1908 replies to this topic

[gail]

Xman, here you are at long last! Where have you been, are you okay, did you go see the doc about your weight loss and other stuff ... come on, give us the scoop ... we've missed you!!!

Posted that in another topic, repeating here, Xman how are you doing? missed you.

[Carleeta]

Xman, welcome back to us.  How are you? 

[Carleeta]

Positively done with the little infant's welcoming gift.  Went shopping with one of my older cousins, I wish I had driven...lol lol.  She wanted to drive.  Changed our minds to do shopping for the 10 year old tomorrow on our way to the Casino.  Yup, going gambling,,lol lol.  Not much of a gambler, although I love the casinos..lol lol Oddly enough I love all the noise...lol Casino noise that is.  Still it's been absolutely beautiful outside today...like one of those perfect weather days....that's today! 

 

Just picked some fresh basil and rinsed it out for a nice Italian tomato salad....it's like the perfect touch to such a gorgeous day..

[FiveNotions]

Carleeta, you're always full of surprises, but now you're really outdoing yourself! Yesterday you start bombing around in your car (alone) at night, now you're going to the casino ... next thing ya' know, you're going to be telling us you've got a "toy boy" on the side ... I was only teasing about the red convertible and the beer drinking, but now I think I'm starting to see a pattern emerging ...

[FiveNotions]

Well, I got nuthin' compared to Carleeta's goings on ... but here's my positive for the day ... earlier this afternoon I submitted an application/resume for a freelance gig as a "search engine evaluator" for none other than Google ... the final part of the application process was to take an "internet search skills assessment test" ...I have no idea how I did, but when I started the test I was sure I was going to have a panic attack, and .... I ended up actually having fun doing it .... yay me

 

Now we'll see if they get back to me ... that's another new thing about the job search process ... it's no longer customary to acknowledge receipt of apps, or send out "rejection" letters ... they only contact you if they want to talk to you ... and then, it's just a phone conversation ... if you make it past the phone screening, then there's a chance of being called in for an "FTF" ... "face-to-face" ...

[Carleeta]

My positive for the day is I'm not jealous or resentful of the 'Positive' posts!!! I WILL find some positive out this withdrawal/discontinuation crap!! I am going to look online for a pair of size 8 ruby red slippers so I can click my aching heels together and shout out 'I think I can, I think I can!' find some positive things in my so called life;)

Cym, see right there as a positive,, joking about getting a pair of red ruby shoes. ha ha ha . When I started this thread, I was positive just washing my face and brushing my teeth in the morning. You will find something to relate to a positive. It doesn't have to be something big at all. Just getting in the shower or bathtub is a positive.... I have faith you will find somethimg, especially with your witty personality..

[Carleeta]

positive for today reading Carletta's inspiring and posts :-)

Yipeeeee, Xman you have arrived safely back. So happy to hear from you... Hope all is going well with you...

[Carleeta]

Carleeta, you're always full of surprises, but now you're really outdoing yourself! Yesterday you start bombing around in your car (alone) at night, now you're going to the casino ... next thing ya' know, you're going to be telling us you've got a "toy boy" on the side ... I was only teasing about the red convertible and the beer drinking, but now I think I'm starting to see a pattern emerging ...

.. ha ha ha ha .. Oh by the way, I'm not driving to the casino, I'm going with relatives...I know you were joking about the convertible and beer; just had to let you know your comments and thinking are on target, somewhat. Toy Boy..hmmm Think I have to pass on that one....lol lol lol. You are tooo funnnny.. ha ha ha ha ha ha

[Carleeta]

Well, I got nuthin' compared to Carleeta's goings on ... but here's my positive for the day ... earlier this afternoon I submitted an application/resume for a freelance gig as a "search engine evaluator" for none other than Google ... the final part of the application process was to take an "internet search skills assessment test" ...I have no idea how I did, but when I started the test I was sure I was going to have a panic attack, and .... I ended up actually having fun doing it .... yay me
 
Now we'll see if they get back to me ... that's another new thing about the job search process ... it's no longer customary to acknowledge receipt of apps, or send out "rejection" letters ... they only contact you if they want to talk to you ... and then, it's just a phone conversation ... if you make it past the phone screening, then there's a chance of being called in for an "FTF" ... "face-to-face" ...

Wow, FiveNotions that fantastic. You ended up having a fun time. It always happens when you least expect it. I understand how frustrating it is out there in the work field these days, and now for you trying to find something.. Your post is definitely better than any I shoot out there, for the simple fact you just keep searching and applying and you are not giving up. That is the best positive I could possible read on this thread.....yipeeeeee

[FiveNotions]

Carleeta, fact is, I can't give up ... I have no choice ... it's find work or risk ending up homeless... I have just enuf money left in all of my accounts combined to pay rent up to and including January 2015 ... but, if I haven't found something by October, I'm going to have to move out of my apartment and into some sort of "roommate" arrangement ...that would allow me to squeak through until next July, when I'm eligible for SS early retirement ... but making that move would mean, in all likelihood, needing to get rid of my three beloved kitties .. and most definitely getting rid of almost all of my furniture ... (I refuse to get rid of my books, I'd would rather go without a bed )

 

Thank God for the clonidine, and this forum

[brzghoff]

Well, I got nuthin' compared to Carleeta's goings on ... but here's my positive for the day ... earlier this afternoon I submitted an application/resume for a freelance gig as a "search engine evaluator" for none other than Google ... the final part of the application process was to take an "internet search skills assessment test" ...I have no idea how I did, but when I started the test I was sure I was going to have a panic attack, and .... I ended up actually having fun doing it .... yay me

 

Now we'll see if they get back to me ... that's another new thing about the job search process ... it's no longer customary to acknowledge receipt of apps, or send out "rejection" letters ... they only contact you if they want to talk to you ... and then, it's just a phone conversation ... if you make it past the phone screening, then there's a chance of being called in for an "FTF" ... "face-to-face" ...

 

 

yeah, welcome to the new age of job searching. awhile back i set up a linked in profile and started "collecting contacts" social media networking seems to be the new way. i can't stand social media. don't have a face book page. i don't consider this forum social media although it may fit the formal definition. this is a virtual support group where we don't feel like we need to impress anybody just spill our guts out ;-)

 

the thing that drives me nuts is the resume scanning software used now. if you don't use "keywords" in your resume the scanner rejects it and human eyes will never see it. meanwhile, HR recruiters claim they hate seeing the same cliches used. but they're the ones who selected the keywords they want to look for in the first place! 

[Carleeta]

FiveNotions, I did not realize you are in such a financial situation.  I understand now what you are dealing with every day.  This is not what you need right now in your life. 

I can offer some suggestions, and one comes to mind which I feel you would be great at even if it is temporary.  Try putting your name and contact info on boards located in restaurants, coffee houses, convenient shops, hospitals, nursing homes, grocery stores, clinics and offering to care for an elderly person in need of a companion, where maybe you make their lunch, or dinner, or sit with them for a while.  You might put these notices up in the hospital or nursing home of where you visit your friend frequently.  Many family members of these individuals are looking for someone to look in on their loved ones when they can't be around.  Like feeding them, sitting with them, and making sure their needs are met.  You never know what happens through word of mouth.  If your helping one individual you will be noticed by other individuals in need of some type of light care.  I know it's just a suggestion and temporary but it could be something and something big, where you can make your own hours and work with them.  These jobs pay up to 20 dollars an hour.  In the meantime you could still be searching for the full time job you are looking for.  I'll still keep you deeply in my prayers.  Oh, even put a notice up at your church on their board....

 

My heart and prayers are definitely with you....

[FiveNotions]

Thank you for your prayers, Carleeta!
 
And, it seems "great minds think alike" .... I've registered with two "home care companion" agencies and am applying for those jobs as well as the library gigs ...
 
Also, I've got experience in fundraising and institutional advancement ... which was my research specialty at my last job as a librarian with an association ... every nonprofit on the planet is hiring for those positions these days  ...

Yep, this past year has been quite an adventure ... When I left my job last June, my plan was to take about 4 months off to travel, read and chill out (which I did and man was it great), then get right back to work ... however, the "unplanned" happened ... obamacare regulations caused my health insurance co. to cancel my individual policy, I couldn't afford Cymbalta ... then cold turkey hell ensued ...
 
It wasn't until about the middle of last month that I started feeling good enuf mentally and physically to start a full-scale, intensive job search process ... Blessedly, I continue to feel a bit better with each passing week ... and also blessedly, the Lord has never let me down before, and I know He won't this time ... I just have to keep my part of the bargain ... faith in Him and effort on my own behalf..

Anyway, this whole post is totally "TMI" ... I'm temped to delete it ...

[ShadyLady]

Oh,FN:...(. Thank you for your post. Other's trials & tribulation I read here take my mind off 'the me' and make me ashamed of my self-pity, yuck. I DO believe in the power of prayer & I am moving you on my list of 5 that I believe God to move mountains for NOW!! I have seen miracles & with Carleeta & me praying in earnest, get ready for your miracle, Sista:). You are such a blessing to so many here...what goes around, comes around. Bawling now:.../ Elton John song comes to mind 'You'll Be Blessed,' your song from me to you;)

[FiveNotions]

Aw, thank you Cym! It's such a comfort to have all my friends praying for me! Now I'm the one crying... happy tears!

 

I'm sure things will work out for me job-wise...it's not like I'm looking for a big bucks career anymore ... now I'm just a 61 yo crapalta survivor who needs to pay the rent, keep the kitties supplied with fudz and litter, and enjoy feeling alive again  ...

[DoneWithCrap]

I have some positives for a change

I saw my rhumitologist yesterday had he gave me a referral for a new neurologist and primary care doctor. I see the neurologist this Monday!

He didn't want to prescribe Plaquenil untill I see neuro and untill I'm done tapering off the prednisone. The fact that the prednosone helped with my pain is a good sign that the Plaquenil will help with my mixed connective tissue dissorder.

I told him that I think my CNS symptoms are from the Cymbalta but want to make sure there is not a CNS disease that is making thw withdrawal worst. He agreed

I have been having a lot of trouble with muscle spasms, body tremors and weakness mostly on the right side of my body. daily headaches/migraines and photo-sensitivity and phono-sensitivity. (I know this is not positive but I have hope for improvement now!)

I have been able to do some yard work today for about 15 minutes at a time then res for an hour and do a little more. my fatigue and pain are very limiting, but I need to feel like I'm doing something

 

Have a peaceful day!

[FiveNotions]

Hi Renee, sounds like you've got a good doc... he acknowledges that getting off the crapalta can be difficult!
 
I just looked up Plaquenil, and learned that it's an antimalarial drug, and is also used off-label to reduce inflammation in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis... it can also have some pretty strong side-effects ... so be on the look-out once you start on it ...

http://en.wikipedia....roxychloroquine
"The most common adverse effects are a mild nausea and occasional stomach cramps with mild diarrhea. The most serious adverse effects affect the eye.

For short-term treatment of acute malaria, adverse effects can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, heart problems, reduced appetite, headache, nausea and vomiting.

For prolonged treatment of lupus or arthritis, adverse effects include the acute symptoms, plus altered eye pigmentation, acne, anemia, bleaching of hair, blisters in mouth and eyes, blood disorders, convulsions, vision difficulties, diminished reflexes, emotional changes, excessive coloring of the skin, hearing loss, hives, itching, liver problems or failure, loss of hair, muscle paralysis, weakness or atrophy, nightmares, psoriasis, reading difficulties, tinnitus, skin inflammation and scaling, skin rash, vertigo and weight loss. Hydroxychloroquine can worsen existing cases of both psoriasis and porphyria."

[brzghoff]

Aw, thank you Cym! It's such a comfort to have all my friends praying for me! Now I'm the one crying... happy tears!

 

I'm sure things will work out for me job-wise...it's not like I'm looking for a big bucks career anymore ... now I'm just a 61 yo crapalta survivor who needs to pay the rent, keep the kitties supplied with fudz and litter, and enjoy feeling alive again  ...

there is a lot to be said for having a job that allows you to go home and forget about everything except living your life instead of living your job. 

[Carleeta]

ReneeRj, This sounds wonderful.  Your doctors seems very supportive and listening to what you are telling him/her.  You are doing the right thing with having questions about your sysmptoms and considering the other disorders you are experiencing along with the Cymbalta withdrawal.  Please keep us posted.  Awaiting to hear what the neurologist  has to say.  Good Luck

[fishinghat]

Well a definite positive! The major anxiety I developed about 3 weeks ago has faded to almost nothing. The two extra hydroxyzine I took to help has been discontinued. If on Monday I still feel well I will go back to tapering my lorazepam. And the battle continues.

[FiveNotions]

That's wonderful, FH!! Does the duration of this episode parallel that of your earlier episodes (that the Mrs. reminded you about)?

I think that the moment I realize that an anxiety episode has faded/ is gone is one of the most incredible feelings of relief... and happiness ... I've ever experienced ... folks who've never had anxiety/panic just have way to understand what this stuff is like. (I wish that one of the pre-requisites for becoming a shrink, therapist, doc, whatever could be that the person has experienced this, had to live with it!)

[fishinghat]

It does exactly correlate to those earlier events and now if it happens again I know I can count on a couple hydroxyzine to take the edge off.

 

The releif is absolutely wonderful. Imagine how it feels after a hard day at work and you finally get to trow back in the recliner and let out a deep sigh. Now picture that lasting about 2 or 3 days!!  You feel like 500 lbs has been lifted off yoour shoulders.

[Carleeta]

Well a definite positive! The major anxiety I developed about 3 weeks ago has faded to almost nothing. The two extra hydroxyzine I took to help has been discontinued. If on Monday I still feel well I will go back to tapering my lorazepam. And the battle continues.

Yipeeeee.  Great positive and great relief for you Fisinghat.  Very happy for you

[fishinghat]

Thanks Carleeta. You know if I was ever to have a baby girl (unlikely now) I think I would name her 'Yipeee'. lol Just love that.

[thismoment]

Yipeee Fishinghat. I like that even better than Whoopi Goldberg, Yahoo Serious, and Peekaboo (Picabo) Street!

[fishinghat]

Wow For a minute that sounded like Carleeta's voice. (I was on cymbalta way too long. lol)

[Carleeta]

Thanks Carleeta. You know if I was ever to have a baby girl (unlikely now) I think I would name her 'Yipeee'. lol Just love that.

ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha..  Do you ever make me laugh, and laugh, and laugh....omg....you are the best.  Your wife is so lucky to have you and visa versa.  Wishing you the best.   and another Yipeeeeee, just for you......

[Carleeta]

Wow For a minute that sounded like Carleeta's voice. (I was on cymbalta way too long. lol)

And another  ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ......Yipeeeee comes out when you are positively off Cymbalta.......yipeeeeee Fishimghat...

[FiveNotions]

Here's my positive ... after a long week of nothing but job search blah blah blah, my best friend (the one who stuck with me during withdrawal, fed me and put up with my multitude of "meltdowns") and I went down to the Potomac River Park for another Friday evening picnic ... at our favorite spot, from which we can see both the Potomac and Anacostia Rivers and the point at which they come together and then flow south (a couple miles down to Mt Vernon, but can't see that from where we were) ... and directly across from the small air base where the Marine 1, 2 and 3 hangers are ... a perfect evening ... easy chairs, picnic dinner, almost full moon rising, and just a few sailboats out ... one of the marine helicopters a was doing "touch and goes" ... taking off, circling low and tight over the river, and then landing again ... man, those pilots are amazing ... anyway, we sat and talked for hours, just watched the sky and the water, and munched on food ...

I am so grateful for being alive again, and being able to enjoy life ... wish you all could have been with me to share in a perfect evening!

[DoneWithCrap]

FN that sounds lovely. Your discription was so detailed that I could imagine I was there with you Thank you for posting your positive evening.....And I believe you will have many more