Mirtazapine depression weight gain and sleep

[basten]

I was sleeping well at first on the Mirtazapine 30mg then started waking up in the night and at 5 a.m. besides this I've put on a stone and a half in 2 months as ridiculous as it sounds I'm sooo hungry all the time for carbs bread scones etc. Now psychiatrist said take just 15 mg but now sleep is even worse and awake at 4 30 am. I am so depressed with it all especially not sleeping. That side of the drug has worn off. Has anyone got any advice on what suited them anti depressant wise for sleep which is consistent and on which your not constantly hungry. I am 70 and live on my own. There are many days I don't bother to get washed and dressed as I see none. Thankyou

[Sprinkle1]

Hello I can relate to what you are going thru, I am 77, just been going thru another bad major depression with severe anxiety. I was using mirtazepine for sleep, it worked well at first. Now we have added Desyrel at bed time, 50 mg, we may have to up it to 100 mg. I too found myself craving sugar and starchy foods, buying chocolate, eating peanut butter out of the jar!!! So I too have gained weight. Talk with your Dr. I am sure there is something else that would help you, I also use Melatonin 5 mg or up to 10 mg for sleep. As you are in England you probably cannot get it OTC, I used to bring it home with me to give to relatives, but they are gone now, my Aunt told me she was able to get it on line. I have struggled with depression on/off all my life, we recently changed my med to Cymbalta 30 mg to start, then upped it to 50 mg, it is working, and I have a wonderful therapist, who concentrates on Dep/Anx. I know how hard it can be and what a struggle, I am divorced over 20 years, so live alone and like it. I do some volunteer work at the local library which is good it gets me out of the house and I have to use my brain. My close friend that lived near by died last month, my Aunt died this year and my best friend in Calif. is dying and cannot spend time on the phone anymore. Life can be quite cruel to us older folks, so we must get you well, then you can enjoy your life. I am enjoying life again, I do not want to die anymore, I want to do, see and go places. If I can do it so can you with the right help. Do you have a therapist? It certainly helps to talk about ones thoughts and feelings, but you need to get the right therapist. Do you have family members who understand and would help you? We need friends in our life who are caring, loving and understanding. Can you go for walks, exercise is good for the brain. Be kind to yourself, love and accept yourself, this hell Will end. I send you courage, strength, peace, love and hugs....Sprinkle 1.....

[basten in reply to Sprinkle1]

Yes Desyrel is Trazadone in uk....I took it and slept well...but ended up with horrendous panic attacks on it and in hospital. It was great for sleep but I think interacted with the zopiclone and clonazepam. Before that I never had anxiety or panic attacks. I spent 5 weeks in hospital and it was a nightmare. !!

[basten in reply to Sprinkle1]

I'm sorry your close friend and aunt died and now your best friend in Cali. That would have made me feel very low too. Losing people is hard as we age it seems to happen a lot. Do you have friends who you still see now or family near??

[Sprinkle1]

Hi again, I am sorry you are going thru this hell. So Sorry about your dog, and yes you will need to grieve. My oldest cat was urinating on the floor and crying, I suspected a bladder infection, took her to the vet and dropped her off. She is 15, they confirmed it was a bladder infection, gave her antibiotics, and sent me home with enough for 2 weeks, that was Tuesday, and they are working. Yes this getting older is a struggle, sorry (once again) for your Not 2 friends who deserted you. One thing we need when we are depressed is love, support and good companion ship. I am glad you found that church, that is giving you sustenance.

If you were to go to a therapist, does not the National Health Service pay for it, it did when my Mother had!!!

Sorry again that the Desyeril did not work for you. And You are Not a drug addict, you are taking medication to get you well, not high.

It is not easy to tell ourselves to be more positive, cheerful, outgoing or whatever, the depression robs us of those feelings. Be especially kind to yourself, not putting yourself down. Go with the flow, find simple things you like to do to put your mind somewhere while you recover. I know it is not easy, it Will end, I am coming out of a 3 year battle, it is so nice to feel human again, I struggle with the eating, it is getting better.

I am glad your children call, do they come and visit, can you call them during the week?

Thank you for writing and your kind words, they mean a lot to me, write me anytime I will give you support. Sending you Love, courage, strength, peace, joy and Big Hugs....Sprinkle 1...

[Sprinkle1]

Hello Friend, I am sorry you are in such a rough spot in life, I will try to help you if I can. I did not reply yesterday as I came down with a mild case of the flu and it makes me feel crappy, I had my flu shot, but it has not been long enough to get if working completely!!! So I have aches and pains, sore throat, and very tired, I am dosing myself with Tylenol and antihistamine!!!

I hope you can get therapy on the NHS, I know my Mother did that was over 20 years ago, I asked her to seek help, she told me she had been incested by her brother when she was young, and carried this around all her life. She finally joined a group as a volunteer, called Emerge, it was for incested people and that was good as she was able to help others.

I am sorry about how your children think, they do not understand, so it will leave them feeling powerless and frustrated.

I think maybe you need to talk to another Dr. or a psychologist about your med's I know they are difficult to take because of the side affects, which usually wear off, but not always, it is the brain that does not like them and they trigger the suffering. You should not have to be suffering like this.

A therapist will help you get rid of the baggage you are carrying around in your head, that to me is so great, I went thru therapy in my early 40's and got rid of so much stuff, I used to hate myself, I would go to group on Monday eve, Doc tought me to love and accept myself. I stopped beating myself up, learnt to avoid people who were rude, critical, judgmental, users of other people. I learnt not to be intimidated, that was a big one. He also told me I needed to be assertive, so I said "teach me" and he did. I used to be quiet and shy, that changed, now if I have my facts I will take on anyone who trying to coerce me.

I have also been married 3 times, and with therapy and loving and believing in myself, I love being by myself, some days I do not talk to anyone, like yesterday and probably today and tomorrow, it is OK. Marriage as you know is not easy especially for us women. I like it that today, women do not need a husband, they can get good education and a decent paying job, so they are self supporting.

I am sorry you are a pessimist, that is something that will help to make you, I have always been an optimist, it helps me a lot. Most everything in life has two sides to it, so I always look for the positive. Once after I had moved from England when I was 22 and knew no one, it was hard and difficult for me to learn the american ways. I had a job on a ranch in Calif, where it gets very hot in the 90's and higher in the summer. When I came out of my little house, there was a rose bush near my front door It had a pretty pink rose budding out. When I came home it was dying from the heat. It was a lesson I had to learn because of where I lived, but I have never forgotten how beautiful the rose was when I saw it in the am. Are you familiar with the saying "I have a glass half full" When mine gets that low I fill it up. Life can be so difficult and painful at times as you well know, so lets get you a full glass.

GERD I am familiar with it, I have bouts of it, I treat myself carefully when I eat, I buy baby food, cereals, jars of junior food, rice cakes, no coffee/tea, chocolate, fried foods, little or no fruit. I drink decaff coffee and herb teas, they have herb teas to help with sleep, check them out, I get them at the grocery store. Keeping your stress level down will help, I love my food and like to eat, today I am going to have, fish, rice and vegs.. When I get up I am not hungry, but once I eat, I get So hungry and want to eat, & eat!!! I weighed myself this AM and I have put on another 3 lbs?!!! I now weigh over 10 stone!!! Once I get over this bug and feeling stronger I am going to attempt exercise?!!!

As I am getting tired and hungry, I am going to go and cook my lunch, I hope I answered your question Linda. I see I have another email from you, I will attempt to answer that later today, I need some more Tylenol to.

So be good and kind to yourself, love yourself, accept who you are, you are special and precious. I am glad you have your cats, sorry one has some problems, I will look in my animal cat/dog book see if I can come up with something. Going now, so I send you Peace, strength, love and Big Hugs....

Sprinkle 1.....Your Friend.....

[Arniestal in reply to Sprinkle1]

I agree with you saying marriage is not easy. I think it is very good girls can get education and support themselves. Marriage is difficult to get out off without the means to support yourself. Reading the posts I'm shocked to see all the meds people are given. There are so many problems with them they are not always the answer. My thoughts are with you all. X

[Sprinkle1 in reply to Arniestal]

Hi, I agree with you, there is a lot of suffering in this world, I think some people are over medicated. I am 77 and take 5 different pills a day, which I hate, but I need them to function. Yes marriage is not easy to get out of for us women, we are the ones that usually suffer the most according to statistics. Been thru 3 of them, came out with nothing with my first one. 20 years later I did better at negotiating for myself, did not loose so much. 12 years later broke even. Now I do not date. I am quite happy by myself when I am not depressed, I know how to make ends meet, I am contented with my life, I have two wonderful cats, I own my own home in a lovely quiet setting in a senior community, which is gated and has a 6 ft chain link fence all the way around it, it helps to make me feel safe. Thank you for your reply, would have been sooner but I came down with the flu, and have spent a lot of time in bed, only doing the things I had to do. I wish you well in your life. Sending Love and Big Hugs.....Sprinkle 1......

[Sprinkle1]

Hello again, the flu got the better of me, so after I ate I went back to bed. I wonder how you are today, I hate to think of you suffering. I am doing OK, the flu is still with me so I am dosing myself with med's and resting as much as I can. I have dishes in the sink from yesterdays meal, oh well, I can do them today when I get the energy.

Yes my Aunt died, my friend Pete who lived just up the road, and Nancy in Calif, all this year, it thins out loving contacts. Now I am down to the one Brother in England, been looking to make friends here, but it is not easy as we get older and as you know that can be depressing. Now that my depression/anxiety are coming under control I feel so much better and am happy once again and do not mind being by myself. So keep on doing what you are doing at the church, how many days a week can you do that? I do my volunteer work Tue/Fri afternoon, I really love it, it is good for me.,,

I got my cat books out on health, seems like there are quite a few things that can make your cat go outside the litter box, your cat is trying to send you a message, my Zebra was walking about and crying, she was urinating on the floor in different places. I got her in to the Vet, they confirmed my suspicion a bladder infection, they gave her antibiotic and sent us home with a supply to give her for 13 more days, so I give it to her in her food (it is liquid) every day about 4 p.m. she is improving, does not cry now and is using the litter box. Anxiety will cause a cat to go outside the litter box. Are your cats male or female, are they fixed?

Usually the urine is stronger in a male.

Your cat may have a heart or chest problem, have coccidia, or parasites, if it is anxiety she/he may need a course of tranquilizers. Can you take your cat to the vet,they should be able to pin point the problem.

Have you tried going on line? I go to Google, one can find so much information there. You need to have your mind put at rest, you do not need anymore stress.

When you have the time, let me know how you are doing, I will do my best to support you, if I can give you answers to your problems. I am sure others here will reach out to you. Have the best day you can, you Will get better, problem with out illnesses it takes So much time. We have to find a med that will work for us. Did you find your Claire Weeks books, I hope so, Please read them.

Love your self, do not feel sorry for yourself, believe in your self, here in America, the No. one visit to the Dr. is for anxiety, it is said there are 30 millions sufferers here in the U.S. and 20 million with depression, what a lot of suffering.

Soon I can be taken off the lists, hopefully for the last time, I have gone thru so many thru my life. I hope you are having a good day, I send you Love, Peace, Happyness, Joy, laughter (a good medicine), Big Hugs...Sprinkle 1.......

[basten in reply to Sprinkle1]

Do let me know how your feeling now. It's so nice to get your nails. I hope I don't depress you too much with my story!!

[Sprinkle1 in reply to basten]

Hi Linda, I quick reply, I am cooking up my TV dinner in the Microwave, so it will be ready soon. I am slightly improved, I spent the afternoon on the bed reading and watching a great DVD, A Walk in the Woods, has Robert Redford, Nick Nolte & Emma Thompson, a really good cast, and it was funny, I laughed so much it made me cough so Sprinkle jumped off the bed!!! Get it if you can, it should help your spirits, I plan on watching it again. I hope you enjoyed your Judy movie and it did not make you sad, I will not watch sad movies or violent movies til I get all the way out of my depression. The microwave is beeping at me, so I will go now. I will answer your other email. I go to therapy tomorrow, and it is a library day, but if I do not feel well enough I will skip the library come home and go to bed. So do not give up on me. Sending you strength, courage,joy, love and peace with hugs.....Sprinkle 1.....

[Sprinkle1 in reply to basten]

Hello Linda, I wonder how you are today? My illness has dragged on, I did not go to the library Tue, went and got some needed cat food and a few grocery's came home, ate and went back to bed. Wed. I did a lot of resting, I was so tired, it has gone on my chest and I am coughing a lot. Thur. I went to therapy, it is such a help as I have someone to talk to about how I feel. Came home tired, sat on my bed and watched a DVD til 4.30 pm. then my lady came to mop my floors, we are friends, so we talked. She does a great job, after she left after 7 pm, I was tired and went back to bed, I slept late Fri. felt well enough to go to the library, and I had to return the 6 DVD's I had. Did my two hours, got 6 more DVD's went to the post office I needed stamp, came home, took care of the cats, cooked a TV dinner, and went back to bed, watched another DVD English, John Deed, an English Judge, very good, there is three discs in the pak, so I watched two, took some Tylenol as I was aching and had pain. Slept pretty good, I wake up in the night as I have to go and urinate, twice!!! I was able to go back to sleep. Zebra woke me up this morning about 8.30 am, meowing for food. So I got up and fed her, Sprinkle wanted to go out so I let her out. I want some hot coffee, it soothes my throat. I came to find your email, as I have been thinking about you each day, I had a thought, send me your phone No. and I will ring you, I think it would be good to talk. When I worked at the therapy center, after I had a year of therapy, Doc asked me to join him in group therapy as a lay therapist, which I could do as long as I was with a licensed therapist. So I did that, that also helped me, as I saw these suffering people and I was able to relate and then in turn help them. I also ran a group on Loss and Grief. Let me know what you think, as I think you have questions I may be able to help you with, I can call you cheap from here, it may help cheer you, I could call during the week, break your week up.

I still do not feel so good, my temp. has gone down, but the bug has gone on my chest, it hurts and I have a cough and dry throat, and am still tired, which part of England do you live in? So let me know Linda, my name is Andria. I send you as always Lots of Love, friendship, strength & Big Hugs........xxxxx ooooo

[Sprinkle1]

Hi I am here, just getting ready to go back on my bed as I am tired, I'll watch a DVD. Yes we can do private emails, I forgot how, will you send me your phone number, I can ring you from here very cheaply. Got to go and take another pill, trying to dry up the phlegm on my chest that makes me cough, that drains my energy. Sorry I cannot do any more right now. Sending love, peace and hugs....Sprinkle1/Andria xxx

[basten in reply to Sprinkle1]

Get well soon its knocked you out by sounds of it. Dont worry about writing if not up to it that's ok. Just wanted to know where in Us you live and wondered what day and time it was there. Here now its 9 pm Saturday. 01189 815043 tel no. Sleep well love Linda x

[Sprinkle1]

Hello Linda, Glad to hear from you, this will not be long as I am still plagued with the bug going on my chest and making me cough and tired, I stayed up late last night watching a DVD, and slept in til after 11 am today. I had some water to hydrate myself and am on my 2nd cup of coffee. I tried calling your number, but the country code has changed, so I took it off my brothers number, but that did not work, so I called the company I use to get the very reasonable price, but they are very busy and said to call back later!!! It is 1. 34 pm here, there is a 5 hour time lapse, so it will be 6.34 pm with you.

Yes I watch a lot of DVD's I can get 6 out of the library and have them for a week, at no cost. As I do not like to watch TV I use them to fill in my time while I rest. I do watch some British shows on our Public Service channel which does not have commercials. I also love to read, and I have lots of books.

My friend comes and mops my floors for me, that is why she stayed so late, we talk and we exchange information, she is Very helpful, she measured up the pet door for me, the door got broken after several years of use, so I rigged up a curtain for it, as when I went and bought a new door, it would not fit. So she will find a new one for me and install it. She is not expensive, she knows I am by myself, and living on my social security. She brought me a bag of books, she is an avid reader, I am reading two of the ones she brought me last time, then I will donate them to the Salvation Army.

Today is a lovely day out, sunshine and no wind, supposed to get to 63.

My cat Zebra is doing better, I think the antibiotics are working, 3 more days to go, then I take her back to the vet for a check up.

I will get the country code and give you a call, probably on Monday, I call that my dead day, I do not go out, I stay home and try catching up on chores, and maybe cooking myself a meal. Yes the TV dinners are frozen, I put them in the microwave for 4 mins, stir them up, do another 2 mins, then let it rest for 2 mins, so my meal is ready in 8 mins, no cooking, no dishes, I eat it out of the container, so I only have a fork to wash!!!

I am still having a problem with my eating, eating, eating and gaining more weight.

Oh well at least I am relatively healthy, I try not to bring junk food home, and I do not go out and eat at fast food places. When I go out to eat a take a book with me and read while I eat, I do not pay attention to other people for the most part. I know life is difficult, I try to deal with it. I have one son from my first marriage in England.

He lives in Cheshire, he was in a bad car accident when he was 22, broke his neck and made him a quad. Thankfully he has a partner, they do all sorts of things together, they love to fish. They go to France for holidays. We talk on the phone sometimes and send emails.

I live in Sth. Carolina for the last 11 years, I lived in Calif. for 42 years, and I miss it, it is such a progressive state, and beautiful, but I got tired of the politics and the pollution which caused me to come down with asthma.

Looks like I am answering some of your questions. I am getting hungry I will go and find some easy to fix non fattening food?!!!

I hope you are coping today, did your son come again?

Bye for now, I send you love, caring, peace, good health, love n hugs....Sprinkle 1....Andria.....xxx ooo

[Sprinkle1]

Hello Friend, I wish you would stop beating yourself up. You are a lovely special person, who deserves love and comfort. Do you love and comfort your children, if so you need to learn to do the same thing for yourself. When I was in therapy almost 40 years ago, I had hated myself and put myself down all my life. Doc our lead therapist, taught me how to love myself, oh that was so lovely, I love and accept myself for who I am.

I am having trouble getting thru to customer service for help with your number, they changed the codes a few years ago, I tried the one I knew, but it is not working, they need to help me, I am getting mad at them. I would love to talk to you, I think it would be good for both of us. I am 77 and have lines and wrinkles, I do not wash my face, I ether use baby wipes with lanolin & aloe, or a cleansing cream, I follow up with a good quality face cream and eye cream, it only takes a few mins. I have noticed people younger than me that are all lined up and look older than me, we have our beautiful English complexions. Stop looking at yourself in a critical way, find away to help yourself, I will encourage you.

I do not mind being by myself, I can do what I want when I want, I have a lovely radio station on that plays with no commercials I keep it on 24/7 it helps me relax.

I just watched a DVD (English) about Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth. I think I told you about the DVD (English) Judge John Deed, set in London, it was really great, there were 3 disks in the pak, so I had about 6 hours of entertainment.

Sorry about your Dog, you are grieving and that makes us feel awful. I thought my cat was getting better, then she P'd on the Kitchen rug this morning, I give her her last antibiotic tomorrow and take her back to the vet on Wed.

I am still not feeling too good, it shifted on to my chest, I am having trouble breaking that up, I still cough that makes me tired and gives me a head ache. I went to bed at 10.pm last night, got up at 7.35 am and took my morning med's, laid down and fell back asleep til 10 am. can your med's do that for you.

Please try not to buy the junk food, I know it is not easy, that damn Mityazapine is a problem, I'd like to give it up but I want the sleep. Do not go shopping when you are hungry, that is a weak time for me.

To help your stomach try baby food, I like the baby cereal, the junior meats, I spread those on rice cakes, try some different ones to see what you like.

We need to get you out of your depression/anxiety, have you started the Claire Weeks book?

Yes your cats may have been upset by your sons dog, can you put them in a different room when he is there? Cats are liable to get stress just like us. They probably miss your dog, they mourn also.

Hi, I just called Customer Service the idiot I got on the line gave me the wrong access code, so I was refused it would not go thru. I then used the access code I use to call my Brother, Yes it started to ring, then a message came on saying it was a restricted No. or out of service. Is your line restricted? I feel quite disappointed,let me know.

Yes my friend is very nice, she works full time, so only comes when she is going to mop my floors for me, I pay her. She also does extra things at no cost. And we like each other so we talk, that is why it takes so long.

I am sorry you hate cooking, I have liked it since I was a kid, but when my depression gets real bad,, I do not eat much, I loose my appetite. Now I am feeling better I cook some days, but I am so behind on so many things, I keep myself busy playing catch up, it is easier to eat a TV dinner. I am in a program for older people they bring me 5 frozen meals a week, plus odds and ends. You have Meals on Wheels over there, could you qualify for that? Give them a call.

I am getting tired, so I'll take another pill, I am also hungry, so I'll find something light to eat. I bought tangerines, bananas and apples last week, I use them to help fill me up. Drink plenty of water. And of course my decafe coffee, two cups in the a.m.

Be kind to yourself, love yourself, it will get better. I send you peace, good health,

hugs and big hugs.....Sprinkle 1. Andria......

[Sprinkle1]

Do not give up Linda, there is a lot of life to be lived, you can tell me anything, it will Not upset me, been in your shoes. I would still like to ring you, did you read my problem, it said your phone was blocked, can you unblock it? We could talk, you need support and I have a lot of tools I can pass along to you. Try not to eat junk and sugar that is not good for our blood system and therefore our brain, I only cheat a little. For dinner last night I ate a whole avocado, I have been taking milk of magnesia wild cherry flavor for my constipation, it helps to move me. Today is my therapy day and library afternoon, so I will go now, wanted to reach out to you before I left. Please be kind to yourself, love yourself, believe in yourself, it is a good weapon against depression. I wish they would give you free therapy on the NHS, did you ask about that? I know my Mother got it.

I am slowly feeling better, it was in my sinuses too, I think that is what was giving me the headaches along with the coughing!!! I am a tough old bird and intend to burn out not die out.

Take care of Linda for me, let me know about your phone. I send you peace, love, strength and Big Hugs.....Andria....xxx ooo

[Sprinkle1]

Hi, I am home tired and hungry, the weather changed today, it was warm and sunny this am. I came home in a strong wind and heavy rain, yes I drive have to or I would not get anywhere. When is your birthday, mine is May 22nd, and my license expires on that date also. I do not think I will have a problem with a renewal, I am taking a class in January on diving, rules etc., this will also give me a small discount on my car insurance.

I am sorry you are in such a bad state, that is why I would like to ring you, find out for me why your number is withheld, that is what the message said I think, tell them you want me to get thru to you, that I am in the US, I never have problems when I call family in Brit.

I am going to have to go, I am so tired and the bug on my chest and in my sinus is wearing me out, I am going to make a veg. stir fry for dinner, then go to bed and watch a DVD, I got 5 new ones today!!! All 5 are British

I will be calling my brother in the morning, he had an operation this morning, he is home and will be off work 4 weeks.

I have to take Zebra back to the vet for a check up, I gave her all the antibiotics, but she is still peeing on the floor, I am going to set her up with a litter box of her own, see if that helps. I also am going to see the eye specialist tomorrow, I am starting with Macular Degeneration, so they check me every 6 month, thank goodness it is holding. Then I will go back to the vet. to get Zebra Another busy day. If I have the energy I will try ringing you, please tell your company to let me thru.

Therapy went well this am, My Ins. and Medicare pay for it, she is a sweet heart she gives me 2 hours and makes me hot chocolate, but only bills for 1 hour. We have a great time together, I call her my Beacon, she is the light in my life. That is what I would like to be for you, your need love and support. I want to teach to stop beating yourself up, you are a special human being and deserve to be happy.

As far as sleep goes, after you go back to bed at 4.30 try taking a melatonin 10mg, see if your body accepts it and puts you back to sleep. Our body's change as I am sure you know. It is worth a try.

My phone # is 0118435360019 tell them to let me get thru.

I have to go take some Tylenol, my chest is hurting, make my dinner and get off to rest on my bed. I send you real love and big hugs, please be kind to Linda, just like you are to me. Andria......xxx ooo Smile it feels good and looks nice.

[basten in reply to Sprinkle1]

Andrea. So what medications are you on now? And how much of each. They obviously help you sleep. I think you can doze off at different times better than me. Even I dont sleep well at night now Mirtazapine effect has worn off , I am rarely tired still in the day. Sometimes I wish I could doze off in the day but never can !! Xx

[Sprinkle1]

Dear Friend Linda, Thank you for your reply, you can tell me anything and I will listen then help you if I can. I have had another long day. I talked to my Brother this am. he is groggy, but feeling positive about the operation, his wife has two days off work to take care of him. They live in Cheshire. I have a brother that lives in London, but he has dropped me and I do not know why. I intend on calling him when I get stronger. I have another brother who lives in Lincolnshire, he was so abusive with me when I paid for him and his wife to come over for a rest, he left after 5 days. So I consider him as dead. I used to talk to my Aunt every month, she died this year. my friend Pete died in October, and my friend in Calif died out this year. So I have no one close. When I am not depressed it does not bother me, there is so much to keep myself busy with. My wonderful therapist I have been seeing for 2 months, twice a week, my insurance and medicare pay for it. I call her my beacon, she is the only light I have in my life now, except my brother in the UK. and now you.

I hope you will excuse me I have had another long day, went to the eye specialist, they do a through check on my eyes, he said my Macular Degeneration is holding steady but as I am approaching 80 the risk gets higher!!!

I did not get Zebra to the Vet today, I did not feel well, I plan on taking her in the morning, dropping her off, then go to therapy, and shop I need cat food, and some other items, I will pick her up and find out what they find!!!

So forgive me as this will be short, I hope you can enjoy your trip with your daughter, take some warm clothes with you.

I will write more, it will probably be on the weekend, I hope the thing with the phones works out, I would love to talk to you. I send you strength, love, peace, progress and big hugs.....Sprinkle 1/ Andria.....xxx

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, Just wanted to let you know I think of you every day, you said you were going away with your daughter, where did you go? Are you home? I have been So busy, and am still fighting the chest/sinus infection that make me So tired, when I have had enough I go on my bed 7 or 8 pm and watch a DVD or something of interest I have recorded. I have been doing important paper work I need to get in the mail, I am going to go to the club house, there is a copy machine there we can use at no cost. Let me know when you are home and how you are doing. If I can get thru on the phone I can answer your questions. So I'll be of to the club house now, come home and make my lunch. Wishing you well, did the therapy help? Sending love, courage, strength, peace, and Big Hugs....Sprinkle 1.....

[Sprinkle1]

Hello, Sorry you are So down, and abusing yourself, Stop It. You are a good woman, a special person in your own right. I want you to learn to love yourself.

You are not going to believe this, yesterday morning I sat down and sent an email to you: [e-mail] I had another busy day today, got home a bit before 5 pm. Tired and hungry, took care of the cats, and did some minor chores, while I defrosted some soup that Stephanie brought me this am, plus some vitamins to help get rid of the bronchitis. Today was Therapy Day, we did 2 hours and 20 mins and Monica (therapist) made me 3 cups of hot chocolate.When I left I went to the Club House, to make a copy, we have a machine that we can use at no charge. I came home, looked after the cats, put all the papers together and got them in a big envelope, I am applying for help with my hospital bills, I owe over $2000. I had a slice of whole wheat and grain bread with strawberry jam. Left the house and drove to the library, it is my book club day. that was fun and they put out food, so that is why I did not eat much when I was home. After the book club I drove to the Post Office and got the damn thing mailed off, now I will sit and wait and see if they will give me any help!!!

I went and looked at my computer for an email from you, nothing. So I did some more small chores and ate the home made soup with garlic bread. Yum. I looked at the computer again and found an email from my server, it said "Recipients server did not accept our request to connect": Can you believe that? What with your phone and now the computer, I wonder what is going on in England, it does not sound like a fun and inexpensive place to live anymore, think I will stay her. They said they will try again for the next 40 hours, so hopefully they can get thru. I put my email address in there, it is: [e-mail].

Tomorrow is my library day, so I may attempt to ring you in the morning my time it will be afternoon for you.

Like you say being in this open forum all we write is open for any member to read, so I will not put anything personal in here now. As I am tired I am going to go and get on my bed, I have a new book to read for the next months meeting. And I will watch a DVD, nothing on TV that interests me.

So please be kind to Linda, I send you Peace, Strength, Courage, Love & Hugs....Andria.......Smile it looks good on you.... xxxxx ooooo