Looking forward

[vaneramos]

On Wednesday, the first day after Dad's surgery, he was chipper and anxious to be released earlier than the typical five days. By Thursday he realized it wasn't going to be that easy. The nurses had taken him for a walk and he was feeling the pain from trying to breathe deeply. It turns out he will probably be released tomorrow as expected.

I'll drive down for a visit this afternoon and pick him up from the hospital in the morning, then stay with him at home until Tuesday or so. Hopefully by then he will be strong enough and confident on his feet to be alone overnight. Several friends and neighbours will continue to bring in meals and check on him.

On Tuesday morning I met with a psychiatrist on referral from my doctor. What I hadn't realized was that this would be just a one-time session for advice—I won't be seeing her regularly—but it was informative. She suggested supplementing my diet with vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids. She will also recommend adjustments to my medication, but said that with my history I should expect to stay on meds long-term.

I don't know whether anyone had made that statement before, but it's a sobering prospect. Overall my mood has improved steadily for several years, and I had begun speculating about a drug holiday, but the past few weeks have served as a reminder how vulnerable I am to stress.

I'm feeling well today, looking forward to several quiet days at Poplar Bluff with time to write, knit, cook and play piano. I'm also looking forward to returning home later this week and re-establishing a routine.

Comments

[inishglora.livejournal.com]

Glad he's doing well. :o)

I've learned to be hesitant about giving anyone nutritional suggestions because every body is different with different needs. But if you can get cod liver oil (and aren't a vegan or generally against animal products) it is full of vitamin D, as is sunlight on exposed skin. D is crucial for northern folk and the growing consensus is that the need for it has been grossly underestimated. I take it almost daily if I remember to, and I think my mood has generally been better for it. Unfortunately, the synthetic form of vitamin D is not easily absorbed. More info is here.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Very interesting, thank you! I've never tasted cod liver oil in my life. There's a first for everything.

[missprune.livejournal.com]

nteresting about the Vitamin D. I just increased that amount for myself and think it's been helpful for mood.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

That's good news. Did you see the other comment on this post? Someone made some interesting points about vitamin D and cod liver oil.

Omega 3s

[(Anonymous)]

Hi Van (it's trickytricot - just checking up on you!) - I recently started taking flax seed every day - and have noticed some positive changes in my mood and my general approach on life - and would encourage you to give it a go. I take 2 tablespoons or so of ground flax seed in my juice in the morning or evening... it took about a month or so, but a lot of the stress I've always felt has lessened...

Hope you're well - was sorry not to see your name on the MSKR list for 2009.
best,
michael