I’m so glad you joined me on Wordless Wednesday. Thank you for stopping by my blog.


Melinda


Melinda
The number of people with chronic pain grows daily, and pain medication is hard to find in stock or doctors have stopped writing prescriptions due to the DEA. It’s a difficult time to have chronic pain, there are stories of people with cancer or other painful diseases being denied pain medication, It’s heartbreaking.
I have not taken Percocet for 3 years, It wasn’t an intentional choice, it was the choice of my doctor. I wasn’t in enough pain for him. Pain Doctors can be very strict due to the DEA breathing down their neck.

I’m not going to tell you about pain, you already know. I want to pass on a few tips about Pain Doctors.
The DEA is on a war path against pain medication (all controlled substances), and in the process has scared many doctors to no longer write prescriptions for their patients or have very strict rules you need to understand.
Taking pain medication long-term will require patience, compliance, and frustration. Appointments with your pain doctor are a top priority, do not miss an appointment. Call after if you have to but call the office right away and talk to the Office Manager. Most Pain Doctors have a contract saying you will do certain things and will not do certain things. In the contract, it could say two missed appointments and you’re fired. Read the contract!
If this is your first pain doctor, work hard to keep the relationship healthy, every time you change Pain Doctors it’s notated in your medical records. The more Pain Doctors you see, you run the risk of being labeled as a drug seeker.
When talking to your doctor always focus on the pain areas and other issues related. Don’t ask about medication, say instead, I’m hoping you can help me. Again, this is a measure to not be called a drug seeker.
Don’t complain about waiting or staff with the doctor, calmly talk with the Office Manager. They pull a ton of weight and are good to be friends with.
You can expect to give a urine sample every month or possibly every three, whatever the doctor decides.
The DEA will not allow pharmacies to fill certain medications, including pain meds until you’re down to your last pills, so expect to see your doctor every month to get a new prescription. It’s a crazy world. Do say what medication you pick up, just your name and how many prescriptions you have. Sad to say but someone may have a better idea of what to do with the meds. I know this sounds dramatic but have you watched the news this week?
My next tidbit will sound strange. I recommend keeping a backstock in case you are fired and left without medication. This happened to me and I was glad to have backstock to help ease the withdrawal. When it’s time to take your medication, ask yourself, do I really need it or all of it. If you can skip it, then put it in a bottle for the what-ifs. Always fill your prescription on time even if you have pills left, the leftovers can go to backstock.
I get addicted quickly to pain meds and the withdrawal is tough. Don’t deny yourself medication, at the same time, it’s tough to go cold turkey. That’s why I have a backstock. It goes without saying, don’t tell your doctor what you’re doing!
BEWARE! If you have constant pain and have not received relief from medication, the doctor may mention a Spine Stimulator. STOP!!!!! You can let them check your insurance coverage if you’re curious, but decide later. This medical device needs your research because the results are all over the board. Read until you are satisfied.
I had a bad fall over the weekend and the post was written with concussion fog. I apologize if it doesn’t flow.
I’m hoping you have many pain-free days.
Melinda
Stress is a major thorn in the side for many people. While it is natural and beneficial in certain scenarios, chronic stress is very unhealthy. It can have negative effects on your physical and mental health. If you are regularly hampered by stress and anxiety, it’s important to address it. Failing to acknowledge continuous stress can trigger further problems.
Before taking action to combat stress, it’s important to acknowledge what it actually is. Stress is one of the body’s natural defense mechanisms. In times of danger, people generally react through a fight-or-flight response. Your mind and body recognize the danger and get prepared for you to either fight or flight.
When you’re body goes into fight or flight mode, it is in a state of stress. Your senses are heightened, your alertness and focus are peaked, and your energy leaves are fueled by adrenaline. While this is beneficial in times of true peril, stress does not add value to your life in most scenarios.
If you suffer from unnecessary stress, you should find some ways to manage it. With this in mind, here are four tips for avoiding unnecessary stress in life.

Exercise is a natural stress reliever. It provides a mental escape and keeps your body physically fit. During exercise, the human body produces endorphins. These have a tremendous impact on your mood and work wonders in battling stress. A natural release of endorphins can also help you sleep better, further reducing stress levels.
Make an effort to stay active as much as possible. Rhythmic exercises such as walking, biking, or running are particularly beneficial as they produce a meditative effect.
Time management is key when you live a busy lifestyle. Failing to effectively manage your regular workload can lead to long-term and chronic stress. At times when you’re under serious pressure, organization, and time management can guide you.
One of the best ways to get on top of time management is to schedule. Different scheduling styles work for different people. Some work best with extremely detailed plans, while others work best with more vague to-do lists.
Find out what you’re best suited to and start to manage your time more efficiently.
In the technological era, there are countless manipulative scams out there that prey on the vulnerable. Having confidential information or money stolen from you can leave you in a financial predicament. What’s more, it can cause a great deal of stress and anxiety.
Do some research on how to prevent this from happening. DTSS reviews banking fraud and scams and is a great informational resource to consider.
Mindfulness revolves around centering your mind and being present in the moment. This helps detach your mind from unnecessary stress and it relieves your consciousness of clutter, bringing clarity to your mental state.
Practicing mindful techniques such as meditation and yoga can work wonders for reducing stress. There is a myriad of free online guides to help get you started. Meditation apps are a great way to get into a routine, as they have a number of guided sessions.
This is a collaborative post.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of Jay’s Sandbox.

A place for my million-mile-per-hour thoughts
Chris Ryan’s work has been translated into over twenty languages, and appeared just about everywhere, including Netflix, HBO, MSNBC, Fox News, CNN, NPR, The New York Times, The Times of London, Playboy, The Washington Post, Time, Newsweek, National Geographic, and The Atlantic. Chris has been a featured speaker at TED, SXSW, The Festival of Dangerous Ideas at the Sydney Opera House, the Portland Comedy Festival, the Einstein Forum in Pottsdam, Germany, and is a frequent guest on The Joe Rogan Experience, the Duncan Trussell Family Hour and many other podcasts. He’s provided expert testimony in a Canadian constitutional hearing, won a coveted AVN award (best non-sex performance, Marriage 2.0) and popped-up in dozens of documentary films and television shows.
Even before co-authoring the New York Times best-seller, Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What it Means for Modern Relationships with Cacilda Jethá, MD in 2010, Chris was on a wild ride.
His blog is sweet on the eyes and full of great content. Check out his blog, it’s a must-see.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
https://youtu.be/zg21Rkew874?si=mcLCV4mQ450MSNEu
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.

Melinda


Melinda
Hi,
I hope you are happy and healthy. The Awareness Days listed are for America. You would be shocked if you saw how many days are observed in the UK. September is a busy month for Awareness Days and maybe even get you to the doctor.
Blood Cancer Awareness Month
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
Healthy Aging ® Month
National Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month
National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month
National Cholesterol Education Month
National Sickle Cell Month
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month
Pain Awareness Month
Prostate Cancer Awareness Month
World Alzheimer’s Month
Melinda
References:
Happy Labor Day! In 1882 work life was very different than today. Think of the computer/phone users today, they don’t need a union but work conditions in 1882 were deplorable, working outrageous hours, and the list goes on.
I respect every person who participated and spoke about their needs. Your voice made a difference and still does in 2023.
It’s because of the people

I had forgotten the walk-out was union-driven. No posturing on their part? Only the most dangerous jobs need a union. Unions get their money first, and no they don’t care about you. As you can tell I don’t believe in unions. A Starbucks upstate went union, WFT!
Let’s share a toast to the workers who walked off their jobs with no pay. That’s true commitment. Their actions on September 5, 1882, sparked the laws we work under today.
Have an awesome day.
Melinda
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of The Amethyst Lamb.

I’m a 29-year-old child advocate/social worker. I’m also a certified yoga teacher. I’m vegan and I love animals and nature. I mostly post poetry on my blog, but I also draw and am working on some stickers right now
Be sure to check out her interesting blog and say hi!
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.
Melinda
I want to send a special thanks to Communications Director Nassia Bitha for sending me a host of Vital Field Frequencells to try. Today I’m writing about the Sleep Frequencell and I’m excited to share with you my experience.
This post contains affiliate links that earn me a small commission to help cover my coffee habit.
The cumulative expert knowledge and the science of using precisely targeted frequencies for health management and pain management are now, for the first time in history, available to end-users worldwide.
Vital Field applications don’t replace or compete with traditional medicine or conventional treatment methods. They are intended to provide an alternative treatment for pain and health when conventional methods fail to provide significant results on their own.
With zero negative side effects reported and over 80% reported satisfaction from customers, we are confident in offering a full money-back guarantee if our product does not work for you.
Since Vitalfield products are safe, natural, non-invasive, and non-chemical, you have nothing to lose by using their line of products. I am 100% confident in the technology and the complete line of products.
The Sleep Frequencell needs to be placed on the first vertebra on your back and only wear it overnight. I’m starting tonight and look forward to sharing the results in a few days.
The first night I felt the relaxing properties shortly after taping on which reduced my stress and helped me sleep deeply. The more nights I used the Sleep Frequencell the better it worked.
A couple of minutes after the Sleep Frequencell is in place you don’t even feel that it’s there. Vital Field includes tape to use with each Frequencell and you can purchase more from Vital Field or use another type of kinetic tape.
I love Vital Field’s innovative natural approach to designing each product which can be used over and over. Unlike traditional medicine, you don’t feel the cell working, but you see the results.
I’ve done several reviews for Vital Field products and have not been disappointed yet. I encourage everyone to check out the product line and purchase the Frequencells that fit your health needs.
You can find more information on all Frequencell’s here
I’m thrilled to find a product that works naturally and not have to take a sleeping pill.
Melinda
One important thing to consider is if your current theme is retired, does it support the old customization or only supports Block Editor. One frustrating part of picking a new theme, there are very few with a sidebar. Don’t forget all widgets don’t convert and the widgets you have now may not be supported anymore.
There are several widgets left to add to the site but I haven’t figured out which widget button to use. That’s for another Chat with WordPress.
The site, it looks too sterile
I think the logo is too big
Is the font big enough?
Are you having problems loading a page?
Please take a few minutes to check out my site and provide feedback. I truly appreciate your help.
Melinda
You can find resources on many topics under the Organizations That Can Help and click on Addiction. Thank you for visiting today.
Local Non Profit Addiction Treatment Directory
Addiction Center.com Find Rehab Clinics In Your Area
Recovery.Org Find Addiction Treatment Near You
Rehab Centers Nation Wide (Insurance Specific)
Help Guide.org – Addiction Information
Drug Abuse Resources for Parents
SMART Recovery.Org – Self Management and Recovery Training
Melinda
Reference:
https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder

Do not touch Asp, their little hairs stick to your skin and it feels like you’re on fire. If you get touched by one, use tape to pull all the hairs out. And make sure it’s dead.

Melinda
I want to give a special thanks to Andrea Marchiano, Editor from Trigger Publishing for sending the book Voices Off by Georgia Brask to read and review.


Georgia has heard voices all her life – the voices of bullies who tormented her throughout her school years and the voices inside her head, which didn’t have many nice things to say, either. At the age of 17, she suffered a catastrophic psychotic breakdown that resulted in her being hospitalized for seven months and receiving a diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.
Now it’s time for Georgia to use her voice, which she does so with candour and humour to address the misconceptions and stigma associated with schizophrenia. She hopes that sharing what she has learned can help someone embarking on their own complicated conversation with this devastating illness.
You know that little voice in our head, now imagine there are 200 voices in your head. That’s a heavy load to carry. The extra stress and all the extra input from people or television were too much for her to handle at the beginning. She’s completely honest about her illness and hopes to help others just as she did in her Danish blog.
Georgia had a psychotic breakdown at 17 years old, spent 7 months in a Psychiatric Hospital, and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia. Although she had symptoms from an early age she didn’t tell anyone. When her behavior became so erratic, all the cards started to fall down.
Georgia’s parents and family supported her the best they could but she was coming unattached from reality.
One issue stuck in her mind, bullies! It was the relentless bullying at her new school when the family moved to London to a small Danish community. The teachers look the other way while she gets water bottles thrown at her, pulling her hair, and bullying her on Social Media. This had a big impact on her, all the name-calling and all the negative things that were said made her feel like an outsider.
Georgia talks openly about is the voices in her head and all the horrible things they say to her. Some voices are quiet, others mumbly, and the worst is yelling. She knew the voices were not real but they had beaten her down. Could you handle 200 voices telling you that nobody likes you and goes on with it repeating itself 24/7?
She covers 5 myths about Schizophrenia and each one is worth reading. I’m reminded of how important it is to stay strong in the storm and don’t let your illness hold you back.
Georgia is a very special person, She’s been down a rough road and yet she’s honest and determined to help others by sharing her story. It takes courage for Georgia to tell her story, and she has a story to tell.
Voices Off is a must-have for Therapists, parents, and patients grappling to understand Schizophrenia.

We have built a first-class resource of curated books produced and published in-house to create a unique collection of mental health recovery titles unrivaled in quality and selection. We work with experts, psychologists, doctors, and coaches to produce our books, but we also work with real people looking to share their stories to reach out to others and provide hope, understanding, and compassion. These brave authors also aim to raise awareness of mental health’s “human” face and its impact on everyday lives.
Melinda
Brené Brown studies human connection — our ability to empathize, belong, love. In a poignant, funny talk, she shares a deep insight from her research, one that sent her on a personal quest to know herself as well as to understand humanity. A talk to share.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
So glad you stopped by, I hope to see you again soon.

Melinda
Maybe you needed to hear this today, I sure did.
Melinda
Reference:
Field Guide by Stampington
Thank you for all the great feedback on the Blogger Highlight series, I’ve enjoyed meeting each blogger and sharing their site with you. This week we highlight the blog of My Mind Strength.

My Mind Strength is mental health blog providing information about mental health and much more. I strive to create a dynamic and engaging platform where I could share valuable insights, informative articles on a wide range of topics covering mental health issues thus readers seeking inspiration, knowledge, or simply a place to relax, have come to the right place, I appreciate the journey you took on to arrive.
My educational background include graduation in applied psychology honours from Delhi University & I am currently pursuing my masters in psychology. I trust in the power of therapy.
Be sure to check out their blog.
Melinda
I like to change things from time to time and today was a good day to change. I’m still working on getting all the widgets correct. The key thing I don’t like about the Theme is there is not a left or right column.
I didn’t realize how difficult it is to find what you want when have to scroll to bottom of page. I’m not sure this one will work, I’ll look forward another one and keep you updated.
Have a great Sunday.
Melinda
As a kid, I thought 40 was old, but when I reached 40, I didn’t know I was old and maybe 70 years old was the number. I know many have this crisis with their age and what they can do, along with what their future looks like.
My Gramps didn’t think about age, he just lived his life, all 92 years of it. He was playing dominos two weeks before he died.
I haven’t really looked inside to see if 60 is the number, but my husband said something the other day that got me thinking that my view of my life and capabilities at 60 are not in sync. It started with my enjoying some music videos, then a pop-up for a John Mayer concert caught my eye.
If you know me, Eric Clapton and John Mayer are my favorite guitar players, genius really. He knows I love John Mayer, so when I said: “Why don’t we go see John Mayer”. His comment sent me into a tailspin. He asked if I was up to that? What?????
I know I’m not a highly-paid executive anymore but I still think I can get it done.
I looked hard at myself, do I look old, dress too old, do my illnesses get in my way, or do my phobias keep me from wanting to go anywhere. I don’t believe it’s how I look or dress but my illnesses and phobias make me feel trapped.
Do you look ahead and think about how much joy you have in your life? Do you see a picture in your mind of what your life looks like and its blue sky and sunshine? For me, it’s not a bright picture of a whole life full of joy. I see black actually. That’s concerning to me
I looked in the mirror and my 40-pound weight loss is showing on my body, with skin sagging, and plenty of cellulite to go around. I looked at my backside and mine looked at my granny’s when she was old, it sags down.
When do we know we’re old, when do we accept that we’re old?
Right now my body and mind feel very tired, yes it’s harder to open a package or take a little longer to complete a task, but I didn’t see those as signs I was there.
I’m too tired today to think more about it but would like to know your thoughts. What age do you think is old, what are the indicators you will pay attention to?
Melinda
Today’s prompt for Stream of Consciousness Saturday is: “the first 3 words of the first full sentence.” …. 1. Grab the closest book to you when you sit down to write your post. 2. Open it to a random page. 3. Locate the first complete sentence on that page. 4. Use the first three words of that sentence to start your post, then take it from there–write whatever comes to mind. That’s it! Have fun!

The House of Representatives has eroded since our Constitution was written. When I try to imagine what society was like in the 1700s I can’t get my head around it. This was a time when our country was forming laws for all Americans to live by. It was a chaotic time with several people eyeing the top positions.
They wrote the Constitution so that all Americans were living under one set of rules. It was the foundation our country was built on. I know there were heated debates over what should be included in the Constitution, but from what I’ve read about that time period, the worst disagreements were a shouting match. Our founding fathers were devoted to America, how to make America a better place to live and they would stand up to lead the way.
Not anymore, first of all, many politicians run so they can promote their own agenda not the agenda of the people. We’ve reached a point we’ve been in before and it’s sad and also gets my blood pressure up when I see some of the clowns from either party. We as a nation are divided, angry, and want big changes but the reality is our society mirrors our government. If our representatives delivered half of the promises made, we could start to heal.
Melinda
1. Your post must be stream-of-consciousness writing, meaning no editing (typos can be fixed), and minimal planning on what you’re going to write. 2. Your post can be as long or as short as you want it to be. One sentence – one thousand words. Fact, fiction, poetry – it doesn’t matter. Just let the words carry you along until you’re ready to stop. 3. I will post the prompt here on my blog every Friday, along with a reminder for you to join in. The prompt will be one random thing, but it will not be a particular subject. For instance, I will not say “Write about dogs”; the prompt will be more like, “Make your first sentence a question,” “Begin with the word ‘The,’” or will simply be a single word to get you started. 4. Ping back! It’s important so that I and other people can come and read your post! For example, in your post you can write “This post is part of SoCS:” and then copy and paste the URL found in your address bar at the top of this post into yours. Your link will show up in my comments for everyone to see. The most recent pingbacks will be found at the top. NOTE: Pingbacks only work from WordPress sites. If you’re self-hosted or are participating from another host, such as Blogger, please leave a link to your post in the comments below. 5. Read at least one other person’s blog who has linked back to their post. Even better, read all of them! If you’re the first person to link back, you can check back later or go to the previous week by following my category, “Stream of Consciousness Saturday,” which you’ll find below the “Like” button on my post. 6. Copy and paste the rules (if you’d like to) in your post. The more people who join in, the more new bloggers you’ll meet and the bigger your community will get! 7. As a suggestion, tag your post “SoCS” and/or “#SoCS” for more exposure and more views. 8. Have fun!
For more streams, rules, and tips for Stream of Consciousness Saturday, visit our host, Linda at: Linda G Hill
I felt dread and yet looked forward to meeting him. My original Psychiatrist is retiring after 32 years. I met last week to say goodbye and it is hard to see my future without him. It’s damn hard to have a foundation of 32 years turn into one meeting.
I left semi-happy, he lowered my anxiety meds right away and talked about a day when I will no longer need them but on occasion. I don’t see that picture and don’t have blind trust. I need to clarify what timeline and planet he’s on.
He noticed my tremors and wrote me a script but on second thought I don’t want to take any Beta-Blockers. I took them for my migraines and they slowed my heart rate, I felt heavy, and driving was difficult. He said a low dose would be ok but I’ll keep my tremors, I’ve had them for ages.
I had so much to think about, it was a first visit and I realize it took a while to build my relationship with Dr. T. When I arrived home I looked at his notes from our session. I was confused by a couple of things he said like I was chatty and my mood seemed elevated. I was so far from having an elevated mood, I told him that I could be dark inside and could still look him in the eye and say everything is fine. It’s my personality
We did talk about my cognitive challenges, and he said I did not have dementia but had mild cognitive impairment. I was open to finding out more and did some homework and by the definition from the Alzheimer Association he was right, I didn’t have dementia. Knowing this made me feel good but it doesn’t matter what you call it, it’s how it affects me daily. Interestingly I didn’t have any cognitive problems during our meeting.
He has a great reputation and it just takes time. My Psychiatrist is one of the most important people in my life. My husband went with me, I always take my husband. My ex didn’t believe anything was wrong with me so when David and I got married I brought him to every appointment. That is the easiest way, he can hear straight from the doctor, can back me up, or ask a question himself. But there is no question in his mind.
While spending my no electronics hour before bedtime I had a deep feeling, something was nagging at me. I realized the feelings were that of a victim. I saw myself at 7 years old hiding in my closet so my mother would not beat me. I had a little mansion for all my dolls to live in. Children that are abused learn to be invisible. Staying in my closet was my savior.
How does the mind go from talking about tremors to feeling like a victim? Trauma survivors often don’t understand or know when they will get triggered. Why was I feeling like the chair had been pulled out from under me? Once again I’m reminded that trauma never leaves you, it waits to strike.
I was deflated, swimming in emotions of the past, a victim. I don’t like feeling like a victim so it’s up to me to gain control. Pack all these emotions away and feel bad for the little child I was.
I’ll talk with my therapist about the feeling after meeting him and she can help with any lingering feelings. My therapist is also one of the most important people in my life.
I have Tardive Dyskinesia and he said taking a high dose of Vitamin E might help. That’s better than the medication, I stopped after 4 months because of side effects.
It was a wild day, I never saw the twist coming. That little girl grew up in a home of domestic violence, my stepfather would beat the hell out of my mother, and she would beat me, I could do nothing right and in her words “I was stupid”. I know better.
This isn’t related to the post directly. Even though my mother started trying to kill me at 6 months old by leaving me in the bathtub alone, it wasn’t until I turned 28 that I cut her out of my life. I was seeing my old therapist and brought her a book my mother sent me with a note written on the front. It said something like “I wasn’t the only one hurt”. My therapist grabbed the book, threw it in the trash, and said my mother didn’t deserve me. From that moment on I felt a huge relief.
I have a Telehealth appointment in two months. Telehealth is convenient but you can’t build a relationship the same as in person.
You now have a picture of what’s in my head.
Melinda
It’s the weekend!!!!!!
I’m so glad you’ve joined me this week for another edition of Weekend Music Share.

Have a great weekend!
Melinda
Welcome back to Weekend Music Share, the place where everyone can share their favorite music.
Feel free to use the Weekend Music Share banner in your post, and use the hashtag #WeekendMusicShare on social media so other participants can find your post.
