Health Update July 2024
Health and Wellbeing · Men & Womens Health · Mental Illness · Moving Forward · Survivor · Trauma

Health Update July 2024

Looking for the Light

So much has happened since I did the last Health Update in 2023. I have to say that I’m feeling much better since my Psychiatrist stopped my Prozac and started me on Trintellex. It wasn’t something he suggested but after talking to my Therapist who has several patients on it, I requested he call it in. July 4th was the efficacy date but I started to feel so much better long before. It does have nausea and vomiting as common side effects and I did experience them but felt comfortable they would pass and they did. I feel better mentally than I have in over 5 years and I’m taking it all in.

I’ve been working in the yard, on my outdoor and indoor plants, and cleaning the house the right way, the way my Grandparents taught me. I started on a project and cleaned around the area until I wore out. It feels so good to do the job right and not half-assed.

I’ve bought many new indoor plants and have enjoyed repotting them. I even bought a Bonsia to try my hand at and have finally mastered succulents.

I also bought a new larger bird feeding station and a squirrel feeder. The squirrels are enjoying the corn cobs and staying away from the other feeders. Now I get to see birds of all types enjoying the feeders which makes my day.

My eye doctor’s appointment was way overdue and my readers weren’t cutting it so I now have a new pair of glasses that specifically address my nearsightedness.

On the more difficult side, many of you know I had a nervous breakdown after watching a series about gang violence and the trafficking of women. I had watched the two prior seasons without a problem but season three was brutal. When the woman who had been trafficked had nowhere to go, she went back to the man who broke her. I lost it, my husband had never seen that side of me. It was followed by severe nightmares and I had a PTSD meltdown, it was very disturbing and the nightmares have continued just not every night. It also brought up several triggered memories that I had forgotten about. Luckily the memories didn’t bring up pain and were passing thoughts.

I’ve recently written about my trip to the ER thinking I was having a stroke. Luckily it wasn’t, it turned out to be my Esophagus issues getting inflamed and the pain and spasms were in the sternum area which is why it felt like it was my heart. My Gastroenterologist has added a new medical that is working. I was not taking my Protonix every day because my Neurologist put the fear of God in me about the drug. I know better than to listen to another doctor, the way to stay healthy is to discuss any questions with the doctor who prescribed the medication. I would never let another doctor mess with my medication for my Bipolar Disorder but like I said we put the fear of God in my on what the long-term effects would cause me.

This is a good lesson because many medications are not meant for long-term use however that doesn’t mean you fall into that category. As my Gastroenterologist said it is about quality of life. I found out the effect on my life and all the pain and vomiting caused by not taking my Protonix properly and I won’t go down that road again.

I’m still seeing my worthless Psychiatrist and after my appointment this week I plan to change doctors. In the DFW area Psychiatrist, frown on anyone who changes doctors regardless of the reason and that is why I’ve stayed for a year. I saw my previous Psychiatrist for 32 years and that should speak for itself. I have a highly respected doctor in mind, just haven’t made contact with him. That is why I plan to ask my current doctor to schedule our next appointment four months out and that will give me time to get set up with the new doctor.

That’s the highlights and lowlights of my health over the past year.

Here’s to staying healthy.

Melinda

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34 thoughts on “Health Update July 2024”

  9. I’m happy to hear you are doing better, Melinda. I appreciate all you have been through, yet you are so courageous in sharing your story. Many relate along with others who see their situations as ones they can get through as you work through yours.

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  12. It’s inspiring to see you making proactive efforts toward greater health and well-being, both mentally and physically.

    Remember to seek God’s guidance in every step, advocating for yourself with His strength, and focusing on activities that honor Him and nurture your inner peace, health and joy.

    May your journey be Blessed with continued growth and sustained health, guided by His Grace and Wisdom!

    Praying for you SIs.

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      1. Amen 🙏 We all do. We often forget, and there’s honestly nothing wrong with that. The Lord knows your heart. I forget many times to give Him thanks, even for the trials. But when I remember who is giving me the blessings, I thank Him and ask for forgiveness for not doing so sooner. Unfortunately, it’s our human nature to forget to be grateful to God.

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