STRESS

[Ritaritis]

Hi folks, thank you for all the lovely messages received, it helps. Still having RA flare up. Struggling at the moment, it's a long time since I have been this low. A neighbour saw me crying, asked and said '****** it's only a cat! She has a family, health and a job, I don't. Bella is missing, CPL said it happens and will probably return in 2/3 days. Spoke to Jobcentre , they don't want to know because of my age, 63 and the RA, will look for homeworking opportunities such as filling envelopes. No appetite and not doing my leg exercises. Spending too much time at the computer. If I don't exercise won't get to Tittesworth Reservoir or anywhere else. Not sleeping properly, keep expecting Olga to jump on the bed and cuddle up next to me. The proof reading course is harder than I thought it would be but had some good marks, 100% in a couple of tests. With a module I found confusing and difficult tutor answered my questions and helped me break things down into my language, also said he thought I was expecting too much from myself and was doing well. When I argued about some of the anwers in module quizzes he laughed, saw my point of view and said it also came down to interpretation. Encouraging. I drink little alcohol but recently reaching for ginger beer and milk, making and drinking lots of milkshakes and/or hot milky drinks. Blood test came back fine, little anemic but no concerns, eat more iron rich foods and try to drink Guinness. Lost my appetite but ordered some ready meals in my shopping. Found my slow cooker receipe book, need to try some of the receipes again and batch cook. Fortunately whilst my feet, ankle and knee joints are stiff the pain has reduced and my meds are working. Financially okay, thankyou dad. Is stress affecting me, at the moment yes. Mornings are worst when I struggle to get out of bed, dress and get down stairs. Some days better than others. Occasionally wake in the night, need to move around to get comfortable. Got to pull myself out of it. Thankyou everyone.

[Sheila_G]

All the things you mention are made worse by the stress you are under just now. It is early days. Once you start to feel better mentally, you will start to feel better physically. That is my theory anyway. As for Bella, she will be missing Olga too and looking for her. She will be back.

[summer32A]

Oh bless you if you done mind me saying you sounds depressed.Have you any family or friends who can visit and offer some emotional support,

Maybe bring fish and chips to share with you or knock up a quick omlette or similar..

Regular meals with help with anaemia

[Ritaritis in reply to summer32A]

Thankyou summer but I am now totally alone, no family, no job, always been a bit of loner due to horribleexperiences in the past. Doc advised against anti depressants but have a specialised counselling session lined up. Just about to have a Capuccino, slice of lemon meringue with cream and watch Galaxy Quest, a very funny send up of Star Trek, that will be followed by Support your Local Sherrif a send up of westerns. Need to watch more comedies and some good old fashioned Hollywood musicals. Stood in the doorway yesterday and shouted 'vacancy for a homeless cat. CPL say Bella is grieving and for both of us it is early days. I WILL pull through!!! 🐕🐕🐕

[sylvi]

YOu could be writing that about me darling. You keep pushing yourself darling and you will get there. Advertise on the social media near where you live putting down what you can and can't do darling something might come up. You take no notice of that neighbour darling.xxxxx

[Sue4983]

Thinking of you and praying that Bella returns soon I’m sure she will .I know the feeling regarding the job situation As you know I lost mine a couple of weeks and still feel very lost Take care and I hope better things are coming your way ! 😘😘

[Ritaritis in reply to Sue4983]

Thanks Sue, Bella is apparently with a neighbour. Good luck with the job hunting.🐕🐕

[Sue4983 in reply to Ritaritis]

So pleased she’s been found x x

[helenlw7]

So sorry to read what you’re going through. It’s really hard especially when you’re on your own. The stress of losing one of your cats won’t have helped your symptoms. It’s like losing a child, and your neighbour, while probably thinking she’s helping, sounds a bit heartless! The early days after diagnosis are always hard. It is nearly 20 years since my diagnosis but I still remember how hard those early days were, but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Things will get better.

[Gnarli]

I'm sure your neighbour meant well but it was a brutal thing to say by someone who has obviously never had a pet. It's devastating when a much loved pet dies. I still miss my cats Genghis and Cookie and they've been gone for 13 and 11 years. For months afterGenghis died I imagined feeling his tail sweep my legs when I opened the back door, his favourite greeting. You've obviously got a lot of problems at the moment which won't be helping but things will get better. Promise. I reckon Bella is looking for Olga but will be back soon. Sending hugs

[springcross]

Sorry to hear you're still in a flare Ritaritis, but it's the old stress thing that's still responsible. I'm so glad to hear that Bella is OK, you must have been so worried about her. Your GP sounds caring suggesting a counselling session. You're right, you will pull through, time really is a great healer. All the best to you and Bella. xx

[Ritaritis in reply to springcross]

Hi Springcross, thankyou, the counselling session was not suggested by my doctor, he knows nothing about the issue involved, it is for some old childhood issues that have been triggered by seeing a perpetrator. I found SAIVE thankfully many years ago by accident. Bella will come back to me I'm sure when she is ready. Food will no doubt help.🐕🐕

[springcross in reply to Ritaritis]

I'm sorry to hear about that Ritaritis. Yes, I'm sure she will. xx

[Green230461]

So glad to hear your cat has returned to your home 🏠keep well and remember to eat. Look after yourself 💐