January was all about getting back into the routine and making the routine easier and easier to do. I think I have been successful. However, February has been a different game altogether. I must keep in mind that my successes of the previous month (and several months before that) are holding me in good stead as we march forward with dramatic changes.
We are hardly the only couple attempting to navigate the waters of aging parents. Nor are we the only couple found shipping water as one of those parents is diagnosed with Alzheimer's. However, I have not yet found a couple who, in the same week they are trying to assist these same parents in a traumatic and exhausting move from their home to a smaller apartment that requires endless trips back and forth over the Coast Range ("I'm not going to spend $95 an hour for movers!") is also flying out to Chicago to help an incapacitated sister move from an assisted living facility there to an assisted living facility here.
Then there is the little matter of the art show that comes around every year the first of March and takes ALL my time in the sales area. No, I did not abandon my associates there as this show takes a year to plan and put on and these family issues have only just started to take shape. Next year looks to need a complete planning revamp.
Did I mention I started taking a low level anti-depressant at the beginning of the year? I cannot tell you how much it is helping. Seriously. I was at my wits end to find a solution to the emotional anxiousness. My blood pressure has been going up and up over the last few years and before I tried blood pressure medication I asked my doctor if we could try this option as I felt my blood pressure was responding to my anxiety. We're still trying to figure out if I'm helping the blood pressure but it is definitely helping my anxiety.
I spent some time trying to decide if I wanted to post about this. There is a stigma in our society about using these sorts of drugs. I find that totally ironic as it is very hard to live in this modern American society without some sort of medication. You know, though, that some people don't take their medication in a pill. Some drink it (liquor or caffeine). Some smoke it (tobacco or pot). Some eat it, or refuse to eat (does any society have the food issues we have??). Some use work to avoid stress, some use religion, some use ______________ (insert any personal obsession). Personally I'm big on using food. Which is why one side-affect of the particular anti-depressant I am using is a reduction in appetite.
Can we just stop here and say one thing? HALLELUJAH!
This post was going to be about family stuff happening right now. But really, I just wanted to say drugs are making it possible for me to function and no matter what is transpiring in my life it is never going to be constantly placid. The water is rough but someone gave me a pretty good flotation device. I'm going to just hold on to it for a while. When I learn how to swim better I can let it go. Wish me luck.
Good for you! You researched and made inquiries and requests in your path to even better health. I am so proud of you! Not to mention I learn from your example often.
There is an end to the frenetic state and a settling in of the the new normal in your future.
Posted by: Susan | February 24, 2009 at 01:06 PM
What Susan said. And hugs to you too. :) I am sorry you guys are having to deal with all the moving of each family. I know it's hard!
Posted by: Tammy | February 24, 2009 at 06:13 PM