One Day at a time here

Do you think talking has helped him in the past, or not?--- not @AlwaysMyself

and he does not want to go back to his old MI team

For me, talking to my counsellor doesnt usually "help" longterm improvement, but it helps me manage week to week to have someone to talk to about things that have come up or are on my mind, or to explore ideas or plans, etc. Its "maintenance support" for me. Makes me less likely to decline as sharply.----- I believe this is so important @AlwaysMyself @ that is why I have put my name down for a Kidney Buddy for this year @Dimity

Fingers crossed the new meds help, even at half the dose.--- me too @Dimity

he said the whole meds knocked him out for too long

Still no news on the timeline for getting in contact/assigned the kidney buddy @Shaz51 ?

I hope it comes sooner rather than later, as I would love you to have the additional support ASAP. 🥰

I wonder whether hubby would benefit from having a peer support worker/friend who had a similar interest (eg photography) that could do activity plus chat with him? Bond and earn trust over the activity, but also be informed and experienced in helping him with his MI?

still no news @AlwaysMyself but they hopefully soon

having a peer support worker/friend who had a similar interest (eg photography) -- that sounds great , have to look into it

as I was his photography buddy but I am finding it harder and the weather has not been good with the heat and then rain

but I am happy he has made the spare bedroom his studio to do still photography

@Dimity

Maybe there's a regional field naturalists club or natural history group @Shaz51 for the photography side of things. .

It's great he's set up a studio. Does he do macro work?

One of my old bosses took photos of marine invertebrates, I think he helped someone in the museum.

Good on you for being proactive about lining up a kidney buddy.

it can be tricky working out what willl help another person on their journey @Shaz51 It seems as if you do relate to each other pretty well, but maybe changes are needed as we age and reconfigure what the best supports actually look like. Glad you are getting more sleep and will be getting a kidney buddy.

@AlwaysMyself 's idea of a peer worker could be good.

I have to say that the skill of rapport development seems undervalued these days. Maybe they didnt try? Did he say anything about it. Were they too young or fixed in their approach? I hope Mr Shaz is making the wisest decisions. Regarding meds, its his body and it sounds like he is trying to find the best way through it all. Having him too sedated might not be great for both of you.

I just took my night meds, I am not rigid one or the other, but I dont believe in a limited biomedical model or that meds are the cure all. Walking with you on it.

@Dimity @StuF @AuntGlow

Hello @Shaz51,

How are you and hubby today? 💛

I am sorry to hear he is resisting the support he has had... I wonder if you could ask what's coming up for him and what he is needing most right now?

Hello @AuntGlow

Think the biggest thing for hubby is improving his sleep , sleep has been so bad and it was affecting my physical health and my sleep

So with the new meds which he has been cutting them in half has been helping him to sleep more during the night

Trialing the meds and seeing doctor again at the end of January and the doctor is thinking of increasing his morning meds but wait and see 👀

@Appleblossom , @Dimity , @AlwaysMyself , @StuF , @Jynx , @Chasingsunsets , @DownMoreThanUp

Sorry for not replying earlier @Shaz51 . Did the "I'll respond later" thing then got distracted and...

Anyway, hoping sleep is improved for both of you! And that a longer term 'maintenance' plan can be put in place.

My apologies also for not knowing much about your 'kidney buddy'? What does that involve? It certainly sounds like a great idea!

Oh that's promising @Shaz51!! Sleep (or lack thereof) impacts everything hey, even your sleep by the sounds of it! Fingers crossed things continue to improve and you can both catch up on some snoozles 🤞