Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Wet and Aggressive Corella challenges Magpie

Thursday 7 June 2012

Wot I did on my Holidays

Firstly, I was immensely grateful for all the support I received from you lovely people in the blogosphere.  Thank you.  It meant a great deal to me.

I read a lot more.
I have eaten good dark chocolate.
I have enjoyed wine. 
I slept more.
I finally got the last of the spring bulbs squeezed into the ground.
I wandered around the garden, smiling as things poked through the soil, and admiring the blaze of autumnal colour.
I marvelled at the first hyacinth, blooming two or three months too early.
I watched the birds.
I watched, played with and laughed at the cats.  The self same cats raised my blood pressure.
I have washed the kitchen floor far too many times since a certain cat (thanks Jazz) has decided to pooh in the kitty litter tray and piddle on the kitchen floor.  Regardless of how many times I change the kitty litter.  Grr.






Jewel has claimed this green shopping bag as her own.  She even hides her acorn shells in it.  When Jazz attacks her as he is doing in this photo she shrieks for support and bites down hard on his ears.  Win/win.



I went to the dentist - clean bill of health (hooray).
I went to the doctor.
I had a pap smear - clean bill of health (hooray).
I had a blood test.
I got called back to see the doctor - and had to wait over a week to get in.
No clean bill of health.  Dammit.   I have been diagnosed as hypothyroid (an under-active thyroid), and my liver function isn't all it should be either.  Oh joy and bliss.  The doctor tells me that my likeness to a barrage balloon, my fatigue, depression, brain fade and the fragility of my nails are all likely to be linked to the under-active thyroid gland.  And my rapidly increasing girth could well be the reason for my reduced liver function  (think foie gras).  Most of these symptoms are shared with MS so I had assumed that it was at fault (again).
More joy and bliss.  Yet another medication to take.  For the rest of my life apparently.  And, for the moment, they are insisting that this one be taken on an empty stomach - two hours before any food.  I love my early morning cup of tea.  Next stop a visit to a specialist - towards the end of next month at an estimated cost of between $250 and $750.  Have I said joy and bliss yet?

The smaller portion got a call from the hospital.  His next, and hopefully final surgery, is now scheduled for the 19th of this month, with a pre-admission clinic on the 13th.  He tells me his sister is likely to come down to stay with us again.  Joy and bliss.

I was on call for Lifeline.
I did a shift at Lifeline.
I was on call again for Lifeline.  Suicide in progress - fortunately averted.  A successful but stressful night.
I spent a Saturday monitoring, nurturing, coaching and assessing a group of fledgling counsellors who are close to completing their training and going onto the phones (under close supervision).
I went to a meeting for Lifeline.  After dark.  I resent this.  After dark is bed time.

We bought a car, since our current car is old enough to vote and has some idiosyncratic quirks like needing the dashboard to be thumped (in the right spot) before the fuel or the temperature gauges work.  The speedo is a rule unto itself.  The new one is likely to come into town next week - just in time for himself to enjoy it for two or three days and then not to be able to drive it for six weeks.  I don't drive, but the car will be quite happy in the garage waiting for his return to health.  Or his sister can drive it.

I think I need another holiday.

107 comments:

  1. Car health, human health...always something to worry about. By the way, did you ever receive your cook book?

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    1. mybabyjohn/Delores: No cook book yet. I am really, really looking foward to its arrival though. And yes, life does like to throw some 'interest' into the mix.

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  2. Wow, you are a one woman band, or possibly orchestra. You did so much, I'm very impressed. My sister has Hyperthyroidism, and has the exact same symptoms, it was driving her crazy, she thought it was basically her depression making her fat and tired. She's been on the meds for a while and has also had steroid injections and is happy and smiling again. So fingers crossed, there is some light there I hope! Carry on with the wine, and chocolate, and enjoy your healthy chompers. Good to see you back. Take it easy, as easy as you can anyway x

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    1. All Consuming: I had just assumed that it was MS doing me wrong (and it probably helped). The new medication is making me feel truly vile at the moment but I am full of hope.

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  3. I know the hyothyroidism is not a good thing but hope that the diagnosis of it and subsequent treatment will help with the symptoms.No food for two hours, ouch, tea is not food surely it doesn't count. The liver is clever and liver function can be improved over a remarkably short amount of time. Problems with the liver can cause overwhelming tiredness.

    I love love cats also, naughty cats are very very exasperating indeed.

    Good to see you in my reader this evening.

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    1. Achelois: Thank you. The hypothyroidism shocked me - but does explain a lot. Fingers crossed that the medication knocks it on its head quickly. I do love the cats, but sometimes Jazz makes me wonder why.

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  4. I was hoping you and SP were enjoying some fun time together for a change.
    Life can become such a mess when we need it to run smoothly if only for a little while.
    Hugs

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    1. Pam: Thank you. I am/we are strong enough to get through this glitch.

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  5. Wow! Sounds like a wonderful holiday! Except the thyroid thing. Glad it's something manageable, though.

    Glad to see you checking in here but I wouldn't begrudge you another holiday if the list of benefits is that lengthy. :)

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    1. Jenn June: Next holiday will hopefully not include doctors - for either of us. Or dentists either.

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  6. limey! That's more than I done on me 'oliday!
    Welcome back.

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    1. dinahmow: I loved hearing about your holiday and seeing the photos too. And the statue of the piddling dog made me smile loudly.

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  7. Oh no! Well, I'm happy to hear you got to enjoy your time with nature (my cat suddenly decides to pee or poop on the floor for unspecified reasons... what is with that?)... and very sorry to hear about all the poopy health stuff. Getting old is just... joy and bliss, eh. Here's to more wine and chocolate.

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    1. CarrieBoo: The nature bits were a joy - excepting Jazz's piddling. The doctors? Not so much. And yes, I would like much more wine and chocolate...

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  8. Oh my, EC, you do more while on an alleged brief "holiday" than I do in weeks and weeks of what I presumed to be well above average thankless and endless toil, or at least sufficient to warrant above average amounts of moaning and groaning. Consider me groan-and-moan free from now on! At least until tomorrow...

    Sorry to read about the bad medical news - it's always something, isn't it? But thank you for the kitty porn. Wishing you the best.

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    1. Two Tigers: I am so glad you enjoyed the kitty porn. In the last shot Jewel has her mouth open - shrieking for assistance and about to bite down on his ear.

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  9. I have a teenage car too! but "only" 16!
    Solidarity on the health issues, sister. I didn't have a glowing report from the specialist last week either and have had a change in meds which is messing up my body and sleep at the moment.
    Nice to have you back in blogworld.

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    1. librarygirl: I am sorry that your medical issues continue. At the moment I am wondering whether the symptoms of the disorder or the medication are worse, so I relate far too strongly to your messed up body and sleep. We will overcome.

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  10. Looks like you are having at least as much fun as I am although my 300 tulips still wait to be planted, as well as the few hundred anemones. Got to prepare the soil first, but when??
    For the liver function, take Lecithin capsules. started with 4 daily and am now taking one morning and night. My liver has come good again and they have also increased brain function and memory. All good. Glad you have had some good times as well.

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    1. Arija: Thank you. I don't know quite how our 800 or so bulbs got planted. I do remember a mass weeding and turning over of the soil. I plant each bulb with a dose of blood and bone (crack cocaine for cats) and add chook poo as well. I was planting the bulbs a little at a time because. since I cannot bend or squat easily, that was all I could manage. Little by little it happened. I will raise the Lecithin possibilities with my doctor - I am currently taking so much medication I am reluctant to add more to the mix.

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  11. So good to see the birds back. Please embrace hypothyroidism. Fixing it will cure so much, though I don't know about MS. I'm in love with the little pill. It made me be able to smile again. It was a year long battle to shed the weight I gained while no one knew what was wrong, but I did that too. As for the two hour rule: I take it in the middle of the night when I get up for a bathroom trip. My brain is so accustomed, I wake up just to take it. Go for it! You can do it. And, welcome back one more time.

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    1. Joanne: Thank you. So many of us have hypothyroidism it seems. I had worked out that getting up to piddle was the time to take it, but essentially at the moment I am so tired I fall into a coma. I may even set the alarm. It is great to hear what a difference medication can make. Thanks again.

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  12. I too am so happy to see you turn up in my Reader. I think perhaps they might have discovered the key to your continued health and happiness by discovering the hypothyroidism. I am so hoping that is the case, anyway. You definitely deserve to have some good days ahead... :-)

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    1. DJan: Everything crossed that this is the solution.

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  13. Glad you are back after your "rest". Sorry to hear about the thyroid issues, but I know the meds will make a heap of difference.

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    1. Karen: I really hope that the medication does turn the tide. It is apparently hard to get the dose right but we will see ....

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  14. Woot, happy to see you back and about.
    Love the cats in their bag, romping about with acorn shells lol.

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    1. Jayne: We no longer use that bag for shopping - it was been formally claimed. Acorn shells are certainly the preferred toy for Jewel, Jazz would rather batt me around the room.

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  15. clearly, that was a much needed holiday -- you covered a lot of turf! here's hoping the new meds make a difference and you start feeling better - amazed at how much you were able to do with limited energy.

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    1. daisyfae: I suprise myself at just how much I can do somedays. Fingers crossed on the new meds side.

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  16. I have a low thyroid and take medication. You will feel so much better when you get on medication. It is also cheap like borscht.

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    1. Birdie: It seems to be a really common affliction. I really hope the medication does the trick.

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  17. Seems like your holiday was on the whole, a lot better than mine!

    although the thyroid thing would suck.

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    1. Catherine, ex oh mwah!: I am going to have to chase up your holiday stories. And yes, the thyroid thing is on the sucky side.

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  18. Great to see you back! Sounds like you had some great and not so great times! I hope the meds do the trick and you will be your old self again. Hugs, Teresa

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  19. You HAVE been busy! Do care for yourself, it is worth it so we may continue to enjoy our feline companions and their antics. Enjoy, m`dear!

    Thanks awfully for visiting
    Aloha from Waikiki,
    Comfort Spiral
    > < } } ( ° >

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    1. cloudia charters: Thank you. The furs keep me entertained.

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  20. My, my you had a very up and down holiday indeed. Its very good to see you back and that you didn't go off the rails :-).

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    1. Windsmoke: It did at times feel a little like a roller coaster ride. Me? Go off the rails? Never...

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  21. Getting well is hard work, hope you keep doing well. Love your cats!

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    1. Riot Kitty: I will get well if you do. And thanks re the cats.

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  22. So pleased you enjoyed your garden; the fruits of all your hard work AND some wine and chocolate ... now that is joy and bliss. All those bulbs planted too.
    I do hope the meds make a difference. I'm right pleased that you're back :-)

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    1. bugerlugs63: We will really see the garden benefits in about another two or three months. At which time you will be begging for 'no more garden photos. Please!'

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  23. Welcome back, E-Child! Sounds as though you'd rattle if we shook you, what with all those pills inside you. Still, I've found out the hard way that if they work, TAKE THEM. You clean your teeth once or twice a day, so swallowing some tablets will just become part of the routine.

    Love your two black cats - who knew that a green shopping bag could be such fun?

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    1. Kath: The cats certainly knew that a shopping bag was a short cut to pleasure. A relatively cheap toy as well.
      Re the rattling? Yes, I have wondered about that too.

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  24. I have missed your posts so much. Your wry humor is so wonderful - loved the bit about the car that's old enough to vote. :) I'm glad you found out what's causing the weight gain - my niece has that, too. She just found out.

    And thanks for coming by my blog - I was delighted to see you there this morning.

    My cat was doing the same thing - well she was peeing outside the box, but pooping within. The vet told me to get a larger litter box with a lower to step in opening and it worked!

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    1. Lynn: Thank you. I am amazed at how many of us are members of this fairly sucky club.
      We have two kitty litter boxes. One of them (the one Jazz uses mostly) is huge with quite a low opening. This means he can kick kitty litter some astonishing distances. I have been tickled to notice Jewel walk past this one, stick her head inside and, shuddering, go to the other one. I will have to talk to the vet though. I really don't like washing the kitchen floor every day.

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  25. Welcome back! Cyberland hasn't been the same without you.

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  26. My older daughter has an underactive thyroid, every now and then she'd find her medication wasn't doing what it should and she'd see her specialist to get the dosage tweaked. It seems to be good now. I'm wondering if I should get my thyroid checked, I'm planning a full check on pretty much everything else later this year.
    Nice to see you back.

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    1. River: It probably wouldn't hurt to have it checked. I had no idea - it was picked up in a routine blood test. I knew I felt pretty bad - but blamed MS. I am really pleased to hear that your older daughter is doing well.

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  27. Well HELLLLOOOOO!!!! So good to see you writing again, EC! Obviously everyone else feels the same way!
    Good for you for getting all the check-ups and looking after yourself! You're an inspiration, you are. And as for those cats, well, ya gotta love 'em, stinky or not.

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    1. Cathy Olliffe-Webster: Inspiration? You bother me a little with that comment (but thank you).

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  28. I also have hypothyroidism and take a little pill at night (along with all my other medications). It's called living better through chemistry.

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    1. Starting Over, Accepting Changes - Maybe: It seems to be a relatively common disorder. I am glad that the medication helps you, and hope it will do the same for me.

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  29. Welcome back EC! Boy, never a dull moment, eh? My mom-in-law was hypothyroidal and about 3 weeks after she started taking synthroid she was a new woman. I hope the same happens for you. Hooray for good teeth! Now if the kitty would behave and SP gets thru this next hurdle things will be down to a dull roar. I'm rooting for you.

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    1. Austan: Thanks. Sometimes life gets a little too interesting. I have my fingers crossed that things will soon start to settle down - as you say to a dull roar.

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  30. Oh, I'm so sorry about your liver, hon. I'm had some health nightmares in my life, and run into folks with hypothyroidism. I pray your specialist actually has some usefulness to you and you start to rein in those awful symptoms.

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    1. John Wiswell: Thank you. I really had blamed it all on MS and hopefully this new medication will turn my world around.

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  31. It sounds like you now need a vacation from your vacation. Hmm. One with no appointments whatsoever!

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  32. Dear EC, as "one minnesota writer" said, "it sounds as if you now need a vacation from your vacation." What was probably truly different for you--or so I hope--is the arc of each day. The not feeling bound to do certain things--like post or read blogs or comment. The feeling that moment by moment you can choose.

    That kind of freedom is addictive! I say this as someone who retired in 2001--then worked hard on a novel for several years--and so kept to a strict schedule. Only in the past three years, when faced with health issues, have I finally let myself just be and just accept the gifts of the day.

    I hope you will continue to be good to yourself.

    Peace.

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    1. Dee: Thank you. I still drive myself too hard and too fast - but it is me doing that driving. I am learning to be better to myself. Slowly.

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  33. So much accomplished. Jazz is a delight--brings back memories of our own black cat Scuba. Crazy cat.

    I have hypothyroid as well, but medication has helped. More energy, less brain fog, weight loss, etc. Now if every other problem could be solved with a pill!!

    You are a giver to all people; make sure there is reciprocation in some way--let them have the privilege of giving back.

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    1. Susan Kane: Another person with hypothyroid? So many of us.

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  34. Oh my - you really do need another holiday. So glad to hear you found out about the low thyroid. The meds should help quite a bit. Like Joanne said, perhaps take them well before you get up. Good luck with that, and looking forward to the garden pictures in a few months' time!

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    1. jenny_o: I have started getting the smaller portion to wake me as he comes to bed - I take the magic bullet then, and by the time I wake again I can have my cup of tea. It seems to be working.

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  35. Ouch! You have a lot on your plate for sure but what a lot you got done. I'm impressed. I agree with another commenter, sounds like you need a vacation to get over your vacation. Have a great weekend!

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    1. Denise: Thank you. The new car is here, and we will be able to pick it up next Wednesday. Something to look forward to.

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  36. Oh you poor thing. You will be a new person once the pills start working, if another friend's experience is anything to go by. Surely a small cuppa doesn't fill the tummy first thing? Use it to wash down the pills :)

    And I hope SP has a smooth hospital experience. Use the sister well for your own recovery.

    xxx

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    1. Ampersand Duck: It seems to be a far more common disorder than I had realised but everyone seems to agree that once the dosage of the medication is right life improves markedly. And it does explain why I felt so vile for so long.
      Fingers crossed for the next hospital stay.

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  37. Oh, so sorry to hear about your health, but hope the pills start having a good effect - and soon.

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  38. Much much much good feeling towards you.

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  39. I hope you start to feel better soon. I was diagnosed with the thyroid deficiency about 15 years ago. I felt very weepy, although all was going well with my life at that stage, my legs were very cold and I needed a heater on them, and I can't remember the other symptoms. The doctor ordered a test which I did not get around to doing for a while, but the drugs certainly made a great difference, and these days I have had to reduce the dosage. The condition seems to run in families - my daughter has it and so do a couple of sisters.
    Your garden sounds lovely, with spectacular flowering to come in Spring. And I hope the surgery goes well.

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    1. persiflage: At the moment the 'other' effects of the medication are rampant. Hopefully they will ease off quickly. The garden is looking more promising each day, and thank you for your wishes re the smaller portion.

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  40. This is indeed testimony to healthy thinking and being active in a healthy environment conducive to your mental health well being. I'm sorry you have been diagnosed as hypothyroid and that your liver function isn't as it should ideally be.
    I know that medication is something that some of have to accept is a part of our lives. Here's hoping your energy levels will be even better.
    Have a lovely weekend and here's to holidays!
    In kindness, Gary :)

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    1. klahanie: Thank you. I wish that my thinking was healthier as well. Medication sucks but sadly I already need some, and it seems another has been added to the list. Shake, rattle and roll.

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  41. It's good to have you back; I'm sorry to hear of your illness. I hope you're feeling a lot better very soon.

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    1. Alexia: Thank you. It does at least go some way towards explaining how vile I have been feeling. Hopefully when the new medication settles (and we get the dose right) I won't know myself.

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  42. I've looked for some information about hypothyroidism - my mother has many health problems because of this. But she doesn't like doctors and doesn't want to treat.

    I hope You'll feel better very soon. Good luck with that!

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    1. Ken.G: Thank you for your good wishes - I am sorry to hear about your mother, but don't like doctors much myself.

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  43. Well...as long as most of your time was spent on the cats, that's all that matters. According to them.

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    1. Paper Chipmunk: One way and another a LOT of time was indeed spent on the cats.

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  44. A cats life is so simple.. food, water, love and a bag or box to play with.
    Be well and happy, EC.

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  45. Good and bad and all that Jazz, eh? Sounds like one of life's bumper mixtures. Seriously, though, very sorry to hear of the hypothyroid. My daughter-in-law suffers from that and, yes, it is just another hassle one could do without. All such thoughts apart, an interesting post. Thanks for.

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  46. Now that you're rested, you've been tagged for a meme - http://blurbfromtheburbs.blogspot.ch/2012/06/it-goes-all-way-up-to-eleven.html

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    1. Kath: Not promising anything, but I will be over to check it out.

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  47. Sorry to hear about the hypthyroid. A nuisance to say the least. Me time is mental health time, I think.

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  48. i rarely have the energy to blog these days - well at least rarely for me - and even less for reading blogs... so a bit belated, sorry to hear about how you feel, i'm glad you have been able to relax a bit and the good stuff that has been happening in your life. it's strange though, that the universe always seem to throw the bad stuff in our way to, regularly, just to keep us on our toes. sigh.

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    1. Pia K: I am far too wobbly to balance on my toes for long.

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  49. --I missed you, E.
    Happy you are well, except for the hypthyroid. This is Quite treatable, isn't it?

    ....& I adooooooooooore your ebony panthers. GoooorGEOUS. xxxx

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    1. My Inner Chick: Thank you. Jazz and Jewel do have a lot of charm. And need it.
      The hypothyroid thing is treatable. I am just tired of feeling that with all my medication I could shake, rattle and roll.

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  50. If that's a holiday... whew! Yes, you do need another vacation--you fot more done in a few days than I achieved in a half-year! The thyroid--it's manageable. And once you find your dose, you will feel so much better. Promise.

    The cats are adorable. We are thinking of getting another cat to keep our deaf one company. Glad you're *back* and fingers crossed all works out. Peace...

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    1. Linda: We have found that cats do like company, but have also found that two cats can manipulate people three or four times more effectively than one.

      I am indeed hoping that the thyroid issues are manageable, and it does explain quite a lot about how vile I have been feeling.

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  51. You've done SO MUCH!

    I'm in love with Jazz...

    Re: the hypothyroid, seems it's a rather common condition for women, don't you think? Or perhaps it's just that I seem to know quite a few. At any rate, you take the medication for that and you're going to be astonishingly grateful for the change in your life. :-) Mark my words.

    Pearl

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    1. Pearl: Thank you. It felt like I had done heaps as well.

      Everybody loves Jazz (including Jazz). He is a cat of charm - but he needs to be.

      I am astonished by how common hypothyroid seems to be - and really pleased by the number of people who have told me that when we get the dosage right I won't recognise myself.

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  52. The thyroid medication will probably make you feel a lot better and lose some weight as well -- and that WILL be joy and bliss. Good luck with SP's final operation.

    Your cats are adorable. I wish I had a cat, but the 2 poodles are all I can manage now.

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  53. Wow! you did a lot of stuff...I am so glad to see you back! I hope the new med helps you have more energy, etc. Jazz is beautiful

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  54. I love how your car is old enough to vote! Looks like you have been very busy!

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  55. Wow the lists seems endless. This is the most productive and fruitful holidays i've read so far. Good to you are you were able to have rest.

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    1. portfolio optimization: Welcome and thank you.

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