Friday 31 August 2012

Uncomfortably numb

Once again I click on new post and don't know what to say.

I have several draft posts started at various times this week. One of them begins, and ends;
"Well I'll be buggered if I'm gonna let this shit stop me writing . . ." hmmmm.

I had an appointment with my Drugs worker yesterday. She said she had never seen me so flat. Neither up nor down, no motivation, no plans. No laughter, no tears.
I asked her, could this be the Prozac? She answered,well it could be, but these are also symptoms of the depression, which they are trying to treat with Prozac . . . It may be that they need to up the dose . . . what? Without knowing whether the damn pills are the cause. This is how I see it.
These are symptoms of depression, Prozac are anti-depressants, how can they be causing symptoms of depression  . . .  ?

I seem to be going round in circles . . . again.

So. Round and round I go.

Back to school yesterday, that's two mornings I've had to leave little Hamper G stood alone crying in a crowded class room, it breaks my heart and I don't know how much longer I would be able to do this. She made many friends locally over the holidays and spent so much time across the road on the park with a large group of girls, aged seven to eleven . . . but, of course, they all go the local school, where there are no places available. She feels lonely, lost and afraid and as her Mother, those are the last feelings on earth that I want her to feel. I know, I know, there are kids out there going through real trauma . . . and I realise, in comparison, this is nothing. But at the time it feels huge.

I let Hamper G and her Dad down on the prison visit. I never thought I would do that. I could just not face it . . . I've re-booked for a week today. Yes, I keep on hoping, praying, wishing that something will change. I know it has to be me that makes the changes but I still can't find that missing bit of me, that strength, fight, the motivation that kick started the changes last time.

This post reflects pretty much how I feel; dull, empty, miserable and stuck. I do feel bad even posting this, but I am aware, and grateful, that many of you truly care about me, so I thought it right that I up-date.

I want nothing more than to get back to where I was. Busy, motivated and feeling as though I was right on the edge of something good . . .

Thanks for still reading here. I am still reading all of your blogs and though I often click on "post a comment" . . I sit and stare at the empty box or type, delete, type, delete . . . thinking it all sounds wrong. 

I so hope my next post is not like this . . .

Hey, I've just been to the chemist to pick up my script. One bit of good news, I weighed myself there and I'm down to 63kg from 70kg. My aim was, and still is, 60kg, so I'm almost there. Woopidoo! slim and miserable ;-)

I know one should never apologise for the truth, so I won't, but really, I do wish I had something more positive to write about . . .  I can list many things that I know I'm grateful for, but I just can't feel the gratitude, or much else really.

Love and thanks to all x

29 comments:

  1. Oh sweetie I so wish I was there so I could hug you. I know about the depression too. It's like the old (bad) joke...the treatment worked but the patient died.

    Please hang in there and keep trying. If prayers and wishes could get you out of this black hole then you'd be soaring because I'm praying and wishing like crazy.

    Hugs...
    Sherry

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    1. Thanks Sherry, I really hoped/prayed/wished that I would be back on the ladder by now . . . But I feel so numb and stuck. it's quite frightening. I might try and write some about it, if I can think. As you know, when we write, we examine our feelings, but there are no feelings to examine, only facts.
      I will keep trying, although I don't feel as though I'm even trying in a sense. That facility also seems to be switched off. I feel very empty and switched off and I don't like it.
      Love and thanks sent to you x x

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  2. I wish I had some good advise to offer but all I can offer is that I understand how both you and Hamper G feel.When I was in school I made friends mostly with the foregn girls because they felt out of place just like me.
    Do you have something to look forward to?If I look forward to some thing I get throuh tuff days easier.I just wait for the looking forward to part.Even if its just french fries or watching a movie or some me or nature time.
    Like SoberMomRocks says hang in there.May be tomorow youll wake up happy and energetic.XOXOOXOXO.So many hugs and kisses.I hope I didnt hug you to hard and you end up with cracked ribs.My best intentions dont always work well.Love and happiness and only good thing for you my special wonderfulness

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    1. Hi Bev, I replied in the wrong place; underneath Jeannie's comment and my reply, is the reply to you x

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  3. If you have not been like this before, I'd be thinking it's the prozac. The thing is with these anti-depressants is that they don't know how or why it works so that's why they have to watch people closely because for some, it enhances their depression and they can get suicidal so please don't let this go on that far. Increasing the dosage doesn't seem sensible at this point. My daughter was on Effexor and she felt very flat on it. The side effects coming off were total hell - had she realized, she says she would have just dealt with her issues and left the drugs alone. Her doc tried to put her on them again because of the accident and she said absolutely not.

    I'm sorry that your daughter has to be at a school far away - that sounds so ludicrous. When neighborhood schools here are full, they bring in portables and set them up in the yard. School enrollment is always in flux as neighborhoods change. There is a brand new school near by that had portables as soon as it opened and the neighborhood isn't even done developing. Crazy. I'd be fighting to have her at the local school. Why is she the one to be sent off when others in the neighborhood are not? Why don't they supply transportation? (They would have to here if it was over a certain distance) (I have a hard time standing up for myself but I'm a she-bear when it comes to my kids) You probably don't have the energy right now, but when you do...

    I come to read because you come across as a real person - someone I could be friends with - not because I want to be entertained - so there's no need to be chirpy and upbeat all the time as far as I'm concerned. No need to appear perfect or to be endlessly improving. Frankly, I'd be suspicious if there was nothing but good news - no ones life is that good. Take it easy on yourself. We all crave unconditional love and guess what? We all deserve it. If someone can not give it, then the problem lies with the giver, not the person who needs it. You are loved.

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    1. Hi Jeannie, No, I didn't feel these symptoms before. They diagnosed me with depression but I was at least feeling something. I was feeling down and crying and anxious, but at least I was feeling. This is just awful. I need to feel, to feel the need to be clean. I was concerned that I would feel apathetic and I think I was right.
      I fought hard (when I was fighting fit) to get Hamper G into the local school, and I refused right through until June '12 (from September 11) to send her to this school. There were court hearings, appeals and finally they threatened to prosecute me unless I accepted this place and took her to school.
      I tried everything possible and applied for transport, even had my Dr write them re; emphysema. The school has to be 2 miles away to get a paid taxi (no public transport on that route), this school is "only" 1 mile away . . . Literally, I would have to be walking 8 miles a day before they would provide transport, it's hideous. But far more hideous for Hamper G who has many friends locally, yet doesn't know any faces at her school. I just keep praying she'll make a friend who she'll look forward to being with, real soon.
      I do know one thing, I will keep writing through this darkness and hopefully back into some light again . . . I'm so glad I started this blog and appreciate every bit of love and warmth that I feel from you and other readers. Thanks Jeannie x

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  4. Hi Bev, Yeah, me too, I always made friends with the kids that didn't fit it in.
    Hamper G is the only mixed race girl in the school. I'm beginning to wonder if this is part of the reason . . . I honestly don't know. I know she is willing to make friends and she tries so hard, but the other girls seem quite unkind; telling her to stop following them, rather than including her. I can't keep putting her through this.
    I'll keep on praying and hoping to find one grain of motivation. I can think of good reasons (motivation) and things to look forward to but I just can't feel it . . .
    Thanks for your kind words Bev, with love x

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  5. Oh. This is so tough to hear, and I know it is even harder on you. I was just sending you an email because I had missed you and thought I had better double check. And yes here you are, but not in a good or comfortable space.
    Please don't ever apologise for the truth. It is what we want to hear, and a larger part of why your blog resonates with so many of us. Truth is not comfortable - but it is real and it is honest. Just the same my heart goes out to both you and to Hamper G. Sending so many caring wishes your way.

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    1. Hi The E's C, I had a feeling, someone, somewhere would be wondering . . . And I had a feeling it might be you, bless you.
      I will keep on digging deeper until I find something, anything . . . Just something I can hold on to. I will try and write my way through this tonight instead of listening to the same old lies that only lead to more numbness and emptyness.
      I do feel this morning as though I can do this today (I think I may have said before) . . . Anyway, I will not worry about the times before, today is a new day.
      There are kangaroos on (kids) TV as I write this, the joeys are learning to box . . . Now that has to be a good sign.
      I do know, deep down, that using is not helping me to get a grip on anything . . . So here goes, hour by hour, I will take on today. Step by step, treading slowly and carefully, I will be back later.
      Thanks, as always, for caring. I hope life with the Kangaroos and Parrotts (sp?) is going well for you. Sending love to you both x

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  6. The only response I can provide which will come close to conveying how moved I was by your honesty and courage it to say - although my circumstances may be very different - I could relate to many of the emotions and thoughts you have expressed. Having been a consumer of anti-depressant medication for almost 40 years I can certainly atest to the fact that some seem to work (for who knows the reason why); and others appeared to be a waste of time. I have been taking Prozac for about 15 years now - and for whatever reason it has been a great help in some aspects of my life (really reduced the OCD issues I had/have). However, I have a simple philosophy that when things around me a going to crap - no medication known to mankind is going to make a lot of difference to the way I see the world. I just bunker down and wait and hope for the storm to pass and look forward to the next rays of sunshine which may come my way. So glad you can see there is no need to apologise for saying it how it is. I did that (and still do at times) and yet deep within our knower we can accept that this is who we are and how we feel at any given time - sometimes that's all we can cope with - apologising for being who and how we are requires energy we simply don't have. Continue to be true to yourself. Best wishes.

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    1. Thanks Accidental writer, This makes much sense to me. I have a feeling that my "depression" is/was circumstantial and the result of "things around me going to crap" (I like that) . . . I wonder in light of this if I might have been a tad hasty in accepting the Prozac.
      Maybe I should've just waited for the storm to pass, as it always does. I want some feelings back and will discuss this with the Dr on Monday.
      It's five pm and I've kicked "that bastard" in the teeth pretty much every 15 minutes since noon . . . It is like an obssession, in that, it doesn't matter how many times I say no . . . within ten minutes my mind is full of it again.
      Thanks for reading and writing here, the truth is all I've got but it's a good start.

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  7. Hi matey, just wanted to check in and say i'm thinking of you. Like you, i "am still reading all of your blogs and though I often click on "post a comment" . . I sit and stare at the empty box or type, delete, type, delete . . . thinking it all sounds wrong."
    See, i even had to copy your words!
    Hope lil Hamper G settles in, geez school days are a f***ing trial, aren't they?
    Take care of yourself xo

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    1. Hi Imogen, School days are indeed an effing trial . . . the other Mothers, the other kids, poor little Hamper G. She wakes up happy, for a split second, until it dawns on her that it's a school day and her little face just crumples . . . It's not natural for a Mother to leave her child in distress. I keep hoping and praying for her to find a friend, Ah well.
      You too, take care and thanks for reading x

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  8. I don't know what to say, but thinking of you, and my heart aches for poor Hamper-G. Keep trying. I have never been on Prozac, but it sounds nasty. I have always embraced all my feelings, whether, mad, bad, glad or sad! I wouldn't like to feel numb, so please talk to your Doctor about reducing that drug, doesn't sound like it is the right one for you. And keep being there for Hamper-G, remember kids are resilient, she will get through this tough time too, with your support. i wish I was closer like a lot of your friends here do too.
    Kiwigirl xx

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    1. Hi Kiwigirl, I'm still thinking and day-dreaming about our tour . . . I will do this, somehow.
      I see the Dr on Tuesday and although I'm sure she will say I've not given the Prozac long enough to work, I'm beginning to think I should've rode through the storm, and I will tell her this.
      I have to keep reminding myself that things did improve for Hamper G last term, eventually.
      Thanks for all of your encouragement Kiwigirl, love sent to you x

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  9. You have probably heard it a thousand times, but do give the meds time. It takes a lot of time and it can also take a few different meds before you find the right one. But when you do, things will be easy. Just keep plodding along, minimising as much damage as you can and things will hopfully begin to look a little brighter.

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    1. Hi Kim, Yeah, I'm kind of expecting the Dr to say that on Tuesday . . . I suppose I'm a bit impatient to get some motivation back. And worrying that the more Prozac I take, the less motivation I will feel. I could be wrong, but as you say, there's a lot of trial and error involved.
      I have felt slightly brighter today but still way too numb. I hope you're well and still getting out and about, thanks for being here x

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  10. Hiya, A few years back I was on prozac, I religiously stuck with it for 18months, then one day I decided to stop taking it because I didn't feel it was doing anything for me and that was that ! I felt nothing when I was taking it (apart from an upset stomach for about an hour) and I felt nothing when I stopped taking it.
    I hope you feel better soon X

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    1. Hi Karl, Yeah I'm beginning to think it was a bad idea . . . I know it's early days (day 14) but I can't afford complacency. You know, only too well, how much determination and fight this takes. And I'm just not feeling it.
      I'm hoping this week will be more successful. Thanks Karl x

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  11. Well first off I will start with a confession. I could never figure out what your blogger name meant. Bugerlug63....so I googled it. lol A British term for grumpy? A name you would call someone, a term of endearment. I figured 63 is the year you were born....I was 1964. :o)

    Ok and yes there are children suffering "real" trauma.....but what you are describing with Hamper G is awful....coming from a mom (myself) who couldn't stand that sort of thing for her kids. I get it! Its truly painful!!

    As to you....hang in there. Of course you have no other choice lol, but really, it will get better. Its just a rough go for now. Know that I am thinking about you and I do care so much. I wish we lived closer because I think we would be wonderful friends together. I am glad you are still posting...keep at it. And thank you for your comments on my blog. I appreciate every single one so much!

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    1. Hi Annette, ;-) It's an old fashioned British term of endearment, usually used by grandparents/parents to children. A bit like Scallywag (!), rascal . . . A sort of urchin! And yes 1963 is my birth year.
      Way back when Geekster was the only one with a laptop, he set up an email account for me (no idea why), he asked me what name to use . . . jokingly, I suggested Buggerlugs and that was that.
      I will keep on posting and commenting (when I can find the words). I'll keep on praying for a friend for Hamper G and I'll keep on trying to fight this battle.
      I see the Dr on Tuesday and I'll explain to her why it's so important that I feel the need/desire to be clean.
      I thought of you many times today, out with your three girls, what a blessing!
      Love and hugs to you Annette x

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  12. We all, I think, feel down and flat at times.

    All you can do is do the best you can each day.

    Little Hamper G will get over it eventually, they all do. Try bribery. A sweetie/carrot stick (depending on your percentage makeup of Political bloody Correctness) for every day with no tears might help.

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    1. Thanks Twisted Scottish Bastard . . I keep thinking I know what you look like now ;-)
      Yes, bribery is the name of the game . . . It's a tub of neon Playdoh tonight for the Playdoh "ice-cream" factory. There were a few tears but maybe a few less than last week x

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  13. You are where you are on point denying it or lying about it. I hope for you the blues move on and you feel better. Also hopefully the school trauma will pass soon and she is happy there too.

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    1. Thanks Furtheron, Yep the truth is always a good place to start. Dr appt tomorrow, I hope she has her ears open ready . . .
      I do feel very slightly more alive and optimistic.
      Thanks for being here Furtheron x

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  14. Bugs (I like that as short for Bugerlugs. Hope it's okay), I too hope Hamper G finds a good friend. It's tough being a kid these days. And I hope that your blues will go away. We all get the blues at times. And medications do take time to work.

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    1. Yeah Bugs is fine by me Syd.
      Things have improved a lot for Hamper G. She has settled well, has been given responsibilities as a "helper" and although she hasn't made a friend as such, she goes to school much happier.
      I will give the meds another month but I am wondering if I should have rode out the storm without them . . . I can't seem to find the fight that I had . . . I'll keep looking and trying, always. Thanks Syd x

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  15. Everyday that you wake up remember one thing. That you did wake up to a brand new day. Yes, there will be leftover bullshit from previous days, but only YOU have the ability to turn the new dawn into anything you want. Look at each new day as an opportunity. I also suffer from depression. I take Paxil. Does it help? I think so. I no longer lay in bed for days with a bad case of the blues. You are on the right path, you might just stumble over some gravel and rocks here and there. You are a wonderful mother, don't ever forget that....

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    1. That's great advice Lori, to see each new day as a brand new opportuntity. Never mind looking back at yesterday's mistakes, it's possible to start afresh today (tomorrow!) . . . I like that.
      I will remember that as soon as I open my eyes tomorrow, Thanks Lori, I will cherish this comment x x x

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