medical stuff
This morning I had an appointment with my doctor to discuss a few things. We established that yes, it is good that I am medicated. So very good. And he also suggested that I get one of those fancy shmancy full spectrum lights, since I have been feeling a bit SAD the last couple of weeks. With a long and dreary Seattle winter stretched out in front of me, I think it might be a very good idea to get one. Has anyone out there ever used one before? Do they actually work?
He also checked my ankle, which healed badly after I broke it four years ago. It turns out I need to have surgery to reattach the tendon (ligament?) that is floating around in there. The good news? It’s a day surgery, easy as pie, quick and simple. The bad news? I have to be on crutches for a month after the surgery, and then use a walking cast for another month after that. I can handle the walking cast, but can you please tell me how I am supposed to take care of a toddler and a preschooler while using crutches? For a MONTH? Thank goodness I have therapy today, because I feel an attack of the freaking outage coming on.
Drop them off with me in the afternoon, if that’ll help?
Comment by Megan — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 10:44 am
I did know someone that used one and it helped remarkably. And this may sound wierd, but in my Interior Design class I took this summer, one of the things that we learned was about those artificial lights for homes where weather is often dark and dreary. Some people just don’t do well with dark, gloomy weather and need that artificial light even if it’s for only an hour or two a day! it’s definitely worth a try!
Comment by Kristen — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 11:38 am
Yes! I can help! Tell your doctor you want a cart instead of crutches. My mom just had foot surgery that kept her off her foot for 3 months. She requested a cart: It’s kind of like a scooter, except you rest the knee of your bad ankle on it. You push it with your good leg, and it has a handle with a brake on it. She fashioned a basket on it for carrying things and she said it was a complete lifesaver. (Plus, no underarm pain!) If we have them here, you should be able to find one in Seattle.
Good luck!
Comment by Bethany — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 12:07 pm
I just wish I was there to help you! This is killing me!!!
Comment by Queen Beth — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 12:11 pm
Only downside to a cart is the lessened mobility, though… no stairs, and rough patches of ground won’t work well..
Comment by Megan — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 12:41 pm
I don’t know that I’ve experienced SAD before, but I do know that when it’s dusk or on cloudy days I feel the urge to turn on every light in the house or else I start to crawl in my skin. So maybe a special light would be beneficial? Can’t hurt to try.
Sorry about the blues you’re feeling, and the ankle.
Comment by Karen — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 2:13 pm
Anytime u need some help, holler girl.
Comment by Jenn — September 22, 2006 @ September 22, 2006 at 3:06 pm
Move to Canada, drop your darlings off with me and I’ll take care of them while feeding you bon bons and massaging your good foot.
Comment by mamatulip — September 23, 2006 @ September 23, 2006 at 8:38 am
My doctor recommended one of those lights for me during the winter. I bought a lamp at Costco last month that claims it simulates natural sunlight to help improve moods. I now use it when I read in bed, so I’ll let you know how it goes.
Comment by abc momma — September 23, 2006 @ September 23, 2006 at 12:43 pm
I have it! I have THE solution! Get pregnant again, and in 9 months, get A to go on paternity leave - coincidentally one month! Solves your crutch problem!
sooooo not serious, R
Comment by Redheadmomma — September 23, 2006 @ September 23, 2006 at 7:29 pm
crutches + small children is a recipe for breaking your other leg. You will need a lot of help.
those lights really do work.
Comment by Lou — September 24, 2006 @ September 24, 2006 at 9:41 am
UNfathomable!
I am here for you in whatever way I can be, but how a mama can do that is right??
PS I was told to get one of those lights at Costco, too, so it must be a recipe for a crutch and twin lamps party!
Comment by misha — September 24, 2006 @ September 24, 2006 at 7:28 pm
I know it probably didn’t encourage but Lou’s comment was hilarious and unfortunately true…you MUST have some help those days!
Praying you through…blues, ankle…freaking outage and all…
Comment by Tam — September 24, 2006 @ September 24, 2006 at 10:05 pm
Oh no! It’s too bad mommy with crutches doesn’t immediately equal mommy on vacation. Sigh. Sometimes I wish I wasn’t the primary caregiver around here. Couldn’t my husband just grow one lactating boob? Just ONE?
Comment by Jane — September 25, 2006 @ September 25, 2006 at 2:04 pm
By some strange coincidence, I’ve just read this morning that recent studies indicate that light therapy is very potent, with something like 80% remission (compared to meds, at 60%).
Comment by Marc André — September 26, 2006 @ September 26, 2006 at 6:53 am