Taking the plunge

Yes @CheerBear counsellor is coming along. So grateful for that. I’m not good at this stuff. I’m hoping to speak up, as he should be able to offer pain relief this time. Otherwise, sacking time.😫😫😫

I don’t like the sound of ‘ normal’ @CheerBear . But I understand. What can anyone say. Try to be careful, I know it’s a big ask.

Time with fur balls and gp today sounds like a really good plan. S. T. R. E. T. C. H. It if you can, want, need to.

I did a humongous thing yesterday @CheerBear. I’ve never done anything like it before. There’s a small theatre, 10 minutes walk from my flat. It’s been done up. Seats about 100. Lounge chairs, bean bags couches. I walked there yesterday, and................ I saw Frozen 11, and loved it. Walked home proud of myself.

I wish they could get it more too @CheerBear . I hear time and time again how MH is breaking through, but where?? It still seems the blind are leading the blind. But it is what it is, as you have said. Too close to home might be a big part of it. Sigh.

I know self care is a tough call, but for you first, the LF, it’s not really a choice, it’s survival. Another sigh. 💜💙

Yes, the little others put in requests, chocolate etc. they always get a present or two. Books mostly. They love books. But bubbles are a favourite too. I go out the back and play. Lol. Counsellor brings a box of decorations, so it’s fun. Not sure about one though, she’s a handful, and then some.

Counsellor will speak up if he brings up my MH records again. They are not necessary or needed there. Uggg.

Definitely too close to home playing in to it @Maggie. There would be some ouchies there. Really, really have to watch self-care.

All of the above made me smile again ❤ Bubbles and books are perfect 😊 Bubbles and books always make it under our tree or in a Santa stocking. It's a tough time of the year and littles add to the jumble of feelings. I met someone while I was away who made a half-joke about how he wished he could get some kind of parenting payment as his reality is that he looks after and cares for a whole handful of little others with huge demands and needs. It's no different except that no-one else can see them. I so much appreciated getting to hear his experiences and maybe understand a little more.

Gosh I'm sorry about the MH records. I'm super thankful to have a GP who doesn't do that after having a bazillion experiences of physical health doctors doing that. I hear of it often and it's not right. More crossed stuff 🤞🤞

I'm picking up the magic presents from home today to hide here for 2 more sleeps. I'm really excited as there's some surprises in there. Wish for stuff.

Better fly. So good to see you this morning. Big ❤

Sending ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ @CheerBear magic/ wish for stuff 👍👍👍👍👍

Hi @Maggie ... thanks for thinking of me. Actually the fires which threatened us over a month ago now, are being well controlled at present. Still burning away in the state and national forrests, but no longer threatening life or property. Contained within hard fought boundaries in my area. Unlike further South and around Sydney. Dreadful there now. And many other parts of Australia. Just devastating.

@Maggie I really hope you can obtain some help from your specialist today. I'm guessing its a Rhuematologist? My GP is thinking of sending me to see one of those too. Although I have all the signs, symptoms and family history of RA ... blood tests have not confirmed it. I'm reluctant to go though. At least you have something to look forward to after your appointment ... a christmas party for 'the little others'. Sounds like fun. I am so very grateful, on your behalf, for your wonderful counsellor. What a godsend she has been.

@CheerBear Oh dear ... sorry to hear that life has gone back to 'normal'. Seems like nothing has really changed. You really need to be so very careful and ensure that you (alone) make the changes which will ensure your safety and wellbeing into the future. We can only ever rely on ourselves at the end of the day. It is near impossible to change other peoples long held and old fashioned views with regard to MH.

Leaving something here for you both. Party stuff for @Maggie and friends, and some sparkle for @CheerBear

And waves to @eth @Gazza75 @outlander and others.

Sherry 💕

@Former-Member Those presents look just about as good as the ones we received.

@CheerBear @Former-Member The appointment was a disaster. First off, he couldn’t Remember having seen me before.😫😫 I know they see a lot of people, but I would have thought some note preparation would have been done. Seems I’m not important enough. I’m not going back.

I’m full of doubts, and part of me thinks, but I don’t know for sure, that he has me ‘ ‘labeled’. Mental health. I’m back to square one, not pain management.

He’s not a rheumatologist, he’s a medical specialist. Our public hospital doesn’t have a RA specialist.

Our party went as well as it could have. Overshadowed somewhat.

Nothing anyone can do, nor myself. I will go back to my gp when I get over this a bit.

I might find a cave. I feel invisible.

Dropping off early coffee, but I’m not good for conversation today.

I hope today has some good in it for you. 💙💙💙☕️☕️☕️

Thanks for reading.

I am sooo disappointed for you @Maggie re the specialist apt. So much, about that whole experience, is so dreadfully wrong.

You are not invisible to us here @Maggie ... I see you, and I hear you loud and clear. And I feel your pain, both emotional and physical.

Bringing you a soothing steaming hot cuppa ☕

One for you too @CheerBear .