Gypsy, I Need An Update!!!

[AGBF]

Gypsy, I did not want to threadjack mrs jam's thread, but I need to have an update on your life. I didn't want to reopen the thread about your mother's last surgery, although I believe that she is facing a new one? John was, the last I heard, looking for a new job. Your wedding is coming up soon, but I don't know when. You posted that you are suffering from clinical depression and I think you could use some support from the people here who all adore you. Please let us know what is going on in your life.

I realize that some Pricescope members are probably reading "the right" threads and know all about what is happening, but I couldn't even guess what the right threads are at this point, so I thought I'd start a thread with your name on it in Hangout. That way we regular people won't be as likely to miss it!

Please update us!

Hugs and love,
Deb

 

[Gypsy]

LOL. Sorry to have made it all a scavenger hunt! And thank you very much for this one. I've SERIOUSLY got the sniffles now. This is a very touching thread. Hugs and love back.

Okay, *deep breath*, update.

Mom: 3rd surgery is pending her medical clearances (cardiologist, respiratory specialist, etc). She's going in for these this week. Surgery due end of April/ beginning of May. Hoping for best. Just waiting and waiting now though.

John started his new job and is HAPPY!!!

And I'm thrilled for him. Picked the one with the higher salary and lower commision.

My boss DID try to get me laid off last week in an attempt to insulate herself to job layoffs. For the time being I'm safe though, it appears. But last week was a bad one. Good thing though was that with John making more $$ now, I realized that IF I DID get laid off, I could get a job that pays me HALF of what I make now, and we'd be okay. We'd have to delay or re-plan (simplify) the wedding, but we'd be okay.

Wedding. Planning has been keeping me sane. My invite proofs got in yesterday and the color combo I thought would be nice, isn't as nice as the original one the vendor sent me so I'm going to go with the orginal color scheme.

Depression. Need to call today to fire my psychiatrist. His russian roulette with depression medications is just NOT working for me. I already talked to my general pracitioner about a different doctor, so hopefully the medication tango will be less frustrating. It's my brain chemistry this stuff messes with... and my current psych is like "let's see what should we try this week... OH, I know MORE MEDs, ones with better bigger side effects. Let's just add them on." And after ... 5 months now, my depression is getting worse not better. On the plus side my new therapist is FABULOUS and it is really really helping to have someone to talk to about everything. Plus her advice is really good and solid.

The really bad about the depression: I'm SERIOUSLY over eating. I'm TRYING To gain weight. It's crazy but I'm having a hard time stopping. I'm afraid to lose weight. It's like the weight is a secuirity blanket and I'm really scared to lose it. Nutz. Getting married in 5 months. Big as a house, and not doing anything about it except talking to my therapist about it. It's helping, but slowly.

Other than that... the cats are okay. I think Duncan's got an eye boo boo, need to get him to the vet this weekend. We have meds for it already, and stareted him on them on Saturday, but want to get him checked out anyway. Fordo is getting a pot belly, and is still licking his belly bare, so I've got to get him a collar cuff thing so that he'll stop the licking... plus he's walking away from wet food recently, which he's never done before. So I need to take him to the vet too.

That's about it. Thanks so much for asking. How is your mom doing today Deb?

 

[Skippy123]

Gypsy, hugs

outgoing to you during all this tough time and hope things get better. Congrats to John on his new job; that is wonderful news!

Lots of prayers for your mom Gypsy and your mom too Deb.

 

[Gypsy]

I forgot to say that our wedding is September 21st, 2008. All the planning is either on target or ahead of target, fortunately... and if your interested... here's my planning thread.

https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/gypsys-wedding-thread.80996/ (Decided on different overlays, round instead of square and solid instead of sheer. LOL).

Thank you very much Skippy!!! I really REALLY appreciate all the hugs. Surprising how warm they make me feel inside. You guys are the best.

 

[isaku5]

(((((More Big Hugs))))) coming your way, Gypsy!!! It''s no wonder you''re depressed with everything in your life so upside down right now.

It''s definitely a lot to handle all at once. I''m relieved that you''re getting therapy and relate well to your therapist. "The musical meds game"....been there and had almost lost hope when my wonderful psychiatrist said, "Will you try just one more?" Because I trusted his judgment, I reluctantly agreed, but took the meds without having a positive attitude at all. Well, in spite of myself, I finally found some relief within two weeks. He tweaked the dosage a couple of times, and I felt better than I had in years. Euphoria? Not really. A much more positive outlook? Definitely! Ability to cope? Improvement beyond my expectations!

I know I''ll have to take this med for the rest of my life, but I''m fine with that. I have to take thyroid meds every day too. No biggie at all.

I''m thankful every day of my life that I agreed to "just one more try" and to Dr. Ferguson who looked after me so well.

We''ll all be here to support you, Layla, no matter what is going on.

Keep us posted, please.

 

[AGBF]

Thanks for taking so much time to reply, Gypsy! It is really good to have all your news in one place. Congratulations to John (and to you) on his new job! It is good, indeed, to know that you are financially secure as a couple now regardless of whether you make good money or bad!

Don''t worry about your weight . You and John are together and healthy and so are the cats. The weight will take care of itself when you are ready. Having a good therapist is tremendously important and she can help you make a weight loss plan when you are ready to make one. If it isn''t before your wedding, so what? I was heavier when I got married (at 26) than I was after adopting my daughter (at 41)! I hadn''t been as thin as I got after "having" my baby since I was in Junior High School! I got so thin and the baby was so round and plump that it looked as if everything had come off me and gone into her! Which, in a way, it had!!! (Of course now she is slim as a young willow tree.)

At any rate, stick with us here, Gypsy. Keep us updated. Don''t go disappearing on us, OK?

I''ll update you on my mother when I get an update. (I drove down to Virginia to see my husband, which is why I have some time at the computer. My mother is in Connecticut where I am now living with my daughter and it is school vacation there.) I have yet to talk to my father today. Thank you for asking, however .

Deb

 

[ladypirate]

Adding to the *hugs* going your way--I hope things start to look up soon!

Also, just wanted to throw out there that I am in awe of your fashion/style sense--I''m sure your wedding is going to be amazing!

 

[Gypsy]

HI Isabel, thank you so much for the sympathy and understanding, and as always, the support. I will keep in mind your experiences in trying ''just one more''... but it will be with a new doctor. There are many other things about him that I don''t like, and I''ve noticed that I can''t open up to him and I don''t trust him to tell him everything that is going on in my life. But I PROMISE will be open minded once I find a psychiatrist I can trust. ((HUGS))

Hi Deb-- thank you again for this post. I promise not to completely disappear. I am limiting myself to certain boards, I''ve noticed... but I will stay on here. I only really disappear on the days John has off. It is a huge relief to have more financial security. When we moved to CA last year, John made a job choice that turned out to be a bad one, but I think he''s back on track now. He got his first paycheck on Friday and when he got home with it he exclaimed, "I''m CONTIBUTING AGAIN!" so I''m hoping this helps him with some of the confidence issues he''s had too. I''m very happy with him.

Weight is a sore subject. There is a lot of noise around it as in my family/culture it''s almost a mortal sin to be overweight. Which is partially why I am, when I never was before. I hope you are right that it will take care of itself when it''s time. My self confidence is just rock bottom recently. So I''m hoping to encourage it to be "time" soon. The therapist is a god send. The first time I met with her I was just so HAPPY to have found her. Thank you so much for the encouraging words, the hugs and the love.

I will be praying for your mom. Enjoy your time with your husband.

Lady_P! That is so very sweet of you. Than you for the hugs and support and I appreciate the compliments very much. It''s actually a lot of fun to plan this stuff... as long as I don''t think about the cost. LOL. It would be ever so much more fun to be spending someone ELSES money and helping them with their planning, I think.

I don''t know if I''ve ever told you this, but I love your AV!

 

[Catmom]

Oh Gypsy, you have so much on your plate right now, no wonder you are depressed! That is very good news about your husband''s new job and your new therapist. I hope you are able to find a medication that works for you quickly! My most positive thoughts ands hugs are going out your way for your mom. Just remember that the people here are so nice and any time you need support they WILL be here for you.

 

[CrookedRock]

Aww Gypsy... Doesn''t it always seem everything has to happen at once? I often feel like that, so I totally sympatisizie with you. Just remember that nothing can be healed overnight and it all takes time. Do it step by step when you can handle it.
There are many people here that are willing to listen and offer help, but you are doing yoyrself a huge favor by seeking prof help. Hugs to you, I know how depressing these times are.

 

[Pandora II]

Awww, Gypsy, big hug from the UK here.

I know just how you feel when the meds seem to be screwing you up more than the depression. I got in a real mess with them a few times. I don''t think there is an anti-depressant on the market that I haven''t had at some point!

Could I suggest you ask him about Lamotrigine. I''ve been depression free for nearly a year now (first time since I was 12 years old!) feel great and I have lost over 30lbs on it. It gave me a nasty headache the first week and then for a few days everytime I upped the dose. I''m now on half the recommended dose and it''s keeping me slightly up of normal - which suits me fine! I have NO side effects at all.

The only thing to watch is titrating up VERY slowly - I did 25mg every 6 weeks and had zero problems.

It has made such a difference to my life. It''s normally for bipolar, but is much more effective for depression than mania - which is what I needed.

I''m glad your psychologist is good.

Look after yourself!

 

[FrekeChild]

I

Layla!!! (I''ve known your name for so long, but this is the first time I''ve actually used it!)

If you ever need anything-we''re here for you.

{{{{Hugs!!!}}}}

 

[Dogmom]

Hi Gypsy, we''ve never "met," but you are one of my favorite posters. I''m so sorry you are going through a rough time right now and I just wanted to send you a hug and some encouragment. You are strong, intelligent and a fighter. I''ve no doubt you will get through all this and come out stronger in the end.

 

[Fly Girl]

Thanks for the update, Gypsy. I, too, have been wondering about your mom and John. Glad he likes his new job, and that you seem to be enjoying the wedding planning. Sorry to hear about the depression and your mom''s condition. Take care of yourself. We care.

 

[jas]

Layla, what a strong lady you are -- even if at times you don''t feel it. Keep on keeping on, woman! I am going to reiterate what a number of people have said -- you are one of my PS favs. You''re so real and wonderful and did I say real????

We''ll all count down the days to your wedding, and I will do a little dance for you on that day!

 

[Kaleigh]

I am so glad Deb started this thread Gypsy. I was wondering how things were going for you. I admire your strength, you are a very STRONG woman. Boy you have had a lot on your plate...

Congrats to John, so glad he''s got a position he loves.

You hang in there, the right medicine is out there, as is the right Doc. Am about to go through this with my Dad.

But you always handle things with such grace and have a wonderful sense of humor. Jas is right, you are real. I love that about you.

I will be cheering for you on your wedding day from afar, as we all will.

 

[Gypsy]

Hello All,

Thanks so much for the support. I want to reply, but can''t from work right now. Boss continued campaign to get me fired today. Badmouthing (and lying) me to a co-worker today. I overheard her. Could cry. But, that''s life right? I''ll post more from home. Maybe. Not sure I''ll be up to it tonight, just really down. Sorry. Very sorry.

Love,
Layla

 

[FrekeChild]

Hey. You tell me where to find her and I''ll go kick her butt. Just give me the word.

What a blankety blank blank f------- blank blank blank.

 

[iheartscience]

Date: 4/14/2008 8:59:49 PM
Author: Gypsy
Hello All,

Thanks so much for the support. I want to reply, but can''t from work right now. Boss continued campaign to get me fired today. Badmouthing (and lying) me to a co-worker today. I overheard her. Could cry. But, that''s life right? I''ll post more from home. Maybe. Not sure I''ll be up to it tonight, just really down. Sorry. Very sorry.

Love,
Layla

Wow. Your boss sounds like a horrible character from a movie or something...I can''t believe she''s real! Yikes-what a nightmare for you. Is it possible to make a complaint to HR or a higher up about her? With unprofessional behavior like that, she really should be disciplined. What a bad person.

I''m so sorry to hear about your troubles with your mom and job...you''re a tough cookie, that''s for sure.

And I''m glad to hear you found a therapist you like...sometimes it takes a few (several) tries, and the same goes for medicine. Everyone reacts differently to different medicines so it''s not that surprising that the drugs you''re on aren''t working for you. Just hang in there and hopefully your new therapist can get it right for you!

Also, just an FYI, but a side effect of some anti-depressants is weight loss (Wellbutrin is one of those), so once you get stabilized on a medication that works for you, that medicine could even give you a little kick start for weight loss! A couple different friends of mine had that happen for them and boy were they happy-not only did they feel good mentally, but they started losing weight quickly! (Both were also exercising, but still-they liked that side effect!) Of course, not being depressed will probably help you to stop overeating also, so if you just focus on getting better mentally, the rest will follow.

Best of luck to you-you''re on the right path to feeling better, so stay strong (as you always are!) and things are bound to start looking up.

 

[SarahLovesJS]

((Hugs)) Want to lose weight with me? I need to lose weight REALLY REALLY BAD and I need as many weight loss buddies as possible.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Oh honey. I feel kind of bad that we''re going shopping for ME on Saturday - I feel like we should be shopping for you, find you something amazing to get your mind off all of this

Of course, there''s nothing to say we can''t do that as well...

Seriously though, the only thing I can say is that, at least with the weight stuff, I have been there in a big way, and it is so horrible. I''m here if you want to talk about - I have complete faith in your ability to make this change when you are emotionally ready, and I hope I will be able to support you until that time and during that time, whenever it is.

I agree with AGBF about the weight - I didn''t lose mine before the wedding, and while I sometimes regret it, I also know that it doesn''t make my marriage any less happy - I''m incredibly lucky to have a wonderful hubby (with near-infinite patience - as you saw) and health kitties, and this was just something that had to be dealt with when I was ready. As I''m sure that you will be one day in the not-too-distant future.

 

[Gypsy]

Wow. Just wow. You guys rock. Okay got a stern talking to from my folks about how to deal with situation at work. Also started to look for other jobs, just in case... in case I find something better, in case anything happens. IN case.

Catmom, Michelle, Thank you so much. It helps immeasurably to know you all are here for me. Only problem is, I just wish I didn''t sound like such a whining baby. I KNOW that eventually a new psych will find the right meds for me, just takes the right combo of the right doctor, the right drug, and my willingness to try it. Thank you so much for the positive thoughts. I REALLY appreciate them. ((HUGS))

CrookedRock, you hit the nail on the head, feels like a tidal wave right now and I''m hyper sensitive to everything right now. A story on the news made me cry tonight and then the news turned to the economy and politics and that aggitated me to the point I had to turn it off! They are depressing times, aren''t they. It''s so sad. I just feel for EVERYONE. Thank you so much for you support and freindship... and know that it''s returned. You aren''t alone either.

Hi Pandora... BIG HUGS TO YOU! you are going through a ton right now. And I''m so blessed you took the time out to reply to me (and that Deb took the time out to POST for me, with all that she''s going through... and that everyone took the time to chime in). I will check on the Lamitrigne. My very recently late psych ruled me out on a lot of meds without ever telling me why-- part of why I didn''t care for him, he never explained things. So I will make sure to ask the next (and better one) about your med, and see if it will work for me, and if it doesn'' WHY it doesn''t. I''m so glad you have something that works well for you, and so sorry you had to go through the trial and error to find it. My "therapist" is actually a licensed social worker, but she is very good. Out here social workers do the bulk of therapy.

Hi Freke honey. I KNOW you are. I''m here for you too. (((((((HUGS))))))))

Dogmom... what a sweet thing to say. I''m happy that you like to read my posts, this place is so wonderful its nice to hear that you are part of what makes it a fun place to come and ''meet'' people and chat. Thank you for all your support, your words of encouragement, and your compliments. I hope you stick around and become a regular so I can enjoy more of your posts too!

Hi Fly girl... thank you for the sympathy, I promise to take care of myself. I am enjoying wedding planning, and John is enjoying his job. He made his first sale today. Was thrilled. And I COOKED (shock, awe. He''s been cooking for us for well over a year now... I''ve been such a lazy person). It was fun and stress relieving.

Jas honey. It seems like you are always my cheerleader. I don''t know who sent you or why, but thank you honey for being you. Your posts make me smile and warm me. I''m "real" huh? That''s not some sort of alternate word for ''crazy'' right?

You haven''t been posting enough though, is all well with you?


Kaleigh, one of my favorite PSers, HUGE heart and a huge smile that come through in your posts... even in 2 dimensions. I want to clear my plate. I need to fire that waiter. Thank you for the congrats, and the support.
What are you going through with your Dad? What''s the matter????
As for grace and sense of humor and real... I don''t know about that, but I trust you enough to take your word for it. And admire you enough to return it tenfold. I thnk I''ll be able to HEAR the PSer cheers on my wedding day. I really do.

FREKE HONEY... ROFLMAO. I needed that. And yes, today I was ready to fly you out here to give her a smack upside the head... figuratively though. I don''t advocate physical violence. Much.

Thing... yeah she''s SOMETHING alright. I KNOW in my head she''s just a lonely woman who is scared to lose the only thing in her life that brings her satisfaction and social interaction. But, well she really had CHOICE. When they started the lay off talk she could have protected BOTH of us, and gone in and said..."I know times are tight, but we both add value and here''s why"... and I REALLY REALLY think it would have worked. Our VP really values her experience and job knowledge AND he admires loyalty and rewards it. But instead she decided to throw me over to save herself. She is a very insecure person, but I can''t forgive the betrayal. Or at least, I wont'' forget it. For now I''m gonna be the BEST employee, the BEST contract attorney I can be... and welll see what happens. As for the antidepressants, I promise to add your recommendation to Pandoras, and thank god to have such understanding friends that understand this disease and what it does to you. I would love to be on something that makes you LOSE instead of gain or retain weight (current meds).


Sarah honey. I can try. I really can. I could use a buddy for the weight loss. Thank you.

Amber... OH PUHLEASE... Spending someone ELSE''s money is EVER MORE rewarding than spending your OWN. I''m looking VERY forward to Saturday... are you kidding me? Although a quick gander at possible wedding jewelry would be remiss. I so appreciate you relaying your own experience with weight loss for me. I will take your words to heart and try to be less stressed about it. I LOVED meeting your hubby, and the four of us WILL have to GTG sometime very soon to do something. He is a great guy, and I enjoyed his sense of humor too. You guys are also very cute together. THANK YOU for the support. It means a great deal.


So ENOUGH ABOUT ME... HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING??? Starting with Deb, any word? How are YOU holding up, hubby, dear daughter???

I''d like to hear updates ON EVERYONE, please...

This isn''t a one way street!

 

[monarch64]

Gypsy/Layla...I'm in your corner babe. Hope all is well...I'm glad you gave us an update.

You can always find me as monarch on tpf.

Take care! You are always in my thoughts.

 

[Gypsy]

Hi Monnie, will check that out this week promise. Gotta hit sack but wanted to say that having you in my corner is a HUGE support. And I mean that. I hope you realize that the reverse is true. (((HUGSS))

 

[Catmom]

Date: 4/15/2008 3:03:16 AM
Author: Gypsy


So ENOUGH ABOUT ME... HOW ARE YOU ALL DOING??? Starting with Deb, any word? How are YOU holding up, hubby, dear daughter???

I''d like to hear updates ON EVERYONE, please...

This isn''t a one way street!

Oh Gypsy, add yourself to the list of wonderful people on PS! Look at you with your troubles asking about how everyone else is doing. You are such a sweet and caring person......I know things will turn around for you soon. If it helps any I''m in a depressed state myself! I can certainly understand how you feel with your mother being sick. I''m trying to hang in there. My heart procedure is scheduled for the 28th and I''m anxious and then again not anxious to have it done. More importantly though is my 81 year old father in law is in ICU right now with congestive heart failure that was brought on by a massive infection that started as a sore on his hip and spread to his inner thigh. They did surgery on him yesterday and ended up taking out a 5" diameter circle of flesh. Apparently this has been festering for a long time but strangly enough he never felt anything, no pain or fever with it. I really love this guy and so hope that he is able to pull through this. If he doesn''t I''m going to have to postpone my procedure. I don''t think my hubby would be able to handle it.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 4/15/2008 3:03:16 AM
Author: Gypsy
Wow. Just wow. You guys rock. Okay got a stern talking to from my folks about how to deal with situation at work. Also started to look for other jobs, just in case... in case I find something better, in case anything happens. IN case.

Amber... OH PUHLEASE... Spending someone ELSE's money is EVER MORE rewarding than spending your OWN. I'm looking VERY forward to Saturday... are you kidding me? Although a quick gander at possible wedding jewelry would be remiss. I so appreciate you relaying your own experience with weight loss for me. I will take your words to heart and try to be less stressed about it. I LOVED meeting your hubby, and the four of us WILL have to GTG sometime very soon to do something. He is a great guy, and I enjoyed his sense of humor too. You guys are also very cute together. THANK YOU for the support. It means a great deal.

I'm glad your family is able to support you about the job stuff, even if its not in the most loving of ways

I do think that looking around at what else is out there will help though - its so nice to know there is an alternative when you're suffering in a job. I bet you will get offers just from putting out some feelers - you know, make a nice Linked In profile, etc...

OK I hear you on spending someone else's money

But definitely let's plan to look at wedding jewelry and anything else you might enjoy looking at. Shopping is pretty much my favorite activity (well, its up there anyway), so I'm totally up for whatever

I'm glad you liked DH as well - he really is a sweetie, although he sometimes has his days (don't all men)

Definitely we'll have to get together the four of us sometime - I think that would be really fun

 

[iheartscience]

Aww, you''re so sweet, Gypsy! I don''t have that much to report to you...

Just still in school, plugging along. I am really really sick of it at this point, but I''m trying to power through it. So far I probably have all As, but a few of those are borderline. Hopefully I can keep it up and get all As again! I have 10 credits left that I''m taking this summer, and then I''ll graduate! Woohoo! (NOTE: I will definitely be purchasing some bling to commemorate my graduation-a class ring won''t cut it for this PSer!)

I''m playing soccer a lot, and soccer 4 times a week keeps me happy for sure! Job''s still good, I''m just ready to not always be rushing between work and school! And I want to work full time again so I won''t be broke anymore! And I think that''s all I''ve got!

Anyways, I really hope that witch you work with chills out or gets fired! I just can''t believe how evil she is! GRRR...

 

[anchor31]

I''m really sorry you''re going through these tough times! Big hugs to you. *hugs*

 

[iheartscience]

Gypsy, I meant to ask-what ever happened with your melee? Did you figure out why it cost so much? Just bein' nosy!

 

[Gypsy]

Oh Michelle! I''m so sorry to hear that your going through this too. It''s terrible isn''t it! AND you are sick, and going in for surgery! YOU my dear are a very strong woman, I''ve thought so for a long time now. Talk about being sweet to inquire and post about someone else!! I''m so sorry to hear about your dad. They removed WHAT from him! I mean, thank god it''s not poisoning him anymore but five inches *swoon*-- I could pass out just hearing about it. I''m going to pray for your dad and you tonight, and you''ll continue to be in my prayers. ((HUGS)) honey, HUGE GIGANTIC HUGS!

Amber honey you are too sweet and thoughtful. I''ve haven''t Linked In yet. But I will! We''ll definitely look for some wedding jewelry. I love shopping too, especially with a buddy! We''re going to have a great time, and we''ll plan a get together for the four of us.

Thank you anchor... how are things with you? Wedding planning? Your FMIL you could right a book about??

Thing! You sound like you are frustrated, tired of being in school and financially worried.... and in real need of a hug. ((HUG)). I''m glad you have soccer as an outlet. Team sports are great, you get excercise, some social interaction, and you get to work out some frustration. I''m rooting for you honey. Just ten more units. AND THEN BLING!!! Thank you for the commisseration on the boss. There''s always Karma. Gotta have faith in karma. As for the melee: Wink posted an update in the thread: https://www.pricescope.com/community/threads/melee-replacement-cost.82887/page-2