As some of you who follow me on Twitter and Facebook may have noticed, I’ve been socializing my heart out this summer. Reconnecting with the world has been a bit scary but fun: scary because I always feel a little trepidation that there might be awkwardness or resentment after letting so much time lapse; fun because I discover the fear is all in my mind and the relationships pick up as if we chatted last month. Summer is half over and I still have two trips and four get-togethers to go, not counting the usual treks to the burbs. It’s funny. While depressed, I felt all alone and couldn’t remember knowing anybody hardly. Now, I realize my social web is much broader than I recalled. Mental illness truly is a hideous liar.
As you might have guessed, my mood has been rock solid stable for two months and counting. It seems Dr. G. and I have found the Holy Grail, otherwise known as the right medication cocktail. I’m chuffed. Patty, my little Pomeranian is too. She’s been happy and talkative (which may or may not be a good thing). At least she’s enjoying all the attention she’s getting from visitors.
There’s been another development. Once the depression receded, I realized my vision had worsened. Thinking I simply needed new glasses, I visited the optometrist, who alarmingly sent me to the ophthalmologist. It turns out that my cataracts (at my age!) had accelerated; vision in my good eye has worsened to the point that I need the thing removed. The first surgery is scheduled for late October. If all goes well, the second surgery on the left eye occurs about a month later. They will implant corrective lenses so that I might not need thick glasses for the first time in my life. So, there may be a silver lining in yet another dark cloud this year.
2013 has been a hell of a year and it’s only July.
Will be thinking of you for October. And on the social scene, and what it means to emotional health – just excellent!
How lovely, if that works, not to wear glasses. Have worn specs from childhood on, for middle-long distance, including driving. Near sight, against “senior cit” expectations no specs for reading. Just would like your reading and computer sight to be GOOD! THAT is the main thing.
Cheers to you!
The social scene is starting to become addictive. After socializing 7 days out of 9, I realized yesterday I had nothing on my calendar. So I rushed over to visit my niece and family. LOL! That fact I’m actually seeking out people now is utterly astounding. It’s a complete 180 degree turn.
I’ve worn glasses since I was 6 due to lazy eye, astigmatism and near-sightedness. The lazy eye has gotten stronger; prebyopia is merging with the near-sightedness, and the astigmatism is correctable. They say I may need reading glasses but the idea that I will be see comfortably driving really appeals. THAT will impact where I may be able to move.
Glad to see you enjoying life again, dear friend. Have a blast! Fingers crossed on your eye surgeries. Modern medical science is wonderful!
Hey, better living through chemistry (and surgery)! 😉
Socializing is great!
You, driving. Wow.
My mom had cataract surgery and wow! what a difference! She wore glasses her whole life and didn’t need them. Just uses some reader glasses sometimes. You have to put drops in your eyes for a while, but it’s not a bad recovery. Good luck! And congrats on beating the depression. The right meds make a huge difference. I didn’t know you while you were depressed, but happy to know you now! 😀