So I had yet another doctor's appointment this morning. I'm telling you folks, one way or another I'm going to be myself again. This is a fight I will not lose.
Anyway - I get there and we sit down in the office to discuss medications. I'm a bit of a stickler on these types of things. I don't take meds lightly and I want to know all I can about what I'm taking. Side effects and how long will I be on these thing. How soon will I tell a difference and how often will we review. You know, just the normal stuff. Oh, and I will not take anything that could be considered addictive. Big Issue with that.
So, we decide on a medication for during the day. Supposed to even out my moods and help me feel "stable". Yeah, that'll be a first! He's asking all these questions, are you emotional, do you cry easily, how's your temper, do you snap at people. Well, yeah, yeah to all of them. But I've been like that since birth - I have pretty much an iron will and control much of those reactions. So...do we talk lately or in general? What's your point Doc?
We wanted to get me on something as quickly as possible. I've got to be at our new plant all next week with my "team" and if we don't do something pretty snappy I'll either implode or explode - neither of which would be good. Personally I'd really like to explode, but I need this job right now so I have to play nice with the other kids.
The other med I got is to help me sleep. I am very excited about that. More than you could realize. To get more than 2 or 3 hours sleep - heaven. I know how important sleep is. I teach on it all the time. And it's been a long time since I've had it.
The funniest part of the appointment was when he asked me if I smoke. Yeah. How much? 2 1/2 - 3 packs a day. WHAT?!?! Yeah - I'm a bit upset right now and I've got a lot of windshield time. I want to cut back, but it's not working so well. OK....do you drink coffee? Yeah. How much? A pot a day. Oh, you drink about 8 cups of coffee during a day? NO - I drink a 12 cup pot in the morning before I leave, get a large to go at the gas station then have 2 - 3 32oz Diet Cokes during the day, with a 32oz Mt. Dew in the afternoon if I need a pick me up.
After he picked himself up off the floor he told me I need to cut back on the caffine. I looked at him as if he were the brother to the damn snake STILL LIVING IN MY GARAGE!! Cut back? Why? Note to self: do not ask a question like that if you are in a hurry and need to meet a deadline. Answer will continue for approx 30 mins.
So....bottom line. I have to take these meds and hope they help next week. I'm back to buying cigs by the pack to control the amount I smoke and somehow I have to stop myself from drinking the whole pot in the morning. (I'll figure out how to make a partial. I always thought that was a waste). Oh - and no more Mt. Dew (I had to choose between that and the Diet. Coke).
Should be interesting. I'll keep you posted.
Posted by Tammi at October 21, 2004 09:34 AM | TrackBackMt. Dew is like an old crutch. It got me through High School and my first few years of working. Morning meeting? Not a problem, big Mt. Dew and I'd be good to go. When its so easy to drink and goes way too smoothly, thats when its time to cut back and cut it out. Too bad it couldn't be a choice between caffeine or cigarettes!
Since I don't smoke, I'd be screwed!
Posted by: Lee Ann at October 21, 2004 12:14 PMPlease don't mention Dr Appts. Mine was hell yesterday >.
Posted by: BloodSpite at October 21, 2004 01:07 PMOH MY GOD .. MOTHER
3 packs and all that caffeine? Your making my heart skip beats. Christ.
Have you ever thought of having a stress test just to be safe? Really, I'm not kidding.
I haven't had caffeine since 1996, not allowed it (at all, well except chocoalte, but not lots) because of my Arrythmia.
Sounds like stress relievers, you need to find something else to do when stressed.
Posted by: Machelle at October 21, 2004 03:49 PMAre we twins?
Posted by: Jovi at October 21, 2004 04:12 PMI'm telling ya, I got on the phone and told her she needs to cut back! *grin* That's enough caffiene to keep you not only up all night - but completely wired and ready for a total meltdown all day! Yeow! (see encyclopedia entry at electrodes... applied to parts of body, current turned on...)
As I said m'dear, you very likely do not need the meds if you can get off most of the caffiene you are consuming. It plays havoc with your brain!
Posted by: Teresa at October 21, 2004 05:21 PMHoly Crap Lion Tours! I'm reverberating just reading about it! Wow. I feel so... so... so... caffeine deficient. *grin*
Posted by: Boudicca at October 21, 2004 10:03 PMWow! And I thought Blogless Brother Tom had a 'feine monkey!
One thing you might consider is cutting your regular coffee with some decaf. That way you keep the same flavor and fluid volume, which might make the switch easier.
I suggest doing it incrementally, over a week or two.
Posted by: Harvey at October 22, 2004 10:18 AM