Catching up a bit

I'm starting a new calling at church tomorrow: Primary Secretary.  I agreed to it before I realized how much work was involved. I'm pretty nervous, because it seems like a lot of responsibility.  Plus, I don't like other people's kids very much. I guess we'll see how it goes.

Today Bertram asked me to paint his toenails.  I obliged, of course.  He chose blue, which is good because I had a quick dry blue.  It looks really cute, and he's happy.

I've been taking Wellbutrin in addition to Celexa.  It has really been helping a lot.  Also (a little TMI coming up), I don't think I want to go back on the pill after my next pregnancy (whenever that is).  The pill really zapped my sex drive (even though it was the mini pill).  But after I thought about it, it seems like most of the hormonal birth control I've tried over the years (different pills, the patch, and depo) have all done that.  So I guess I'll have to see what my options are when the time comes.

On to a related topic, pregnancy.  It's no secret that we've started trying again.  (And I mean actually trying, keeping a calendar of my cycle).  And my period was six days late.  In that six days, I took three pregnancy tests, all negative.  Then I got my period today.  I was pretty bummed, though, after all the negative tests I was expecting it.  I did a little reading about Wellbutrin, and it seems that a few other female users experienced late periods as well.  It's not a common side effect, but I guess it does happen.

Bertram is doing a couple programs with the library.  1000 books before kindergarten and the summer reading program.  1000 books gives you a little notebook, and you list all the books you read.  We started on April 7th, and we're currently up to 492 books.  They aren't all different books, I'm sure some are on the list close to 20 times, but that's ok.  The little note in the front of the notebook implies that it generally takes 1-3 years to complete.  We're speeding along, and I'd guess we'll be done within 3 months.  When we finish, he gets a kit of school supplies, and he can have his picture up on the wall.  I just signed him up for the summer reading program today.  With that one, you keep track of how many minutes you read each day, and minutes give you points, which I think add up to prizes.  Then there are things you can do to get extra points: reading outside, going to a museum, storytime at the library, etc.  I think it should be fun.  I was looking at the summer activity guide for the library, and there is a lot of good (and free) stuff coming up.  I'm going to sign him up for a couple of classes too.  Swimming, and either dance or gymnastics.

Depression update

I had to go to Target today.  I left Bertie with his grandparents.  It should be known that I love Target.  I was wondering around getting the things on the list, when anxiety set it.  And I got teary, and kept rubbing my face.

Anyway.

I got an email back from my shrink.  He said I can take Adderall again, as long as I'm tracking my cycle. And he suggested adding Wellbutrin.  I told him please, let's do that!  Then I read about it, and was wondering, "Why aren't I on this already?!"  It seems like the dream anti-depressant.  It can be taken while pregnant, with other drugs, it doesn't cause weight gain, or loss of sexual desire.  Wellbutrin, where have you been all my life?

It was a crummy day, but I'm looking forward to things improving.

Hodge Podge

• Politics is too divisive, and I'm already tired of hearing about election stuff.  Still 2 months to go, too.  
• My liver went (scarily) crazy this week.  So now I'm off nearly all of my drugs.  I still have to finish my prednisone.  But other than that, all I'm on is Celexa, and twice monthly Humira.  Can I say, I really, really, really miss Adderall?  Maybe my GI will give me the ok to go back on it soon.  But, my gosh, I'm so tired ALL THE TIME.  And I can't focus on anything.  Adderall was not likely the issue.  But the GI got rid of all ancillary drugs.  Blurgle.
• My crohns symptoms are starting to creep back.  Maybe I'll lose these 4 Prednisone pounds sooner rather than later.
• Also, I don't have the energy to walk both dogs on my own anymore.  I think we went maybe 4 blocks, before I had to turn around.  So maybe that weight will stick around.
• I got Employee of the Month for the second time in three months last week.  I'm pretty awesome.
• I think I may be getting my first smart phone (ever).  I don't really want or need a smartphone.  But it is time to get a new phone.  And the non-smart ones are kind of lame.  I don't really plan on using the data, but maybe I'll change my mind once I get it.

I did a silly thing.  I forgot to check my meds.  I'm down to a handful of Asacol (my main Crohns drug) and a few Prozac.  I placed my order yesterday, so hopefully they'll be here by tomorrow or Saturday.  Now that I've ordered them through the mail, I'm not sure how easily I can get them from the pharmacy.  But, if I really get in a pinch, I'll drive to Kaiser and see what I can do.

It's been a really busy week at work.  But I feel like I'm starting to get a handle on billing stuff.

My guts have still been hurting off and on.

Rounding the bend

One of the therapists brought donuts today.  And, against my better judgement, I had one for breakfast.  Then my tummy was mad at me for most of the day.  For dinner I had pasta.  Then I wanted Muddy Buddies (aka puppy chow, aka trash), so I made some.  I'm probably going to regret that too, but whatever.  I like to get some joy out of food every now and then.

My drugs came in the mail today.  Here's how it goes:

Entocort (immunosuppressant)  Retail: $1,419.90  I paid: $10
Ambien (sleeping pill)               Retail: $9.80          I paid: $9.80
Asacol (gut drugs)                    Retail: $1,148.25   I paid: $35

"Your drug plan saved you $2523.15".  Yeesh.  Thank God for insurance.  Seriously, I include that in my prayers a lot.

Speaking of drugs, my shrink prescribed me Ritalin due to my perpetual sleepiness.  I want to say: I've never done any illegal drugs.  I've never even been drunk (just tipsy once at a Passover Seder).  I have to say, Ritalin is the best thing ever.  I'm on a low dose, but it really makes me feel great, like I have a lot of focused energy.  I'm thinking of asking the shrink to wean me off of the Prozac and just stick with Ritalin (especially since it has fewer side effects).

Aaron and I have been watching Dog Town on Netflix.  It's a show about Best Friends animal shelter in Kanab, Utah.  I was looking through their website at adoptable pets.  They still have a lot of the Michael Vick dogs.  I was looking through the cats, and saw a cat named Diamond Jim.  And I got the feeling he needed to be part of our family.  (I know most people won't understand this, as we're already inundated with animals.  But this guy is 10, and he's never had a home).  I got the ok from Aaron.  So I sent in the application on Monday.  And they're doing a Christmas special, where they'll fly the animals for free.  (Since he's in Utah, normally we'd either have to go get him, or ship him for $150-200).  I got a call from a Best Friends rep today.  She was telling me about Diamond Jim.  He's FIV+ (which we already knew).  He's a sweet boy, who loves people and ignores other cats.  He has no teeth, but can still eat regular hard food.  He had a little kidney issue, so he's currently on subcutaneous fluids (Aaron had to do this with our previous cat, Phantom before).   The rep said he's one of her favourite cats, and she was happy someone wants to take him home.  Normally they'd do a home visit, but she said she may be able to waive it, since we have a lot of experience with cats and we always adopt through shelter/rescue, so we'll see.  Also, he'll have a physical tomorrow, and he needs to do a dog test, to make sure he'll get along ok with them.  (Both the dogs love cats).  So she's going to contact me again tomorrow or Friday, and we'll see what happens.  If he doesn't do well with dogs, maybe there's a different, old FIV+ cat.  Or maybe we'll wait.