, my mental health would suffer more. It really is a fine line though. I have had to switch around when I take my meds also because I fell asleep at work - the increase has made me very tired but hopefully that evens out across the next couple of weeks.

@Eve7 ❤️